Chapter 31 : Chapter 31
Chapter 31
【Current Popularity 1: 2777】
【Current Popularity 2: 3842】
After finishing the updated manga chapter, Ji Qing lifted his gaze and glanced at the popularity counters in the top-left corner. A faint, helpless smile curved on his lips.
He had not expected readers to be this obsessed with Li Yuan’s character setting and his CP.
Before reading the manga, Ji Qing had even caught a glimpse of Li Yuan’s fan art on the forum homepage. A subtle thought crossed his mind: could it be that one day he would have to compete with his own alter ego for popularity?
Character popularity contests were common on most manga platforms. One of their purposes was naturally to promote the manga’s visibility while giving fans a chance to support their favorite characters.
Ji Qing had voted for manga characters before.
But when the character being voted on became himself, he felt an indescribable sense of complexity—especially since he had no idea whether he might be forced to reveal his identity in the future.
Better to take it one step at a time, he thought.
Ji Qing moved the mouse and returned to the forum homepage. A dazzling array of thread titles flooded his vision:
【The Ability Test has successfully concluded, and next up is the individual competition! Let me predict how it will unfold!!!】
【hot】【Ji Qing is seriously handsome. He is definitely an important character. If the author dares to draw him this much, it proves he will be crucial to the main storyline!】
【An unintentional act by a straight man, yet beyond the reach of fangirls】
【Speak, author—just how much have Xie Chang’an and Li Yuan talked behind our backs!!!】
【hot】【featured】【The characters introduced so far all have distinct personalities. Especially after revealing Class A’s situation, it immediately highlighted the traits of the three students there】
【A rational discussion on why Li Yuan wants the school’s Ability item. His contact with Xie Chang’an is for the sake of the World Book, which is also a school Ability item. He is probably planning to make use of that】
…
Looking at the only featured thread, Ji Qing suddenly smiled.
What had happened after entering the training room was something he only learned through the manga. Neither You Xingluo nor Shao Huayu had mentioned that minor episode, though Ji Qing understood there was nothing worth mentioning.
In the face of absolute strength, any tricks appeared cheap and laughable.
Ji Qing had already proven his status through strength. What remained was no longer his concern. Besides, having been banned from the competition, he felt he would not encounter the people from Class A again.
After all, the team competition did not include a “student versus student” segment.
The one who should be troubled was Xie Chang’an.
However, after reading the updated manga, Ji Qing felt from the bottom of his heart that Xie Chang’an would have a hard time securing a top-three position. Although Class A had a tense atmosphere, most of its students were from prestigious families who had received Ability education since childhood, just like Shao Huayu and the others.
The outcome of Xie Chang’an’s duel with Zhou Que had already spread.
Many of them had obtained the surveillance footage of that duel. While Xie Chang’an might have been underestimated at the beginning, his continuous victories would only make those from noble families more wary of him.
In Ji Qing’s view, Xie Chang’an’s disadvantage was quite obvious.
Many Ability users could attack from a distance, whereas Xie Chang’an could only fully utilize his Tang Saber in close combat. If he encountered an opponent who could suppress him for an extended period and prevent him from closing the distance, it would become a grueling battle.
“However, that is not my concern…” Ji Qing’s lips curved into a pleasant smile.
After finishing the manga, he felt extremely glad that he had been banned. There were quite a few interesting Abilities in Class A—being spared from fighting them to the death was truly a relief.
Before the team competition, he could live leisurely.
Ji Qing casually clicked into the featured thread:
【Topic: The characters introduced so far all have distinct personalities. Especially after revealing Class A’s situation, it immediately highlighted the traits of the three students there】
【1L Original Poster: Earlier in Volume 2, Liu Mu and the others said Class A was oppressive and full of trouble. I did not believe it. No matter how oppressive the class atmosphere is, can it compare to Xie Chang’an’s situation?
Until now… sigh, I was wrong (kneels instantly)】
【2L: +1】
【3L: +10086】
【4L: I also did not think Class A’s atmosphere would be that bad at first. I just assumed it would get a storyline sooner or later, but I did not expect it to be like this…
My Xuexue has suffered (laughing through tears).】
【5L: Xue really disappeared from the story quite dramatically back then. Now it actually makes sense.】
【6L Original Poster:
I think the author is quite meticulous.
In Volume 2, two Class A students complained about the class situation, Xue kept disappearing from the story, and in Volume 3, the author directly revealed the true situation inside Class A.】
【7L: It feels like foreshadowing—we just did not realize it at the time (wry smile)】
【8L: It is foreshadowing】
【9L: Even if it was resolved quickly, that does not mean it was not foreshadowing】
【10L: Speaking of foreshadowing, I think the freshman speech also counts. The author described Lan Nianxuan’s expression as “complacent” when he was on stage.
I was puzzled about how Xie Chang’an noticed that.】
【11L: Same here.
“Complacent” is a negative word. I immediately felt that this character had a negative role, but I had no idea what would happen】
【12L: Damn—】
【13L: The author is amazing】
【14L: The OP is amazing too】
【15L: This is incredible】
【16L: Looking back at what Liu Mu said, it suddenly makes sense. No wonder both of them wanted to leave. If it were me, I would run too.】
【17L: Hahaha】
【18L: Let us all run together!】
【19L Original Poster: I really admire the author now. The Class A storyline fleshed out all three characters, and their character settings even contrast with each other】
【20L Original Poster:
Gu Lingxue: a wealthy young lady, completely unfamiliar with the Ability world, wants to break free from her parents and forge her own path
Feng Youyou: perceptive, strong judgment, clear self-positioning, dreams of becoming a Federation reporter
Liu Mu: has a complicated relationship with Shao Huayu, habitually taciturn, strong intelligence-gathering ability, a tech geek, and also avoids drawing attention (?)
The last point about Liu Mu is my own addition.
It feels strange that he was almost invisible in Class A the entire time, especially since Lu Qingyin clearly knows Shao Huayu—she should also know Liu Mu.】
【21L: Right, even You Xingluo knows Liu Mu】
【22L: The fact that he managed to turn himself into a background character in Class A is impressive—probably a form of self-protection lol】
【23L Original Poster: Yes, exactly what I think】
【24L Original Poster: And if that is true, we can deduce that Liu Mu comes from a commoner background. That also explains his behavior in the school infirmary.
Unless necessary, he never participates in conversations among noble families.】
【25L: Damn—】
【26L: Impressive】
【27L: All the characters are so well-developed. These three will definitely make it into Class S】
【28L Original Poster: At present, that seems certain】
【29L Original Poster:
This is my first time reading this author’s manga.
The logic of the plot is astonishingly complete. Everyone acts in accordance with their identity, making it easy to infer their character settings.】
【30L: You are amazing too】
【31L: Glad I picked up 《Ability Hunter》】
【32L: Glad I did not drop it back then.
This is so touching. The art is amazing, and the analysis is incredible】
…
Ji Qing stared at all of this, his fingers lightly tapping the table.
He could now tell that in the author’s mind, these three held equal importance. Even if Ji Qing had not approached the News Club, the truth-seeking organization would sooner or later have gotten involved in the conflict between Xie Chang’an and Zhou Que.
At that point, the author could naturally introduce Feng Youyou.
As for Liu Mu…
Given his connections to both Shao Huayu and Zhou Que, he was undoubtedly a key figure as well.
Ji Qing then clicked into another trending thread:
【Topic: Ji Qing is seriously handsome. He is definitely an important character. If the author dares to draw him this much, it proves he will be crucial to the main storyline!】
【1L Original Poster: I am so excited that I am jumping around my room】
【2L Original Poster: Ji Qing’s Ability test was incredible. The author’s art is amazing. I feel completely satisfied!!!】
【3L: Same!!!】
【4L: Especially with how oppressive Class A’s atmosphere was earlier—it directly highlighted Ji Qing’s status!】
【5L: Let us see who dares to badmouth Ji Qing again! Hmph!】
【6L: Shao Huayu is also very strong. But Ji Qing completely crushed him.
I was worried about Ji Qing at first—I felt that the noble families in Class S and Class A would not be easy to deal with. But now I am not worried at all—
because this is the strength of the top student!】
【7L: If Ji Qing were not the top student, he could not suppress Shao Huayu at all】
【8L: Shao’s status is truly high.
I feel like all noble family students know him—it is clear how influential he is in Central City】
【9L: Exactly】
【10L: I did not expect even Class A students to know him】
【11L: Suddenly thought of this phrase: “Why is there Yu when there is Liang?”】
【12L: I feel like Ji Qing is like a monkey that popped out of a stone. Others are once-in-a-century geniuses, but he is a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius. Everyone is wondering where this monkey came from, but the monkey himself finds nothing strange】
【13L: Hahaha】
【14L (reply to 12L): That description…】
【15L: A once-in-a-century genius meeting a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius. If it were me, I would be completely stunned. Where did he come from?】
【16L: Ji Qing is also a commoner.
His background must be complicated. I really want the author to explore his story】
【17L Original Poster (reply to 16L): Yes, exactly! He is a commoner!】
【18L Original Poster: When I imagine him shocking everyone he meets in the future, I cannot help but feel secretly thrilled. With this beginning and this strength, it is the perfect setup for constant face-slapping.
From what we have seen so far, class hierarchy in the wasteland is deeply entrenched. Without overwhelming strength, it is hard for commoner students to change their situation in an Ability academy…
But when I think about how powerful Ji Qing is, I cannot stop smiling hahaha】
【19L: He is practically becoming a “rules horror” for teachers (laughing)】
【20L: But I feel like his story will be full of suffering.
His identity alone suggests a heavy backstory. I doubt it will be as straightforward as “crushing everyone along the way.”】
【21L: I agree】
【22L: The wasteland setting is too oppressive.
I am worried someone might try to assassinate Ji Qing, not giving a genius the chance to grow. Even a genius cannot always fight above his level—and Ji Qing is not the protagonist…】
【23L: True】
【24L Original Poster: Ahhh, I know, but let me enjoy this moment!!!】
…
“Oh?” Ji Qing’s eyes turned thoughtfully.
He felt that events were unfolding in a way similar to the original main storyline of the manga. But it was unavoidable—after all, the possible plotlines within a school setting were largely repetitive.
Ji Qing sighed faintly. “And yet, as the person involved, I know even less than you do…”
After saying this, he clicked on the trending thread about Li Yuan and Xie Chang’an:
【Topic: Speak, author—just how much have Xie Chang’an and Li Yuan talked behind our backs!!!】
【1L Original Poster:
The latest chapter reminds me of a sentence: You must understand, I cannot simultaneously be your enemy, your guardian, your teacher, your superior, and your kind.】
【2L: Hahaha】
【3L: What? There is not enough space for that many roles (snickers)】
【4L Original Poster: Highlighted comment:
“Compare Lu Qingyin and Gu Lingxue, and you will understand why this pairing is so appealing. Lu Qingyin does not listen to Lingxue at all, but Li Yuan actually listens to Xie Chang’an ramble.”
“They even talked about Gu Lingxue (soft tone)”】
【5L: I really did not notice that at the time】
【6L: Mainly because we all know Xuexue, so it did not feel strange that Li Yuan knew her… (looks away)】
【7L: Their online conversation had an indescribable ambiguity】
【8L Original Poster:
More importantly, Xie Chang’an’s attitude afterward was also very subtle.
I thought he would be quite hostile after that threatening first meeting, but…】
【9L: But they even talked about Xue (soft tone)】
【10L: They even joked about mental power (soft tone)】
【11L: They even… (use your imagination)】
【12L Original Poster: Li Yuan might have already extracted Xie Chang’an’s entire social network (just kidding)】
【13L:
Come to think of it, when Li Yuan heard Xie Chang’an mention the top student, his expression looked strange.
Could it be… they had already talked about Ji Qing before?】
【14L: Hehehe】
【15L: What kind of identity is he supposed to have?】
【16L Original Poster: Let me repeat this once more: “You must understand, I cannot simultaneously be your enemy, your guardian, your teacher, your superior, and your kind.”】
【17L (reply to 16L):
No, I disagree!
When Li Yuan asked about the Ability test, Xie Chang’an was focused on his face beneath the mask. That is definitely not how one treats an enemy!】
【18L: Hahaha, this makes it even better】
【19L: Agreed, even better】
【20L: That actually makes sense… (dazed) (withdraws regretfully)】
…
“Hm…” Ji Qing raised an eyebrow. “I knew Li Yuan’s popularity increase was unusual. So this is the reason…”
He had indeed talked about Gu Lingxue with Xie Chang’an.
To Ji Qing, Xie Chang’an was like “the protagonist of a manga he followed suddenly coming to life.” He admitted frankly that he was curious—and there was no rule stating he had to become mortal enemies with Xie Chang’an.
Ji Qing’s daily life was already oppressive enough.
Recalling Class A’s reaction after the Ability test, he thought: if he had shown a more approachable side back then, many people would have seen him as someone to exploit.
If “Li Yuan’s” life became equally oppressive, he might truly lose his mind.
Was it not acceptable to occasionally experience life with a different personality?
Ji Qing tilted his head innocently.
After a brief pause, he clicked into the final analysis thread:
【Topic: A rational discussion on why Li Yuan wants the school’s Ability item. His contact with Xie Chang’an is for the sake of the World Book, which is also a school Ability item. He is probably planning to make use of that】
【1L Original Poster: Do not let the CP blind you. Li Yuan’s actions have a purpose, even though he often speaks nonsense.】
【2L: Warm on the outside, cold on the inside?】
【3L: But the pairing is still great】
【4L: I am starting to suspect the author is deliberately pandering (facepalm)】
【5L: This man is full of stories】
【6L: An unintentional act by a straight man, yet beyond the reach of fangirls (copy-paste) (laughing helplessly)】
【7L Original Poster: I am currently very curious about Li Yuan’s talent. What is the difference between an Infected’s talent and an Ability user’s Ability? So far, he is the only high-status Infected introduced】
【8L: I think once he gets the World Book, he will leave】
【9L: Because his goal will be achieved】
【10L Original Poster: But it is unclear how he will proceed afterward. I think it might be related to his talent.
There is more than one cadre in the Dawn Society. Since the leader sent him, it must be because he is more suitable. If his talent is perception… maybe it can also be used to locate objects…】
…
Ji Qing skimmed through the remaining comments, his expression growing somewhat bored.
It seemed that the talent he had casually fabricated earlier had become a smokescreen. Most readers now believed that Li Yuan’s talent was suited for locating the World Book, which was why he had been sent.
In reality, Ji Qing had not even decided on Li Yuan’s talent yet.
But there was no need to rush… he thought. It was not yet time for Li Yuan to engage in battle. When that moment came, he could then figure out how to fabricate a reasonable talent.
For now, he would simply observe the individual competition.