Three days later, the city's nightlife was in full swing in the vibrant heart of Hong Kong. Endless crowds, neon lights, and a buzz of energy on the streets made it clear that this was a city that never truly slept. Among the throngs of people, a man and two women strolled down the bustling avenue, drawing more than a few curious glances. Su Zhan walked in the center, Blink to his left, and Marrow to his right.
"Boss, who are we looking for?" Blink asked, her eyes darting between the dazzling lights and the sea of unfamiliar faces. Equally wide-eyed, Marrow added, "This is my first time in Hong Kong. There are so many people! Are we searching for mutants?"
"There are many people with special abilities in the world, not just mutants," Su Zhan replied, his gaze sweeping the street. He casually pointed to a man performing tricks for a small crowd nearby. "For example, see that street magician over there? Do you think he has powers?"
Blink glanced at the performer, wrinkling her nose. "That's just sleight of hand. It's not a real ability. Honestly, his magic is pretty bad, too."
Su Zhan smiled, amused by her bluntness. "The person we're here for is named Chen Haoran, also known as the Moxibustion Flame Man." His ability lets him release flames, but they're not very strong—just a spark, really. Still, a single spark can ignite a prairie fire. If he works hard, he can become powerful. Right now, though, he's just a mediocre street magician."
With that, Su Zhan led them toward the performer. Blink and Marrow exchanged surprised looks, wondering if this could really be the man.
The magician finished his performance, looking disappointed at the lack of applause and the few coins in his hat. Just as he was about to pack up, Su Zhan stepped forward and dropped a few crisp U.S. dollar bills into the hat. The magician looked up, startled, at the young man who had given him so much more than the usual spare change.
"Thanks!" the magician said, his voice tinged with disbelief. He had performed on these streets for so long, yet no one had ever tipped him so generously.
Su Zhan shrugged. "To be honest, your magic isn't very good. But I think you have something much more interesting. I wonder if you'll show it to me?"
The magician shook his head, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I don't know what you mean. That was my best trick."
"Really? Chan Ho Yin, is that your most exciting performance?" Su Zhan asked, smiling knowingly.
The magician froze, his eyes widening. "You...you know my name?"
"Of course. I came here specifically to find you. So, shall we talk somewhere more private?"
Chan Ho Yin hesitated, glancing around nervously, but finally nodded. "Let's go to my place."
"Your home isn't safe," Su Zhan said gently. He motioned for Blink and Marrow to join them, then led the group into a nearby alley.
"Here?" Chan Ho Yin asked, glancing around the dim, narrow space. "This doesn't seem like a good place to talk."
Su Zhan didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Blink, who smiled and tossed a crystal. A shimmering portal opened in the alley, and Chan Ho Yin stared in shock.
"Let's go," said Su Zhan, placing a hand on Chan Ho Yin's shoulder. They stepped through the portal together. The alley fell silent as the portal closed behind them.
A moment later, they emerged into the comfort of a hotel suite. Chan Ho Yin spun around, wide-eyed. "Where...where are we?"
"America," Su Zhan replied with a calm smile.
"America? That's impossible!" Chan Ho Yin stared at Su Zhan and then at Blink, his disbelief plain. Crossing continents in an instant was beyond anything he'd ever imagined.
"Who are you, and why are you looking for me?" Chan Ho Yin asked, his voice trembling with fear and awe.
"Show me your strength first," Su Zhan replied. He wanted to see if Chan Ho Yin was worth recruiting.
Although Chan Ho Yin was still confused, he sensed that these people meant him no harm and had already discovered his secret. There was no point in hiding. He stretched out his palm and summoned a small flame. Looking up, he saw Su Zhan's unimpressed expression and the two women exchanging skeptical glances.
"This is my ability!" Chan Ho Yin declared, trying to sound confident.
"It's just a spark," Su Zhan said, shaking his head. Although he had already known about Chan Ho Yin's ability, seeing it in person was disappointing. The tiny flame in his palm was completely harmless.
"Are you looking down on me?" Chan Ho Yin protested, feeling his pride wounded.
Satisfied, he showed off his ability: a small flame flickered in his palm. He looked at Su Zhan and declared, "This is a gift from God! It's a unique power!"
Su Zhan smiled faintly. "This is a gift from God, you say? A unique power?"
"Of course!" Chan Ho Yin insisted, trying to sound confident. "It's special!"
"Unique?" Su Zhan's smirk grew. "If your ability is a gift from God, then I am God."
As soon as he finished speaking, hot flames erupted from Su Zhan's body, enveloping him completely. In an instant, he transformed into living fire.
Chan Ho Yin was stunned, his mouth falling open in shock. He looked at Su Zhan, now a being of flames, and then at the tiny spark in his palm. He lowered his hand, feeling a mixture of awe and frustration.
Su Zhan let the flames dissipate and looked at the discouraged Chan Ho Yin. "Your ability is weak, but I can help you become stronger. Follow me, and I'll help you unleash your full potential."
His words weren't especially inspiring, yet they struck a chord in Chan Ho Yin's heart. He had always believed that his ability was a gift and that he could become something more. Now, Su Zhan's words had reignited his confidence.
His words weren't especially inspiring, yet they struck a chord in Chan Ho Yin's heart. He had always believed that he had a special talent and that he could become something more. Now, Su Zhan's words had reignited his confidence and opened the door to his dream of becoming a superhero. Looking at Su Zhan, Chan Ho Yin nodded excitedly, hope shining in his eyes.