"Qin Tian, how does it feel becoming a Spiritualist?"
Xiao Yunlong asked with a smile.
Qin Tian: "It feels like there's a new energy within my body that's under my control. It's a very peculiar feeling."
Upon hearing this, Qin Dadi and Liu Zhaozhao couldn't help but show a hint of envy.
Spiritual Energy
This is the biggest distinction between Spiritualists and Superpower Users.
Superpower Users have no energy within them. Using their powers is as instinctive as raising a hand or blinking an eye.
The advantage of Superpower Users lies in their natural and free execution of abilities. If their power is strong, their combat effectiveness in early stages can surpass that of Spiritualists.
However, due to the lack of energy, Superpower Users heavily consume physical strength and spiritual power, so their endurance is poor. Moreover, in terms of variety of methods and destructive power in later stages, they are far inferior to Spiritualists.
Spiritualists are the primary profession in the Empire and the entire cosmos.
"Haha, this is what Spiritual Energy is about."
Xiao Yunlong laughed and said, "After your Spirit Awakening, you will need to choose a cultivation technique that suits you. But when choosing a technique, you need to consider many factors, such as whether you prefer being a Spirit Martial Artist or a Spirit Mage. Additionally, the affinity of your Spiritual Energy will also dictate the direction of your technique choice. For example, I have a high affinity for Wind Attribute, so I ultimately chose a Wind Element Technique."
Qin Tian knew his highest affinity would definitely be Thunder Element and Dark Element Spiritual Energy, yet he still asked:
"How do you test affinity?"
"It's simple," Xiao Yunlong said. "Just go to the Special Warfare Management Office to get tested. Oh, and every Spiritualist needs to be registered there. Since you just awakened, you also need to register."
At this point, Qin Dadi added:
"Qin Tian, after registering your identity as a Spiritualist, you'll enjoy many benefits like medical exemptions, family schooling, rank promotions, etc. But for you, the most important is that it helps speed up getting your Empire identity card."
The identity card is extremely important to citizens of the Empire.
Without an identity card, you virtually become an unregistered resident, with no access to any welfare or upward mobility.
Take Qin Tian, for instance, despite his recent military achievements, killing hundreds of Beastmen, his military points couldn't be issued due to the lack of an identity card. As a result, he couldn't get rank promotions or medal awards.
"Understood." Qin Tian nodded.
"It's still early, so why not go register now?" Xiao Yunlong suggested.
"Alright."
Qin Tian was also eager to get his ID card quickly and claim his due military points.
With military points, he could exchange for a Rune Spear or a suitable cultivation technique.
"Let's go, move out!"
The group got on a shuttle bus and soon arrived at the Special Warfare Management Office.
The Special Warfare Management Office was in a two-story building. The first floor was the service hall, with over a dozen counters. Right now, a few Spiritualists or Superpower Users were handling related businesses at the counters.
Qin Tian went to an empty counter and sat down, while the other three stood behind him.
"What business do you need to handle?"
A young staff member inside the window asked.
Before Qin Tian could answer, Xiao Yunlong replied on his behalf.
"We are from the 319th Earth Dragon Squad, and this is our member, Qin Tian, who just awakened as a Spiritualist and is here for registration."
"Is that so~"
The staff member glanced surprisingly at Qin Tian. Cases of awakening as a Spiritualist on the battlefield were rare, at least in his experience.
"Alright, give me your ID card number."
Xiao Yunlong added: "He doesn't have an ID card."
No ID card?
The staff member's eyes turned sharp instantly, "What's going on? You're an unregistered resident?"
At this, Xiao Yunlong stayed silent, thinking it was time for Qin Tian to speak for himself.
Under the staff member's gaze, Qin Tian slowly said:
"I am a Clone."
What!!!
The staff member's face suddenly showed astonishment. In public perception, Clones were merely cannon fodder on the battlefield, with a status similar to that of guns and ammunition in a warehouse—disposable.
Statistics show the average life span of a Clone is 32 days, meaning the vast majority will die in their first battle.
Less than 10% survive two battles, and less than 1% survive three.
Essentially, Clones are purely consumables, not particularly valuable ones, suitable only for low-intensity warfare.
However, once a Clone defies fate and survives several battles, they get a chance to access Spiritual Energy.
Once their Spirit Awakens, their life will immediately change.
This is all due to a special law.
"Wait here, I'll report upstairs now."
The staff member suddenly stood up, leaving behind a message before quickly rushing upstairs.
"What's going on, why so excited?" Xiao Yunlong asked, puzzled.
"It seems that rumor is true," Qin Dadi pondered.
"What rumor?"
Xiao Yunlong, Liu Zhaozhao, and Qin Tian all turned to Qin Dadi.
Qin Dadi replied seriously: "A rumor about a special management regulation for Clones. I don't know the specifics, but Marshal Lin initiated it."
"Marshal Lin!!!"
Upon hearing the name, Xiao Yunlong and Liu Zhaozhao were taken aback, but then they both nodded as if it suddenly made sense.
If Marshal Lin established it, then it must be legitimate.
Qin Tian noticed the change in their expressions and couldn't help but ask, "Who is Marshal Lin?"
"Marshal Lin is one of the most legendary figures in the Empire."
Xiao Yunlong's eyes gleamed with admiration. "He rose from a mere grunt on the battlefield to become one of the Empire's top ten marshals, commanding numerous historic interstellar battles."
"Marshal Lin is the epitome of rising from the bottom, an idol in the hearts of countless people."
"Most importantly..."
Xiao Yunlong looked at Qin Tian, his tone carrying an indescribable implication:
"Marshal Lin, like you, is also a Clone."
What!!
This time, the calm and aloof demeanor on Qin Tian's face was completely shattered, his inner world turned upside down with overwhelming shock.
He knew full well that his survival until now was entirely due to the built-in cheat ability he gained from traversing.
Without it, he would likely have ended up just like other Clones, doomed to the fate of being cannon fodder.
Therefore, he couldn't fathom how a Clone could possibly survive through brutal and bloody battles, endure ridicule and disdain, and ultimately ascend to the esteemed position of one of the Empire's top ten marshals.
To him, it seemed like a fantasy, something no novel would dare to write.
For the members of the Earth Dragon Team, it was the first time seeing such a look of shock and surprise on Qin Tian's face, but they weren't surprised by his reaction.
Anyone, upon learning about Marshal Lin's deeds, would react the same way.
Marshal Lin, Lin Xuanqing
truly is a God-like figure.