Divine Grace of Evolution was such a ridiculously overpowered skill to come from a Tier-1 extract. Su Ze found it hard to believe.
He knew there must be many secrets behind it, but he was too weak right now and had no intention of investigating.
He continued to sort through the memories in his mind...
Zhao Lingxiao had been ecstatic after obtaining the Evolution Divine Grace Skill. Only then did he tell Zhao Yuanyi the whole story—a classic case of acting first and reporting later. By then, a nationwide warrant was out for his arrest, but he knew his father, a government minister, could definitely save him.
At that point, Zhao Yuanyi had no other choice. He devised a plan to use a clone as a scapegoat, allowing his son to fake his own death and escape the consequences.
Zhao Yuanyi's plan for Zhao Lingxiao was for him to go into hiding. He was to quickly assimilate the extract from Princess Zhuzhi, ramp up his training, and improve his physical condition so he could absorb the fourth vial of extract and complete his first evolution.
Zhao Yuanyi planned to send Zhao Lingxiao abroad after the clone was executed.
The memories ended there. The rest were just trivial details, so Su Ze stopped sorting through them. He picked up the bag and took out the documents inside.
There was an ID card. The photo on it bore a strong resemblance to Zhao Lingxiao, but the name wasn't his. It was Chen Kun.
'Jeez, Mixed Element Thunderclap Hand?'
Clearly, this was the new identity Zhao Yuanyi had arranged for Zhao Lingxiao.
In addition, there was a passport, also in the name of Chen Kun. It even had a visa for the neighboring Luofan Country.
It seemed Zhao Yuanyi planned to send Zhao Lingxiao to Luofan Country, right next to Mu Country, and all the paperwork was already done.
Su Ze put the documents away and gazed at the changing nightscape outside the window when he suddenly remembered something extremely important!
This clone body had been created two weeks ago, so he didn't have Zhao Lingxiao's memories from the past fortnight.
'In those two weeks, did Zhao Lingxiao absorb the fourth vial of extract? Did he complete his first evolution?'
If Zhao Lingxiao had already completed his first evolution, his impersonation would be impossible. It would be a fatal flaw.
He had neither completed the evolution nor did he possess Zhao Lingxiao's fourth skill. It wouldn't be long before he was exposed.
Speak of the devil. Zhang Fantie, who was driving, noticed Su Ze's nervous expression in the rearview mirror and offered a rare word of comfort. "Don't worry. To become a Pupa Stage evolver at just seventeen, with a full set of top-tier skills? You'd be considered a genius anywhere. You'll receive preferential treatment even in Luofan Country."
Su Ze's heart skipped a beat. 'So Zhao Lingxiao really did evolve to the Pupa Stage!'
The first three stages of evolution are collectively known as Extraordinary-level Life Forms, named after the three stages of a butterfly's metamorphosis: Pupa Stage, Cocoon Break, and Butterfly Transformation. Those who have evolved four or more times are known as Saint-level Life Forms.
As for someone like Su Ze, who hadn't evolved even once, they were called Mortal-level Life Forms.
The gap between a Mortal-level Life Form and a Pupa Stage life form was quite large. If he ever fought someone in front of Zhang Fantie or Zhao Yuanyi, he would definitely be found out.
'All I can do now is hope Zhao Yuanyi sends me abroad soon. Once I get to Luofan Country, out of his sight, I won't have to worry about being exposed...' Su Ze calmed himself, resolving that he too needed to find an opportunity to complete his first evolution as soon as possible.
...
The car drove through the streets of Qinggu City in the early morning hours. It grew noticeably livelier after they entered the downtown area. Neon lights flickered outside the window, and every so often, they would pass small groups of drunk young men and scantily clad women in black stockings.
As the capital of Mu Country, Qinggu City had a vibrant nightlife.
The Zhao Family owned many businesses in Qinggu City, both legitimate and otherwise. Zhang Fantie drove into an alley, at the end of which sat a courtyard—a quiet sanctuary tucked away from the bustling city.
Zhang Fantie parked the car in the courtyard. Su Ze was about to get out, but he realized Zhang Fantie hadn't unlocked the doors. Instead, Zhang Fantie rolled down the window for him.
He looked out the window and saw a handsome older man with slightly graying temples walking toward him. It was Zhao Yuanyi.
"The warden of Pan Shi Prison called to question me. He said you caused quite a stir?" Zhao Yuanyi asked, standing outside the car door.
"There was a slight incident, but I eliminated any future trouble," Su Ze said.
Zhao Yuanyi nodded, not seeming to take the matter to heart. It was just a few more dead men on death row. He had already appeased the Pan Shi Prison warden by using an increased budget for the next fiscal year as a bargaining chip. He also promised to use his connections to help the prison cover up the incident.
"I've already arranged for a private plane at Qinggu Airport. It will take you to Heiyan City. From there, you will take a car to Luofan Country. Once you arrive, go find General Ye Muni. He's an old friend of mine and will arrange for your studies and life there."
Zhao Yuanyi paused, then continued, "Work hard over there and strive to become a Saint-level Life Form as soon as possible. By then, with your Divine Grace of Evolution skill, you won't have to fear the King of Mu and can return to Mu Country openly."
Su Ze's heart leaped with joy. 'What does he mean? He's sending me away now?'
'This is perfect!'
'As long as I get away from the Zhao Family, I won't have to worry about my identity being exposed.'
Su Ze nodded eagerly. "I definitely won't slack off. I'll become a Saint-level Life Form as quickly as possible!"
Actually, knowing Zhao Lingxiao's personality, he would have used this moment to reinforce their father-son bond, doting on his father and asking after his well-being. But Su Ze couldn't bring himself to do it.
Although the Zhao family's blood flowed in his veins, Zhao Yuanyi hadn't given birth to him or raised him. He'd even tried to use him as a scapegoat for Zhao Lingxiao. Su Ze could never accept such a person as his father.
'What makes a person human,' Su Ze thought, 'is having their own dignity and principles.'
Just then, Zhao Yuanyi suddenly took out a bank card and handed it to Su Ze. "You'll need money everywhere you go now that you're leaving. I've deposited two hundred million in this card. The PIN is your birthday. Ask me for more when you run out."
"Thanks, Dad!"
Su Ze took the bank card and said with emotion, "You must take care of yourself. Your health is my greatest treasure!"
Su Ze meant every word.
'I'm a clone, with no father or mother. Is it really so wrong to claim one for myself?'
"Alright, don't waste any more time. Get going."
Zhao Yuanyi waved his hand dismissively, then turned to Zhang Fantie in the driver's seat. "Fantie, I'll have to trouble you to look after Lingxiao from now on."
"Minister, I am deeply indebted to you. This is the least I can do," Zhang Fantie said earnestly.
But Su Ze, sitting nearby, suddenly realized something.
'Wait!'
'Something's not right!'
'Does that mean Zhang Fantie is going with me? To escort me to Luofan Country?'
'And he'll keep protecting me even after we get there?'
In an instant, the tension that had just left Su Ze's body came flooding back.
'Zhang Fantie can protect me, but he can also kill me. If he finds out I'm not Zhao Lingxiao, I won't even have a chance to escape.'
'And it's only a matter of time before I'm exposed. I can't avoid fighting in front of him forever.'
'I'm screwed! I'm so screwed!'
'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'
...
PS: During this new book launch period, I'll do my best to release two chapters at once around this time. That way, my night owl readers can see it as soon as it's out, and the early birds can see it first thing in the morning.