Chapter 44 - 43: Pain Eater, Barroom Talk

Yang Guangzhao quickly ran to the entrance of the restricted area to meet the vehicle.

The moment he saw the young man, he recognized the person’s identity—Ma Ran.

It should be said that at this stage within China, there is no Extraordinary One who doesn’t know Ma Ran.

Whether it’s the "Black Rock Guiding Technique" or [Limited Foreknowledge], both have made the other shine brightly, becoming the focus of various academic societies during this time.

"Mr. Ma Ran, nice to meet you!"

Yang Guangzhao warmly shook Ma Ran’s hand, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the white hair on Ma Ran’s forehead: "I’ve heard of your deeds."

"Here, as a retired soldier, representing my comrades, I thank you for your help!"

He was straightforward, without any ulterior motives, his personality quite candid.

If he likes someone, he really likes them, eager to share all good things with them.

If he dislikes someone, he absolutely won’t have a single word with them, even a cold glare is considered mild.

Ma Ran’s prophetic ability saved over six hundred of his comrades!

Therefore, Yang Guangzhao showed not a hint of reservation, demonstrating high regard and respect for Ma Ran, who was much younger than him.

"Hello, Senior Brother Yang from Yingchuan Academy."

Ma Ran smiled as he looked at Yang Guangzhao: "We’re both superpower users specializing in logistical support, let’s communicate more when we have time."

That’s what he said, but actually, Ma Ran still had to maintain a certain distance from the other.

To prevent the secrets of rebirth and [play] from being seen through.

Regarding this man, who possesses dual identities as a retired soldier and the head of Yingchuan Academy, Ma Ran’s impression was quite deep.

[Pain Eater] Ability User, Yang Guangzhao—if he simultaneously touches another person’s brain with both hands for more than ten seconds, he can erase the touched person’s painful memories.

The cost is...

The other person’s painful memories will appear in Yang Guangzhao’s mind.

This is an extremely torturous superpower, very likely to lead to mental breakdown.

However, this old brother was incredibly resilient.

Until he was blasted to a charred remnant by artillery fire, there were no signs of a mental collapse.

In his previous life, Ma Ran had briefly met Yang Guangzhao.

A sentence from the other was always remembered by Ma Ran—"Men, no matter what happens, grip your fists, clench your jaws, hang on a little longer, and you’ll make it through."

Yang Guangzhao said this and did it.

His whole life was spent implementing his beliefs through actions.

Ma Ran stared fixedly at the other for a while before suddenly speaking: "I’ve admired soldiers since childhood."

"My dream is to be like you, defending the homeland, safeguarding borders, protecting civilization."

This heartfelt statement made Yang Guangzhao feel a bit unsure.

According to the information he received, Ma Ran wasn’t exactly high in emotional intelligence.

Could this be the truth?

He shook his head, tossing aside his chaotic thoughts, and waved his hand, immediately someone came over to help with the luggage.

"Tired from traveling?"

"You should go to the dormitory and rest for a while. Tonight, we’re throwing a welcome party for you!"

"I happen to have a few bottles of Moutai and Wuliangye, let’s drink to our heart’s content today!"

The distance from Grass Hut Academy to the A3 District isn’t far, not to the extent of travel fatigue.

But Ma Ran gladly accepted the other’s kindness.

He had never been to A3 District before.

When he joined Grass Hut Academy in his previous life, this place had already become a dead zone, closed off as a highly dangerous red-black area.

With the guidance of a few young soldiers in uniform, Ma Ran quickly walked on the unfamiliar concrete road.

On both sides of the street, occasional voices of discussion could be heard.

"That guy’s hair is black and white, the hair color of a big shot! It’s dyed pretty well!"

"Get lost, you don’t know a thing! He used superpower to change the future, traded his own lifespan! You think saving over six hundred lives comes without any cost, just a simple rescue!"

"He looks quite aloof, but hearing you say it like this, I feel he’s really worth befriending..."

"Nonsense, anyone can see Ma Ran has good character! Do you have the qualifications to become deep friends with him?"

"Hey! Why wouldn’t I be qualified? Although I haven’t cultivated Inner Qi yet, I’m the martial arts champion!"

"Oh please! You’re proud of being a county-level champion?"

"No matter, I’m going to drink with Ma Ran tonight!"

"Tut, then I’ll go too!"

"I’m on vacation for the next couple of days, what do you mean? Not doing night duty?"

"Holy smokes!"

...

That night at eight-thirty.

Yang Guangzhao and his companions were quite drunk, eating hotpot and singing songs.

After getting drunk, they seemed even more enthusiastic than during the day, casually saying toasts, urging drinks one cup after another.

Ma Ran also accepted every offer.

Unlike extreme superpowers, Inner Qi is versatile, with many uses.

Actually, once you reach the Second Rank of Inner Qi, you can use Inner Qi to expel alcohol through your pores.

That behavior is, on the one hand, rather wasteful, and on the other, it’s a noticeable characteristic.

With everyone drinking normally at the table, you’ll look like you’ve taken a bath in alcohol.

Maybe it’s not noticeable now, but when everyone’s horizons expand in the future, they’ll recall and realize what’s going on.

Everyone would think this person is insincere!

Ma Ran himself also didn’t want to do it this way.

Don’t mention that Yang Guangzhao and the others brought out treasured wines, even a bottle of cheap Erguotou, to him, was as precious as nectar.

The last few years before rebirth, he didn’t have enough to eat, where could he get grains and fruits to brew alcohol?

Using Inner Qi to expel alcohol is purely squandering resources!

Nonetheless...

After reaching Fifth Rank of Inner Qi, Ma Ran’s physique was already incomparable to when he first was reborn.

Half a jin of alcohol down, it’s like he didn’t drink at all.

Drinking a jin of alcohol, he was only slightly tipsy.

After getting drunk, Ma Ran didn’t like to speak.

He was very quiet.

Unusually quiet.

The more he drank, the more silent he became.

Ma Ran was a good listener.

A bunch of young men in casual clothes, drinking and chatting, offering their opinions.

"Ma Ran, you’re cold on the outside and warm on the inside, straightforward in appearance, nice guy!"

"You keep repeating the same few sentences, what else can you say?"

"Hey! Saying it like that makes me uncomfortable! I’ve been studying ’Zhou Yi’ for a few weeks, Ma Ran’s kind of appearance has a saying, called ’Five Mountains Return!’ Overall, it means looking pleasing, very pleasing! Anyone who looks at him feels friendly!"

"No wonder! Always felt like he’s my long-lost brother."

"Are you half as handsome as him? Stop flattering yourself!"

"Say something serious! You’re always like this, Ma Ran can’t get a word in!"

"Serious matters, what a pity... If that alien group’s equipment could be preserved, China’s future might be incredible!"

"Exactly! That white rectangle, suspected of hiding wormhole jump technology."

"You talk like you saw it with your own eyes, but you’re just repeating what others said, aren’t you?"

"I heard it from my brother! If my brother was there, it’s like I was there too, why are you glaring!"

"Glaring at your nonsense."

"Ah, well, then no problem! Let’s keep drinking, guys!"

"Still feels like such a waste! If that alien technology could be seized... maybe in a few years, we could reverse engineer their technology, mastering interstellar jump capability!"

"Reading too much sci-fi?"

"Not necessarily, people centuries ago, you tell them about airplanes, WeChat, Alipay, they’d think it’s impossible."

"You’ve got me all fired up! If only we could master interstellar jump capability, then we wouldn’t just be taking blows."

"As they can come, we can go!"

"Anyone who dares hit us, we simply hit back!"

——

Thanks to Unethical Salty Fish for rewarding Ma Ran with three chicken legs (300)!

Thanks to Chao Youjiu for rewarding Ma Ran with one chicken leg (100)!

Thanks to Moyu Xingyuan for the reward of 100 points!

Thanks to Dried Fish for the reward of 100 points!

Thanks to Like Stars Stretch Across Water for the reward of 100 points!

Thanks to Autumn Wind’s Thousand-Year Awakening for the reward of 100 points!

Thanks to Only Faith for the reward of 100 points!

Thanks to Awfully Terrible Me for the reward of 200 points!

Thanks (๑▽๑)