Chapter 90: Song Qi Surges Ahead Once More

The treatment for human geniuses is divided into four levels: third-tier, second-tier, first-tier, and top-tier geniuses.

This is not the so-called “genius” as the people of the Seventh District would describe; it’s a status established from the perspective of the entire race. Unlike those district-level geniuses who still count their coins after drinking a few bottles of common demon elixirs, this level of genius drinks nothing but Essence Water.

Previously, he had applied for third-tier genius treatment for Song Qi—three bottles of Essence Water per month. For a second-tier genius, the allocation would be five bottles monthly and the privilege of choosing a legendary item from the Human Treasury. A first-tier genius receives seven bottles each month, plus the right to choose an epic item!

In other words, starting this month, Song Qi would receive seven bottles of Essence Water every month, along with the opportunity to pick the most suitable epic treasure or skill for himself from the Human Treasury.

Moreover, with Elder Mu’s endorsement, as long as Song Qi doesn’t falter in the next two rounds, this matter is as good as settled.

More importantly, the influence carried by a first-tier genius status goes far beyond mere benefits. A first-tier genius is benchmarked against the potential of a City Lord-level powerhouse; to put it differently, anyone recognized as a first-tier genius, if they mature smoothly, will become a City Lord-level powerhouse.

From now on, the title above Song Qi’s head would change from “genius of the Seventh District” to “future City Lord-level powerhouse, certified by Elder Mu!”

With such a title, even if Song Qi says nothing, he would still attract countless people eager to hand over vast sums of credit points. It’s even possible that many accomplished high-level professionals might request to become his right-hand men.

Of course, potential is just that—potential. To date, there have been over two hundred individuals rated as first-tier geniuses, but the number who have actually become City Lord-level powerhouses is less than thirty, even counting those who have yet to establish their own districts. The rest either perished in the wilds or have yet to realize their potential.

As for top-tier geniuses... City Lord Fu had no such thoughts for now, nor did Elder Mu or the other City Lords. To enjoy privileges at that level, one must display extraordinary potential—potential so exceptional that it surpasses all imagination, to the point where exceptions must be made. Their talent must be clear enough to suggest the possibility of shattering the current human limits and, in the future, challenging the theoretical supreme realm.

So far, since over a century ago, only three people in the entire human race have ever been rated as top-tier geniuses. Each of them was a figure of unmatched brilliance. Li Zong was one of them. Elder Mu, who once briefly followed the Great Emperor Li Er into battle on the front lines, was another.

A gathering of City Lord-level powerhouses rarely found equals to converse with. With Elder Mu presiding, the atmosphere was harmonious, and everyone cheerfully congratulated City Lord Fu on discovering such promising talent.

Yet, after only a few minutes, the City Lord with the reclusive air suddenly pointed at the bronze mirror in surprise. “Eh? Li Zong’s points just shot up by a thousand!”

“Now he’s overtaken Song Qi again, and by a wide margin.”

The others were not surprised, nor was City Lord Fu, who remained calm. Surpassed by Li Zong? That was to be expected. Surpassing Li Zong would have been the anomaly. Song Qi managing to take the lead, even briefly, was already impressive enough to merit first-tier genius treatment.

Elder Mu shook his head with a hint of resignation. “A thousand points? That must mean he killed a level 70 advanced monster. That boy... I told him to hold back a bit during the competition, to give others a chance to catch up. He clearly didn’t listen at all.”

The others smiled knowingly. “Perhaps, in Li Zong’s eyes, he is already holding back. After all, when we were level 25, killing a few level 60 monsters wasn’t difficult. For him, taking down a level 70 monster is reasonable.” The rest nodded in agreement. Everyone present had once been a peerless genius among thousands, all having fought across tiers. For a true genius, fighting above one’s level is commonplace.

“But facing a level 75 monster at level 25 might be a bit much,” someone noted. “And as for an Abyssal Flame Demon at level 80, that should be quite a challenge.”

“I agree,” Elder Mu said. The higher the level, the greater the power gap each level represents. As levels rise, both professionals and monsters grow exponentially in strength. Level 70 is a watershed. Prior to that, even a ten-level gap isn’t insurmountable, but after level 70, every five levels mark a qualitative leap. Those at level 75 can easily crush those at level 70, and level 80 can utterly overwhelm level 75.

The reason is simple: leveling up is a process of filtering. For human professionals, it filters out those whose talent or resources are inadequate. For monsters, it weeds out bloodlines lacking in purity or potential. Put bluntly, anyone—monster or professional—who reaches a high level was already capable of fighting above their rank at lower levels.

You may have slain a level 50 monster at level 20 and thought yourself powerful, but upon reaching level 80, you’ll discover that everyone else at your level did the same—or even more, some having slain monsters above level 60 at level 20. You might be proud of your legendary gear, but look around and see everyone outfitted the same; it’s become standard.

Achievements, talent, and equipment that once filled you with pride become commonplace at such heights. It’s like a top student from a small county, who, after years of hard work, earns a place at a prestigious university, convinced he’s a peerless talent among hundreds of thousands. Yet, upon meeting his dormmates, he finds two city-level top scorers, and another who grew up next door to the university and always knew he’d end up there. That’s just how it is.

While they chatted idly, the reclusive City Lord, who had been watching the bronze mirror, suddenly exclaimed, “Wow, another thousand points?”

Elder Mu frowned helplessly. “Did Li Zong kill another level 70 monster?”

“Um, no,” the reclusive City Lord replied, shaking his head.

“No?” Elder Mu was surprised.

“Oh—I get it,” he said. “Someone must have formed a team and successfully slain an advanced monster through cooperation. That’s impressive. I didn’t expect anyone could form a team capable of challenging advanced monsters in such a short time! Such a person could be considered a natural leader. Even if their talent is a bit lacking, it would be worth allocating them some resources.”

He leaned in for a look. “Let’s see who earned those thousand points... Hm?” Elder Mu paused, rubbed his eyes, and, after confirming, his expression turned strange. His voice rose a few notches.

“It’s Song Qi—solo hunting monsters?!”