In the Gravity Chamber, Su Chen let out a muffled groan. He suddenly clutched his heart, nearly collapsing to the ground, his forehead slick with cold sweat.

’It’s hitting too hard...’

His heart throbbed with unrelenting pain. Su Chen leaned against the wall of the Gravity Chamber and slid to the floor.

Fortunately, out of caution, he had already deactivated the gravity environment before acquiring the Tyrant profession.

He had just settled down when his pupils suddenly constricted. It felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, intensifying the agony.

As his Spiritual Power permeated his body, he could clearly see his heart beating. The blood vessels connected to it ruptured inch by inch, only to be rewoven amidst a burst of golden-red light.

New blood vessels snaked across the surface of his myocardium like horned dragons, taking on a dark red hue with a metallic sheen.

Countless runes, like carved blood jade, emerged on the surface of his heart. Each symbol looked as if it had been cast from metal, flickering in and out of sight with every beat.

[Acquisition of Tyrant successful. Professional Ability gained—Pain Engine: Gain a certain buff based on the degree of damage currently sustained by the body.]

"This profession is really something..." Su Chen let out a long breath as the sharp pain in his heart gradually subsided. Only then did he have a chance to inspect the ability, which was just as Yuan Capital had described.

For over two months since he’d obtained Tyrant, he’d been constantly taking a beating from people of various professions.

Only today had he finally been beaten enough to satisfy the conditions and complete the acquisition.

’I just don’t know the conversion rate.’ Su Chen rested for a moment. In his normal state, he couldn’t feel any change in himself.

He reached out and summoned the Formless True Edge, shaping it into a dagger. Relaxing his body, he forcefully slashed his arm, drawing a bloody line from which fresh blood flowed.

From just this small wound, Su Chen immediately felt a warm current surge from his heart and circulate throughout his body. It seemed he had actually grown a bit stronger.

’This boost is more noticeable than I expected.’ Su Chen was pleasantly surprised. He immediately made a few more cuts on his arm. The stinging pain intensified, and more blood trickled out.

The warm current pumped from his heart grew stronger, and he could now clearly feel a slight improvement in his physical condition.

’It seems the completion rate of the acquisition requirement affects the conversion ratio between injury and power boost.’ Su Chen couldn’t help but think, ’The people in Yuan Capital who acquired this profession must have had a terribly low conversion rate, which is why it wasn’t highly regarded.’

But in his case, the Tyrant profession itself had actively chosen him. The acquisition was as perfect as it could possibly be.

Su Chen had originally thought this "free" profession would have major flaws. He only acquired it because it didn’t require any effort on his part.

But now, it seemed to have some use after all—and it was even better than he had imagined.

’Minor injuries won’t really affect my combat ability. If I intentionally control and distribute the damage evenly, I can maximize its usefulness.’

Su Chen contemplated its specific applications, considering another visit to Old Bu. He wanted to estimate the level of injury at which he could maximize the Tyrant’s potential without hindering his own performance.

’This profession has huge potential, and there’s a lot I can do with it.’ The more Su Chen thought about it, the more excited he got. ’I need to see if there are any of those "injure the enemy by a thousand to injure yourself by eight hundred" type of professions. Since I’m going to get hurt anyway, I might as well gain some extra benefits from it.’

’If only there were Blood Lock Professions.’ Su Chen mused, then couldn’t help but shake his head. ’That would be too overpowered. Even if such a thing exists, the difficulty of obtaining it would probably be astronomical.’

’I wonder what level my strength is at now,’ Su Chen muttered, clenching his fists. He glanced at his panel—[Word Spirit Law Master: 10%]

[Calamity Patrol Master: 10%]

[C-level Cloud Dragon Training Method—Skilled: 70%]

[C-level Mirage Sea Meditation Technique—Skilled: 70%]

His profession development progress had increased a bit more. He treated his wounds slightly and was about to send Old Bu a message.

But as it turned out, Old Bu was already there to see him, and he looked to be in a hurry.

Su Chen had just opened the door when he heard Bu Siqi urge, "Let’s go. Master is calling for you."

"What’s wrong?" Seeing his expression, Su Chen thought something bad had happened, and his heart tightened.

"Master has surrounded the guest house. He’s worried something might happen to the Judicial Court, so he sent me to bring you over," Bu Siqi explained.

’Surrounded the guest house?’ Su Chen was momentarily stunned, a ripple spreading through his thoughts. ’Old Xia actually made a move?’

Then, he realized something and asked doubtfully, "Us?"

"Yes, and Ming Lin," Bu Siqi explained. "I was just about to go get him."

’Is Old Xia afraid someone will attack their base while he’s gone?’

Su Chen quickly understood Xia Hanshi’s thinking. Since he was making a big move, he wouldn’t be able to look after things at the Judicial Court. To be safe, it was best to have them by his side.

"Alright, let’s go now." Su Chen didn’t hesitate and immediately followed Bu Siqi to notify Ming Lin.

Ming Lin, who had been called out, was still a bit bewildered. After boarding the hovercar, he couldn’t help but ask, "Judge Xia, why did you surround the guest house?"

Bu Siqi’s expression was grim. "Those bastards from Yuan Capital actually conspired with the Faceless Ghost Followers. They’ve been hiding the Faceless Ghost’s Divine Son and are trying to overthrow us here in Ying Feng while the Chief is away!"

’So it’s a frame-up. No wonder they kept the Divine Son alive and didn’t act.’ Su Chen glanced at him. ’Since when did Old Bu’s acting get this good?’

"What?" Ming Lin froze, finding it unbelievable. "The people from Yuan Capital... conspired with the Faceless Ghost? Hiding the Divine Son? Are you sure there hasn’t been a mistake?"

"Are you doubting Master Xia?" Bu Siqi shot him a cold glance, all traces of his usual playful demeanor gone.

Ming Lin hurriedly shook his head. "No, no! I’m just worried we might have fallen into an enemy’s trap, one designed to make us and Yuan Capital destroy each other."

"You think my master would fall for a trap?" Bu Siqi retorted, his eyes filled with accusation.

Sweat beaded on Ming Lin’s forehead. "That’s not what I meant, it’s just... it’s just..."

"If Master made a move, he must be completely certain," Su Chen said, diffusing the tension. "Senior Brother, Ming Lin is just in shock."