Watching Xiang Ning walk out, Fu Yingxiao hesitantly asked, “Mr. Chen, did you really make him a promise just like that? Even if he’s Mr. Dong’s disciple and is talented, these are two very different fields.” 

Chen Tianhua chuckled. “It won’t be a big problem. He’s young and holds infinite potential.” As he spoke, he closed his eyes and thought to himself. Let’s see if the kid you’re mentoring can become the Saint Smith, Dong Qianyi.

Meanwhile, Xiang Ning returned to the gathering point as quickly as he could. Due to the battle that had erupted in the sky above Hang City, there were no taxis he could hail. Out of desperation, he sped along on a bicycle. Along the way, no matter who he called, he was unable to reach anyone else. He was worried sick—had anything happened to them? He regretted not telling them what he was doing. 

When he returned, he finally relaxed. 

“Where’d you go, punk? We couldn’t reach you on the phone, why’re you only back now?” huffed Mu Ronghua. Although he wasn’t Xiang Ning’s instructor, he still could reprimand him. 

“Hehe, uh, Instructor Mu, what do we do now? Has the other student’s injury been treated? If he hasn’t healed, let him drink this. I bought it when I was running errands outside. I heard it’s a specialty in Hang City and you can’t get it anywhere else. It’s very effective, too.” Xiang Ning took out a vial of healing potion. 

Mu Ronghua sighed a little, then passed it to the injured student. “I don’t think they’ve arrived at Fortress One yet, and they’re traveling underground. It’s normal that you can’t reach them. Let me fill you in....” 

Two minutes later, Xiang Ning finally understood. “So when do we leave?” 

“Tomorrow, because the nearest train leaves in two minutes. We won’t make it now, all we can do is wait for the next train. Don’t worry, I don’t think they’ll be going to battle on the first day, since arrangements need to be made first,” said Mu Ronghua. 

Xiang Ning nodded. If it were ten minutes, he could try but two minutes was impossible. 

“Don’t overthink it. Rest up. You’re all drenched in sweat, it looks like you were in battle yourself.” Mu Ronghua patted his shoulder and led him into the room. 

Xiang Ning smiled; he really wanted to go. The masters would be fighting for the beast eggs, but if he could get himself some cores, it would be great. His Devourer had been starving for a long time. 

......

Mu Ronghua’s intel did not turn out to be very accurate. Lei Zhongyuan and the rest had already arrived at Fortress One when Xiang Ning arrived at the gathering point. Due to the urgent situation, they had been transported faster. 

“Instructor Lei, why do I feel like the ground’s moving?” 

“This is normal. Just hop on the spot twice and you’ll be fine. Prepare yourself. We received intel that about a hundred beasts have invaded the eastern tunnel. We leave in five minutes, our squad is responsible for killing this horde.” 

“No way, we’re going out for battle just like that?” Wu Rui could not even stand properly after getting off the ride. 

“We have no choice. This is a true test of your combat abilities.” 

“I’m not scared! I need to kill beasts to earn more points while Xiang Ning isn’t here.” Wu Rui actually livened up and hopped on the spot. 

However, when they were led to the front lines by an officer, they were shocked by the scene outside. They were supposed to be looking at a vast plain, but it was covered with dense dots that looked like ants! 

They hadn’t felt it in the fortress, but the moment they arrived at the platform, not even the roaring cannons could cover the beast roars and human cries. It was a brutal battle, with deaths occurring on both sides with every passing second.

“Remember, I’ll be behind you but I won’t make a move until the last moment. If you unfortunately die in battle, I’ll avenge you and bring your body back! However, I don’t wish to do that... I hope you all survive!” 

“Yes, Instructor!” the crowd solemnly chorused. They had to get their blood running within a minute and enter the zone. 

Battle armor materialized and enveloped every single person. Even Wu Rui, who was usually a crazy man that went to war naked, was forced to wear his armor. The beast horde was just too dense, and although they weren’t in the most intense part of the battle, they had to be cautious. 

War was unpredictable, no one knew what would happen in the next second. 

“All the best, big brothers and sisters!” Initially, Lei Zhongyuan hadn’t wanted Xiang Xiaoyu to come, but she begged and begged. Despite her weak combat skills, she could help out with logistics. She wanted to personally see how courageous her brother must have needed to be in face of his previous battles! 

Wu Rui grinned. “You just wait and watch, Xiang Xiaoyu!” 

“Xiang Xiaoyu, be a good girl and wait here for your brother. When he comes, you’ll know how powerful he really is, and how much people respect him.” Fang Rou smiled warmly. 

Everyone said a few words to the little girl, all breezy and excited. 

“Glory to mankind, victory to the Federation!” The junior officer thumped his chest and the gates opened. Lei Zhongyuan stepped out first, releasing a powerful blast of aura that forced the beasts blocking the mouth of the tunnel back. 

“CHARGE!” With a cry, Wu Rui, Li Zimo, Fang Rou, and Lu Shiyu charged in front with the rest behind them. 

Find the original at bit.ly/3iBfjkV.

“Mountain Crash!” roared Wu Rui. The Wu family’s special breathing technique was working. The moment he charged, he was hungry for blood, which he would use to amplify his body’s performance to the maximum. Although he wanted to catch up to Xiang Ning’s abilities, he also wanted to protect others. At least until Xiang Ning arrived, anyway. He needed to make sure everyone returned safely! 

Fang Rou was also using her unique combat techniques, the longsword in her hand appearing and disappearing mid-air due to her sheer speed. Multiple blades threaded through the battlefield, helping the other soldiers distract the beasts. 

Lu Shiyu’s scythe mercilessly fell on the beasts, like red roses blooming in a sea of blood. Li Zimo himself wove through every gap, which was his very own combat method. He was responsible for ambushes, and while his attacks weren’t fatal, they were an important support to his teammates. 

When they entered battle, Lu Shiyu had given Liu Ruoxue the Artemis Mk. 1 Sniper rifle. Liu Ruoxue was currently with another member of Wu Rui’s squad, using their hot weapons to fire and kill beasts. 

Although this was the first time both teams had worked together, they showed great chemistry and killed thirty beasts in five minutes.

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