Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
In the quiet conference room…
African General Vortex Tiger was frowning, but his eyebrows slowly relaxed. There was a happy smile on his lips.
African lion mobile armor unit, trump force of the African Military Region mobile armor unit! Captain Clara was the first driver of the entire African Military Region mobile armor unit!
Clara was the best of the elites in the African mobile armor troops! Although his height of one hundred seventy-eight centimeters was not considered tall in the army, his strength made everyone in the African mobile armor troops admire him deeply.
The African Major General Vortex Tiger laughed happily and raised his hand to signal the martial artist that was secretly transferred here to sit down.
Clara put his hands on his knees and sat down straight, maintaining the most formal military posture.
Vortex Tiger nodded with satisfaction, although the African Military Region was the weakest military area of the entire Federation, they should not be bullied by a young guy!
Vortex Tiger opened Clara’s resume again and looked at the records; now he had a little more assurance.
Clara: A professional soldier who joined the army for fifteen years and won the runner-up of the mobile armor competition in the recruit competition. He performed many tasks with excellent results. In fifteen years, he was only defeated once by a mobile armor driver named “Boor” from East Asia. The record of defeats was unknown, and Clara had never mentioned it.
Boor? Vortex Tiger looked at the timetable. He felt relieved when he realized that it happened two years ago.
Two years ago? Vortex Tiger smiled. Recruit Qin Fen was still a high-school student during that time. How could “Boor” be Qin Fen?
“Clara, I secretly transferred you here for a special mission.” Vortex Tiger leaned on the chair and smiled, “There was a monster from East Asia in this recruit competition.”
“Monster?” Clara smiled, revealing his white teeth under his dark skin.
“Monster.” Vortex Tiger reinforced his tone, “This young man defeated a European recruit driving a Galaxy Steel Spirit with a Jungle Ranger.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Clara twisted his black eyebrows that had almost the same tone as his skin, “So the quality of the European recruits is this bad this time?”
Vortex Tiger looked at Clara’s expression and gave a wry smile. He shook his head, “Then he used a Red Lotus Phantom to defeat the entire European recruit mobile armor. Yes! You don’t need to goggle at me. He challenged the entire European recruit mobile armor team.”
The contempt in Clara’s face quickly disappeared. He saw that the Vortex Tiger still had the intention to talk, so he shut his mouth and continued to listen.
“Finally, this recruit used a single mobile armor and defeated the American mobile armor team. Yes, he competed alone against a group and won.” Vortex Tiger rubbed his forehead and showed a bitter expression, “Actually, I still can’t believe what happened, but it is the truth.”
“Is he really a recruit?” Clara found it hard to believe, the mobile armor was not a car with an automatic transmission. It was not an object that could be driven by anyone.
It was not strange to win in a one-on-one competition. But to win when competing alone against a group? Clara shook his head again, who is the young man? Does he think that he is the arrogant East Asia mobile armor “Boor”?
Vortex Tiger sighed, “I had hoped that he wasn’t actually a recruit, but he really is.”
“So the reason you transferred me here is to?”
Clara looked puzzled at the Vortex Tiger. I thought I was here to help to distinguish whether the opponent was a recruit or a veteran, but it seems that I have something else to do.
“So it’s like this.” The dark skin of the Vortex Tiger even showed a ruddy complexion, “The next opponent of the East Asia recruit is our African mobile armor.”
Clara made an “oh” sound, and asked curiously “What does he want to do? Isn’t it too arrogant to do this?”
“Yes, it is.” Vortex Tiger sighed, “But he has the skill.”
“So you mean,” Clara suddenly understood, “You want me to defeat him? But I am no longer a recruit. Even if I win, there will be no advantages for our African recruits, instead…”
“That’s why!” Vortex Tiger interrupted Clara, “My idea is that you join the African recruit mobile armor battle and fight against the East Asian recruit together. Fight him till the last minute and create an illusion of a tie. In that case…”
Clara nodded continuously. So although African recruits may not win, the final result will be far better than the European recruit and the American recruit. In the same time, the African recruit would not be suspected of using the gunmen.
“General!” Clara said with a severe countenance, “Are you sure he is that strong? Everything will be revealed if he is not that strong.”
“You can rest assured.” Vortex Tiger waved his hand, “I have discussed this matter with the generals from America, Europe, and West Asia. They also think that Qin Fen is too arrogant. If anything happens, they will support me instead of East Asia.”
Clara nodded and said, “In this case, then I know what to do.”
“The tales of the monster Qin Fen and his winning streak can finally come to an end.”
Vortex Tiger was now completely relaxed. No matter how skillful a recruit was, it was impossible to win against a veteran. An elite recruit had nothing when up against a veteran with real combat experience.
The most elite recruit was as weak as a kindergartener when fighting with the most elite veteran.
Vortex Tiger stared at Clara’s back. Even though the African mobile armor had the worst result in the Federation, Qin Fen would lose since they sent out their ace in the African mobile armor.
The Africa conference room was once again silent, and the East Asia conference room was also silent.
“Mr. Bai…” Qin Fen slowly looked up at Bai Sheng, “Thank you for your kindness, but I have decided not to fully join.”
“Oh?” Bai Sheng did not expect this. Doesn’t he understand how beneficial it is for him to fully join? That’s almost like stepping to the sky with a step. It’s the best way to become transcendent.
Zhao Huzi’s stared with his eyes opened at Qin Fen; he had an urge to hit Qin Fen to wake him up.
“Young man, perhaps you have not fully understood the benefits you can get after you fully join us.” Bai Sheng explained again, “You have to understand. You may be able to buy the Reborn Pill, but not the Piper edulis or Bone Changing Pill. As for pills that are exclusive, such as the medicinal herbs to keep living and help breakthroughs, unless you have great rights, you won’t be able to buy them even with a goldmine. It is not easy to reach the peak of martial arts, so you need some help. Otherwise, you will stay in a star-class for ten years.”
Zhao Huzi nodded as he listened. As a master of martial art, he was very clear about the help of medicinal herbs.
“And, if you have anything happen to you…” Bai Sheng smiled, “If a person dies, there will never be a chance to reach the peak of martial arts.”
“Mr. Bai, I understand everything you said. But…”
Qin Fen raised his chin and smiled. Bai Sheng suddenly felt that this smile had a compelling heroic spirit, it was a surging aura.
“If I accept to be protected by Sacred Martial Hall, I should be very safe.” Qin Fen shook his head. “In that case, I will have lost my courage. Do you think a martial artist with no courage has the opportunity to reach the divine beast level and become the best in martial arts?”
Bai Sheng stared at Qin Fen, stunned, his eyes were filled with astonishment. However, on his mouth was a sneer.
He wants to become a master with the title of divine beast level? Very courageous! Very ambitious! Bai Sheng was amazed by his courage, but the mocking smile on his lips grew bigger and bigger.
A martial artist with the title of divine beast level? The ignorants are fearless! It’s good for young people to have great ambitions, but he should know his own limits.
There were so many young people who wanted to reach the divine beast level in martial arts but were defeated by this tremendous pressure in this world.
Bai Sheng had met too many young people with such ambitions. However, they were not even compatible with the Four Great Constellation masters that were under the divine beast level.
Bai Sheng was suddenly reminded of his younger self when looking at Qin Fen. He was also a young man with high and vigorous spirit. He also had the target of becoming a divine beast level martial artist.
It was only when he learned more about martial arts did he realize how endless the amount of martial arts knowledge was. It was extremely difficult to become a martial artist of the divine beast level.
This was not only about putting in the effort to succeed! At the same time, there must be opportunities and high intelligence!
“Haiz…” Bai Sheng sighed and shook his head, “Young people, you have some point. If you join Sacred Martial Hall for the fear of being assassinated, then your achievements may be good, but your future is no longer unlimited.”
“I would like to choose the amateur grade in the outer hall.” Qin Fen smiled, “Is there a corresponding reward for the amateur grade? Maybe I can be the beneficiary of those special terms.”
“Special terms?” Bai Sheng sneered. Sacred Martial Hall had never given anyone special terms. Special terms acted as a tool to deceive those who planned to get something for nothing.
A person who had the qualification to reach the divine beast level would have the rights to enjoy all the benefits of the inner hall, even if he was only at an amateur grade in the outer hall.
Have the potential to become a divine beast? Bai Sheng did not think that Qin Fen has the potential, but he might be able to become an amazing master of martial arts.
In that case, who has that potential? Bai Sheng’s mind flashed a young man’s figure. Perhaps only Shang Guan Chuan Qi of this generation has the chance?
“Up to you.” Bai Sheng sighed. There were so many young people that had talent in martial arts, the Sacred Martial Hall would never force anyone to make a choice, “In that case, do you plan to join Sacred Martial Hall after you leave the army or after this recruit tournament?”
Qin Fen placed his attention on Zhao Huzi’s face, “General, can I leave the army after this recruit tournament end?”
Zhao Huzi shrugged his hands and shoulders, “Of course! Being able to join the Sacred Martial Hall is also glory for our military.”
“Oh.” Qin Fen nodded. “According to the enlistment law, veterans should be entitled to benefits. For example, those rewards…”
“Not for your situation.” Zhao Huzi shook his head, “Veterans that leave voluntarily are considered against the rules of military. Although we will not stop you, you will not receive those rewards as you will have broken the rules.”
Qin Fen placed his attention back to Bai Sheng’s face again, “So Mr. Bai, if I chose to leave the army after this recruit tournament, will the Sacred Martial Hall compensate my losses?”
Bai Sheng smiled, this was his first time as an examiner encountering such an arrogant person, aside from the rumored woman. He only intended to become an amateur grade at the outer hall, but he’s demanding for compensation from the Sacred Martial Hall?
“If you choose to join fully, Sacred Martial Hall will double the compensation. If you choose the amateur grade, Sacred Martial Hall will not give any compensation. Don’t forget that there are countless people in the world who are willing to pay a lot of money to join the Sacred Martial Hall. They don’t even have a chance.” Bai Sheng kept a straight face, there was no longer any amiable smile.
Qin Fen nodded. It wasn’t much different from what he had anticipated. Sacred Martial Hall was almost a transcendental existence. Countless people wanted to enter but they couldn’t. They did not lack anything, including talented martial artists.
“I understand.” Qin Fen put his attention back on Zhao Huzi’s face, “General, I assume that I will accumulate military merits after this recruit tournament, right? Will I be promoted?”
“Major.” Zhao Huzi gave him a clear-cut answer, “You performed very well this time. I will try to get you to the major rank.”
Major? Bai Sheng was very surprised . An 18 years old major? To become a major after the recruit period?! Furthermore, he did not graduate from the military school, he was only a grass-roots soldier!
Qin Fen was also very surprised, he would have been satisfied with the rank of first or second lieutenant. No one imagined that General Zhao would promise him a major rank.
“This is the best I can give.” Zhao Huzi sighed, “You have only been in the army for a short period of time, so the highest rank I can get you is major. Unless you continue to perform meritorious service in the future or further your study in the military academy, you won’t be able to get a higher ranking until you have broader connections and higher skills.”
Qin Fen smiled and shook his head. It seemed that General Zhao misunderstood his meaning. He thought Qin Fen was unsatisfied with his proposal.
“So if I left the army with a major rank…”
“You will get a lot of rewards.”
“Got it.” Qin Fen looked determined, “Mr. Bai, I hope I can retire from the army as planned.”
Bai Sheng couldn’t believe his ears. He looked at Qin Fen carefully. How could a man that was so calculative of money develop the strength he had today? He gave up the huge benefits he would get from the Sacred Martial Hall so that he could get his rewards from the army. How could a person be able to throw such a strong punch when he can’t even make a good decision for himself?
Qin Fen ignored Bai Sheng’s strange eyes. A person who lived a good life like him would never be able to understand the hardships of people who used to live in the bottom of the society. Even if he had experience and studied a lot, he would never be obsessed with money, because he had financial support.
Qin Fen learned this law from his experience: He needed to be rewarded in return for what he did.
Participating in the army and joining recruit tournament was his work, therefore it was reasonable for him to get the rewards. There was no reason to work for free.
“Young man, if you choose to join fully…” Bai Sheng couldn’t help but try to persuade him, “The benefits are far greater than the benefits you get from the military.”
“Mr. Bai.” Qin Fen nodded politely and said, “Although I am very short on money, I never exchange some of my own things for money. Speaking of this, I was offered good pay to be a cowherd boy during my high school period. Back then, I had a good figure because I worked hard. But I declined that offer.”
Bai Sheng wanted to laugh and weep at the same time. This was the first time he heard someone compare the experience of being offered to be a cowherd boy with fully joining Sacred Martial Hall. This young man was really interesting.
“Zhongzhou has a saying.” Qin Fen slowly stood up, “A true man does what should be done and refrain from what should not be done! I serve the army, so I am entitled to get the reward. That’s it…”
Qin Fen got up and bowed to Bai Sheng. He then took a big step out of the conference room.
Zhao Huzi looked admiringly at Qin Fen’s back. This was the first time in many years, he saw such a young man willing to reject the temptation of the Sacred Martial Hall.
Zhao Huzi thought again, with a faint sigh in his throat. This young man was blinded, he rejected the most direct path to the peak of martial arts.
Qin Fen looked up at the blossoming white clouds in the sky and quietly reflected on his answer. If he had not dreamt about the grandmaster, would he be able to reject the offer from Sacred Martial Hall?
“Yes!” Qin Fen’s eyes became firm, “I don’t think I can reach the peak of martial arts when my fist loses its freedom!”
Bai Sheng stood behind Qin Fen and heard him talking to himself. His eyes flashed a light he never had before, and he murmured what Qin Fen said “The fist that loses its freedom is unable to reach the peak of martial arts… ”
Fist that loses its freedom… fist that loses its freedom… Bai Sheng suddenly realized that Qin Fen grew taller.
Bai Sheng seemed to have an illusion in front of him for a moment. Qin Fen’s figure seemed to overlap with Song Wendong’s figure. Song Wendong’s figure gave the exact impression as Qin Fen! Confidence! Heroic spirit! And also determination!
So similar! Too similar! Bai Sheng shook his head, What happened? How was it possible for him to see a figure of the divine beast level martial artist on an eight-star young martial artist? Was he influenced by what Qin Fen said just now? Or was it because of his aura of power that had already exceeded his star-class?
Qin Fen turned to look at Bai Sheng who was stronger than him, “Is there anything else you want to say?”
“Well.” Bai Sheng took a copy of a manuscript from his arms and handed it to Qin Fen, “Read this here and return to me half an hour later. This is the test topic to enter the Sacred Martial Outer Hall. Anyone with the invitation will be given half an hour to read in advance.”
Qin Fen took the book, he seemed to have seen the word “Wu” on it before. He recalled that he saw the word “Wu” in the room that day he met Song Jia. Both the words looked similar.
However, the word “Wu” in the room that day could not be looked at. A person might become deeply attracted to it. Worst case scenario, he or she may even get an internal injury or go mad after looking at it for a long period of time.
But this word “Wu”? Qin Fen stared at the cover. The power of martial art was less than the one on that day.
If the word “Wu” on the day was the universe, then this word “Wu” was only a basin of water.
This word “Wu” would not cause any problems, instead, it would help you grow.
Bai Sheng looked at Qin Fen with a worried face. What does this young man want to do? Was he attracted by the word “wu”? If that’s the case, I’m afraid that he won’t even need to go to the Sacred Martial Hall.
Any young people that were attracted by this word “Wu” would suffer internal injuries and vomit blood.
The cover of this book was also a test! Bai Sheng slowly closed his eyes. It seemed that Qin Fen was attracted by this word “Wu”, how unfortunate… if he could pass this test then he would be considered qualified. But until then, there hasn’t been a young man that had not vomited blood when they saw this word “Wu”.
“This word ‘Wu’…” Qin Fen scared Bai Sheng when he started talking. He was surprised to find that Qin Fen had already separated his mind from the word “Wu”, and there was no sign of internal injury.
Bai Sheng stared carefully at Qin Fen’s face, he wondered if the young man swallowed his blood forcefully back to his stomach to cover up the internal injury.
Bai Sheng stared at Qin Fen for a few seconds and confirmed that this young man was normal and had not been injured. Otherwise, he would still smell blood even if he had swallowed.
“What happened to the word “Wu”?” Bai Sheng was very curious. How could this young man not be injured? Wasn’t his strength at eight-star?
“This word “Wu”…” Qin Fen made a “tsk” sound, “The person wrote this using the oscillation that was formed by his true energy. The frequency is amazing!”
Bai Sheng stared at Qin Fen. What did he say? I was only able to see what he said after entering the Sacred Martial Hall for half a year!
Had this kid taken the book for even five minutes? No! Was it three minutes? He actually saw it in such a short period of time! The main problem is, he has not even entered the Sacred Martial Hall yet!
“It’s amazing.” Qin Fen gasped in admiration, “I have already learned so much from this word “Wu”. I suddenly got a lot of inspiration.”
