CHAPTER 119: CHAPTER 119 - LEVEL 3 WARRIOR_1

Ouch, it hurts so much!

Even though the entire Giant City had turned into a boiling pot because of him, Wang Zhan, who had somehow gotten out of his wheelchair and onto the rooftop, was grimacing, continually rubbing his brutally reinjured body.

Just moments ago, he had been distracted by thoughts of the Team Extra Time Competition at the Martial Arts Academy, and Li Chengyuan’s message, relayed through Mingyue, about the Original Organization’s plans to shed its shell and retreat.

Who would have thought? Mingyue had barely finished casually warning him to watch out for retaliation when a mysterious, formidable assassin charged directly into Wang Zhan’s apartment in the building of long corridors, a place teeming with veteran soldiers. The intruder hadn’t even given Wang Zhan time to react, smashing through the door and knocking him down seven floors. If he had died, it would have been a meaningless death.

Luckily, no one knew the full truth about the Blood Essence Pill. While it had complications, like a week of paralysis or a month-long loss of all True Essence, its main advantage was that, as long as one survived, their physical body’s defensive power could persistently reach the level of a Martial General. This strength would last until it reached a limit, after which it would gradually decay.

Of course, for Wang Zhan, the price of forcibly standing up was enduring two to three times the usual pain. If mere paralysis was already terrifying, what was double or triple that intensity like? Still, there were only two days of this left.

In any case, his feud with the Original Organization was escalating. He now had to be constantly on guard against their ruthless and merciless acts of revenge.

"You’d better not run," Wang Zhan muttered, recalling the young man who had knocked him off the building. "Otherwise, all this pain would be for nothing, and I wouldn’t even get a chance for revenge." His eyes were bright, yet they clearly flickered with intermittent irritation and impatience.

At that moment, WHOOSH.

A beautiful, icy woman in military uniform landed powerfully on the railing not far from Wang Zhan. Frowning as she looked down at him from her vantage point, she asked, "Are you alright?"

Wang Zhan looked up. Who else could it be but Mingyue, that crackpot who was always spouting nonsense? However, considering she seemed genuinely concerned for him, Wang Zhan didn’t dwell on her eccentricities and replied casually, "How could anything be wrong? I’m in excellent condition. Being slammed like that actually helped me break through!"

"Hmm, that’s good. I’m now... What? You broke through?"

Mingyue looked at him with a complex expression. He took the Blood Essence Pill, which completely drained his body’s potential. How did he still manage to break through? What kind of freak is he?

Wang Zhan nodded without explaining.

What could he say? Should he tell her he was different? That while others toiled away mining coal, he had a cheat and could advance by simply freeloading off their efforts? Or perhaps residual effects from the Blood Essence Pill had been stimulated, allowing him to advance to a Level 3 Warrior?

Mingyue’s expression remained complicated. "A breakthrough is good. You rest here. I’ll go see if I can find the assassin."

Wang Zhan paid no mind to her departure, his attention fixed on the System’s attribute panel.

Host: Wang Zhan

Strength: 1901

Agility: 1901

Physique: 1901

Charm: 60

Wisdom: 50

Mental Energy: 600

Huh, when did Charm and Wisdom get doubled? Wang Zhan stared at it several times but couldn’t figure it out. Could it be related to that so-called hero business? Does your Charm value only increase when you become famous? The problem was, he didn’t want to be some damn hero! He wanted to live to be at least ninety-nine! After all, heroes tend to die young!

But since the rewards were so substantial, Wang Zhan had no choice but to accept it. Getting a bit stronger was better than nothing.

He just didn’t know if that guy could detect the range of his mental energy.

Subsequently, a series of mental energy ripples continuously spread outward from him. As he moved, they illuminated the tranquil, moonlit city like a flickering oil lamp, covering an area of about six hundred meters and disturbing many mosquitoes. However, many who were aware of it chose to ignore it, whether intentionally or not.

「 ... 」

In a small bungalow in the marginal district where Qin Guanglu lived.

Apart from a small bed and some files—death counts, retirement registrations for soldiers, and the like—the room was spartan, resembling a small study.

This influential general had ruled over an entire Giant City. He had lived and eaten alongside his soldiers, enduring conditions far tougher than theirs. Now, however, he was as dejected as an old man who had lost all vitality, sighing deeply.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t know there would be someone in my ranks colluding with the Original Organization, even daring to commit murder at someone’s home."

Mingyue, who held the same military rank, casually found a spot and sat down. Like an ancient pine on a mountaintop, steadfast against the howling gales, she showed no hint of blame, merely stating gravely, "The Original Organization is too rampant. With backing from someone powerful, they act with blatant disregard for everything. You were merely caught in the crossfire; it’s not your fault."

Qin Guanglu remained silent, then shook his head. "Right is right, wrong is wrong. There’s no such thing as ’not your fault.’ After this matter is concluded, I will submit my resignation to the Military Department. I’ve been stationed here too long. I’m no longer in sync with the Federation’s changes..."

Mingyue’s lips tightened. Seeing the general, who had spent half his life on the battlefield, now about to retire in low spirits, made her heart ache. She said earnestly, "Regardless, you are an excellent general. Your decision will be respected by everyone."

"But for what happened tonight, you must give the Military Department an explanation. This isn’t just your stain; it’s a stain on the entire Military Department."

Qin Guanglu looked up, his face even more haggard. How could I not find him? Every soldier in this Giant City is like a child to me. But even if they’ve truly done wrong, the Federation’s future shouldn’t be needlessly squandered in such internal conflict...

「WHISTLE... WHISTLE...」

In the Eastern Battlefield Giant City, inside a heavily guarded residential complex in Area A.

A young man with a lazy demeanor, dressed in untidy casual clothes, sauntered down the street with a splay-footed swagger, whistling leisurely.

"Back already?" the old soldier at the gate chuckled.

"Yeah, Uncle Zhang, still on duty this late? Why not let the younger guys take over? Is everyone so eager to let others have a good time these days?"

Old Zhang spat and retorted with a laugh, "Get lost! Don’t you know this is a Military Camp? If any sharp-eyed superiors saw you in that ridiculous outfit, you’d be in for it."

"Haha, I’ll be more careful next time, definitely next time. Well, Uncle Zhang, I’m heading up. Today was exhausting, and I’m feeling sleepy."

Old Zhang chuckled and waved him off dismissively. The young man reverted to his usual lax demeanor.

When he returned home, he surveyed the simple, unpretentious furnishings. Only then did his casual expression drop. He rubbed his face hard and, looking in the mirror, softly cursed himself, "Damn it! What the hell is the Original Organization up to? This is completely inhumane! Targeting a seventeen-year-old kid so ruthlessly... are they trying to shorten my lifespan?"

What a shame. From what I know, that kid is one of the top talents in the Federation...

Thinking of this, the young man’s face filled with vexation. His energy seemed to drain away, and he collapsed onto what was arguably the most comfortable sofa in his home. Closing his eyes, he murmured, "Damn that Original Organization. You’d better never contact me again, or I swear I’ll turn on you! To hell with your ancestors..."

But just a few minutes after he lay down, on the verge of drifting off to sleep.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

The knocking, like a summons from death itself, made him spring up instantly, as agile as a monkey.

"Who is it?" he asked, seemingly nonchalant, while his hand quietly retrieved something from beneath the sofa.

"It’s me. Someone just asked me to deliver a letter to you. No idea where it came from."

Oh, it’s Old Zhang, the young man thought. He sighed in relief, quickly hid the ’tool,’ and replied with a laugh, "Alright, coming! If you were any later, I’d have been asleep. Uncle Zhang, you need to exercise more! Sitting around all the time will make you old before your time..."

He couldn’t be blamed for not overthinking it. Although the current Federation seemed far removed from antiquated things like letters, many old traditions and items were still passed down.

But when he opened the door, he immediately saw a boy with a calm face and a student-like appearance standing politely behind Old Zhang, greeting him.

"Bro, long time no see!"

The young man’s eyes narrowed, but he feigned nonchalance, affecting a surprised look. "So, you finally show up! I was wondering where you’d gotten off to, you little brat. You must have been hiding somewhere again."

He couldn’t blame Old Zhang for his well-intentioned blunder. As they say, a clear conscience fears no ghosts at the door. He could only admit Wang Zhan was a step ahead; he’d been thoroughly outplayed.

Old Zhang, his eyesight failing him and thus oblivious to the tension between the two, chuckled. "Alright, alright. If he’s your younger brother, let him get some proper rest. I’ll head back down."

Only after Old Zhang had descended to the next floor did Wang Zhan smile and say, "Bro, can I come in? Waiting for you was exhausting. I’d love to lie down."

So he found me... the young man thought.

Old Zhang, who had been quietly listening from the stairwell for a moment, shook his head and muttered to himself, "Kids these days... why are they all like this? Either too laid-back or painfully shy. Sigh, what a lost generation!"

The young man, now exposed, said nothing. He generously invited Wang Zhan in and even brewed him a cup of floral tea.

Only then did he sit on the stool opposite Wang Zhan, his face a canvas of complex emotions as he looked at him. It was as if he wasn’t the assassin from moments before.

"How did you find me?"

Wang Zhan took a light sip. The tea was sweet and rather good. "You might not know this, but while my mental energy seems average, it’s actually quite powerful."

"No, I know. The Five Thunder Deity Refinement Method..."

Hmmph. Wang Zhan raised an eyebrow, unconcerned by how much Zhang He knew. "Tell me, what’s your name?"

"Zhang He."

"What realm?"

"Martial General. I just broke through a few days ago." Zhang He answered honestly, without any resistance.

No matter why Wang Zhan survived, he must have some trump card that I don’t understand at all.