Leaving behind Wang Jingyi's group, Tian Xiao headed for the training ground at base headquarters.
Running into Wang Jingyi and the others was indeed an unexpected and awkward surprise.
But Tian Xiao didn't feel anything.
In the Earth Sky Army, he had seen life and death in the flesh, and the various looks from Wang Jingyi's friends meant nothing to him.
He now had only one thought:
Get stronger!
Within three years, he must command a C-rank or higher combat capability.
Within three years, he must gain authority exceeding that of a regimental commander in the Earth Sky Army.
Going to sing with a woman he had no connection with? Too free?
But...
Wang Jingyi's surroundings, Zhu Xiaotian and Gao Chong, made him slightly concerned.
When he reached the training ground entrance, he couldn't help but pause. After a moment's hesitation, he instructed Qinglong to dial a number and text it to Zhu Xiaotian.
After the text message, Tian Xiao fulfilled his duty and entered the base training ground.
The training ground's lobby was deserted, with only two receptionists standing at the front desk.
"Hello."
"How may I help you?"
A well-dressed young woman stepped forward, bowing politely and smiling sweetly.
Tian Xiao glanced at her nameplate.
Su Cheng.
An acquaintance.
The first time he came to the training ground, he was teased by the security team. It took him a while to figure out that this sweet-looking girl was actually a cyborg, costing one hundred thousand yuan each.
"I need to use your training equipment," Tian Xiao replied.
Su Cheng smiled, "Okay, this is a paid training ground, fifty yuan per hour. If you agree, we'll grant you access and share all the training ground rules. If you have any questions, please contact your steward directly."
"Okay."
Tian Xiao skillfully granted access and entered the training ground.
The training ground was enormous, spanning thirty-six floors. It housed various high-intensity sports, including indoor skiing, surfing, skydiving, shooting, and combat, complete with dedicated bio-robots for sparring.
The most cost-effective option was combat sparring.
The training ground could customize bio-robots of varying levels for sparring, a benefit offered by Yunzhong Group to its employees.
The fee, however, was fifty yuan per hour, far beyond the reach of the average miner.
But the base's security team was different.
The security personnel were all semi-combatants, possessing citizen chips and earning annual salaries between three hundred thousand and five hundred thousand yuan. They needed dedicated training grounds to hone their physiques and improve their fitness, so they usually stayed at the training ground.
Tian Xiao knew that this group had secretly set up a separate floor within the training ground, specifically for bringing in and roasting the ferocious beasts they had hunted. Each month, when the transport ships departed loaded with resources, they would take these items back out and sell them for a high price.
Enter the thirty-sixth floor of the training ground.
A biting cold wind blew into the elevator!
The vast ski resort, a vast expanse of white, caught the eye.
Qinglong quickly completed the temperature control.
Tian Xiao entered the ski resort and glanced around. He saw several tables set up on a nearby platform. At one table, people were enjoying a feast and drinking.
The training grounds were not easy to enter.
Especially the thirty-sixth floor.
The arrival of Tian Xiao, this uninvited guest, immediately caught the attention of the people at that table.
The eight members of the security team were extremely alert. They turned their heads or glanced over, their eyes wary, filled with condescending scrutiny and an oppressive feeling.
With their authority, they naturally quickly identified the newcomer.
Number 3377...
A newcomer.
Very courageous.
Seems quite wealthy?
The group's expressions gradually turned playful.
The security team members had an innate sense of superiority over the miners. They were indeed a small group within the base who held sway over the miners.
Tian Xiao ignored their aggressive, scrutinizing glances and walked directly over to the group. He scanned the table, which was filled with bottles. Most of them were liquor and soju, mostly empty. A few bottles of spirits stood out prominently in the center.
Tian Xiao didn't hesitate, reaching out and picking up a bottle of spirits.
This action immediately drew strong disapproval from the group.
The eight people's gazes quickly turned cold!
The atmosphere froze.
Tian Xiao, unfazed, uncorked the bottle, tilted his head back, and poured it down his throat.
Gulp!
Gulp!
After downing half a bottle in one breath, the group's expressions changed.
The chill in their eyes gave way to surprise.
Someone couldn't help but scratch their cheeks, a look of admiration.
Luo Fei, the head of the security team, smiled and turned, glancing at his men. "Whose little brother? He can hold his liquor quite well."
"I'd love to recruit a couple of little brothers like him."
"Haha..."
The atmosphere quickly thawed.
Dealing with a bunch of drunks, a single gulp of strong liquor at the start was enough to command respect.
"Ha!"
The ice-breaking operation complete, Tian Xiao had completely downed his entire bottle of liquor. He let out a long breath, placed the empty bottle on the table, and with a grin, he bowed to the group. "My apologies, brothers. I couldn't resist the sight of such good liquor. I'll pay for it."
"One more bottle, and the bill's off."
Luo Fei leaned back.
The group once again displayed their eager anticipation.
"Is there such a good thing? Okay!"
Tian Xiao seemed to have anticipated this, reaching for the second bottle of liquor: "Then I won't be polite."
Two thousand five hundred a bottle of good liquor, it's a waste not to drink it.
No one tried to stop him.
Watching the newcomer gulp down the second bottle of liquor like a newborn calf, the teasing in his eyes completely disappeared.
"Great!"
Luo Fei couldn't hold it in anymore, standing up and laughing.
"Hahahaha... This kid is quite interesting, a man of character! Work hard, and when you save enough money, join the security team. I, Luo Fei, will save a place for you."
Tian Xiao chuckled inwardly.
This Boss Luo, his manners at the table were exactly the same as before.
The others were the same.
"Come!"
"Sit!"
The other security guards became enthusiastic and invited Tian Xiao to take a seat.
Tian Xiao's manners were perfectly suited to the tastes of this group of drunkards.
What's a five-thousand-yuan bottle of liquor?
When you meet a good friend, a thousand cups are enough!
Tian Xiao, reeking of alcohol, now seemed to be on the same wavelength as them.
"Come on."
"What's your name, kid?"
"Let's go for a drink."
A man nearby, with a red nose and a pair of large, yellow teeth, offered a drink.
Tian Xiao reached out and grabbed the third bottle of liquor:
"Blow out the bottle or the cup?"
His face was a little hot, but he was in good spirits.
The people around him were immediately furious!
"Fuck... How can I stand this? Old Lu! If it were me, I'd blow him!"
"Yes! Blow!"
The people around him started to boo.
They were genuinely enjoying the fun.
Partly, they wanted to see how much this new guy could drink, and partly, they wanted to see Old Lu embarrass himself.
Luo Fei watched the scene with a smile. With a quiet wink, a young man immediately stood up and brought out a box of unopened liquor from the back.
The atmosphere became even more heated.