Dad. Mom. I'm heading out for a bit," said the black-haired youth clad in sportswear to his parents who were playing with a pair of twins in the living room.
"Remember to come home for dinner," Wong Yi's mother, Leilon, smiled, cradling her granddaughter. The twins were Wong Yi's sister's children visiting for the day. Wong Yi also planned to leverage connections to bring his sister's family to Yong Jojo city for employment. Considering both his sister and brother-in-law were ordinary individuals with limited means and unsatisfactory jobs, having children necessitated additional responsibilities, making daily life hectic, a situation that reminded Wong Yi of his own parents in the past. He could never allow his beloved nephews to endure such a life. Consequently, he had prepared a residence for his sister's family in a nearby community, allowing them to gather with their parents occasionally.
"Say goodbye to your uncle," he prompted.
"Uncle goodbye," the twin sweet voices brought a smile to Wong Yi's face as he playfully pinched their cheeks.
Leilon suddenly added, "Oh, and make sure to bring your friends over to our home when you have the chance." After settling into a comfortable life, she began to think about future grandchildren. The friends she referred to were naturally Lin Yoyu and her companions. Previously, she had been concerned about their family backgrounds. Now, with her son becoming a martial artist, her worries had dissipated, and instead she began to fret about when he would settle down.
Upon exiting, Wong Yi boarded a train bound for the main district of Jiangnan Bay City. The transportation between the main district and the eight fortified cities is facilitated by trains, and ordinary citizens must book tickets 3 days in advance with exorbitant prices. Traveling from one Bay city to another incurs astronomical costs, rendering it unaffordable for the average person. Consequently, among Jiangnan's 200 million inhabitants, opportunities to leave the confines of the Bay City are exceedingly rare. However, as a martial artist, Wong Yi had access to a dedicated passage, making his travels considerably more convenient.
In a main district of Jiangnan Bay City, a vast area housed the Extreme Martial Arts Academy's headquarters, distinguished by a towering deep blue skyscraper. Outside the silvery walls, soldiers armed with real firearms patrolled vigilantly. In rows of soldiers stood guard at the spacious main entrance, creating an atmosphere of intense security. Presenting his martial artist credentials, Wong Yi passed through the security check and entered the headquarters that represented the pinnacle of Jiangnan Bay City's martial arts. He proceeded directly toward the deep blue skyscraper.
Upon reaching the entrance steps of the headquarters, he encountered a man clad in a white suit. "Mr. Wong Yi, my name is You and I am responsible for the first floor of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy. The president and the others have gone to the airport to welcome guests from the global headquarters, but before leaving, they instructed me to receive you. They shall return shortly."
The man said courteously, "Thank you," Wong Yi nodded slightly and followed You into the first floor hall of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy. The hall was indeed bustling with martial artists, many engaged in conversation, discussions, and revelry. Given that Jiangnan Bay City boasted a population exceeding 200 million, the number of martial artists within the Extreme Martial Arts Academy was certainly substantial.
Noting Wong Yi's expression, You smiled and explained, "Mr. Wong Yi, our first floor hall is designated for martial artists to socialize over drinks. The second to 9th floors accommodate Warrior-level martial artists, while the 10th to 19th floors are reserved for War General-level martial artists. The 20th floor and above are utilized for collective meetings."
Wong Yi acknowledged this but had more pressing matters to attend to. Having arrived at the Jiangnan headquarters, he naturally intended to sign in. Sign in, Wong Yi thought, his mind devoid of tumult.
Ding. Congratulations, host. Sign in successful reward. Five proficiency points in Agility. Your Agility has been elevated to Perfection Level. The number of sign-ins at this location is now zero.
With a mysterious golden panel's message flashing before him, Wong Yi's mind was once again inundated with vast information. Were an ordinary person to receive such a deluge of knowledge in an instant, they might well succumb to dizziness. Yet Wong Yi felt no such disturbance, only a fleeting moment of distraction in his gaze before regaining his composure. Subsequently, he sensed that everything around him appeared transformed. The Perfection Level of his Agility took him by surprise. The Micro-Level Agility allowed for the most minimal movements to evade attacks, achieving the utmost efficiency in evasion. Perfection Level, however, signified mastery over the surrounding environment, enabling the utilization of any object in proximity for precise dodging. This was the essence of Perfection Level Agility. If Micro-Level Agility emphasized self-control, then Perfection Level Agility extended into the external realm, seamlessly integrating with the environment to amplify one's capabilities. The thought of how many battles and training sessions an ordinary martial artist must endure to reach such heights left Wong Yi astounded at his own fortune. This is simply too easy, he mused, an involuntary smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
After sitting in the first floor hall for approximately half an hour, You approached Wong Yi once more, courteously, stating, "Mr. Wong Yi, the president has returned and is currently awaiting you on the 31st floor. Please follow me."
Wong Yi glanced towards the entrance, realizing he had not noticed anyone arriving. Sensing his confusion, You smiled. "The president and the others returned via an intelligent combat aircraft."
Wong Yi understood. Having spent too long in this world, he had forgotten certain aspects from the original narrative. This world was far more advanced than the one he came from, with individuals owning intelligent combat aircraft priced anywhere from hundreds of millions to trillions. However, those capable of independent flight in the wilderness typically possessed aircraft valued at over 10 billion.
Wong Yi accompanied the man with the surname You to the elevator, ascending to the 31st floor of the general headquarters. Upon stepping out, his gaze was immediately drawn to a vast silver-white martial arts hall where a few individuals swiftly captured his attention.
"Wong Yi, come here," beckoned Zhao Yong Jiang, the president of the general headquarters, with a smile. "This is our global headquarters inspector from the Extreme Martial Arts Academy, Yang Hui, who has come specifically to assist you with your qualification assessment."
Wong Yi promptly greeted, "Hello, Inspector Yang."
"Indeed," replied the middle-aged man clad in a gray training outfit, assessing Wong Yi with an approving glance. "Not bad. Quite a spirited young man. Do you have a girlfriend?"
Wong Yi was momentarily taken aback.
Zhao Yong Jiang laughed and scolded. "Old Yang, that's enough. Your daughter is not going to marry off our general headquarters personnel. Don't mind him, Wong Yi. Inspector Yang is merely jesting," Zhao added.
Wong Yi could only chuckle in response. He had three girlfriends yet he refrained from divulging this information.
"Let's get straight to the point," Yang Hui said, his demeanor becoming serious. "Wong Yi, I shall once again represent the Extreme Martial Arts Academy to ask you, 'Are you willing to join the elite training camp for a 5-year training period?'"
"I am willing," Wong Yi replied.
"Excellent. Let us commence the testing," Yang Hui stated directly, gesturing towards the punching strength testing machine in the corner of the martial arts hall. "Please deliver a punch for me to observe."
This was in fact a simple verification task. Wong Yi nodded and approached the machine, steadying his breath and calming his mind, focusing his strength into his fist before unleashing it.
Swoosh! His fist transformed into a blur, producing a sharp whooshing sound as it struck the punching target with considerable force.
Bang! A dull thud resonated throughout the spacious hall, and a number illuminated on the screen: 11,341 kg.
Yang Hui and Zhao Yong Jiang exchanged astonished glances, both genuinely impressed.
"Did he truly pass the preliminary martial artist assessment just this June?" Yang Hui couldn't help but whisper.
"Indeed, at that time, his punching strength was around 3,700 kg," Zhao Yong Jiang responded, equally shocked. "How much time has passed, and he has already surpassed 1,000 kg of punching power, even with the genetic cultivation method. Such a dramatic increase is unprecedented. It must have been an elevation of at least 8,000 kg. If one can increase over 2,000 kg upon the first cultivation of the genetic energy, they are deemed a genius. An elevation of 8,000 kg is practically unheard of globally. Now, this genius has joined our Extreme Martial Arts Academy." A smile involuntarily spread across Yang Hui's face.
Following that, Wong Yi underwent tests for speed and neural response, all of which met the qualification standards for an elementary Battle General. A prodigious talent indeed.
"Congratulations, Wong Yi. You have successfully passed the assessment," Yang Hui declared joyfully.
Zhao Yong Jiang also extended his congratulations and a smile adorned Wong Yi's face. Next, he awaited the day he would journey to the global headquarters of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy.
In the evening, Wong Yi sat in a study facing Lin Yoyu, who was dressed in a white nightgown with her long hair cascading down. The two were engaged in a video chat.
"So, you'll be heading to the wilderness zone tomorrow." The girl bit her pink lips, her bright, watery eyes reflecting a hint of concern. "I've heard there are monsters in the wilderness zone. It's quite dangerous."
"Fear not, I shall be fine. The Extreme Martial Arts Academy has assigned me a formidable team of martial artists. We will operate together, staying only in ordinary towns near the base city, avoiding particularly perilous areas," Wong Yi reassured her. "I will be back in no more than half a month." In truth, even upon his return, he would not remain in Jiangnan city for long, as he had to report to the global headquarters of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy, only to return at year end. The time he could spend with them would be minimal. However, he had already made his decision, and he must press on with resolve. Furthermore, Lin Yoyu and the others had their own studies and lives to lead, preparing to attend university. Their paths were destined to diverge over the coming years. Wong Yi felt an urgency to grow stronger for not only his own sake but for Sha Yin and the others. He needed to elevate his abilities swiftly. If he could acquire an intelligent aircraft, his journeys would become significantly more convenient.
The following morning, Wong Yi prepared his belongings, dawning a snug gray-black combat suit that accentuated his imposing stature. Armed with two combat knives sheathed on his back and a tactical backpack, he was fully equipped, exuding an air of stern determination as he embarked on his journey to Jiangnan Bay City. His family expressed their concerns, urging him to be cautious and take care of his health. Lin Yuyu and the others had initially wished to accompany him, but he had declined their offer. Yet, as he stepped out of the martial artist community, he was taken aback to see a slender figure waiting outside for an unknown duration. Xia En.
In Jiangnan Bay City, at the Extreme General Headquarters in the first-floor hall.
"Wong Yi, let me introduce you to our renowned elite Battle General team, the Storm Squad," chuckled Zhuo Jia Tou, one of the four titans of the Jiangnan General Headquarters.
Opposite Wong Yi sat five fully armed martial artists, exuding a fierce aura, all of whom were male. "This is the captain, Jiang Feng," Zhuo Jia Tou said, indicating the tallest of the group, a man in his 30s with a scar on his left cheek and clad in a yellow combat suit, offering a slight smile.
"Wong Yi, I've heard from Supervisor Zhuo that you are a rare talent in Jiangnan Bay City. Meeting you today is indeed true. You are a prodigious youth. Seeing you makes me feel old."
"Hello, Captain Jiang," Wong Yi replied courteously. "I am still young and have much to learn from all of you."
Witnessing Wong Yi's humility and commendable demeanor, the five members of the Storm Squad felt a surge of goodwill towards him. Initially, when the Storm Squad was assigned this task by the Jiangnan General Headquarters, their captain had been reluctant, having encountered many arrogant talents who were difficult to instruct. He had no desire to undertake the burdensome role of a caretaker. Martial artists who had long roamed the wilderness zone were accustomed to the taste of blood and had endured numerous life and death battles. They were fiercely independent. Gaining their genuine recognition required more than mere status or power, especially given that this time their charge was a freshly graduated novice. However, he could not decline the mission from the Extreme General Headquarters. So, he begrudgingly accepted it. Yet, upon observing Wong Yi's character, he found him quite approachable.
After conversing a while longer, the members of the Storm Squad exchanged glances, silently nodding in agreement.
Seeing that the time was nearly right, Zhuo Jia Tou smiled and stood. "Well then, gentlemen, I entrust Wong Yi to your care on this mission."
Captain Jiang Feng replied solemnly. "Rest assured, Supervisor Zhuo, this time we will only venture to a few low-risk wilderness towns. As long as we do not encounter high-level Beast Generals or large-scale beast hordes, there will be no issues." The Storm Squad was indeed a formidable force, all members being Battle Generals. And Captain Jiang Feng was a well-known veteran who had successfully hunted high-level Beast Generals on multiple occasions, making a name for himself within the Jiangnan martial artist community and was known for his amicable nature. This was precisely why Zhuo Jia Tou had chosen the Storm Squad. Their task was simple: to guide a newcomer, and that newcomer was undoubtedly Wong Yi.
Jiang Feng glanced at Wong Yi, contemplating that having their elite squad specially assigned to mentor a newcomer suggested that this individual was highly valued by the Extreme General Headquarters. Only a few high-ranking officials and personnel at headquarters were aware of Wong Yi's recommendation to the elite training camp. Thus, even Jiang Feng and the others were unaware of the extent of his talent. Zhuo Jia Tou had refrained from disclosing this information to them as well.
"All right, the time has come. Let us set forth," Jiang Feng raised his wristwatch to check the time and then stood up. "Wong Yi, is there anything else you need to prepare?"
The other four members of the team turned their gazes toward Wong Yi.
"No, Brother Jiang." Wong Yi replied as he stood up as well.
"Very well, then let us depart." Jiang Feng paused momentarily and added, "From now on, you may address me as Captain."
"Yes, Captain." Wong Yi amended his address. Although Jiang Feng's prowess did not match his own—Wong Yi's mental prowess could easily vanquish even an elementary Battle God—he recognized the goodwill in Jiang Feng's invitation for him to gain experience. Thus, Wong Yi deemed it prudent to show proper respect.
"Indeed," Jiang Feng nodded in satisfaction, and with a wave of his hand, the Storm Squad along with Wong Yi gathered their gear and exited the gates of the Extreme Martial Arts Hall. Setting forth with great enthusiasm, they boarded a military off-road vehicle emblazed with the insignia of the Extreme Martial Arts School. Inside the vehicle, Jiang Feng instructed, "We will take this car to the train station, then board a train to leave the base city for the wilderness zone military base. This is your first venture into the wilderness zone. You must exercise caution, for there are not only beasts to contend with, but also humans."
"Yes, I understand, Captain," Wong Yi replied, a chill running through him. The wilderness zone was fraught with peril where not only monsters lurked but also the ever-present threat of malevolence from humanity. After all, there were no laws to govern conduct in the wilderness zone. It was not uncommon for martial artists to engage in deadly skirmishes there for various reasons. Everyone was acutely aware of this reality.