A Wager

The two strolled through the campus.

Shu Yi teased, "So, mighty warrior, how does it feel to be back at school again? Anything special?"

Ning Ze shook his head.

"Not really."

"Hm? Nothing?"

Shu Yi was somewhat surprised. She had heard that people who returned from the Wilderness Area were often filled with emotion.

Even those who took part in the school warrior squads' trials were the same. Having witnessed the remnants of humanity's vanished civilizations and experienced the laws of survival in the wilderness, entering the Wilderness Area once was like undergoing a baptism.

Ning Ze said seriously, "Whether it's the savage wilderness or the prosperous Base City, there's no difference to me. Wherever my heart is at peace is home, because you are there."

Having watched his mother be calmed by Ning Hua after countless furious outbursts, Ning Ze had gained some understanding.

Shu Yi froze slightly. Then, a dazzlingly brilliant smile slowly bloomed across her face, like a delicate night-blooming cereus in full blossom.

She gave a coquettish huff. "You really know how to sweet-talk me." The joy in her eyes was so deep it could not be dissolved.

Ning Ze shrugged and said calmly, "I'm only telling the truth, just like when I say I'm an unmatched genius."

"Fine, my great genius. How has your training been lately?" Shu Yi asked with a suppressed laugh.

"I'm nearly halfway through Intermediate Warrior. The next time I go into the wilderness, I won't say it'll be effortless, but there definitely won't be much danger."

"Nearly halfway through Intermediate Warrior?"

Shu Yi's large eyes were full of thought.

The strength range for an Intermediate Warrior was 2,000 kg to 4,000 kg.

Ning Ze had only become a warrior a little over a month ago. Before his assessment, his strength had been around 2,200 kg, so there was no way he could be close to 3,000 kg.

He had to be exaggerating. At the very least, he meant close to 2,500 kg, and 3,000 kg could also count as halfway through.

Even if the estimate was reduced further, if his strength had risen to 2,451 kg from around 2,300 kg, that was still a gain of 150 kg in a little over a month. In the future, he would at least become an Intermediate Warlord, perhaps even an Advanced Warlord.

That had been Ning Ze's talent in the past, and Shu Yi was already very satisfied with it.

She cautiously asked in a low voice, "Your strength is close to 2,500 kg?"

If he could gain 150 kg in a little over a month, then he could gain nearly 2,000 kg in a year. That kind of improvement was already enormous. It was not even August yet. He could reach Warlord level by twenty-two or twenty-three. That was not merely elite talent; that was genius-level talent!

Even at that level, Shu Yi felt he was boasting a little.

Ning Ze said calmly, "I'm almost at 2,900 kg." After training all night yesterday and another hour on the train, he had gained another 45 kg. Others calculated their growth by the day; he could calculate his down to the minute!

"Liar." Shu Yi rolled her eyes, though the corners of her lips curled upward. She would not be fooled.

Ning Ze's eyes shifted, and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "Do you dare make a bet? You know what the reward is."

Shu Yi was a little stunned. He still dared to bet?

If he had really gained 700 kg in just over a month, he would become a Warlord within a year. While he was still young, he could quickly become a War God.

Did she not know her own boyfriend?

Understanding dawned on Shu Yi's face, and she readily agreed. "Fine! You're definitely lying to me. What if you lose?"

Ning Ze's eyes lit up as he said generously, "You can name any condition."

His attitude was exceptionally confident.

Shu Yi felt a little uneasy. She carefully examined that handsome face, and when her gaze fell upon his rosy lips, her own face turned red.

She raised a hand to brush back the hair before her forehead and changed the subject. "Where are we going today? You're going back this afternoon, right?"

"I train so I can spend time with you without worries. Right now, I'm spending time with you, so I can skip that training step for now. I'll take the last train back." Ning Ze rephrased what he was really thinking. This was a trick he had learned from his father. In truth, his original intention was simple: he just wanted to do something naughty.

Shu Yi looked at him with amusement and rested her head against his familiar shoulder. "I'll let you pass. Next time you go to the Wilderness Area, no matter what, send me a message. It only takes a few seconds. Even if it's brief, that's fine."

"Okay!"

Ning Ze answered without hesitation.

Warriors were honored and even enjoyed privileges, but such favorable treatment in daily life only made them more comfortable.

The reason was that warrior families had to endure pain and pressure that ordinary people could not imagine.

When he was young, he had often waited at home for his father to return. He would never forget that feeling, nor would he forget the anxiety and worry on his mother's face.

The neighboring families had also witnessed scenes of life and death, of permanent farewells.

The last time Ning Hua returned, it was to have his limb amputated at the hospital. Ning Ze had been ten then, old enough to understand.

He knew very well what his girlfriend went through whenever he entered the Wilderness Area.

The two walked quietly through the campus, savoring the feeling of having each other by their side.

Suddenly, the roar of an engine came from the distance, rumbling like rolling thunder.

"Vroom! Vroom!"

"Screech!"

The sound drew closer, followed by a sharp braking noise. A sleek supercar drifted to a stop beside them.

Under the sunlight, its glossy black body looked heavy and imposing, like a beast crouching on the ground.

On the right side, the entire car window opened like a wing.

Black leather shoes stepped onto the ground as a young man wearing sunglasses emerged. He wore suit trousers below and a white shirt patterned with golden lines above, while holding a large bouquet of vivid, full roses.

Zhai Yanko wore a natural smile at the corners of his lips. He removed his sunglasses, revealing a handsome face, then walked over elegantly and offered the bouquet.

"Little Yi, these are for you."

Ning Ze was furious inside. This bastard really had come. A teasing smile appeared on his lips as he said, "You called her Little Aunt, so why didn't you call me Uncle?"

Shu Yi covered her mouth and laughed, showing no intention of accepting the flowers.

Zhai Yanko narrowed his eyes and said with an exaggerated expression, "Isn't this the mighty warrior who dropped out of our school? I heard that after you came back, you spent a week recuperating at home? The Wilderness Area is truly terrifying. Why weren't you more careful?"

Ning Ze nodded in deep agreement. "It is pretty dangerous. If you don't dare go, that's fine. No one will call you trash."

Zhai Yanko clenched the bouquet tightly, veins bulging on his forehead. He suppressed his anger and said with a half-smile, "Your strength hasn't improved much, but your mouth has gotten sharper."

Ning Ze lifted his chin slightly, his expression arrogant as he ordered, "If there's nothing else, get lost. A good dog doesn't block the road. Stop acting up in front of us!"

Zhai Yanko was furious. His eyes turned gloomy as he said in a low voice, "You want me to move aside? Then let's settle this with our fists!"

"A defeated opponent like you thinks he deserves to say that?"

Ning Ze tightened his arm slightly around Shu Yi's waist, preparing to lead her around him.

Shu Yi was puzzled. Had he not said earlier that he wanted to teach this guy a lesson? Why was he leaving in the blink of an eye? That was not Ning Ze's style.

Zhai Yanko was stunned. When had this man ever feared a fight? Zhai Yanko had always been the one getting beaten. Yet now Ning Ze was leaving?

"Coward. Looks like the Wilderness Area scared you senseless. Don't tell me your injuries haven't healed yet? No wonder you can only win with your tongue. I'll let you off this time!"

Ning Ze's arm around Shu Yi tightened slightly. He felt like he was about to lose patience, but how could he let this guy off so easily? He decided to endure a little longer.

Sure enough, as he watched the two gradually walk away, Zhai Yanko became anxious.

He had become a warrior slightly later, but his talent was better. He had gained 1,600 kg of strength, 400 kg more than Ning Ze.

He was confident that this time, he could definitely defeat Ning Ze.

How could he let them just leave?

With a flash, Zhai Yanko appeared before them again and said in a deep voice, "Ning Ze, don't tell me you're afraid?"

"If you're afraid, then as long as you stop pestering Shu Yi, I'll let you go."

"Ha ha ha!"

Ning Ze threw back his head and laughed, shaking his head as he said, "As expected of a young master from a corporation. Your skin is truly thick."

"You really dare say anything."

"Have you never looked in a mirror? You don't even know you're a mangy dog."

"Fine. I won't cling to Xiao Guai."

Ning Ze released Shu Yi and stepped away from her, then grabbed her arm and pulled her back. He asked in confusion, "Huh? Why did you come back again?"

He stepped away from her once more, then spun Shu Yi around and pulled her into his arms.

"You left. Then you came back."

Shu Yi pursed her lips in a smile and shot Ning Ze a reproachful look, but she did not refuse. She spun around as if dancing, her skirt fluttering like a beautiful butterfly in flight.

"Enough messing around. Let's stay farther away from this mangy dog."

Ning Ze put his arm around Shu Yi again and turned to leave once more.

Watching their backs, Zhai Yanko's face turned black.

He had pursued Shu Yi for years. Perhaps he liked her a little, but what he felt more was hatred. Ning Ze was his true enemy.

"What do you want?"

Ning Ze stopped, turned around with a derisive laugh, and scolded, "You're already this old, yet you still haven't improved. What's the point of playing around with fights? Don't you know to add some stakes?"

Zhai Yanko narrowed his eyes, turned his gaze toward Shu Yi, and pointed at her. "Then let's use her as the wager!"

A cold gleam flashed in Shu Yi's eyes, and rage surged through her heart.

Ning Ze cursed, "Fuck you! Go eat shit!"

He had already made up his mind. In a moment, he would definitely teach this bastard a proper lesson!

Zhai Yanko's expression did not change after being cursed, though he felt a trace of regret.

"What stakes? You name them."

Ning Ze considered it briefly before saying, "The two of us will fight fairly. If you win, I'll give you ten million. If you lose, you give me twenty million."

Shu Yi moved closer to him. Clearly, she was worried about the fight. Ning Ze gently patted her arm in reassurance.

Zhai Yanko fell silent for a moment before agreeing directly.

"Fine!"

He had been the one who wanted to fight in the first place. Perhaps Ning Ze wanted to beat him up too, but since he had proposed the duel first, paying double the price was only fair.

A smile appeared on Ning Ze's lips.

He was poor. He only had one million Huaxia Coin in total, and the only warrior gear he had bought was a backpack and a Communication Watch.

He could earn money just by going out, and earn it from an enemy at that. Was there anything more wonderful?

As for losing, that was completely impossible. Even if he was weaker in raw strength, he firmly believed he would win!

When he had told Shu Yi earlier that he could beat him with one hand behind his back, he had been speaking the truth. Unfortunately, Shu Yi did not believe him.

Ning Ze said generously, "Shall we go to the Limitless Martial Arts School for an impartial witness, or the Thunderclap Martial Arts School? You can arrange it however you want!"

"Thunderclap Martial Arts Headquarters!"

"I hope you can still be this confident later!"

Zhai Yanko was excited, and a cold gleam flashed through his eyes. Once he had avenged his great grudge, there would be no reason for Ning Ze to continue existing! He suppressed his excitement and activated his communicator. "Yu San, have someone arrange a car to pick us up."

Ning Ze waved his hand. "No need. We'll go ourselves."

Zhai Yanko glanced at them, then did not insist. He turned and walked back toward the supercar, still clutching the bouquet of red roses.

The engine roared again, and within seconds, the car vanished from sight.

Ning Ze smiled and turned to Shu Yi. "Xiao Guai, let's go make some money."

Still worried, Shu Yi reminded him again, "I heard he stayed at the Quasi-Warrior level for several months. He had nearly 1,000 kg during his test, and after absorbing Cosmic Energy for the first time, he gained 1,600 kg. His strength is 2,600 kg. You..."

"What about me? Do you think I'll lose?"

Ning Ze wore a faint smile. "That won't do. You should have more confidence in your boyfriend."

Shu Yi's eyes became thoughtful. Ning Ze might be slightly weaker in raw strength, but strength did not completely represent combat ability. Ning Ze had never lost before.

"I believe in you! That guy is really underhanded. He actually chose Thunderclap Martial Arts Headquarters. Given the relationship between the two martial arts schools, even if you win, they may still have people give you trouble."

Ning Ze raised an eyebrow and said indifferently, "Perhaps. As long as there's money involved, I don't really mind how many people challenge me."

"Let's go. I can't wait to teach that bastard a lesson. Even if some genius defeats me afterward, I'll still have won ten million."

Thunderclap Martial Arts Headquarters.

A cylindrical building two hundred meters tall rose majestically into the sky. Looking up from below, the structure seemed to pierce the clouds.

As the headquarters of the Thunderclap Martial Arts School in Jiangnan Base City, almost everyone who could enter was a warrior.

At that moment, the martial arts school was buzzing with excitement. Upon hearing that someone from the Limitless Martial Arts School had come to challenge them, the warriors were fired up.

The two martial arts schools never lacked competition or duels. A ring had already been prepared, awaiting the arrival of the challenger.

Zhai Yanko's supercar was extremely fast. He had changed into training clothes and stood quietly on the stage, waiting.

He had looked forward to this battle for a long time.

Becoming a warrior was only the beginning of true strength.

In order to erase his past losses after reaching the warrior level, he had even deliberately delayed becoming a warrior by a month.

Unfortunately, Ning Ze did not play by the rules. The moment he reached Quasi-Warrior level, he immediately took the test and dropped out! It caught Zhai Yanko completely off guard.

The Base City's Quasi-Warrior tests and practical combat assessments were both held on the first day of each month. The eight districts rotated in groups of four. Even if he had changed districts to take the test, he would still have been delayed by a month.

Fortunately, Ning Ze had returned to the Base City after spending only one day in the Wilderness Area. As soon as Zhai Yanko received the news, he began planning this fight.

Fighting now was not too late.

Although he did not know why Ning Ze had returned so quickly, he was confident he would win this battle.

He had donated one hundred million to become a One-Star Citizen, allowing him to log into Limitless Home and study a top-tier Sword Technique. After half a month, he had gained some understanding. The Secret Manual he cultivated was surely stronger than Ning Ze's, and his strength also surpassed Ning Ze's.

Inside a luxuriously decorated VIP room on the second floor.

Four middle-aged men sat around a tea table, discussing the warrior assessment on August 1st.

"This warrior assessment is being held by our four districts. Have any of you recruited any talented prospects?" asked a burly man with a powerful build.

"No." The man who spoke wore a black Combat Suit and had a somewhat thin build. His face was stern, making him look rather sinister.

"None on my side either." A square-faced middle-aged man spread his hands and added helplessly, "Talented warriors aren't so easy to recruit. There are only around twenty in an entire year, and those people from the Limitless Martial Arts School compete with us for them too. If we can get even one in our meetings every two months, that's already good enough."

There was a large black mole on his face. If Ning Ze were here, he would certainly recognize him as Pu Nan, whom he had met on the train.

After the three finished speaking, there was no response. They turned to look, only to see a middle-aged man with a large head and thick neck lowering his head with a secret smile while saying insincerely, "None on my side either."

A black line immediately appeared across the three men's foreheads.

Pu Nan said unhappily, "What, do you think we'd steal him from you?" His expression became animated as he continued, "Come on, tell us. Did you recruit some impressive genius? We have to suppress those guys from the Limitless Martial Arts School!"

The big-headed, thick-necked middle-aged man laughed heartily. "I did recruit a genius. His name is Wan Dong. He's nineteen years old, and his strength increased by 2,200 kg after absorbing Cosmic Energy for the first time. I was originally going to bring him to meet Supervisor Wang Heng, but the supervisor is busy, so I came over to chat with you instead."

"Nineteen! That's young enough!"

"A gain of 2,200 kg on the first time is a good prospect. Old Zhang, you really got lucky this time! The instructors didn't even bring him directly over before you could."

"Sigh, you can't blame the instructors below. Everyone lacks Contribution Points, so whenever they discover a good prospect, they bring them over directly. It's all about the same anyway, just a chance to show their face. Old Zhang keeps a close eye on things. If I remember correctly, he was also the one who brought over the genius discovered last time."

Old Zhang only smiled without speaking. His colleagues' envy put him in a very good mood. This was exactly what he wanted. Just as he was about to speak, faint commotion reached his ears. His expression froze as he asked, "What's going on? Who would dare cause trouble here?"

"The sound is coming from the first floor."

"Turn on the first-floor cameras."

The lights in the room dimmed slightly, and a projection appeared on one wall.

The first floor was packed with warriors, and one of the rings was surrounded by people.

At the entrance, a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman walked in.