Baiting with Himself

Tonight.

Was destined to be anything but peaceful.

City 103, once merely a small county town, had now gathered numerous Warlords.

They moved in silence, the night as their backdrop and beastly roars as their accompaniment.

"They're here!"

A suppressed cry rang out. The already tattered crimson curtains billowed in the fierce wind, and six proud figures appeared in the room. Under the bright moonlight, the areas near the ground gleamed with gilded brilliance.

"Dad," Ning Ze called.

Ning Hua stepped forward and placed a broad hand on Ning Ze's shoulder. "How has your training been these past few days? I heard you've improved quite a bit. Everyone here is an old acquaintance, so tell your uncles about it."

Ning Ze understood immediately. It could not have been easy for his father to invite the other five men. In the world of martial artists, that meant they were all stronger than Ning Hua, perhaps even stronger than Zuo Xingyuan.

So, he needed to help his father save face. Or rather, he needed to make these experts feel that Ning Ze was worth owing a favor to. Only then would they put in more effort.

He bowed slightly toward them and said respectfully, "Greetings, uncles. I was fortunate enough to barely cultivate Gale Sword Master to the First Layer these past few days."

Before the others could react, Ning Hua slapped the back of Ning Ze's head and barked, "Is that tiny bit of progress worth mentioning? Do you take us for people who haven't seen the world?"

At that, not only did the five invited experts look helpless, even the five members of the Warfire Squad struggled to hold back their laughter.

His words were scolding, but his expression could not have been prouder. The way he showed off was rather amusing.

Still, none of the invited Warlords were annoyed. Talent like this was worth taking seriously.

Ning Hua turned and raised a hand in introduction. "Today, I'll let you see your old man's connections. Everyone here is a renowned expert!"

"First, Chen Chong, known as Bloodthirsty Blade, an Advanced Warlord. And you think you're so impressive, kid? You're still wet behind the ears! You've probably never even heard of this man's reputation!"

"Uncle Chen!" Ning Ze greeted respectfully.

"Compared to you, Golden Fire Bear, this kid is much more pleasing to the eye." The voice was somewhat deep, and the words were full of teasing.

Ning Hua's expression did not change. Golden Fire Bear it was, then. He had been called a bear for nearly eight years and had long grown used to it. Today, he would show those bastards just how terrifying an enraged bear could be!

"The second is Wei Xin, known as Crescent Ghost, an Advanced Warlord..."

"The fifth is Shao Yang, known as Sun Sword, an Advanced Warlord. You should learn more from this senior. We're both in Yangzhou District, so visiting him will be convenient."

All five experts were Advanced Warlords, all martial artists from the Limitless Martial Arts School.

Ning Hua's preparations were thorough indeed. Victory was practically in hand. This force would stand out even in the Wilderness Area; even in a Base City, every one of them would be an influential figure. They might not shake a Base City with a stomp, but no Warlord squad could possibly assemble such a lineup.

"I will certainly seek more guidance from Uncle Shao," Ning Ze said, still as respectful as ever. Every person here was an expert.

"Enough with the pleasantries. They dared to strike at our Limitless Martial Arts School from the shadows, so we'll make sure they pay dearly!"

The speaker was Bloodthirsty Blade, the first Warlord Ning Hua had introduced. He was renowned even among Advanced Warlords. He had not come solely for Ning Hua's sake; more importantly, Director Dongfang had personally given the order. Since martial artists from the Thunderclap Martial Arts School wanted to play dirty, they would teach the Thunderclap Martial Arts School a lesson!

Ning Hua stopped being polite as well and said softly, "This time, the Thunderclap Martial Arts School was the one that acted dishonorably first. We had clearly agreed back then that neither side would make a move again..."

Those were merely words for the surface, meant to ease any discomfort among the experts present. They were all people of standing, after all. If this was truly just over some monster materials, it would be hard to justify.

Righteousness was no joke. So long as they had reason and evidence, even if they killed someone, the Thunderclap Martial Arts School would still have to send people over to apologize.

"We'll use sunrise as the deadline. They should have arrived long ago. If they haven't found us before sunrise, Savage Blade will go out for a stroll and make some noise."

"There may be other martial artist squads as well. If we can keep them here, we will. In any case, the martial artists of the Poison Wolf Squad must die!"

"There's no one! How can there be no one?"

Fei Ying was shocked. They had scouted the place during the day, but by nightfall, the people were gone.

"You aren't trying to deceive me, are you?"

Beside him, dangerous light flickered in Poison Wolf's eyes.

Fei Ying's cheek twitched hard. "I wouldn't deceive you over two hundred million Huaxia Coin."

"I'm certain they're still in this city, and they aren't far from here. Once we search tomorrow, we'll find them easily."

"That isn't what we agreed on. Telling us where they are is worth two hundred million. Seeing them is worth three hundred million." Poison Wolf wore a savage smile. Of course, he knew the Warfire Squad was in this city, but if he could pay less than five hundred million, why would he pay more?

Fei Ying's expression darkened as he discreetly glanced at the two unfamiliar men standing in the shadows. Poison Wolf had invited them, and each was at least a Mid-level Warlord, perhaps even a High-level Warlord.

Poison Wolf already had four Warlords under him. With these two, there were six Warlords in total.

In this situation, refusing was no joke. These people often hunted martial artists and stole their materials. If things went badly, all of them could end up dead here.

Fei Ying had made preparations beforehand, so he was not afraid that Poison Wolf would openly attack him. But since they had not found Ning Ze, he knew the reward would definitely be reduced. "Help you find them tomorrow, and you only need to pay me the remaining half."

Poison Wolf sneered. "Tomorrow, help me find them and take them out. If it goes smoothly, I'll give you one hundred million. If you can't find them..."

"Heh."

Fei Ying's expression turned utterly foul. What had originally been an easy job had become this because the people had vanished. Otherwise, they could have left directly.

Now, searching together with the Poison Wolf Squad was no different from seeking the tiger's skin. It was already too late to back out!

"Fine! Tomorrow, I'll definitely help you find them!"

That night.

City 103 was as it always was, filled with endless beastly roars.

When the first ray of morning sunlight fell upon the earth, a new day quietly began.

Once the sky had fully brightened, someone among the group that had begun searching early finally discovered traces of the Warfire Squad.

"At the thirty-three o'clock direction. Savage Blade is over there, luring monsters just like yesterday."

Poison Wolf frowned slightly and turned to look at Fei Ying, his meaning clear: explain.

"They had someone lure monsters yesterday, probably to temper Golden Fire Bear's son. It should be the same today," Fei Ying answered honestly.

A cruel smile appeared on Poison Wolf's lips. "Tempering is good! Very good! Come on, let's follow them and help him temper himself properly!"

The two groups continued onward until they reached a ruined bathhouse. Zuo Xingyuan was nowhere to be seen.

Poison Wolf frowned slightly, sensing that the situation was troublesome. They had said Golden Fire Bear's son was being tempered, yet there was not even a monster corpse in sight.

It was obvious there was a trap!

He turned with a smile and said, "Fei Ying, it's time for your people to take the stage."

Fei Ying's expression was ugly, but there was no other option. He could only force himself to go. Once the two enemy groups began fighting, they would flee.

He waved a hand, and the other four members of the Blood Eagle Squad raised no objections.

They began searching building by building.

In the distance, Ning Hua's brows were tightly furrowed. There was only one Blood Eagle Squad.

Since the enemy was searching so openly, the Poison Wolf Squad must have come as well. They just did not know where they were hiding.

If a squad of Warlord-level experts wanted to flee, they could not stop them at all. Wei Xin and the others would not keep chasing a few people through the Wilderness Area until they caught them. There was not that much hatred between them, and Ning Hua and Ning Ze did not have the status to make them risk their lives.

If they wanted revenge... it was actually simple. They only needed to lure them out. So long as the original Warfire Squad members appeared, the Blood Eagle Squad would certainly show up, and the Poison Wolf Squad would definitely reveal itself.

The problem was that Ning Ze had to go out as well...

Using his own son to draw out enemies lurking in the shadows—who knew what kind of people had come? If anything went wrong, the danger would be immense.

Ning Hua's face was full of conflict.

Everyone in the room understood the situation. The Warfire Squad members would not speak. Whatever choice was made, they could accept it. With Ning Ze around, they did not need to worry about revenge. During this period, they had become completely certain that Ning Ze would one day become a War God Level expert!

Sooner or later did not matter. Ning Hua could endure after losing the use of his leg, so they could endure as well.

The five invited experts also remained silent. Whether the matter succeeded or failed, they had already given face. The payment might be a little less, but experts like them did not lack that bit of money.

Though Ning Hua had invited them and Director Dongfang had spoken, they had also come for Ning Ze's sake. An S-rank genius who, if he survived, had a chance of becoming a War God.

Giving face at this time meant standing on the side of righteousness. It would benefit their reputations, and they would earn money. There was no way to lose!

"Dad, it's time for us to go out," Ning Ze said calmly.

Ning Hua frowned but said nothing.

"I think my current strength should be no weaker than yours," Ning Ze continued, a faint smile curling his lips.

Ning Hua's expression darkened, but he still remained silent.

"There's nothing to fear from a Blood Eagle Squad. They only have hidden sniper rifles, and those can only shoot stationary targets." Ning Ze's expression was extremely arrogant. "Why keep enemies around for the New Year? Since these people dared turn around and ambush us, they're seeking their own deaths!"

Ning Hua's mouth twitched. He turned to look at Zuo Xingyuan, closed his eyes, and tilted his head toward the outside.

His manner seemed to say: You're the captain now. Do whatever you want. I won't stop you. I can't control you anymore.

Zuo Xingyuan grinned and exchanged looks with the other members of the Warfire Squad. Cruel smiles spread across their faces. He looked at Ning Ze, then said in a deep voice, "Circle around from the side. Take care of that foul-mouthed bastard first. I remember he talked back to us!"

"Move out!"

At the command, everyone left through the room's door, circled around behind the building, and quietly approached the martial artist named Da Zhuang.

"Gilded Blade, you really did raise a fine son. Strictly speaking, this is his first time in the Wilderness Area, right? Tsk, tsk. His temperament and talent are both excellent. If he grows up, he has a strong chance of becoming a War God," Shao Yang said with undisguised praise.

"He has a martial artist's fighting spirit! At first, I was worried when I saw how polite and refined he was. Now I'm much more at ease." Another expert spoke up.

A smile appeared on Ning Hua's lips. This was the son he had raised for nineteen years!

He might appear gentle and refined on the surface, but that was merely his kind side. His son had never lacked a martial artist's fighting spirit, resilience, coldness, or ruthlessness. He could even strike freely against his own father—why would he hesitate against outsiders? His son was ruthless even toward himself!

"Bastards!"

A furious roar rang out in the distance. Fei Ying's eyes nearly split as he hurriedly shouted, "Regroup!"

Just a second ago, apart from Yang Chao, who had hidden himself to snipe, the other members of the Warfire Squad had snuck up and launched a surprise attack on Da Zhuang.

Two Warlords and three Advanced Warriors, launching an ambush—once they rushed in, people died. There was no chance to fight back.

"Savage Blade, you're courting death!"

"You're the one courting death!"

When enemies met, their eyes blazed with hatred. There was no need for more words as the two squads charged at one another.

In just three seconds, the two martial artist squads collided.

Zuo Xingyuan took the lead and charged straight toward Fei Ying. Like an enraged vajra, he roared, "Die!"

Ning Ze gripped his sword tightly and coordinated with Zhang Chen to attack a burly Advanced Warrior.

Just now, Zuo Xingyuan and Ma Yu had attacked at the same time, so he had not managed to claim a kill. By the time he got there, the man was already dead.

This kill had to be his.

As it happened, the martial artist was only guarding against Zhang Chen and had clearly ignored him.

A mocking smile appeared on Ning Ze's lips. Was this man looking down on him?

He thrust out with his sword. The martial artist casually dodged, but Ning Ze twisted his wrist and turned the thrust into a slash.

"So fast!"

The burly martial artist cried out, his eyes full of shock. It was one thing to suddenly change moves, but the speed was actually this fast!

He tried to raise his blade to block, but Zhang Chen was no pushover either and forcibly exchanged a blow with him.

Attacked from both sides at vital points, he was doomed. It was already too late to defend!

All he saw was a streak of silvery-white light. The next second, he felt a chill at his neck. He wanted to raise his hand, but he had completely lost control of his body.

His head hit the ground. He was still blinking as his consciousness slowed and slowed.

A smile curved Ning Ze's lips. It was his first time killing an enemy, yet he felt no discomfort whatsoever.

Living in Bright Moon Residential Area, he had seen plenty of partings by death since childhood. He had also seen people kick others while they were down.

Born into a martial artist family, he had understood the coldness of the martial artist world and the treachery of the human heart from a young age.

Last night, he had already prepared himself mentally.

Mercy toward enemies was cruelty toward oneself!

Since they were enemies, it was better to kill them early!

"Chaozi!"

Fei Ying was filled with hatred. They had already lured the people out, yet the Poison Wolf Squad martial artists still had not appeared.

Clearly, Poison Wolf was harboring the same plan as him. As long as the people died, Poison Wolf would not need to pay him!

"Retreat!"

The Blood Eagle Squad had already lost one person in the ambush, making it five against four.

Now that they had lost another, it was five against three. If they lost one more, forget about getting paid—even Fei Ying might not be able to escape.

Just as the Blood Eagle Squad members were preparing to flee, a piercing sound suddenly cut through the air.

Bang!

At the sound of the gunshot, everyone turned. By then, the bullet had already struck a martial artist in the head and exploded.

Blood mixed with white fluid splattered everywhere.

"Ah!"

Another pained cry rang out. The last remaining martial artist, fleeing in panic, had half his face sliced away by Ma Yu. Before his scream ended, Ma Yu's next strike slit his throat.

Fei Ying shouted in panic, "Poison Wolf!"

He had no other choice now. If he waited any longer, he was not sure whether he could escape. The battle had collapsed far too quickly!

"What useless trash!"

Inside an inn, Poison Wolf was deeply dissatisfied, but even more frightened.

He had witnessed Ning Ze killing that man. Ning Ze definitely possessed the strength of an Advanced Warrior, and this was only his second month as a martial artist!

"Make our move!"

In the direction Fei Ying was fleeing, seven martial artists appeared ahead.

The five members of the Warfire Squad did not press forward. They simply gathered together and advanced slowly.

The distance steadily narrowed until both sides stopped roughly fifty meters apart.

Poison Wolf looked at Ning Ze with cold eyes, bared his teeth in a grin, and asked, "You're Golden Fire Bear's son?"

After surveying the group, Ning Ze sneered. "Was that scar on your face cut by my dad?"

"Heh!"

"Hehehe!"

Poison Wolf lowered his head with a suppressed laugh. When he raised it again, his face was twisted with savagery. He growled, "Kill!"

At the same time, a furious roar came from afar: "Poison Wolf!"

Poison Wolf's expression froze as he looked toward the sound.

Amid the ruins of a distant building, an eight-foot-tall, towering figure approached slowly. A majestic gilded broadsword radiated unmatched dominance, while his pure gold prosthetic limb reflected the morning light. His face was stern and unyielding, forged in blood and iron.