Returning Early

Ning Ze cleaned up the monster's remains.

Yang Chao and the others, who had been watching from afar, also ran over.

Zuo Xingyuan said sourly, "Not bad, kid. You actually handled it. Has your movement technique reached the 'Microscopic Level'?"

"It's just a shame about the cat monster's fur. It was worth some money, but now it's covered in sword marks. It's not even worth as much as cat claws."

Ning Ze flashed a brilliant smile. "I have to thank Uncle Zuo for finding me such a great opponent. It was excellent, though later on it didn't feel very difficult anymore, so I could only practice for a little while."

"This cat fur is very soft. I wasn't planning to sell it. I'm going to have someone make gloves for my little sister from it, and turn the Crimson Horned Horse hide into a bag for my mom."

Zuo Xingyuan grinned and said irritably, "No matter how strong you are, can you handle one?"

Ning Ze gave a sheepish laugh.

Yang Chao said with a wide smile, "This morning, when I saw that desperate look in your eyes, like you were starving for a fight, I knew you weren't ordinary. I just didn't expect you to give us such a huge surprise. A nineteen-year-old martial artist with Microscopic Level movement technique—your talent ranks among the best in all of Yangzhou City."

Zhang Chen's eyes shone brightly as he said in a deep voice, "Microscopic Level movement technique is more precious than physical talent!"

Xu Liang smiled and agreed. "That's right. Microscopic Level movement technique is combat talent. This is a combat genius, far stronger than someone with mere physical talent."

As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Zuo Xingyuan. The regret in his eyes seemed to say: This one may be an Intermediate Warlord, but unfortunately, his movement technique hasn't reached the Microscopic Level.

Zuo Xingyuan looked embarrassed. He cleared his throat twice and said, "Xiao Ze is outstanding. Being able to comprehend Microscopic Level movement technique is impressive, but you can't become arrogant. Your strength and speed are still weaknesses. No matter how good your movement technique is, it still needs strength and speed to support it. You should keep training hard and not aim too high."

"You even wanted to find something stronger just now. If it had been a real F-Class Shadow Cat Monster, you wouldn't even have had the chance to reach the Microscopic Level."

Ning Ze's heart trembled. He suppressed the joy in his heart. Just now, he really had wanted to find a higher-level monster to fight.

But if he deliberately put himself in a life-and-death situation, who could guarantee he would always survive?

If his movement technique had not already been on the verge of a breakthrough this time, he likely would have struggled in vain and ultimately needed Uncle Yang's rescue. If he risked his life training in the future without anyone to save him, there would only be one outcome: death.

He nodded solemnly. "Uncle Zuo, thank you. I'll stay vigilant."

Zuo Xingyuan regained his confidence as an elder. "Since your movement technique has reached the Micro-level, let's head back and let you get used to it."

Ning Ze refused. "I feel that I'm already very proficient with my movement technique. I don't need further practice."

The moment he said that, everyone turned to look at Ma Yu with strange expressions.

Back then, this man had spent a month practicing, then another two months adapting before he could fully unleash the combat strength he should have had!

The corner of Ma Yu's mouth twitched slightly. Could that possibly be the same?

These idiots hadn't even reached the Micro-level in movement technique. What the hell did they know?

Zuo Xingyuan smoothed things over. "Brother Ning probably didn't expect your talent to be this exceptional. The Spirit Rhino Hundred Steps and Gale Sword Art you practice are fairly practical, but they're no longer good enough for your talent."

"Young people can't afford to waste their talent. When we get back this time, your main task will be to switch to better Secret Manuals."

At this point, Zuo Xingyuan's eyes were filled with excitement.

Yang Chao and the others also seemed to think of something. They exchanged glances, and everyone became a little excited.

They had originally thought he was just a rookie junior. Who would have thought Boss Ning's son was actually a genius!

On his first trip into the Wilderness Area, his movement technique had already reached the Microscopic Level. What kind of outrageous talent was that?

They had lived and died together for so many years. Their bond ran incredibly deep. When one prospered, they all prospered; when one suffered, they all suffered. If one rose to greatness, even his chickens and dogs would ascend to heaven!

As long as he stayed alive, how far could Ning Ze go?

Ning Ze's expression froze slightly, and then he fell silent.

What proper martial artist didn't train a Sword Art or Movement Technique to perfection, raise their own realm, and only then cultivate more powerful Secret Manuals?

If someone started straight away with a powerful Secret Manual, then sure, the Secret Manual itself would be strong—but if the user couldn't learn it or bring out its power, what use was it?

A person needed to know their own limits. His comprehension had previously been fairly good, but if he tried to cultivate Secret Manuals on the level of World Destroyer, Nine Heavens Thunder Blade, or Phantom Seven Absolute Sword, then assuming he didn't die, he might need several years just to master the First Form, completely missing the prime years for cultivation.

By then, even regret would be useless.

Now, it was the opposite. Low-level Secret Manuals had become the limit on his progress.

"I'll listen to all of you, uncles. But if we go back now, we only just came out today. I've caused all of you some trouble."

Zuo Xingyuan waved a hand indifferently. "What trouble? It's just the Wilderness Area. Think of it as coming out for a stroll."

"Come on, let's go back now. If it's hot, then it's hot. We can just drink more water. We're heading back anyway, and our supplies are plentiful."

Ning Ze smiled helplessly. Everyone wanted to return, and he didn't want to spoil their mood.

Originally, he had wanted to practice his Sword Art. The foundation of his Gale Sword Art was now 985/1000. Although it had not improved as quickly as his movement technique, it had still risen somewhat.

He wanted to experience the power of Gale Sword Art at the specialized level.

But on second thought, he would be able to cultivate those legendary Secret Manuals once he got back. His heart began to pound with excitement as well.

Those were the things he had once given up on...

They had come unhurriedly, yet now they hurried back.

Even when he had followed the martial artist squad's uncles into the Wilderness Area, facing monsters had repeatedly left his whole body icy cold and his hairs standing on end, as though he might die the next second. Even life itself had seemed cold.

When he returned to the Base City and saw the majestic city walls towering dozens of meters high before him, Ning Ze felt profound peace in his heart.

Just then, a squad of martial artists happened to walk out through the city gate. The tall, thin middle-aged man leading them smiled.

"Savage Blade, Ghost Blade, didn't you only head out last night? Don't tell me this kid got so scared he didn't dare stay in the Wilderness Area?"

Savage Blade was Zuo Xingyuan's codename, while Ghost Blade was Ma Yu's. Martial artists who possessed codenames either had exceptionally impressive achievements or had roamed for many years and become widely known.

The Warfire Squad had two Warlord-level powerhouses and possessed extremely strong survival abilities. Ma Yu had also previously served as captain, and his personality was cautious enough.

After more than ten years of adventuring, they had become quite famous. Other than Ning Ze, everyone else had a codename.

Seeing an acquaintance, Zuo Xingyuan grinned mysteriously. "More or less. Twin Swallows Blade, where are you headed this time?"

Ma Yu and the others remained calm. A genius had joined their squad—how could they reveal that?

Not even to close friends.

After all, a genius who had not yet grown up was only a genius.

Once Ning Ze's strength rose, he would naturally make a name for himself. It would not be too late to let people know then.

The tall, thin middle-aged man known as Twin Swallows Blade found this strange. He casually replied, "The usual place. We know it better there, so it's safer."

Then he narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively, "Is this kid Golden Fire Bear's son? I saw him in the city's supply station just now, and he had a grim expression."

Traveling through the Wilderness Area relied on running on foot. Some people took trains or planes across great distances to other cities to hunt monsters, and supply stations were located at the city's entrances and exits.

"Cough, cough!"

Zuo Xingyuan coughed twice in succession, then corrected him. "What Golden Fire Bear? Boss Ning's codename is Gilded Blade!"

Ning Ze froze upon hearing that, his eyes suddenly widening into circles.

Gilded Blade? That was his father!

Why did other people call him Golden Fire Bear?

What kind of ridiculous name was that?

Twin Swallows Blade said with a smile, "Back then, when Gilded Blade's leg was crippled, weren't you the one yelling while drunk, 'Boss has become a bear! Boss has become a bear! What will happen to our Warfire Squad?'"

Zuo Xingyuan quickly waved his hands and shouted guiltily, "Go, go, go! If you're leaving, then hurry up! Aren't you afraid of dying from the heat while traveling in broad daylight?"

After saying that, he quickly headed into the city.

Twin Swallows Blade said smugly, "No need for you to worry about that. There's a Military Base over there, and it has a supply station."

Ning Ze entered the city with a strange expression. He felt that if his father's leg had not been injured, he would probably have chopped the captain to death!

A perfectly good Gilded Blade had become Golden Fire Bear. Martial artists cared about reputation and dignity. That blow was no less severe than breaking a leg.

Just like now, as soon as they entered the city, they saw a tall man standing there, one meter eighty-five in height.

He wore a T-shirt and long pants. Muscles like coiling dragons seemed ready to burst through his shirt, while the lower half of his right leg was a gilded mechanical prosthetic.

A cluster of short black hair on his head made him look resolute. Yet the flesh on his face was bunched together, making him seem somewhat ferocious, nothing like the iron-blooded righteousness depicted on the squad emblem.

At a glance, Ning Ze knew his father was angry!

He asked quietly, "Uncle Zuo, did you tell my dad? Why did he come here?"

Xu Liang smiled. "I told him."

Ning Ze nodded and said in a low voice, "Looks like I'm getting beaten again at home."

Xu Liang gave a meaningful smile.

"You're back?" Ning Hua's expression was rather unpleasant. With an apologetic look, he said, "This brat has really disgraced our Warfire Squad. When we get home, I'll train him properly. Once he's qualified, I'll let him hunt monsters with you again."

Without giving anyone else the chance to speak, Ning Hua let out a furious roar. "You little bastard, get over here! You came back in less than a day? Just wait until we get home and see how I deal with you!"

"Cough, cough."

"Actually, Xiao Ze isn't bad."

Zuo Xingyuan offered an explanation, then added seriously, "But he really does need some proper tempering right now. Boss Ning, if you have any trouble, just tell us."

Xu Liang also chimed in, "Let Xiao Ze cultivate at home for a while first. Once he's adapted, he can head out with us again. Boss Ning, you'll have to work hard during this period."

Ma Yu put it simply. "Tell us if there's trouble."

Yang Chao said with a smile, "Right. Xiao Ze has been improving quite quickly."

Even the quiet Zhang Chen added, "Bring him next time."

Ning Hua looked ashamed and made another round of assurances. The meaning was clear: the next time they met, he would definitely return a different Ning Ze to them.

After that, Ning Hua turned and barked, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and thank your uncles!"

Ning Ze frowned. He had the nagging feeling that something was off.

They had originally planned to go home and surprise his father, but now he found the situation strange.

His father seemed to think he was no good?

"Thank you, uncles. I'll definitely work hard at cultivation at home."

Ning Ze received a kick in the backside, and Ning Hua stormed off after turning around.

Ning Ze silently followed behind him. When he turned back, Zuo Xingyuan and the others were all secretly laughing, their eyes faintly filled with satisfaction.

Had he seen wrong?

What exactly had they told his father?

Forget it. No point thinking about it. He would know after they fought at home.

Watching the two leave, Zuo Xingyuan burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha!"

The others all laughed as well.

"This kid reached the Microscopic Level in movement technique on his first trip into the Wilderness Area. I nearly thought I'd spent all these years living like a dog."

Zuo Xingyuan's eyes were full of delight after saying that.

It was too miserable. He was an Intermediate Warlord, yet his movement technique had not reached the Microscopic Level, while a rookie had caught up to him.

A smile played at Ma Yu's lips as he turned and asked, "What did you send Boss Ning?"

The smile on Xu Liang's square face froze. He shook his head and sighed heavily. "Sigh!"

"Boss, we're heading back today. You should have Xiao Ze train properly. He really won't do hunting monsters in the Wilderness Area like this!"

Then he made a click gesture, signaling the end of the video.

With a bitter expression, as though he were about to cry, he said, "Comparing people really kills people. This is too much of a blow! Let him finish training before coming back out. If he has talent, show it all at once. Stop tormenting us over and over again. If I keep watching him break through again and again, I feel like even my Martial Path heart won't remain firm." Then his expression hardened. "I didn't send the part after that. I'm thinking of sending it tomorrow, so this kid gets a proper beating."

For a moment, everyone didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Xu Liang's acting was too realistic. Thinking of the difference in talent truly chilled them to the bone. They all hoped Ning Ze would get a thorough lesson. They could not let that kid get too pleased with himself!

Yang Chao shook his head and asked, "Where are we going next?"

Zuo Xingyuan gritted his teeth. "Area 012! Damn it, a bunch of grown men got shaken up by a rookie. If we don't work hard, I feel like he'll surpass us after I bring him out only a few more times."

"We'll rest today and replenish supplies. We'll leave tomorrow night."

Ma Yu suggested, "Let's be steady. Area 012 is too dangerous for us, and we aren't familiar with it. We don't know when that kid will finish cultivating either. Don't let him rest up while we end up in poor condition."

Zuo Xingyuan sighed. The older one became, the slower cultivation progressed. Charging forward bravely did not mean throwing one's life away. Only by surviving was there hope. Wherever they went, they would still be killing monsters.

"Then let's go to Area 022. It's fairly dangerous for us, but still acceptable."

Ma Yu nodded. "That works."

Zhang Chen said in a deep voice, "Investigate the Poison Wolf Squad's movements. After this operation ends, replace that batch of scouts from last time."

Ma Yu's face darkened. "I'll handle it. Sooner or later, we'll deal with them!"

Zuo Xingyuan gave a mocking laugh. "They dared to scheme against us back then and caused Boss Ning to lose a leg. If they learned about Ning Ze's talent, they'd probably be terrified."

"If the martial arts hall supervisor hadn't stepped in to mediate back then, we would have taken revenge long ago. It won't be too late to avenge ourselves once Xiao Ze grows stronger!" Xu Liang's face turned vicious.

Ma Yu frowned. "We can't be careless. Poison Wolf recruited two tough opponents. They've also made plenty of dirty money over the years by robbing martial artist materials. They now have four Warlords. Even if two relied on Gene Potions, their combat strength can't be underestimated."

"Enough. Today is a happy day, so let's not talk about them. Brothers, let's go have a good drink and get a comfortable night's sleep. Tomorrow, we'll adjust ourselves properly and head into the Wilderness Area." Zuo Xingyuan said.

The Warfire Squad went off happily to drink.

Ning Ze took the base's private vehicle back to his home in Bright Moon Residential Area.

After getting out of the vehicle, Ning Hua, just as he had on the road, silently walked ahead.

Ning Ze raised an eyebrow, sensing the calm before a storm.

Hearing the sound, a beautiful, elegantly dressed woman hurried out and called worriedly, "Xiao Ze, you're back? Are you hurt?"

Ning Hua brushed past her without saying a word. His desolate back looked exceptionally lonely.

Li Wan frowned and hurriedly turned to look. When she saw that Ning Ze had all his limbs intact, she sighed in relief and came to his side. "Couldn't you adapt?"

Ning Ze smiled faintly. "Mom, don't worry. I'm fine! The reason we came back this time is a little unusual." As he spoke, his eyes glanced toward the doorway.

Faintly, he heard dull thuds from the floor. Someone was sprinting.

Sure enough, just as Li Wan was about to say something, Ning Hua returned. With a bang, he kicked the door open, gripping a gilded broadsword as he roared with overwhelming force, "You little bastard, you're fine my ass! All you know is how to sweet-talk your mother. You went out and embarrassed yourself, then got sent back in less than a day. Today, I'll teach you a proper lesson! Get upstairs with me!"

Li Wan's eyes were filled with worry, but she said nothing.

Indulgence was slow poison.

Being beaten a few more times now versus her son dying outside in the future—Li Wan knew which was worse.

Ning Ze narrowed his eyes and forcefully spat out one word. "Fine!"