Director Dongfang

Ning Hua frowned. "Your sword was damaged?"

"Yes. It was damaged when I clashed with an Advanced Beast General." Ning Ze looked troubled.

Weapons were simply too expensive. A Model A9, also known as S-grade for monsters, still cost 1.5 billion Huaxia Coin even at half price. It was meant for fighting Advanced Lords.

Considering how quickly his strength was increasing, he would soon possess War God-level power. By then, he would inevitably be fighting Beginner Lords and Intermediate Lords.

The Model A8 corresponded to Intermediate Lords, but it would sustain minor damage in battle. He still needed the sturdier Model A9, or it would not last long after he bought it.

There was less need to worry about a Combat Suit. His fivefold Force Generation only made him equal to monsters. If he was truly hit, he would probably be dead or badly injured. A Combat Suit could not provide absolute defense. He could buy a cheaper one, enough to prevent him from being injured by lesser monsters while surrounded.

"Which model weapon do you want to buy?"

"A9. Could you help me contact Chief Instructor Wu Tong? Someone else can purchase the weapon for me, but my contribution level is only two stars, so I can't receive the half-price discount."

"Model A9? Are you sure?" Ning Hua's gaze was full of scrutiny. An A9, S-grade Light Swan Sword corresponded to a High-level War God!

Ning Ze nodded again. "I really need an A9 Light Swan Sword."

Hearing this, Ning Hua fell silent. His entire household did not even possess 1.5 billion Huaxia Coin. By now, there was almost nothing he could do to help Ning Ze.

"Fine. You decide. I'll contact Wu Tong, and you can transfer the money to him then."

After discussing the matter, the two went downstairs together. Even from the staircase, they could hear the cheerful laughter of three women.

"What are you talking about? What's making you so happy?" Ning Hua asked loudly.

Li Wan turned around, rose while holding Shu Yi's shoulder, and said with a beaming smile, "How about having our son marry Xiao Guai within the next two months?"

Ning Hua was slightly startled, then immediately nodded with a smile. "Getting married early is good too. He can cultivate with peace of mind."

They could not just have their son cultivate without ever finding himself a woman. Cultivation did not require him to remain a virgin, after all.

Being in love was the most taxing thing on one's state of mind. Marriage would make things more stable.

Ning Ze raised his brows in surprise and looked downstairs.

Shu Yi lowered her head, secretly glancing in his direction.

Her flushed little face was exceptionally beautiful, and her radiant smile bloomed like an epiphyllum. It was clear how delighted she was inside.

Their eyes met. Shu Yi's gaze was full of smugness, mixed with a touch of shyness.

Ning Ze had no idea about the pressure Shu Yi had been under. He truly had not expected this girl to actually dare do it!

"Son, what do you think?"

Li Wan shifted her gaze toward him, her eyes faintly carrying a hint of threat. She had already settled things on her side. If he was unwilling, how much would that hurt the girl? Wouldn't all her effort have been wasted?

When it came to their children's marriages, parents always became exceptionally proactive—and overwhelmingly pressuring.

Ning Ze stared at Shu Yi. At that moment, she was breathtakingly beautiful! His mind went a little hazy, and scenes from their time together flashed rapidly through his mind like a slideshow.

They had known each other for more than ten years. Calling them childhood sweethearts would not be an exaggeration. They had officially been together for four years, and her figure had long since been engraved in his heart. He had already decided that this girl would be his wife, his lifelong companion.

A delighted smile curled at the corner of his lips.

Marriage?

That did not sound bad.

He truly no longer had as much energy as he did in school to keep her company, nor did he have as much time to travel to see her.

Bringing her straight home would be wonderful! He could protect her too.

It was indeed time for them to finally be together.

"If Xiao Guai has no objections, then I'll listen to you."

His mother had put in so much effort. He had to give her the right to cast the deciding vote, so she could feel more accomplished.

Upon hearing his affirmative answer, Shu Yi looked at Ning Ze with delight in her eyes. Then boundless shyness surged up within her. She had proposed marriage today! She simply buried her head against her chest. This bad man had been urged by his family to marry, yet he had never told her. Otherwise, she would not have suffered so much before. Now, they were finally getting married! An intense sense of happiness filled her heart, and glistening tears shimmered in her eyes.

Li Wan was overjoyed and nearly agreed on the spot. But the girl was right there, so she still had to ask her face-to-face. "Xiao Guai, Auntie approves of this marriage. What do you think?"

"I'll listen to Auntie too."

Shu Yi could barely lift her head as she replied in a muffled voice. Her voice was so soft, like a little bee's buzz. Li Wan would not have heard it clearly if she had not been so close.

"Xiao Guai agrees? That's wonderful! In a while, have Xiao Ze accompany you home, then discuss it with your parents."

Hearing this, Ning Ze hurriedly said, "Mom, I'm afraid today isn't convenient. The Shu Family has run into a small problem. Dad and I will ask around. If it's resolved in a couple of days, I'll go over and discuss this matter then, all right?"

Li Wan froze and looked down at Shu Yi. Shu Yi had not told her about this.

"What problem?"

"It's related to the company."

"Then we'll wait a couple of days." Li Wan's excited expression dimmed considerably. She had thought she could settle everything quickly and bring her daughter-in-law home right away. Who knew she would have to wait two more days?

"I'm going to the main city district to see Director Dongfang." With that, Ning Hua headed outside.

"What is your dad going there for?" Li Wan asked.

"To ask about the special training, and to ask about Xiao Guai's family." After replying, Ning Ze revealed a curious smile. "Mom, I'll leave Xiao Guai to you all. I'm going to cultivate."

"Fine, go ahead." Li Wan answered casually and sat back down.

Shu Yi had never delayed his cultivation. They merely exchanged a glance, and she gave him a radiant smile. Her eyes seemed to say, Go ahead. I'm fine.

That afternoon.

A little after two o'clock.

Ning Hua arrived at Limitless Headquarters in the main city district of Jiangnan Base City.

It was a sprawling compound. Beyond the extended silver-white walls stood a towering dark-blue skyscraper.

Four enormous characters were displayed on the skyscraper's exterior, clear even from several kilometers away—Limitless Martial Arts School!

This was the headquarters of the Limitless Martial Arts School in Jiangnan Base City. The chairman and three directors of the Limitless Martial Arts School's Four Giants were all here.

Entering through the main gate in the wall, Ning Hua made his way familiarly to the villa district before stopping in front of an old-fashioned villa. This villa occupied an enormous area, even larger than an ordinary branch martial arts school in Yangzhou District.

Four fully armed soldiers stood at the entrance, heads held high and gazes sharp.

When Ning Hua approached, one soldier swiftly turned around. "What business do you have with Director Dongfang?"

Ning Hua cupped his hands politely. "My name is Ning Hua. I am a Branch Master of the Limitless Martial Arts School in Yangzhou District. I previously reported a genius, and Director Dongfang said I could come report any developments at any time. That genius has made progress, and I would like to ask whether he has reached the required standard."

"Very well. Please wait a moment while I report this."

With that, the soldier turned and walked inside.

Less than a minute later, he came back out. "The director requests that you enter."

"Thank you for the trouble."

"No problem."

Past the east gate was a small courtyard. The flowerbeds around it were filled with blooms in every shade, and the surroundings were exceptionally quiet.

At the innermost building, the soldier reported, "Lord Dongfang, Ning Hua has arrived."

"Come in."

The voice was crisp, and hearing it immediately brought to mind an open and forthright face.

Ning Hua nodded to the soldier and pushed the door open. A faint tea fragrance greeted him, and he quickly called out, "Director."

Before him, a man who looked to be a young adult sat at a tea table. His face was clean and refined, and his pale golden formal clothes lent him an air of nobility. His movements as he poured tea were elegant, and amid the curling mist, he cut an extraordinary figure.

"Come in. Don't stand there. Sit."

Director Dongfang set down the teapot and naturally invited Ning Hua to sit across from him.

Ning Hua's eyes were excited, though his expression was somewhat conflicted. "Director, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to sit."

Director Dongfang shook his head and chuckled. "If you're not here to drink tea with me, then why did you come inside?"

The implication was clear: if he was not going to sit, he might as well leave. He was drinking tea, so Ning Hua should not interrupt him.

"Then... I'll sit."

Ning Hua promptly sat down across from him.

It was no wonder he was being so cautious. The Four Giants of the Limitless Martial Arts School represented the entire school. Even if they only possessed High-level Warlord strength, their connections certainly reached War Gods.

War God-level experts would not personally involve themselves in administration. Most of them held idle positions so as not to interfere with their cultivation.

There were five nations, but only two top martial arts schools. With the Limitless Martial Arts School being so vast, it naturally had countless affairs to handle. That was why Advanced Warlords were chosen to manage such matters.

"I received word earlier that Ning Ze should have cultivated Gale Sword Master to the Second Layer. Did you come to ask about special training?"

"Yes, sir. Your insight is truly remarkable. I did indeed come to ask on my son's behalf." Ning Hua flattered him before admitting it directly.

Director Dongfang nodded slightly. Thinking of the timing, his brows drew together. "Since you're here, I'll contact a War God at headquarters and ask."

Ning Hua's face showed astonishment. He was contacting a War God directly! Then delight filled his eyes as he said somewhat awkwardly, "Director, wouldn't that be inconvenient?"

"He should be quite free right now." Director Dongfang smiled softly and initiated the communication.

Buzz!

A beam of light from the table projected onto the opposite wall. The image gradually cleared, revealing a scene inside a hot spring.

"Mr. Wu," Director Dongfang greeted politely.

Beside the bath pool was a young, handsome-looking man with a slim build. He asked lazily, "Dongfang, are you contacting me about another genius?" As he spoke, he opened his eyes. Upon seeing the two of them, his expression paused and he sat upright. "There's someone else?"

Ning Hua respectfully greeted him, "Lord Wu."

"Oh? Someone had already come looking for you?" Director Dongfang was somewhat surprised. "This is that genius's father. He is also a Branch Master of our Limitless Martial Arts School."

"I see?"

Old Wu lazily lay back down. "Li Minghao asked me before as well. You all like bringing up serious matters at this time." He completely ignored Ning Hua.

"They aren't recruiting over there right now?" Director Dongfang asked.

"It isn't that we aren't recruiting. The problem is the timing." Old Wu remained as lazy as ever. "You know that the Life and Death Trial is held here in August. The trial just ended, and those little fellows are all cultivating desperately, so they don't need instruction for now."

"How about this? Contact me again in two months. I'll be very 'free' then, and we'll begin the next year's recruitment search. If his talent is good enough, he might even be directly assigned to the Elite Training Camp."

Those were only pleasant words. Inwardly, he did not think much of it.

How could the Elite Training Camp be so easy to enter?

It only accepted thirty to forty people a year, and two-thirds of them were selected from the Basic Training Camp. That meant there were only around ten openings in total, but there were five major nations.

Martial artists also relied on genetic inheritance. Martial artists and War Gods alike preferred safety, and Hongning Base City had the highest proportion of martial artists, as well as the greatest number of gifted individuals.

Furthermore, even the armies of the five major nations needed allocated spots, cutting the number in half again until only five remained.

Even a genius had to be among the very best to have a chance of entering the Elite Training Camp directly.

For a major nation, it would be impressive enough if the martial arts schools naturally recruited one such genius per year. For Jiangnan Base City, one every five years would already be good.

Director Dongfang fell silent for a moment before saying, "All right. I'll contact you then. I'll have that little fellow cultivate harder. Sorry for disturbing you."

"All right, I'm going to sleep for a while."

With that, the communication ended. This was a War God from headquarters, whose status was higher than Director Dongfang's, so he behaved quite casually.

"Director, I've truly troubled you," Ning Hua quickly thanked him. What he had just heard made his heart tighten. The Elite Training Camp was indeed not easy to enter. It even had a Life and Death Trial!

What kind of trial did geniuses undergo? If it was called a life-and-death trial, the danger had to be immense!

He swallowed the news that Ning Ze had cultivated two layers successfully. Going later was not a problem. Ning Ze had only become a martial artist two months ago, and they had no money right now anyway.

Director Dongfang shook his head. "It's nothing. If I can recommend a genius, I can receive contribution as well."

"Actually, given Ning Ze's age of nineteen, his Beginner Warlord physical fitness, and his ability to cultivate Gale Sword Master to the Second Layer, he already qualifies to enter the Elite Training Camp."

"However, resources over there are limited, so they have always kept the number of openings under control. It is more difficult outside the recruitment period. For now, we can only wait two months and see."

In truth, such matters depended on the person. Some War Gods at headquarters would directly give young people a chance. This War God Wu seemed rather lazy and did not have much confidence in Ning Ze.

"Thank you for your concern." At this point, Ning Hua looked as though he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Director Dongfang smiled slightly. "Just say it. Have you encountered some difficulty?"

"It concerns my son's fiancée." Ning Hua first clarified the relationship before explaining the Shu Family's situation.

After hearing him out, Director Dongfang's eyes were filled with anger. "The Underground Alliance truly has its hands everywhere. They can even bribe the Combat Suit quality inspection department. They've grown quite skilled at passing fakes off as genuine goods."

After that sarcastic remark, his mood calmed.

"I will send someone to investigate this matter. If the situation is true, we must make an example of them to warn the rest! If they dare do this today, they will dare go even further tomorrow. Who knows how bold those people have become in their private dealings? If they dare make a joke out of Combat Suits, it will be too late once they do something that chills people's hearts!"

"You've truly troubled yourself, Director." Ning Hua hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Director Dongfang nodded. "Have that little fellow cultivate diligently. If he can improve by another layer, I can speak to headquarters with greater confidence. It may not be impossible for him to enter the Elite Training Camp early."

"Yes. I'll urge him on."

"If there's nothing else, you may leave."

"Yes."

Ning Hua closed the door behind him, left the villa, and returned home more than an hour later.

It was nearly evening when Ning Ze emerged from the Training Room.

Ning Hua also told him about the Elite Training Camp.

"Two months is fine. I need to earn more money to buy Secret Manuals anyway."

Ning Ze did not find it regrettable at all. Staying home would not stop him from increasing his strength. In two months, he would only be more confident when he went to the Elite Training Camp.

Ning Hua's expression was somewhat gloomy. He could not help at all with making money. As a lame Warlord, he even struggled to fight a Beginner Beast General.

"Waiting two months is good too. Hurry up and marry Xiao Guai, so someone will be home to keep me company. If you hurry, maybe I'll be a grandmother by next year." Li Wan was extremely enthusiastic about holding a grandchild.

Ning Ze blinked. He looked at Shu Yi, who was blushing all over and had nowhere to hide, like a soft and adorable little rabbit. His heart stirred as his thoughts took a turn toward something amusing.

Ahem.

"Talk about that after the children are married." Ning Hua timely stepped in to defuse the situation.

"Oh, right, right, right. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat." Li Wan suddenly came to her senses and hurriedly changed the subject.