Materials Inspector Comes Knocking

Night silently blanketed the entire Base City.

At an altitude of five hundred meters, blue-violet arcs of light occasionally flashed through the sky. That was the Base City's air defense system.

A full moon rested round and plump against the rooftop of a distant dark building. Electricity was an extremely precious resource, and there were no flashing neon lights here.

On the quiet path, T-shaped solar streetlamps lazily cast an orange-yellow glow. Beneath one of them, two figures quietly embraced, toes touching, lips joined in a romantic farewell that lasted five minutes, then another five minutes.

"Phew, phew..."

With flushed cheeks, Shu Yi lowered her head. After catching her breath, she softly asked, "I'm going back now. Aren't you coming in to sit for a while?"

Ning Ze smiled faintly, looking refreshed. He gently declined, "Uncle probably doesn't want to see me right now, but he should be in a much better mood tomorrow. Tell me when the time comes, and it'll be much easier to talk to him."

Shu Yi nodded in agreement. "All right. Go back and train. I'll notify you immediately once I confirm the situation."

"Okay."

Ning Ze turned and left. The moment he passed the corner, he suddenly broke into a sprint. The ten-kilometer journey took fifteen minutes by car, but he only needed one minute to run home!

When Shu Yi returned home, she found only her grandfather sitting on the sofa watching television. It felt a little unfamiliar.

After her second uncle disappeared, her younger brother and aunt had stopped coming out. Her biological younger brother, Shu Jie, was not in the living room either. Her parents were probably still busy with company matters.

"Xiao Guai, you're back?" Shu Hongjing looked over at her with kindly eyes.

"Grandpa, what are you watching?"

Hearing the sounds of fighting and shouting from the television, Shu Yi turned around and saw an utterly "tragic" battle scene.

The fighting techniques were a complete disaster!

Elementary school students could have done better.

Two grown men waved their swords around blindly, moving as slowly as turtles while looking as though they had given it their all. It was painfully hard to watch—and intense enough in its own way.

After just a few glances, Shu Yi's hairs stood on end, and her twisted little face nearly cramped up.

She was only missing an "Eww..." to complete the look of disgust.

Shu Hongjing was delighted. "Hahaha, you can't get used to it, can you? This was a television drama filmed before the Great Cataclysm. You youngsters find it hard to watch, but people our age treasured it."

Shu Yi lowered her head, not daring to look again. "Well... I really can't appreciate it."

"Haha, then I won't watch it. The filming really differs greatly from actual martial arts—it even completely distorts reality. Ancient Martial Arts were actually very powerful. Quite a few of today's Secret Manuals were created based on them. Unfortunately, there were very few people who truly practiced martial arts back then. Most people knew nothing, so their tastes only cared about whether the poses looked good, not whether they were practical."

After commenting on it, Shu Hongjing added, "Ning Ze came over today? I happened to be out at the time, so I didn't see him. Come on, let's go upstairs and tell Grandpa about it."

"Okay." Shu Yi immediately agreed. She happened to have something important she wanted to discuss with her grandfather as well.

They returned to the antique-style tea room.

Shu Hongjing smiled and said, "That kid really cares about you. He sent a message last night, rushed back from the Wilderness Area overnight, and came here early this morning."

A happy smile appeared on Shu Yi's face. Of course he did—she had been pleasantly surprised that morning too.

"Grandpa, the defective goods our family returned can actually be inspected and tested quickly. Qihang Company only found someone to delay things. His father went to ask Director Dongfang about our family's situation. Unless something unexpected happens, it should be resolved within the next couple of days."

"Oh?" Shu Hongjing asked in astonishment. "His family knows a director from the Limitless Martial Arts School?"

"Ning Ze is different." Shu Yi looked utterly pleased with herself as she proudly said, "He's a genius."

Shu Hongjing smiled without speaking, his kindly gaze studying her. Seeing his granddaughter like this reassured him. She liked someone so much that her happiness was written all over her face. She would definitely be happy in the future.

"We discussed getting married." Shu Yi lowered her voice, her face full of shyness.

Shu Hongjing was briefly stunned before bursting into delighted laughter. He had only given her a piece of advice yesterday, yet it had already borne fruit today.

Shu Yi lowered her head with a blush. Not only had she urged Ning Ze to marry her, she had even used the ultimate hunter's stance—as prey—to lure her future mother-in-law into pressuring him to marry her. She had never imagined she could be so bold.

"Grandpa, you're making fun of me!"

"Have you two thought it through?" Shu Hongjing asked kindly.

Shu Yi's little face turned serious. She nodded heavily and said, "We have!"

"His father went to see Director Dongfang because of his talent. His physical fitness has already reached the Warlord level, and he has successfully cultivated the Second Layer of Gale Sword Master..."

"Wait!" Shu Hongjing was instantly shocked. "He's only been a martial artist for two and a half months, yet his physical fitness has reached Beginner Warlord level, and he has successfully cultivated the Second Layer of Gale Sword Master?"

Shu Yi nodded, her eyes full of concern. If his talent had not been so extraordinary, she would not have felt such immense pressure or done something like pressuring him into marriage. Ning Ze was too outstanding. She truly feared that if she let her guard down for even a moment, someone else would take him away.

But now things were better. Just thinking about how they could get married sooner made Shu Yi feel as refreshed and comfortable as after rain cleared the sky.

"Yes. His father went to ask about special training at the Elite Training Camp. I heard that once he goes there, he can only come back once a year. I won't be able to see him then, and if something happens... I just want to get married sooner."

"The Elite Training Camp?" Shu Hongjing's expression became terrifyingly solemn. He was so shocked that his face stiffened into numbness. The Elite Training Camp—wasn't that the legendary reserve force for War Gods?

Everyone who came out of the Elite Training Camp became a War God. The connections they made there were also War Gods, and all of them were genius War Gods. Entering the Elite Training Camp was like a fish leaping over the dragon gate.

As long as one survived, one would not only possess the strength of a War God, but also become one of the people standing at the pinnacle of Earth.

If that was truly the case, then his granddaughter could only be considered ordinary. The pressure on her was far too great.

"I heard it's very difficult to get in. They still have to undergo trials there, and they aren't recruiting for the time being. He can only go in two months." Shu Yi's little face was full of conflict. Of course she was happy that her boyfriend was talented, but if he was too talented, it filled her with insecurity. This constant fear of gain and loss was the most exhausting thing.

Grandfather and granddaughter fell silent for a long time, both deep in thought.

After considering it for a while, Shu Hongjing came back to his senses. "Xiao Guai, don't tell your father about this. Even if the company's problems are resolved, don't tell him that Ning Ze's family helped."

"Huh?"

"Why?"

Shu Yi cautiously looked at her grandfather. Ever since he had driven her second uncle out, Grandpa had been cold toward her father every day. Was he still angry?

"Why?"

Shu Hongjing sneered mockingly. "I'm afraid that little bastard will embarrass me! With his character, if he finds out about Ning Ze's talent, who knows how fawning he'll become? Just thinking about a father-in-law trailing behind his son-in-law and flattering him makes me sick."

"Once you get married, he'll definitely go over there every few days. Not only will he trouble your in-laws, he'll disturb your lives too. Isn't that just making things harder for you? As long as you're happy after marrying over there, that's enough. Your father is far too snobbish. Don't let him affect your lives."

The more Shu Hongjing spoke, the angrier he became. He was deeply disappointed in Shu Heng. If not for this incident, he would never have known that his own son had such a disposition.

"Grandpa, don't be angry. I just won't tell him."

Shu Yi obediently comforted the old man and honestly agreed.

She thought to herself that her father faced no danger in the Base City, and the family had enough money that their lives would not become difficult. All he did was scheme against other businessmen, yet he enjoyed it.

"Mm."

After responding, Shu Hongjing's anger faded. When he looked at his granddaughter again, his mood became much brighter. This girl had good judgment!

A genius martial artist who became a powerful person in the future could protect humanity's Base Cities. That was truly boundless glory—the kind of honor that gave one face wherever one went.

Shu Hongjing asked pleasantly, "When will he come over to discuss this? I'll have a chat with the kid then."

At the mention of it, Shu Yi became shy again. She softly said, "He said we should wait until our family's issue is over. Father will be in a better mood then, so it'll be easier to discuss."

"Hmph, let him discuss it? When Ning Ze comes over, have him come straight to me. And remind Ning Ze not to let your father know about his talent."

"Okay."

The next day.

A group of unusual visitors arrived at a small company in Dongfeng Building.

The company's front desk was surrounded by the group. Every one of them stood tall with solemn faces, their sharp gazes like knives. Bright inspection badges hung from the chests of their uniforms.

That kind of lineup thoroughly frightened the young woman at the front desk. Even her words came out unsteadily.

"E-everyone... This is Jiehua Materials Processing Co., Ltd. Who are you looking for?"

The stern-looking middle-aged man at the front spoke in a clear voice. "We're looking for your boss! Shu Heng! Is he in the company?"

"Yes! Yes! The boss came in at seven this morning! I'll go get him!" The young woman at the front desk wanted to run the moment she finished speaking. Oh no, the boss is finished. My poor salary hasn't even been paid yet...

"No need!"

"We'll go with you!"

The middle-aged man tilted his head, and the entire group followed behind her.

The pretty young woman at the front desk was nervous beyond measure. Since her pencil skirt was a little tight, she could only keep quickening her pace. Boss, I didn't bring them here. Even without me, they could have found you.

"It's here." The pretty young woman led them to the door of the innermost office. With a brilliant smile from the bottom of her heart, she made a welcoming gesture with her hand and stood to the side of the door, where she would not have to show her face.

The man at the front nodded seriously. Knock, knock, knock. He roughly knocked three times before directly pushing the door open and walking in.

"Who is it? Do you have any—"

His furious shout abruptly stopped. The anger on Shu Heng's face vanished in an instant. Looking at those gleaming insignias, his heart began to tremble as well.

The defective materials had already been sent over, and the staff there had not been particularly friendly at the time. They definitely would not come to notify him of the inspection results in person.

What he feared most was that these were not from the same group. Could there be another problem somewhere?

He hurriedly changed his tone in a fawning manner. "Rules or no rules, it doesn't matter. It won't affect your work. Is there something you need?"

The man at the front announced, "I am Shao Weixin from the Limitless Martial Arts School's Materials Inspection Department. Take us to the warehouse immediately. We will inspect all Combat Suit materials and examine the batch of defective goods you applied to have inspected."

"During this period, all contracts of Jiehua Company are temporarily suspended and postponed. Notify all responsible persons from Jiehua Company's suppliers to come here and await the inspection results. Anyone who defies these orders will be arrested and treated as attempting to flee out of fear of punishment."

As each order was issued, Shu Heng was instantly overjoyed. With a fawning smile, he said, "Everyone, this way. I'll notify the material suppliers immediately."

"Ring, ring, ring..."

In the chairman's office of Flagship Group, the telephone kept ringing.

Zhai Yanko glanced over and said, "Dad, it's one of the material buyers we work with."

"You answer it." Zhai Bifan did not even raise his head.

Zhai Yanko nodded, turned on the speakerphone, and answered directly, "Hello, what is it?"

"Isn't this Chairman Zhai? Who are you? Is President Zhai there? I need to speak with him urgently!" The caller spoke quickly, his voice extremely anxious.

Zhai Yanko frowned. Shouting in such a panicked manner was far too rude.

"I'm Zhai Yanko. What do you need my father for?"

"Oh, so it's Young Chairman Zhai. Is your father there? I'm Ding Wang. I can't handle that shipment sent to the Shu Family anymore. The Limitless Martial Arts School's materials inspectors summoned me and told me to go to Jiehua Company immediately. You'd better make preparations early."

The middle-aged man on the other end rapidly explained everything, then let out a sigh of relief. The goods he had supplied were genuine in the first place.

If the Shu Family's company went bankrupt, he would not have minded currying favor with Flagship Group and helping them crush the Shu Family.

But now Flagship Group could not suppress this anymore. The Limitless Martial Arts School had begun investigating—who could stop them? The genuine goods were his, but the defective batch did not come from him. He certainly would not take the blame.

He had made this call only out of respect for the Underground Alliance behind Flagship Group. Even if he could not do them a favor, he could not afford to offend them.

Zhai Yanko's expression suddenly changed. He looked toward his father, and Zhai Bifan abruptly raised his head as well before snatching the phone away.

Zhai Bifan questioned the supplier in detail again before hanging up with an ugly expression.

But soon after, the phone he had just put down rang again.

"Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring..."

Zhai Yanko's face twisted slightly. The ringing sounded like a little hammer, pounding his heart into the abyss one strike at a time.