Glory and Danger

The finals of the National Collegiate Martial Dao League concluded amidst widespread anticipation.

The climactic showdown between Fang Yan and Zhao Heilong was undoubtedly the most thrilling match of the tournament. Zhao Heilong's Black Dragon Fist was fierce and domineering, each punch accompanied by a dragon's roar that made the arena tremble. Fang Yan, on the other hand, used the defensive capabilities of his Profound Ice Force and the unpredictable nature of his Five Finger Fist Heart Sword to engage Zhao Heilong in a fierce, evenly matched battle.

Ultimately, Fang Yan seized an opening in Zhao Heilong's defense and unleashed a "Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: Sword Shadow Without Trace." He concealed a strike of pitch-black sword energy within an ordinary punch, catching Zhao Heilong off guard and defeating him.

The moment the referee announced Fang Yan as the national champion, the entire sports center erupted!

The students and faculty of Kyoto University of Science and Technology cheered ecstatically, and Su Wan was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes. Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao rushed onto the stage and embraced Fang Yan tightly.

At the awards ceremony, Fang Yan received the golden championship trophy and generous prizes. In his mind, the system's notification chimed precisely on time:

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the main quest: Pinnacle of the Nation!]

[Quest rewards have been issued: Points, Random Gold-Tier Item x1, (Incomplete) Five Finger Fist Heart Sword cultivation technique manual.]

[Ding! Detected host's strength increase, meeting the conditions for a realm breakthrough.]

[Congratulations to the host for breaking through to Martial Master Late-stage!]

Fang Yan was overjoyed. Not only had he won the honor of national champion, but his strength had also improved once again. More importantly, he had finally obtained the complete foundational cultivation technique for the Five Finger Fist Heart Sword.

However, his joy did not last long.

After the awards ceremony, a group of soldiers in black uniforms, exuding a calm and imposing aura, approached Fang Yan and the other top 30 contestants. Leading them was a middle-aged man with the rank of Rear Admiral, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, emanating an aura of hardened battlefield experience.

"Congratulations, students, on your outstanding achievements in the national competition," the Rear Admiral's voice boomed, powerful and resonant. "I am Rear Admiral Li Jianguo of the Military Special Operations Department. On behalf of the military, I officially inform you: effective immediately, you will be assigned to the 'Eagle Cub Assault Team' and will accompany me to the northern border front lines to participate in defensive operations."

The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd.

The top 30 contestants were stunned, their faces displaying surprise and confusion. They had just finished a grueling competition and hadn't even had time to savor their victory, yet they were being sent to the front lines?

"General Li, we are all students, we haven't been to the battlefield yet, can we handle it?" a student from Azure Dragon University couldn't help but ask.

Rear Admiral Li Jianguo glanced at him and said gravely, "You are the most outstanding young Martial Artists in the nation, the future of humanity. Currently, dimensional rifts are becoming unusually active on the northern border, and the Dark Demon Race's invasions are intensifying. The front lines are in urgent need of fresh blood. Although you are young, your strength has already met the standards for enlistment. The military believes you can prove your worth on the battlefield."

He paused, then continued, "Of course, this is not a mandatory order. If anyone is afraid, you may withdraw now. But I must tell you, those who retreat will forever lose the opportunity to become powerhouses and will be forever branded with shame."

Silence fell upon the scene.

Everyone was wrestling with their inner turmoil. The front lines meant danger, even potential sacrifice. But at the same time, it also meant a broader stage and faster growth.

Fang Yan looked at Rear Admiral Li Jianguo, then at Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao beside him. A flicker of determination crossed his eyes.

"I'll go!" Fang Yan spoke first.

Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao exchanged glances and immediately said, "We'll go too!"

Li Hao also nodded, "Count me in."

With them taking the lead, the other contestants also expressed their willingness.

"I'll go too!"

"To protect humanity, I am willing to go to the battlefield!"

"It's just the Dark Demon Race? I'm not afraid!"

In the end, all 30 contestants chose to go to the front lines.

Rear Admiral Li Jianguo smiled with satisfaction, "Good! As expected of the nation's finest young people. Now, you have half an hour to pack your personal belongings and gather at the hotel entrance. We depart immediately!"

Half an hour later, the 30 young Martial Artists, carrying simple backpacks, gathered at the hotel entrance. They wore matching camouflage uniforms, and though their faces still held a youthful innocence, their eyes were filled with determination and fighting spirit.

Su Wan looked at them, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry, "You must be careful and stay safe. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, don't give up. Kyoto University of Science and Technology will always be your support."

"We understand, Teacher Su!" Fang Yan and the others replied in unison.

Rear Admiral Li Jianguo gave a military salute, "Teacher Su, please rest assured, I will do my best to protect them."

Then, he turned to the 30 young Martial Artists and said, "Attention, everyone! Get in the vehicles! Our destination: the Northern Border, Dragon Fang Pass Fortress!"

The 30 young Martial Artists boarded the military trucks in an orderly fashion. The trucks rumbled and drove away from Donghai City, heading towards the distant northern border.

Outside the car windows, the scenery blurred past. Fang Yan looked out, his heart filled with both heroic ambition and apprehension.

The championship of the national competition was just the beginning; the real test was only now arriving.

The Northern Border, Dragon Fang Pass Fortress.

This was humanity's first line of defense against the invasion of the Dark Demon Race. The massive city walls stood a hundred meters tall, covered with various defensive structures and runes. On the battlements, soldiers stood on high alert, their gazes vigilantly fixed on the dimensional rift in the distance.

From within the rift, a dark world could be vaguely seen, and a dense aura of darkness permeated the air, sending shivers down one's spine.

A fierce war was about to unfold on this land, and Fang Yan and the other 30 young Martial Artists would, with their youth and blood, write their own legends here.