Glory and Danger

The National Collegiate Martial Dao League finals came to a close under the watchful eyes of the entire nation.

The peak showdown between Fang Yan and Zhao Heilong was unquestionably the most thrilling battle of the tournament. Zhao Heilong's Black Dragon Fist was fierce and domineering, every punch carrying the roar of a dragon and making the arena tremble. Fang Yan, meanwhile, relied on the defense of Profound Ice Force and the uncanny nature of Five Finger Fist Heart Sword to fight Zhao Heilong to a deadlock.

In the end, Fang Yan seized upon a flaw in Zhao Heilong's defense and used Five Finger Fist Heart Sword—Sword Shadow Without Trace, concealing a pitch-black sword light within an ordinary punch and defeating Zhao Heilong by surprise.

The moment the referee announced that Fang Yan had won the national championship, the entire sports center erupted!

The faculty and students of Kyoto University of Science and Technology cheered wildly, while Su Wan was so moved that tears filled her eyes. Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao ran onto the stage and embraced Fang Yan tightly.

At the awards ceremony, Fang Yan accepted the golden championship trophy and the generous prizes. At the same time, the system's notification chimed right on schedule in his mind:

[Beep! Congratulations, host, on completing the main quest: Pinnacle of the Nation!]

[Quest rewards issued: points, one random Gold-grade item, and the cultivation manual for Five Finger Fist Heart Sword (incomplete).]

[Beep! Host's strength has increased and meets the conditions for a realm breakthrough.]

[Congratulations, host, on breaking through to Martial Master Late-stage!]

Fang Yan was ecstatic. Not only had he won the glory of the national championship, but his strength had risen once again. More importantly, he had finally obtained the complete foundational cultivation technique for Five Finger Fist Heart Sword.

However, his joy did not last long.

After the awards ceremony ended, a group of soldiers in black military uniforms and carrying an air of calm authority approached Fang Yan and the other top thirty contestants. Their leader was a middle-aged man with the rank of major general on his shoulders. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and he radiated the iron-blooded aura of someone tempered by years on the battlefield.

"Students, congratulations on achieving such excellent results in the national tournament." The major general's voice was loud and powerful. "I am Major General Li Jianguo of the Military Special Operations Department. Now, on behalf of the military, I formally inform you: from this moment onward, you will be assigned to the 'Eagle Cub Assault Team' and accompany me to the front lines of the Northern Border to participate in defensive operations."

The moment these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.

The top thirty contestants all froze, expressions of shock and confusion appearing on their faces. They had only just finished their fierce matches and had not even had time to enjoy the fruits of victory, yet they were already being sent to the front lines?

"General Li, we're all students. None of us has ever been to war. Can we really handle it?" a student from Azure Dragon University could not help asking.

Major General Li Jianguo glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "You are the finest young Martial Artists in the nation, the future of humanity. Right now, dimensional rift activity along the Northern Border is abnormally frequent, and the Dark Demon Race's invasions are growing more and more ferocious. The front lines urgently need fresh blood. Although you are young, your strength has already reached the standard for enlistment. The military believes in you. You will be able to prove your worth on the battlefield."

He paused before continuing, "Of course, this is not a compulsory order. If anyone is afraid, you may withdraw now. But I must tell you this: those who retreat will forever lose the chance to become powerful, and will forever be nailed to the pillar of shame."

Silence descended over the venue.

Everyone was struggling inwardly. The front lines meant danger, and perhaps even sacrifice. But at the same time, they also meant a broader stage and faster growth.

Fang Yan looked at Major General Li Jianguo, then at Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao beside him. A trace of resolve flashed through his eyes.

"I'll go!" Fang Yan was the first to speak.

Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao exchanged a glance before immediately saying, "We'll go too!"

Li Hao also nodded. "Count me in."

With them taking the lead, the other contestants voiced their decisions one after another.

"I'll go too!"

"To protect humanity, I'm willing to fight on the battlefield!"

"So what if they're the Dark Demon Race? I'm not afraid!"

In the end, all thirty contestants chose to head to the front lines.

Major General Li Jianguo revealed a satisfied smile. "Good! As expected of the nation's finest young people. Now, you have half an hour to pack your personal belongings and assemble at the hotel entrance. We leave immediately!"

Half an hour later, the thirty young Martial Artists gathered at the hotel entrance with simple packs on their backs. They wore matching camouflage uniforms. Though their faces still retained some youthful softness, their eyes were filled with resolve and fighting spirit.

Su Wan looked at them, her eyes full of reluctance and worry. "You must be careful and stay safe. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, never 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.

Major General Li Jianguo gave a military salute. "Teacher Su, please rest assured. I will do everything I can to protect them."

With that, he turned to the thirty young Martial Artists and shouted, "All personnel! Board the vehicles! Destination: the Northern Border, Dragon Fang Pass Fortress!"

The thirty young Martial Artists boarded the military trucks in orderly fashion. With a roar, the trucks left Donghai City and headed toward the distant Northern Border.

Outside the windows, the scenery flashed past at breathtaking speed. Fang Yan gazed outside, his heart filled with pride and trepidation.

The national tournament championship was only the beginning. The true test had just arrived.

The Northern Border, Dragon Fang Pass Fortress.

This was humanity's first line of defense against the invasion of the Dark Demon Race. The enormous walls soared a hundred meters high, covered with all kinds of defensive fortifications and runes. On top of the walls, soldiers stood ready for battle, warily watching the distant dimensional rifts.

Within the rifts, a pitch-black world could be seen faintly. A dense aura of darkness spread outward, sending shivers down one's spine.

A brutal war was about to unfold upon this land. And here, the thirty young Martial Artists led by Fang Yan would use their youth and blood to write the legend that belonged to them.