Northern Military Region

Jiang Nian arranged Chen Hao's accommodation before leaving. Knowing he was likely catching up with Uncle Lu, Chen Hao didn't think much of it.

Instead of continuing his training, he took a shower and lay down on the bed, reviewing the day's experiences with a sense of disbelief.

From practicing Gene Energy in the morning, to meeting Zhuge Tao in the main city, joining the Extreme Martial Arts Hall, and tomorrow's Warrior Combat Assessment—everything had gone smoothly, so smoothly he could hardly believe it himself.

Better rest early and conserve energy for tomorrow's practical assessment. He couldn't afford to be careless; failing would be a joke.

May 10, 2056. Waking up, Chen Hao checked his watch—just past five. He got up, put on shorts, and began practicing his movement techniques in the room.

The room Jiang Nian had arranged was spacious enough not to hinder his movements, and even if it were cramped, his micro-level foundational footwork would still allow him to maneuver with ease.

After half an hour of intense practice, a light sweat broke out, and Chen Hao stopped.

He went to the bathroom, rinsed off, dressed, and left the room. Walking to Jiang Nian's door, he knocked. "Knock, knock."

"Who is it? Hang on." Jiang Nian's deep voice came from inside.

"Hall Master, it's me, Chen Hao!" Chen Hao was a bit helpless; clearly, the other man hadn't gotten up yet.

"Ah, Chen Hao, hold on, I'll be right there." Jiang Nian had apparently drunk quite a bit last night, so he'd woken up a little late.

Still, with his Advanced Warrior physique, a hangover wasn't an issue. Jiang Nian quickly dressed and opened the door, teasing Chen Hao, "Didn't sleep well last night? Why are you up so early? A little excited?"

"No, I slept fine. I'm just used to waking up around five." Chen Hao answered honestly.

"Alright, let me wash my face, then we'll grab breakfast and head to the Supervisor's place." Jiang Nian smiled and said no more.

After breakfast, they sat for a while before walking to the Supervisor's home. A few minutes later, they arrived at Zhuge Tao's residence.

"Good morning, Uncle Bai!"

"Morning, Uncle Bai!"

Seeing Uncle Bai exercising, Jiang Nian and Chen Hao quickly greeted him.

"You're early." Uncle Bai smiled in response, then said to Chen Hao, "How was your rest last night? Couldn't sleep from excitement? This morning's assessment isn't difficult for you, don't be nervous. Go inside and sit for a while."

"Thank you for the reminder. I understand, I won't be nervous." Chen Hao was grateful for Uncle Bai's advice.

After over an hour, Zhuge Tao came out.

"Good morning, Supervisor."

"Good morning, Supervisor."

Seeing Chen Hao and Jiang Nian, Zhuge Tao nodded. "Let's go. We're heading to the Northern Military Region."

At the gate of the Northern Military Region in Jiangnan Base City, the guards verified Zhuge Tao's identity and immediately let them through.

Chen Hao looked curiously at the vast military camp, especially the heavy thermal weapons outside—rows of gun barrels aimed beyond the camp. It was his first time seeing this, and armed soldiers were everywhere inside.

In the distance, he could faintly hear roars from monsters beyond the warning line, but none dared approach the camp.

Chen Hao's heart tightened: This world is truly dangerous. Even the lowest H-class Monsters are more dangerous than the beasts of my past life on Earth.

"So? In a little while, you'll be facing these monsters in your practical assessment. Don't go weak in the knees."

Chen Hao steadied himself. "Don't worry, Supervisor. I won't embarrass you. I'm definitely becoming a warrior."

"Good. A warrior must have an indomitable, fearless spirit." Zhuge Tao was satisfied with Chen Hao's answer.

"Hahaha, Zhuge, you're here! So this is the genius taking the solo practical assessment today? For you to use special authorization, his talent must be extraordinary." A burly man in a dark purple battle suit approached them, walking alongside a stern-faced man.

"Oh? Wang Heng, you came in person?" Zhuge Tao was a little surprised to see the man in purple. He then smiled and greeted the stern-faced man, "Director Liu, sorry for the trouble. This is Chen Hao, the martial arts hall student taking the practical assessment today."

"Supervisor Zhuge is too polite. We're all training talent for the country; the Security Bureau naturally supports this fully." Director Liu forced a stiff smile. Despite his words, he was a bit annoyed inside.

"Are you Chen Hao? Interested in joining our Thunderclap Martial Arts Hall? With your talent, our Chief Hall Master might take you as a disciple. As for the contract termination fee, our hall will cover it." Wang Heng, though seemingly brash, immediately dangled the prospect of becoming Thunder God's disciple.

"Wang Heng, don't go too far. Chen Hao is a member of our Extreme Martial Arts Hall. For talent like him, we'll definitely send him to the Global Elite Training Camp." Hearing Wang Heng poach right in front of him, Zhuge Tao's expression darkened.

"Thank you for the offer, Supervisor Wang. I'm doing well at the Extreme Martial Arts Hall, and Supervisor Zhuge has taken good care of me. I have no intention of joining another faction right now." Chen Hao wasn't swayed by Wang Heng's conditions and refused bluntly.

"Chen Hao, don't think about other things. Pass the Warrior Combat Assessment first." Zhuge Tao's expression improved after hearing Chen Hao's words, and he gave him a reminder.

Watching Chen Hao refuse, Wang Heng sighed inwardly.

After hanging up yesterday afternoon, he had used his authority to investigate. Though martial arts halls kept secrets from each other, they all had their own information channels.

Especially after learning Chen Hao's detailed background, Wang Heng understood why Zhuge Tao had used his special authorization to let Chen Hao take the assessment—it was like picking up a Spiritual Thought Master for free.

Just from the supervisor-level special authorization, he knew it would be hard to poach Chen Hao from the Extreme Martial Arts Hall. But he still wanted to try.

Unfortunately, Chen Hao refused outright. "You guys at the Extreme Martial Arts Hall got lucky again. All the good seedlings end up with you."

Seeing Wang Heng stop poaching, Zhuge Tao's expression returned to normal. "Just luck. Cases like Chen Hao's don't come once in a decade. No need to be jealous. Time is tight; let's get on with the practical assessment."

Zhuge Tao didn't want to dwell on the matter. "Chen Hao, go pick your weapons, protective suit, and shield. Choose what feels right—it affects your safety."