An Old Acquaintance and Overbearing Arrogance

Liu Yun was deeply puzzled. Ever since he had suffered severe injuries and lost his status as a martial artist, he had become a well-known figure of pity in this residential complex.

In these chaotic times, the cold reality of human nature was laid bare without any pretense. Who exactly was the visitor? A thought crossed his mind, and he used the Crystal in his hand to attempt to scan the person outside the door, testing the capabilities of his Machine Race Clone.

"Based on a comparison with the data in the host's mind, this is Wang Tianba, a former comrade-in-arms from the Limit Dojo."

Through the thick security door, the Crystal provided the person's identity. Liu Yun peered through the peephole to see a familiar bald head, a thick cigar, and a straight posture that exuded a rugged, heroic air. This was indeed Wang Tianba, the comrade who used to go on missions with him; the capabilities of the Machine Race Clone were flawless.

"Brother Tian? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out on a mission?"

Liu Yun pulled the door open. Wang Tianba didn't stand on ceremony and walked straight in, speaking as he entered.

"Hey, I just finished a mission, so I thought I'd show some concern for a wounded comrade. Contributing to society, you know? Are you brewing traditional medicine?"

Wang Tianba was the type who made himself at home anywhere. He wandered around, spotted the stove and the traditional medicine Liu Yun was brewing in the kitchen. Being a seasoned veteran, he grew suspicious and actually guessed what was happening here.

This Wang Tianba was a minor leader within the Limit Dojo, with Xiao Wu and Sun Feiyan under his command, both of whom were qualified martial artists.

Back in the day, Liu Yun had often gone on missions with them, but things had changed; Liu Yun had retreated from the front lines of combat and had gradually drifted away from his old friends.

"What are you thinking? You didn't even want the villa reserved for martial artists—ashamed? No one harmed you, you know. I checked your medical report at the Limit Dojo; are you feeling any better? Don't do anything reckless."

There was a hint of concern on Wang Tianba's weary face—after all, they were comrades—but Liu Yun's physical condition was a difficult problem.

"I'm feeling better. I've been drinking traditional medicine lately. It's quite miraculous and can treat all sorts of ailments. My body will recover very soon."

Liu Yun indicated that he was almost healed. In reality, the technology of the Machine Race was powerful and had already cured him; the traditional medicine was merely there to improve his physical constitution.

Wang Tianba rolled his eyes at this, thinking it was pure self-deception and that Liu Yun would end up paralyzed regardless.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is an excellent culture and certainly has its mysterious aspects, but it's been highly controversial over the last two years! You can't rely on that stuff to cure an illness; you still need to trust modern medicine that integrates the latest technology."

This man, who looked like a gang boss, insisted that Liu Yun should believe in science. Of course, he wasn't looking down on traditional medicine, but he felt the effects of herbs were limited.

However, since he had already cured himself, Liu Yun remained very firm in his stance.

"I've been taking the medicine, and I'm clearly already cured! You guys need to stop saying such things!"

Liu Yun explained again, but Wang Tianba didn't believe him at all. He thought about a lot of things, knowing the world was harsh, but felt some things needed to be said clearly.

"Your illness is too severe; how could herbal medicine possibly cure it? Sigh, I won't lecture you anymore. Take care of yourself!"

Wang Tianba let out a long sigh and sprang up from his chair. He understood that all of this was too cruel for Liu Yun.

"But you should think about this: aside from me, those people have basically forgotten you since you left! I saw the martial artist strength recovery test you submitted, and they said they didn't have time to conduct a separate test for you. In that case, you might have to take it with the newcomers."

Wang Tianba lit a cigar as he said this. Liu Yun was somewhat surprised upon hearing this; why was it so complicated? Wasn't a simple test of basic abilities enough?

"They can even do that? Truly, when a person leaves, the tea goes cold. Hmph, or perhaps they simply don't believe I can heal myself?"

Liu Yun thought to himself that it would be best to have a reasonable explanation for his sudden recovery, and he must never let the secret of his Machine Race Clone be exposed. He had to guard this secret tightly, forever.

"That's right! No one will waste time on someone who has lost all their strength. I came just to notify you to prepare yourself mentally! I'm leaving."

Wang Tianba was blunt and straightforward. This era allowed no room for tears, and even Liu Yun had to face a world where the strong preyed on the weak. He saw Wang Tianba out of the complex and then returned, spending the whole way back thinking about what he should do.

Liu Yun had once been a high-level warrior with a strength of 5000kg in his arms; he had been highly respected in this complex. But now? Aside from a few old friends who still visited, others didn't take him seriously at all.

Just as Liu Yun was lost in his thoughts while slowly walking back to the complex, a burst of noise suddenly shattered the surrounding tranquility.

He looked up and saw a group of spirited young men and women surrounding a sturdy but youthful-looking man. The young man wore a tight combat suit and was a junior warrior, standing in the center of the complex with an unquestionable air of authority. The gazes cast upon him by those around were filled with both awe and a hint of resentment.

This newcomer, a junior warrior named Li Lei, had quickly risen to fame in the complex due to his extraordinary strength and arrogant demeanor. He thought highly of himself and treated the old residents with arrogance and rudeness, as if everything in the complex should make way for him.

After all, Li Lei had truly become a new favorite; such a young warrior-level fighter might well become a War General in the future, and people were eager to curry favor with him.

"Yo, isn't this the once-glorious Liu Yun? How did you end up like this? You don't even look where you're walking?" Li Lei's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for everyone around to hear clearly, his words dripping with sarcasm and provocation.

As soon as these words were spoken, a wave of whispers erupted in the crowd, but no one dared to offend a promising warrior for the sake of a cripple. In fact, a few sycophants had already begun to criticize Liu Yun for not knowing his place and ruining the mood for the young warrior.

Liu Yun was stunned by the sudden mockery, and then an indescribable rage surged in his heart. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, and looked at Li Lei with a steady gaze. This was also an old acquaintance.

"The road is wide; why must you block me? If there's nothing else, let me pass."

Li Lei sneered upon hearing this: "Hmph, blocking you? Are you even worthy of me blocking you? It's you who is in my way, so get lost! You should just stay home and stop making a fool of yourself."

These words made Liu Yun furious, but he remembered that he hadn't fully mastered the capabilities of his Machine Race Clone yet. Exposing himself too early would affect his future development; one must endure small grievances to achieve great things.

One of Li Lei's lackeys mentioned the name of Wang Tianba, who was also a high-level warrior, known for his generosity and loyalty to friends. This made Li Lei reconsider; Liu Yun still had old friends who might intervene if Li Lei resorted to violence.

"Brother Lei, the people around this old guy will definitely scatter! Since he's a cripple now, we can deal with him later."

His companion suggested this, and Li Lei was immediately intimidated. He feared a high-level warrior coming to cause him trouble, especially since he had only recently become a martial artist.

"Fine! Let this cripple go for now!"

Li Lei laughed wantonly, but no longer obsessed over the matter. After a cold snort, he led his large group away.

This also angered Liu Yun. He knew the reason behind it—it was all because of his beautiful sister, and this person would definitely try to scheme against him later.

"Hmph, I'm going to test my strength right now. I suspect my power will reach the War General level this time, and when that happens, I'll finish you off!"

Liu Yun thought about going back to take more of the nourishing traditional medicine. With the computing power of the Machine Race Clone, he had formulated a very simple yet effective prescription to improve his strength. When these people realized he hadn't just regained his power but had actually taken a step forward, he wondered what kind of expressions they would have.