After talking with the doctor, Jiang Yun had made up his mind to venture into space. It was something he had to do, and he would need to plan how to get there.
Jiang Yun and Bu Chen returned to the Martial Alliance. Before leaving, Jiang Yun reminded Dr. Brief to finish improving the spaceship. He planned to venture into space and hone his skills within the next two years.
"Bu Chen, how many strong fighters do we have in the Martial Alliance now?"
Jiang Yun looked at Bu Chen, wanting to understand how the Martial Alliance's strength had developed. He was certain to venture into space, and some of the Alliance's disciples would clearly be going with him. He couldn't personally handle every little thing.
"At present, we have five thousand people with a battle power above one hundred, one thousand above three hundred, and two hundred above five hundred. A little over ten have reached seven or eight hundred. As for those above one thousand, I'm the only one so far."
Bu Chen answered calmly, without much emotion. But if those words got out, they would send shock waves through the martial arts world.
Bu Chen wasn't proud of himself. He knew that, apart from Jiang Yun, no one on Earth could match his strength. But Jiang Yun had once told him about the universe. In its vast reaches, this level of strength was barely enough to make him a foot soldier, let alone pose any real threat.
Bu Chen had no reason to doubt Jiang Yun. Over the years, Jiang Yun had proven himself right time and again. Bu Chen had no idea how Jiang Yun had learned these things, but he never asked about his secrets. Everyone had a few secrets, after all.
Bu Chen didn't want to know Jiang Yun's secrets, either. He never questioned the mysterious things Jiang Yun did. That was what a subordinate ought to do. He had always considered himself Jiang Yun's subordinate, and for years he had devoted himself to helping Jiang Yun manage the Martial Alliance.
But Jiang Yun didn't treat Bu Chen as a subordinate. Instead, he treated him like a friend.
"Keep working on your training. In a year, take them into space. If they're too weak, they won't survive out there!"
From Bu Chen's report, it was clear Jiang Yun wasn't satisfied. He would be heading into space in a year, and anyone too weak wouldn't stand a chance of surviving. This wasn't child's play, and they weren't going there for fun!
"Also, form the Blazing Squad. In a year, this team will accompany me into the stars and fight across the universe!"
Jiang Yun spoke with bold confidence. He was in high spirits, not as calm and collected as usual. Since grasping the way of being as serene as the sky and as swift as lightning, he had maintained a tranquil state of mind.
But that didn't mean the fire in Jiang Yun had gone out. On the contrary, the passion in his heart burned brighter than ever!
He loved martial arts. He longed for battle and relished the fight! He craved the thrill of landing punch after punch, and yearned to stand atop the martial world.
At that moment, ambition filled his eyes, and his gaze was deep and intense.
Bu Chen glanced at Jiang Yun in surprise. He hadn't seen this side of him in years. The last time had been five years ago, when the young Jiang Yun led them forward, step by step.
For the past two years, Jiang Yun had given everyone the impression of being unfathomable, like a seasoned cultivator hidden deep in the mountains. It was easy to forget how extraordinarily young he was. He was still in the prime of his youth!
Was he finally about to bare his fangs?
Bu Chen couldn't wait to see it!
Jiang Yun had risen to prominence before turning twenty. This was how a young man like him ought to look: full of spirit and confidence.
"Martial Alliance Announcement! In one year, we will select members for the Blazing Squad. This will be the Martial Alliance's most elite team. Those selected will have the chance to receive guidance from the Alliance Leader, as well as rewards from him. This is no ordinary opportunity, so we hope everyone will take it seriously! Those selected will also receive five times their current benefits!"
Afterward, Bu Chen issued the announcement within the Martial Alliance. Only actual members of the Alliance would hear about it.
The Alliance's peripheral disciples were merely front-facing staff. Those who took on missions through the Martial Alliance couldn't even be considered members.
It was just a mutually beneficial arrangement!
"What? This is incredible! We could actually receive guidance from Lord Jiang Yun!"
"You don't understand. Alliance Leader Jiang Yun is the reincarnation of a Martial God and the hope of the martial arts world! If Lord Jiang Yun gives me even a little guidance, maybe one day people will call me a senior too. Hahahaha!"
"Hahaha! My chance has come! The Blazing Squad! I'm sure there'll be a place for me!"
Everyone who heard the news got excited at once. They were all martial artists. Who didn't have a competitive streak? No one wanted to fall behind.
In a well-appointed room, an old man was conducting experiments. Jars and bottles lined the room, many filled with formalin and holding several corpses. All kinds of mechanical instruments were neatly arranged around them.
It was clearly a scientist's laboratory!
The lights in the lab were dazzling, yet a chill seemed to seep from every corner.
"Dr. Gero, the World Martial Arts Tournament has ended. I'm sure it has the specimens you need."
A guard ran in, saluted, and quickly delivered the report.
"Oh! These test subjects are far too weak. I do need powerful martial artists for my experiments."
Dr. Gero's voice was sinister, sending a shiver down the spine.
In a forest, a young man was training hard. He had an extra eye: a third eye naturally set in the middle of his forehead, giving him a remarkably unusual appearance.
Beside him stood a child with a pale face and a small frame. He wore a little cap and had two red dots on his cheeks, making him look just like one of the little hopping vampires from Uncle Ying's films.
"Damn it! That old turtle's disciple did so well at the World Martial Arts Tournament!"
This was none other than Master Shen!
"I heard that damn Martial Alliance sent people to compete, too! If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have ended up like this. Once Tien Shinhan has grown stronger, I'll get my revenge!"
The speaker was Mercenary Tao. His eyes were filled with murderous intent, and hatred shone in his gaze!
Who knew why the two of them had ended up in this little mountain forest?
The Martial Alliance had let Mercenary Tao and his group go back then, but as the Alliance grew more powerful, Master Shen grew increasingly uneasy.
At the time, he had thought the Martial Alliance wouldn't dare start a war with them. But then he saw how unstoppable its growth had become.
Narrow-minded as he was, Master Shen actually disbanded the Crane School. Convinced that the Martial Alliance would wipe them out sooner or later, he fled with his money.
Mercenary Tao thought the same thing. They really were brothers—birds of a feather!
"Once this disciple of ours grows strong enough, we'll be able to avenge ourselves!"
Master Shen's eyes gleamed with the light of revenge.
They had met the two of them on the road. Both had extraordinary talent, exceptional aptitude for martial arts, and a fierce dedication to the discipline. They were also willing to endure hardship. A little coaxing was all it took to bring them into his fold.
Jiang Yun and the Turtle Hermit had no idea that they were already being watched...
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