Void Battlefield

Li Xiongshan, true to his military background, acted with swift efficiency. He didn't even wait for the Martial Assessment to conclude before taking Su Bei to an administrative office.

—Though, the Martial Assessment didn't have any sort of closing ceremony anyway.

With a big shot like Li Xiongshan leading the way, Su Bei's paperwork was processed remarkably smoothly.

Special cases were handled specially.

Especially since his background check had already been completed during the Martial Assessment, it was smooth sailing.

It felt a bit surreal, much like his experience at the Wuji Martial Hall last time. Ever since he got the system panel, he had gone from being an unnoticed, minor Quasi-Martial Artist to a sought-after commodity.

Li Xiongshan even had someone take his longbow away, saying it would be returned after it was repaired.

Even with the smooth process, it still took nearly an hour.

"You're one of my soldiers now. Your uniform is specially tailored to fit your habits perfectly; it'll be issued to you in a few days."

Li Xiongshan's face was creased with a smile. "Our unit belongs to the Guard Army sequence of the Tianhu Military Region. While we're not as prestigious as the ace teams like the Pioneer Army and the Demon Suppressing Army, the Guard Army is still considered a frontline unit."

"Since you don't have any battle merits yet, I can't give you a military rank for now. However, the Martial Assessment regulations state that Martial Artists who achieve first place will receive preferential treatment in terms of rank promotion after enlisting. Your promotion is only a matter of time."

"But don't worry about that for now. For the time being, you'll be my personal guard. I hope that's not beneath you?"

"Not at all!"

How could Su Bei feel wronged? He was thrilled. Did anyone really think being a personal guard for a commander was a demotion?

"Your top priority right now is to continue your cultivation. Tomorrow, you'll go pick out an Ascension Secret Treasure. I have a couple of pointers for you on this matter."

Li Xiongshan was increasingly satisfied with Su Bei, who was not only capable but also knew how to speak well. He said with a smile, "The Association usually provides B-grade Ascension Secret Treasures. When you choose, don't just look at the grade. The best treasure is one that fits you personally. Otherwise, it'll cause problems in your future cultivation."

"I see you're practicing a solar system Gene Method. When you choose, treasures with fire, solar system, or stellar system attributes will be most suitable for you."

"Also, if you don't find anything that suits you, don't be shy. Just pick the most expensive one!"

"Our Military Department has quite a few Secret Treasures. If you can't find anything suitable there, look within the army. If you still can't find anything, I can even find one for you from other military regions!"

"You absolutely cannot settle for less!!"

Li Xiongshan said this very seriously, afraid that Su Bei might take a wrong turn.

If that happened, he wouldn't forgive himself.

"Thank you, Uncle Xiong," Su Bei said sincerely. Even though they had only met today, Li Xiongshan was truly treating him well.

"Since you're my soldier, I will naturally protect you," Li Xiongshan said dismissively, waving his hand. "As we spend more time together, you'll get to know what kind of person old Li is."

"You'll receive the corresponding treatment, of course. But don't expect to rely on this treatment for long periods of cultivation. Ultimately, you still have to rely on yourself. I'll only take care of your worries, so you just need to focus on cultivating."

"Yes!"

Su Bei responded.

"The rewards for first place in the Martial Assessment include an Ascension Secret Treasure from the Association, a complete martial skill manual, a Gene Method, and five million in cultivation funds," a Military Department clerk said, standing beside Li Xiongshan. "The Ascension Secret Treasure needs to be prepared and will be collected at the Association in three days along with the top ten participants. You can choose the complete martial skill manual and Gene Method anytime, and the funds will be directly deposited into your account."

"Additionally, this time's rewards permit you to spread them within a small radius. This is actually preparation for your family."

Finally, it was time to receive the spoils!

Su Bei listened with a smile, having already made his decisions.

He would naturally keep the money, as Martial Artist cultivation required significant expenses. For martial skills, he planned to choose a boxing technique. He had already experienced the benefits of high-grade martial skills; after mastering the Piercing Sun Spear Technique, his striking power could reach tens of thousands of pounds. He wondered what kind of results a perfect boxing technique would yield.

As for archery, he only planned to learn a basic archery technique as a way to quickly boost his combat power in the short term. He didn't need to be an expert, just accurate.

He didn't need a Gene Method for now. The system panel had a cultivation technique reward waiting for him after he officially became a Martial Artist, which he could prepare for Su He.

It really paid to become famous if you wanted to make money! If he had continued to cultivate in obscurity, he didn't know when he would have accumulated such a foundation. A single high-grade martial skill alone could cost millions.

"Furthermore, the Military Department also has its own rewards," the clerk added. "A custom low-grade Secret Treasure weapon, a set of protective gear, and the Military Department will also be fully responsible for your daily living arrangements."

"Secret Treasure?" Su Bei was taken aback.

Even a damaged Secret Treasure bow had brought him immense joy. Now, he was being given a complete Secret Treasure weapon? He remembered seeing at the Wuji Martial Hall that any Secret Treasure was priced at no less than ten million!

"I added that," Li Xiongshan's deep voice chimed in. "I saw your spear wasn't great; even the tip was damaged just from sparring with Liu Shan."

Su Bei fell silent for a moment.

Was this what it felt like to have a powerful backer?

As they spoke, Li Xiongshan led Su Bei into an office. The clerk, sensing the situation, had already discreetly left.

Li Xiongshan sat in the main seat with his legs spread wide, his expression much more serious. "Xiao Bei, since we're all on the same side, I'll get straight to the point."

"This martial arts assessment is different from previous ones. You should be able to feel that."

He then changed the subject. "Have you heard of the Void Battlefield?"

Su Bei's expression faltered for a moment, and he nodded.

He had naturally heard of the Void Battlefield. However, as the saying goes, information is often restricted no matter where you are. His understanding of the Void Battlefield was limited to the fact that after becoming a Martial Artist, one had to spend at least seven days there each year.

Martial Artists were tight-lipped about it, appearing to hold deep secrets.

But some people online said it was a paradise for Martial Artists, where Secret Treasures were found everywhere and cultivation speed increased significantly. Others claimed it was a hell for Martial Artists, with countless Martial Artists dying there every year.

However, it seemed that this opportunity actually involved the Void Battlefield?

"Currently, there are eight Void Battlefields that are permanently open within the overall scope. I won't go into the specifics; you'll naturally understand once you become a Martial Artist."

"In addition to these permanently open Void Battlefields, there are also occasional Shattered Battlefields that suddenly open. Recently, a Shattered Battlefield has been gradually forming near Jinnan. After testing, the entry requirement for this Shattered Battlefield is below the Martial Artist level. This has never happened before, which is why you were chosen."

Li Xiongshan continued, "I don't need to tell you how dangerous the Void Battlefield is. Compared to that, the danger in the Shattered Battlefield is much smaller, but no one knows what the situation is inside.

Perhaps upon entering, you'll only find the corpses of giant beasts, or perhaps a pile of Secret Treasures, or maybe it's fraught with danger.

"However, danger often goes hand in hand with opportunity. Putting aside everything else, if you can come out of it alive, the merit alone will be enough for you to advance several levels!"

A string of information was absorbed by Su Bei in a short period.

Li Xiongshan's gaze was serious and solemn. "Xiao Bei, I am speaking to you on behalf of the Military Department. Are you willing to accept this mission?"

"You have one day to consider. I will send you some information about Shattered Battlefields later. It's not too late to make a decision after you've thought it through."

Su Bei's mind raced.

He was familiar with this.

It was nothing more than a risk assessment.

Licking his slightly dry lips, he asked, "What is my mission?"

"To destroy the Shattered Battlefield with your teammates."

Li Xiongshan's gaze was deep. "Every time a Void Battlefield opens, it brings a large amount of cosmic energy. This energy has little effect on intelligent beings, but it accelerates the growth of异兽 (Yi Beasts)."

"Uncle Xiong, I don't need a day. I agree to go."

Su Bei said directly.

With such a grand mobilization, it couldn't possibly be to pick a few geniuses to send to their deaths. Whether it was Sun Zicheng from the Wuji Martial Hall or Zhai Feng from the Association, if it were truly a suicide mission, they wouldn't be so eager to seize the opportunity.

When you can't make a choice, look at how those stronger than you choose.

Moreover, the rules for this martial arts assessment were specifically modified for this matter. If he refused to go, would they just let him? What a joke!

"Good!"

"As expected of my soldier!"

Li Xiongshan gave Su Bei a deep look, feeling both gratified and a little worried.

In his heart, he didn't want this promising young talent to take such a risk. With his talent, getting stronger was only a matter of time.

But even a fledgling eagle must fall from the cliff to learn to fly. Which of the supreme powerhouses hasn't been tempered through life and death!

Su Bei quickly got into character. "Then how much time do I have to prepare?"

"A week at most." Li Xiongshan tugged at the collar of his shirt. "You'll need to go to Jinnan for some training, and you'll also need to get acquainted with your teammates."

"If nothing unexpected happens, you'll be back in a month."

"This week, you can settle your family matters. If you have any needs, feel free to ask at any time. You have a mission, and the Military Department will secure your rear!"

Su Bei nodded.

He knew the treatment provided by the Military Department. With this status, as long as his parents didn't commit murder or arson, in Tianhu City, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that no one would dare to provoke them.

Time was indeed a bit tight.

But it was sufficient.

"Oh, right."

Li Xiongshan seemed to have remembered something and quickly said, "When you get to Jinnan, if anyone from other departments says anything strange to you, absolutely do not agree!"

Su Bei asked doubtfully, "Strange things?"

"Like asking you to go to other departments, offering merit, or promising benefits. You absolutely must not agree."

Li Xiongshan's face was serious. "The military is too complex, and those bastards are very cunning. Xiao Bei, listen to Uncle, you can't handle it."

Su Bei: "..."

"Understood, Commander!"

Thanks to those who voted with their monthly tickets. A brief word about updates: two updates a day is standard during the new book period, and I've mostly been posting them at a specific time. And I haven't been updating sparingly, right? Although I say two updates, the word count is basically equivalent to three updates from others. I'm still asking for your continued reading support. This directly affects the future fate of this book. If the performance is good, I'll have more motivation to write. I'll have a burst of updates once it's officially released.