Gou Zai Gaowu Shijie Cheng Shen

Chapter 254 Reunion with an Old Friend, Changes in Kunlun [Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets]

The awards ceremony at the end of the military exercise was held solemnly in the largest training ground at Base 3.

When the host loudly announced, "Let's welcome Mr. Xu Feng, who ranked first in the overall individual ranking of this year's joint military exercise of the five major bases,"

The entire audience immediately erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, some filled with admiration, some with envy, and some with complex emotions, Xu Feng steadily walked up to the high platform.

A general from the Northwest Command of the military personally presented him with a medal as an award.

As for the rewards, they were all delivered to Xu Feng's residence by a special escort.

As for the top spot on the base rankings, it undoubtedly belongs to Base Nine.

Therefore, all the high-ranking officials from Base Nine who came made a brief appearance.

Xu Feng didn't pay much attention to the various awards that followed.

After returning to his teacher's wife's house.

Xu Feng immediately noticed a special metal box containing combat uniforms and a black and gold battle sword inside the room.

He couldn't wait to go into the house with Lu Fei and open the metal box.

"Huh? Why is this different from what you said?" Xu Feng glanced at the combat suit in the box with surprise.

According to the official statement, the reward should be a complete set of "SSS-rank Crimson God Series" combat suits.

The combat suit in front of me was a streamlined matte black, with a cool and tough feel.

The simple description above states that it can adapt to body shape and provide all-around terrifying defense.

It also has excellent defensive effects against physical impacts and mental energy.

"This..." Lu Fei's eyes immediately lit up. "I have heard of a very special combat suit that comes from ancient ruins."

It was probably made from the hide of some powerful creature.

However, it can change its form on its own, just like a living organism.

It is something that only the ultimate war god or even some beyond the war god can use, and it is extremely rare.

Its protective capabilities are comparable to an SSS-level combat suit, but its protective area is far greater.

"Such a precious item, how could the top team in a military exercise receive such a reward?" Xu Feng wondered.

Lu Fei smiled and said, "Why would you doubt something when I give you something good?"

Xu Feng waved his hand: "Giving too much makes me uneasy. I'll go ask my master."

He immediately sought confirmation from Li Yuanying.

Li Yuanying's words surprised him.

"This is the reward for your promotion, which is to add up what Zhang Huan promised you."

Li Yuanying waved his hand.

"The Black Pattern Set is very precious, but a War God-level Spirit Master like you is also very precious."

You've made a name for yourself in this military exercise, but you're likely to encounter danger soon.

Whether it's foreign races, cults, or foreign forces, the assassination attempts against mentalists have never ceased.

Li Yuanying glanced at Xu Feng: "This black-patterned suit is a form of protection from the authorities for you. They're giving it to you as a favor, so just take it."

Xu Feng's heart skipped a beat: "Yes, I understand."

After returning to his room, he told Lu Fei about it.

Lu Fei comforted her, saying, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. We'll deal with whatever comes our way. Just accept it with a calm mind."

Xu Feng nodded slightly, then turned to look at the SSS-grade battle sword.

The blade is long and narrow with a beautiful curve.

Its color is dark, like the black iron of the abyss, but the edge of the blade flows with a faint golden halo.

The name of the sword is "Xuanjin".

Just by making eye contact, one can feel a sharp intent that can cut through everything.

Xu Feng felt a surge of pride.

With these two top-tier pieces of equipment, his overall combat strength will reach a new level!
But he didn't expect it.

The real excitement was just beginning after the awards ceremony.

The commander and political commissar of Base B3 personally came to offer their condolences, their words filled with praise and a desire to win over the newly crowned champion of the military exercises, and they also subtly expressed their hope for more cooperation in the future.

Following that, high-ranking military officials, government officials, or their representatives from other bases in Area B, and even Areas A and C, also came to visit in droves.

These important figures adopted a very humble attitude and spoke politely.

It's nothing more than getting to know someone and making a good connection.

Everyone knows that with Xu Feng's demonstrated potential and strength, and with Li Yuanying, who surpasses even the God of War, standing behind him, his future achievements are limitless.

If you don't make connections now, it will be too late when they soar to great heights.

Even the principals of major martial arts schools, the heads of top martial arts schools, and representatives of some ancient families all presented their name cards, their words filled with goodwill in making friends.

Xu Feng became famous overnight, not only within the Great Xia military but also throughout the entire martial arts world!
Although he disliked socializing, he knew that these were necessary social interactions.

With the subtle guidance of his master Li Yuanying and his mistress Di Ruyan, he handled the situation fairly well.

He remained neither arrogant nor humble, maintaining both his humility and his principles and bottom line.

It left a good impression on all parties.

at the same time.

The investigation into the Extinction of the Mind Cult is also proceeding intensively.

"Sun Guozhu," who was captured by Xu Feng, had already been secretly taken over by the military's special investigation team and subjected to the highest level of interrogation.

With the crucial clue of the "monk's robe" scar provided by Xu Feng, coupled with the special investigation team's professional methods, Sun Guozhu's psychological defenses were quickly broken down, and he revealed a lot of information.

Because of Xu Feng, the special investigation team of Base B3 immediately joined forces with Yue Linfei, the special investigation team leader of Base C9, to form a special task force.

Xu Feng, who discovered the clues and was the one who made the arrest, was also invited to join.

According to Sun Guozhu's confession, the infiltration of the Extinction Heart Sect into Base No. 3 and its surrounding areas was deeper than imagined.

He withdrew from the Extinction Heart Sect unilaterally because he was tired of the endless infiltration.

These madmen recruited many disillusioned martial artists, family members of frustrated officers, and even some low-level civilian staff as informants at various outposts throughout the base, building a clandestine intelligence network.

The task force acted swiftly. Under Xu Feng's command and with the help of the list and addresses provided by Sun Guozhu, they swiftly and decisively dismantled three secret strongholds of the Extinction Heart Cult located in a civilian area on the outskirts of Base No. 3, an abandoned mine, and a sentry post.

Xu Feng did not participate much in the operation.

His very existence is a powerful deterrent.

Three strongholds were completely destroyed, seven core members of the Extinction Heart Cult and more than 20 peripheral personnel were captured, and a large number of secret documents, communication equipment and some strange sacrificial items that could not be destroyed in time were seized.

more importantly.

From testimonies and documents, the task force pieced together a clue pointing to an outpost southwest of Base No. 3, located in a chaotic border area—

There is a stronghold of the Extinction Heart Cult likely located there.

It could even be the location of a certain number two person!
Outpost B3-15.

"Halt! Who goes there?" came a wary shout from the duty room.

"Base security department, routine night check."

Outside the door, an officer responded calmly.

"What are you checking at this time—" The person in the security room had just opened the door and hadn't finished speaking when the officer kicked him into the security booth.

"drop!"

As the sound of an electronic lock opening rang out, dozens of figures quietly surged into the outpost.

The other martial artist in the duty room had a drastic change in expression and was about to make a move.

boom!
The officer's blade, still blurring, slammed heavily against his neck!
"Uh!"

The man's vision went black, and he collapsed to the ground.

The other martial artist was so frightened that he sat in a chair with his hands raised, and was quickly subdued by the special investigation team.

"Search!"

Yue Linfei's voice came through the communicator.

soon.

Outside a small building near the outpost, dozens of special reconnaissance team members quietly gathered.

The commotion here naturally did not escape the notice of some sharp-eyed martial artists.

Many people had already taken advantage of the darkness to leap onto the rooftops and look out over here.

"Is that the residence of Deputy Station Chief Chen Zhengfeng? Did they offend someone?"

"Is it worth sending out the Special Investigation Team to offend someone?"

How did you know it was the Special Investigation Team?

"Hey, only the Great Xia Special Investigation Team can arrest people at the outpost without the 'cooperation' of the outpost commander."

"In short, stay away. Let's just watch the show and not get close."

These guys are ruthless and heartless; don't get involved.

"You're right."

boom!
The battle broke out quickly.

How could Deputy Station Chief Chen Zhengfeng simply surrender like this?

His warriors, in particular, naturally had to struggle.

But when one of his black-clad warriors was kicked into the small building by Wang Zheng, who had followed him,...

The entire building and the surrounding streets fell silent for a moment.

Even the special reconnaissance team members at Base B3 turned to look at the masked man.

As the man removed his mask, he said, "Ugh, I'm so suffocating, I'd better not wear it."

Everyone was then taken aback.

"Am I seeing things? Holy crap, it's Wang Zheng! Po Jun Wang Zheng?!"

"Not only that, look who's next to him!"

"Chen He, the Sword King!"

"Holy crap! Shangguan Zhengyang is there too!"

"Who the hell are these people?"

boom!
Just then, a figure suddenly shot out from the ruins of the small building and soared into the sky.

But it was forced down by a group of fish, and then let out a scream, rolling on the ground as if possessed, clutching its head.

"What happened?"

"do not know!"

"That person can fly!"

"Is it a mentalist?"

"But how did he fall?"

"What the hell! This is a mental attack! Even the officials are using mental attacks—Holy crap! No way!"

"Xu Feng, the champion of the military exercise!"

"It's him!"

"He actually came in person!"

"Has Chen Zhengfeng betrayed his clan? This is the force we need to arrest him!"

Xu Feng slowly floated up.

He landed in front of Chen Zhengfeng and lifted him up: "Trying to run away from me? What were you thinking? You think you're some kind of mentalist?"

Chen Zhengfeng, pale-faced, hung his head, his body limp as Xu Feng lifted him up.

He weakly looked up at Xu Feng, then screamed again and fell to his knees: "I'm innocent! I didn't... I didn't!"

But as a powerful mental force enveloped him, he couldn't utter a single lie.

Xu Feng sneered and waved his hand: "Tie them all up!!"

"Yes!" the special investigation team members replied in unison.

Six hours later.

The sky gradually turned white.

As figures converged on this spot.

At various outposts, people were constantly being captured, and others who tried to escape were killed.

In the end, a total of eighty-nine people knelt on the street, as if they had lost their parents.

"Old Xu, there's someone you might know."

Yue Linfei suddenly walked over with a piece of identification information in his hand.

Xu Feng took the tablet, glanced at it, and was immediately stunned, then sighed.

He looked at Yue Linfei: "Make arrangements for me, I'll go see her and ask her."

Yue Linfei nodded and said, "Okay."

In the crowd, a woman with her head down, her pale face and darting eyes, looked around nervously.

Until a pair of feet stopped in front of her and stood there, refusing to move.

"Zhang Yu, ID number: ..., right?"

“Yes, I am innocent! I am innocent!” Zhang Yu looked up at the special investigation team member and cried.

The man grabbed "Zhang Yu's" arm and led her toward a temporary command post by the roadside: "Come with us, someone wants to see you."

Zhang Yu struggled a few times, but found that the other person's hand was like an iron clamp and she could not break free at all, so she could only be dragged into a room.

To her surprise, there was no one in the room, only a clean table, a meal, and a bottle of water.

Of course, there was also a clean set of clothes.

"Change your clothes, eat first, and someone will see you when you're done."

After saying that, the man locked the door and left.

Zhang Yu stood shivering inside the room, stunned for a moment, before looking down at her clothes, which were now covered in dust from the capture.

After thinking about it, she gritted her teeth, changed her clothes, and sat down at the table to wait.

As for the water and the food, she didn't touch them at all.

five minutes later.

The door was opened.

Zhang Yu subconsciously turned her head to look at the figure that walked in.

Then he paused for a moment, then quickly turned his head back and buried his head in his arms.

Xu Feng walked into the room, sat down at the table with a blank expression, and stared at "Zhang Yu" with her head down for a long time in silence.

After a long time.

He slowly opened his mouth and said, "Long time no see, Liu Yu."

Zhang Yu's shoulder twitched suddenly and then began to tremble.

Xu Feng turned on the tap and took a sip of water: "I really thought you were dead. I even went to your grave to pay my respects."

He picked up the hamburger from the plate, cut off a piece, and put it in his mouth.

Then, he pushed the water and food to "Zhang Yu" in front of him.

Xu Feng said with a complicated expression, "Are you really going to keep bowing your head when facing old friends like this?"

Liu Yu slowly raised her head, revealing a face streaked with tears and swollen, red eyes.

She looked at Xu Feng with shame and humiliation: "I am not the person you know. The Liu Yu you know is dead."

Then, she grabbed the plate and began to eat quietly.

A suffocating silence fell over the room.

The only sound was the faint sound of Liu Yu chewing her food.

She ate quickly but not in a disheveled manner, as if she were carrying out a task that had to be completed.

Tears silently streamed down her face, mingling with the bread and steak, which she swallowed along with the food.

Xu Feng watched her quietly, without urging her, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

The image of that bright, slightly stubborn girl from a few years ago flashed through my mind.

The figure overlapped with the pale-faced, shifty-eyed woman in front of him, who was using the alias "Zhang Yu," creating a strong sense of unreality and a stinging pain.

After finishing the last bite, Liu Yu picked up her water glass, drank the water in one gulp, and then wiped the tears from her mouth and face with the back of her hand.

Then, she took a deep breath, seemingly gathering a bit of courage, and raised her head again to meet Xu Feng's gaze.

There was shame and pain in those eyes.

Yet there was also a hint of numbness, a sense of resignation.

She looked at Xu Feng: "You've finished eating. Ask me anything you want to ask."

Xu Feng remained silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, his voice low and deep: "Why?"

"what why?"

Liu Yu twitched the corners of her mouth, revealing a mocking smile.

"Why didn't you die? Why did you join the Heart Destroyer Cult? Or why were you captured here?"

Liu Yu tugged at the corners of her mouth, revealing a smile that was more like a grimace.

"Why? Xu Feng, why are there so many whys in this world?"

She paused, her gaze drifting to the pale sky outside the window, as if lost in memories.

"Do you think I wanted this? Back then, during that mission, we all thought we were going to die."
I did indeed 'die'; my name is on the official list of the dead, and they even erected a cenotaph for me.

But in reality, I was captured.

Xu Feng's pupils contracted slightly, but he did not interrupt her.

"Those who captured me were not aliens, nor mutated creatures, but members of the Extinction Heart Cult."

Liu Yu's voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"They...they have many ways to make people wish they were dead."

Physical torture is secondary; they are more adept at destroying a person's will.
They showed me those who had been bewitched and driven mad by them.

Look at those so-called 'miracles,' look at those bloody and mangled sacrifices.
They keep violating me, in all sorts of ways, by all races!!!

Her breathing became rapid, and she gripped the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands.

"I held on for a long time, really. I watched the people around me break down one by one."

Either become one of them, or become a mindless monster.
I'm scared, Xu Feng, I'm really scared!

I'm afraid of turning into something that's neither human nor ghost!

Xu Feng's expression remained calm, but his hands, which were under the table, unconsciously clenched.

He opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything.

After a moment, Xu Feng took a deep breath: "So, you joined them."

"join in?"

Liu Yu suddenly turned her head, a hint of mockery and pain flashing in her eyes.

"You think that's 'joining'? It's a deal!"
A sordid deal, a chance to survive by trading one's soul!

They gave me a new identity, a new 'mission,' and the price was...
It means becoming their dog, lurking in the shadows, delivering messages for them, and monitoring their targets.

Xu Feng sighed: "I'm sorry I only found out about this now."

But you should come to me. If you do, I will definitely come to save you!

Liu Yu's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but her eyes remained defiant: "What do you know? Xu Feng, how could you possibly understand the struggles and despair of us ordinary martial artists?"
You achieved success late in life! You have a happy family! But what about us?

"You think we'll be happy just because you brought us to Base Nine?"

Xu Feng said quietly, "You have indeed encountered misfortune, but that is not a reason for you to fall into depravity!"

This is certainly not an excuse for you to betray your people and join a cult!

"Betrayal? Depravity?" Liu Yu seemed to be stung by these two words. He suddenly stood up, put his hands on the table, leaned forward, and stared intently at Xu Feng.

"You say I betrayed you? Then who will be responsible for my death?"

Who will take responsibility for the suffering I've endured all these years?!
When I was repeatedly violated, where were my motherland, my people, and my friends?!

what? !

What did the Great Xia Dynasty give me? Besides a cold, impersonal title of martyr, what else?!

There were 112 of us in that group. So many people, and they were all martyrs. They all died without a burial place.

Is this reasonable?

You keep calling yourself a friend, but have you really looked into the cause of my death?

"If Lu Fei and I switched places today, would you simply offer a prayer and call it a day?" Liu Yu gasped for breath, her chest heaving violently.

Xu Feng's words clearly touched on something she didn't want to face.

She slumped back into her chair, covered her face with her hands, and her shoulders trembled slightly.

"You know nothing. None of us servants care about you."

"Xu Feng".

Her voice came through her fingers, filled with exhaustion and despair.

"I'm no longer clean; there's no going back."

Xu Feng took a deep breath and gently grasped Liu Yu's hand: "In my heart, you will always be that Liu Yu."

After saying that, he sighed inwardly, got up and walked outside: "Before you leave, you rest here. Leave the rest to me."

Chen Zhengfeng is one of the leaders of this base, codenamed "Grey Raven".

He's higher-ranking than me and knows more core secrets.

Liu Yu suddenly whispered.

Xu Feng suddenly stopped and turned to look at her.

"I know only so much; I'm only responsible for relaying the information he gave me. They...they seem to be planning a big operation."

But I don't know the specifics; Chen Zhengfeng wouldn't tell me about such a minor character.

"A big operation?" Xu Feng frowned. "Names, time, place, anything will do."

"I don't know, I really don't know!"

Liu Yu shook her head vigorously, a look of fear on her face.

"Their hierarchy is very strict. Asking even one question about something you shouldn't know could lead to your death!"
I can sense that this operation is no small matter; it involves a great deal of people.

She looked up at Xu Feng with teary eyes, her voice pleading, "Xu Feng, I know it's too late for anything I say now."

I betrayed trust, I betrayed faith. I am a coward, a sinner.
I don't ask for your forgiveness, I just ask you to give me a quick death.
Or, hand me over to the military and handle it according to regulations.

"Stop asking. I've told you everything I know. I really don't know anything more."

Seeing her like this, Xu Feng felt a mix of emotions.

He understood that a person's will could break down under extreme fear.

Liu Yu endured pain she shouldn't have had to bear, and making this choice is perfectly understandable.

But a mistake is a mistake.

No matter why.

He turned around and said softly, "Your cooperation today will be recorded, which may give you a chance to survive."

He walked to the door, paused, and didn't turn back: "As for the deceased Liu Yu..."
Today, I learned the reason.

I will avenge her, in the name of friendship.

After saying that, he opened the door and strode out.

Outside the door, Yue Linfei and the others were waiting.

"Have you finished asking?" Yue Linfei asked.

Xu Feng nodded and briefly informed Yue Linfei of the intelligence he had obtained, especially the information about "Operation Big" and that Chen Zhengfeng of "Grey Raven" might know more core secrets.

Yue Linfei's expression was solemn: "It seems we've caught quite a big fish this time."

Chen Zhengfeng must be thoroughly interrogated as soon as possible!

Xu Feng glanced at the closed door and said to Yue Linfei, "Old Yue, the person inside did provide some valuable information."

She was my former friend, and also a former martyr.

Yue Linfei nodded knowingly: "I understand, leave it to me."

Turning around and walking to the side of the street, Xu Feng looked at the white light rising on the horizon, his heart heavy.

The infiltration of the Extinction Heart Sect was deeper than he had imagined.

They can even use and transform "the dead," and how many Liu Yus have they destroyed?

unknown.

He watched the special reconnaissance team members busily clearing the battlefield at the outpost, his joy at winning the military exercise long since replaced by heaviness and anger.

Xu Feng slowly clenched his fist, a fire burning in his heart.

While he was helping, dealing with the Extinction Heart Sect was ultimately not Xu Feng's responsibility.

Therefore, this must be exchanged for merit.

His requirements were very simple.

The special investigation team should find a way to replace his original S-class battle knife, wrist shield, full combat suit and tactical helmet, along with his SS-class combat vest, with this set of equipment, which he had kept as a spare, with an SSS-class wrist shield.

Yue Linfei alone could not have done it.

However, the special reconnaissance teams from the two bases managed to find Xu Feng a second-hand SSS-class octagonal wrist shield.

From then on, Xu Feng's entire equipment underwent a complete overhaul.

The Black Pattern Suit Combat Suit is even more precious than the SSS-class.

The SSS-grade battle sword "Mysterious Gold".

SSS-level wrist shield.

6 SSS-grade throwing knives.

In addition, there are three SS-grade broken blades and 20 S-grade throwing knives as support.

"The biggest winner of this military exercise is actually me."

He hadn't originally planned to participate in the military exercise, but unexpectedly, he received such a great benefit.

"Boom boom boom——"

As someone knocked on the door, Lu Fei quickly entered the room: "You've locked yourself in your room ever since you got back, what's wrong?"

Xu Feng smiled and pulled her into his arms: "I've sorted out my recent gains and also thought about what happened during this arrest operation."

Then, he told Lu Fei everything about Liu Yu.

Upon hearing this, Lu Fei immediately covered her mouth, her face filled with astonishment: "How could such a thing happen?!"

Xu Feng waved his hand: "Respect other people's fate. I've done all I can. I'll avenge her in the future."

"What will happen to Liu Yu next?" Lu Fei asked with concern.

Xu Feng sighed: "I've spoken to Lao Yue, and she should be lenient with him. It all depends on what help she can provide."

In a way, the military also bears responsibility; they assigned the task but didn't care about the lives of those who carried it out.

"These damn guys!"

Lu Fei lightly slammed her hand on the table, her pretty face contorted with rage, though it was unclear who she was cursing at.

Xu Feng gently patted her shoulder: "Actually, this kind of thing has always existed, it's just that we haven't paid attention to it."

It's big in some ways, and small in others.

Have you forgotten that I also started as a military servant?
In the eyes of many, our lives are nothing more than cannon fodder.

"This isn't right!" Lu Fei said in a muffled voice.

Xu Feng held her hand: "Of course not. I didn't have the ability to help before, so naturally I was powerless."

But now, I at least have some connections, and being able to do something for my past self has always been my hope.

Lu Fei nodded slightly, then suddenly sighed, "I feel like I'm falling behind you now."

Xu Feng smiled and patted her hair: "What are you talking about? Why are you pursuing me? Everyone has their own destiny, just take it one step at a time."

Our goal is to surpass the God of War; until that, the gap between us isn't that large.

Lu Fei nodded slightly.

Whether it's a beginner-level War God, a mid-level War God, a high-level War God, or even a supreme War God.

They are all just "people".

Those who are truly capable of ruling the dimensional realm and guarding the Great Xia are those who surpass even the God of War.

This is the ultimate goal of every martial artist.

Lu Fei smiled and said, "You've improved too quickly, which makes me feel powerless."

"A man shouldn't talk about being fast, he should talk about being strong."

Xu Feng laughed.

Lu Fei covered her mouth and smiled: "I've heard people say that the more a person lacks something, the more they emphasize it."

"Damn! We've been completely outmatched!" Xu Feng immediately leaned back, speechless.

"Hahaha, you—"

Lu Fei lay on his chest, about to tease Xu Feng a bit.

Suddenly, Xiao Dan pushed open the door and walked in, and immediately saw the two of them in a strange position.

"ah!"

boom!
She slammed the door shut and shouted from outside, "Can't you two be a little more considerate?!"

Lu Fei jumped up and landed on the ground, looking at Xu Feng with an embarrassed expression: "It's all your fault!"

Then he turned around, opened the door, and went out: "Don't talk nonsense. Your dad and I were just joking. He ran into some trouble this afternoon and is in a bad mood."

"Huh? What is it?" Xiao Dan's attention was indeed diverted by Lu Fei.

Inside the room, Xu Feng breathed a slight sigh of relief, feeling much more at ease with his depressed mood.

"Oh, right!"

Just then, Lu Fei suddenly pushed the door open and poked her head in again: "Oh right, you interrupted me just now, I almost forgot to tell you."

The top brass of Base 3 is going to hold a celebration banquet to celebrate the successful completion of the military exercise, and has invited the top twenty individuals on the exercise's individual leaderboard.

"I've sent you an invitation. Your master's wife wants you to go and get to know some more experts. Are you going?"

Xu Feng sat up and thought for a moment before saying, "Since it was my master's wife who asked me to go, then of course I have to go."

"You can disregard others' feelings, but you must give face to your teacher's wife."

"Okay, the banquet is tomorrow at noon, don't forget."

"I want to go too!" Xiao Dan immediately squeezed in and shouted.

Xu Feng smiled and waved his hand: "Alright, alright, I'll take you there."

Xiao Dan excitedly followed Lu Fei away: "Yay! We get to eat at a banquet again!"

Xu Feng shook his head slightly. All he does all day is eat, he doesn't put any thought into studying or practicing martial arts.

noon the next day.

The "Tingtaoxuan" banquet hall, the highest-standard venue in Base No. 3.

This place isn't decorated in a lavish, opulent style, but rather exudes an elegant, ancient charm.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is a meticulously maintained Chinese garden.

Artificial hills and flowing water, shaded by lush bamboo, create a tranquil environment.

The interior is simply and elegantly furnished, with several round purple wood tables arranged in a staggered manner, and the air is filled with a faint aroma of sandalwood and tea.

Those invited to the banquet hall were mostly young talents who ranked in the top twenty of the individual list for this military exercise.

Including Xu Feng, there were a total of eighteen people.

When Xu Feng arrived, quite a few people had already arrived, and it seemed that no one was organizing them, so many people were chatting in twos and threes.

After changing out of their combat uniforms and into decent civilian clothes, they looked less grim and more relaxed, like people on the battlefield.

Xu Feng arrived late, and as soon as he entered, he attracted the attention of most people.

There was curiosity, scrutiny, and recognition.

With a calm expression and a polite smile, he took the initiative to walk towards the crowd.

"Brother Xu, congratulations on winning the championship!"

Yue Changkong raised his glass first, with Li Wen standing beside him, looking calm.

"Brother Yue, Brother Li, congratulations to you both."

Hsu Feng responded with a smile and lightly clinked glasses with the two men.

The three were not strangers. After exchanging a few words, Xu Feng took the initiative to walk towards the several high-level war gods standing to the side.

When Wang Zheng saw Xu Feng, a hint of unease flashed across his face, but he quickly recovered.

"Xu Feng, I admit that I was outmatched in skill before."

Wang Zheng was quite straightforward; he immediately picked up his wine glass.

"If there's a chance in the future, we'll have a fair fight!"

Xu Feng smiled and clinked glasses with him: "Brother Wang's 'Breaking Kill Fist' is incredibly powerful and unparalleled. I have benefited greatly from it. I look forward to our next exchange."

Xi Yu also chimed in with jokes, instantly lightening the atmosphere considerably.

Then, Xu Feng took the initiative to greet Shi Potian, Luo Bing, Li Feiyu and others.

Although Shi Potian's expression was still somewhat sour, he couldn't show it in this situation.

He gave a curt reply, which was considered a way of letting bygones be bygones.

Even Li Feiyu, whom he had previously "ambushed," came over with a wine glass in hand.

He glanced at Xu Feng with a complicated expression, finally sighed, raised his glass and said, "Military exercises are all about individual ability; let bygones be bygones."

"We'll have a proper, fair exchange another time."

Shi Potian, standing to the side, added, "That's right, upright and honorable!"

"Hahaha!" Xu Feng laughed, tilting his head back. "Good! I'll definitely do it honorably!"

The other two then shook their heads and laughed.

After the three clinked glasses, their previous dissatisfaction was completely resolved.

In contrast, Luo Bing, the "phantom," simply nodded indifferently.

As for the local experts from Base 3, such as Chen He and Shangguan Zhengyang, they were even more enthusiastic towards Xu Feng.

After all, Xu Feng had, to some extent, "cleaned up" a potential threat for their base.

After going around in circles, Xu Feng successfully built a relationship with these future pillars of the Great Xia Dynasty by maintaining a humble yet assertive attitude and actively extending goodwill.

He welcomed all challengers with humility and showed no arrogance despite winning the championship. He also expressed his recognition and appreciation for the skills of all the top players.

They were all of similar age and strength, and were all martial artists.

Putting aside the competition in the military exercises, there are actually many common topics.

They chatted about everything from martial arts training to local customs and traditions, as well as various wars, including their experiences fighting against other races. They found themselves quite compatible.

"Xu Feng, where did you hide during those last few days?"
We practically turned the beast's den upside down, but we still couldn't find you!

Wang Zheng leaned closer and asked curiously.

Xu Feng smiled and said half-jokingly, "I found a place, dug a hole, and slept there a few times."

Everyone laughed when they heard this, taking it as a joke, but they also admired his ability to hide.

Xiao Dan followed Xu Feng, her eyes darting around.

Looking at these legendary warriors, whose names were usually only heard of in rumors, her face flushed with excitement.

However, this time, she behaved herself and didn't run around or talk nonsense.

After greeting everyone, Xu Feng glanced around but didn't see Zhang Changgong.

That's quite a pity.

What puzzled him even more was that Wang Lin didn't come either.

Just as the atmosphere was getting lively, the hall doors opened again, and two figures walked in side by side.

A man dressed in a crisp three-star general's uniform, his epaulets gleaming, his face refined yet exuding an air of quiet authority.

It was Zhou Zhen, the commander of Base No. 3.

And entering with him was none other than the graceful and charming Di Ruyan.

"Commander Zhou!"

"General Di!"

Everyone stood up to greet him respectfully.

Zhou Zhen smiled broadly and gestured for everyone to sit down.

Today is a celebration banquet for you young people. General Di and I are just here to join in the fun and share in your joy. There's no need for formalities."

He and Di Ruyan naturally blended in with the young people, chatting casually and asking them about their interesting experiences and insights during the military exercises.

There was absolutely no air of superiority about them.

Zhou Zhen was witty and knowledgeable, and quickly enlivened the atmosphere.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Zhou Zhen casually took a sip of his drink, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant faces of the people present, before he suddenly sighed softly.

"Seeing you all, I see the future of the Great Xia Dynasty, and my heart is filled with joy."

However, even in times of peace, we must be mindful of potential dangers; the burdens on our shoulders are by no means lighter.

Li Tianlang picked up the conversation at the right moment, his tone tinged with concern: "Commander Zhou, is something troubling you?"

He paused, then casually remarked, "Speaking of which, things haven't been very peaceful near the Kunlun Mountains in the Northwest lately."

Upon hearing this, the previously noisy banquet hall immediately quieted down.

All eyes were on Zhou Zhen.

Kunlun Mountains?
That was one of the most mysterious and dangerous places in the Great Xia territory, where foreign tribes were relatively active.

It is located between the Wumeng Mountains and the Qinling Mountains, and is very close to Area B of the Wumeng Mountains.

At the same time, the Kunlun Mountains region is also one of the most complex areas among these two mountain ranges.

There are three first-class races and several second-class races of varying sizes stationed in those mountains.

"Kunlun?" Yue Changkong frowned slightly. "Isn't it always heavily fortified there?"

Zhou Zhen tapped the table lightly and continued, "There have been frequent skirmishes at the outposts and resource points over there recently."

The harassment from other races has intensified significantly, and some ancient races that were rarely seen before have even appeared.

According to intelligence reports from the front lines, the alien race seems to be brewing something, and their movements are somewhat unusual.

Especially recently, the activities of the alien races have been unusually frequent, and their attacks have been much fiercer than before.

Several forward outposts are under immense pressure, and the casualty figures are not good.

"What exactly is the reason? Surely the alien race wouldn't suddenly go mad?"

Someone asked in surprise.

Di Ruyan nodded slightly and replied, "The specific reasons are still under investigation, and the spatial structure deep within the Kunlun Mountains is complex, connecting multiple unknown dimensional rifts."

The alien race has been entrenched there for a long time, and their recent activity is probably not accidental.

We suspect they might be trying to open a portal to another dimension to facilitate the arrival of a higher-level dimensional realm.

Everyone's expression turned solemn.

Zhou Zhen's gaze swept over everyone, and he continued, "Base No. 3 has decided to organize an elite volunteer support team, which will soon be heading to the front line in Kunlun."

One reason is to alleviate the pressure on the front lines.

On the other hand, it's also an opportunity to delve deeper into the root cause of the anomalies.

A volunteer support team? Heading to the Kunlun front?

Everyone's expressions changed again.

Zhou Zhen took in everyone's reactions and a faint smile appeared on his face.

He then returned to normal, raising his glass: "Not only us, but all the major bases in the Wumeng Mountains and Qinling Mountains will send people."

If any of you are interested in going, please feel free to contact me.

Alright, alright, let's not talk about these unpleasant things anymore.

Today is a celebration banquet. Come, let me toast all of you talented young people!
May your martial arts flourish, and may you soon become pillars of our Great Xia!

"Respectfully, Commander Zhou!"

Everyone raised their glasses in unison, and the atmosphere became lively again.

You can put the cup down.

Despite what they said, many people's eyes instantly lit up with excitement, eager to try.

Shi Potian clenched his fists, and a fighting spirit flashed in Li Feiyu's eyes.

Even Li Wen and Yue Changkong, who were usually calm and collected, looked much more serious.

Xu Feng's heart skipped a beat. Could the "grand operation" planned by the Kunlun Extinction Sect also target Kunlun?
The celebration banquet continued, with toasts being exchanged and laughter filling the air.

But some people's thoughts may have already flown to that distant and mysterious snow-covered mountain range.

(End of this chapter)