Swallowing the Stars: The Wind Sword Master.

Chapter 1 Ning Ze

Night gradually came to an end, accompanied by mournful roars of beasts.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight of the day pierced through the dusty glass window, shining into the room through a clean, round hole and illuminating a slightly silent face.

He was a young man around twenty years old. He was sitting shirtless in the corner, with delicate features and a chiseled face. He was quite handsome.

However, his fluffy black hair was covered with some dust, making him look somewhat disheveled.

Even the dark red bloodstain at the corner of his mouth and the oval-shaped purple bruise on his chest made him look even more miserable.

Facing the light, his obsidian-like pupils shone with a special brilliance; they were eyes full of hope, and his mental state was not as disheveled as he appeared.

His name is Ning Ze.

He was a top student at Jiangnan University and is now in his second semester of freshman year.

However, he has already dropped out of school and will never go back.

Because he has become a martial artist!

A martial artist who wields terrifying power far exceeding that of ordinary people!

The cataclysm ushered in a new chapter in the evolution of all races on Earth. Former civilizations were destroyed, and all things were forced to start from the same point again: snakes, insects, rats, cats, dogs, fish, birds...

They are born wild and their nature is full of cruelty. Once they gain power, they are no longer pets, but all become terrifying monsters.

They occupied the cities where humans lived, driving them out and killing them... Humans could only flee.

The arduous struggle of countless predecessors who sacrificed their lives is the main theme of the Great Nirvana period.

Left with no other option, humanity had to establish base cities to protect ordinary citizens.

Nowadays, ordinary humans can only cower in the base city...

Only warriors can leave the base city and venture into the wilderness to fight against countless monsters.

Human history has never lacked struggle. From the first spark of civilization to becoming the dominant species on Earth, we will certainly not be eliminated in this survival competition.

Compared to joining a martial arts squad to hunt monsters in the wilderness, the school is like an ivory tower, only allowing students to train and fight in a safe environment.

That's not what Ning Ze wanted.

Martial artists should forge ahead bravely, taking life and death lightly. Only in the face of life-or-death crises can they unleash their life potential, rapidly improve their strength, and live up to their youth.

Therefore, after Ning Ze reached the level of a quasi-martial artist, he directly participated in the quasi-martial artist assessment, and later passed the martial artist combat assessment. After that, he followed his father's former martial artist team into the wilderness area.

The wilderness was dangerous, and he was even injured because of it, but he never regretted his choice.

He wasn't very talented.

A strength of 900kg is the passing mark for a quasi-martial artist; once you reach this level of training, you can participate in the quasi-martial artist assessment.

Next, they need to absorb cosmic energy. Before becoming a quasi-martial artist, they passively absorb cosmic energy as living beings. But after becoming a quasi-martial artist, their genes are perfect enough, and they can actively absorb cosmic energy.

The first time one absorbs cosmic energy is the most important. The time it takes to sense cosmic energy and the increase in power can reveal a person's talent.

Ning Ze first absorbed cosmic energy on the morning of the second day, and finished his cultivation at noon, after which his strength increased by 1218kg.

This level of skill can only be considered elite, not genius.

Of course, even geniuses need to be compared. As the child of a warrior, Ning Ze knew that his talent was only average. At the age of 19, he had already achieved the result of his hard work.

Given this situation, how could he not continue to work hard?

A life-threatening crisis is the best teacher, unleashing the potential of life is the best way to cultivate oneself, and venturing into the wilderness is the best choice.

he came.

But the process didn't go very smoothly.

His father's former martial arts squad was the Warrior Squad.

As the name suggests, a team that has a powerful warrior can be called a warrior squad.

And their team has two generals!

Their strength is definitely formidable, but for a newcomer, hunting monsters with such a martial arts team is even more dangerous.

A quasi-martial artist weighs 900 kg.

Junior warrior 1000-2000kg

Intermediate warrior 4000-8000kg

Advanced warriors weigh 4000-8000 kg.

A warrior weighs over 8000kg, with 10000kg considered a standard warrior.

Mars……

An existence surpassing even the God of War...

The two generals in their team each weigh over 10000 kg! The other three senior warriors weigh around 7500 kg.

Ning Ze had just become a martial artist, and his strength was only a little over 2100kg, barely reaching the minimum level of an intermediate warrior.

In such a team, the strength of the other members is more than three times that of him, and the monsters they fight are also of this strength.

Therefore, although these uncles were good friends of his father, they were actually more demanding of Ning Ze.

Let Ning Ze kill monsters stronger than him from the start, so he won't be a burden.

The results of the trials were mixed.

On the positive side, after more than a dozen life-or-death battles, Ning Ze transformed his father's earnest teachings into his own strength, and integrated the knowledge he had learned in the past when fighting monsters.

On the negative side, he was injured.

last night.

During his battle with the G-class monster, the Crimson Wildebeest, he was struck hard in the chest by a hoof.

Monsters are categorized into three strength levels: Beast Soldier, Beast General, and Lord, corresponding to human warriors, war generals, and war gods!

Beast-class monsters are divided into three levels: H, G, and F, which correspond to beginner, intermediate, and advanced beast soldiers, respectively.

The blood-red wildebeest had a strength exceeding 3000kg, making it significantly stronger than him in terms of sheer power.

But humanity's greatest strength lies not in its physical body, but in its ability to learn and create. It creates defensive equipment and weapons stronger than monsters, and learns techniques for dodging and offensive strategies.

Without his combat suit, the kick from the Crimson Wildebeest would have severely injured him, breaking his bones and rendering him unable to fight. Yet now, he only suffered minor injuries.

Overall, he is slightly stronger than the monster, so killing the monster would not be difficult for him.

The reason for the accident was not because he lacked mental fortitude.

The family also has a "kind" old father who is a limping junior soldier. He has experienced many battles since childhood and has also experienced many bloody scenes in the military region. He is not afraid or uncomfortable because it is his first battle.

The reason he was attacked was because he was distracted.

Surrounded by the warrior squad, the crimson wildebeest knew it had no hope of survival and fought back desperately.

That hoof was aimed at his head. If it weren't for his strong mental fortitude, which allowed him to momentarily lose focus and dodge the fatal attack, the martial arts team could be heading back now.

After all, his uncles came to City 096, where the monsters were generally weak, specifically to train him.

"Is this the system?"

"Or are you referring to the control panel?"

Ning Ze muttered to himself, his obsidian-like eyes fixed thoughtfully on the person in front of him.

[Host: Ning Ze]

[Level: Intermediate Warrior 2246kg]

[Cultivation Skills: Gene Energy Cultivation Method "Five Hearts Facing Heaven"; Guiding Technique "Ethereal Spiritual Wind"]

[Combat Skills: "Hundred Steps of Spiritual Insight" base 993/1000; "Swift Wind Sword Technique" base 981/1000]

It was because this thing suddenly appeared during the battle, blocking his view, that he was momentarily distracted due to his lack of preparedness.

Fortunately, it was just a rectangular transparent panel that didn't obstruct his view, so he could choose not to look at it and narrowly avoided the attack.

"This thing... seems like something from a story my father told me, a product of the fantasies of his time..."

"It seems like having this thing unlocks an invincible path! Wealth can move mountains! Wives and concubines galore!..."

Ning Ze's lips twitched, feeling utterly speechless.

He quickly banished the thought from his mind. The pain in his chest told him that any monster that jumped out of the wilderness was no weaker than him. If he hadn't come out with Uncle Zuo and the others, he would have died before he got here.

It's not because his mother is too fierce at home; how could he possibly betray his girlfriend? Being beaten every day like his father wouldn't be good either.

Bring your thoughts back from wandering.

Ning Ze pondered the meaning of the data on the analysis panel.

"The Gene Energy Cultivation Method, 'Five Hearts Towards Heaven,' can absorb cosmic energy and transform it into one's own gene energy. The guiding technique, 'Ethereal Spirit Wind,' which is paired with the sword technique, can increase the daily limit of cosmic energy absorbed by the cells."

"Because I have mastered the basic swordsmanship and basic movement techniques, I quickly became proficient in the 'Hundred Steps of Spiritual Rhinoceros' and the 'Swift Wind Sword Technique,' and was able to use them in combat with ease."

"like……"

"Have the panel values ​​changed?"

Ning Ze frowned slightly. He remembered that the "Hundred Steps of the Spiritual Rhinoceros" should have a base score of 988/100, but now it had become 993/1000, an increase of 5 points.

Ning Ze recalled the battle. After being hit, his uncles tried to come to his rescue, but he dodged several attacks with his agility. The battle gradually stabilized, and he also killed the blood-red horned horse.

"So, my movement technique improved during combat, but is the trigger condition combat itself, or using movement techniques?"

The conditions for the two are different. If it is a battle, then you need an opponent, or even a burst of inspiration in a life-or-death crisis, with an urgent desire to dodge, which improves your movement skills.

"If it's simply about using..."

Ning Ze narrowed his eyes and took in the scene in the room.

A burly man lay sprawled on the dusty floor, a broadsword of crimson gold beside him! He was Zuo Xingyuan, the captain of the War Squad, a newly-entered intermediate-level warrior.

A thin, middle-aged man squatted in the corner, his right hand gripping a long dagger at his waist. This movement could be explosive. He was the vice-captain, Ma Yu, a junior warrior.

Two burly men stood side by side, legs pressed together, heads touching, with two alloy shields erected in front of them and a wall behind them. They were Xu Liang and Zhang Chen, high-level warriors.

The remaining gaunt middle-aged man appeared to be meditating, carrying a weapon that resembled both a sniper rifle and a machine gun. His name was Yang Chao, the artilleryman of the martial arts squad, who had a special way of resting to recover his energy.

They had traveled all night to reach this deserted outskirts of the county town. They were all in meditation because they were going to hunt during the day.

"It's not a good time to conduct experiments. Otherwise, I could try cultivating..."

Ning Ze's heart was burning with excitement, and his obsidian-like pupils shone even brighter.

"If cultivation alone can lead to improvement, then the next level of movement technique is the Subtle Entry!"

"That's incredibly precise!"

"Even among my two uncles, who are both at the level of generals, only Uncle Ma's movement technique has reached such a level. It took him more than ten years of fighting and countless life-and-death experiences to reach this level!"

"If I could reach the Subtle Realm right after becoming a martial artist, then..."

"Looks like you got some rest."

His voice was somewhat stiff, uttering each word one by one.

Ning Ze snapped out of his daze and met the gaze of the thin, middle-aged man holding a gun.

He smiled slightly.

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yang. I wasn't seriously injured to begin with."

Yang Chao didn't speak again, but slowly closed his eyes and said softly, "It seems that what happened last night didn't affect you. Good. Take a rest, and do your best today."

Ning Ze nodded, and seeing that there was no intention to talk, he closed his eyes and began to rest.

He thought to himself, "No wonder he's an artilleryman. Uncle Yang's senses are really sharp. I only glanced at him."

As the last member of the combat squad closed his eyes, the room became even quieter.

Martial artists typically fight during the day in cities in the wilderness because human senses are relatively balanced, and combat largely depends on vision.

Monsters are different. Snake-like monsters are good at using their sense of smell to perceive things, cat-like monsters have strong night vision, and bat-like monsters rely on sound waves.

Humans would be at a great disadvantage if they fought these monsters at night.

Even when they rest, they have to activate their wilderness concealment devices to reduce the sound and smell in a small area, otherwise the evolved monsters can sense them from ten miles away.

Time passed quietly, the sun rose higher and higher, and the room was brightly lit.

"Ah~"

A comfortable groan.

After waking up, Zuo Xingyuan casually grabbed the alloy broadsword beside him, raised his arm and began to stretch, pointing the broadsword at Ma Yu, who was squatting by the wall.

"The sound from the hidden device has a limit. If you attract the monster, our plans for today will be disrupted."

Ma Yu closed his eyes, his mouth opening and closing, his voice sounding somewhat sinister.

"It's alright, it's fine. I know this jammer very well!"

Zuo Xingyuan waved his hand casually and turned to look at Ning Ze on the other side.

He grinned. "You're quite alert, kid. How was your rest?"

Ning Ze honestly replied, "I'm in great shape."

Ma Yu said expressionlessly, "If your performance today does not satisfy us, then I will take you back and you will only be allowed to rejoin the team once your strength reaches the level of an advanced warrior."

Ning Ze gritted his teeth and said firmly, "Uncle Ma, don't worry, I will definitely not make any more mistakes today."

Zuo Xingyuan smoothed things over, encouraging him, "Old Ma, don't be so harsh. It's normal for Xiaoze to be a little nervous, as it's his first time facing a monster in the wilderness, and it's even stronger than him."

"He did alright yesterday too. Didn't he successfully kill that monster in the end? This kid has a very solid foundation. Boss Ning has been teaching him diligently. Once he gets used to it, he'll definitely be a good fighter."

Ma Yu frowned slightly. It wasn't that he thought Ning Ze was a burden. Since they had chosen this City 096 trial, the danger should be kept within a certain range.

Although the monsters here are weak and not very valuable, and they earn less money, the new generation will always replace the old, and they are willing to be the guides.

However, the wilderness is no joke. Even with them there, they can't protect him all the time. If Ning Ze himself isn't strong enough, there's only one outcome: death!

"Speaking of which... Xiaoze is a little genius. He became a martial artist at the age of nineteen, and his strength increased by 1200kg on his first try. His talent is much stronger than Xiaoliang's. You should have more confidence in him."

The sound came from one side.

Upon hearing this, Ma Yu's pupils contracted, and he glared at him coldly.

Xiao Liang, whose full name is Ma Liang, refers to his son!

Looking in the direction of his gaze, Xu Liang smiled憨厚ly with his large, square face, his rough fingers scratching his scalp.

Upon hearing this, Ning Ze immediately shut his eyes, nose, mouth, and mind, pretending he hadn't heard anything.

Yang Chao, still holding the gun, was resting with his eyes closed, but the upturned corner of his mouth revealed that he was secretly smiling.

Zuo Xingyuan grinned widely, "Xiao Ze's talent is indeed good. Let bygones be bygones. Do your best today."

"Put your clothes on now. There are no young girls here who will be staring at your belly fat."

"To be honest, you're too thin and don't look very strong. I really don't know what Boss Ning was thinking, making you practice swordsmanship instead of sabers."

"A real man should be like me!" Zuo Xingyuan flexed his exaggerated biceps. "Boss Ning is strong and is the captain, and now I'm the captain too!"

Ning Ze chuckled awkwardly and offered an explanation.

"I'm probably more like my mom."

After saying that, he put on his inner armor, picked up his combat uniform from his side, and saw a piece of yellowish-brown hard leather armor, with a dark red circular badge on his chest, which was the insignia of their combat squad.

The logo looks somewhat abstract and empty, with streaks of dark red shadows like flames, while in the center of the logo is a portrait of a tough guy with a buzz cut, giving people a feeling of iron-blooded desolation.

Upon seeing the team emblem, Ning Ze's expression turned strange. Feeling extremely embarrassed, he forced himself to quickly put on his combat uniform, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and picked up his longsword.

"Captain, I'm ready!"

Zuo Xingyuan patted him on the shoulder and said encouragingly, "Let's have you hunt two monsters today to get used to it."

"Next, let's find two bigger guys and give them a run for their money!"

Ning Ze nodded emphatically, "I won't let everyone down."

(End of this chapter)