Daily life of a teacher in the martial arts department

"Finally..." The researcher looked at the only top-tier expert in the field who had not been assigned a spot, and also the only woman among them.

"Miss Shadow, after our discussion, we believe that none of the four areas mentioned above can fully utilize your high mobility. Therefore, we have approved your permission to move freely within these areas and search for clues."

The woman called Shadow, dressed in black, leaned against the shadows in the corner of the tent, her face veiled, arms crossed. After hearing the researcher's words, she nodded slightly without saying a word.

“Well then…” Commander Piez clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention to himself, “Everyone, speed is of the essence in war. Please follow the researchers to collect your equipment. If there are no problems, let’s set off immediately.”

Chapter Twenty-Two: Uncomfortable

Alchemy Armament.

Many years ago, some people wanted to combine alchemical weapons with martial artists to create a true weapon of war on the battlefield, but in practice, they always failed.

The existence of alchemical weapons is an obstacle for martial artists. Martial artists are familiar with their own bodies, their fists, legs, knees, and elbows; every part of their bodies can become a deadly weapon. But the first feeling upon equipping these alchemical weapons is one of unfamiliarity, utter unfamiliarity.

Although martial artists are highly adaptable, it still takes them quite some time to adapt to alchemical weaponry. In fact, they need even more time to familiarize themselves with it. This is because they are so familiar with their bodies; every movement has become instinctive, ingrained in their very bones. It's like those martial artists who, even after becoming zombies, can still use martial arts techniques.

Secondly, a martial artist's physique is sometimes not much weaker than that of those armed, which means the boost provided by the armor is extremely limited. For example, a soldier with a combat strength of 5, wearing alchemical armor, might have a combat strength of 30, while a martial artist with a combat strength of 40, after systematic training, might only reach a combat strength of 45. If we assume two people, a martial artist and a soldier, share a set of armor, who should receive it to maximize its effectiveness?

The answer is self-evident.

Finally, and most critically, a martial artist's alchemical weaponry must be specially made. Because martial artists use internal energy (qi), some prefer to flick their fingers to release it, some prefer to exhale it in one breath, and some prefer to kick it out. This means that the alchemical weaponry cannot cover the entire body, further reducing its effectiveness. Even more fatally, the covered areas cannot be used with internal energy. Otherwise, if you flick your finger, it's over; your hand is covered by the alchemical weaponry, and your internal energy will directly collide with it, essentially causing a self-destruction.

All these factors combined have resulted in the absence of alchemical weapons truly suitable for martial artists. And generally speaking... the more a martial artist believes in their own body, the more they dislike alchemical weapons.

"So... is it really necessary to wear this?"

In the makeshift equipment room, the top-tier martial artists all received their corresponding equipment. Walkie-talkies were fine; they could just hang them up anywhere. But the alchemical armor... no one wanted to wear it.

Among them, Ying Qin Guan, who was awarded the title of "Divine Courage" for single-handedly fighting against more than 1,300 Jue Tian soldiers, was the first to jump out and express his opinion.

Ying Qin Guan looked at the researcher, who held a full-coverage alchemical armor set. Of course, it wasn't for combat, but rather to isolate the researcher from the outside air as much as possible.

"Isn't it said that top-tier martial artists are immune to these things? Why do they still need to wear them? And didn't we say before that even the military wore these uniforms and still got infected? Doesn't that mean these things are useless?"

This simple yet profound question elicited a slightly awkward smile from the researcher opposite him. He tried his best to explain, "As it stands, top-tier martial artists won't be infected. But that doesn't mean they're truly immune. While some soldiers have indeed been infected while wearing this, it doesn't mean it's useless..."

Although what the other party said made a lot of sense, it was like hearing a single conversation from a wise person and then repeating the same thing over and over again.

Ying Qin Guan squinted and turned his gaze to Kui on the side. Kui was still wearing the same clothes and had not changed into the alchemical armor. Moreover, no one had given him any clothes.

"Then why is he allowed to not wear it?"

The researcher's smile was no longer just awkward, but stiff.

He thought to himself:

Why doesn't Kui wear it? Because Kui's mother is a different race, an owl.

What is an owl?

They are a fighting race that can punch through a 6mm thick steel plate even without any training after reaching adulthood. What does that mean...? It's close to a Barrett missile.

Moreover, Kui is the most powerful of all, a member of a divine race, and the undisputed strongest in the world. Unless you're an unknown swordsman from Southern Qin, you might be able to contend with him. Your question has truly stumped me. What, are you an unknown swordsman from Southern Qin? If you were, then you certainly wouldn't need to wear such a thing.

Are you? No, you're not.

But how should we answer Ying Qin Guan? Should we say that Kui is a foreigner?

No, we can't say that. Some things may be true, but we can't say them out loud. Although Kui is one of the very few alien races accepted by humans, his position is still quite awkward. Although he has everything prepared for him wherever he goes, seemingly holding a high status, he is actually blind and deaf. What he sees and hears is only what the United Nations wants him to see and hear. Pointing out his alien identity at this time... is not appropriate.

After all, we still need his help.

Actually, this researcher is overthinking things. Kui isn't that sensitive; if he were, how could he maintain such a delicate relationship with humans? But for a researcher focused on their work, this question is indeed a bit beyond their scope.

“I can’t stand this either.” Athoshe, who was selected to explore the most dangerous area with Ying Qin Guan and Kui because of his strength, spoke up. Ying Qin Guan had heard of him. This guy, like the Nephalem, was a strong contender for the number one spot in the world.

When it comes to being the best in the world, the default is usually within the human realm.

He surveyed the top-tier martial artists around him with a calm expression.

"I'm fine with anything, but this thing is really not appealing." Chen Fang, who looked like an ordinary old man, spoke calmly. His life was quite legendary. He was one of the few top-tier martial artists who were defeated on the front lines (top-tier martial artists generally don't appear on the front lines, it's a waste; they're mostly used for decapitation strikes unless there are special circumstances). Later, he worked hard and began to study alchemy. He was truly gifted and experienced a second spring in his life, learning a lot. But he still hated it.

“Old man, should I say you’re right, or that I’m the complete opposite of you?” Ed pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and said in a flippant tone, “I actually quite like these things. As long as they’re not on my body, I’m not a virgin anymore at fifteen. I’ve never worn a condom since I was a kid, and I never will.”

Eddard... He is a descendant of the legendary alchemist "Alchemy Emperor," a true winner in life. He possesses unparalleled talent in both alchemy and martial arts, initially focusing on alchemy. However, at the age of twenty, he participated in a competition and was utterly defeated by the then sixteen-year-old Mu Nandong. He was devastated for two months, then switched to martial arts, and in less than ten years, he became a top-tier expert—a truly prodigy. While his strength might be slightly weaker than the Nephalem, his talent undoubtedly surpasses theirs.

"The language is crude, but I second it."

The woman standing in the shadows, Miss Shadow, chimed in her agreement.

Darius opened his mouth, and given his personality, he should have snorted coldly and said something like "Truly disorganized and undisciplined," but with Ying Qin Guan present, he really didn't dare to speak.

At this critical moment, Nephalem sighed and said, "In my opinion, you should all wear them."

Chapter Twenty-Three: Departure

Darius's unspoken words, though unpleasant to hear, were actually true.

Top-tier martial artists are indeed disorganized and undisciplined. Like now, Ying Qin Guan is alright; he doesn't understand much about viruses and is very confident in himself, so he doesn't want to wear it. But Ed is acting very strangely. Those more educated than him can't beat him, and those who can beat him aren't as educated. He certainly knows whether this equipment is useful or not. Yet he actually compared it to a condom, using such a vulgar metaphor...

Having achieved so much at such a young age, it's hard for these people not to be arrogant. Even if they consider themselves benevolent, righteous, courteous, wise, and trustworthy, gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest, loyal, filial, honest, shameful, and courageous. In reality, these people will just talk about their own ideas. In their minds, "I'm unlikely to get into trouble, and even if I do, it's none of your business."

This is a martial artist.

Unstable factors, explosive charges, strategic weapons.

However, there are a few exceptions.

For example, the Nephalem and Darius.

These two are typical government officials; when it comes to serious matters, their mindset isn't exactly that of a "warrior"—of course, they're still the same as usual.

So now the Nephalem have spoken.

“Many things about the virus are still unconfirmed. What if it actually has a longer incubation period, but just didn’t show up before?” Nephalem advised. “This clothing definitely has an effect, but it may not be that significant.”

"If even I can get infected, then humanity is doomed." Ed scoffed, casually tossing away the alchemical armor in his hand. "Do whatever you want, but I'm definitely not wearing it."

Although Ying Qin Guan wanted to side with Nephalem, he was judging the matter, not the person. He felt that what Nephalem said made a lot of sense, so he said to Nephalem, "I also... I mean, he is right."

He then casually set the alchemical weapon aside.

Piez was also helpless against these fighters, and in the end, only a few people chose to wear the outfit.

Following that were other related equipment.

The group going to the research institute needs to bring some energy sources, such as USB drives. The computers at the institute are probably out of magic power and need to be replenished. If they get damaged, they'll have to repair them there.

In addition, there are walkie-talkies and maps, which need no explanation.

After completing the preparations, Commander Piez led his group to the outskirts of Bird City, where a semi-transparent protective shield enveloped the 15,000 square kilometer city.

Looking inside from Ying Qin Guan's perspective, there were quite a few zombies stuck at the edge of the protective barrier. Their pale and rotting bodies were pressed tightly against the barrier, and their hideous faces were distorted by the pressure. Without a doubt, they wanted to come over and fight this group of the strongest team on earth.

Ying Qin Guan was a person with strong empathy, but seeing the zombies in this state, he subconsciously didn't regard them as human beings, so he didn't have any particular thoughts about them.

Nephalem sighed softly. The Ten Commandments made a strange gesture and muttered something under their breath. Upon closer listening, it was just a bunch of meaningless syllables. Ying Qin Guan guessed that he was performing a ritual to send these zombies to the afterlife.

"Once you go in, you are not allowed to come out at will."

Commander Piez spoke up, saying in a deep voice, "Once you go in, you'll definitely have the virus on your bodies and clothes. So we need to disinfect you. Currently, the fastest way to do this is high-temperature disinfection."

"This virus is extremely resilient; boiling water is not enough to kill it. Therefore, only a mage can use high-temperature fire magic. You are all top-notch martial artists, so you should be able to withstand the magic. Therefore, when you are about to leave the city and return for resupply, please contact us via walkie-talkie and report your location. A mage will then come to disinfect you."

The expressions of everyone present remained unchanged. Someone like Kui could genuinely bathe in lava; the others' physical abilities were certainly far inferior to Kui's. However, enduring temperatures of several hundred degrees was no problem. Their internal energy flowed throughout their bodies, adhering to the subcutaneous flesh, and they might eventually shed their skin—a trivial matter for a top-tier martial artist. For now, the biggest problem might actually be running around naked.

Ying Qin Guan actually wanted to ask what would happen if his clothes were burned and he was left naked. But he felt it was too embarrassing to ask such a question and wanted someone else to ask it. However, he waited and waited, but no one ever asked him that question.

Seeing everyone's calm expressions and composed demeanor, he relaxed. "Yes," he thought, "how could such a large organization like the United Nations not be able to handle something like this? I was just worrying unnecessarily."

As for the actual outcome... we'll only know when it comes out.

“Then…if you are ready, please set off.” Piest paused, then said, “May the goddess bless you.”

At the same time, he made a gesture and gave an instruction, signaling the corresponding magician to withdraw his magic and open a small opening here to let the martial artists in.

"The goddess doesn't need to bless me."

A small protective shield disappeared in front of everyone. Just as the zombies inside were about to swarm out, a loud explosion was heard. A figure crashed in like a flying cannonball, instantly crushing the zombies to pieces, splattering corpse fluid and blood all over the ground.

Ed reached out, his hands smeared with blood, and smoothed his hair back. He turned around and grinned menacingly.

"I am invincible and unconquerable, why should I pray to gods and Buddhas!"

A group of top-tier students walked in.

Darius, his expression grim, entered. Although he didn't think he would be infected by this thing, but...

"I've been grouped with that troublesome guy..."

Nephalem squinted and looked at the Ten Commandments beside him. This guy was wrapped in bandages all over his body, and even his eyes were covered. If we're talking about encountering troublesome guys, Nephalem felt that he was one of them.

Miss Shadow walked in and said coldly, "Gaudy and flashy."

Chen Fang frowned slightly, "There's no need to use so much force..."

Kui walked in expressionlessly.

Adhoshe, dressed in dark red stripes, remained expressionless.

The remaining people all showed some expression, more or less. Martial artists may be belligerent, but being belligerent doesn't mean they'll just smash into any enemy they see, sending blood and brains flying everywhere.

Ying Qin was the last to enter.

Behind them, the gap closed rapidly, and in the blink of an eye, it was back to its previous state. Immediately, a mage stepped forward and cast a fire spell.

A deafening thud echoed from ahead, as if the entire earth itself was trembling.

Ying Qin Guan looked up and saw that because of the huge commotion that Ed had caused earlier, all the zombies on the street had been alerted and were rushing towards this side at an astonishing speed, forming a huge zombie horde.

Outside the protective barrier, Piez sighed, "What an inauspicious start..."

Ying Qin Guan stretched his limbs slightly and took a step forward.

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Immortal Worm

boom!

Darius took the lead, his skill effects were so cool that they were unmatched even among the top-tier group. A crimson torrent surrounded by exploding golden lightning roared and crushed everything in its path. The huge horde of zombies collided with the crimson-gold tide and were completely powerless to resist. The zombies were either crushed or knocked away. After this move, less than one percent of the zombies were still standing. Darius's move directly cleared the area!

The visual impact of this scene was truly remarkable. Although martial artists are known for cutting down mages at close range as easily as chopping melons and vegetables, in reality, they are all short-ranged. For example, when the gray-haired man was chasing Ju Qiuming, it seemed that Ju Qiuming was within his attack range, but in reality, once he stopped to charge up, the opponent would run out of his attack range.