South China Base, A District, South China Tower.
The towering spire stood in the center of the entire A District, and if one were to stand at the top of the tower and look out, all areas of the entire base would be visible, and even the surrounding high walls would be faintly discernible.
This was the power center where the highest combat power of the South China Base converged. Around the base of the tower was a massive complex of buildings, which served as the headquarters of the Adventurers' Guild's South China branch. Spreading further out were the various departments that maintained the base's operations.
It was no exaggeration to say that even if an A-Class Disaster Beast or higher were to break in here, it would not escape death.
Inside the tower, in a large conference hall.
A middle-aged man, dressed in a clean jacket, with a solemn face and a seven-tenths resemblance to Su Haoran, sat at the head of the table.
On both sides of the conference table, eleven figures were seated in order of their aura's strength.
The strongest was the one at the head of the table.
If Cheng Xing were here, he would surely notice that the one sitting at the very end was none other than Cheng Zhengyang.
“Tower Master Su, what is it that you’ve called us for so late?”
One of the War Gods slowly asked. A War God meeting like this would not be easily convened unless the base was facing a major threat.
“You all can see for yourselves.”
Su Jianguo showed no emotion on his face. He then raised his hand, and someone placed files in front of each War God.
The War Gods, with puzzled expressions, opened the files in front of them.
Their expressions were initially confused because the document only recorded a small investigation mission. As they continued to read, their faces became solemn.
“I didn’t expect the Killing Cult to reappear.”
“And a calamity seed was actually used in L Town.”
“I wonder if it will alarm that A-Class Disaster Beast in the Qingcheng Disaster Area.”
The War Gods discussed animatedly for a moment. Cheng Zhengyang, however, looked puzzled, as he saw Cheng Xing’s name in the document.
“Cheng Xing? S-grade talent? It must just be a namesake.”
Cheng Zhengyang recalled that rebellious son who had defied him and shook his head disdainfully.
That rebellious son was just an F-grade good-for-nothing. Without his support, he probably wouldn’t even be wanted for an upgrade now.
Thinking of Cheng Xing’s defiant attitude back then, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. Fortunately, remembering the well-behaved Cheng Yun, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
“I’ve already booked an upgrade venue for Yun’er. There’s still a week until the South China Martial University admissions, so this time should definitely be enough for Yun’er to reach Level 10.”
“War God Cheng? War God Cheng!”
Just as Cheng Zhengyang’s mind wandered, calls from the side interrupted his thoughts.
Only then did Cheng Zhengyang realize that everyone, including Su Jianguo, was looking at him.
Seeing Cheng Zhengyang distracted in such an important setting, Su Jianguo couldn’t help but frown, his displeasure evident without needing to express anger.
“War God Cheng, given the unclear impact of a C-grade calamity seed on an A-Class Disaster Beast, how about you personally go to the Qingcheng Disaster Area to observe the movements of the A-Class Disaster Beast, Crimson-Eyed Rabid Dog?”
“Ah? Me?”
Cheng Zhengyang instinctively hesitated. He was only Level 50, while that A-grade Crimson-Eyed Rabid Dog was Level 55. He had no chance against it.
He was about to refuse, but seeing Su Jianguo’s gaze, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.
“A C-grade calamity seed may not attract an A-Class Disaster Beast, but considering that the Crimson-Eyed Rabid Dog hasn’t advanced in many years, someone still needs to monitor its movements.”
“If it makes any move, call for timely reinforcements, and other War Gods will support you.”
Seeing Cheng Zhengyang agree, Su Jianguo withdrew his gaze and continued speaking.
After this Cheng Zhengyang was promoted to War God, he began forming cliques and expanding his influence, no longer focusing on upgrading. Several War Gods who came after him had already surpassed him in level in recent years.
This was a good opportunity to give him a warning.
“Understood.”
...
At the same time, Adventurers' Camp in H District.
“That’s it, it’s done?”
After signing several documents, Cheng Xing asked curiously.
Shouldn't recruiting for such a confidential agency be more cautious?
“Of course, it’s not that simple. You’re just a reserve member. Whether you can become a full member in the end still depends on passing a selection process.”
“But with your strength, the selection will be a breeze for you.”
Su Haoran’s face was beaming with a smile as he patted Cheng Xing’s shoulder and explained earnestly.
Cheng Xing was an Awakener with an S-grade talent or higher; if left outside, he would be fought over by various factions.
Now, including Su Yanran, his team had two S-grades—a truly luxurious lineup.
Thinking of this, Su Haoran could already foresee himself swaggering around the Administration Bureau in the future.
Beside them, Su Yanran was also excitedly taking credit with Gao Chen and the others, as if saying, “See? He’s mine, I brought him back!”
With a newcomer joining, Gao Chen and the others were naturally happy.
Especially after hearing Su Yanran’s description, Cheng Xing was calm and steady in his actions, neither arrogant nor impatient, and also modest—a complete opposite of their goofy team leader.
Should they promote him to team leader after he becomes a full member?
Looking at the group of people, each with their own ulterior motives, Cheng Xing suddenly wondered if his decision had been too hasty.
“Now, you and the lass are like new recruits who haven’t undergone selection yet, so for now, you won’t be assigned any tasks.”
After secretly relishing his joy, Su Haoran finally composed himself and continued speaking.
Speaking of tasks, he remembered something and couldn't help but shiver. This time, he had let Su Yanran go because he thought the investigation task was simple.
As a result, something nearly went wrong.
“That easy?”
Cheng Xing looked surprised, it seemed even freer than he had imagined.
“Of course, actually, there isn’t much to do normally. Most of the time, we mostly act as Adventurers.”
“Only when Fallen cause incidents or threaten the base will we need to be dispatched, but that’s all after you become full members.”
Su Haoran showed his golden identification plate, saying proudly.
“However, you two still have something to do now.”
Su Haoran paused, as if remembering something, and told the two of them.
“What is it?”
“Get into South China Martial University,” Su Haoran said lightly.
“Martial University? We can still attend Martial University after joining the Administration Bureau?”
“Of course, our identity in the Awakener Bureau is confidential. Having an additional identity as a martial arts university student will only be better for you.” Gao Chen, who was beside them, answered Cheng Xing.
“Like us, our public identity is the Valiant Dragon Squad of the Adventurers’ Guild and also an investigation team.”
“Moreover, don’t underestimate Martial University. You currently lack knowledge about Disaster Areas, Disaster Beasts, and Awakeners. Getting into Martial University can make up for these shortcomings.”
“Only when you graduate from Martial University can you be considered a truly independent strong individual.”
Gao Chen patiently explained to Cheng Xing.
“Okay, I understand.”
...
After giving instructions and leaving a phone for Cheng Xing, Su Haoran and the others left. They still had to participate in the follow-up work of cleaning up the calamity seed.
Only Cheng Xing and Su Yanran remained.
“Hehe, aren’t I loyal enough? I helped you keep your secret, so you can’t tell mine.”
“What kind of secret is that? At most, it’s private...”
Cheng Xing rubbed his nose, recalling something, and his gaze involuntarily shifted downwards...