The eastern front of Fortress One was bathed in the sounds of cannon fire, beast roars, and human cries, while the western front was pin-drop silent. All they heard was the breeze and faraway cannons. 

“No, snap out of it. This Broken Blade Knight thing sounds very cool, what is it?” 

“Damn, you don’t know? It’s the highest title a martial artist can receive. As long as you have this badge, you and your children will never have to worry for the rest of your lives. You’ll be cared for by the Federation.” 

“I know I haven’t received much education, don’t you lie to me. How could a title like that be awarded to a… uh, young man.” 

“I know, I know! Half a year ago, there was one person named Broken Blade Knight, what was his name again?” 

“Xiang, something… Xiang Ning?” 

The crowd discussed noisily while the two people before the person in question didn’t know how to react. What a coincidence to meet such an impressive person. A Broken Blade Knight! They, too, had heard that there was a person awarded the title in Hang City half a year ago. But they would never have connected the dots. 

“So Xiang Ning is Xiang Ning? No, Xiang Ning is YOU? Ah, no, you’re Xiang Ning?” Long Xiaoqi’s eyes widened, shocked. She had even previously bullied him, thinking he was weak because he was young. After killing the Thunderclap Mastiff, she finally recognized his abilities, but now she learned that this guy had already killed a Simian Sage half a year ago. And that beast was leagues beyond a Thunderclap Mastiff. 

“He’s Xiang Ning?” 

“That prodigy that solo-challenged and killed the Simian Sage?” 

“I heard he wasn’t even twenty, I can’t believe it’s true.” 

“Haha, I’m so lucky to meet him!” 

“No, no, don’t go there. Xiang Ning doesn’t really like attention. I can’t believe he returned.” 

“Yeah, didn't the reports state that he lost his cultivation?” 

Chu Long and Long Xiaoqi didn’t know what to say amidst the discussion. 

“That’s enough. Don’t do that, just treat me like how you previously treated me. I’m really nothing impressive, I almost died the last time.” Xiang Ning didn’t think there was anything wrong with what he said. It was true that he had almost died and felt fortunate to have the protection of his Devourer. 

“Hehe.” Long Xiaoqi didn’t want to speak anymore; she felt like she had been tricked. 

......

Within the command center. 

A surprised gasp attracted the attention of the entire command center. Broken Blade Knight? Xiang Ning? They were a little confused, but anyone that could shock the commander must be no ordinary person. They started to think, and finally…. 

“Holy shit, didn’t he lose his cultivation?” 

“Is it true? It’s been six months, has he recovered?”

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes, he requests to participate in battle!” 

“Sir, he really is Xiang Ning!” cried a soldier, excitedly pointing at the surveillance footage. 

The commander grew emotional looking at him. Xiang Ning would be a valuable resource! But if he let him go to battle now…. He hesitated again. 

“Commander, he displayed his Broken Blade Knight badge, requesting for us to open the gates.” Broken Blade Knights had a certain power. Although he wasn’t part of the military, even the general of the Federation Army would have to respect him because he had put his life at extreme risk to make huge contributions to mankind. Although the commander of Fortress One had the rank of a colonel, as long as the request didn’t cross any ethical lines, they needed to respect Xiang Ning's wishes. 

He really didn’t want Xiang Ning to fight, though, because it was just too dangerous. This teenager was definitely going to be important in the Federation’s future, how could he let him go into danger? But he looked at the boy who was standing at the entrance and relented. “Open the door.” 

Once the command was issued, the doors opened. 

Thirty-plus fighters stepped into the fortress, their expressions growing more and more solemn as they walked in. It all started off manageably, but when they arrived at the main hall, the scents of blood and disinfectant hit them. They saw many injured people resting and treating their wounds. 

On the large screen in the main hall, footage of the battle was being displayed. When Xiang Ning entered, Sect Master Qiu was already out on the battlefield. His mere 1.8-meter-tall stature was small in the face of the terrifying Blizzard Fox. But Sect Master Qiu was expertly waving his spear around like a dancing dragon. 

“Haargh!” he roared, and his spear thrust out. Before the gigantic Blizzard Fox, it looked like a toothpick, but the point he hit was punctured, leaving behind what looked like a bullet hole. 

The fox roared in pain and its fur exploded. Even the air itself vibrated due to the agonizing scream. A green vein popped out of his head as Sect Master Qiu cursed, “Shut the hell up and die!” His spear pierced through a tier five beast’s head, then, drenched in blood, the silver-blue spear and its wielder flew toward the Blizzard Fox’s abdomen. 

If the previous wound was like a bullet wound, this was like a crater from a missile landing. 

The fox’s eyes were burning red. Its long, white tail stiffened, then swung at Sect Master Qiu like a long sword. 

He scoffed, let go of the spear, and free-fell to the ground. The tail didn’t touch him. 

Xiang Ning only stopped for a brief moment to watch the duel before heading toward the walkway. 

After a moment’s hesitation, Chu Long and Long Xiaoqi followed him. Only a total of eleven people from the remaining thirty-plus people walked out. The mother and her child were watching the screen, all of the previous liveliness gone from the child, who was now quietly feeling the solemn atmosphere of the hall. 

“Mama, will big brother win?” 

This time, the mother didn’t reply. 

When Xiang Ning had just entered the tunnel, a hologram appeared in front of him. It was the commander of Fortress One. 

“Xiang Ning, it’s my wish for you to not go to battle this time.” 

Xiang Ning didn’t reply. The footsteps, which had slowed down, now doggedly proceeded once more. Chu Long and Long Xiaoqi behind him were exasperated; there really wasn’t anyone else who could ignore the commander like that. 

“You guys only just arrived, you need to adapt to your surroundings first.” 

“I don’t need that. Can you show me where Marsh City’s fighters are?” 

“I.…”

Xiang Ning didn’t intend to stop as if to say, If you’re not going to tell me, I’ll still go looking for them. It’s just a matter of time.

“I’ve never met a child as stubborn as you!” The hologram changed to a map with a highlighted location. It was the frontmost point of the battle. 

Xiang Ning smirked. In the past, he used to fight in that position, but now his friends were the ones there. 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I NEED MORE