Conspiracy

As the summer solstice approached, Xia Zhi stood tall in his combat uniform, boots firmly planted, and a war sword slung across his back. His upright posture and determined expression made him appear both heroic and calm.

Jiang Tao, who had been feeling anxious, gradually calmed down after hearing Xia Zhi's confident words. Over the past month, Jiang Tao and Xia Zhi had grown closer, both living in the Mingyue Community. Upon learning that Li Wei and his group had severely injured Xia Zhi before the quasi-warrior assessment in an attempt to sabotage his participation, Jiang Tao's vigilance toward them intensified.

Since Xia Zhi's evaluation as a martial artist, his performance had far exceeded the expectations for a genius, attracting the attention of Supervisor Zhuge Tao. Impressed, Zhuge Tao offered him an A-level contract with the martial arts hall. Both Jiang Tao and Xiang Zhonghua, the curator, began to see Xia Zhi as a future hope in martial arts, eagerly anticipating that their teachings might produce a top powerhouse.

Xia Zhi's rapid progress after his injury baffled many, but he explained it as a breakthrough in the cultivation method of genetic primordial energy. He had begun to sense the energy of the cosmos, allowing his cells to absorb it and greatly enhance his physical abilities. This process was not unheard of among warriors, but the extent to which Xia Zhi benefited was extraordinary.

Typically, individuals with physical fitness at the quasi-warrior level could begin cultivating the genetic primordial energy method, allowing them to resonate with cosmic energy. The first time the body absorbs this energy, the strength increase is the most dramatic, with some gaining two to three hundred kilograms of punching power. While most warriors saw improvements of fifty percent to double their strength, those who experienced multiple-fold increases were considered geniuses, their bodies particularly suited to cultivation.

When such talent emerges, the major factions often rush to recruit them, knowing that they could become top-tier warriors. Supervisor Zhuge Tao, upon witnessing Xia Zhi's potential, had not hesitated to offer the best contract he could. He even personally financed additional training resources to foster a good relationship with Xia Zhi, recognizing the tremendous value he represented. Although Zhuge Tao hadn't considered the possibility that Xia Zhi might awaken as a spiritual master—such occurrences were exceedingly rare—he knew that if Xia Zhi did, his investment would prove even more worthwhile.

"Even though there's constant surveillance during the actual combat assessment, and quasi-warriors are forbidden from fighting one another, I still feel something isn't right," Jiang Tao said, frowning in thought. "Let's go speak to the curator."

Xia Zhi chuckled at Jiang Tao's concern. "Instructor, what exactly would we say? We have no proof of anything. Besides, even if there is some conspiracy, I'm confident I can handle it."

Jiang Tao looked into Xia Zhi's resolute eyes and, after a moment, nodded. "Conspiracy or not, when faced with absolute power, it becomes irrelevant."

Since the quasi-warrior assessment, Xia Zhi had completed the second layer of the Supreme Body Refining technique, and his physical strength had reached the peak of the intermediate warrior level. He could feel his strength growing by the day, and it wouldn't be long before he broke through to the advanced warrior level. As a spiritual master, Xia Zhi was already two levels stronger than his physical body, meaning his spiritual power had reached the junior warrior level. A spiritual master could easily overpower multiple warriors of the same rank, so Xia Zhi was fully confident in his ability to pass this assessment. Although his journey in this world had just begun, none of the weakest H-rank monsters posed any real threat to him.

In the distance, Li Qiang was talking with someone when he noticed Xia Zhi watching him. Feeling empowered by his own recent improvements, Li Qiang turned and glared back at Xia Zhi, his triangular eyes gleaming with malice. Xia Zhi merely smiled with disdain and turned away.

"Xia Zhi, you little bastard, you'll regret coming here once the assessment starts," Li Qiang thought bitterly, his fingers brushing over a seemingly ordinary D-grade combat vest, his eyes filled with rage as he thought about the plans he had put into motion.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious guesthouse near the barracks square, Li Wei, also dressed in black combat gear, stared out the window at Xia Zhi. His expression was dark. "Is everything ready?" he asked quietly.

In the dim room, a figure sat on the sofa, hidden in the shadows. The voice that answered was as cold as the room itself. "Yes. We've arranged for an F-level Tiger Mastiff King to be in the assessment town. Its strength is close to that of an E-level junior beast general."

"Among F-level monsters, that beast is top-tier," the figure continued. "It's not uncommon for one to break through and lead the pack, so its presence won't raise suspicion."

Li Wei smiled grimly. "Excellent. The 30 million I promised will be transferred to your account immediately."

"Are you sure you don't just want someone to kill him later?" the shadowy figure asked. "Even if he passes the assessment, he'll eventually leave the city to fight monsters. We can get rid of him then without any issues."

"Tampering with the assessment is risky. If we're discovered..."

"You don't understand," Li Wei interrupted, his eyes burning with hatred. "I can't wait that long. I don't want to see him succeed. I want him dead now."

Xia Zhi, sensing something, glanced toward the guesthouse but saw nothing. "Maybe I'm just being paranoid," he thought.

Suddenly, the barracks' loudspeakers crackled to life. "The actual combat assessment is about to begin. All participating quasi-warriors, please gather at the square."

The barracks grew quiet as 1,742 quasi-warriors, fully equipped for battle, assembled in the square. A group of officers emerged, led by the imposing Major General Dong Hao. He strode to the front of the team, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before his booming voice commanded, "Move out! Destination: Monster Town."