Come back home
Xia Zhi returned to the lounge and first removed his blood-stained combat uniform.
After a quick rinse, he changed into a clean, comfortable exercise suit. Emerging from the bathroom, he was surprised to find someone already seated in the room.
"Supervisor?"
Xia Zhi looked at Zhuge Tao, who was sitting there, with surprise.
Zhuge Tao smiled warmly at him. "After experiencing so much in just one night, are you tired?"
"It's fine; I'm not tired. Did you need something, Supervisor?" Xia Zhi asked curiously.
"If I hadn't come, I would have sent someone to fetch you," Zhuge Tao replied with a smile. "After all, Wang Zhihong from the Thunderbolt Martial Arts Center might try to poach you."
Xia Zhi blinked in confusion before quickly responding, "Supervisor, I've already signed a contract with the martial arts gym, and you've been so good to me. I wouldn't join another faction."
Zhuge Tao studied the young man before him. Despite his youthful face, there was a subtle hostility lingering—a remnant of the night's battles.
"Not arrogant, nor rash. Very good!" Zhuge Tao remarked, visibly pleased. "Regarding last night's Tiger Mastiff King incident, the Security Bureau has intervened. There will be results within a few days."
"But be prepared—while I'll ensure those responsible pay a price, this matter will end there."
Xia Zhi looked at Zhuge Tao in surprise. "What do you mean, Supervisor?"
"Although a detailed investigation wasn't conducted, there's insufficient evidence tying the culprits directly to the incident. Furthermore, their connections run deep. Pressing too hard might backfire, making them desperate."
"However," Zhuge Tao added, his tone sharpening, "this warning will ensure they won't dare act recklessly again, giving you time to grow."
"I've also reported your performance to the global headquarters. Your mastery of micro-level physical skills almost guarantees a spot in the training camp."
"In a few months, when the camp begins, you'll undergo rigorous training. Once you return, you'll have the strength of a God of War."
"At that point, you'll be able to settle your grievances on your own terms." Zhuge Tao's eyes gleamed with conviction.
After a moment of contemplation, Xia Zhi nodded. "I'll follow your guidance, Supervisor."
"Good. Let's head back to Base City together," Zhuge Tao said, standing up. "Your grandfather is waiting."
---
Yangzhou City, Mingyue Community
At the community entrance, Xia Zhi's one-armed grandfather sat in a pavilion, chatting with a white-haired old man.
Since moving here, Xia Zhi's grandfather no longer needed to scavenge for a living. He spent his days leisurely playing chess with other elderly veterans in the area.
Today, however, he was distracted, anxiously awaiting Xia Zhi's return from the combat assessment.
"Lao Xia, your grandson is sure to pass," the white-haired man reassured him, glancing at the community gate whenever a car approached.
"Lao Liu, is the assessment dangerous? I heard from Lao Li that some participants don't make it back," the one-armed man asked worriedly.
The white-haired man nodded. "There's always some risk. In every assessment, a few participants are injured, killed, or disabled. But your grandson is strong—he'll be fine."
"Besides," he continued, "warriors like Xia Zhi are the reason we can live safely in places like this. It's their sacrifices that keep humanity safe."
The one-armed man nodded, though his expression remained tense.
Suddenly, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he brightened. "It's Xia Zhi!"
"Hurry and answer," the white-haired man urged.
With trembling hands, the one-armed man answered. "Xia Zhi, is that you?"
"Grandpa," Xia Zhi's familiar voice came through. "I passed the assessment! I'll be home tonight. Don't worry, we'll have dinner together."
Hearing this, the one-armed man visibly relaxed. "Good, good. Grandpa will wait for you."
After hanging up, he turned to his friend, beaming. "He passed! I need to prepare for tonight."
"Go on! Make something special to celebrate," the white-haired man chuckled.
---
Villa No. 188, Mingyue Community
That evening, Xia Zhi and his grandfather enjoyed a joyful meal together.
The once-quiet home, inhabited only by grandfather and grandson, was filled with laughter. For the first time, Xia Zhi felt the pride of being an official warrior.
Looking at his grandson, the one-armed man couldn't hold back his tears. Xia Zhi had matured noticeably since the assessment.
After soothing his emotional grandfather and chatting late into the night, Xia Zhi headed to the third-floor lounge.
"Finally, I can access the Xtreme Martial Arts Hall's internal network!" he thought eagerly.
Sitting at his desk, he entered the website address for Xtreme Home, exclusive to official warriors.
A large, 200-inch screen lit up as the site loaded instantly.
"Drop."
After fingerprint verification, Xia Zhi's personal profile appeared on the screen.
Name: Xia Zhi
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Address: Yangzhou City, Jiangnan Base City, China
Warrior Card Number: 420304205408010016
Level: Warrior (Elementary)
Contribution Points: 0
Currency Balance: 20.1 million Chinese yuan
"20.1 million yuan?" Xia Zhi chuck