Chapter 97: Someone Very Similar to Jiang Kai

Aside from Hu Yan, no one in the squad understood Feng Shui, so all they could see was him repeatedly comparing the map, flipping it over, muttering to himself, occasionally furrowing his brows in deep thought.

Analyzing the entire map of the Ashen Lands while determining the strength of yin energy was a daunting task, and Hu Yan's workload was significant.

But Jiang Kai wasn't in a rush—this wasn't something that could be forced.

While Hu Yan worked on the map, the rest of the team took the opportunity to rest.

Yuan Zhu sat next to Jiang Kai, the two brothers chatting while drinking water.

Glancing behind them, Yuan Zhu leaned in closer and whispered,"Have you found your materials for advancing to a second-tier class?"

"I found a recipe, but the materials listed are completely baffling," Jiang Kai replied.

"You found a recipe?" Yuan Zhu looked at Jiang Kai in surprise"What materials does it list?"

Since Jiang Kai trusted Yuan Zhu, he answered, "One portion of Rootless Water, one of Sourceless Flame, one of Unmoving Wind, one of Foundationless Earth, and one of Formless Metal."

"What the… what kind of nonsense is that?" Yuan Zhu's reaction mirrored Jiang Kai's initial confusion—a face full of bewilderment.

But then, as if inspired, Yuan Zhu added, "Wait, maybe Rootless Water is just rainwater, right? Think about it—water without roots…"

"I thought of that too," Jiang Kai said, shaking his head. "But what about the others?"

Yuan Zhu wasn't ready to admit defeat. He needed to prove that his intelligence could outshine his childhood friend's.

"Hmm, okay, so Sourceless Flame… could it be found in the Burning Plains?" Yuan Zhu suggested.

Jiang Kai raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed by his confident tone. "In the Burning Plains?"

"Yeah, think about it—the Burning Plains are always burning, right? Ever wondered why? What's fueling the fire underground?"

Jiang Kai was genuinely intrigued. He had never considered this before.

Just as he began to seriously ponder Yuan Zhu's hypothesis, a group approached their camp from a distance.

Noticing the insignia on the newcomers' chests, Jiang Kai immediately frowned and stood up.

Black Tortoise – Falcon Team Four!

Leading the group was a young man clad in black armor, carrying two violet-silver swords crossed on his back. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, about 1.8 meters tall—slightly taller than Jiang Kai.

Behind him were four teammates, two men and two women, all decked out in luxurious equipment.

"Be careful. It's Falcon Team," Jiang Kai quietly warned his team.

Ruan Yu narrowed his eyes. "It's really them. Captain Kai, the one leading the group is their captain, Xu Feixiang. Officially listed as a second-tier Fighter, subclass Swordsman."

"Don't underestimate him. He reached the second tier over six months ago, but because Falcon Team Five hasn't matured yet, Black Tortoise ordered Team Four to suppress their levels. Rumor has it Xu Feixiang can surpass third-tier Transcendents in combat."

The Fighter path—Fighter, Swordsman, Transcendent, Ancient Martial Artist—was widely regarded as a prestigious progression for mundane combat classes.

Beyond the fourth tier, branching paths became more varied and complex.

Jiang Kai furrowed his brows. Another level-suppressed powerhouse? Black Tortoise sure seemed to have an endless supply of talent.

The five-person Falcon Team approached steadily.

They stopped about ten meters away, with Xu Feixiang striding forward alone.

Even as he walked alone, Xu Feixiang exuded confidence, his steps sharp and deliberate, his demeanor full of disdain.

Stopping just one or two meters in front of Jiang Kai, Xu Feixiang finally spoke, his tone cold and mocking.

"Well, if it isn't the little upstart who caused such a stir on Frozen Island—Jiang Kai."

"What do you want?" Yuan Zhu demanded, stepping protectively beside Jiang Kai.

Xu Feixiang glanced at Yuan Zhu, his expression indifferent. "I'm speaking to Jiang Kai. Dogs should know their place and stay quiet."

Yuan Zhu's temper flared, but Jiang Kai held him back, locking eyes with Xu Feixiang. "I'm Jiang Kai. What do you want?"

Xu Feixiang smirked disdainfully. "What do I want? You killed members of Falcon Team Five, interfered with our hunt for the Fishman Leader, and even ambushed Huang Shao. Jiang Kai, do you think you're being bold or just foolish?"

Jiang Kai scoffed. "Bold? I think my courage is average at best. But your Black Tortoise members? Their strength is laughable."

Xu Feixiang's smile faded. "Daring to act arrogant in front of me? Very well. I've been busy leading expeditions, but now that I've met you, it seems fortune has smiled on me. Today, your luck runs out!"

Xu Feixiang unsheathed his twin swords, their violet-silver blades gleaming ominously.

"I've heard you're fond of throwing daggers. A petty, underhanded weapon for a petty, underhanded man. But against me? Today, I'll shatter your Chasing Nine Tribulations and cripple your arms. Let's see how you throw daggers then!"

Just as tensions reached a boiling point, Su Nuannuan stepped forward, glaring at Xu Feixiang.

"Xu Feixiang, are you really going to attack?"

---

Seeing Su Nuannuan, Xu Feixiang faltered for a moment, his arrogance giving way to surprise.

"Su Nuannuan? What are you doing here? Weren't you with the military?"

"I'm now a member of Fire God Squad," Su Nuannuan replied coldly. "Jiang Kai is my captain. If you attack him, our entire squad will fight back."

A female member of Falcon Team Four approached Xu Feixiang, whispering something in his ear.

Xu Feixiang's expression grew darker as he stared at Jiang Kai.

"Hmph. I see now. Jiang Kai, hiding behind a woman? Using her as a shield? How pathetic."

"Today, you got lucky. But next time, you won't be so fortunate. Remember this: when we meet again, it will be your end!"

With that, Xu Feixiang led his team past Fire God Squad's camp.

---

After they left, Jiang Kai turned to Su Nuannuan. "You know him?"

Su Nuannuan nodded. "Sort of. We used to live in the same military family district before his family moved. I also heard he's close with Huang Da."

Jiang Kai frowned. "Anyone who's friends with Huang Da probably isn't a good person."

Her expression filled with concern, Su Nuannuan added, "Jiang Kai, we might face him in the Guild Challenge. His talent or skills seem to counter flying weapons. You should be careful."

"What are his talents and skills?"

"I'm not sure, but I've seen him fight. Those twin swords, called Violet Silver Harmony, are third-tier weapons. Somehow, he can fully utilize their power. His agility is abnormally high, suggesting talents or skills that greatly enhance reaction speed and attack rate."

Jiang Kai's brows furrowed. A second-tier Fighter capable of wielding third-tier weapons? Could it be tied to his talents or skills?

Enhanced reaction speed and attack rate? That guy sounded awfully similar to himself.

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Kai snorted softly. "I almost hope we face him. I'd like to see what he's capable of."

Just then, Hu Yan returned, carrying his map.

"Captain Kai, I've narrowed it down to three locations. They're not far from each other, so we can check them one by one."

Jiang Kai nodded decisively. "Good. If we're ready, let's move!"

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