Chapter 29: Internal Recommendation - Cloud Cup

Chen Wuling brought good news to Tian Xiao.

Tian Xiao didn't hesitate.

Within the security team, there were undercurrents of tension.

Today, he had made a small public display of his abilities, exposing himself to the attention of Wu Hao and his group. He knew he would be targeted going forward.

Chen Wuling and the others had pooled together two million for him to upgrade his chip, which was a gesture to help him grow faster.

He naturally wouldn't refuse.

Supporting one another among comrades was expected, but if one were to focus solely on their own benefit, ignoring the sacrifices and risks of others, it would tarnish the very meaning of camaraderie.

Fortunately, those who followed Luo Fei were quite loyal, and from Chen Wuling, they understood that Luo had urged Tian Xiao to keep a low profile. Everyone was more than willing to contribute the money.

Among them was also Zhu Xiaotian.

Zhu Xiaotian wasn't foolish.

Since she had gained recognition from the circle through Tian Xiao, it was only natural that she would face the same pressures as the rest of the group.

After the group gathered, they went to the headquarters to finalize the chip upgrades.

There were a total of ten people.

Tian Xiao didn't need to pay; his H3 civilian chip was directly upgraded to H5, with processing power reaching 7 units per second.

Zhu Xiaotian spent all her savings, managing to also upgrade to H5, keeping pace with the security team.

"Thank you all today," Tian Xiao said as he left the hall. "No need for formalities. On the 36th floor, tonight's treat is on me! Let's have some lizard claws and worms! Drinks are on the house!"

"Good!"

"That's the spirit!"

"Let's go!"

Zhu Xiaotian, following the crowd, was seeing a different side of Tian Xiao for the first time.

Since joining the security team, Tian Xiao had become almost a different person. He was constantly in the spotlight, exuding an aura of brilliance.

When she tasted Tian Xiao's barbecue skills, she became even more certain of her opinion.

But…

Zhu Xiaotian couldn't understand why Wang Jingyi had failed to see the potential in Tian Xiao back then.

During the late-night feast, Luo Fei made an appearance.

After a round of toasts, Luo Fei forcefully dispersed the crowd, sending everyone away—Chen Wuling's team would be on duty in a few hours.

Luo Fei kept Tian Xiao behind for a private conversation.

Luo Fei stared at Tian Xiao for a long while before speaking.

"You adapted quickly to the unpredictable environment and responded with precision. The speed and accuracy of your weapon system switching completely amazed me. You're a born warrior."

"Luo Laoda, you flatter me. It was just blind luck," Tian Xiao replied modestly.

Luo Fei didn't buy it.

"You're the type of person who belongs in the Earth Army, but at the same time, you don't belong in the Earth Army."

"…"

Tian Xiao's smile faded.

Luo Fei's words were hard for most to comprehend.

"I'd like to hear more."

"Your talent can only be maximized in the military," Luo Fei continued. "Unfortunately, the Earth Army has little challenge. Across the vast universe, there are almost no enemies. They train daily in routine drills. Now, military academies are everywhere, with the Tianlong Military Academy alone opening over 3,000 branches. The regimented life and training will limit your growth."

"But here, it's different. You've been here for only two days, yet you've already secured over two million and upgraded your chip. We also have our own training grounds, where your combat talents can be fully demonstrated. The key is, your growth will be much faster than in the Earth Army."

Luo Fei was the head of the security team and had a broader vision than most. He clearly understood the dilemma Tian Xiao was facing.

What he was saying was that he hoped Tian Xiao would stay with Feiying Company and continue with the security team.

Tian Xiao understood.

Luo Fei puffed on his cigarette and continued, "The Earth Army has a huge number of enlisted soldiers, and the difficulty of standing out is enormous. Some people spend three to five years and still end up as just a soldier, with only a rare few making it to G-class."

"But the Cloud Group above Feiying Company owns thousands of subsidiaries. Every year, dozens or even hundreds of new companies are established, expanding deeper into the star fields. The demand for security personnel and talent is immense. You, like Chen Wuling and Wu Hao, have the chance to become the head of a security team at one of the bases and easily enter G-class."

"Luo Laoda, why are you telling me this? I just graduated," Tian Xiao blinked. "I haven't thought that far ahead."

"Then start thinking now," Luo Fei said, tapping his own shoulder as he stood up. "You have the talent. Don't waste it."

After saying that, Luo Fei left, leaving Tian Xiao to contemplate his words.

Tian Xiao understood that Luo Fei saw his potential, which was far beyond the small security team and couldn't be contained in such a limited space. Luo Fei was offering a broader, brighter future in an attempt to keep him from leaving.

In truth, Tian Xiao's thoughts were aligned with Luo Fei's.

Staying with Feiying Company would allow him to accumulate resources and grow, and when he eventually joined the Earth Army, he could enter directly as an officer, starting from a higher position.

A few hours later.

Tian Xiao received an unexpected transmission.

"Master, there's an incoming transmission from an unfamiliar source."

"Who is it?"

"The official ID is from the Cloud Group's Human Resources Department."

Qinglong responded.

Tian Xiao was visibly stunned.

The Cloud Group? Why would they contact a small-time rookie like him?

Was it because he killed six lizard-claw worms on the battlefield?

Impossible!

The Cloud Group was a colossal entity with thousands of subsidiaries and a workforce exceeding ten million. It operated thousands of C-class transport ships and combat vessels, alongside thousands of elite C-class personnel. It even had its own research institutions and gene enhancement programs.

A behemoth like that wouldn't pay attention to someone like him, a mere security recruit.

"Connect it."

Tian Xiao instructed Qinglong to connect, and a polite, official voice came through his ear.

"Hello, Mr. Tian Xiao. This is the Human Resources Department of Cloud Group. We have received an internal recommendation and would like to invite you to participate in the 'Cloud Cup' Dragon Slayer Youth Action, which will take place in three months."

"…"

Hearing the phrase "Dragon Slayer Youth Action," Tian Xiao felt his heart involuntarily tighten.

The Human Resources Department continued:

"Further details will be sent to you via internal email. You can decide whether to sign up after reviewing the information. This Dragon Slayer Youth Action is a large-scale talent selection event organized by Cloud Group, using practical combat tests to select and promote the most outstanding young talents. For more details, please check your email."

"This event, the Cloud Cup Dragon Slayer Youth Action, is not publicly disclosed. By accessing the email, you will automatically agree to the group's confidentiality agreement. Any breach of this confidentiality will be recorded. Please be aware!"

Cloud Cup? Dragon Slayer Youth Action!

In his previous life, Tian Xiao had heard of this event—its name was famous, renowned across the galaxy.