Captain Long's Bet

In the training ground where two people stood.

"Boss, do you remember me?"

"I was the one you saved before."

Wuji glanced at Fatty Wong.

'Hmm, what does this fatty want?' Wuji thought to himself.

Fatty Wong suddenly kneeled down, his voice loud. "BOSS! Can I follow you? I promise I will not be a burden, and if you told me to go west, I would never go east!"

'What the hell is that cliché wuxia line?' Wuji thought, astonished.

"Hey Fatty, I'm not here to accept followers. I'm here to learn martial arts and get even stronger," Wuji said flatly. "But… I will need someone to carry my stuff when I get out of this village." He figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to recruit some lackeys.

Little Red stared at Fatty with a fiery gaze, as if to say, 'Hey, this fatty won't steal my spot in the boss's heart, right?'

"Is that true, boss? I will always follow you!" Fatty Wong said with a broad smile. He looked ecstatic, as though his dreams might finally come true under Wuji's guidance.

"Fatty, stop kneeling and follow me to the Captain's Hall. It's time to get my martial arts," Wuji ordered, walking forward. Then he turned back with a disgusted look. "Also, stop looking at me like you like men."

"Huh? Boss, what did you say?" Fatty asked, confused, as he scrambled after Wuji.

Wuji didn't respond and kept walking. Together, they headed to the Captain's Hall.

In the Captain's Hall, Captain Long was still laughing, his booming voice filling the room. He looked overjoyed, no doubt thinking about the prospect of eradicating the demonic beasts and avenging his fallen men.

The door creaked open, revealing Wuji and Fatty's figures.

"Hey brat, it's you. I didn't catch your name earlier. What's your name?" Captain Long asked, his eyes scrutinizing Wuji. "And why the hell are you as tall as me now? Do you eat demonic beasts as snacks?"

"Captain Long, my name is Wuji. And it's normal for teenagers like me to grow a few inches," Wuji replied with a cheeky grin, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Brat, so Wuji is your name. Do you want to join us and eradicate those beasts?" Captain Long asked while shaking Wuji's hand firmly.

"Heh, what beasts? Those are adorable pets that can be played by me," Wuji said arrogantly, his voice echoing with confidence.

"Also, it's time to give me some martial arts, Captain Long," Wuji added, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

"Alright brat, follow me. Here is your Nightguard's badge. Next, I will teach you two martial arts techniques known by every Nightguard member."

"Don't think two is a small number. Martial arts techniques are extremely precious. These were given to us by the headquarters in Deep Earth Town," Captain Long said, his tone serious.

Wuji nodded, realizing how fortunate he had been to stumble upon the Iron Shirt Technique from Little Red.

"Also, brat, have you practiced any martial arts before? Don't worry, we don't peep into other people's secrets," Captain Long said.

"Yeah, I practiced a technique called the Iron Shirt Technique since I was a kid. I found a tattered book in the forest," Wuji lied smoothly without missing a beat.

"So that's why you're so strong. But I must say, you're talented as well," Captain Long remarked, clearly impressed. He had never seen someone as young as Wuji possess such strength.

"Fatty, go to the registration area first and meet me later," Wuji instructed as he followed Captain Long.

In the training ground

"The first technique I will teach you is a fist technique called Beast King's Strike. The second is a foot method called Thunder Step," Captain Long explained.

He demonstrated Beast King's Strike first. A yellow aura enveloped Captain Long's fist, showcasing his high attainment in the martial art. He punched forward, sending a gust of wind and dust into the air. The punch carried a deafening roar, like that of a wild beast.

[ Martial Arts Technique Detected ]

[ Beast King's Strike is obtained ]

The awaited system notification rang in Wuji's ears.

'Even fist techniques can be obtained? This system is really helpful,' Wuji thought, expecting only physique-refining methods to be detected.

"Now, I'll demonstrate Thunder Step. Watch closely," Captain Long said.

He suddenly disappeared from his spot, leaving a yellow flash in his wake. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared 10 meters away, sending up a cloud of dust.

[ Martial Arts Technique Detected ]

[ Thunder Step Obtained ]

[ System Panel ]

Host: Wuji

Martial Arts Techniques:

Iron Shirt (0/80 - True Dao) (Unable to Upgrade: Requires Assimilation of Another True Dao Technique)

Beast King's Strike (0/2 - Not Started)

Thunder Step (0/2 - Not Started)

Energy: 24

Traits: Dark Iron Armor (Triples Power and Enhances Defense)

'It seems I can upgrade one technique to Completion,' Wuji thought.

"Hey brat, did you remember the two techniques, or do I need to demonstrate them again?" Captain Long asked skeptically. He didn't believe anyone could learn them after one demonstration. It had taken him an entire month to learn them from the envoy of headquarters and ten years to reach Completion.

"It's quite easy. Do you want me to demonstrate Beast King's Strike?" Wuji snickered arrogantly.

'Upgrade Beast King's Strike to Completion,' Wuji commanded silently in his mind.

[ -16 Energy Points ]

[ Beast King's Strike is upgraded to Completion ]

A roar seemed to resonate from Wuji's fist as a yellow aura covered it. This time, there was no pain. Beast King's Strike appeared to be an amplification method.

"What the fuck, brat?! How did you reach Completion for Beast King's Strike?" Captain Long exclaimed, his face a mix of shock and disbelief. Captain Long had little expectation for Wuji to memorize the technique, and mastering it outright seemed utterly ridiculous.

He doesn't know that Wuji has the system's help. 'Ahem, what system? It's because I'm a genius,' Wuji thought smugly.

He threw a punch forward. The roar of a beast echoed as the force of his strike sent a powerful gust tearing through the air. It was even stronger than Captain Long's demonstration.

'Beast King's Strike amplifies my punch by 1.5 times. Now, I can punch with 7,500 kilograms of force… and with Dark Iron Armor, 22,500 kilograms. What could those beasts possibly do to me now?' Wuji thought excitedly.

"Damn it, brat, don't be so arrogant. It took me a week to complete this technique, and you did it in seconds. You're a damn monster," Captain Long said, his voice tinged with frustration. But his grin betrayed his admiration.

'Looks like I've recruited a real monster this time. Hehe, demonic beasts, it's time to meet your daddy,' Captain Long thought, laughing loudly.

"Alright brat, I'll call you tomorrow. We shouldn't waste any more time; we need to eradicate those beasts.

Wuji and Little Red headed home. Before going to bed, Wuji roasted some wild boar meat for Aunt Mei as a gesture of gratitude.

"Wuji, I'm home. Do you need me to cook for you?" Aunt Mei's charming voice echoed as she entered the house. Her body was soaked with sweat from a long day of work, outlining her curves and twin peaks seductively.

'Huh, Wuji is already asleep… and he even roasted wild boar meat for me,' Aunt Mei thought, touched by Wuji's thoughtfulness. She blushed slightly, recalling the hug they shared earlier.

Wuji seemed to have found purpose in his life, along with people to protect. But in this increasingly chaotic world, would his happiness last? Perhaps, if he grew strong enough to withstand what was coming.