Chapter Forty-Five: The Nine-Tiered Pavilion

"Luo Feng, why are you looking at me like that? Your expression is a bit strange," Luo Yuan asked, frowning.

"Uh, Senior Luo Yuan, I've actually always wanted to know—what level have you reached in terms of strength?" Luo Feng asked earnestly, his eyes full of curiosity.

"My strength? Advanced War General. My warrior rank is clearly listed, isn't it?" Luo Yuan answered calmly, though his eyes involuntarily darted to the upper right.

Luo Feng pressed his lips together in response, not quite convinced. Just recalling that single slash Luo Yuan used to kill the double-headed black-striped serpent, Luo Yuan's strength was probably already close to the War God level.

"Never mind if you don't want to say. After all, everyone has their secrets."

Luo Feng looked up at his family waiting to greet him at the villa's entrance, a happy smile appearing on his face.

"Go ahead. There won't be many chances in the future to see your family," Luo Yuan said.

Returning to his own villa, Luo Yuan began to pack. He had very few belongings—half his backpack wasn't even full. Feeling a bit bored alone, he went straight to the media room to watch the news. To his surprise, the headline was a livestream featuring the Li Yao couple. These two really missed their calling as internet celebrities; now, the whole world knew who they were.

"The murderer who killed my son, I know you must have seen this video! Rest assured, I will find you, and I'll make you suffer—I'll kill you!" Li Yao's vicious face filled the giant screen, looking ready to devour someone. Luo Yuan simply frowned and changed the channel.

"Breaking news: Recently, City 003 saw the appearance of a high lord-level monster, the Ironclad Dragon. Due to childbirth, it entered a period of weakness. Several War Gods joined forces to hunt it, but failed, and even lost a mid-level War God in the process. The whole nation mourns..." Luo Yuan was stunned watching the news. High lord-level monsters were truly formidable; it was lucky he hadn't recklessly tried to steal an egg like Luo Feng.

...

March 28th, 1:30 p.m., Jiangnan Base City Airport.

Luo Yuan, Luo Feng, and a young man named Heng Xia, under the guidance of War God Yang Hui, boarded a giant flying saucer-shaped airliner.

"Mr. Yang, your seats are in the top-level luxury cabin," a beautiful flight attendant said with a smile.

"Mm," Yang Hui nodded slightly and ascended the stairs to the top level, with the three quickly following.

Upon entering the top-level cabin, they found that the entire cabin was circular, with seats arranged in concentric rings, the outermost having the most seats. In the central open area, a three-dimensional virtual projection was displayed.

Rumble~~

With a low, deep sound, the airliner finally took off. The circular cabin was completely sealed, with no windows—Luo Yuan and the others couldn't see outside. In the central open space, a recently released, widely popular film began to play—using three-dimensional virtual projection technology for a strikingly realistic effect.

"The rich really know how to live!" Luo Yuan sighed as he sprawled on the soft seat. After all, a single ticket in this luxury cabin cost twenty million Huaxia credits.

...

After about an hour, the aircraft landed at the global headquarters of the Limit Martial Arts Hall—the airport of Hongning Base City.

The four left the airport and boarded a special limousine.

Inside the extended Cadillac, Luo Yuan looked out the window, his eyes lighting up. The entire base city was beautiful, with an architectural style modeled after ancient Chinese buildings. Pavilions and towers could be seen everywhere, making it feel like he had returned to a film set from a previous life—a style he greatly appreciated.

"Our Hongning Base City is located in western Asia, close to Europe. Thanks to our Hall Master, Hongning is the safest base city in the world! Every year, countless wealthy people and warriors join us. However, the Hall Master always keeps the population under control. As of now, the entire city only has eighty million people," Yang Hui said with a smile.

"We've arrived at the training camp. Let's get out," Yang Hui announced.

After disembarking, they entered the training camp's main gate and were immediately greeted by a massive dragon sculpture—nearly fifty meters tall, its colossal black eyes staring down at Luo Feng, exuding an overwhelming aura of darkness. Luo Yuan was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered, while Luo Feng and Heng Xia looked pale, only snapping out of it after a sharp word from Yang Hui.

"This black dragon sculpture is crafted from rare materials—the most precious being its eyes, which are real eyes from an SS-class (King-level) black dragon monster. Luo Yuan, your composure isn't bad. The two of you should learn from him," Yang Hui said with a smile.

On the black scales of the fifty-meter-long dragon, small screens displayed individual names.

"NO.1 Renatus Bridge (530321)"

"NO.2 Chu Qiang (540601)"

"NO.3 Eben Pars (520916)"

...

"NO.182 Jacqueline Berna (570319)"

From top to bottom, each scale bore a name—182 in total.

Yang Hui explained, "These are the rankings. Currently, there are 182 elite trainees here, all top talents from around the world. Their ranks are determined by battle point totals, and the higher your rank, the more resources you receive!"

Following Yang Hui, they entered the camp itself, which was breathtakingly beautiful—like a cluster of ancient palaces. Rare flowers and trees were everywhere, small bridges arched over flowing streams, and aside from a few main halls, numerous elegant pavilions dotted the landscape. Occasionally, young men and women in loose training attire could be seen emerging from the buildings—some white, some black, some Asian.

"That nine-story tower is called the 'Ninefold Tower.' It's where all elite trainees study and train," Yang Hui said, pointing to the camp's central, towering structure. Though it was nine stories high, it was as tall as a typical twenty-story building.

The official trainees here possessed an aura and bearing distinctly different from ordinary warriors outside. This was the gathering place for the world's most extraordinary geniuses. Luo Yuan's eyes sparkled—his spiritual sense spread out, picking up countless colorful attribute bubbles. The information streaming into his mind told him that many here practiced the Ninefold Thunder Blade technique, and to a high level at that.

"Luo Yuan, Luo Feng, I'll take you to complete your registration," Yang Hui said.

...

The two-story pavilion they entered was furnished entirely in ancient style. There wasn't even a television or washing machine, though there were power outlets and electric lights. Each person was issued a laptop, with meals and cleaning arranged by staff. To Luo Yuan, it felt a bit like his university days in a previous life.

From the balcony, he could overlook the entire training camp. Leaning on the wooden curved railing, he admired the view—the gentle stream below winding its way toward a distant lake, bringing a sense of serenity to his heart.

ps: Dear readers, please support with tips, monthly votes, and favorites. My deepest thanks!