The Team Extra Time Competition continued to rage on.

Except for their close victory in the morning, the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy continued to be overlooked.

Nobody wanted to appear too desperate; after all, the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy had once held a firm grip on first place. Now, they were given a few days' grace, until the top 600 teams fought their way into the finals. That was when it would be time for the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy to be officially eliminated.

The Federation had given the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy enough preparation time; it was hard for them to blame their inadequate strength on the Federation's manipulation.

However, the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy was more aware of their predicament than anyone else, including Liu Zhenfeng, Song Dongming, Huang Pufeng, and Sun Kelan.

"The mentor has left," Sun Kelan whispered, feeling increasingly helpless.

After leaving the Death Battlefield, the Military Department's mentors had begun to withdraw. Even though Mingyue was not the first mentor to leave their team, her departure brought Sun Kelan an almost overwhelming pressure, leaving her feeling lost.

Song Dongming spoke firmly. "She's from the military, so it's normal for her to leave. However, based on her attitude towards Wang Zhan when she was with the team, I believe it's easy for you to see that we were not her target. She was just briefly looking out for us because of Wang Zhan; don't take it too seriously. Besides, I have reason to suspect that Wang Zhan can no longer compete. Otherwise, he wouldn't still be absent, unless he's afraid of implicating us."

His analysis was incisive, directly uncovering the truth.

Liu Zhenfeng looked approvingly at Song Dongming. This student not only has great talent but also a unique perspective in collating information. He could potentially follow the path of a non-commissioned officer in the future.

However, Liu Zhenfeng still needed to explain; after all, as Wang Zhan's teammates, they deserved to know the truth.

"Don't count on Wang Zhan anymore," he said. "He definitely won't be competing again, but his situation is more difficult than any of yours. You only need to worry about the competition. He, on the other hand, is fighting alongside us on a different battlefield, under immense pressure."

"Why?" Chen Mengshu suddenly asked. Her young mind could not analyze all the twists and turns involved.

Why should it be this way? Wang Zhan was clearly their main force, and they were just here as his training partners. Now, when he was needed most, the star player had suddenly disappeared?

Sensing their eager gazes, all wanting to know the truth, Liu Zhenfeng spoke slowly. "Some people want him dead; others want him alive. Some want to use him as a weapon, while others just want him to be a dog. I believe you've all seen his skill with the blade already. It's beyond being described as genius; it's monstrous, like that of a demon. A demon not controlled by the Federation, not held in the hands of those powerful figures, can only die. He *must* die…"

Sigh, when it comes down to it, the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy is too weak. We can't protect our own students. If this were one of the Top Four, no matter how brilliant and stunning Wang Zhan's talent, no one would dare touch a single hair on his head, Liu Zhenfeng thought.

「The next morning.」

Wang Zhan and Qin Ying were preparing to pass through the checkpoint of Jing State City.

The soldier who had once witnessed Wang Zhan slapping Qin Ying across the face instantly scowled. After dialing a few numbers, he directly stopped Wang Zhan, who was again carrying Qin Ying on his back as he tried to enter the city.

"Sir, please show your identification. We need to check it."

However, after Wang Zhan presented his ID, the soldier stalled him, claiming there was a problem with the document and that he needed to wait a moment.

Wang Zhan chuckled. Clearly, the soldier is stalling. It seems those important figures who want to make a move on me are about to arrive. Still, just a single soldier...

"Do you have any idea what you're doing? Do you remember the oath you swore and the duties you bear?" Wang Zhan asked softly, looking at the stern-faced soldier before him.

The soldier's gaze was icy as he looked at Wang Zhan, then glanced at the young woman whose facial swelling had subsided. Disgust churned within him. He spoke in a low, stern voice, "Sir, I advise you to wait here quietly. Otherwise, no matter which powerful figure is backing you, the Federal Constitution will absolutely not spare them!"

Wang Zhan gave a soft chuckle, ignoring the soldier who had clearly been duped, and simply waited quietly.

Qin Ying still refused to get down, saying only that she was tired from walking and didn't want to move. The soldier's contempt for her grew.

What a greedy, despicable woman! There are so many good men in this world, yet these women choose scumbags who hit them. And they act all lovey-dovey—it's nauseating!

「Half an hour later.」

An armored car with a simple license plate on the front, which made all the soldiers at the inspection station visibly startle, quietly approached the checkpoint and headed straight for Wang Zhan.

The person who emerged was a young man with smooth skin, a fair complexion, and delicate fingers, giving him a somewhat feminine appearance.

He stood before Wang Zhan, beaming, and extended a hand. "Hello, Student Wang Zhan. I am Yang Zecheng, Director of the Military Management Department. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've read about all your achievements and admire you greatly. I wonder if Student Wang Zhan might have some time to share a meal with me? I believe there could be many opportunities for cooperation between us."

Wang Zhan looked at the young man before him. This must be one of the influential figures from Jing State, someone from the upper echelons of the Federation. The Yang family must wield considerable power; otherwise, they wouldn't be the first to extend an olive branch to me.

However, Wang Zhan shook his head and smiled. "I'm sorry, I can't give you an answer so quickly. Although your family is the first to approach me, I think I need to weigh my options and see who is stronger and more suitable, don't you agree?"

In his words, Wang Zhan revealed an attitude akin to a bird choosing a tree to perch on, which made Yang Zecheng's smile widen.

It doesn't matter what Wang Zhan is thinking. As long as he has this inclination and willingness, the Yang family is destined to be his best choice, Yang Zecheng thought.

So, he laughed heartily and said, "Student Wang Zhan, you're too polite. However, I am quite confident. How about I accompany Student Wang Zhan and wait here? I believe I am your best choice."

At that moment, Yang Zecheng displayed a touch of masculine resolve, making Wang Zhan nod slightly in appreciation.

Not all descendants of prominent families are spoiled brats, nor are all families as hopelessly corrupt as the Zheng Family. But precisely because of this, these opponents will be even more difficult to deal with if they are wise, Wang Zhan's gaze grew more profound as he thought. And I have no way of distinguishing who among them are the figures behind the Original Organization wanting me dead, and who are the hidden players from other factions that have taken an interest in me.

He could feel, however, that Qin Ying, on his back, had fallen completely silent the moment Yang Zecheng appeared. She merely rested her head against his back, seemingly oblivious to the end of the world or the storms brewing within the Federation.

Just as Yang Zecheng was chattering incessantly in Wang Zhan's ear, trying to pry some information from him, a seemingly endless convoy of vehicles finally rolled slowly up to Wang Zhan. The occupants had varied expressions: some were curious, some relaxed, while others frowned slightly.

Naturally, there were also those who were carefree and high-spirited, acting as if they owned any place they graced with their presence—like a young nobleman who stirs up trouble wherever he goes.

"So, you're Wang Zhan? I hear you've got some skills. My Xu family has taken an interest in you. Making you a mere thug might be a bit beneath you. How about you learn to bark a couple of times to amuse this young master first?"

The speaker was clad in a custom-tailored suit, a designer watch on his wrist, and a tie around his neck. At a glance, one might mistake him for a spirited and overbearing corporate CEO—definitely not someone to trifle with.

However, a faint, cold smirk touched Wang Zhan's lips. With a bloodthirsty glint in his icy gaze, he said, "I don't know how to bark. Why don't you teach me?"

The young master's expression instantly darkened, and he looked ready to explode. The others remained silent, watching with keen interest, as if eager to see Wang Zhan's true capabilities.

They say Wang Zhan was severely injured on the Death Battlefield and that unleashing his potential would damage his foundation. No one knows how much strength he has left. This fool of a young master is inadvertently helping us probe him, the onlookers thought.

"Excellent!" Young Master Xu declared. "My Xu family particularly likes untamable wild dogs like you. Uncle Wang, come out and teach him a lesson! Show him the Xu family is not to be trifled with!"

"Yes, Young Master."

The next moment, a burly man standing behind Young Master Xu slowly stepped forward. A chilling killing intent emanating from him instantly caught Wang Zhan's attention.

From the Military Department? Wang Zhan mused.

"Correct!" the man announced. "Wang Peng, from Jing State's 32nd Special Field Operations Brigade. A level 9 Warrior, with a 20% breakthrough beyond the limit. I wonder, would Student Wang Zhan care to offer some guidance?"

"Sure," Wang Zhan replied.

Wang Zhan was about to set Qin Ying down when, unexpectedly, she whispered from his back, "Just keep carrying me like this. Let me see how you're going to beat him to death."

Wang Zhan stiffened, his heart sinking. But after a moment's thought, he nodded.

There's no other way. Qin Ying is the one who truly holds the trump card. Although she refuses to show her face, she's clearly unimpressed by these people and exudes utter confidence. This only further confirms my suspicions. In other words, as long as I can keep Qin Ying happy, dealing with these families and factions will be a piece of cake.

When Wang Peng saw Wang Zhan's actions—or lack thereof—his expression darkened, a flash of anger crossing his face.

He actually intends to fight me while carrying that woman on his back? This is utter contempt! Does he really think I'm some harmless stray cat he can toy with?

"I advise you to put that woman down," Wang Peng warned. "Otherwise, if my attacks are merciless and she gets caught in the crossfire, don't you dare blame me, Wang Peng!"

Wang Zhan paid him no heed. He found some ropes nearby and used them to securely bind Qin Ying to his back, ensuring she wouldn't fall. Only then did he chuckle and say, "If you think you're capable enough, then bring it on."

He then swept his disdainful gaze over the unpredictable group of onlookers, his expression arrogant and defiant. "Of course, if you all think he's not my match, feel free to send a few more to attack me together. It's not that I'm looking down on you. I just want to say that any Martial Artist below the rank of Martial General who appears before me is nothing but trash."

「At that moment.」

He stood leaning on his blade, the beautiful woman secure on his back, gazing arrogantly upon the crowd like a wandering hero from the mortal world with his celestial fairy companion.

As for the true instigator of this whole affair, the soldier, he continued to be an overlooked background figure. Now, however, he couldn't stop an internal trembling as he stared intently at Wang Zhan.

Just who is he?!

Young Master Xu glared fixedly at him. "Excellent! Uncle Zhang, Uncle Chen, Uncle Ming, Uncle Li—all of you, attack him together! This young master wants to see if this mad dog can actually bite!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

In total, five men, all level 9 Martial Masters, moved to surround Wang Zhan at the entrance to the Jing State Western Wilderness Area.

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