Chapter 107 Joining the Team

Wind God? That is certainly a unique name. I asked him why he chose it, but he refused to say, so I let it go. According to Wind God, almost no one in the group uses their real name. After all, a name is just a label; as long as people remember you exist, that is enough. During our conversation, Wind God told me something of great consequence.

The world believes Chu Jun founded the World Alliance to combat zombies and mutant beasts, but that is not the case. The Nether Ruins Star is about to descend upon the mortal realm—a fact known to almost everyone—and Chu Jun’s true goal is to force the world to accept his rule. He has long been monitoring the movements of the Nether Ruins in secret and even experimenting with genetic mutations, attempting to make zombies serve him. The Wind God Group was once invited to join Chu Jun, but Wind God refused. Subsequently, Chu Jun issued an order that the Wind God Group could only accept missions of Level 5 or higher. Everyone knew this was Chu Jun’s way of applying pressure; not a single member of the Wind God Group had reached Level 6, and humans typically find it difficult to deal with beasts of their own level, often risking their lives even without the added danger of fighting above their rank.

Chu Jun wanted the Wind God Group to retreat in the face of impossible odds. However, every member of the group is a man of iron will who refuses to bow to tyranny. In a miscalculation on Chu Jun’s part, the group managed to recruit two Level 4 powerhouses and two Level 5 powerhouses, then accepted the mission to hunt the Sky-Splitting Beast. Though the chances of success were slim, the beast was due to give birth tomorrow, which is when it would be at its weakest. In this chaotic era, there is no reward without sacrifice. The World Alliance appears peaceful on the surface, but its grueling system forces one to take up arms; food, clothing, housing, and transportation all require silver banknotes, which can only be earned through beast hides and carcasses—with live captures being the most valuable.

Wind God told me that my current level is 9, making me the strongest in the World Alliance, save for Chu Jun himself. Chu Jun has already reached the "One-Star" level. Level 12 marks the threshold for One-Star, representing a new classification system. The traditional martial artists and magic-body users have been replaced by "mutants," and Chu Jun is one of them. Rumor has it that reaching Five-Star allows one to rival the gods and ascend to the Celestial Realm. Since the virus outbreak, magic crystals have appeared in the bodies of mutant beasts, and these crystals can enhance one's strength. Chu Jun was the first to discover this; he has decreed that these crystals can be traded for various goods within the city, ensuring that they all eventually end up in his hands. He is constantly bolstering his power to compete with other strong entities for the Nether Ruins. It is said he practices the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, and his terrifying power has already surpassed the One-Star level.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Art? How could that be? Wind God’s words caught me completely off guard. I possess the first two volumes of the Heavenly Demon Manual, and while Leng Wushuang took the third, I had already memorized its contents. Did he obtain the third volume? Even if he managed to read it before the text vanished, he shouldn't be stronger than me. I have two volumes, and he only has one. Even if he is a mutant, are mutants truly more powerful than those who cultivate both magic and martial arts? It seems I must hasten my cultivation. I need to rescue Murong Xue’s soul as soon as possible, and with the Demon God’s seal breaking in a few months, time is of the essence. Most importantly, I need to get stronger. Since Wind God mentioned the magic crystals in beasts, I realized it was necessary to cooperate with his group.

I introduced my companions to Wind God, and he brought over some key members of his group. I had already met Yan'er, Wind God’s sister and a Level 4 martial artist. There was also a Level 5 martial artist named Zhang Shiyi. He looked familiar, and I suddenly remembered—he was the expert I encountered in the desert while training with Lan Yue and Big Hammer. Zhang Shiyi recognized me as well. After some polite exchanges, Wind God arranged our lodging, planning for us to head to the marshes at dawn to hunt the Sky-Splitting Beast.

That night, we each had our own room, and the place was reasonably clean. Qin Tian had an attendant bring a table of fine food and wine, and we called Yu Jing over to discuss tomorrow’s operation. With no women around, we could speak freely. While snacking on peanuts, Qin Tian asked me, "Old Li, do you think the Wind God Group is reliable? If we actually kill the Sky-Splitting Beast, how do we split the loot?"

I set down my glass and lit a cigarette, handing one to each of them. To be honest, I hadn't considered this before joining them, but the prospect of magic crystals—which could boost one's cultivation—was a great temptation. Although I have the Heavenly Demon Manual, this ancient divine book doesn't seem as powerful as Xiaoxiang Zi claimed; at least, I haven't grasped its supreme techniques yet. I have to take things one step at a time. Since I’ve already given my word, I can’t back out now. I took a deep drag and said to Qin Tian, "Let's stick with them for now. We just arrived and don't know anything; going out on our own is too risky."

Yu Jing exhaled a cloud of smoke and added, "Old Li is right. Don't worry about the split—be happy you have food and a roof over your head!"

"That's true, but it's a pity I'm currently lacking a woman. Wind God’s sister is quite pretty. I wonder if she’s seeing anyone? Do you think she’d like a guy like me?" Qin Tian asked lewdly, one foot propped up on his chair.

"Give it a rest. Don't you like Leng Wushuang? What, you've had a change of heart? That won't do; if you like someone, you have to be devoted!" Qin Tian isn't bad-looking, and he has a good build. Back in the 21st century, he was the boss of the Green Dragon Gang, always seen in a suit and tie with a crowd of followers. I’ve always found it baffling that he doesn't have a woman.

When I mentioned Leng Wushuang, Qin Tian’s smile vanished. He sighed, as if there was something he wanted to say but held back. Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence. I went to open it, and it was Wind God himself. I bowed, "I didn't expect a late-night visit, Wind God. What brings you here?"

Wind God spoke with a grave expression, "Chu Jun captured my vice-captain today. It’s an intolerable insult. My scouts just reported that Chu Jun intends to execute him at the stroke of midnight. I’m here to ask you all for a favor: help me save him at the execution ground."

The vice-captain Wind God spoke of must be Duan Shui-Liu. That man was truly arrogant and overbearing—he deserved a lesson, but surely not death. Why would Chu Jun do this, and execute him in the dead of night? I didn't expect to be caught up in such a mess so soon after joining the group. Wind God had already produced three sets of night-raid gear. To go, or not to go?