High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices

Chapter 435: Chapter 435: Rapid Response Team

But this year’s youth tournament, the overall skill level was admittedly lower than the past two years. There were no contestants in a league of their own like Hong Nianyi or Xu Wuyi, which actually made it more exciting to watch.

[VICTORY! CHAMPION!]

As the golden notification appeared, Qiao Zhiyao stood with her sword in hand, her virtual body panting slightly as beads of sweat slid down her temples.

But her eyes were bright and determined, and across the virtual arena, one could almost feel the profound weight of her joy.

Although her path had been fraught with difficulty, and she had faced several opponents of equal skill, Qiao Zhiyao had ultimately won the championship.

Xu Wuyi, who had been watching the match, broke into a faint smile and sent Qiao Zhiyao a short congratulatory message.

A few minutes later, a communication request from Qiao Zhiyao came through.

On the screen, she had just logged out of the Battle Network. Her face was still flushed from the intense fight, but her eyes were sparkling.

"Senior Brother! I won!" Her voice was filled with jubilation.

"I saw. You fought beautifully," Xu Wuyi said with a nod.

"Hehe, I’ve been training for a long time," Qiao Zhiyao said with a slightly bashful smile, then asked, "Senior Brother, how are things in Linjiang? Is it... tense over at the command center?"

"It’s been relatively calm so far. We’re mostly on standby," Xu Wuyi said. "What are your plans now? Uncle Qiao mentioned before that he hopes you’ll return to Linjiang."

Qiao Zhiyao fell silent for a few seconds. The excitement on her face faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression.

"My father did mention it to me," she said slowly. "But... I don’t want to go back just yet."

"Here at Cloud Platform, I have my classmates, my training partners, and my teachers." Qiao Zhiyao looked at Xu Wuyi. "Senior Brother, I know Linjiang is probably safer, with a Grandmaster stationed there."

"But if... if the day ever comes when young Martial Artists like us are needed on the battlefield, I’d rather be here."

She paused, her voice softening but remaining firm. "Besides, the school has its own defense systems. They’re just as good as the ones back home."

Xu Wuyi listened quietly, not immediately refuting her or trying to persuade her otherwise.

He could understand Qiao Zhiyao’s perspective. Young people had their own passion and sense of responsibility, and they had the right to choose who they fought alongside.

Overprotection, at times, could be more of a restraint than a comfort.

"As long as you’ve thought it through, that’s what matters," Xu Wuyi finally said. "Be careful, and don’t slack off on your training. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

Qiao Zhiyao nodded emphatically. "Okay! Thank you, Senior Brother!"

The call ended.

Xu Wuyi logged out of the Battle Network and looked out the window. The Linjiang night was tranquil, and in the distance, the command center building was brightly lit.

Qiao Zhiyao’s choice reminded him of himself from a few years ago. Some paths, you ultimately had to walk on your own.

...

「May 8th. The day after the youth tournament ended.」

「Linjiang Command Center, third basement level, dedicated briefing room.」

Over a dozen people were already gathered in the room.

The lowest among them had a Life Energy Level of over 35. Their Qi and Blood were refined and their gazes sharp; they were clearly elites seasoned in real combat.

Some were sitting, others standing, all conversing in low voices. The atmosphere was serious and professional.

When Xu Wuyi pushed the door open and walked in, many gazes immediately fell upon him—some scrutinizing, some curious, and others offering a slight nod of recognition.

His eyes swept across the room, and he spotted a few familiar faces.

The cool, detached figure standing against the wall was Li Shuang. She was still in a form-fitting, dark combat suit, her posture ramrod straight, and her long hair tied back simply.

He hadn’t seen her in over a year. Her aura had grown even more contained, and her Life Energy Level was around 36.

Sensing his gaze, she looked up. Her expression was calm and unwavering as she gave him the slightest of nods in greeting.

Beside her was Su Yueling’s "Fourth Senior Brother," the one who had been at the Rift in Red River City.

He was currently dressed in a practical, navy blue martial arts uniform, and his aura was impressively at the peak Martial Artist level, around Level 39.

Upon seeing Xu Wuyi, he took the initiative to walk over.

"Vice-Captain Xu." He extended a hand, a smile on his face. "We meet again. We didn’t get a chance for a formal introduction last time in Red River. I’m Ji Shanhai."

Xu Wuyi shook his hand. "Senior Brother Ji."

"Please, don’t. You’re a vice-captain now; just call me by my name," Ji Shanhai said, waving his hand dismissively and lowering his voice. "Eldest Senior Brother will be here shortly. He’s the overall commander of this squad."

Xu Wuyi nodded.

It was within his expectations that Tang Xiuqi, Grandmaster Ren Bai’s first disciple, would be the captain. With his strength and seniority, he was more than qualified to command the respect of the others.

Just then, the door to the briefing room was pushed open again.

Tang Xiuqi walked in, dressed in a white training uniform.

His face still held its perpetual paleness, but his posture was as straight as a pine, and his eyes were clear yet profound, as if they could see through everything.

The moment he stood there, the low chatter in the room ceased, and all eyes converged on him, filled with respect.

Tang Xiuqi’s gaze swept calmly across the room, pausing for a moment on Xu Wuyi before he gave a slight nod. He then walked to the lectern at the front.

"Everyone is here." His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly to every person’s ears. "I am Tang Xiuqi, appointed as the captain of the Dongjiang Province Rapid Response Squad. To my left is Xu Wuyi, an Innate Martial Artist and one of the vice-captains."

Xu Wuyi took half a step forward and acknowledged the group.

"To my right, Zhao Kun, an Innate Martial Artist and a vice-captain," Tang Xiuqi said, gesturing to his other side.

This was a burly, stern-faced, middle-aged man in military casuals. His aura was deep and heavy, and his Life Energy Level was around 42.

He gave a cupped-fist salute to the group, his movement crisp and efficient.

"The remaining eighteen of you are all elite Martial Artists selected from various Battle Groups, the military, and local forces, with a minimum Life Energy Level of 35," Tang Xiuqi continued.

"The squad’s designation is ’Dongjiang Rapid Response Squad One,’ or ’Rapid Response One’ for short. We report directly to the Provincial Wartime Command and are under the direct leadership of myself and the two vice-captains."

He activated a light screen, displaying a detailed map of Linjiang City and its surrounding areas, which was densely marked with defense nodes and patrol routes.

"Our mission is clear: we are on standby twenty-four hours a day, responsible for the mobile defense and rapid response within Linjiang’s main urban area and a fifty-kilometer radius around it. Any abnormal energy fluctuations, spatial disturbances, suspicious targets, or sudden attacks fall under our jurisdiction."

"The squad is divided into three action teams. I will concurrently serve as the leader of Team One. Vice-Captain Xu Wuyi will lead Team Two, and Vice-Captain Zhao Kun will lead Team Three. Ji Shanhai, Li Shuang... you are assigned to Team Two."

He read off a few names, including the two Xu Wuyi knew.

Tang Xiuqi’s tone remained steady, without a single wasted word. "The Celestial Wolf Civilization’s attacks will not stop. This current calm is merely an illusion. What we need to do is be ready to smash the enemy to pieces the moment they bare their fangs."

"Is that clear?"

"Understood!" a unified response echoed through the room.