Chapter 2490 - 486 - 496

Chapter 486: First Spar In Five Years

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

After swearing loyalty to each other, the two sat down again, and the mood in the room became much lighter.

"Dongyang, there is no need to tell the others about my identity just yet… Not until we have consolidated power within the Maersa district."

"Touché! Many things have changed, and so did people… Lie Jian, for instance." Guan Dongyang said as he nodded in agreement.

Even though Einherjar Li Zhedao was the direct heir of General Li Feng, he was defeated by Patroclus in the end, much less the alleged heir, Wang Tong. Plus, Wang Tong was no longer the heir of the Blade Warrior, but simply a powerful warrior. Title and reputation were only useful during peacetime. During the time of chaos, actions spoke even louder than its peacetime counterparts.

Guan Dongyang knew very well that neither his strength nor the flaws in his personality would allow him to lead a large force. However, he could always assist by the side of a real commander.

Sensing the eagerness in Guan Dongyang's eyes, Wang Tong cracked a smile and then said, "I know that you have a lot of questions for me. We have lots of time to catch up in the future."

"Haha, I wager that Duo Lun had learned a thing or two from you. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to defeat that lousy a*shole. By the way, what level are you at right now? Legendary?"

"Um... I am not familiar with the current ranking system, but perhaps, yes. I have improved my tactics over the years. We should exchange some ideas when we have time."

"Perfect! Being a bandleader is a tough job. Sometimes, it is too much for me. At one time, I almost gave up entirely." Although Guan Dongyang was a powerful mastery user, he was not a leader. His unfamiliarity with politics and administrative tasks had greatly limited the expansion of the Battle Wolf.

However, Wang Tong was the opposite in that respect. Managing a war band required skills and experience, and Wang Tong had both. He had been the leader of the most influential student group, the S club.

However incompetent Guan Dongyang was in terms of managing the band, no one could ignore his improvement in his cultivation over the five years. Five years ago, Wang Tong had defeated Patroclus as a level six warrior, and five years later, Wang Tong's power had risen to such a magnitude that it had become difficult for others to comprehend. After a period of rapid improvement, Guan Dongyang's cultivation had hit a bottleneck half a year ago. He wanted to make another breakthrough, but his hands were tied down by endless paperwork… that is, until Wang Tong showed up.

Guan Dongyang believed that Wang Tong would be able to summon the sense of unity in the hearts of all Martians, and change the outlook of Mars. He couldn't wait to be a part of this great transformation.

Guan Dongyang heaved a sigh of relief as he could finally have time to return to his beloved cultivation.

Before Guan Dongyang's formal retirement, there would be a transitional period. However, with Wang Tong's great power and experience, Guan Dongyang believed that the transitional period would be very brief. The thought of following Wang Tong into battles and liberating the enslaved humans inside the city of Maersa spurred Guan Dongyang to carry on their conversation.

Outside Guan Dongyang's private vehicle, Lie Wushuang wondered what had taken the two to chat for so long. He reminded himself about the goal of their mission: to enlist Guan Dongyang to House Lie. Lie Wushuang turned to Lie Xuan and said, "When you get a chance, you need to find out what Guan Dongyang is up to."

"You mean he is hiding something from us?"

"You really think that a level eleven no account could defeat a level sixteen warrior, and a mechanic could overcome Nihlathak without making a move?" Lie Wushuang asked quietly.

"No. I know Guan Dongyang is a powerful mastery caster, but he is not strong enough to lead soldiers that powerful, not yet." Lie Xuan knew of Lie Wushuang's suspicion. Guan Dongyang could have long since advanced further beyond level eighteen. From the information they had collected about the raid, they learned of a mastery spell that required level twenty or higher mastery fighters to perform. It had to be Guan Dongyang.

"Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, young maser values him highly. Power of a Mastery Fighter is a very slippery thing to measure. Young master had told me a couple of times to not to be too fixated on levels when it came to evaluating Mastery users." Over the years, life had taught Lie Wushuang many lessons, and made his observation keener. From the events that happened at the tournament, he could tell that Guan Dongyang had matured a lot as a leader. He was no longer brash and direct as he used to be. Whatever trick he had pulled from his sleeve had worked well against Marcos, causing the latter to lose almost everything from the tip of his fingers.

"I disagree!" Lie Xuan snorted.

"Lie Xuan, what is going on with you two anyway? If you really like him, then be with him. If not, then stop keeping him in that awkward friendzone. You are not a kid anymore." Lie Wushuang scolded Lie Xuan like an older brother.

"Should I call you mom? I don't know… He is a nice guy, but we lack chemistry between us. He is not... manly enough, except for today at the tournament. I hope he can keep at it." Lie Xuan said. She had given the matter a great deal of thought, and had decided that however nice Guan Dongyang was, he could not give her the thrill of living on the edge she always craved for. In a fit of frustration, the furry face of the mechanic flashed for a fleeting second in her mind.

Duo Lun and Tan Bu had kept things to themselves. Despite being the closest friends of Wang Tong at Battle Wolf, they didn't speak a word about the mechanic.

"What is the deal with Duo Lun?"

"He is heartbroken after seeing his old lover. Practicing tactics keeps his mind cool." Tan Bu said with a smile.

"Furface, I have learned a valuable lesson today thanks to you. It's like having a second life. From now on, my life is yours." Duo Lun was deeply touched by Wang Tong's help, and his victory had given him more than just joy—it was a lesson for him to fight back against evil. Although Duo Lun appeared to be an amiable and easy going person, he had a very sensitive soul. Wang Tong's help had saved not only his life, but also something he held closer to his heart than even life: dignity.

Tan Bu patted Duo Lun's shoulder and said, "Furface, you will be our boss from now on. We will follow you wherever you go!"

Wang Tong cracked a smile and then said, "I like your resolution. But, don't complain later that I didn't warn you about the hardships."

Duo Lun and Tan Duo looked at each other and smiled knowingly. "We are ready!"

That night at the camp, Duo Lun and Tan Bu regretted ever agreeing to be subject to such inhumane training. When the two had overspent their energy and laid on the ground, Wang Tong walked to them and told them that it was just a taste of what was going to come.

After he finished training with Duo Lun and Tan Bu, Wang Tong returned home. But before long, he looked out of the window and saw the full moon hanging brightly in the night sky, and knew that the moment had arrived. Wang Tong disappeared into thin air and reappeared outside the camp in a clearing, where a dark showdown had been waiting for him.

"You really can't wait… Hehe."

"Hehe, it had been five years! Let's start!" The shadow spoke up; it was Guan Dongyang.

"Show me what you have learned over the five years!" Wang Tong announced.

Guan Dongyang knew that he didn't need to hold back power, so he unleashed all of his soul energy at once.

"Infinite Fire Bolt!"

Guan Dongyang sent a flurry of bolts at Wang Tong, lined up in a straight line. Wang Tong didn't evade; instead, he waved the left hand, and the bolts fell to the ground as if they had hit an invisible wall.

Guan Dongyang was shocked by how easily Wang Tong had blocked his attack. Five years ago when he was only a level six warrior, Wang Tong had displayed unmatched intuition during the battle. Five years later, he was back and stronger, with the same acute sense of battle awareness. Guan Dongyang already saw no hope of winning the fight.

However, the stronger the Wang Tong was, the more Guan Dongyang wanted to continue the sparring.

"Red Lotus!"

Mastery was not only about absorbing the natural forces but to channel them as well; one would need a lot of skill in this department. In a blink, the flaming fire bolts on the ground sprang back to life and floated in the air. They twisted and weaved into each other, forming a fiery red glob.

Chapter 487: Mastery Intuition

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

Wang Tong nodded in approval of Guan Dongyang's splendid move. He didn't simply merge the fire bolts. Instead, it was a complicated configuration designed to increase damage output.

Wang Tong opened his mouth as if murmuring something as a creepy smile appeared on his face. Suddenly the crackling ball of fire changed direction and flew toward Guan Dongyang.

"I will give you some challenge."

A plume of flame shot out from in between Wang Tong's hands, and the end of the flame column immediately engulfed the fireball. After being heated and charged up by more heat, the fireball started to spin as its flame turned blue.

Guan Dongyang was stunned by Wang Tong's power. He had achieved the ultimate degree of manipulation of the natural force. Anything in his hand could be reformed and reshaped into a weapon of his choice. Only imagination was his limit.

From time to time, people could still hear about the news of a lower level METAL fighter besting a high-level warrior. However, this would never happen during a fight between mastery warriors; only the level difference between Mastery warriors dictated the outcome of every fight.

That being said, Guan Dongyang didn't plan to give up even after noticing the huge power gap between him and Wang Tong. This was the first time they had sparred in five years, and he needed to prove to Wang Tong that he had improved.

Locking his eyes on the fireball that was spinning faster by the second, Guan Dongyang started the technique that he was the most comfortable with: the fire drake. After Guan Dongyang summoned the fiery breathing dragon, he didn't unleash it at Wang Tong. Instead, he held onto the dragon by snatching it by the tail while initiating another mastery to buff the dragon's damage.

"Vayu's Fire!"

"Roar of the Tyrant Drake! "

Two warriors unleashed their attacks at the same time.

"Kom!"

The fireball and then the fire drake collided, and the collision spilled out a deadly wave of energy at both warriors.

Guan Dongyang's body flashed out of view and reappeared above Wang Tong. He knew that the Fire Drake was not enough to overcome Wang Tong's attack, and therefore, he had the next move planned out.

As a staff appeared in Guan Dongyang's hand, Wang Tong could feel a pulsation in the air, and he knew that it was the result of Guan Dongyang tapping deep into the natural forces. Wang Tong reckoned that Guan Dongyang wasn't lying when he said that he had improved during his absence. However, that wasn't enough to defeat him.

Wang Tong knew that he had been standing on the shoulders of giants when it came to his power; it was a combination of hard work from the Blade Warrior, Mr. Wannabe, and himself. As for the crystal space, particularly the third level, the level of mastery, although it was not useful to Wang Tong, he noticed that the Mastery system it had outlined would be very useful. If he could introduce that system to the world, it would advance the current landscape of Mastery cultivation by a few decades.

Guan Dongyang finally attacked again.

"Inferno Hell!"

It was an area of effect attack, an original technique created by Guan Dongyang based on his experience on the battlefield.

Although it was an area of effect spell, the damage was no less potent. One of the advantages of the mastery was that the damage, even in an area of effect spell, could be ramped up by absorbing more natural forces.

The Inferno Hell held a deadly force as it spilled out hot flames that were above thousands of degrees. Guan Dongyang was very confident that this killing blow was about to pull the rug from under Wang Tong.

However, when he looked down, he was disappointed, so much so that he almost wanted to give up his career as a mastery caster.

Wang Tong was unharmed. Furthermore, what really frustrated Guan Dongyang was the fact that Wang Tong didn't even put up any defense.

"Come down now, don't float up there like a big, fat balloon." Wang Tong cracked a smile, and then stomped on a little cinder on the ground, putting it out.

Guan Dongyang landed on the ground, then rubbed his sweaty forehead while saying, "If I were Patroclus, I would have done away with you as soon as possible. What level are you at now?"

"It's not about the level, it's a certain feel. If you really want to put it in words, I would call it the Mastery Intuition. I know you have felt it before. Don't doubt yourself and believe in your own feelings." Wang Tong said.

Guan Dongyang nodded. "Mastery Intuition? Are you saying that thoughts and feelings hold power as well?"

"Hehe. Mastery's Power is just one manifestation of the omnipresent energy in the universe, isn't it? The source of the Mastery Intuition comes from our hearts. It is like a resonance between our thoughts and the world around us. It's hard to describe, and you will know when you finally get it." Wang Tong said with a smile.

Guan Dongyang pulled his hair in excitement; he wagered that his urge to learn from Wang Tong right then was similar to his soldiers' when they wanted to learn from him. Wang Tong had pointed him in the right direction and lit up a beacon in the darkness of the unknown.

"When I am back at the camp, I want to be in charge of mastery training. Most of your soldiers have a solid foundation, so I am sure that they would only need minimum guidance to improve."

"Haha, sounds like a plan! They are a lucky lot for being taught by two most renowned mastery users! Haha!"

Suddenly, a cautious look flashed across Wang Tong's face. Guan Dongyang noticed the strange movement in the air as well. The two looked at each other with a knowing smile; it was time to teach them a lesson.

In addition to the approaching malice, another realization suddenly dawned upon Guan Dongyang. He had been fighting inside a mastery space, an area that was protected by some kind of illusion spell. Despite the heated battle inside the mastery space, no sound nor light was leaked to the outside.

"They are humans." Guan Dongyang said and then heaved a sigh.

Battle Wolf's camp was already alerted, and most of the loot crates were gathered together at the center of the camp.

"What should we do? Scare them away?" Guan Dongyang asked.

"We need to learn to avoid conflicts. Every human life is sacred. You can try a new mastery spell I have been experimenting lately."

"Oh? Do tell!" The promise of learning a new mastery spell immediately piqued Guan Dongyang's interest.

Wang Tong briefly talked about the new spell; although the spell required the minimum amount of soul energy to cast, it was almost impossible to grasp its concept. When Guan Dongyang finally got it, he felt like another door in the mastery cultivation had opened up to him.

"I will leave the rest to you." Wang Tong waved at Guan Dongyang and then started to the camp.

"What about you?"

"I need to sleep!" Wang Tong yawned.

Guan Dongyang rolled his eyes at Wang Tong's levity during an enemy attack.

As instructed by Wang Tong, Guan Dongyang flew himself into the sky, and then observed the approaching enemy.

"Boss, I think they have detected us!"

"Balls! Are you an idiot? There is only a handful of them. Why do we need to be hidden? It's so dark out here. If we get in and out of there quickly, no one will notice who we are!"

"Yes, we better be quick. Four or five other groups are hiding on the other side of the bush!"

"Boss, the Lulu Spy Unit are on the move. What should we do?"

"For f*ck sake, let's charge! Otherwise, there would be nothing left!"

Suddenly, a bright sun rose into the dark sky, lighting up the surrounding area around Battle Wolf's camp. It revealed an encirclement around the camp, formed by men from different resistance factions.

Chapter 488: Ladies' Man

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

The intense light made the men cover their eyes.

Guan Dongyang estimated that there were about two hundred of them. He reckoned that if all of these men rushed into the camp at the same time, they were bound to wreak havoc. Perhaps, Guan Dongyang thought, House Lie was not as influential as he had felt to deter dangers.

"Good evening everyone. Your enthusiasm deeply touches me in coming to bid me farewell." Guan Dongyang spoke with his soul energy, sending the message directly into the ears of the intruders.

The booming voice in their heads, combined with the intense blinding light, stunned the intruders.

No one knew what was going on. Was it a mastery spell? God knows!

"KOM!"

A blaring explosion erupted in the distance, sending a plume of yellow smoke billowing up to the night sky. "I am cultivating a new mastery. It has been... unstable. Please watch out where you step, my friends."

The intruders looked to the directions of the explosion and found out that half of a hilltop was shaved clean off, leaving an ugly scar that bubbled smoke.

Suddenly, the light disappeared, and the sudden darkness blinded and disoriented the intruders for the second time. Even after the intruders finally regained their visual senses, no one dared make a move closer to the camp.

After some time, these men turned their heels and slid into the darkness, running where they came from.

Seeing the enemies retreat, a swell of cheers rose in the Battle Wolf camp. They had won a battle without firing a shot.

Driven by greed, the raiders came to the camp, but were terrified of Guan Dongyang's power. They feared that if they aggravated Guan Dongyang, he would rain death on them while his Mastery trickery blinded them. Between the loot and their life, they would choose the latter on any given day.

Wang Tong knew that these raiders, consumed by their greed, were not vile men before the war broke out. Therefore, there was no sense in harming their lives unnecessarily.

Nonetheless, the incidence exposed the human world's desperate need for unity.

Having learned their lessons, the battle wolf didn't let their guard down after the raiders retreated.

They rode out again at the break of dawn. On their way, House Lie seemed to have changed their opinion toward Guan Dongyang after last night's complications. Not only did Lie Wushuang initiate conversation with Guan Dongyang, which he had never done before, but his tone was no longer laced with condescension. Guan Dongyang's performance had caught them off guard. Lie Wushuang was convinced that Guan Dongyang was very close to the legendary level. Seeing how strong the leader of the Battle Wolf had gotten, Lie Wushuang felt that he would have to change his approach as well.

Lie Wushuang was not alone in his change of attitude, as Lie Xuan also started to see Guan Dongyang under a different light after yesterday's event. She reckoned that the mastery he used last night could easily disorient an entire army of warriors. Using his area of effect spells, Guan Dongyang could have done away with the two hundred or so raiders with a few sweeps of hands.

The mastery Guan Dongyang used was not the elemental fire Mastery that he was most familiar with. The fire mastery consisted only a few common spells and their variants. After being popularized among mastery casters, it was quickly getting old.

The originality of the light spell aside, the incident was also a reminder to House Lie that as a near-legendary level warrior, Guan Dong had more tricks up his sleeves than he showed on the surface.

The thought of Guan Dongyang's surreptitious act behind her back made Lie Xuan knot his brows. She always thought that she had Guan Dongyang wrapped around her little finger. He should have reported to her any of his recent development without her even asking. Lie Xuan finally conceded that it was time for her to change tactics.

In the morning, she called for the shotgun in Guan Dongyang's vehicle and on their way home, she, for the first time, started to talk about herself to Guan Dongyang.

However, Guan Dongyang had followed Wang Tong's advice and appeared cold and distant. Regardless of how obviously Lie Xuan hinted at yesterday's event, he kept things to himself and brushed off his heroic act as if it was nothing.

Guan Dongyang could tell that the chemistry between him and Lie Xuan was changing with each mile they traveled. He marveled at Wang Tong's incredible ability to capture a girl's heart.

He remembered that back in the old days, Wang Tong had been a ladies' man. Not only was he Ma Xiaoru's fiance, but many other girls had also publicly displayed their affection. Li Ruoer had ditched Lie Jian for him; Princess Heidi had openly invited him to her residence, and even his principal, Samantha, favored him over all other students.

Those were the girls who were still alive, and there was also Zhou Sisi, the girl who had given her life for Wang Tong.

Guan Dongyang remembered the saddened faces of Wang Tong's friends after they have heard about his death. Why would they treat Wang Tong as their best friend? It was because Wang Tong treated them the same way.

Wang Tong had always valued his friends more than personal power, and that was the difference between a monster and a human. Guan Dongyang knew that he and Wang Tong were the same type of person: he would rather die for friends than live like a king in loneliness.

Lie Xuan couldn't suppress the feeling that something was different about Guan Dongyang after last night's turn of events. It was hard to put it in words. Perhaps, he was more confident than his former self, more like the man that Lie Xuan dreamed of marrying.

Realizing how close she had gotten to the man she could love for the rest of her life, Lie Xuan blushed.

By lunchtime, House Lie had washed the condescending tones out of words and joined the Battle Wolf at the same camp table.

Guan Dongyang wished that he could explain what happened last night to Lie Xuan, but Wang Tong told him not to. He didn't want any major power to know that he had landed on Mars yet.

"Dongyang, have more vegetables. They're good for you." Lie Xuan said and carefully picked some greens from the salad bowl, setting them on Guan Dongyang's plate.

The rest of the table was so shocked by Lie Xuan's feminine voice and caring expression that they stopped eating altogether, with mouths wide open.

"What are you gawking at? Do you want to court death?" Sensing the attention on her, Lie Xuan poured out her scathing fire at them. Lie Wushuang quickly buried his head into his plate but failed to suppress a few snickers.

Guan Dongyang's mood bloomed like a flower, but Wang Tong had told him to never show his joy on his face, so he tried his best to keep a placid expression, and didn't even offer his appreciation for Lie Xuan's attention. All the while, Guan Dongyang felt that Lie Xuan was going to spit fire at him for his arrogance, but she didn't. He sneaked a peek at Lie Xuan after he had eaten the greens on his plate: A caring smile was still on Lie Xuan's face.

Everyone around the camp could tell that Duo Lun and Tan Bu had been acting strangely of late. They talked much less at the dining table, and they trained their body and exercised their tactics studiously like there was no tomorrow.

Wang Tong had successfully instilled the value of hard work into the two's minds.

After lunch, the band set out again without loitering around, fearing any further complications.

Chapter 489: The New Inferno Hell

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

Wang Tong and Duo Lun returned to their post after the tournament was over, and no one paid much more attention to them, since everyone, including House Lie, was convinced that their victory was a setup.

However, this trip back to Battle Wolf's camp was deemed to be a tumultuous one from the very beginning. In the afternoon, everyone felt a discernible vibration coming from the ground, and there could only be one cause: Zergs.

Guan Dongyang could have flown to the sky and gotten a better view of the situation, but he didn't, fearing that he might give away his whereabouts to the Zerg scout. Instead, Guan Dongyang charged up his soul energy and scanned the surroundings. However, the Zergs were still far away, so his soul energy couldn't reach far enough. When he was wondering what he could do other than waiting, Wang Tong's voice rang beside his ears.

"Three dark ones, and about two thousand Zergs... They must be searching for the lost shipment."

Guan Dongyang marveled at the convenient way Wang Tong spoke to him without exposing himself, so he decided that he would have to learn it from him.

Seeing that everyone was waiting for his instructions, Guan Dongyang repeated the information that Wang Tong had told him. Lie Wushuang and Lie Xuan looked at each other with astonishment. They, too, had searched the surroundings with their soul energy, and had failed to reach a conclusion due to the far distance from the Zergs. However, Guan Dongyang had done it.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Well, since we are already here, might as well finish them off. Three dark ones mean three more energy crystals." Guan Dongyang cracked a smile.

Guan Dongyang gave an order to his men, and the driver quickly drove the cargo truck into a cave while the rest of the soldiers ran up to the top of a hill and hid behind tall bushes.

"Dongyang, don't you think it's a bit too risky? We don't have a lot of guns." Lie Xuan asked. Although she preferred direct confrontation, she never walked into any situation without assurance for success.

Without Wang Tong, Guan Dongyang would have heeded to Lie Xuan's warning, but since Wang Tong was among his rank, he was convinced that they would prevail.

Wang Tong delivered another instruction to Guan Dongyang. The latter turned to Lie Xuan and Lie Wushuang and then said, "Lie Xuan is right. We don't have enough men to handle the dark ones and the Zergs at the same time. Could you two please slow down the three dark ones for us? I need a little bit of time to prepare for a spell."

"Hehe, no problem. I always wanted to see your Mastery skills with my own eyes." Lie Wushuang announced. However, he was not without doubt about Guan Dongyang's daring move against the Zergs. Guan Dongyang's tone suggested that he was going to face the two thousands of Zergs by himself. It could be a suicidal move without knowing the levels of these Zergs. However powerful the mastery spells would be, it was questionable that they would be enough to deter two thousand Zergs.

Truth be told, even Guan Dongyang was not one hundred percent sure about "his" plan. The Zergs had adapted to the power of mastery very quickly, and recently, he found that each battle he fought was getting harder than the last.

When the Zergs were close enough, Guan Dongyang flew out of his hiding spot and hovered at the top of a hill. He then let the soul energy flow out of his system. The Zergs suddenly stopped and looked in Guan Dongyang's direction, waiting for attack orders from the dark ones.

The three dark ones acted immediately as they attacked Guan Dongyang with a three-prong formation, and the rest of the Zergs followed suit.

Lie Xuan and the warriors of House Lie channeled out their soul energy and charged at the three dark ones. As soon as they closed in onto the main Zerg force, they saw the Zergs cover the slope beneath them like a thick carpet of deadly claws and fangs.

They could only hope that Guan Dongyang's plan would work.

Despite the difficulties ahead, Lie Xuan was not concerned about their lives. Unless there were Elite Zergs among the enemies' rank, they could escape the Zerg attack with ease if the situation got hairy. Elite Zergs were special Zergs that were bred to fight against high-level human warriors. They consisted mostly of suicide bombing Zergs and the 'Grey Mantis', both of which could inflict huge damage by exploding themselves.

These Elite Zerg Unites were humans' biggest concern in today's battlefield. Due to the Queen Zerg's incredible reproduction ability, any hive could produce an army of such deadly Zergs in a matter of weeks.

The energy crystal topping Guan Dongyang's Mastery staff pulsed with energy. Guan Dongyang knew that he wouldn't be able to rely on the staff, since it was only half full after many uses without charging up. He wondered if even the "Inferno Hell" could clear the battlefield with only half of its effectiveness.

Nonetheless, Guan Dongyang believed in Wang Tong's plan, so he started to prepare for the mastery spell. Lie Xuan and Lie Wushuang could sense the energy rippling out of Guan Dongyang's direction. Lie Wushuang furrowed his brows: the intensity of the spell was clearly not enough to handle that many Zergs, at least not yet.

Suddenly, the sky darkened and bubbling black clouds appeared out of nowhere, unfolding like a giant wool blanket. Soon, thunder and lightning followed suit. Guan Dongyang's hair was tossed up by a wild gale, and around him, shimmering energy of all colors formed stands that twisted and weaved into each other.

Even dark ones that were mired in the battle against Lie Xuan felt the sudden surge of power behind, so they turned their heels and charged toward Guan Dongyang.

Lights beamed out of Guan Dongyang's eyes, and he repeated spells intensely in his mouth. He looked nothing like the Guan Dongyang everyone had known for years; he was a different person.

No one but Tan Bu and Duo Lun had noticed that Wang Tong was missing. But, they didn't tell anyone, and no one was interested either.

The promise of seeing another new Mastery spell from their leader elated the warriors of Battle Wolf.

Everyone was too distracted by what was happening to notice that Guan Dongyang's movement was slow by half a beat. It was the result of him following Wang Tong's instructions. Although the onset of the Mastery spell looked like the one Guan Dongyang had always used, its power was on an entirely different level.

Guan Dongyang followed Wang Tong's instructions to the letter. He knew that he was performing an extremely deadly spell, whose exact power still escaped him.

"KOM!"

The ground opened up under the Zerg's claws, and fire sprouted out from the cracks and crevasses like tongues, licking the Zergs and melting their hard shells like rubber. Above the Zergs' heads, thousands of red specs appeared in the sky, falling down on them as they increased in size. In a blink, these specks grew to the size of smoldering boulders, and smashed directly into the mass of Zergs. Visibly even from a distance, giant Zergs were smashed into pulp, leaving a gooey clump of green mass on the ground.

If the Zergs had their interpretation of hell, this was it.

Standing on top of a hill at some distance away from the battlefield, Lie Xuan still felt the heave waves. She wondered what type of mastery Guan Dongyang had used.

Had Guan Dongyang already advanced to the legendary level?

When everyone was mesmerized by the shower of Zerg flesh and blood at the foothill, the dark ones turned around and sneaked out of the battlefield. Their goal of the mission was to find out the whereabouts of the lost cargo shipment, and they had succeeded.

"Don't let them ran away!" Lie Wushuang shouted and then rushed down the hill after the dark ones. He charged up his GN force and channeled it out from the tip of his blade as blade aura beamed at a dark one. The strike hit home, and one of the dark ones slumped to the ground and didn't get up.

Lie Xuan caught up with one of the other dark ones and used her Seven Flame Kicks on him. The seventh kick landed on the dark one's head, and the force sheared the large head off the dark one's shoulder like a pair of scissors. The rest of the four warriors from House Lie swarmed the last dark one and chopped it into pieces.

When they were done, they looked around the battlefield and saw piles of charred Zerg bodies. Their green blood had formed little streams at the bottom of the piles. Warriors of the House Lie doubted if even Michaux's spell could have topped the power of the one used by Guan Dongyang. No wonder their house leader had valued Guan Dongyang's loyalty above anything else.

While floating in the air, Guan Dongyang felt that his sea of consciousness was near depleted. Even with the help of the energy crystal, the mastery was too taxing on his system. As he was about to fall from the sky, he felt a warm flow of energy appear in his body, supporting his body and rekindling his will.

Guan Dongyang's mind was whirling. He had never thought that anyone could have channeled soul energy into another individual through air, but Wang Tong had done it! The entire theory of mastery was based on the fact that everything in the world, humans included, had a unique soul energy. But, Wang Tong was able to bypass the difference and lend his energy to Guan Dongyang; it was outright impossible!

Guan Dongyang conceded that he wouldn't be able to understand the inner workings of Wang Tong's technique for a while, so he let the matter rest for now.

After some time, the battle was finally over. Everyone saw the piles of Zergs and then looked at Guan Dongyang as if he was the god of war. Wang Tong was also very pleased with the results, as Guan Dongyang had lasted longer than he had thought.

When Guan Dongyang finally landed on the ground, his face was as pale as a piece of parchment paper. "Let's move out of here, quick!" He spoke with a feeble voice.

"Hey, furface, what was the mastery called?" Duo Lun asked curiously.

"Hehe, let's call it the new Inferno Hell."

"Do you know captain well?" Tan Bu asked.

Chapter 490: The Helpful Loot

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

"Yes, you can say that. Why do you two have so many questions?"

"We are just curious. We wagered that you ought to be some kind of hotshot back then?"

"I am not a hotshot. I always had been a no account. Now, buzz off!" Wang Tong refuted with a broad smile on his face.

Fearing that Wang Tong was going to increase their training load as punishment for their curiosity, Duo Lun and Tan Bu decided to stop pressing him for questions. However, neither of the two young soldiers could stop speculating his real identity. They scrapped their memory of any legendary warrior who shared the same name as furface. Wang Tong…Wang Tong! They suddenly realized that the answer was right under their noses all this while.

Could he really be the Wang Tong? If he wasn't, who else could make Guan Dongyang listen to his orders?

Wang Tong…the only person who was feared by even Patroclus himself.

"What? He destroyed the entire Zerg Army?"

"Yes, boss. I have seen it with my own eyes. He rained flaming rocks from above onto the Zergs, and the earth opened up, spitting fires and all. I am sure there had been over two thousand Zergs… All dead in a matter of minutes."

The news took the wind out of Marcos' sail, and he slumped on the armchair like a deflated balloon. Anger had driven him to disclose Guan Dongyang's itinerary to the unsavory bands of resistance forces. He coaxed them to ambush Battle Wolf, using the treasures as a lure. After Guan Dongyang deterred those raiders without firing a shot, Marcos ordered his scout to closely follow the Battle Wolf, hoping for further complications.

Seeing was believing. Still unconvinced by the report, Marcos rode out towards the battlefield where Guan Dongyang slaughtered 2000 Zergs.

The scene at the bottom of the hill churned Marcos's stomach; the report was as real as the large pile of decaying Zerg carcass.

"Are you sure the Guan Dongyang did this? Not the mechanic?"

"I swear by the gods it was him! He floated in the sky before the attack started."

Marcos's mind raced. Nihlathak had warned him about the mechanic, telling him to stay away from him. But, he didn't seem to be concerned about Guan Dongyang.

Unable to find an answer to this perplexing development, Marcos was at a loss.

The news about Guan Dongyang's victory soon spread across the Maersa district, and the sudden rise to fame had even caught him off guard.

Most people had a grasp on the power of a level eighteen METAL warrior. However, no one knew about the power of a level eighteen Mastery warriors. Guan Dongyang's display of strength had proven that the world not only needed to reassess the power of Guan Dongyang, but also the validity of the ranking system for the Mastery Warriors.

Despite the lighthearted mood and celebrations that take place in Battle Wolf's camp, life carried on as usual. When they finally unloaded the loot, they were shocked to realize what a jackpot they had just hit. There were countless pieces of equipment, too many for an only 200 strong war band.

Battle Wolf's logistical specialist, lieutenant Hamir, beamed broadly ever since Guan Dongyang returned with the loot. The loot had deepened his department's pockets, and made him one of the most important logistical specialist on Mars.

Hamir's eyes sparkled when he first saw the content inside the fifty space crystals: fifty rare high-level METAL suits for warriors ranging from level ten to fifteen. These fifty METAL suits should help the shortage of METAL suits in Battle Wolf. When the crisis was at its worst, some METAL fighters had to meet the enemies with their flesh in order to protect the Mastery casters at the back of their rank. That was how bad the situation was for normal METAL suits, and it got even worse for METAL suits with energy crystals. Most energy crystals had to be saved up for the Mastery users to cast the powerful spells, and it was not uncommon for a mastery caster to consume an energy crystal in just one or two uses.

Listening to the triumphant music around the camp, Wang Tong and Guan Dongyang enjoyed their personal spoils: wine and cheese. These products would have passed for a middle-class household's daily grocery item before the war, but right then, they were luxury items.

"Wang Tong, from now on, my soldiers' lives are at your disposal. What is your plan?" Guan Dongyang asked with a drunken voice.

"Balls! Are you really that light weighted?"

"Don't worry! I will help you, as long as you return the favor in the future."

"Thanks. We start by taking over the City of Maersa." Wang Tong studied the map in front him, which was ridden with marks that wove into a web of power.

"Right now? Don't you think I am still a bit too... weak?" Guan Dongyang had fought this war for a much longer time than Wang Tong. He knew better than Wang Tong that things took time, and rushing things might end up with him shooting himself in the foot.

"I am not just talking about the Battle Wolf. I am talking about all the human forces at Maersa. I think even if all of the factions join forces, they would still not be enough to make it across the city moat." Wang Tong said with a smile.

Guan Dongyang was taken it back by Wang Tong's assertion.

Sensing his friend's uncertainty, Wang Tong said, "Trust me. Other than a few of you in Battle Wolf, I can hardly see anyone standing a chance in a full-fledged war against the Zerg."

Although Guan Dongyang was still not sold on Wang Tong's opinion, he knew that at least the latter was serious. Guan Dongyang shrugged and then said, "Looks like you have already been training Tan Bu and Duo Lun. Otherwise, they wouldn't have improved so fast. If you are willing to teach everyone what you have taught those two, I believe we will make ourselves heard in the courtroom of the divine masters very soon."

Ambitious lights flashed in Guan Dongyang's eyes. Although Guan Dongyang was a talented mastery caster, Michaux's power and influence would have dwarfed his in a heartbeat. Their gap started at birth. Michaux was put under the best tutor as soon as he learned how to walk. Having lived for his entire life under the shadow of another powerful mastery caster had made Guan Dongyang eager to prove himself by overcoming various obstacles.

"No problem! I have prepared universal METAL tactics for the METAL warriors. As for the Mastery casters' training, I still need some time. Feel free to send me free lab mice."

"Haha, be careful what you wish for!" Guan Dongyang laughed and then said, "I think Ye Zi is starting to get suspicious about you. You won't be able to hide things from her for too long."

Wang Tong thought about it for a second and then said, "You mean I need to change my name?"

"I don't think it's necessary. Sorry to tell you this, but I don't think a lot of people still remember you any longer. Plus, your name is such a common name anyways. "

"Really?" Wang Tong asked.

"Yes, and it is especially the case on Mars. Many people had believed that you were dead. I just want you to know that you need to keep it a secret from Ye Zi. If Ye Zi knew about your identity, so would the divine master sect and House Lie. Lie Jian has changed a lot... His motives are very questionable after the Zerg invasion."

Chapter 491: You Are Lab Mice

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

Wang Tong nodded in agreement. He had felt that Lie Jian had cared only about himself and his family even before the war broke out.

"Haha, can I be your adviser? If we work together, the Battle Wolf can be as great as the Divine Master sect." Wang Tong winked at Guan Dongyang.

"Awesome! I will help you quell Ye Zi's suspicion then. By the way, Ye Zi is a very nice girl. Not interested?"

Wang Tong paused for a second and then shook his head. "No. "

"Come on, Wang Tong! We have fought wars together. You can tell me anything. I am not going to ask you how you have survived the five years because we all have to look forward. Don't overthink your past. Only God knows if we can still see the sunrise from the east tomorrow anyways." Guan Dongyang consoled Wang Tong, hoping he would be able to come to terms with what had happened.

Wang Tong rolled his eyes and then said, "Tell me what to do after you have learned how to handle Lie Xuan."

Although Guan Dongyang's words were lighthearted banter, they were not unfounded. He had noticed Ye Zi's eyes shift to Wang Tong more often than being a coincidence, so he suspected that this talented medic had fallen for Wang Tong.

Guan Dongyang watched as Wang Tong sauntered away, then shook his head as he was absorbed in reflections of the old time. Ever since Wang Tong entered the semi-finals of the grand tournament, Guan Dongyang had a nagging feeling that he was going to have a standoff against Patroclus, and he was right.

He still remembered that epic battle between the perfect human and the heir of the Blade Warrior. A powerful man was able to attract women naturally, but Wang Tong was more than just powerful; he was one of a kind, and his return marked the beginning of a new era.

"Lie Xuan, I think we are done here. Boss needs our help, so what will be your call?" Lie Wushuang asked.

Lie Xuan had never thought that the decision would be so difficult to make. She had thought that she would pack up everything and leave for House Lie without any hesitation. But, when the time eventually came, she faltered.

Lie Wushuang heaved a sigh and then said, "To tell you the truth, I believe that the future of the Mars belongs to Guan Dongyang. You have to draw your line now. If you really love him, then stay. If not, the boss could really use your help. But, I have to warn you that a strong and ambitious man such as Guan Dongyang would never care about a woman's feelings."

In Lie Wushuang's eyes, Guan Dongyang and Lie Jian were the same types of persons, since they both would give up anything in their life in exchange for power and influence. To them, a long-term relationship and a woman was more of a hindrance than help on their path to dominance.

"Lei Xuan, you are not a kid anymore. Think about it and do what is best for yourself."

Lie Xuan closed her eyes to muster enough conviction, and then she announced without any hesitation, "I will stay! I never wanted to think too much about things. I just want to be myself."

Lie Wushuang heaved a sigh and then said, "Fine, but remember, House Lie is always your home."

Lei Xuan nodded as tears streaked across her rosy cheeks. She knew that it was possible that they would never be able to see each other again.

Meanwhile, Duo Lun had injured himself while training. So, Wang Tong and Tan Bu had to turn to Ye Zi for help.

"What the heck are you guys doing? Is it suicide or training?" Ye Zi piped up while tending Duo Lun 's wounds. Duo Lun had overexerted himself and lost control of his GN force. The rogue GN force bounced back and injured him. Safety should have always been the number priority while training.

"Sorry Ye Zi, it was all my fault. I will be more careful next time."

"I know this is not your fault, the fault is in your teacher. Furface, could you please be more careful about your training methods next time?" Ye Zi turned to Wang Tong and asked with an accusatory voice.

Wang Tong masked a smile and then replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Wang Tong didn't want to argue with Ye Zi about the details of the training methods, and neither did he plan to change. Duo Lun had chosen this path, so he had to take full responsibility for the consequences.

Ye Zi turned to Duo Lun and said, "Duo Lun, you need to rest for a couple of days until you can start training again."

Duo Lun nodded.

Wang Tong stood up and walked to him after Ye Zi was gone. "Duo Lun, this is all your own fault. You wouldn't have gotten hurt if your foundation were solid enough. Remember, while you are on the battlefield, fight with your brain instead of your life. If you make the same mistake again, I will not allow Ye Zi to look after you. You are a dead man on the battlefield if you don't train hard anyway, so you might as well die in my training room, under my watch!"

Duo Lun and Tan Bu looked down and shuffled their feet on the ground nervously. To them, Wang Tong was the absolute authority, and therefore, they didn't dare talk back at him. Although Wang Tong was an amiable fellow, when it came down to training, he would turn into the devil himself in the snap of a finger. Wang Tong had spent a lot of time on these two lab mice, experimenting different versions of the tactics on them. His goal was to groom these two soldiers into the backbone of Battle Wolf.

Despite being constantly under Wang Tong's fire, Duo Lun and Tan Bu knew that his intentions were good. If they didn't keep at it, their band brothers would soon catch up with them once he started to spread the tactics among the ranks of Battle Wolf.

…

The loot was much needed during this difficult time, and it allowed the Battle Wolf soldiers to focus on improving their tactics instead of survival. Everyone dreamed of kicking the Zergs out of the City of Maersa, but the human forces were still too weak to even make a dent on the city wall. Therefore. Wang Tong waited patiently, digging in for a long war.

The next morning, Lie Wushuang left with the other four warriors of House Lie, but Lie Xuan stayed. Seeing her face in the empty living quarter assigned to House Lie guests, Guan Dongyang's face lit up with glee.

"Brother Dongyang, take care of her, please." Lie Wushuang pleaded before he left.

"Don't worry. I will protect her with my life."

"I believe you. As for the attack on the city, I am afraid that House Lie's hands are tied at the moment. You are on your own. But, we wish you can succeed."

"I will, and thank you."

After the guests were gone, Guan Dongyang called for a meeting, during which, he assigned Wang Tong as the new instructor for METAL combat and mastery.

A soft susurration of doubts crept across the crowd as Guan Dongyang made the announcement. However, no one raised their voice to protest against the decision. Battle Wolf's main focus in the next a few months was to improve its combat ability. Although they were literally sitting on a pile of treasure, without improving themselves, they would eventually spend their fortune dry.

Guan Dongyang didn't give his soldiers much explanation about the new training program, since he thought that Wang Tong would elaborate on that when he started training.

Before Wang Tong started the training, he decided to handpick a few soldiers with great potential to form a focus group. He needed ten METAL fighters and then Mastery casters.

Wang Tong's method of sieving out the best candidates was simple, the soul scan. When Wang Tong used the soul scan on Ye Zi, her senses pricked, but she wasn't sure what Wang Tong had done to her. Lie Xuan crossed her arms and leaned against a wall in the corner as she pondered over Guan Dongyang's decisions.

After some time, all ten soldiers were chosen, and the focus group was formed. It included many familiar faces, such as Ross, Ye Zi, and Hamir.

Guan Dongyang dismissed everyone except for the members of the focus group.

Ross' patience was wearing thin, so he piped up, "Boss, what the heck is this guy doing? He is wasting our time!"

Guan Dongyang ignored Ross and turned his head towards Wang Tong.

"Starting today, you will be under my supervision. The reason I picked you guys was that you are all too weak. Pathetically weak! My training is… unconventional to say the least. I hope you can make it to the end" Wang Tong said with a cold and disinterested voice.

"How dare you, Wrench Monkey! "Ross shouted.

Wang Tong cracked a smile and then waved his right arm gently.

Chapter 492: Pressure Test

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

"KOM!"

Ross was struck by an invisible force and blown into the air, then pinned onto a wall.

"I don't like to be interrupted. Many of you might not like me, but that's fine. If I can fix your METAL suit, I can also fix your attitude."

Everyone was stunned by the development. Wang Tong used neither mastery nor GN force, it was purely a soul energy attack, and it had pinned a level fifteen METAL warrior on the wall like a fly.

Guan Dongyang clapped his hand to attract attention, and then he announced, "The ten days from now on will be life-changing. I hope you will appreciate this opportunity. If you really can't do it, please let me know, and I will be more than happy to let you withdraw. But, if you are willing to stay, make sure you obey the orders."

Ross finally picked himself up from the ground and rushed to the group. "Captain, he had attacked me by surprise. It doesn't count!"

Guan Dongyang glanced at Ross and found indignation written all over his face. He knew that in order to quell everyone's doubts, Wang Tong would have to convince them himself.

"Ross, don't you remember what I had told Nihlathak? I gave him five minutes, so I will give you three seconds. If you can last for more than three seconds, then I will cancel the new training program." Guan Dongyang smiled. He was more interested in seeing how Wang Tong would handle this challenge than what would happen to Ross.

"Boss, are you kidding me? Even if he is a legendary level warrior, I can still last for at least three seconds!" Ross said with disbelief.

"Start!"

"Yes!" Ross said as he charged up his soul energy and then looked to Wang Tong. But, he didn't see Wang Tong; instead, he saw a giant fireball right in front of him. He wasn't sure what happened next, but when he regained some consciousness, he found that he was pinned to the wall again at the same spot.

Everyone was shocked by Wang Tong's skills. They had never seen anyone who could cast a fire spell so quickly. And Ye Zi was more shocked by the development than anyone else, but for a very different reason. She had seen someone else use the exact same spell before.

"Instant Cast!" Ye Zi gasped.

"Hehe. It was not strictly instant. There is still some delay. This is one of the most basic technique in Mastery, and I expect all of you to master it by the end of the training session."

Hamir and the other warriors exchanged a few fearful glances. Some of them had heard of the "Instant Cast" before, and it was reserved for only the best of the best at the Divine Mastery sect. After mastering the technique, a mastery warrior could release a mastery spell quicker than a METAL warrior would release GN force.

Was Furface a Mastery Caster?

Everyone murmured about their speculations regarding the identity of their new instructor. However, Duo Lun and Tan Bu remained silent; they had seen much more powerful acts from Wang Tong.

Ross dragged his body back to the group and then said, "You win! I will listen to your instructions from now on!"

"Listen up mastery casters, during the first stage of your training, we will focus on the element of speed. As for METAL warriors, I have other plans for you."

"That's easier said than done. How can we increase our speed?" Hamir asked.

"Take it slow. Start with increasing your soul energy." Wang Tong said.

"Me too?" Guan Dongyang asked.

Wang Tong shrugged and then said, "Up to you."

Guan Dongyang announced to everyone, "We will try our best, and we will beat him in the end. "

Wang Tong nodded as he marveled at Guan Dongyang's skill in fanning his soldier's morale.

Although no one knew how they would be able to best such a powerful warrior, Guan Dongyang's words made them forget about their doubts and start to focus on their soul energy training.

…

During training, the mastery casters could sense Guan Dongyang's soul energy from a distance. As they were marveling at their captain's powerful soul energy, Wang Tong opened up his arm and sent an invisible web of energy toward the mastery casters.

Everyone felt it right away. As if entangled in a net made out of heavy wires, the mastery casters felt the heaviness in their body and mind. They then cranked up their soul energy in an effort to counter the attack coming from Wang Tong. However, as soon as their soul energy was about to overturn the situation, they felt the weight of the net getting a bit heavier, forcing the soldiers to increase their soul energy by another notch, until they had reached their limits.

Ye Zi had known this type of training method as a one on one training technique between two mastery casters of similar levels. However, Wang Tong had proven to be able to handle twenty soldiers at the same time, including one level eighteen mastery genius.

Guan Dongyang was pleasantly surprised by the discovery of another training method. All this while, he wondered how Wang Tong had done it with such ease.

With Wang Tong's web of soul energy increasing in intensity, even Guan Dongyang started to feel weariness. However, he was convinced that he could pull through it.

Wang Tong smiled and then said, "That was for you to warm up… Now is the real test. I will place on you a soul energy one level higher than your current level."

"KOM!"

Guan Dongyang's face paled in an instant. Wang Tong's soul energy bore down on him with the weight of a mountain. However, he didn't flinch and remained steadfast in his defense. He knew that calmness and patience was the only weapon he had while facing a foe who was much more powerful than him. Slow and steady would win the race, while going fast and furious would only get him killed.

After weeks of training, Tan Bu and Duo Lun had reached the same conclusion as Guan Dongyang, so the two increased their soul energy very slowly, striking a fine balance between relieving pain and conserving energy. Meanwhile, they dug in for a long struggle.

Wang Tong looked at the two young soldiers and nodded in approval.

After a while, the other soldiers started to fall to the ground one after another. None of them were able to get up after they had collapsed.

With his eyes closed, Guan Dongyang covered himself with a layer of soul energy while enduring the strain on his system. As a level eighteen Mastery caster, he would not be struck down so easily. Wang Tong was pleased by Guan Dongyang's performance so far, and he reckoned that the latter had improved a lot ever since the tournament.

Ross' face was knotted and contorted by the pain. Bead-sized sweat had joined into a trickle, running down his broad face; he was on the verge of collapsing. When his legs finally gave in, his attempt to make his fall as graceful as possible failed miserably.

As most of the mastery casters retreated from the test, Ye Zi remained on the training ground. She was trained by the divine masters, so her foundation was more solid than most warriors of Battle Wolf.

After some time, all soldiers were laying on the ground except for four: Guan Dongyang, Duo Lun, Tan Bu, and Ye Zi.

"Excellent, the four of you can enter the second stage." Wang Tong announced.

The first stage subjected the soldiers under soul energy attack that was one level higher than them, and the second phase would up the game by a notch: it would be two additional levels instead of one.

"KOM!"

When the level twenty soul energy came down on Guan Dongyang, he felt that his body was about to buckle under the weight, but it didn't. Swallowing down the pain, Guan Dongyang slowly cranked up his soul energy again, pushing his limit further.

Ye Zi thought she could weather phase two as she did in phase one. But, as soon as the additional soul energy weighted on her, she fell to the ground immediately.

Although struggling, Tan Bu and Duo Lun stood with their shaky legs. They gritted their teeth and let the sweat slide down their body, forming a little puddle beside their feet.

After a while, Tan Bu felt like he was losing consciousness, as the world turned blank. The image of his sister being devoured by the Zerg replayed right in front him.

"No! NO!"

Tan Bu shouted in his mind as terror, anger, and pain gripped him. The white nothingness gnawed at his mind and soul.

"Away!" He shouted, "AWAY!" He charged up all of the soul energy that was left in him.

"Kom!"

As Tan Bu fell to the ground, he advanced into level fourteen.

Chapter 493: Level Up

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

Wang Tong nodded as if he had been expecting Tan Bu's breakthrough. Traumatic experiences often formed the nuclei from which power would grow.

Standing beside the collapsed body of Tan Bu, Duo Lun still hung in there. Ever since he came back from the tournament, he had devoted all of his time to cultivation as if he was obsessed with training.

There were only two soldiers left standing by now. Unlike Guan Dongyang's painful expression, Tan Bu's face was placid and indifferent to his physical suffering.

A few seconds later, a smile of resignation found Duo Lun's mouth as the young warrior finally collapsed to the ground.

As soon as Duo Lun and Tan Bu fell, they passed out, a sign that they had reached their limits. Those who still had the energy to look left and right after failing, such as Ross, had given up too early. Ross' mind reeled as he witnessed Tan Bu's advancement into level sixteen. He found it hard to believe that he was no longer the strongest METAL warrior in Battle Wolf, as the title now belonged to Tan Bu.

Guan Dongyang was then the only person left standing on the training ground. It was evident that his power was much greater than his band brothers. However, it was not necessarily a good thing to have a wild gap between one member of the band and the rest. A war band should always work as a team, and the asymmetrical distribution of strength among the members could turn out to be a recipe for failure.

After having weeded out the weaker soldiers, Wang Tong could finally focus on Guan Dongyang. As the golden shimmer burnt brighter inside Wang Tong's eyes, he doubled down the attack on Guan Dongyang.

The soul energy field was a very effective method of pushing normal soldiers to their limit without harming them. However, Guan Dongyang was not an ordinary soldier. Wang Tong conceded that he needed to add a little spice to the normal routine.

"Kom!"

Guan Dongyang's vision went blank, and then he saw the scene that he had buried under the deepest layer of his memory, in an attempt to forget it.

"Dongyang, you are the hope of the mastery. You need to live!"

"Shifu, let me go and fight them!"

"Fight? Hehe. You will have a lot of fighting to do, but not right now. Take your brothers and GO!"

"Shifu, we all owe our lives to you. Let us fight for you, for our sect, even if it means our death!"

"You fool, leave me and leave Mars… NOW!"

When the Zergs came down on the Mastery Sect, Guan Dongyang wanted to die in the battlefield while defending his Shifu. But, his Shifu persuaded him to save himself, and in turn, save the future of the Mastery.

When he finally made it to the safety, he heard Shifu's heart-wrenching cry coming from the room that was filled with Zergs. Beside him were five of his sect brothers, including Hamir; they were the last hope of the original Mastery Sect.

Guan Dongyang never left Mars, but neither did he ever return to what was left of the Mastery Sect's headquarters. He had spent all of his courage in the final retreat, and had nothing left in him to ward off the guilt. Even if the world had already forgiven him for not fighting until the last drop of blood, he could not forgive himself. But, what other choice did he have?

"KOM!"

A surge of energy gushed out of from Guan Dongyang's body and shot up to the ceiling.

He had finally breached the bottleneck. After the rogue energy subsided, Guan Dongyang locked his eyes with Wang Tong.

A level nineteen Mastery Caster was born.

However, it would still take Guan Dongyang a while to get used to his new power.

Ye Zi gazed at Wang Tong with reverential silence. Although she was not sure how Wang Tong had achieved it, she watched as he brought both Guan Dongyang and Tan Bu to the next level in their cultivation. Tan Bu, in particular, had skipped two levels and leaped from level twelve to level fourteen. Such a great leap was unheard of.

Although Guan Dongyang had only advanced one level in his cultivation, his achievement was no less than that of Tan Bu, because at a high level such as level eighteen, gaining any advancement was near impossible due to the tremendous difficulties involved.

The rest of the onlookers were also shocked by the development. As they watched the twenty soldiers lying on the ground, they knew that Wang Tong was about to usher in a new era to the Battle Wolf.

This was the first day of Wang Tong's training, and it would be the last day that any Battle Wolf soldiers would have ever doubted Wang Tong.

…

In the few days that followed, Wang Tong started to teach the soldiers the way of double GN circulation. Since Guan Dongyang was very familiar with the subject, he offered his help, which made the process much easier. From the results of the few days of practice, Wang Tong noticed that the double GN circulation worked miracles in improving the power of the low-level soldiers. But, it seemed to have a much smaller effect on the high-level soldiers.

Regardless, little help was better than no help at all. After Ye Zi had tried the double GN circulation for a few days, she found that the small effects had accumulated to a discernible improvement in her soul energy movement. The results of Wang Tong's training spoke louder than words. So, Ye Zi was quickly mired in admiration for furface's ingenuity in creating such helpful tactics that were compatible with all tactics.

The Double GN circulation was particularly effective for warriors of level fifteen and below. But, since Wang Tong's version of the double GN circulation was an add-on effect instead of the result of actual double GN nodes, its effect was greatly reduced for higher level warriors.

Wang Tong had studied the method that the Tactics of the Enchantress had used to reduce the double GN circulation to a single one. Based on his study, he reverse-engineered this version of the tactics that allowed the cultivators to expand the single circulation into a double circulation.

However useful these tactics were, they came with a catch: in order to double the GN circulations, the cultivator would need the aid of a powerful warrior who knew the exact point at which the expansion should take place.

Although the expansion processed could be done by the cultivator himself, it was much easier with the help of a powerful warrior who knew what he or she was doing.

Wang Tong had helped all twenty members of the focus group in expanding their GN circulation. When they were powerful enough and had gained more understanding about the process, these twenty soldiers could then help others to expand their circulations.

As the days passed by, Wang Tong gradually became the idol of Battle Wolf's soldiers. They respected and adored him not only because he was strong, but also because he had helped them become more powerful.

The recent development of the Battle Wolf dumbfounded Lie Xuan. In her opinion, Battle Wolf should be taking advantage of their loot and expanding their group. But instead, she found out that the entire camp had been focusing on only one thing: training. Guan Dongyang had been so absorbed in his training that, at times, Lie Xuan felt like she was being ignored.

Sensing that something strange was going on, Lie Xuan requested to join the training.

Ye Zi was pleasantly surprised by Lie Xuan's decision. It was always a good thing to see another female warrior among the ranks.

After some initial testing, Wang Tong threw Lie Xuan right into the intense training.

Every day, the focus group would receive METAL combat training in the morning and mastery training in the afternoon. In the evening, Wang Tong required everyone to finish an intense physical training routine.

After five days of the hellish boot camp experience, the focus group had finally met his expectation, and he reckoned that it was time to improve their combat techniques.

Ever since the dark ones entered the battlefield, the Zergs started to fight with an increasingly higher level of intelligence. They had learned to ambush and use different formations while facing difference compositions of human forces. These changes in the Zerg's fighting style had spurred the humans to use greater caution and planning.

…

One day, Wang Tong suddenly called off the soldiers' normal training routing and ordered the focus group members to stand still in a row with their backs straight. Lie Xuan felt a little bit of out of place while standing with weaklings on her left and right. She felt that she had returned to her academy days.

Chapter 494: Divine Burst

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

However, having seen that everyone, including Guan Dongyang, had followed Wang Tong's order to the letters, Lie Xuan was hard-pressed to make herself the exception. Plus, she had had just reaped benefits from his tactics, and therefore, she thought that she should return the favor by playing along.

Wang Tong scanned the METAL fighters in front of him with a cold glance and then said, "Today, I am going to teach you guys a very practical usage of soul energy. This technique is called Divine Burst. As you might or might not know, both GN force and mastery are only a manifestation of the soul energy. There is practically no limit on the amount of power you can harness from the soul energy. Let me show you what I mean. Duo Lun and Tan Bu, please step forward."

Tan Bu and Duo Lun removed themselves from the row of soldiers with long strides.

"You can begin now." Wang Tong announced.

The two unsheathed their long blade simultaneously. Duo Lun was level eleven while Tan Bu had just reached level fourteen. A difference of three levels would definitely show in whatever they were going to demonstrate. The anticipation kept everyone on the edge.

The two soldiers attacked each other at the same time. Their long blades collided in the air as the sound of metal hitting each other reverberated in the room.

"Clank! Clank!" Every strike sounded harder than the last.

The rest of the soldiers were astonished by how much the spar resembled a real fight in a deadly way. Leveraging on his superior soul energy, Tan Bu was able to gain the upper hand; each strike he delivered carried the force that meant to kill.

Without knowing that the two were best friends, any on-lookers might take the scene as a life and death duel between two soldiers deadlocked in a blood feud.

"Zenn!"

Due to the level differences, Duo Lun could not evade each and every strike, so more than a few slashes cut open his skin, and blood splashed out of the wounds. However, Tan Bu didn't seem to mind his friend's injury as he doubled down on the resolution in each attack.

Although Duo Lun had to face a warrior who was three levels above him, he fought bravely. From time to time, he was able to sneak in a counter-attack despite his injuries.

The two fighters knew each other's fighting style well and had similar combat moves. Therefore, everyone was very impressed by how long Duo Lun lasted in the fight without any advantages.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed across Wang Tong's eye, and Duo Lun's body quivered slightly as if a rush of electrical current had run through his system. Immediately after that, Duo Lun's strikes started to gain more frequency and vigor, and everyone watched in disbelief as the battle slowly turn into a heated deadlock.

The two's reactions were exceptionally fast, and neither of them showed the typical flaws that were commonly observed in low-level soldiers. As one of Tan Bu's thrust attack missed its target, he immediately followed with a side sweep to the left where his opponent had dodged to, as if he knew Lun Dun was going to jump to the left all the while. Duo Lun, on the other hand, effortlessly blocked Tan Bu's follow-up attack with his blade, then glided his blade across the spine of the other blade, towards Tan Bu's chest. Tan Bu retreated, but it was already too late as the sharp tip pierced through his defense and into his flesh. Blood welled from the hole left by the strike.

"Stop!" Wang Tong commanded. The two immediately paused what they were doing and returned to their place in the line of METAL warriors.

"This is what I wanted to show you, a special little trick to… "

"Captain, shouldn't we look after Duo Lun and Tan Bu's wounds first?" Lie Xuan cut Wang Tong short as she was concerned about the two young soldiers. She gave Wang Tong an accusatory glance for his ignorance of his comrades' wellbeing.

"Miss Lie Xuan, their injury was minor, just scratches and bruises. They better get used to it… The sooner, the better." Wang Tong said in a disinterested voice.

Lie Xuan scowled. She glanced at the two young soldiers and was upset to find out that neither of them were even remotely interested in having their wounds tended, despite the small puddle of congealed blood formed at their feet.

What was worse, Lie Xuan's protest didn't even catch the attention of a single soul in the training room.

Wang Tong continued. "The main function of the GN force is offense, and its intensity is relatively the same for warriors of similar levels. However, using that little trick that I had just shown you, any fighter can boost their attack frequency and intensity, as well as movement speed. This technique is based on a school of thoughts called 'Light Overdraft.' As its name suggests, you are pretty much borrowing your future combat capability and spending them now. A word of caution… Don't keep this ability active for longer than five minutes. Use it wisely."

Lie Xuan watched as everyone listened to Wang Tong's words attentively, some nodding their heads from time to time.

Although Wang Tong came off as arrogant and insensitive, Lie Xuan had to accept the fact that she was alone in that assessment. Even after she entered the battlefield, hundreds of House Lie foot soldiers were willing to protect her with their lives. As a result, she barely understood the feelings of low-rank soldiers.

Supplied with the best tactics ever since she was a child, Lie Xuan would never understand an ordinary soldier craving for the opportunity to improve their strength.

What Wang Tong had given everyone was not only a few tricks, but also hope and opportunity to become strong.

In the eyes of the soldiers, Wang Tong's training was not a duty, but a blessing. Any advice and suggestion Wang Tong had offered could save their lives or help them realize their dreams one day.

Everyone knew that Lie Xuan had gotten used to her privileges, and therefore, no one heeded her seemingly kind and compassionate suggestion.

"Captain, would the Divine Burst interfere with the output of the GN force?" Ross asked.

"Definitely… But, its effect varies from person to person. It requires some degree of adjustment. When you are finally used to it, it will help to increase your combat ability by at least ten percent."

Wang Tong announced, and then started to demonstrate the technique.

Everyone watched Wang Tong's move while trying to grasp its concept. Those who got it knew immediately that it required one to think outside of the box in order to fully understand it.

However, understanding it was only the first step, and the real battle started when the soldiers attempted the technique themselves. So delicate was the linkage between the soul energy and the GN force that even the smallest distraction would cause it to snap and the technique to fail.

There was only one method to master the technique: more practice.

Lights of determination glinted in Duo Lun and Tan Bu's eyes. They had tried their best to comprehend Wang Tong's moves and words. Plus, they also had the advantage of experiencing the benefit of the technique at first hand. They realized that the sudden increase in movement speed would be very useful during a moment of life and death. Duo Lun remembered the sensation of hyper-awareness when Tan Bu's blade wheezed toward him. Within a fraction of a second, his brain had already calculated the precise landing spot of the blade, and before he knew it, his body was already preparing for the counterattack, that had eventually pierced into Tan Bu's chest.

After having followed Wang Tong's instructions for a few rounds, the soldiers started to practice against each other. Some got injured during the process, but no one stopped. They knew that if they didn't give it all they had in the training room, they would quickly perish out there in a real war.

Wang Tong tried to distance himself from any compassionate feelings toward his students. His merciful thoughts could be the students' downfall in the future.

Wang Tong scanned the room and assessed the progress of every student. He quickly found out that the students' biggest hurdle came from adapting to the technique's unconventional way of transforming soul energy into GN force. Many students were still struggling to make the change from conventional methods that they were used to.

After some time, Wang Tong announced a decision: those who could not adapt to the new method would have to leave the focus group. No one wanted to get kicked out of the focus group after they had devoted so much time. So, his announcement drove the students to train with more determination and intensity.

While the students were training, Wang Tong walked to the mechanic shop and used the spare time to fix a few more METAL suits. After a few hours, when Wang Tong returned to the training room, he was pleased to find out that none of the students had given up despite the difficulties. He nodded as a sliver of hope rose inside him, and then he returned to his repairing work again.

Chapter 495: Slave Driver

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

The subject of the morning training focused on the application of what they had learned over the days. Guan Dongyang led the exercises as soldiers struggled to balance their old and new GN circulations while stabilizing their GN force.

Around noon, Ye Zi arrived at the mechanic room to invite Wang Tong over for lunch. Wang Tong's all-encompassing skills had impressed her. She had never heard of anyone who was not only a mastery caster, but also a METAL fighter. On top of that, he was an incredible mechanic.

Ye Zi wondered if there was anything that Wang Tong could not do: perhaps having babies? It was a fleeting thought, but Ye Zi then immediately scolded herself for having such a foolish idea.

"Captain, time for lunch." Ye Zi shouted at Wang Tong. But, there was no reply, as he was absorbed in his work.

'Disassemble, repair, and reassemble'… Wang Tong finished the job in one go, breathing a new life into each and every METAL suit that had been damaged.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead and smiled satisfyingly. He really enjoyed being a mechanic, particularly the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. To him, it was the best form of taking a rest, to be away from his troubles.

Looking at the last METAL suit that he had finished repairing, Wang Tong smiled. It was the first time for Ye Zi to see such a child-like, innocent smile on his face.

"Ye Zi, come look at this piece of METAL. Didn't I do a good job? Haha." Wang Tong turned to face Ye Zi and then asked.

Ye Zi blushed as she replied, "Time for lunch. If you starve to death, everyone is going to blame me for not taking good care of you."

"Lunch already? Ah-ha, that is why my belly feels so weird! Do we have roast today?"

"Yes, only for you. "

Wang Tong smiled joyfully. In addition to repairing METAL, he also loved to eat.

"Ye Zi, after the mastery training in the afternoon, can I ask you a few questions about the usage of mastery in the medic field?" Wang Tong asked on their way to the dining room.

"You know about that?"

"Just a little. I also wanted to get a better idea of the development of the Divine Mastery Sect. You are the only medic in Battle Wolf, so it must be a lot of work for you. I am planning to train a few soldiers and let them become your assistants."

"Thank you for the thought, but it is easier said than done. Not every soldier is fit for being a field medic. Even in the Divine Mastery Sect, the chance that a sect member would be up to the scratch for being a medic was very small. Oh! One more thing... The creator of the medic occupation was not the young master, but the head medic, Susu."

"Susu? Isn't she one of the three beauties on Mars?"

"Yeah, yeah. Looks are always the only thing that guys are interested in. Susu is our young master's sister. Although she is not very famous outside of Mars, she is one of the most influential people in the sect. If she were a man, she might have already become the heir apparent of the sect. "

"Good to know. So, is the medic a type of non-combat mastery?"

"No. It can be deadly when it needs to. Our young master made sure it is that way himself." Ye Zi said with a smug look on her face.

Sensing Ye Zi's admiration toward Michaux, Wang Tong shook his head and lamented that Michaux's cult of personality was a bit over the top. However, he quickly realized that a cult of personality could be a very effective tool for uniting people together during such a tumultuous time. Perhaps, he should try it at some time.

The mastery casters sat around Wang Tong at the dining table. They patiently waited until Wang Tong had picked the last grain of rice from his plate, then started to bombard him with questions. Wagering that the soldiers' questions might get out of control, Wang Tong decided only to answer ten questions. Any more questions would have to wait until tomorrow.

It was a strategy he had learned from Zhou Sisi. She always talked about the smart usage of unavailability in social interactions.

There were so many things that Wang Tong could have learned from her if she were still alive.

How was Xiaoru and what exactly happened to Zhou Sisi? Where were Karl and Hu Yangxuan?

Wang Tong halted his train of thoughts. He knew that it was a rabbit hole with no return. He then heard Guan Dongyang start speaking.

"You all know that Mastery is a 'young' profession; it is only six years old. However, within the six years, we have established ourselves as the most effective method of eliminating Zergs. Therefore, we have seen rapid growth in the number of mastery casters within the recent years. Although the mastery casters excel at damage output, it is plagued by weak defense. As a response to that weakness, I plan to build a new mastery unit here in Battle Wolf that excels at both offense and defense. I can guarantee you that, in time, our mastery team would be even more powerful than that of the Divine Mastery Sect."

After Guan Dongyang finished his speech, he turned the focus onto Wang Tong. Wang Tong nodded. "I fully agree with Guan Dongyang, except for one thing." Wang Tong looked around and found out that everyone's face held an incredulous expression as they heard his disagreement with their captain.

"In order to surpass the mastery unit of the Divine Mastery sect, we would have to be willing to make some sacrifices in the training room."

The soldier's face crumpled as Wang Tong's words sent a chill down their spines.

"Mastery is a very broad topic, and what we have discovered so far is less than the tip of an iceberg," Wang Tong said as he snapped his fingers and a dancing flame appeared at his fingertips. Wang Tong snatched up the little flame and hurled it across the room. The flame turned into a fireball, a dragon, and lastly a spear, before it landed on the ground.

"This is only a small trick. It might have been a marvelous spell years ago when Mastery was first invented, but as the Mastery advanced, so did its power. Starting today, I will teach you more than a dozen different mastery spells, and I hope you can find the one that suits your the best."

The mastery casters stared at Wang Tong in disbelief. They had never heard of anyone who knew over ten different kinds of mastery spells.

"In order to master the spells, you will first need to build a solid foundation. I will make it mandatory for all mastery casters to pass the "Instant Cast" test."

Some soldiers winced at the difficulties ahead. The warriors they knew who could use Instant Cast were at a much higher level than them. But, despite the seemingly impossible task, no one protested since they knew Wang Tong would not care anyway. If he wanted it, then they had to deliver.

Wang Tong then started to explain the Instant Cast step by step. The core concept of the "Instant Cast" was to increase the speed at which one drew out the natural force. Any other mastery teacher would warn the students about the danger in doing so. Therefore, in the eyes of some soldiers, Wang Tong's instructions were the perfect recipe for derangement.

However, Wang Tong knew that they would be safe because he had just taught them how to double GN circulation. Although the double GN circulation had little effect in improving a high-level METAL warrior's combat ability, it was crucial in protecting the mastery casters from the harm of rogue natural energy.

Nevertheless, such practice was not 100% safe, and it would have been outright banned during the peaceful times. However, humans had little to no choice other than taking the risk under such reduced circumstances.

Despite the protection of the double GN circulation, the soldiers still suffered an excruciating pain from the invasion of rogue natural energies.

Hamir pleaded, "Wang Tong, is there any other way? I am afraid that it is too painful for most of us."

Wang Tong cracked a smile and then said,, "Do you think the Zergs on the battlefield would listen to your pleading? I have already said it… there is no other way."

The Mastery casters looked at each other with despair; they knew that Wang Tong would not listen to their pleading. Some soldiers even started to whimper.

Sensing the morale wavering, Guan Dongyang stood up and announced, "We are all veterans, and have lived through many battles. This is nothing! You can do it!"

"Yes, captain! Be a man. Do the right thing!" Someone chimed in.

Under Guan Dongyang's encouragement, the soldiers gathered strength and fought back the pain. Everyone was wet from their sweat, but no one complained ever again.

Ye Zi gritted her teeth as she battled with the rogue energy that sent waves of paralyzing pain through her system.

Chapter 496: What Makes Us Human Is Trust

Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_

Hamir and the other Mastery casters didn't give up either. After each failure, they would swallow down the pain and start anew. Guan Dongyang looked at Hamir with distraught and guilt. He and Hamir went all the way back to the time in Mastery Sect. Hamir was one of his sect brothers who had escaped with him from the Zergs' death clutch. Ever since Guan Dongyang formed the Battle Wolf, Hamir had always been his right-hand man, and was in charge of logistics and supplying provisions for the band.

Guan Dongyang sneaked a peek at Wang Tong, but the latter's stoic and stone cold face deterred him from pleading for his sect brother. He heaved a sigh of resignation, as the sight of poor Hamir suffering made his heart ache.

"Remember, pain is good for you. Try to understand the pain and feel the energy in it. That is what makes the connection between your soul energy and the natural force." Wang Tong commanded.

Ye Zi had wanted to speak up against the cruelty, but considering that they didn't have many other options other than doing what Wang Tong said, she decided to keep her silence for now.

Wang Tog didn't pay any attention to the disgruntled look on the soldiers' faces. He scanned the room callously like a cold-hearted slave-driver.

If it were five years ago, no one would have even thought of trying such a risky method. However, under Guan Dongyang's encouragement, the soldiers mustered their strength and decided to press forward.

Although no one had gone deranged so far, the pain was unbearable.

Hamir bit down on his lips as sweat ran down his cheeks. Wang Tong walked to him and then patted on his shoulder. Hamir suddenly let out a saddening wail and fell to the ground.

The rest of the mastery warriors paused their practice and walked to Hamir to make sure he was alright.

Guan Dongyang shouted in a commanding voice, "Step back!"

Wang Tong nodded at Guan Dongyang, and the latter heaved a sigh of relief. Hamir had finally made it.

As Wang Tong helped Hamir to his feet, despite his pale face, he looked at Wang Tong with gratitude.

After an entire afternoon of pain and suffering, only Hamir was able to pass the test.

When Wang Tong thought that it was enough for the day, he waved to dismiss the soldiers and then left the training room without a word.

He knew that he had been an a*shole today. The soldiers might be able to endure one day of hardship and inhumane training, but would they be willing to withstand the same thing until they passed the test?

As soon as Wang Tong stepped out of the training room, he heard someone catching up with him.

"Wang Tong, you can't treat the soldiers like that. You are not the one doing those exercises, so you won't understand how painful it was! As a medic, I question your methods!" Ye Zi announced in a scathing tone. "I will also advise captain to cancel this ridiculous training."

Wang Tong held Ye Zi's angry gaze for a moment and then asked, "How do you know that I don't understand how it feels?" Wang Tong then turned his heels and walked off without even sparing her a glance.

Ye Zi had much more to vent to Wang Tong, but she felt the words evaporate in her mouth at Wang Tong's question.

Wang Tong didn't take a rest. Instead, he went back to the mechanic shop and started repairing the METAL suits.

Regardless of how hard Wang Tong pushed the soldiers to their limit, in the end, it was up to the individuals to decide how much they wanted to commit to the training.

METAL repairing could usually soothe Wang Tong's mind. However, he found it hard to suppress the complicated emotions inside him. He dropped the METAL suit and leaned against the wall as he was absorbed in reflection.

He never wished to be so cruel, but what other choices did he have?

Pain?

They had not experienced real pain yet.

He rubbed his furry chin and realized that he had turned twenty two this year.

At this point, the shop's gate cracked open, and Duo Lun and Tan Bu walked in. Wang Tong wrenched his attention out of his thoughts and plastered a smile on his face. "Is it time for dinner?"

When Wang Tong turned to face the two visitors, he realized that the entire focus group had trailed behind them. Hamir stepped forward and then said, "Captain, starting today, you can train us with whichever method you like. We are not going to complain."

"Yes! We'd rather die in the training room than inside a Zerg's mouth! " Ross announced.

Ye Zi remained silent, her face darkening with many questions in her mind. Who was this man, and what was he hiding underneath that smile?

Ye Zi bit down her lip and then bowed. "I am sorry, Captain." Ye Zi wanted to say many more, but no other words came out.

Wang Tong was surprised by this turn of events as warmth rose inside him. Loneliness was one of the deadliest killers of a man, especially when one was with the persons he cared about. Wang Tong had lived the happiest moments in the five years when he was with Battle Wolf, and the imminent resentment from the group would have been his nightmare.

But everyone had eventually realized that his intentions were was good, and that he really cared about them.

The ability to caring for each other was what separated humans from the Zergs.

"What is the meaning of this? You think I will go easy on you tomorrow? Don't worry, my goal is to build the best team on Mars. So, you better work your a8s off until our goal is achieved."

The soldiers laughed at Wang Tong's sarcastic joke. After the training, Ye Zi had gathered the soldiers to condemn Wang Tong's inhumane training methods. But, before she was able to finish listing the crimes that Wang Tong had committed, Duo Lun and Tan Bu rose to her comment and defended Wang Tong. The debate quickly turned into a heated argument.

Tan Bu made it clear that what Wang Tong was doing was no different than Ye Zi's job as a medic: saving people's lives. Ye Zi could cure a wounded soldier, while Wang Tong was able to teach the soldiers to avoid getting injured altogether. Duo Lun further explained that although Wang Tong might appear to be insensitive to others' feelings, he was a very kind person, and had helped him many times.

In the end, both soldiers announced that they trusted Wang Tong with their lives not because he was strong, but because he had made them strong.

…

The next day morning, when Wang Tong was brushing his teeth, he saw his furry face in the mirror. After yesterday's event, he knew that he had gained everyone's trust, and therefore, he thought that it was about time to put things in the past behind him. He took out a razor and shaved off the beard.

When he walked into the training room, he found that Ross had already lined up all the soldiers and was waiting for him. Everyone stared at his new face with surprise and some confusion.

This handsome young man had sharp features that were chiseled out, and his eyes were two pools of darkness. Who was he?

"Hey bro, this is our training room." Ross asked as he failed to recognize the young man in front of him.

"I know what it is." Wang Tong said with a smile.

"Captain? Is it really you?"

A swell of gasps rose in the room. Everyone had thought that Wang Tong was close to his thirties. But without the beard, he looked barely twenty years old.

Castro threw his head back and exclaimed, "I am no longer the most handsome man in Battle Wolf anymore... Why?"

"Because you were never the most handsome one." Tan Bu said with a broad smile.

"Well, I mean among the METAL fighters," Castro said as he brushed his hair with his fingers.

Wang Tong couldn't suppress a snicker, and then announced, "Jokes aside, we are going to focus on the Divine Burst technique today. I gave you guys some time yesterday to practice, so show me your improvement now. Let's start with you Lie Xuan."

Lie Xuan sauntered to Wang Tong and announced with a sassy smirk, "Piece of cake!"

Lie Xuan carefully channeled out his soul energy and pulled off the Divine Burst with ease. A smug look hung on her face after she was done, and she cast Wang Tong a glance that could almost pass for a taunt.

Wang Tong nodded. "Excellent! Next, Ross!"

Ross had completed the technique without any difficulties, but Wang Tong knew that he was still far from able to use the technique amidst the chaos of a real war.

"Tan Bu and Duo Lun, it is your turn. I want you to use only level eleven soul energy."

"Yes, Captain!"

"Look carefully, everyone! I want you to remember that this trick is only useful when you were able to deploy it under pressure, such as in real combat."

As Tan Bu and Lun Duo unsheathed their blades, the belligerence in the air wafted in all directions. Lie Xuan was shocked by such strong Battle Qi coming off from the two low-level warriors.