The biting cold wind sliced through the elevator doors, cutting into the air. Tian Xiao stood at the entrance of the ski resort, taking a deep breath, the crispness of the air momentarily clearing his thoughts.
Before him sprawled a massive ski resort, with vast stretches of white snow, as if he had stepped into another world. Tian Xiao didn't stop, his gaze scanning the surroundings—the ski slopes, practice platforms—until his eyes landed on several tables not far away. The tables were filled with bottles of alcohol, and a group of people were loudly talking, eating, and drinking, the atmosphere chaotic yet full of vitality.
This was a training facility, and such places rarely accepted outsiders, especially not the thirty-sixth floor. This area was strictly reserved for the elites. Tian Xiao's unexpected appearance undoubtedly broke the usual rules, drawing the attention of those present.
Eight security personnel instantly locked eyes with him, their gazes filled with wariness and disdain. As members of the base's high-ranking security team, they naturally held a sense of superiority over miners. It was rare for them to show any friendliness to outsiders. However, Tian Xiao's identity was quickly recognized—ID number 3377. A newcomer, one who seemed rather bold, and possibly wealthy.
The expressions of the security team gradually shifted from suspicion to mockery. They exchanged glances, their lips curling into a cold smile, clearly ready to deal with this "uninvited guest" in their own way. But Tian Xiao paid no heed to their judgmental stares and walked directly to the table, unfazed.
The table was stacked with liquor bottles, some empty, others unopened, with a few bottles of strong alcohol placed conspicuously in the middle, attracting attention. Tian Xiao didn't hesitate. He reached out and grabbed a bottle of strong liquor.
This action immediately triggered an icy response from the group.
The eight security members' eyes turned cold, and the atmosphere in the room seemed to freeze instantly.
Tian Xiao remained unfazed. He unscrewed the bottle cap and tilted his head back, pouring the contents straight into his throat.
Gulpppp, gulppp!Shock turned to intrigue.
One person, unable to contain himself, scratched his face and revealed a look of admiration.
"Ro Fei," the head of the security team, said with a smile, turning to his comrades, "Whose little brother is this? Not bad, strong drinker."
"I wouldn't mind taking a few of his kind into the security team," he added with a chuckle.
Without pausing for breath, he drained half the bottle in one go. The group's gaze changed in an instant.
Laughter spread through the group. The initial tension in the air dissolved quickly, replaced by a light-hearted camaraderie. In the world of heavy drinkers, starting a conversation with a bottle of strong liquor is enough to earn respect from everyone.
"Ha!" Ro Fei laughed heartily.
By now, Tian Xiao had finished the first bottle of liquor, exhaling deeply and placing the empty bottle on the table. He flashed a grin at the group and bowed, "Sorry, brothers, I couldn't resist when I saw such good liquor. How much does this cost? I'll pay."
"Ha! Drink another bottle, and the price is on me." Ro Fei tilted back in his chair.
The group's expressions shifted once more, this time with interest.
"Really? Now that's a deal!" Tian Xiao, seemingly prepared for this moment, immediately grabbed the second bottle of strong liquor. "I won't hold back, then."
It was 2,500 credits a bottle, and if the opportunity was there, why not enjoy it?
No one tried to stop him. Watching this newcomer drain the second bottle in one go, the group's mocking expressions faded completely.
"Not bad!" Ro Fei chuckled, standing up.
"Hahahaha… this kid's got some character! Keep it up, and once you've saved enough, come join the security team. I'll make room for you!" Ro Fei clapped Tian Xiao on the back, his voice filled with genuine approval.
Tian Xiao smiled inwardly.
Ro Fei's manner at the drinking table was exactly what he remembered—laid-back and testing new arrivals with alcohol. The others were no different.
"Come on!" Ro Fei waved. "Sit down, sit down!"
The group became suddenly warm, urging Tian Xiao to join them. His straightforward and fearless drinking style had hit the sweet spot for these people.
"What's your name, kid?" one of them asked with a smile.
"A toast!" A man, with a nose red from drinking, revealed two rows of yellow teeth, offering him another drink.
Tian Xiao grabbed the third bottle of liquor without hesitation.
"Are we using a glass, or should I blow straight from the bottle?" he asked.
The surrounding group instantly burst into excitement.
"Holy sh*t… this guy can hold his liquor? Old Lu, if it were me, I'd be blowing from the bottle right now!"
"Yeah! Blow!" The others eagerly joined in.
Laughter and cheers filled the air. It was as if they were watching a spectacle, both eager to see just how much this newcomer could drink and also anticipating the outcome of Old Lu's challenge.
Ro Fei, who was watching with a slight smile, made a subtle gesture, and a young man promptly went to fetch an unopened crate of strong liquor. The atmosphere grew even more intense.
Tian Xiao scanned the table, recognizing five faces. Among them was Ro Fei, the leader of the security team. He was currently at the H9 combat rank, just a step away from reaching G-level.
Tian Xiao understood now. This wasn't just a simple drink—it was a test. A test of his fortitude, of his ability to handle this world of rough-and-tumble personalities, of his capacity to earn respect.
Tian Xiao took a deep breath, feeling the heat from the alcohol settle in his chest. His mind was still sharp, but his body was beginning to feel the effects. The others watched him, awaiting his next move.
This was not just a casual drink; this was a part of something larger. Something that would decide his place in this new world. His body and mind would be tested here, not by training or combat, but by the simple act of sharing a drink with these men, proving that he was worthy of their recognition.
And Tian Xiao was ready for it. He would rise from this test—stronger, more respected, and more connected than before.