Chapter 007: Today’s Mood Is Strikingly Different

Yang Zhen began, "Warriors are divided into three great realms and nine ranks: the Realm of Qi Perception, the Realm of Internal Strengthening, and the Realm of True Qi. Each realm consists of three ranks.

First to third rank, through qi perception, one absorbs the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, tempering the body, merging strength and qi—this is the foundational stage for warriors, called 'Acquired Warriors.'

Fourth to sixth rank, when the body is strong enough and has absorbed enough spiritual energy, one can strengthen the internal organs from within, developing innate embryonic breathing. This is the stage of 'Innate Warriors.'

Seventh to ninth rank, when both body and organs are sufficiently powerful, the inner and outer harmonize, forging a body without flaws. The body becomes like a furnace, condensing the absorbed spiritual energy into fearsome True Qi that connects heaven and earth. Such a one is called a Grandmaster."

Xiao Yang nodded slightly. What Yang Zhen described could all be found online; he already knew it.

But Yang Zhen was clearly not finished. He continued, "Warrior cultivation is to absorb the essence of heaven and earth to strengthen oneself. Theoretically, the strength of a warrior is only limited by the strength of the world itself.

Therefore... the True Qi Realm is not the end for a warrior. Beyond the True Qi Realm, there is another level—the 'Profound Connection Realm'—which is not included in the nine ranks. Few in the world know of it.

Warriors of the Profound Connection Realm comprehend the mysteries of heaven and earth, can fly by controlling qi, and possess supernatural abilities. They are called 'Martial Kings.' Our Tiance Martial Pavilion’s Grandmaster, Li Tiance, is such a Martial King."

Beyond the True Qi Realm lies the Profound Connection Realm.
Above Grandmaster is Martial King!

This was all new to Xiao Yang, and his eyes brightened with excitement.

He had always aspired to become a legend like Li Tiance; now he finally had a concrete goal—to become a Martial King.

Xiao Yang asked, "Why are there only nine ranks for warriors? Why not ten or twelve, and include Martial King in the rankings?"

Yang Zhen shook his head with a smile. "Martial Kings are too rare, and their strength is beyond measure. They've transcended all ordinary warriors. The nine ranks were established by the state for convenient management. But Martial Kings are not managed by the state—they stand on equal footing with the nation itself."

Xiao Yang nodded, "I understand. The Dragon Nation isn't qualified to grade Martial Kings. Such an existence is truly awe-inspiring."

Yang Zhen looked at Xiao Yang and said, "You... have the potential to become such a figure."

Xiao Yang looked at Yang Zhen in surprise, not expecting such high regard.

Yang Zhen maintained his calm demeanor. "A month ago, you failed the martial exam. But a month later, you've become a true warrior. You must have experienced a great fortune, which has made your spirit far stronger than ordinary newly-initiated warriors.

I don't know what fortune you encountered, but I can tell you: when our Grandmaster first began his martial cultivation, he was talented but not the very best. It was only after consuming a rare celestial fruit that his aptitude transformed, leading to a meteoric rise and the making of a legend."

Yang Zhen looked at Xiao Yang with profound meaning, and Xiao Yang instantly understood why he was so highly valued.

He, like Li Tiance, had experienced an 'encounter.' Yang Zhen believed he might become the next Li Tiance!

No wonder Yang Zhen was willing to recruit him at ten times the normal salary.

"As a warrior, you need to know your rights and responsibilities. Let me start with your duties."

Yang Zhen’s expression became solemn. "When human territories are attacked by monsters, every warrior ranked within the nine grades, no matter where they are, must obey the orders of the national military and stand against the beasts to defend humanity. This is an inescapable obligation. In this, all three great martial pavilions stand united with the state. When monsters invade, the orders of the military are absolute."

Xiao Yang nodded slightly. The state provided at least one hundred thousand yuan in monthly benefits to warriors; it was only natural that warriors were expected to fight when monsters invaded. This was reasonable—Xiao Yang had no objections.

This duty bound all warriors of the nine ranks. If one wished to avoid it, there was only one way—become a Martial King.

A Martial King stands equal to the nation. When monsters attack, whether a Martial King intervenes is their own decision. The state cannot compel them.

Xiao Yang asked, "What about the privileges of warriors?"

Yang Zhen replied, "Warriors are extremely rare compared to the total population. With monsters as formidable enemies, humanity needs warriors for protection. So, each warrior is considered precious.

Monthly benefits and elevated status are just part of the privileges. More importantly, warriors are exempted from many criminal penalties that would be severe for ordinary people.

As long as a warrior does not commit a heinous crime, they will not be sentenced to death. And unless sentenced to death, they can substitute fines for punishment. To put it plainly, if an ordinary person kills another, it's a capital offense. But if a warrior kills an ordinary person, it’s not a capital crime; they can pay compensation instead, while their crime is recorded as 'sin value.' Sin value can be erased with merit points."

Xiao Yang grew a bit solemn. In his view, killing was a capital crime by default. But this privilege for warriors upended that common sense!

A warrior could kill an ordinary person and only have to pay compensation—a tremendous privilege. With such a privilege, the status gap between warriors and ordinary people was inevitable. Who among the common folk would dare show disrespect to a warrior?

Xiao Yang asked, "Won’t this privilege breed lawlessness among warriors? What if a warrior kills for pleasure?"

Yang Zhen chuckled. "You're overthinking it. Merit points can only be gained by fighting monsters during invasions—when the threat is overwhelming and the cost great. Warriors earn merit at the risk of their lives; it isn’t easy to obtain.

If a warrior’s sin value isn’t offset by merit, it accumulates with each crime. If it reaches a certain threshold, severe punishment follows—eventually, even death.

And whether a warrior is penalized for killing an ordinary person depends on the circumstances. If the ordinary person provokes first, the sin value is low; if the warrior abuses their power, the sin value is high. Betrayal of kindness or multiple murders result in extremely high sin, with strict restrictions. Warriors cannot do as they please."

Xiao Yang nodded inwardly. The nine-grade system was both a means of management and restraint.

So long as one was within the nine grades, even a ninth-rank Grandmaster could not act with impunity. Of course, if one reached Martial King, they would transcend the system, standing equal to the state—beyond its control.

Yet at that level, standing atop humanity, one would naturally possess magnanimity and vision. With monsters ever a threat, even those who pursue personal power must consider humanity’s survival and prosperity. Such strength brings responsibility; Martial Kings would not amuse themselves by bullying ordinary people, nor would ordinary people ever have the chance to provoke such beings.

Ding!

His phone chimed—a new message.

Xiao Yang took a look.

"Your Dragon Nation Bank card ending in 5587 has received a transfer: 1,200,000 yuan."

So fast.

He and Yang Zhen had only just reached an agreement and were still talking; already, the 1.2-million salary had arrived on his card.

Life’s fortunes truly come unexpectedly. In a blink, Xiao Yang had become a millionaire, earning over a million a month.

And beyond this, Xiao Yang would receive the national warrior’s welfare—100,000 yuan monthly.

One hundred and thirty thousand a month! More than enough for seven days in the Transdimensional World, with nearly twenty thousand left over.

His parents had worked hard for years to raise him, enduring hardship with modest salaries. From now on, they could retire early and enjoy their lives.

Yang Zhen’s phone also received confirmation of Xiao Yang’s salary. "Your warrior certification has been submitted to the authorities. Before long, your welfare payments will begin as well."

"Thank you, Director," Xiao Yang replied.

Yang Zhen waved it off. "Talent is crucial in martial cultivation, but so is martial heritage. The three great pavilions do not lose out to the state in advanced martial arts, but for foundational training, the state’s Warrior University is the most comprehensive.

So, for warriors in the first to third ranks, the university is the best place to train. Our pavilion will secure you a special admission spot at Jiangnan Warrior University; it should take three or four days."

He had failed the martial exam, yet would now enter Jiangnan Warrior University as a special admit—sure to astonish those students who had made it in from Yuezhou. The thought thrilled Xiao Yang.

What an exhilarating feeling!

He said solemnly, "Thank you, Director."

Yang Zhen gave a gentle smile and stood up. "Very well, wait for my news in the next few days. I’ll take my leave—you’re free to go."

Yang Zhen departed.

Free at last to show his delight, Xiao Yang’s eyes gleamed and his face shone with joy.

He had thought that becoming a certified warrior meant a mere one hundred thousand yuan a month.

He never expected today’s rewards to far exceed his imagination.

In an instant, he had become a key figure for Tiance Martial Pavilion, with a monthly income over a million, and a special place at Jiangnan Warrior University. Just thinking about it was enough to make his heart race!

"Victory! I’ve passed the test and become a scholar’s attendant!"
"Everything is within my grasp!"
"Closer than ever to Sister Qiu Xiang!"
"Today’s mood is truly something different!"

Wait—why did such phrases suddenly pop into my head? Why am I humming under my breath and nodding unconsciously?

Stay calm! Stay calm!

Xiao Yang took a deep breath, his face composed in a polite, reserved smile as he walked lightly out of the reception room.

With the ease of a spring breeze, he left the Yuezhou branch of Tiance Martial Pavilion.

Where to next?

Zhuang Xueyi had called earlier; he should go and formally resign his security job, and collect his twenty-two days’ wages.

Was it worth the trip?

Twenty-two days’ wages amounted to just over four thousand yuan. Now that he had over a million, that money meant little.

But—"In those twenty-two days, I caught two thieves. I contributed to Fengrao Group. That’s hard-earned money; why shouldn’t I collect it?"

"Go—I must go!"

Xiao Yang quickly decided. Having money didn’t mean he should look down on four thousand yuan. What was rightfully his, whether much or little, must be claimed.

"First to Fengrao Group for my wages. I’m in a good mood; tonight, I’ll invite Chen Wanglong and the others out to celebrate. I can use this money to buy the drinks!"

He wasn’t trying to show off to Chen Wanglong—he was just happy and wanted to share his joy with friends.

…

Fengrao Group.
Third Factory District, Security Department.

Xiao Yang met his supervisor, Team One Captain Zhuang Xueyi.

"Xiao Yang, let me tell you, you missed an opportunity!"
"An opportunity to latch onto Third Young Master’s coattails and soar to the top!"
"I recommended you to him because you’re a young martial arts graduate and have good skills. But you hung up on me!"
"Hmph... Fengrao Group is a huge company. Finding capable fighters isn’t hard. You think they had to wait for you?"
"In any case, you’re too late. You’ve missed your chance. And... you’ve been fired."
"You worked twenty-two days, but you skipped work today without leave. We’re docking you twenty days’ wages, paying you for two days—440 yuan."
"Here’s your 440 yuan. Take it and get lost! Even Third Young Master knows you skipped work. Fengrao Group will never have a place for you again."

…

Before Xiao Yang could say a word, Zhuang Xueyi unleashed a torrent of words, then slapped four hundred-yuan and four ten-yuan notes onto the table. The blow was so forceful that the bills scattered to the floor.

Of course Zhuang Xueyi wouldn’t stoop to pick them up. "Pick it up yourself and get out!"

Xiao Yang drew out his first-rank warrior card from his pocket and tossed it onto Zhuang Xueyi’s face. "Take a good look at what this is."

The card smacked loudly against Zhuang Xueyi’s face.

Furious, Zhuang Xueyi snatched it up to hurl abuse, but when he saw the words "Tiance Martial Pavilion, First-Rank Warrior" and the identity details—Xiao Yang—his eyes widened in shock.

On the phone, Xiao Yang had said he was being assessed as a warrior; Zhuang Xueyi had dismissed it as nonsense. Now, seeing the card, Zhuang Xueyi’s heart skipped a beat. Xiao Yang hadn’t lied—he really had passed the assessment.

Now, Xiao Yang was a certified first-rank warrior.

A warrior’s status was exalted, a rank above ordinary people, with special privileges.

If an ordinary person offended a warrior, the warrior could kill them with minimal punishment.

At this realization—

With a thud, Zhuang Xueyi dropped to his knees, his forehead banging the floor. "Master Warrior, I failed to recognize greatness—please forgive me!"

The change was as swift as lightning.

Zhuang Xueyi raised Xiao Yang’s warrior card high, not daring to meet his eyes.

Xiao Yang spoke coolly, "Am I supposed to pick the money up myself?"

"No, no... I’ll do it, I’ll do it!" Zhuang Xueyi scrambled on the floor to gather the eight banknotes, then said, "You worked twenty-two days; your wages total 4,840 yuan—not a cent less. Please wait, I’ll get the rest right away."

Xiao Yang waved him off. "Go."

Zhuang Xueyi scampered out and soon returned, respectfully handing over 4,840 yuan to Xiao Yang.

…

"In the future, when I’m famous, word will spread that I was once a security guard at Fengrao Group. At that point... Fengrao Group’s name will be known everywhere—better than any advertisement. From now on, I’ll be a living billboard for them."

Leaving Fengrao Group, Xiao Yang shook his head lightly.

His life would no longer intersect with Fengrao Group, but as long as he gained fame, their name would be forever linked to his.

The more renowned Xiao Yang became, the more famous Fengrao Group would be. If he became a legend, Fengrao Group would be forever known as the place where a legend once worked as a guard. How eye-catching!

Xiao Yang smiled faintly. He had no intention of hiding his past; it was just Fengrao Group’s good fortune.

Seated in a taxi, Xiao Yang took out his phone.

"Let’s celebrate tonight! My treat!"

He sent a message to Chen Wanglong.

There was no reply.

He sent another to Lin Meifang: "Come out tonight, bring Chen Wanglong, my treat."

Of their group of nine close friends, six had gotten into Jiangnan Warrior University; only the three of them remained in Yuezhou.

Chen Wanglong and Lin Meifang had been just friends at school, but after both failing the entrance exam, their shared plight brought them together as a couple.

Lin Meifang replied quickly: "Chen Wanglong’s in trouble. How could we celebrate?"

Xiao Yang: "What happened?"

Lin Meifang: "His leg was broken."

Chen Wanglong’s leg—broken?

Of the nine friends, Xiao Yang and Chen Wanglong had been deskmates and closest. Seeing Lin Meifang’s message, Xiao Yang’s hair stood on end, rage rising within him.

Xiao Yang: "What happened? Who did it?"

Lin Meifang: "Fengrao Group wants to buy his family’s land. The Chen family refused, and since then, thugs have been harassing them. You know, Chen Wanglong graduated from martial school—he’s agile and strong, easily driving off ordinary thugs.

But this morning, several skilled fighters came—at least as strong as Wanglong. He couldn’t beat them; they gave him a brutal beating and broke his leg. Now he’s in the First Hospital. Fengrao Group has declared that if the Chens don’t sell, they’ll ruin his family. This is just the beginning."

Fengrao Group?

Xiao Yang’s gaze turned icy.

He had just left Fengrao Group, thinking he’d never cross paths with them again, only for this to happen immediately.

And recalling what Zhuang Xueyi had said about Third Young Master seeking skilled fighters—could it have been to attack Chen Wanglong?

This made Xiao Yang’s heart grow darker. Before, he wouldn’t have been able to intervene—but now that he was a warrior, no matter how wealthy Fengrao Group was, he would step in and demand justice for his friend.

He would show them what warrior privilege meant!

"Driver, to First Hospital."

Xiao Yang told the cabbie, then messaged Lin Meifang again: "I’m on my way to the First Hospital now. Leave this to me."