"Damn it! Just a scrawny feathered beast dares to cause trouble in Jiang City? It's begging to die!"
Northern City District, Defense Barrier Command Center.
A square-faced man with a scar and dressed in a military overcoat let out a cold laugh.
An operations soldier watching the defense monitoring screen for the northern district said helplessly, "Major General Lu, you're swearing again."
"Damn, I can't help it! Not changing!"
On the massive screen, an armored, dragon-like train sped through the ruins and wastelands.
It was the returning Fire Dragon.
Above the Fire Dragon, a golden giant roc flapped its wings and launched a rain of feathered arrows, bombarding the train.
"Xiao Wang, activate Laser Turret No. 3 and shoot that scruffy little bird down for me!"
"Yes, Major General Lu!"
The staff immediately relayed the order and started the system.
Laser weapons—one of humanity's ultimate tools of war.
They were also key to the survival of Human Survival Base Cities amidst the beast-infested lands!
On the sheer steel fortress wall, a pitch-black hatch opened, revealing the protruding barrel of the laser cannon.
On the control center's screen, triangular markers and large crosshairs locked onto the target.
"Laser Turret No. 3 preheating sequence initiated."
"Preheating initiated!"
Staff coordinated swiftly.
"Charging ready..."
"Charging started!"
"Calculating beast's movement trajectory."
"Target locked. No obstructions, no refractions in range."
"Charging complete."
"Lock complete."
"Reporting to Major General Lu—Laser Turret No. 3 is ready to fire!"
The scar-faced officer flung his coat and barked, "Fire!"
"Firing—!"
On the massive screen, a red beam burst forth, slicing across the display in an instant, hitting the golden roc above the Fire Dragon.
No suspense—the golden roc was pierced clean through by the laser cannon!
Its corpse, a gaping hole in its body, plummeted from the sky and crashed heavily beside the rails.
"Huh? The elite-class beast's life signs just vanished?"
"It was insta-killed..."
Li Chuxi, who had activated her sensing domain, showed a look of astonishment.
Tension and unease filled the train carriage.
No one on board knew the golden roc had died.
But as time passed and the train remained unharassed, they began to realize.
"It must've been one of Jiang City's top experts who made a move."
"I remember one of the four City-Guarding Martial Lords of Jiang City—Lu Beiluo—he's stationed in the critical Northern District."
Martial Lords.
In chaotic times, they expand territory and slaughter enemies.
In peaceful times, they guard cities and protect the people.
They open up lands and crush all foes in the four directions—thus, the people respect and love them!
In most Human Survival Base Cities, aside from laser weapons, the greatest deterrent to beast attacks—and the strongest safeguard for humanity—was still the Martial Lords!
Hence the saying:
City-Guarding Martial Lords, Territory-Guarding Martial Kings, Nation-Guarding Martial Emperors!
Rumble...
The Fire Dragon continued on steadily and swiftly.
The defense gates of the Northern District opened.
After multiple layers of security checks, the passengers returned to the station.
Once off the train, most didn't linger.
Some socially adept warriors invited others to drinks and dinner—organizing a gathering.
After all, they had all passed the same examination, making them potential future powerhouses. Networking now could pay off big later.
Li Chuxi and Li Shiji were among the most sought-after companions.
But Li Chuxi had no interest in socializing.
Her younger brother followed her lead in everything.
So she declined every invitation.
Li Chuxi glanced again toward Carriage No. 4.
Unfortunately, she didn't see what she had hoped for.
"Was it really just my imagination?"
She shook her head.
A deputy examiner who returned with the Fire Dragon said, "You all can head home first. Don't forget to go to the Warrior Association later to collect your Official Warrior Bronze Medals."
Someone asked, "Sir Examiner, about recruitment after the exam..."
The deputy glanced at him and said, "If any major figures or organizations are interested in you, they'll contact you directly."
"I need to report the situation in the Beast Town to Major General Lu."
The Beast Town had been attacked—it had to be reported to the higher-ups.
With no other pressing matters, the group dispersed.
Some went off in small groups for drinks and parties.
Others went to relax and unwind.
Some, like Li Chuxi and Li Shiji, simply went home.
Outside the train station, Li Chuxi called her parents to let them know they were safe.
Then she and Li Shiji went home together.
As soon as they stepped inside, the aroma of cooking from the kitchen greeted them.
Their father sat on the sofa across from the door, eyes fixed on the entrance.
The moment he heard the door open, he stood up as if to open it himself.
Seeing the door swing open, he sat back down and lit a cigarette.
"Good, good. You're back. Still got all your arms and legs."
His eyes reddened as he nodded.
"My son and daughter, are you both back?"
Their mother, hearing the voices, rushed out of the kitchen.
She hugged both Li Chuxi and Li Shiji tightly, tears flowing freely.
"You're not hurt, that's good. You've both lost weight—I can't imagine how much you've suffered."
Li Shiji replied, "Mom, we didn't suffer at all."
"In just one day in Beast Town, my sister and I had barbecue several times."
"I'm sick of meat now. I just want some veggies."
Mrs. Li rolled her eyes. "Silly boy, making up nonsense to make your mom feel better."
"Yesterday, your father and I asked around all day. We know how brutal and dangerous the Official Warrior exam is."
"Forget barbecue—just surviving it is already a miracle."
Li Chuxi said, "Mom, but we did make it back safe and sound."
"Alright, alright, come on. Into the kitchen. Help me out."
…
Jiang City, Red Light District.
Since warriors lived life on the edge, many who returned alive to the Base City would choose to indulge themselves, to relax completely.
Thus, the Red Light District existed.
Streets full of colorful neon lights. Many dark alleys.
Flamboyantly dressed women stood at alley entrances, soliciting customers.
At that moment, a warrior who had returned from Beast Town earlier today walked toward one such garishly made-up woman.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]