Chapter Twenty-Five: Advanced Warrior

When a weaker creature encounters a stronger one, its instinct is to retreat and submit. This instinct is etched deep into the genetic code of living beings—a fundamental drive for self-preservation.

Gao Wu, under the oppressive gaze of Huang Hai, also felt an instinctive urge to yield. But having awakened his latent wisdom and diligently practiced the Azure Dragon Divine Qi Chant day and night, his will was far stronger than his mere eight points of mental power suggested. Whenever faced with such unusual pressure, Gao Wu would reflexively recite the Azure Dragon Divine Qi Chant, dissolving all spiritual oppression.

He quickly realized what was happening—Huang Hai had used some secret technique to exert immense pressure on his mind.

That old man is truly despicable!

Though Gao Wu seethed inwardly, he kept his composure, lowering his gaze to avoid meeting Huang Hai’s eyes. “Coach, this is a serious matter. I need time to think it over—and to discuss it with my family.”

“Of course,” Huang Hai nodded slightly. He was somewhat surprised that his gaze technique had failed to cow Gao Wu. For a warrior, channeling source power through spiritual strength and exerting pressure with one’s eyes was usually enough to crush an ordinary person’s will and force them to obey. For a young martial artist like Gao Wu to withstand it revealed remarkable resolve.

Besides, this was a school, with cameras everywhere, and Gao Wu’s family included a retired warrior. Huang Hai couldn’t possibly use force to coerce Gao Wu into agreement.

He continued, “This Blood Dragon Serum is especially suited for you. There’s a genetic compatibility at play. A full course is thirty vials, and it will transform your body. All you have to do is participate in two matches; win or lose, the other twenty vials are yours. And if you win, there’s a ten-thousand-dollar bonus.”

Clinging to Song Mingyue as his benefactor, Gao Wu hardly cared about the remaining vials. The only reason he could neutralize the serum’s side effects was the mystical Azure Dragon Divine Qi Chant—not any genetic compatibility. Thus, it made little difference to him which serum he used; he was immune to Huang Hai’s enticements.

“This is a critical period for you; you mustn’t interrupt your medication. I’m your coach—would I set you up for failure?”

After a pause, Huang Hai added, “I can also acquire Vajra Enhancers. With your talent and those enhancers, you’ll become a top-tier martial artist, and advancing to a warrior will be a natural progression.

“Think it over—I genuinely have high hopes for you.” With that, Huang Hai gave Gao Wu an earnest pat on the shoulder for encouragement.

After training that afternoon, Gao Wu rode his bicycle to Yunhu Villa. Over dinner, he repeated what Huang Hai had said and sought Song Mingyue’s advice. “What’s Huang Hai really after? Have you heard of the Jinsheng Hotel?”

“Jinsheng Hotel is an upscale place,” Song Mingyue replied. “They host official, sanctioned arena matches in the basement. The prizes are substantial, and there’s underground betting among the spectators, making the fights intense and sometimes resulting in serious injuries.”

She pondered a moment. “There are risks involved, especially since we can’t be sure what Huang Hai is planning. You should consider this carefully.”

“Mm, mm,” Gao Wu nodded repeatedly. Training under Song Mingyue every day, he was advancing rapidly and enjoying the nutritious, exclusive dinners she provided. Actual combat experience didn’t seem as crucial—Song Mingyue herself lacked much battle experience yet could easily defeat him. Her martial cultivation far surpassed his, and her physical attributes were also much stronger.

He still had great room for improvement in many areas; there was no need to risk arena matches just for the Blood Dragon Serum.

Moreover, Huang Hai’s attempt to intimidate him with mental pressure—forcing him into the arena—was infuriating! If Gao Wu were strong enough, he’d have liked nothing more than to knock the old man flat.

However, the allure of the Vajra Enhancers that Huang Hai possessed was tempting. If he could benefit from the man now, and settle the score once he became a warrior, wouldn’t that be satisfying?

“First, register as a Senior Martial Artist. An eighteen-year-old senior martial artist on record will bring prestige to the school and ensure you’re taken seriously. The Special Affairs Bureau and Public Security Bureau will open individual files for you,” Song Mingyue advised. “This will greatly enhance your safety. Even if Huang Hai has schemes, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly against a registered young senior martial artist.”

“I see. I’ll go tomorrow.” Gao Wu hadn’t thought it important before, but Song Mingyue’s explanation revealed the significance.

“I can get Blood Dragon Serum too, though it’s a slightly different formula,” Song Mingyue mentioned. She had access to even better serums, but since Gao Wu experienced no side effects, she couldn’t tell if it was due to his unique constitution or because he happened to be compatible with that formula.

Human genetics are complex, and even small differences can change how drugs work. Since Gao Wu tolerated this serum without issue and had already completed a course, she thought it best not to switch brands mid-way.

“I’ll think about it,” Gao Wu replied, feeling slightly embarrassed to trouble Song Mingyue.

The main point was that she made it clear—different versions of the serum varied greatly, especially generic ones, which could differ significantly even between batches. Generics often had stronger side effects but also more potent effects.

Since he could counteract the side effects, the stronger the serum, the better. In the end, it made sense to get more from Huang Hai—after all, if that old fox wanted to take advantage, Gao Wu felt justified in taking advantage right back.

The next morning, Gao Wu took special leave and headed to the Celestial Martial Society.

Located in Tianhe Tower at the city center, the Society’s offices took up two full floors. Gao Wu had made an appointment the previous night, and after showing his QR code at the entrance, he passed the security check.

Inside, a massive screen wall bore the golden words: “All Martial Artists Are One Family.” The calligraphy was archaic and imposing, rising like a mountain. It was said to be penned by the Martial Emperor Qin Liuhe himself, containing the emperor’s supreme secrets.

Gao Wu studied it for a while but gained nothing. After all, it was just a replica, seen by countless people. If there were any secrets left to glean, they would have been locked away long ago.

There were over twenty service windows in the hall. Gao Wu picked one to register, received a number, and sat in the waiting area. Several rows of chairs were already filled, mostly with middle-aged men and women in their thirties and forties. As a teenager, Gao Wu stood out, attracting curious glances.

A robust middle-aged woman stared at him, suddenly remembering something. She pointed and exclaimed, “Aren’t you that passionate youth—Gao Sheng!”

Gao Wu was surprised. A rescue video of his had gone viral, but with only one hit clip, it was rare for anyone to recognize him.

Still, her recognition pleased him. He nodded, “Hello, my name is Gao Wu.”

“You’re even more handsome in person,” the woman said, squeezing his biceps with a familiarity that surprised him. Feeling the taut, resilient muscle, she remarked, “Your physique is impressive. Are you here to take the senior martial artist test?”

“Yes, I’ve made some progress lately and wanted to give it a shot…” Though he wasn’t interested in chatting with a middle-aged lady, Gao Wu was polite enough to respond.

Fortunately, her number was called soon after, and Gao Wu breathed a sigh of relief.

After another ten minutes, the loudspeaker called his number. He went through to a spacious training hall lined with more than twenty punching machines.

Following his electronic number, Gao Wu approached machine fifteen. Two staff members checked his ID and number, measured his height and weight, and confirmed his identity with facial recognition. Only then did they activate the punching machine.

Gao Wu took a deep breath in front of the target and punched steadily in rapid succession. The resounding thuds drew a crowd; each punch exceeded a thousand kilograms, astonishing and impressing the onlookers.

Most were there for basic or intermediate martial artist certification. The middle-aged woman from earlier watched him with particular enthusiasm; though she had passed the senior test herself, she was nearly forty, while Gao Wu was just eighteen.

Despite sharing the same rank, the disparity was vast. An eighteen-year-old senior martial artist was extraordinary—exceptionally valuable.

The test was conducted three times in total. The staff issued Gao Wu an electronic results slip and submitted his scores to the Public Security Bureau. Once approved, he would receive his official senior martial artist certificate, and the record would be added to his household file.

Everything went smoothly, and Gao Wu was in high spirits as he left the hall—only to be intercepted by the middle-aged woman again.

“Young man,” she greeted him with a broad, hearty smile, her face full of enthusiasm. “To achieve senior martial artist status at your age—it’s remarkable. Are you free for lunch? My treat.”

“Ah, that’s not necessary…” Gao Wu was about to decline when the woman quickly interjected, “I’m Tie Ying from Iron Dragon Martial Hall, and I have a good proposal for you…”