I can't get too close to this kid; bad company corrupts good character. To think that even a Martial Emperor like myself, with such a promising future and a smooth path to success, could be swayed by him. Who in this world can resist his influence then?

Of course, putting himself in that kind of situation, Wei Daoming felt his thinking wasn't wrong. After all, Wang Zhan is a kid who hasn't seen much of the world, overly cautious and timid. If it were me… COUGH, COUGH. I shouldn't think about it anymore.

So, Wei Daoming quickly feigned indifference and said, "Anything else?"

"Uh-huh, just a few more things. Senior, please don't rush me; I'll be done soon. The next item concerns my company. Yes, yes, yes, that plan you're holding, Senior, that's my company's plan. However, the only person I can find to run it right now is a woman whose brain is a bit… off; she often can't think straight. As her boss, I'm very worried she'll be tricked. It's no big deal if she gets fooled, as long as it doesn't implicate me… COUGH, COUGH. No, she can't be tricked. Otherwise, a delicate woman like her being taken advantage of would be too pitiful… Yes, it's the woman from earlier.

"…Oh, right, there's one more small thing. Because of the trouble I caused, my mom has been forced into a nomadic life. She doesn't have proper food or clothing, has no appetite, and suffers sleepless nights. So, I was wondering if I could trouble you, Senior, to arrange a safe place for her to live? That way, this unfilial son of hers can have a little peace of mind.

"…My apologies, my apologies. I was talking so much I almost forgot my parents-in-law. They're in a pitiful state too. They barely see my girlfriend all year round, and they usually get by picking trash, struggling to make ends meet; life is very hard for them. To make matters worse, both of us are now imprisoned, with no freedom. So, we'll have to trouble you again, Senior, to lend them a hand, to help them get back on their feet… COUGH, I mean, to help them live a more stable life…"

Wei Daoming felt his face had gone numb by now. When he checked the time, only half an hour had passed, yet Wang Zhan had brought up no fewer than ten matters. And each matter was well-thought-out, with a clear beginning and end. It was obvious these were decisions he had pondered for a long time and was only now voicing.

"COUGH, COUGH. Anything else?" Wei Daoming asked.

Even Wang Zhan, who was usually shameless, started to feel a little embarrassed. He could only say sheepishly, "No, that's about it. I'll have to trouble you, Senior!"

Saying this, Wang Zhan performed a formal salute of respect.

I have no choice. These are currently my only vulnerabilities, and perhaps my future hopes. After all, he couldn't just ignore everything and gallivant off to the Star War Battlefield to live a carefree life, leaving his mother to fend for herself, could he? If he really did that, never mind his mother and Wang Qi, Wang Zhan wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

There were things one could do and things one shouldn't. But if these crucial matters were accomplished, what did it matter if he lost a little face or left people with the impression that he was somewhat insatiable?

But how could Wei Daoming not see through these things? He suspected Wang Zhan truly held enough respect and vigilance towards the Star War Battlefield, perhaps even doubting his own chances of survival. Is that why he's being so meticulous, treating these preparations before his journey as arrangements for a departure from which he might never return?

He immediately patted Wang Zhan's shoulder lightly and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of all these things for you. Remember, come back alive. Don't die so easily. Since that thing is with you now… if you don't kill a few Martial Emperors, would you even be able to justify your journey through the Human Race?"

Wang Zhan was teary with gratitude. "Senior, rest assured, I will definitely return alive!"

Hey, what's he talking about? When did I ever think I was going to die?

Wang Zhan was suddenly a bit stunned, only to see that Wei Daoming had already left without him noticing. It was unclear whether Wei Daoming was resisting a truth he might have guessed, or perhaps he couldn't bear to watch as he personally sent off a child of the Human Race. Or maybe, he was simply fed up with Wang Zhan.

Of course, regardless of the reason, it made no difference to Wang Zhan.

Thus, Wang Zhan, finally able to relax, enjoyed a rare moment of leisure and let out a long sigh of relief.

"It's so comfortable having someone to rely on! Everything's settled now. Not just Mom and Sis, but my parents-in-law and my mentor… even the company has been thoroughly taken care of. I don't have to worry about trouble on the home front anymore. Indeed, Senior is a true expert, a shining example for our Federal Human Race, and a role model for us younger generation Martial Artists…"

Hmph, and also my temporary, disposable gofer!

Although he wasn't modest in the slightest—treating a Martial Emperor like a lackey—it did seem a bit unscrupulous. But then again, Wang Zhan hadn't really deceived Wei Daoming. After all, all these entrusted matters were intimately connected to Wang Zhan. While perhaps not so critical that one misstep would unravel everything, each one was nonetheless indispensable. Therefore, even though it meant greatly troubling Wei Daoming, the thick-skinned Wang Zhan had to see them through. Otherwise, his mind would be uneasy and his spirit troubled; far from having no worries about the home front, he would constantly be looking over his shoulder.

Now that he had an extra "gopher," things were much simpler. Wang Zhan felt unburdened, and all was right with his world. Having completely freed his hands and regained his liberty, Wang Zhan naturally needed to start "sharpening his knives for the pig"—preparing for what lay ahead.

"…This time, I should bring more elixirs and such! Although Dean Wei left me three bottles of Pure Essence Pills, it's ultimately not much. It's only enough for me to fight my way in and out seven times…"

Who knows what he's actually thinking. He's not even satisfied with enough Pure Essence Pills to fight his way in and out seven times. If word of this got out, who knows how much trouble it would stir up. This kid isn't planning to tear the whole place down, is he?

Quietly, a soft, disdainful chuckle, seemingly accompanied by an eye-roll, echoed in Wang Zhan's ears.

"HEH!"

「Not long after, in a secret military base.」

As a battle fortress-style airship took off, Wang Zhan, who had only been back in the Federation for about a week, quietly vanished from everyone's sight. Little did he know, his departure had attracted many eyes filled with concern, complexity, inexplicable emotions, or hatred.

For instance, there was the curvaceous woman from the Original Organization. She had been sulking all day and had finally managed to suppress her frustration. Her first public appearance, as it turned out, was solely for the sake of meeting Wang Zhan.

"What? Are you saying he's already gone to the Star War Battlefield?"

As her subordinate nodded, the woman went completely mad. Recalling the two days she had wasted, she wanted to cry but had no tears.

"I… what have I done? Didn't I come here to cooperate with Wang Zhan? Wasn't I supposed to entice… I mean, to guide him into the Original Organization? And what happened? I ended up sulking at him for a whole day!..."

Bringing Wang Zhan into the Original Organization, making him a member—that was the core of the curvaceous woman's plan for this operation. But who could have expected Wang Zhan's words to be so venomous, plunging her directly into a rage? Even if she was as magnanimous as the ocean (and well-endowed), any woman would find it hard to stomach that insult right away. She had needlessly missed a golden opportunity.

"No, no! If this goes on, I'll end up taking the blame just like that dead man! There has to be a way, there must be a way…"

"He's gone," Yu Lan said softly into the phone, sounding much relieved.

"Mm," Qin Ying, on the other hand, sounded much more somber. Perhaps she was worried about Wang Zhan.

A place like the Star War Battlefield… it's too dangerous. As someone from the Federal Presidential Office, Qin Ying naturally knew more about it than others.

Unexpectedly, Yu Lan suddenly asked, "Ying Ying, there's something I want to ask you…"

"…Yes?"

"Um, can I come over to your place today? It's been so long since we last slept together. You wouldn't forget about me just because you have Wang Zhan now, would you…" Yu Lan said, a hint of plaintiveness in her voice. She quickly seized this opportune moment, burying certain unmentionable thoughts deep in her heart, her eyes glinting slyly.

With Wang Zhan gone, Yu Lan naturally returned to Jing State and submitted her resignation to Qin Ying. As her direct superior, and also the woman… backing Wang Zhan, Qin Ying naturally signed it immediately without the slightest hesitation, granting her wish.

Qin Ying giggled, seemingly amused by Yu Lan. "Then come, my beloved consort. Tonight, let this emperor enjoy you thoroughly…"

「Yanjing Martial Arts Academy.」

From the day Yuan Mengru first met Wang Zhan, she had brought another exceptionally beautiful woman back here with her.

Just as Yuan Mengru was teaching Xu Yuyu some common knowledge about the Federation, Yun Tianyi appeared. A faint smile played on his lips as he glanced briefly at Xu Yuyu and nodded. "Miss Xu, are you settling in alright here?"

Xu Yuyu quickly looked up, her face full of gratitude. "Yes, yes! Thank you, Elder, for taking me in! Yu Yu feels that everything is wonderful."

"Haha, that's good then. If you need anything in the future, just ask Mengru. Consider this your home…"

Yuan Mengru remained silent, allowing Yun Tianyi to try and sweet-talk Xu Yuyu. But how could she know that Yun Tianyi's purpose in coming wasn't for Xu Yuyu? He sent a voice transmission, speaking softly into her ear, "Wang Zhan has left. He's gone to the Star War Battlefield. This time, the path ahead is truly perilous, and his return is uncertain."

Yuan Mengru's hand clenched, her emotions surging so violently that she almost startled Xu Yuyu.

Yun Tianyi advised, "A young person's affections are often fickle. Your current realm is low. Even if you like him and worry about him, what can you do? According to him, he can already fight a Half-Step Martial King. Even if I told you, what could you do about it? So, if you don't want to be left too far behind, you must work harder and strive to catch up…"

After advising Yuan Mengru, Yun Tianyi told Xu Yuyu to study diligently and then quietly turned and left.

One thing he didn't say was that Wang Zhan was definitely stronger than he appeared. That kid was afraid of dying, so there was no way he didn't have a trump card. But saying that out loud would only discourage her.

But how could Yuan Mengru calm down with such worries on her mind? She immediately went to Xu Yuyu's side. When she couldn't hold it in any longer, she finally steeled herself and said, "Yu Yu, Wang Zhan… he's gone to the Star War Battlefield!"

CLACK.

The pen Xu Yuyu was holding innocently slipped from her grasp and fell. She then silently picked it back up.

"Don't you worry about him at all?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.