Chapter Twenty-Four: The Lighthouse

A single phone call, and Wang Chui arrived.

They all knew each other well—he was an old friend of Qin Yicheng’s. Upon hearing about Qin Ming’s situation, his eyes widened in disbelief and he cried out, “Impossible!”

At only eighteen, Qin Ming had been granted the title of Martial Artist before even participating in the global unified field examination. Zhuge Tao, the chief officer of the Jiangnan Base City’s Guild, had personally evaluated him and confirmed that he had already reached the physical standards of an intermediate War General. The global headquarters had sent out a notice: on August first, they would dispatch someone for further assessment.

He had practiced the Ninefold Thunder Blade for only about ten days, yet he had already comprehended the first level. His movement technique had also reached the subtle mastery stage.

After confirming it several times and assessing him personally, Wang Chui finally had to admit that this was a little prodigy.

“My dear nephew, excellent—truly excellent!” Wang Chui, a towering man with hands like giant fans, clapped his palm on Qin Ming’s shoulder. His broad, fleshy face broke into a rare grin. “You’re a genius, a once-in-a-generation genius!”

“Uncle Wang, you flatter me!” Qin Ming said, embarrassed.

“I’m a straightforward man,” Wang Chui replied seriously. “I never flatter, just speak the plain truth! Nephew, come, let’s go to my place and have a drink together. And you should see the cooking skills of your little cousin, Juan. Tsk tsk, that girl—let’s not brag about anything else, but at just twenty and in the prime of youth, she’s unmatched at laundry and cooking, makes a bed better than anyone, strong arms and sturdy waist… ahem, come on, let’s go!”

Laughter erupted.

Wu Tong and the others couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. Qin Ming smiled as well.

On June 18th, Qin Ming, fully equipped, followed Wang Chui to Jiangnan Base City—one of the six great base cities of Huaxia, bustling with life.

The car stopped in front of an eighty-eight-story skyscraper, and the two of them got out. In front of the building was a vast square, complete with a fountain. All around, armed soldiers patrolled—there were thousands of them, and ordinary people weren’t allowed entry.

“This is the HR Alliance Mall,” Wang Chui explained as they walked. “It’s an underground alliance formed by many of the world’s top families and corporations. This is their headquarters in Jiangnan Base City, where they provide intelligence and trade goods. They buy beast materials at prices a third higher than the Martial Arts Halls, but you can’t earn points with them.”

When it came to business, he was all seriousness.

Qin Ming listened quietly, asking a question now and then.

The lobby was spacious, designed for receiving guests, while the second floor served as the trading hall. This was also the starting point for trains heading to the military garrison outside Wildland City—every hunting squad would gather here to await departure.

“Boss, over here!”

As soon as they entered, four people at a table waved to Wang Chui.

“Let’s go!” Wang Chui smiled.

“Uncle Yang, Uncle Ma, Uncle Xiong, Sister Niu—hello!” Qin Ming greeted them quickly.

These were Wang Chui’s teammates, and once Qin Yicheng’s as well. Qin Ming greeted them all.

“At least you know your manners!” the sole female member, Niu Piaopiao, said with a laugh.

She was valiant and spirited, though a scar running across her nose lent her a slightly fierce look.

“Xiao Ming, I remember the last time I saw you, you were just starting high school. In the blink of an eye, you’re already a Martial Artist!” Yang Sanbao marveled. “We really are getting old!”

“Cut it out!” Wang Chui retorted with a laugh. “You, De Cao, Tian Ao, and Piaopiao are only just past thirty. If anyone’s old, it’s me and old Qin. From now on, call Xiao Ming ‘Little Qin.’ Little Qin, just call them brother and sister, as fits each one.”

Qin Ming agreed happily.

The Iron Hammer Squad’s captain was Wang Chui, with Qin Yicheng as the former vice-captain. Earlier that year, their team had suffered a devastating blow, Qin Yicheng lost an arm, and they had retreated to the city for recovery, not venturing out since.

The other four were: artilleryman Yang Sanbao, sniper Niu Piaopiao, main attacker Xiong Tianao, and Ma Decao, who handled attack and reconnaissance.

Qin Yicheng had brought them over as guests before, so Qin Ming was familiar with them, and they got along naturally. They were well aware of Qin Ming’s talent—he was already r