C5 Wild Wolf

Nestled within a small mountain range just outside Hancheng, a colossal base lay concealed underground, accessible only by a single passageway that connected it to the outside world.

At that moment, within a modest room of the base, Yang Chen sprawled listlessly on a sofa, the epitome of boredom. The room was spacious, nearly rivaling the size of Yang Chen's own home, and featured a coffee table that shimmered like crystal. Atop it, an array of beverages and a heap of fruit were enticingly arranged.

Yet, amidst such comfort, Yang Chen's ragged attire seemed oddly out of place.

Lying back with ease, he grabbed a drink with one hand and a sizable fruit with the other, biting into it with gusto, juice spilling from his mouth. Once sated with food and drink, Yang Chen reclined once more, reveling in the plushness of the sofa, so much so that he considered taking a nap—a luxury his own modest bed couldn't match.

This was Yang Chen's first encounter with such opulence.

"They're here!" Yang Chen murmured, shifting slightly before sitting up to face the door.

The crisp, rhythmic sound of leather boots striking the floor echoed through the room. The footsteps were measured and deliberate, signaling the approach of someone exceptional. The door swung open, and in strode a middle-aged man with a square face, clad in a dark green military uniform. His presence exuded authority, his every move radiating a lethal aura that betrayed his history of violence—a history so extensive it defied enumeration.

Despite the man's formidable air, Yang Chen felt no threat, only a mild discomfort from the pervasive killing intent. Though powerful, Yang Chen had never taken a life, his innocence in this regard now placing him at a subtle disadvantage.

The officer settled opposite Yang Chen and introduced himself with calm authority. "I am the highest commander of Hancheng's No.98, known as Wild Wolf, a Grade A Ability User."

Wild Wolf's gaze was piercing, as if attempting to unravel Yang Chen's very essence. Yet Yang Chen merely smiled, unfazed. He sensed no danger from Wild Wolf, and without a threat, there was nothing to fear.

Wild Wolf's brow creased slightly. Most would squirm under such scrutiny, but this young man remained unbothered, even smiling. Wild Wolf, a seasoned veteran of military and Ability User conflicts, knew his own aura could shatter the spirit of a D-class Ability User and severely impair a C-class. But this young man was an enigma.

There were few possible explanations: either the young man had significant backing and specialized training, or he was a spy. Otherwise, his composure was inexplicable. The third possibility was more unsettling—that Yang Chen's power surpassed his own.

But if he were a spy, why walk directly into the lion's den of No.98? Yang Chen's background had been thoroughly vetted; he was an orphan, a scavenger from the streets. Yet now, he seemed transformed, as if reborn. Even Wild Wolf, with his vast experience, was momentarily perplexed.

Nonetheless, he was not one to be easily rattled.

"I'm aware of your request," Wild Wolf began, his tone measured. "But Grandmaster Level individuals are exceedingly rare throughout Hua Xia, with only one residing in all of Jiangnan. Meeting a Grandmaster is no small feat."

Yang Chen's lips curled into a knowing smile. "What's the condition?" he inquired. Wild Wolf had implied difficulty, not refusal, suggesting there was still a chance, albeit with strings attached.

"Even for me, direct contact with a Grandmaster is scarce," Wild Wolf admitted. "Such privilege is reserved for S-class entities who can engage with a Grandmaster up close."

Yang Chen's request was a tall order, even for the commander of Hancheng. Despite his rank, Hancheng was but a dot on the vast map of Hua Xia, one among hundreds of similar cities. If Wild Wolf possessed such influence, the Grandmasters of Hua Xia would be overwhelmed with visitors.

"I can introduce you to the chief officer of Jiangnan's No.98, but first, I must witness your strength. Without proof of your capabilities, even my recommendation may not suffice to persuade a Grandmaster on your behalf."

With a pause, Wild Wolf fixed Yang Chen with a penetrating stare, awaiting his response.

He had taken his subordinate's advice into account.

Capturing a well-trained No.98 D-class Ability User unawares is something not even a C-class could manage.

From what he could see, this young man, Yang Chen, was clearly formidable, perhaps even on par with himself.

Wild Wolf hadn't sparred with an equal in a long while and was itching for a challenge. Testing Yang Chen's strength was the goal, but satisfying his own craving for a fight was a welcome bonus.

Yang Chen shifted slightly, then sprawled out on the sofa, chuckling.

"Do you really need to be so indirect? You want to test my strength, let's get to it!"

Wild Wolf was intent on gauging Yang Chen's abilities, and Yang Chen was certainly not averse to proving his own.

His status as a Grandmaster was confirmed by the system, but whether that held true on Earth remained to be seen.

Now presented with an A-class Ability User as a sparring partner, he had the perfect opportunity to experiment.

Yang Chen was also curious about the true strength of the Ability Users within No.98, who wielded such power in Hua Xia.

Wild Wolf glanced at Yang Chen and his brow creased.

As a military man, he found Yang Chen's casual demeanor somewhat disrespectful.

But since Yang Chen wasn't part of No.98 or under his command, he held his tongue.

"This isn't the place for a fight. Let's move," Wild Wolf said, standing and heading out.

Yang Chen followed suit, rising and trailing behind him.

As they passed, No.98 members eyed Yang Chen with mild astonishment; his attire was quite uncommon there.

Soon, Wild Wolf led Yang Chen to a vast combat arena.

The space was enormous, several hundred square meters in size, dwarfing even a soccer field.

Within, Ability Users sparred, showcasing a dizzying array of powers.

Flames erupted from some, while others wielded pillars of ice. The diversity of abilities was an eye-opener for Yang Chen.

Hold on!

Yang Chen paused, pondering his own Ability.

He didn't lack an Ability, did he?

Beyond his physical prowess, he couldn't recall any special powers.

Was he an imposter among Ability Users?

Shaking off the thought, Yang Chen was nonetheless filled with self-doubt.

Could one cultivate without an Ability?

With this question in mind, he stepped into the arena with Wild Wolf.

The other Ability Users ceased their training to salute Wild Wolf, then cast curious glances at Yang Chen.

Accustomed to such looks, Yang Chen wasn't fazed.

Wild Wolf gestured for the others to clear out, then faced Yang Chen with a serious expression.

"Last ten minutes against me, and I'll introduce you to Jiangnan's head honcho. Fail, and you stay with No.98 until you're ready for the referral. Deal?"

Despite his awareness of Yang Chen's unusual talents, Wild Wolf suspected he was no more than a B-rank.

Reaching A-rank at such a young age was nearly unthinkable. Since the Spiritual Qi revival, all the top-tier Grandmasters had been cultivating since the Last Days. The young had a steep climb to reach such heights.

Yang Chen's eyebrows lifted, a grin flashing across his face.

"And if I win?"

Wild Wolf was taken aback, clearly not having considered this. In Hancheng, he was unmatched!

Among A-rank Ability Users, he was a leading force!

Yet this young upstart dared to challenge him?

Wild Wolf's laughter boomed.

"Hahahaha!"

"If you can defeat me, what's Hancheng's leadership to me? I'll hand it over!"