Chapter 2701: Level 3 Black Zone(2)
“You just said it’s too risky, but you’re still somehow contemplating going to the Level 3 Black Zone?” Mei Feng said when Supreme General Tian remained quiet even several moments later.
“Why don’t we just let him go there alone? It’s not like we need to monitor him everywhere he goes.”
Supreme General Tian finally spoke. “No, we don’t. However, that only applies while he’s inside the city. The Level 3 Black Zone is an entirely different matter. If he’s going to reveal any of his secrets, that’s exactly the kind of place where it would happen.”
He continued, “I’m aware of the risks, but if someone has to go, it should be me. It simply makes the most sense.”
“How does that make any sense?” Mei Feng frowned. “You’re the Supreme General. In terms of importance, your safety and presence far outweigh General Gu’s and mine, not to mention that member of the Midnight Squad.”
Supreme General Tian shook his head before explaining his reasoning.
“I may be the Supreme General, but I was already preparing to retire. Besides, I’ve lived more than long enough. You, on the other hand, are still young, and you may even take my place in the near future.”
“Also, let’s not make it seem like I am guaranteed to die out there. It may be dangerous, but as long as I stay alert, I can even survive the Level 4 Black Zone.”
Knowing Supreme General Tian’s character, Mei Feng understood that trying to change his mind would be pointless now that he had already made his decision.
“Alright…” she eventually said with a reluctant nod.
A few days later, Yuan was summoned to Mei Feng’s office.
“The Supreme General has approved your request to enter the Level 3 Black Zone. However, since it’s considered the most dangerous area in the world, only a handful of people are even qualified to accompany you. Because of that, the Supreme General has decided to personally observe you this time.”
Yuan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, as he hadn’t expected the Supreme General himself to accompany him.
“The most dangerous? I thought there was a Level 4 Black Zone.”
“Technically, yes, the Level 4 Black Zone is the most dangerous. But it’s so deadly that the longest anyone has ever managed to survive inside is a single week, so we tend to pretend it doesn’t even exist.”
Yuan nodded.
“When can I leave?” he then asked.
“In eight days. The Supreme General has some work to do before he can leave. Also, you’ll only be allowed to train for three months at a time.”
“Sounds good.”
“I know I don’t have to say this, but stay safe.”
“I will.”
Meanwhile, the Supreme General notified a certain woman of his plans.
“You’ll be going to the Level 3 Black Zone? You’re not young anymore, Supreme General,” Yu Rou remarked after learning of his mission.
“It’s not like I enjoy babysitting either, but someone has to keep an eye on that otherworldly brat,” Supreme General Tian sighed.
“That being said, I’m actually a little excited to see him in action firsthand—especially since only a handful of people are capable of defeating the Void Specters there, and most of them are dead now…”
After leaving Mei Feng’s office, Yuan made his way to the cafeteria, where he had already decided to spend the next several days.
Fortunately for him, the menu changed every week, giving him an entirely new selection of food to enjoy.
On his way to the cafeteria, Yuan encountered Mei Xiaoyun.
“Hey, our squad has three members now,” Yuan said to her.
“I haven’t been able to find Li Jieyu,” Mei Xiaoyun said, shaking her head.
“Oh, that’s fine. I already invited her when I bumped into her. Also, I’d like to apologize for not accepting Huang Zhi Han into our squad sooner. It ended up causing unnecessary friction between the two of you…”
Mei Xiaoyun shrugged. “It’s fine. To be frank, it was a bit entertaining…”
“Entertaining…?” Yuan raised an eyebrow.
Mei Xiaoyun nodded with a mysterious smile.
“Anyway… once we have four members, I’ll bring you guys out on a mission,” Yuan said a moment later.
“Take your time.”
“Also, I’ll be gone for three months in a week for training.”
“Where to?”
“Level 3 Black Zone.”
“Huh?” Mei Xiaoyun’s eyes widened in disbelief, her jaw dropping slightly.
“Didn’t you just come back from training at Level 2 Black Zone?”
“I did, and it wasn’t challenging enough.”
“Not challenging enough? Nobody has traveled to that place in over fifty years because it has gotten more dangerous than before.”
“Oh? Is that so? I can’t wait.” Yuan’s anticipation went up the moment he heard that.
“Well, knowing you, there’s no point in worrying, so good luck.”
Yuan chuckled and said, “Thanks.”
After that, Yuan went to the cafeteria to stuff his face, and he repeated it for the next several days.
One day before Yuan was set to leave the city for his training, a familiar figure approached him in the cafeteria.
“Do you have some time after this?” Li Jieyu asked him.
“Are you looking to spar with me again?”
She quietly nodded.
“Why?”
“I want to see how much I’ve closed our gap since our last spar,” she admitted.
“In that case, allow me to save you some time and pain. You didn’t close the gap at all. If anything, it got even wider.”
Li Jieyu frowned at his words, but before she could respond, Yuan continued, “But if you really want to spar with me, then join my squad.”
“What does that have to do with joining your squad?”
“Because my time is precious, and unless someone is a member of my squad, I find it difficult to spare any time for them.”
“…”
“Take your time and think it over. I’ll be leaving the city for three months tomorrow, anyway.”
Li Jieyu stood there in silence for a moment before turning around. However, before walking away, she suddenly asked, “What was the name of your squad again?”
“Nine Heavens.”
“Noted.”
With that, she left the cafeteria.