Chapter 9: The Squad Returns to Earth

Bang! Sun Gang felt a tremendous force smash into his right abdomen. His body slid uncontrollably two meters to the left before he stumbled and crashed to the ground. His eyes widened in disbelief—not so much because of the pain in his gut, but because he couldn’t fathom how Liu Yinyun had managed to unleash such a powerful whip kick.

Liu Yinyun glanced down at him, flexed her right leg a little, and asked, “Are you alright? I held back, you know.”

Sun Gang’s mouth twitched—the way she said that… If she hadn’t held back, would he have flown another two or three meters? Still, his last punch had landed squarely on Liu Yinyun’s shin; she must be forcing herself to endure the pain now…

Had she really mastered the basics of the “Qi Refinement Technique”? Was it truly that formidable?

As a man, he couldn’t let himself fall so easily. He raised his hand. “Second Lieutenant Liu, may I request assistance in this match?”

Liu Yinyun nodded her consent.

Without further ado, Sun Gang turned to his two companions behind him. “Zhao Chao, Fang Zheng, let’s join forces and attack Second Lieutenant Liu together. Take this seriously!” Both of them had witnessed Liu Yinyun’s devastating strike and nodded earnestly. “Alright!”

The three of them formed a loose encirclement, standing at different angles.

They lowered their stances slightly, shoulders tilted, and lunged forward like leopards. True experts, their intent was evident from the very first move.

Each one attacked a different spot, their coordination seamless, their movements flowing like water. Facing three skilled fighters, Liu Yinyun dared not be careless. Her mind raced, and she made a swift decision. She stepped forward with her right foot, leapt into the air, unleashed another whip kick, and twisted mid-air to throw punches at the other two.

Bang! Bang! Bang! All three were knocked back at once.

Sun Gang, who had already taken a whip kick to the stomach, now felt the sting of another to his arm—a scorching pain.

Normally, he could barely eke out a victory in one-on-one duels. Now, even three against one, they couldn’t win. What kind of man was he? His competitiveness burned hotter. He looked to his teammates. “Attack continuously—don’t give her any opening!”

Their onslaught surged like a flood, relentless and fierce.

Liu Yinyun dodged left and right, her rhythm disrupted. Though she fought back, she was occasionally struck by fists and feet. Sun Gang felt victory within reach—such a barrage, surely Liu Yinyun couldn’t last much longer…

Ten minutes later…

The three of them were dripping with sweat, their blood surging, faces flushed like boiled crabs.

Sun Gang began to doubt himself. Men, by nature, had a physical advantage over women. With equal training, no matter how hard Liu Yinyun worked, she couldn’t change that fact!

But today, it seemed the tables had turned.

From the start until now, Liu Yinyun had taken at least thirty punches and kicks—not to the head, but even a battle-hardened soldier should have been floored by now. Yet Liu Yinyun seemed to have become an emotionless fighting machine. Even as she was being hit, she was striking back at all three of them. She could endure, but the three of them were nearing their limits…

Three minutes later…

After a flurry of blows, Sun Gang, Fang Zheng, and Zhao Chao staggered back, sweat pouring, faces grim. Their arms felt weak, and every part of their bodies—save the vital spots—throbbed with pain. Fang Zheng shook his hand. “This is absurd… completely insane!”

Across from them, Liu Yinyun panted heavily, her face flushed, beads of sweat sticking her hair to her forehead. Heat radiated from her skin, and though she was a bit tired, she could feel her stamina slowly recovering. Give her five minutes and she could fight them all over again…

But as for another round, Sun Gang and the other two were already spent. Next time, perhaps. For now, she nodded to them. “Thanks for your effort. Get a good rest today—I’ll take my leave.”

As soon as Liu Yinyun left, the three of them collapsed onto the floor, even laying down flat. Sun Gang felt the ache all over and groaned, “The difference is just too great. Since Second Lieutenant Liu mastered the basics of the ‘Qi Refinement Technique,’ her strength and reflexes have improved so much. If time allowed, I’d spend twenty-four hours straight studying it!”

Fang Zheng, lying beside him, laughed. “‘Qi Refinement’ is hard to practice, and it all depends on talent. From what I know, only a few hundred people have ever managed to sense the energy in the air by following the manual, and most of them get stuck at that stage, unable to progress any further. Second Lieutenant Liu is young; it’s true her father played a role in her becoming an officer, but we’ve all seen her diligence, courage, and decisiveness. That she’s managed to enter the basics of ‘Qi Refinement’ seems perfectly natural to me.”

Sitting nearby, Zhao Chao joined in. “She’s outstanding, no doubt, but our nation alone has over a billion people. There’s no shortage of smart, brave, and resolute men and women. Why, then, apart from Second Lieutenant Liu, haven’t we heard of anyone else breaking through? Unless some are keeping it a secret, I think the threshold of talent is what’s holding everyone back…”

While the three of them debated, Liu Yinyun walked down the corridor, using her phone to access the training room’s permissions, downloading the surveillance footage of the match, and sending it to her father. Whether the “Qi Refinement Technique” truly led to immortality was uncertain, but its effectiveness in strengthening the body was real—and efficient!

Not long after, her father called, summoning her to the conference center.

When Liu Yinyun changed clothes and entered the meeting room, she was momentarily stunned. The small chamber was packed with the highest-ranking officials of the Summer Nation; even seven of the ten elders were present. Her father, Liu Gaoguo, sat in a corner and, seeing her, said, “You’re here. There’s a plan I’d like your thoughts on…”

Listening to her father’s explanation, Liu Yinyun understood.

According to the latest reports, more and more people practicing the “Qi Refinement Technique” had reached the stage of sensing energy—some might soon break through and begin true cultivation!

The significance of the Earth’s orphan had risen yet another notch; every nation was restless, their ambitions barely concealed.

The elders felt it was dangerous for the orphan to remain alone on Earth, so they discussed sending an elite team to the Summer Nation on Earth to join him, protect him, and assist him in his cultivation.

When the fleet was first launched, the program dictated that the ships had to fly out of the solar system at full speed—no turning back unless they left it. With billions on board, they couldn’t simply reverse course; even if they managed to land on Earth, it was uncertain whether they could ever take off again. So sending a small ship back was the best option—though for those who returned, it might mean never coming back.

Everyone understood what “never coming back” meant.

The squad’s members had to be the best of the best, proficient in many skills, and, crucially, possess the talent for cultivation—at least reaching the energy-sensing stage of the “Qi Refinement Technique.”

Liu Yinyun and the four other men and women standing nearby were the candidates for this mission to Earth.

Liu Gaoguo rose and saluted them. “We respect your personal wishes—joining or withdrawing is entirely up to you. What are your decisions?”

They had guessed a major assignment was coming, but didn’t expect it would be a return to Earth. Yet what of it! The five stood tall and proud. “We accept! For our country, for the world, and for our future!”

Everyone present had anticipated this, but still felt moved. Liu Gaoguo’s gaze rested on each of their faces, finally lingering on his daughter, Liu Yinyun. His lips trembled, but he said nothing more. He turned and said, “Prepare yourselves. Departure is imminent. The journey to Earth will be fraught with peril. Be careful. I hope to see you all return in triumph…”