Chapter 75: Shadowstep Mastered, Invitation to the Banquet

Chapter Seventy-Five: "Shadowstep Achieved, Banquet Invitation"

That day, the fourth-level training room echoed with the sounds of collisions and impacts. Those who witnessed Xia Zheng's training intensity couldn't help but click their tongues in astonishment—it was sheer torment. No one was sure exactly what he was practicing, but each time his body suffered a blow, the resulting shock was enough to injure most people. Yet Xia Zheng persevered relentlessly.

His body was covered in wounds, some areas bruised black and blue, with blood clots spreading beneath the skin. Still, he did not stop; after a simple breath adjustment, he continued his exercises.

"No wonder this young man, though barely a year in the company, has secured the highest salary and the favor of Captain Chu. He truly deserves it," many remarked as they shook their heads and left the training room.

Cedric was the last to leave. He watched Xia Zheng for a long time and realized that Xia Zheng was already at his limit, yet refused to give up. Perhaps he was cultivating a critical skill.

At first, Cedric resented Xia Zheng's rapid rise and suspected favoritism from Chu Yan and Claire. But as Xia Zheng continued to complete high-level missions and his evaluation matched Cedric's own, he knew that he might never catch up to this rival.

Feeling somewhat dejected, Cedric left the training building and ran into his girlfriend, Zhang Ziqi, outside.

"Is Ah Zheng still inside?" Zhang Ziqi asked curiously.

Cedric nodded. "The kid must be crazy. He’s been training non-stop, not even sleeping, for almost twenty-four hours."

"I'll go get him out," Zhang Ziqi said, about to go inside, but Cedric stopped her.

She was about to protest when Cedric pointed to Nalan Sheng and Dream Fox approaching in the distance. "His two little girlfriends are here. No need for you. Let's go," he said, slipping an arm around her as they walked away.

In front of the training building, Nalan Sheng glanced at the departing couple, curiosity flickering in her eyes. She turned to Dream Fox. "Does Sister Ziqi like my brother?"

"Huh? Really? I don't think so," Dream Fox replied, shaking her head. Nalan Sheng smiled knowingly. From what she'd learned from Xia Zheng, perhaps her boyfriend had once had a crush on Zhang Ziqi, but now—with her by his side—that was enough.

Confidently, Nalan Sheng carried the lunchbox she had carefully prepared and entered the training room.

By now, the room was quiet. Xia Zheng, shirtless and dripping with sweat, lay on the floor, panting heavily. The training had truly pushed him to his limits.

Shadowstep seemed simple, but because he had deviated from the traditional method, forcibly using his mind force instead of pure physical strength, he had to endure these side effects. Still…

Xia Zheng sprang to his feet, exhaled deeply, and adjusted his posture. His mental power, recently replenished, had recovered a bit. After thousands upon thousands of attempts, this time he released his mind force with perfect precision—his figure blurred, then vanished, only to reappear on the other side of the room a moment later. He disappeared again, reappearing some distance away; within a few seconds, he shifted position several times. Finally, his mind faltered, and he stopped, gasping for breath.

Applause rang out. Xia Zheng turned toward the window and saw Nalan Sheng and Dream Fox. He smiled at them, deactivated the training room’s defense, and walked out.

"Wow… Master, you’re covered in bruises!" Dream Fox exclaimed in alarm, noticing the lines of Xia Zheng’s muscles marred by marks and contusions from countless impacts.

Nalan Sheng was also startled, not expecting him to push himself so hard. She quickly set down the lunchbox and took out a bottle of ointment from her pocket, pulling Xia Zheng to sit on a bench in the corridor. She massaged the ointment into his skin, dispersing the clotted blood.

Dream Fox stood on his other side, also applying ointment. Xia Zheng had no reason to refuse and simply enjoyed their ministrations.

"Why are you working so hard, brother?" Nalan Sheng asked unhappily.

Xia Zheng reassured her, "It’s fine. The movement skill I’m training is quite special. The third round of the tournament qualification is about to begin, and I promised Captain Chu that I’d secure a spot in the top eight."

"Do you still want to go to Evernight City?" Nalan Sheng asked anxiously.

Xia Zheng nodded. "Shengsheng, this is my greatest motivation as an Awakened. I made a promise with my classmates years ago: one day, we would reclaim Evernight City."

"I know, but that place is truly dangerous, especially after the recent breach and casualties. It shocked the entire Federation. I don't doubt your strength, but can't you wait until you reach A-rank before going?" Nalan Sheng pleaded.

Xia Zheng patted her cheek. "That’s why I want to compete in the tournament—to prove I’m already at A-rank strength. Shengsheng, I’m grateful for your concern, but I won’t abandon my original aspiration."

"Master, I support you—take me with you!" Dream Fox chimed in.

Xia Zheng laughed, pinching Dream Fox’s fox ears. Nalan Sheng glared at Dream Fox, who quickly clung to Xia Zheng in mock complaint, seeking sympathy. The two girls—one already nine centuries old but with a youthful heart—bantered like schoolgirls.

Xia Zheng had long been honest with Nalan Sheng about Dream Fox, though Nalan Sheng remained wary of her, so Dream Fox always felt a bit intimidated and rarely interacted with her alone.

Watching the two beauties squabble while he ate his lunch, Xia Zheng felt his mood lift.

Just then, the AI assistant Yuhua’s voice sounded: "Master, Mr. Shentu is calling."

"Alright, put him through." Xia Zheng set aside his half-eaten lunch and gestured to Nalan Sheng, who had been playing with Dream Fox’s tail, to quiet down. Both girls nodded obediently.

The call connected, and Shentu Yue’s voice came through. "Ah Zheng, are you free tonight?"

Xia Zheng thought for a moment. "Even if I weren’t, I’d clear my schedule if you asked, sir."

Shentu Yue laughed. "Smooth talker. Here’s the thing: I want to take you to a banquet tonight. I hope you’ll accompany me—alone."

Shentu Yue sounded in good spirits. It seemed that after using the medicinal herbs Xia Zheng had found, his health had improved; previously, he was so ill he had to stay in a sterile ward.

Xia Zheng replied, "Of course, Grandpa Shentu. I’ll prepare right away."

"At around five this afternoon, a car from the Foundation will pick you up. Just get in when it arrives," Shentu Yue instructed. After a few more minutes of small talk, the call ended.

Xia Zheng told Nalan Sheng and Dream Fox about the banquet that evening. Although neither was happy, they understood: since it was an invitation for him alone, they had to accept it. Fortunately, Shentu Yue was someone Xia Zheng knew well, so there was no safety concern.

With Shadowstep mastered, Xia Zheng didn’t stay any longer; his body needed time to heal.

At 4:50 p.m., a car pulled up at the front of the Heavenblade Squad headquarters to pick up Xia Zheng. Luckily, he’d already informed his colleagues on duty; given the tense situation lately, the squad would rather err on the side of caution.

After learning about the situation, Chu Yan offered resolute support and even dispatched some elite members back to the squad. But with the war at the front lines intensifying—and rumors of a vampire king in action—Chu Yan couldn’t return just yet. He promised, however, to be back in time for the main tournament.

When Xia Zheng stepped out of the company, he was surprised to find the head of the Nutrition Division, Emilia, waiting to pick him up.

"The chairman asked me to help the vice-chairman select suitable attire for the banquet. Don’t worry, I won’t be attending the banquet with you," Emilia said, all businesslike. Xia Zheng nodded and got in the car.

They drove into the city, arriving at a pedestrian street lined with clothing and shoe boutiques, mostly high-end, and even a luxury hair salon.

Xia Zheng was already dressed decently, having refused Nalan Sheng’s attempts to style him. But he couldn’t escape after all.

"I already have your measurements, Mr. Xia. Let’s start with your hair," Emilia said. So Xia Zheng was ushered into the salon, where he got a new style with bangs and a slightly tousled, wavy look—making him appear more spirited and fashionable.

"Was it really necessary to design a hairstyle?" Xia Zheng complained.

Emilia nodded. "You’re the vice-chairman, representing the Foundation’s image. The chairman said we can’t lose face."

She wore a casual matcha green blouse and tight jeans, her neckline a touch low, a rose-gold necklace at her throat. Xia Zheng noticed, somewhat surprised, that she had quite a figure.

Seeing that he did look more handsome, he let the matter drop. Then it was time for suit and shoe shopping. After the spree, Xia Zheng calculated that the expenses exceeded a hundred thousand. His “poor man’s mindset” couldn’t help but balk. Wasn’t it just dinner?

The banquet was set for eight o'clock. After all the preparations and errands, it was already seven-thirty, and Xia Zheng was starving—his recent training had left him with a ravenous appetite.

"How about we get something to eat first? Noodles, fast food, burgers—anything is fine," he suggested.

"No," Emilia replied. "You’re going straight to Crystal Palace for the banquet. If you’re really hungry, have a candy." She handed him a piece.

Xia Zheng unwrapped the candy and popped it in his mouth, only to be hit by a spicy flavor that almost made him spit it out. The heat passed quickly, leaving a lingering sweetness. Glancing at Emilia, he saw she was chewing one too.

"You have very unique taste," he couldn’t help but say.

"Thank you," Emilia replied with perfect seriousness.

Xia Zheng gave up trying to chat with this woman. Aside from her taste and fashion sense, she was hopelessly dull—like a nun from a temple.

Arriving at the Crystal Palace Hotel, he was struck by the luxury and splendor—brilliant lights illuminating the semi-transparent building, creating the aura of a true palace.

He presented his invitation and was guided inside by a staff member. Emilia watched him enter, a mischievous smile flickering on her face as she murmured, "That candy was especially for you."

In the elevator, Xia Zheng wondered about the true reason for Shentu Yue’s invitation. The whole affair was shrouded in secrecy. Was there perhaps a mysterious guest at the banquet tonight?