Swallowed Star: Reboot

Chapter 11: Shadowed Schemes!

Jiang Zhe glanced at his smart wristwatch and noticed a message from the butler.

[Young Master Zhe, your martial artist license has been retrieved and placed on the coffee table in the main hall. The punch strength testing machine has also been installed in the training yard out back. This model is suitable for testing advanced War God-level strength—it should serve you well for quite a while.]

"Perfect. Time to test it out."

In the corner of the backyard training grounds, a new shelter had been built to house the brand-new punch strength tester.

—"6022 kg!"

That was a pure, unassisted punch—no technique, just raw physical power.

Jiang Zhe smirked. "At this rate, I should reach Apprentice Level 4—or even Junior War General level—within half a month."

---

Meanwhile, at the Wang family estate in Capital Base City…

The Wang clan—one of the twelve most powerful families in the global HR Alliance—was ranked number one among all clans in Hanxia Nation. They wielded tremendous influence both politically and commercially.

However, when it came to martial strength, they were far behind. But then again, this was a common weakness shared by most elite families in the HR Alliance.

The current head of the Wang family had only recently taken the helm. He had just passed fifty, with graying temples and a ruddy complexion that radiated nobility.

At this moment, he was watching a military intelligence video alongside his eldest son, Wang Zhen.

—The footage showed a martial artist hurling a metal whip that crushed the head of a Shadow Cat on a rooftop. The clip ended abruptly there.

They glanced again at the analysis report on the table, then fell into silent contemplation.

After a long pause, the old master of the Wang family muttered, "High-level warrior... likely a mid-tier War General-level spiritual force user... movement technique at the 'Microscopic' level... power output around two to three times normal strength…"

"Why is it that the Jiang family, already so powerful, still receives divine favor? Oh Heaven above, why do you treat my Wang family so unjustly?"

Jiang Zhe's stunning display left the old man seething with envy. Why couldn't the Wang family produce such a prodigious martial genius?

If Jiang Zhe were here, he'd probably offer a proper lecture on karma and fortune.

The Jiang family had spent generations supporting the weak and doing good in Lanling Base City. Their descendants were devoted martial artists, not prone to mischief. Any blessings they enjoyed were hard-earned and well-deserved.

As for the Wang family?

Heh. If not for City Lord Luo's soft heart—only punishing the ringleaders instead of tearing the family down—he could've barged into their estate with a blade and taken out ten core members without harming a single innocent.

"Father," Wang Zhen said cautiously, "please take care of your health."

"If you ask me, that brat at most becomes a rookie councilman. It's not like our Wang family can't win over someone at that level. And besides—he's making such a show of himself, who says he'll even live long enough to enjoy his fame?"

"Our ally, Councilman Li Nansheng, is ruthless and ambitious. He won't tolerate threats, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's already got his eyes on this kid."

"Jiang Zhe and the Jiang family make the perfect example to strike down. It'll send a message to others and consolidate Li's grip on power in Hanxia. That way, he can finally make his move toward becoming the 'Martial Alliance Leader' he dreams of."

Wang Zhen pushed his glasses up, his voice cold and venomous—like a snake ready to strike.

The old master sighed. "It's not about the long term anymore. The Alliance Chairman is already preparing to redistribute resources in Hanxia. The Jiang family will be receiving a share of commercial interests."

Wang Zhen's eyes grew even colder. "That old hag dares? The Alliance only managed to grow its domestic influence because of our family's support. And now she wants to carve out a piece of our pie? Is she not afraid we'll go scorched earth—establish our own power, and drive those foreign bastards out of Hanxia?"

"When we brought them in, we became dependent on them." The old master's tone turned distant. "Let's wait and see… Oh, and tomorrow, bring a gift when you visit Councilman Li Nansheng. Be humble, flatter him, make it clear we're ready to serve. You know what else to do—I don't need to spell it out."

"I understand, Father," Wang Zhen replied with a wicked smile. "I'll help Councilman Li pick a proper target for his warning strike. Hehehe…"

"Go, then."

Wang Zhen nodded and left the study.

Outside, a youth with a sinister expression had been eavesdropping by the door. When he heard footsteps, he quickly straightened up and cast a warning glare at the old butler beside him, signaling him to keep quiet.

As Wang Zhen stepped out, the youth respectfully called, "Big Brother!"

---

After sending off his useless youngest son, Wang Li, the old master lay back in a rocking chair, visibly exhausted, rubbing his temples.

The old butler entered, carrying a bowl of lotus seed porridge.

"Did Li'er hear everything?"

"Yes, Master. The young master caught every word you and the eldest young master said."

The old man sighed. "Li'er is my most debauched, disappointing child… but also the one who cares most about the family. He knows that everything—his luxury, his indulgence—comes from the Wang family. He'll be the most vicious guard dog we have. He'll destroy anything that threatens us."

He spoke like a detached observer—chilling and unreadable.

Then he asked, "What do you think Li'er will do?"

"Young Master Li is clever. He'll likely turn to mercenaries. Only they have the confidence to carry out something like this."

"Good. Then go prepare the funds for him—between 50 to 100 billion. Make sure there's no trace linking it to the Wang family."

"Yes, Master."

---

August 3rd.

Jiang Zhe arrived at the Traditional Martial Hall.

"Second Brother, it's August now. When are you leaving for the Thunder Martial Hall's elite training camp?"

"In a few days. Grandpa and the others should be back soon. Once I leave, I won't be back until New Year's. I'm really reluctant to leave everyone behind." Jiang Wu scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile.

"Second Brother, is there a way to swap my invitation to the Elite Training Camp at the Extreme Martial Hall? You could go in my place."

Honestly, Jiang Zhe felt that with his current 5.3x strength amplification, he didn't need to attend any elite camp.

If anything, he should be teaching there.

Plus, it couldn't possibly be more exciting than challenging other dojos.

The Extreme Martial Hall's so-called elite training resources weren't all that impressive. The real treasures—like the Spirit of Plants or the Muya Crystals—were things that needed to be traded directly with Hong himself.

Jiang Wu's face turned serious. "Xiao Zhe, I know you mean well, but don't ever attempt to provoke either of the top martial halls! The invitation was given to you—only you can attend. If we even hint at switching candidates, it'll be taken as an insult to both halls."

"Alright, I was just thinking it'd be a shame to waste it." Jiang Zhe shrugged.

"Don't worry, Xiao Zhe. The Thunder Martial Hall's elite camp isn't bad at all."

"There's no Dragon's Blood, but they have plenty of second-tier resources like Jade Marrow."

"Besides, our family has a long-standing friendship with Thor. You could say we're practically old allies. I'm really just going to build some connections and show our support. Thor might even personally teach me sword techniques when he has time."

Jiang Wu patted Jiang Zhe's shoulder, smiling reassuringly.

"Our family's Xingyi style has reached a bottleneck for me. My improvement has nearly stopped. It's time I meet Earth's number-one swordsman! Otherwise, how can I keep guiding my little brother in the future?"

The towering figure's melancholic tone caught Jiang Zhe off guard.

His normally carefree Second Brother was actually… hurt by him.

"Second Brother, then how about you give me one last lesson before you leave?"

Jiang Wu: (◎_◎;)

Visibly shaken, the human tower wobbled, almost becoming the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

"Uhh… Xiao Zhe, Second Brother's feeling a bit under the weather today…"

"Second Brother, I want the guiding technique—and to choose one more core manual."

"Ah~ well, never mind. The medicine just kicked in! Suddenly I feel great. Come, let's head to the ninth floor and get it!"

Having witnessed Jiang Zhe's terrifying comprehension, Jiang Wu no longer worried about him being a jack of all trades. Without waiting for the elders' approval, he personally handed Jiang Zhe the core manuals.

"Yin-Yang Stance"

"Three Powers Stance"

"Six Harmonies Dragon Spear"

These were the three physical manuals Jiang Zhe ultimately chose.

The first two were guiding techniques.

The last was about the "Dragon Form"—a technique Jiang Zhe intended to study in depth to refine his core power technique.

—With the Dragon Form as the central pillar, he would master the Chicken Legs, Bear Shoulders, and Eagle Grasp!

Once he merged all four force types, what kind of explosive power could he achieve?

Jiang Zhe was eager to find out.

---

August 5th.

The four Jiang family members who had gone to the wilderness to hunt dragons finally returned. The sheer scale of the spoils left Jiang Zhe wide-eyed in disbelief.

So… they weren't pretending anymore? They were really going all in?

( End of the chapter )