"Ah, being a human is so difficult," Wang Zhan sighed, looking around again. In fact, he didn't need to say anything; everyone could sense his internal conflict. The captain hadn't spoken privately, so everyone had heard. Even at ten or twenty billion each, with seven people, it amounted to at least seventy billion, possibly double. Whether they had the potential to reach the Martial Emperor Realm was debatable, but reaching the Martial King Realm by lavishing resources on them was already a certainty.

It was no wonder Wang Zhan seemed conflicted. He even cast a somewhat questioning glance towards Yun Tianyi and his three companions, muttering to himself, "To kill or not to kill, that's the dilemma! If I kill them, my Martial King Realm is definitely gone, and I might even miss out on the Martial Emperor Realm. That's a huge loss. But if I don't kill them, you old fogeys are so stingy. You'd begrudge me even a piece of Martial King Equipment, never mind actually spending money on me…"

The Second-level Warrior kneeling before him naturally heard this. Though still trembling with fear, a sliver of hope emerged. He won't kill me! He won't kill me! The Martial King Realm… Once I become a Martial King, I'll have whatever I want. The vast sea will be mine to leap in, the boundless sky mine to fly through… Of course, he didn't dare interrupt Wang Zhan, terrified that a careless word might provoke this god of slaughter and lead to his own pointless death.

The other six also felt a jolt. Hearing Wang Zhan's muttering, a spark of hope ignited within them – perhaps he really would spare their lives for a price. This guy is a madman! Even if twenty or thirty billion would make their parents flinch, it was ultimately their families' money. To save their own lives, it was worth more than anything. So, their footsteps faltered slightly. They watched Wang Zhan's back or profile cautiously, praying inwardly, Agree to it! Agree to it! As long as I live, I'll give thirty billion! Seriously, Wang Zhan, don't be foolish! Killing us won't get you a single cent…

They didn't know that when Wang Zhan glanced at Yun Tianyi, Yun Tianyi's expression had frozen, his face darkening slightly. If I recall correctly, didn't I just say not long ago that Wang Zhan never asked me for compensation? Who would've thought this kid was so fickle, turning on a dime like that! Doesn't he, Yun Tianyi, have any face to lose?

The other three had no time to rib him. They just stared at the kneeling Second-level Warrior and said coldly, "He must die! If he doesn't, humanity's spine will remain twisted."

"No matter the cost, no matter the factions. Humans who've lost their fighting spirit are more detestable than beasts."

"Kill him! No discussion! Doesn't Wang Zhan want money and resources? Give them to him! As long as he lives, it's not entirely impossible for the four of us to nurture a Martial Emperor!"

They weren't sure if Wang Zhan would live that long, but given his Talent for breaking the 50% Limit, everyone was certain he could reach the Martial Emperor Realm. This wasn't mere fantasy. So, in the blink of an eye, they had agreed on a course of action. Even if Wang Zhan was partly putting on an act, a promise was a small price to pay.

However, just as Yun Tianyi was about to speak, Wang Zhan's fist shot out, smashing into the head of the kneeling, pleading captain. It burst like a watermelon. Even at the moment of death, the man couldn't understand why Wang Zhan had struck so ruthlessly, without any mercy.

"RETCH…"

The remaining six, having never witnessed such a gruesome scene, felt bile rise in their throats. They couldn't stop themselves from vomiting as they started to scream curses.

"Wang Zhan, you dare kill him! You'll die for this! You'll definitely die!"

"If you dare kill him, you'll dare kill us! Wang Zhan, I'm telling you, offending us seals your doom!"

"Don't think the Four can protect you! Even if the entire Federation stood behind you, you'd still die!..."

They cursed venomously, their fear and hatred for Wang Zhan reaching an unprecedented peak. But this time, they were truly doomed. No one could save them—not their parents, not the Martial Arts Academy. All they could do was roar in fury, hoping to leave final words for their parents.

"Dad, you must avenge me! My killers are the Four, Wang Zhan, and the Federation!"

"Mom, make Wang Zhan join me! I'll wait for him! I'll wait for him to die with me!..."

Everyone had gone mad. Their legs gave out; terror nearly sent them sprawling. Tears and snot streamed down their faces, which were contorted in horrifying masks that were neither crying nor laughing, making them look like a pack of lunatics.

Wang Zhan shook the Fresh Blood from his hand. He let out a long sigh, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I told you, it's not about the money. Why don't you understand? Did you really think that by joining the Original Organization, by opposing the Federation, by standing against the Federation, we would lose? That I would lose? Or did you think anyone is actually afraid of you?

"No! I'm telling you, even if tens of billions were laid before me, if anyone harms the interests of the Federation, I will kill them without hesitation, even if it costs me my own life.

"If you ask me why, I can only tell you this: because the Federation belongs to the Human Race, the Federation is my home, the Federation is the doom of the beasts, and the Federation is humanity's last line of defense.

"Meet your end! Humans will never be slaves!!"

Wang Zhan roared that last sentence from the depths of his soul, shouting himself hoarse, his face flushed crimson. He looked like a young man fiercely determined to defend his homeland. He didn't care if anyone responded. In a flash, he appeared before another team member, a mere Level 9 Martial Artist, and sent a fist flying. Like a balloon, the man exploded with a sickening pop, Fresh Blood splattering the green grass crimson.

On the battle-viewing platform opposite them, first one person was stunned, then a group, and then, like sparks igniting a wildfire, the shock spread across the entire arena, leaving countless people thunderstruck. They too leaped to their feet, shouting with the same fervor as they had for Wang Zhan and the Yu State Military Martial Academy earlier. Their roars thundered, a sound wave that shook the very clouds in the sky.

"Humans will never be slaves!"

"Humans will never be slaves!"

"Humans will never be slaves! Kill them…"

It wasn't just students. Among them was a middle-aged reporter, as agitated as a child. He held his recording device steady, but his face was fiercely contorted as he screamed until his voice nearly broke, gesturing wildly.

"Humans will never be slaves!!…"

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

With each punch, Wang Zhan eliminated another piece of scum, as if swatting away melon rinds. The arena floor was now awash with crimson, a gruesome sight. Beyond the arena, a tide of righteous fury surged, connecting everyone! He wasn't fighting alone; he had the entire Federation backing him.

However, amidst the fervor of these easily excitable and naive students, Yuan Mengru fell silent, gazing deeply at Wang Zhan. She sensed the performance behind his actions and words. Are you trying to lash the Federation and the Martial Arts Academy to your warship? Don't you know how many people that will offend… And that uncle in front of me, he's actually foolishly joined Wang Zhan's cheering section. Doesn't he realize this is all just a ridiculous charade, with everyone, both on and off stage, merely spectators to a play?

Hanqing also fell silent. He sensed Wang Zhan's complexity, noting how he had deviated from the path of a true warrior. Putting on a show for resources… seems worth it, I suppose. After all, it's the Federation's face on the line, both inside and out. Who's really losing in the end?… He wasn't an idiot. Where there's a performance, there are interests at stake. Wang Zhan kept talking about tens of billions. Once these life-clinging cowards were dead, who would cough up those tens of billions? The Federation? Or the Four? Does this kid even realize what he's doing? He's inserted himself into a feast meant only for the top brass, yet he's already trying to carve out a piece for himself with his own little knife.

Chu Yuming, however, smiled. Very good. A child who knows how to cry for its mother will always get milk easier than others… Without a doubt, Wang Zhan had truly piqued his interest. Perhaps the Chu Family also needed to make an investment like Wang Zhan. As for whether Wang Zhan's actions were genuine or feigned, there was really no need to delve into it. Ultimately, people only needed to know that Wang Zhan belonged to the Federation, that Wang Zhan belonged to the Federation's people. Moreover, he was currently a hero of the Federation, an idol for countless individuals within it. Who would object to him enjoying the Federation's resources? And who had the right to stop him? No one, presumably.

While some were excited and others silent, there were naturally those who felt helpless, having been directly outmaneuvered by Wang Zhan. The four old men all wore peculiar expressions—some had faint, unreadable smiles, some looked helpless, and others offered wry, bitter chuckles. That kid Wang Zhan had practically thrust his demands right in their faces. It was as if he'd pointed to a lavish feast, then turned to them with a passionate declaration:

"Look, I gave up tens of billions for the Federation! Tens of billions I sacrificed for the Federation! How can you still treat me so poorly? I'm a citizen of the Federation too; I'm one of its warriors.

"I've sweated for the Federation, I've bled for the Federation, and I'm even prepared to fight to the very end for the Federation! So, it's time you fed me something good. You can't keep treating me like you did before."

Perhaps, this is what they mean when they say the child who cries gets the most milk.

If Wang Zhan treated the Federation like this, how should the Federation treat him in return? To give him resources would be to recognize the contributions of a meritorious servant and genius of the Federation. Not to give would be to dishearten those who were loyal and devoted to the Federation.

Moreover, the most crucial point was that they had indeed already decided to support him. However, there's always a difference between acting proactively and reactively. If they gave reactively, it would mean Wang Zhan had cost them face; it would be an offense, making them appear brash, unruly, and unversed in worldly ways. Giving proactively, however, maintained face and was a matter of goodwill. The Federation would be seen as discerning and making wise appointments, the Four as having sharp judgment, and Wang Zhan as loyal and devoted. Everyone would look good.

After all, no one knew the inside story.

"Heh, it seems we old goose hunters have finally had our eyes pecked by a goose."

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