Chapter 371: Security and Retirement

Chapter 371: Security and Retirement

After resting for half a day, Zhuo Yanran arrived in the evening and, upon seeing Zhao Cangming, couldn't help but chastise him, though she was ultimately relieved to see him safe and sound.

The siblings had already discussed the matter and decided not to tell their mother the whole truth to spare her unnecessary worry.

After dinner, Zhao Cangming suddenly said, "Mom, I still want to venture into the Star Realm."

"Why are you still so stubborn?" Zhuo Yanran immediately disagreed, but her tone lacked the firmness of her previous objections.

"Brother-in-law found me in Olympia and said you were very worried, so I came back specifically to let you know," Zhao Cangming said seriously. "I'm already an adult, and I don't want to spend my life as a waste on Earth. Sister agrees with me."

Zhuo Yanran turned to her daughter.

Zhao Manying nodded. "Cangming's strength is sufficient. Many Altered stop at the intermediate level before entering the Star Realm."

This was a decision the three of them had made together.

Shi Hongyi probably didn't know that Zhao Cangming had gotten out of his predicament, and for the time being, the two sides couldn't completely fall out. Letting Zhao Cangming enter the Star Realm first would not only keep him safe but also provide an opportunity for growth.

"Your brother-in-law had only reached the initial Altered stage when he entered the Star Realm," Zhao Cangming added, seeing that his mother was considering his proposal.

"Can you compare yourself to Starfire?"

Zhuo Yanran glanced at Ji Xinghuo and asked, "Starfire, what do you think about Cangming's plan to enter the Star Realm?"

"Of course, it's fine. Cangming won't be alone. I plan to call a few friends—experienced and powerful Altered individuals—to form a team to guide him," Ji Xinghuo replied.

"If even you agree, Starfire, then I'm relieved," Zhuo Yanran said, knowing she couldn't stop them. "Go ahead then."

Zhao Cangming was overjoyed.

Zhao Manying added, "Mom, I plan to retire from the league and focus on pursuing the legendary rank. I'll move in with you."

"Live with me?" Zhuo Yanran's expression turned to one of surprise.

Her daughter had always lived independently as an adult, and now that she had a boyfriend, why would she want to live with her even if she retired? Although she was happy, she couldn't help but feel puzzled.

With all that had happened in the past two days and the news reports, Zhuo Yanran felt that her children were hiding something from her.

She asked curiously, "If you're living with me, what about Starfire?" She knew her daughter was living with Ji Xinghuo.

"Auntie, I'll be entering the Star Realm again soon," Ji Xinghuo explained.

Zhao Manying's decision to move in with Zhuo Yanran was naturally for her protection, but she couldn't be by her side at all times, especially with her work at the Aether Institute. Therefore, Ji Xinghuo intended to hire bodyguards to protect not only Zhuo Yanran but also his own family.

Zhuo Yanran frowned. "You're hiding something from me."

As the owner of a fashion design company with dozens of employees, she wasn't easily fooled.

Zhao Manying and Ji Xinghuo exchanged glances.

"Someone wants to harm us..." Zhao Manying began, deciding to tell her mother part of the truth as they had agreed upon earlier.

However, they left out any mention of Shi Hongyi and the true cause of their father's death.

They wanted to wait until after they had taken their revenge to reveal everything.

In fact, Ji Xinghuo preferred to be straightforward, but the siblings felt that their mother was just an ordinary person, and they didn't want her to live in constant fear.

After hearing their explanation, Zhuo Yanran still had her doubts but ultimately accepted their decision.

Ji Xinghuo left Zhao Manying's home and headed for a high-end apartment building several kilometers away.

"Welcome!"

An Yitian opened the door with a smile.

"Senior An," Ji Xinghuo greeted him politely. "Sorry to disturb you." He then followed An Yitian into the living room.

The top two floors of the apartment building were purchased by the An siblings and served as their home. Neither of them was married, and they each occupied a separate floor. At the moment, An Zisu was also at An Yitian's home, waiting for Ji Xinghuo.

"I was surprised to receive your call," An Yitian said after they had all taken their seats. "I saw the conflict between you and the Great Magician online yesterday. What happened?"

"That's what I'm here to talk about today," Ji Xinghuo said, getting straight to the point. "Shi Hongyi and I are now mortal enemies. It's the kind of grudge that only death can settle, but the President has intervened for now. Eventually, we'll have to face each other again."

"That serious!" An Yitian exclaimed, his expression mirroring his sister's grave look.

"I can't disclose the specifics for now," Ji Xinghuo continued, "but I'm worried that Shi Hongyi might target my and Manying's families. That's why I want to hire you, Senior An, to ensure the safety of our families. We can discuss the price."

There were multiple reasons why Ji Xinghuo sought out the An siblings.

Firstly, they were incredibly powerful, ranking 24th and 25th on the Legend Ranking, more than capable of protecting his family.

Secondly, they had a good relationship, and after checking their backgrounds, he found them trustworthy.

Lastly, the An siblings had founded a top-tier private security company with hundreds of Altered individuals, including legendary experts, known for their professionalism and excellent reputation.

"The title of Great Magician carries too much weight," An Yitian replied, his expression conflicted. "He's also the richest man in the country, with top-notch connections and influence. Although I'm a legend, I dare not oppose the Great Magician..."

Agreeing to Ji Xinghuo's request would be akin to taking sides in their conflict.

In the event of a clash, he would become Shi Hongyi's enemy.

While Ji Xinghuo was powerful and destined for greater achievements than Shi Hongyi, seeking a good relationship with him was simply too dangerous.

"Senior An, you'll only be our visible protection force," Ji Xinghuo said with a smile.

"Who else is there?" An Yitian asked hastily.

"The President."

Ji Xinghuo whispered the reply.

An Yitian's expression immediately became fascinating, and An Zisu, who had been silent beside him, was also moved.

Those two words implied far too much.

"I have the President's support, but we lack the evidence to take down Shi Hongyi directly," Ji Xinghuo explained honestly. "After all, this is a personal grudge, and the President can't use national power to protect my family. However, it doesn't prevent him from offering covert protection."

Moreover, doing so would also make Shi Hongyi aware that the President had his eyes on him.

"The President..."

An Yitian exhaled, still shocked by the revelation.

In the Asia-Pacific Community, the President was akin to a celestial emperor. If Ji Xinghuo wasn't exaggerating, then even if Shi Hongyi were the richest man and a king in his industry, he would still face inevitable ruin.

Ji Xinghuo took out two hyper-limit species and placed them on the coffee table, immediately capturing the attention of the siblings. "If Senior An agrees, these two species will serve as a deposit," he said.

"What species are they?" An Yitian asked curiously.

"Ice Seal Prison and Blazing Starfire," Ji Xinghuo replied with a smile.

An Yitian was known as the "Ice Master," similar to the Dan Ice Master he had defeated on the Bloody Plateau, both of whom needed the "Ice Seal Prison" of the thousand-footed ice centipede. Ji Xinghuo had kept it until now.

Blazing Starfire, on the other hand, was a prize from the Global Marathon, perfectly suited to An Zisu's "Fiery Maniac" profession.

As expected, the siblings were intrigued.

An Yitian picked up the ice crystal-like species, sensing the vitality within, and exclaimed with delight, "It really is the Ice Seal Prison! I've been searching for it for so many years without any luck, and now it's right before my eyes."

An Zisu also examined the "Blazing Starfire," unable to hide her satisfaction.

Ji Xinghuo smiled.

It was difficult for any Altered to refuse a species that matched them so well; it would boost their strength tremendously.

This was the ultimate display of sincerity.

An Yitian considered the offer for a long time before finally nodding in agreement. "We accept!"

"Hold on, Senior An. I have more conditions," Ji Xinghuo said. "I need the highest level of security. Aside from a professional bodyguard team providing 24-hour protection, both of you must also be on standby at all times and not keep your distance."

"That's not a problem, but in terms of price..." An Yitian hesitated, as they also needed time for their own cultivation.

Ji Xinghuo cut in, "I'll pay in ether crystals—500 ether crystals per year, with a minimum of two years."

The siblings were stunned.

Five hundred ether crystals were equivalent to ten billion yuan, almost equal to their entire net worth. However, one couldn't buy five hundred ether crystals with ten billion yuan.

Two years in exchange for this fortune, plus the hyper-limit species—it was a fantastic deal!

"Let's draft the contract now," An Yitian said promptly.

The security contract was quickly prepared, outlining detailed terms, which Ji Xinghuo reviewed before signing.

According to Ji Xinghuo's plan, An Yitian would be responsible for protecting both families, primarily focusing on his own villa. An Yitian would lead a bodyguard team, establishing a defensive system and providing close protection for each of his siblings.

Meanwhile, An Zisu would lead another team stationed at Zhao Manying's home, protecting the mother and daughter, with both sides supporting each other.

After signing the contract, Ji Xinghuo felt relieved.

The An siblings were incredibly powerful. Unless a Tyrant personally took action, it would create a huge disturbance.

Even Shi Hongyi himself wouldn't dare to act recklessly within the country, and with the President's watchful eye, their families' safety was assured.

An Yitian sprang into action.

Ji Xinghuo returned to his home in the Qinling Mountains, where his siblings gathered, and he informed them about the security arrangements, preparing them mentally.

The family was understandably startled but had no choice but to accept the situation.

"Second brother," Ji Xinghuo said to Zhong Ming, "do you want to enter the Star Realm?"

"Me?" Zhong Ming was taken aback.

"You're already a high-level Altered with sufficient strength. It's time for you to venture into the Star Realm as well. The limit for competition among Altereds isn't high enough, and ultimately, everyone will enter the Star Realm. It's better to gain experience early on."

"Breach it. I'll pay the breach fee."

Ji Xinghuo had thought it through; his second older brother was only signed with a club in the second-tier league, so the breach fee was a little over one hundred million, a mere trifle.

Reducing the number of family members staying on Earth would also alleviate some of the security pressure.

If only his eldest sister wasn't too weak. Having only become an Altered less than half a year ago, Ji Xinghuo even considered bringing her into the Star Realm.

"Alright!" Zhong Ming didn't hesitate, "I'll follow your arrangements."

Ye Dongyun and the other two were filled with envy.

Wang Zizheng immediately stood up, "I'm going to train now, doubling my training intensity today!"

"Me too!" Liang Qiu Feiyan also said.

Ji Xinghuo couldn't help but smile, thinking that this would stimulate the two of them to work harder.

The next morning.

An explosive piece of news hit the global headlines, "'Sword Fairy' Zhao Manying announces her retirement!" Countless people flocked to Zhao Manying's social media platform, where she had posted a video, telling her fans that she had nothing left to pursue in the Super League and that she had no regrets in her career. She decided to retire in pursuit of higher ideals.

Global fans were stunned.

Then they expressed their disbelief, saying that although the Sword Fairy was a ten-time champion with countless honors, she was only on par with the most successful competitive Altered, 'Walker' Jeffrey.

If she won one more championship, she would be indisputably number one!

The next International Invitational Tournament was to begin next month, and even if she retired a month later, that championship would be hers.

Moreover, she still had two years left on her contract with the club.

Numerous fans left comments, hoping that Zhao Manying would win one more championship and preferably retire after her contract expired.

Some also guessed that Zhao Manying had conflicts with the club.

However, Zhao Manying did not respond.

Half an hour after she announced her retirement, the Emperor Star Club issued a statement saying that Zhao Manying had not discussed her retirement with the club in advance and that they would pursue her legal responsibility according to the terms of the contract.

This was equivalent to tearing off all pretenses.

A minute later, Zhao Manying only replied with one sentence on her social media platform: "I will compensate for the breach of contract according to the terms. Please communicate with my legal team."

Instantly, the entire internet was in an uproar, and public opinion surged.

Most fans pointed their fingers at the Emperor Star Club, but some also thought that Zhao Manying was irresponsible and had betrayed the club and the audience.

Various platforms and media outlets reported the news extensively, vying to interview the parties involved.

However, Zhao Manying refused all requests.

She completely blocked out social media and devoted herself to her cultivation.

It wasn't until a week later that the fervor surrounding Zhao Manying's retirement gradually subsided, and most fans accepted this fact.

The bodyguard team for the An siblings was also in place.

Time entered the year 2227.

After the New Year holiday, Ji Xinghuo, Zhong Ming, and Zhao Cangming arrived at the Chaka Star Gate Fortress together.

While waiting in line at the star gate, Ji Xinghuo looked at Zhong Ming and asked, "Nervous, Second Brother?"

"A little."

Zhong Ming donned a lightweight armor and carried a backpack, looking like a newcomer to the Star Realm. Although he had crammed a lot of knowledge about star realm adventures in the past few days and had Ji Xinghuo with him, he still felt nervous as he stood in front of the star gate.

Ji Xinghuo seemed to see himself from a few years ago and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm here."

"Yeah."

Zhao Cangming, on the other hand, was much more relaxed, "What's there to be afraid of when Brother-in-law is with us?"

"We can't rely on him all the time..." Zhong Ming lowered his voice as he refrained from saying 'Xinghuo', "...and he won't always be able to team up with us. We need to learn to be independent."

Ji Xinghuo nodded slightly.

In terms of mentality, his second older brother was clearly more prepared.

"It's our turn."

The three of them entered the star gate, and after their vision twisted and returned to normal, they found themselves in the star gate square of Olympia. It was night in the star realm, and the starry sky above was filled with dazzling starlight and the reflection of the Milky Way.

Zhong Ming gazed at the stars, lost in awe for a long time.

"Follow me."

Ji Xinghuo sensed the gazes from the shadows, including those of foreign kings, legendary powerhouses, and "Champion Hou" Hawke Chill.

He didn't greet Hawke Chill but led the two others away from the square.

Along the way, they arrived at the Qinghao Street villa, where four people were already waiting inside. Jiang Nan Caiyi opened the door and exclaimed in delight, "Xinghuo, you're here!"

"Caiyi."

Ji Xinghuo entered the living room and saw the other three people.

Chi Zhonglin, Lu Yunhai, and Zhuo Ligeetu.

The hunting team this time was Ji Xinghuo's idea, and they were all his family and friends. However, he wouldn't be staying for long. He would first accompany his second older brother and Cangming for a while, and once they were familiar with the Star Realm, he would leave.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end