Swallowing the Stars: Starting with Panlong

Chapter 36: Thunder Blade Squad - Part 1

Three days later, Wu Tong visited again.

This time, he didn't come empty-handed. A black delivery truck stopped at the entrance of Mingyue Residential Area, and two staff members wearing Extreme Martial Arts Gym uniforms unloaded a large box about half a person's height from the truck and carefully carried it into Lin Yun's living room.

"Lin Yun, everything you requested has arrived." Wu Tong patted the box and said with a smile, "One Blood Shadow Battle Blade A6 model, one B6 model shield, a complete D6 series combat suit, three 8 series throwing knives, six 7 series throwing knives, one combat communication watch, and one special backpack—all purchased according to your requirements. It cost you a total of 98 million, half price."

Lin Yun opened the box and inspected the equipment inside one by one.

The Blood Shadow Battle Blade, model A6, is approximately 1.2 meters long, with a dark red blade that gleams coldly under the light. He held it in his hand, weighing it in his hand—not too light, not too heavy, just right. The handle had a good grip, wrapped with a layer of non-slip hemp rope, so it wouldn't slip even if his palms were sweaty.

The B6 model shield is round, about half a meter in diameter, with a silver-gray alloy front and two adjustable straps on the back for securing it to the left arm. The shield is significantly heavier than the battle sword, but Lin Yun's current physical condition makes this weight negligible.

The D6 combat suit is a one-piece bodysuit made of a soft yet tough material that feels like some kind of polymer. Lin Yun tried it on and found it fit his body perfectly, with almost no feeling of restriction during movement. The suit also comes with a pair of combat boots and a pair of gauntlets. The boots have special anti-slip treads on the soles, and the inside of the gauntlets is inlaid with a thin layer of alloy plates for blocking attacks.

Each throwing knife was only the length of an adult's palm, with a slender blade and a sharp edge. Lin Yun inserted them one by one into the throwing knife pouch at his waist, casually picked one up, and twirled it between his fingers a few times—it felt great, and the weight was just right. With his current mental strength, he could control such a throwing knife and pierce the scales of a mid-level lord-level monster within a hundred meters.

The combat communication watch looks like an ordinary electronic watch, but the case is made of a special alloy and the dial is bulletproof glass. Lin Yun tried it on his wrist and found that the interface was very simple, with functions such as satellite positioning, communication, and timing.

The special backpack was the last one to be taken out. It wasn't large, but the internal space was well-designed, capable of holding three days' worth of dry rations and water, medical supplies, spare throwing knives, and other necessities. The backpack's straps were wide, so wearing it wouldn't restrict movement.

"All the equipment is ready." Wu Tong watched Lin Yun put on his gear and nodded in satisfaction. "But I didn't come here today just to deliver the equipment to you."

Lin Yun was adjusting the straps of his arm guard when he heard this and looked up: "Uncle Wu, about that surprise you mentioned last time..."

"Yes." Wu Tong sat down on the sofa and gestured for Lin Yun to sit as well. "Since you've already decided to go into the wilderness for training, I won't try to persuade you to go to the basic training camp anymore. However, it's actually quite dangerous for a martial artist to enter the wilderness for the first time. I'm not comfortable letting you go alone."

Lin Yun nodded, offering no rebuttal. Although his current strength had reached the intermediate-level War God realm, the dangers of the wilderness area came not only from monsters, but also from various unknown environmental factors and other martial artists. Having a good team would definitely be much better for someone entering the wilderness area for the first time.

"So I found you a team." Wu Tong's tone was tinged with pride. "The day before yesterday, I saw that the manual you bought was 'Ninefold Thunder Blade,' and I thought of a team. I've been communicating with the team leader these past few days, and yesterday he finally agreed to let you join their team."

"What team?" Lin Yun asked, intrigued.

"Thunder Blade Squad." Wu Tong pronounced each word clearly, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. "This is an elite combat squad, and they have quite a reputation among martial artists in our Jiangnan Base City."

Lin Yun's heart skipped a beat. He had seen the name Thunder Blade Squad on the martial arts forum—it was a long-established squad with experienced members who specialized in hunting mid-to-high-level monsters in areas where they hunted Beast General-level monsters.

"Captain Lin Zheng, a high-level warrior, has reached the fourth level of the 'Ninefold Thunder Blade' technique, his strength is comparable to a beginner-level War God," Wu Tong counted on his fingers. "Vice-Captain Liu Xu, a mid-level warrior, skilled in swordsmanship, with a movement technique at the microscopic level. The other members are also experienced veterans, the weakest being a beginner-level warrior. How about that, satisfied?"

Lin Yun's eyes lit up.

The fourth level of the Thunder Blade! Based on the power multiplier of the Ninefold Thunder Blade, the fourth level can unleash four layers of combined force, reaching a power 3.5 times that of the body's strength. In other words, although Lin Zheng only possesses the physical attributes of a high-level warrior, the power of a single, full-force strike is comparable to that of a beginner-level war god.

Such a master is considered top-tier even in the entire Jiangnan Base City.

However, Lin Yun quickly realized a problem: "Captain, the fourth level of the Thunder Blade... its power is comparable to a beginner War God. But with his strength, why hasn't he broken through to the War God level? According to the power exertion of the fourth level of the Nine-Fold Thunder Blade, as long as his physical attributes are improved a bit more, he should be able to easily reach the War God level."

Wu Tong's face darkened slightly, and he sighed, "Well, you've hit the nail on the head."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Lin Zheng's strength is indeed formidable. If things had progressed normally, he would have been a war god long ago. However, during a mission three years ago, he lost a leg to a lord-level armored lizard king while trying to save a comrade. Although he survived, he lost his leg. Later, although he was fitted with a prosthetic leg, his speed was greatly affected, and his strength was stuck at the level of a high-level warrior, unable to advance any further."

Lin Yun remained silent for a moment.

A martial artist who lost a leg could still master the Nine-Fold Thunder Blade to the fourth level and make a name for himself in the martial arts world—this person is worthy of respect.

"Don't look down on him just because he lost a leg." Wu Tong seemed to have seen through Lin Yun's thoughts and said seriously, "With his strength, which is almost invincible below the God of War, he is famous throughout the entire Jiangnan Base City. Moreover, his understanding of the Nine-Fold Thunder Blade is very deep. If you follow him, you will improve much faster."

"How could that be?" Lin Yun shook his head. "It's my luck that such an expert is willing to take me under his wing." Lin Yun would never think that way. You have to know that War Gods are extremely rare. In the original story, when Luo Feng became a War God, there were only about 3500 War Gods on the entire Earth, and there were no more than ten War Gods in the entire Jiangnan Base City.

Wu Tong nodded in satisfaction: "The most important point is—you also study the Nine-Fold Thunder Blade. Following him might save you a lot of trouble. If you can break through to the second level as soon as possible and achieve double the power, you can meet the headquarters' requirements and apply to enter the War God Training Camp. Moreover, Liu Xu is also very skilled in movement techniques. You can learn more from her, and maybe you can also reach the subtlety level in movement techniques. At that time, entering the War God Training Camp will be no problem."

Lin Yun was deeply moved. This team was clearly chosen by Wu Tong specifically for his situation, and he must have put in a lot of effort. Although Wu Tong was the head instructor of Yangzhou City, a team of the Thunder Blade Squad's caliber couldn't be assigned just with a few words. He must have done a lot of work and said many kind words to persuade Lin Zheng to agree to take on a newcomer.

"Thank you, Uncle Wu," Lin Yun said solemnly.

"You're already calling me Uncle Wu, why are you being so polite?" Wu Tong laughed heartily, patting Lin Yun on the shoulder. "I really hope you can reach the God of War level soon, then I can be quite proud too. 'The God of War who came out of Yangzhou City was trained by me'—that would be so prestigious!"

Lin Yun smiled: "Uncle Wu, don't worry, I'll do my best."

"Okay, I believe you." Wu Tong stood up. "Take some time to organize your equipment. I'll take you to meet your future teammates in a few days. They're currently taking a break, so you'll have time to get used to the team's rhythm."

After saying this, Wu Tong took his leave.

Lin Yun saw him to the door, then returned to the living room. Looking at the equipment spread across the table, a sense of anticipation welled up inside him.

Thunder Blade Squad... Lin Zheng... Liu Xu...

These people will soon become his partners in the wilderness. Although he is now capable enough to venture out on his own, a good team will not only allow him to grow faster, but also teach him many things that he cannot learn alone.

For example, experience, cooperation, and tacit understanding on the brink of life and death.

"I hope to make a breakthrough in my Nine-Fold Thunder Blade," Lin Yun murmured.

Over the next few days, Lin Yun familiarized himself with the new equipment while continuing to practice the Ninefold Thunder Blade.

The Blood Shadow Battle Blade A6 felt completely different from the training blade he had used before. It was heavier, longer, and had a more forward center of gravity, requiring time to get used to. Lin Yun practiced basic sword techniques again and again in the training room, letting his body memorize the weight and balance of the blade.

The combat suit also required getting used to. Although it was very form-fitting, it was still the first time Lin Yun had worn such professional protective gear, and it felt somewhat different. Lin Yun ran, jumped, rolled, and drew his sword in it until he was completely accustomed to its presence.

Throwing knives were of paramount importance. He had to repeatedly "refine" each of the three 8-series throwing knives and six 7-series throwing knives using his mental power. He used his mental power to control the throwing knives as they flew through the air, practicing attacks and turns from various angles, until each knife felt like a part of his own body.

Meanwhile, Panlong World's body was not idle either.

In the grove behind Ernst Academy, Lin Yun, holding a fine iron dagger, practiced the Ninefold Thunder Blade technique again and again. He also practiced lightning magic repeatedly. When using lightning magic, his understanding of the Ninefold Thunder Blade deepened—the speed, explosiveness, and resonance contained in the lightning seemed to be revealing some deeper mystery to him.

He even had a vague feeling that if he continued like this, even if he didn't reach the level of a Saint-level mage, he could still comprehend a trace of the laws of lightning.

This feeling thrilled him.

A few days later, one morning, Wu Tong came to Mingyue Community again.

"Are you ready?" He looked at Lin Yun, who was dressed neatly, and a hint of relief flashed in his eyes.

"Ready."

Wu Tong nodded, led Lin Yun out of the residential area, and got into a black SUV.