Chapter 70: The Star Beast Tree Hollow Opens, Fang Danan Wants to Form a Team

The Special Management Zone of the Star Beast Tree Hollow is under the jurisdiction of the Martial Administration Bureau. It is an SSS-level confidential facility. Normally, it is strictly guarded by Level 6 martial artists and a powerful high-energy electric grid. Even the most formidable dual-force warriors would be hard-pressed to break in without suffering severe consequences.

Today, however, the Special Management Zone for the Star Beast Tree Hollow was packed with people. Aside from a few high-ranking dual-force warriors capable of withstanding the discomfort brought by the divine aura and coming to observe, only some leaders of the Martial Administration Bureau were present.

The opening of the Star Beast Tree Hollow, which happens once every thirty years, is a matter of global significance. Whether several powerful dual-force warriors can be cultivated using the legacy left by the spiritual realm beings in the Star Beast Tree Hollow depends entirely on these next three days.

As soon as Zhang Chu stepped out of the car, he drew the attention of everyone present. The reason was the rather ostentatious vehicle he arrived in: the Thunder Battle L1.

“Xiao Chu!”

Just as Zhang Chu got out, Fan Tianlei squeezed through the crowd. “Director Fan,” Zhang Chu quickly nodded in response, noticing that Fan Tianlei had come out to personally greet him. This gesture did him a great honor.

There were five people from the Martial Administration Bureau participating in the Star Beast Tree Hollow expedition, led by Fan Tianlei. Aside from Zhang Chu, the remaining three were all children of high-ranking officials, each with a distinguished background. Fan Tianlei personally welcoming Zhang Chu was a clear sign of elevating his status.

At the center of the gathering stood a towering purple tree, radiating waves of spiritual light. Beside it was a muscular man in his thirties—Fan Dayong. He was also one of the team members entering the Star Beast Tree Hollow. Upon turning his head, he immediately recognized Zhang Chu. “So it’s him…”

After returning from the Star Beast Hunting Grounds last time, Fan Dayong had used his privileges to check the list of participants from that day. By matching photos and rank data, he quickly identified Zhang Chu. Moreover, Fan Tianlei had given away a Purple Radiance Pearl, further confirming that the person before him was his savior.

This left Fan Dayong certain that Zhang Chu was the one who had saved him.

“Dayong, you know this guy? Why did Uncle Fan come out to greet him personally?” a carefree youth with headphones slung around his neck asked, overhearing Fan Dayong’s muttering. This was Chen Long, the son of the current Martial Administration Bureau Director, Chen Tianxiang, and a two-star dual-force warrior.

“We’ve met,” Fan Dayong replied.

“If he’s your friend, then he’s my friend too. Once we’re inside the Star Beast Tree Hollow, I’ll look after him,” Chen Long declared, his gaze shifting to a middle-aged man with a cold face not far away. “Fang Danan, that bastard, only got a spot because his father was the previous director. Just looking at him irritates me.”

At that moment, Fang Danan’s eyes were fixed on Zhang Chu. He took out his phone, checked the dossier sent by the Alliance, and quickly replied to a message: “Target identified as Zhang Chu. I will complete the mission, but you must ensure my father’s life is extended.”

“Confirmed.”

A reply came soon from an anonymous number. Relieved, Fang Danan set his resolve. His only purpose for entering the Star Beast Tree Hollow this time was to uncover how Zhang Chu had become a dual-force warrior in just one month—and, if necessary, to kill him.

Amid the hushed discussions, Fan Tianlei led Zhang Chu to the entrance of the Star Beast Tree Hollow. Up close, the twenty-meter-tall tree had a swirling, rainbow-colored vortex at its trunk. Zhang Chu could feel his spiritual energy resonating, sensing the abundance of spiritual power within.

“Everyone is here. Let’s prepare to enter the Star Beast Tree Hollow,” Fan Tianlei announced. “I will now introduce the team and explain the rules.”

Zhang Chu paid little attention to the introductions. He was here to advance his cultivation, not to make friends. He did, however, listen carefully to the rules.

First, the formation around the Star Beast Tree Hollow is protected by an electromagnetic storm empowered by a spiritual realm being, so no electronic devices are allowed.

Second, the expedition lasts three days, after which everyone is to regroup at the designated point.

Third, there are formidable star beasts within. Should any star beast above dual-force warrior level approach, an alert will be sounded one kilometer away.

Fourth, Fan Tianlei is responsible for the team’s safety.

After the rules were explained, equipment was distributed: anti-electromagnetic interference locators, developed specifically for the Star Beast Tree Hollow by the Martial Administration Bureau. They were simple to use—press the button to send your location to Fan Tianlei’s device, facilitating rescue if needed.

“Alright, you’ll enter the Star Beast Tree Hollow one by one. Remember, do not use your martial power or spiritual force to resist.”

Fan Tianlei was the first to step into the Star Beast Tree Hollow, heading to the rendezvous point to ensure the safety of the surroundings. Chen Long entered second.

When it was the third person’s turn, Fan Dayong stepped forward. “You helped me once in the Star Beast Hunting Grounds, so let me give you a word of advice,” he whispered, before leaping into the Star Beast Tree Hollow.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chu’s peripheral vision lingered on the middle-aged man in the black trench coat not far off. “What does Fan Dayong mean by warning me about Fang Danan?” he wondered. It was his first time seeing Fang Danan, and he bore no grudge against him. Yet, from Fang Danan’s gloomy, sinister demeanor, Zhang Chu decided it was best to keep his distance.

Zhang Chu chose to be the fourth to enter. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. As he approached the tree hollow, Fang Danan suddenly materialized before him like a specter, his footwork at least a two-star technique. “Mr. Zhang Chu, there are many unknown dangers in the Star Beast Tree Hollow. May I join your team?”

Team up?

Fan Dayong’s warning had been spot on. Did this guy really have designs on him?