Starforce Warriors

Chapter 247: Spatial Point Theft

Martial Arts Alliance Leader?

Li Xiaofei was momentarily stunned by the proposal.

Ning Wuwo, the king of slacking off, has actually taken the initiative to call with this kind of suggestion? Is he frightened or is he testing my ambition?

Rumor had it that despite Ning Wuwo’s reputation for laziness and neglect, he was obsessed with power. He was notorious for being a power-hungry official who was always scheming to extend his term as the rotating chairman of the Gang Alliance whenever the time for re-election came, no matter the cost.

Fortunately, the position of rotating chairman in the Gang Alliance was merely symbolic and had no real power. That’s why no one bothered to compete with him for it.

“I have no interest in the position of rotating chairman,” Li Xiaofei flatly refused.

He had no time to play power games with a master of idleness.

“You misheard. I said Martial Arts Alliance Leader, not rotating chairman.” Ning Wuwo’s voice was suddenly serious over the phone.

“What’s the difference?” Li Xiaofei responded casually.

Ning Wuwo patiently explained, “The rotating chairman is just a nominal title with no real authority, whereas the Martial Arts Alliance Leader is a true overlord with absolute power.”

Li Xiaofei replied, “I’m still not interested.”

Ning Wuwo pressed on, “I believe, Brother Li, that you should be interested.”

Li Xiaofei was mildly taken aback. "Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

Ning Wumo explained, "Liuhe Base City is currently facing a crisis. The situation is deteriorating daily as star beasts continue to besiege us from the outside and opportunistic schemers fan the flames of chaos from within. Brother Li, you possess a righteous and chivalrous heart and are undoubtedly driven to protect the people and assist City Leader Tan. Don’t you wish to take action?"

"And what if I do?"

"As they say, a single tree cannot make a forest. Even with all your strength, how many nails can you drive in alone? Personal bravery alone can’t suppress everyone. But if you were to unite the entire gang world of the base city into a single force, you could rally support with a single call. You’d truly have the power to turn the tide."

Li Xiaofei grinned as he spoke. "Hmm? Old Ning, aren’t you worried that you’re speaking too openly to someone with whom you have such a shallow relationship?"

Ning Wumo chuckled. "Heh, I’m just an old man who’s lived through countless springs and autumns, and I've endured countless slights from the martial world over the years. I’ve long since stopped caring. But as a martial artist of Great Xia who was raised on the teachings of the Great Xia Saints, I still have some bones left in this old body. If, in my lifetime, I have the chance to do something for the gang world of Liuhe Base City, even at the cost of my life, what is there to fear?"

"Old Ning, your words have moved me deeply."

Ning Wumo could sense the shift in his tone. "If that’s the case, why not step forward and raise your arm in a rallying cry, Brother Li?"

"If I raise my arm, will the gang leaders, sect masters, and dojo heads listen to me?"

Ning Wumo stroked his beard. "That’s simple. Those who follow you will prosper, and those who oppose you will perish."

Li Xiaofei frowned. "Without a legitimate cause, forcefully suppressing them could provoke a widespread rebellion. If chaos breaks out, won’t that worsen the situation beyond repair?"

Ning Wumo said firmly, "I’m willing to stake my life on helping you seize the moral high ground. You just need to use your overwhelming strength to intimidate the others. By the time the five great families realize what’s happening, the situation will already be under control."

In the end, Li Xiaofei agreed. "Alright."

In truth, he found Ning Wuwo’s reasoning to be quite sound. Compared to the five great families, the martial artists within the gangs were actually potential allies who could be united.

A great leader from 500 years ago once said that it was essential to build a united front, to make as many friends as possible, and to minimize the number of enemies. It was key to unite all forces that could be united.

Gang martial artists had always occupied the lowest rung on the social ladder. Most of them struggled as they did their best to survive day by day. Born into humble circumstances, with no clear path to advancement, they could only rely on their strength and courage to risk their lives in the pursuit of wealth and power.

So they were scattered across Liuhe Base City and involved in every sector and industry. They spanned all walks of life, from the most reputable to the least. If this force could be consolidated, it would undoubtedly be a great help to Tan Zhenwei. Especially in these chaotic times, stabilizing the situation in the base city and gaining control over the gangs could be crucial.

At the same time, Li Xiaofei couldn’t help but be impressed by Ning Wuwo’s decision. In just one day, both Miao Youwei and Ning Wuwo had taught Li Xiaofei an important lesson. No one in this world could be underestimated. Even those who did not stand out in everyday life, or those were mocked and looked down upon, could harbor immense potential and display astonishing strategy and courage.

It was perhaps because of countless such ordinary people that the Great Xia, with its 5,500 years of history, had been able to rise and revive time and again after enduring numerous calamities.

The two of them continued to exchange ideas over the phone for a while longer. Once they had agreed on a general direction for their cooperation, they ended the call.

Li Xiaofei headed to the Cloudy Sky Gang headquarters and began his cultivation. He decided to seize the time and break through his limitations. This time, he chose not to take an unconventional path. Instead, he followed the instructions provided by Principal Chen Fei, and chose to focus on breaking the shackles of his hands.

The martial arts he primarily practiced, whether it was the Six Meridian Divine Sword or the Dragon-Subduing Eighteen Palms, were all closely related to hand techniques. His strength would undoubtedly increase if he broke the shackles on his hands first.

Li Xiaofei had refined the ninety-nine vortices of qi within him and merged them into a singularity, turning his physical body into a piece of divine iron. But as his body grew stronger, so too did the shackles that accompanied them. The energy and effort required to break these shackles naturally increased as well.

He activated the True Dragon Breathing Technique, filling every cell in his body with energy. He carefully sensed the flow of this energy within his body. His entire focus was on his hands and arms. Gradually, he began to feel a dense, solidified area, like a chain, in his palms, wrists, and forearms that blocked the full circulation of energy. This chain also sealed the gateway to the mysteries of his body.

This was the postnatal shackle. The human body was an innate treasure trove; however, the postnatal shackles locked the door to this treasure. There’s no shortcut to breaking these shackles. The only way to break them was to slowly grind them down with starforce qi. This process was akin to grinding an iron rod into a needle. It required immense patience and determination to eventually break the shackles and unlock the treasure.

Thankfully, Li Xiaofei had plenty of patience. He used the True Dragon Breathing Technique to circulate his starforce qi as he began the painstaking process of grinding down the shackles on his hands.

As time passed, the Secret Time Pavilion’s cooldown expired again. Li Xiaofei decided to enter the grand white temple again.

“Dog Box, can I draw a new technique this time?” He asked, as was his habit.

“Woof, no, you cannot.”

The answer was a firm no. Li Xiaofei had anticipated this, so he wasn’t particularly disappointed. But just then, the Dog Box’s voice spoke again.

“Detected an increase in the host's energy level. New functions available for activation in the Moonlight Treasure Box...New function drawing in progress...”

“Confirmed.”

“Woof, the Spatial Point Theft function is now active.”

After this familiar yet unfamiliar string of phrases, an ancient parchment map appeared out of nowhere in front of Li Xiaofei. It floated in the air, emanating an aura of antiquity and mystery.

A new function?!

Once Li Xiaofei realized what had happened, he was instantly overjoyed.