Chapter 39: The Divine Sword Project of the Celestial Realm

"At ease," the colonel ordered, returning a crisp salute. Without a hint of levity, he addressed everyone, "First, I welcome all our new colleagues to the Sky Sword Bureau family."

"As newcomers, you may still find our bureau somewhat unfamiliar. I won't elaborate on the specific scope of our authority—you'll gradually come to understand it yourselves. To put it simply: anything concerning martial artists or Awakened individuals falls under our jurisdiction."

"This expansion of the Haidu Branch is significant, and the workload will be intense. You are merely the first group to arrive; many more colleagues will report in due course. We have carefully reviewed your resumés. Before coming here, each of you was first in your military academy—outstanding talents, the pride of your peers. But I don't care who you were outside, or how glorious your record; in the Sky Sword Bureau, everyone is treated equally and starts from zero."

"No exceptions. Absolute obedience to military orders. Can you do that?" The colonel barked.

The ten of them responded in unison, "We can!"

This colonel embodied the military style: no wasted words, not even bothering with a self-introduction. Yet his pride in the Sky Sword Bureau was evident between the lines.

The colonel nodded. "In the bureau, you'll have access to resources and guidance far beyond what military academies can offer. You may even receive personal instruction from Director Li Chungang himself, but all this depends on your own efforts. We operate on a military merit system—accumulate points to be promoted."

"Your specific assignments have already been arranged. Major Huo will now brief you."

With that, the colonel—whose name remained unknown—left the room without delay.

Major Huo, holding a stack of files, stepped forward. He first studied the group carefully, then smiled, "I'm Huo Dongting, temporarily heading the military merit and logistics department. I imagine many of you are curious as to why you were assigned to the Haidu Branch. After all, you were all top graduates, and other branches of the bureau are just as prestigious. So why Haidu?"

"What I am about to say may not be repeated outside this room—not a single word, not even in private conversation. Anyone caught will be dealt with under military law."

A chill ran through the group. Chen Longshi's mind raced with countless thoughts.

Haidu? He recalled something important.

The 'Heavenly Sword from Beyond' project had indeed originated in Haidu, hadn't it?

Major Huo continued, "The Sky Sword Bureau oversees many departments: the Night Enforcement Division, Sword Enforcement Division, Sky Eye Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Special Events Investigation Division, Propaganda Division, Medical Science Division, Logistics and Technology Division, and—most importantly—a newly established department unique to this branch: the nation’s first Institute for Interstellar Travel Research."

"Even if you’re starting from scratch, I believe you have the ability to stand out. The bureau cares deeply about your development; Director Li pays close attention to your progress. Initially, you’ll all be assigned to combat departments. We hope you’ll adapt quickly and maintain peak condition, ready to accept new orders at any time."

"Remember this: your arrival is to strengthen and safeguard the interstellar travel research program. This project is of utmost importance—those who are capable will rise, the weak will be eliminated. There are ten of you now; I hope all ten remain by the time the selection comes."

Even these well-informed prodigies were stunned by such classified information, exchanging glances as they tried to compose themselves.

Chen Longshi felt his spirits lift instantly.

So it was true.

Then, the entrance to the Chaotic Star Sea Secret Realm must have already been revealed, perhaps even entered the preliminary exploration phase.

He quickly recalled the fragmented storylines in his mind, though his attention wandered as Major Huo allocated the assignments.

The ten were evenly distributed among the Night Enforcement, Sword Enforcement, Sky Eye, Criminal Investigation, and Special Events Investigation divisions.

Chen Longshi, together with Wang Ben from the Northern Frontier Academy, was assigned to the Special Events Investigation Division. Then came a series of orientation procedures, and the group was split up.

A colonel greeted Chen Longshi and Wang Ben. He arrived in haste, not even having removed the massive weapon on his back, exuding an aura of iron-blooded ferocity and the natural authority of a high-level being.

Chen Longshi couldn't discern his exact rank, only that the oppressive force of his vitality made it hard to breathe. Thankfully, the purple lotus in his mind swayed gently, sweeping away that pressure at once. Glancing at Wang Ben, he saw his companion's face flushed but his fighting spirit only seemed to grow; he did not flinch in the least.

The colonel gave Chen Longshi an extra look and nodded approvingly at Wang Ben’s bearing before withdrawing his aura. His voice boomed like a bell, "I am Wu Tianyuan, captain of the Azure Dragon Squad under the Special Events Investigation Division. I’ll be your superior from now on. The other squads are still on assignment; you’ll meet them later. For now, I’ll take you to the base to collect your uniforms and equipment."

Following Wu Tianyuan, Chen Longshi and Wang Ben arrived at a massive building built into the mountainside. A tunnel hidden by the mountain led to a heavy iron door at the end.

After their credentials were checked, the iron door opened.

A vast hall, larger than three football fields, was carved out of the mountain itself.

Hundreds of bright lights hung from the ceiling, making it hard to keep one's eyes open. The hall was bare, retaining the raw look of recent construction: rough stone walls, and a simple cement floor.

All manner of military equipment filled the space—vehicles, aircraft, even submarines waiting by the waterside.

Wu Tianyuan opened a large door to reveal dozens of towering shelves.

The shelves were packed with countless weapons: firearms, rocket launchers, autocannons—every kind of modern weapon, but even more racks of standardized starlit weapons. The mingled scent of gun oil and metal was intense.

As the two stared, awestruck, Wu Tianyuan glanced at his watch. "These are all Starforce-powered firearms and second-grade starlit cold weapons. Each investigator may choose one long-range and one close-range weapon. Don't get dazzled—five minutes to pick your tools."

Wang Ben was practically itching to begin.

"And don’t forget your armor. If you want to avoid an early death, pick the Ink Scale Armor—it covers the largest area," Wu Tianyuan added. "Five-minute countdown—start!"

Without another word, the two hurried in.

"What will you choose, Brother Wang?"

Wang Ben’s eyes were already on the row of broadswords. "A real man uses a big blade! You’ll take a sword, won’t you, Brother Chen?"

"I'm asking about ranged weapons," Chen Longshi replied.

"Oh." Wang Ben scratched his head, a bit overwhelmed. "I haven't much experience with ranged stuff. Usually, when a monster shows up, I just charge in and settle it with one strike."

Chen Longshi nodded. He now understood Wang Ben's fighting style.

He didn’t need another sword, though swords were always useful for the Zhi Jiang Sword’s growth. He casually picked a starlit longsword with eighteen seals and, following Wu Tianyuan’s advice, chose the Ink Scale Armor.

Next, he moved to the ranged weapon section, hesitating. He was no stranger to starlit firearms; thanks to national research, powder-based weapons—once useless in secret realms—were now replaced by Starcore-powered equipment. They had range and firepower. Yet, guns hadn't reclaimed their dominance in the arms world. For those with low physical abilities, perhaps; but as martial artists grew stronger, firearms’ limits became apparent.

Besides, he could already kill at a distance with sword control; he didn’t urgently need a ranged weapon. After some thought, he chose a starlit longbow, inspired by the chilling impression the Song brothers’ ice arrows had left on him.

Soon they finished choosing. Wu Tianyuan looked over Wang Ben, who was now armored in formidable Rhinoceros Scale Armor, wielding a broadsword the size of a door and shouldering an autocannon. He said nothing.

By contrast, Chen Longshi appeared much more agile. Wu Tianyuan’s recommended Ink Scale Armor lived up to its reputation: fine as fish scales, each plate fit snugly to his body, accentuating his figure. Though thinner, the defense rivaled that of the thickest Rhino Armor, without restricting movement. Best of all, the obsidian-like scales seemed to swallow light—standing in darkness, he was like a god of death. Add a red cloak, and he could cosplay as Superman or Thor.

Wu Tianyuan grinned. "Welcome to the Investigation Division. You’re now part of the Azure Dragon Squad—one of the Four Death Squads! From this moment, you are members of the Sky Sword Bureau."

"Now that you’ve joined the Azure Dragon Squad, we’re brothers in the same trench. I come from the military—I don’t care for empty formalities. The other team members call me Old Wu, or Captain Wu. Call me whatever you prefer, but don’t be too formal. Understand?"

"Yes, Captain Wu!"

Chen Longshi and Wang Ben quickly responded.

Wu Tianyuan laughed heartily. "Good. The mission is urgent; we don’t have time for you to settle in slowly. I’ll show you your quarters, get you set up—and then, prepare to accompany me on your first assignment."