The Almighty Ring

Jiang Fei understood that he had gone over the line. The martial artists were on the brink of collapsing from all the accumulated physical and mental fatigue. If Jiang Fei continued to pressure them without actually giving them a way out, they might betray the alliance as a whole and turn to the Mutants for support.

As Jiang Fei was preparing to make an exodus for the martial artists Z8-001 suddenly came over.

“If you insist on returning, the militants will provide you a ship,” said Z8-001.

“What did you just say?” cried Jiang Fei before anyone else could even respond. He immediately turned to Ariel, hoping that she could do her magic on the Android and get some truth to his words. Unfortunately, Ariel’s power could only accurately identify truths and lies made by humans, and not machines.

Z8-001’s news was too strange for Jiang Fei to accept. Based on what he knew about the military, they would never allow them to leave Japan, much less provide a safe passage back to China! What could the military get in exchange for doing so? Did they or did they not want the alien artifact?

Only Jiang Fei knew that the alien artifact was fake since he was the one planted it there. There was no way the military knew about it. If they allowed the martial artists to leave, the alien artifact would be left unattended, leaving it open to the Mutants to claim.

When Jiang Fei released the information about the alien artifact he had specifically explained that it was a Bio-Lab. This information was taken as a truth to the Americans, the Mutants, the Chinese, and the martial artists.

“I want to talk to Qin Tian!” Jiang Fei barked at Z8-001. Due to his sudden outburst, he had failed to notice the sudden gaze of curiosity from the martial artists.

The priority for the martial artists was to return home, as soon as possible. While the military had agreed to provide a safe route for them to return home, Jiang Fei had wanted them to stay in Japan to continue risking their lives to fight. Naturally, everyone, including the elders, had a certain fixation on Jiang Fei.

“Mr. Jiang Fei, what seems to be the problem?” Qin Tian asked.

“Is it true? Are you giving us a safe passage back home?” Jiang Fei asked.

“Of course! If the martial artists do not want to continue helping the military, we will not press further on. War is not something just any civilian should participate in. Even if they were strong, it is the job of the government and the military to provide protection!” said Qin Tian. His tone suggested confidence.

“Hmm…”

Jiang Fei hummed. Qin Tian’s words might sound all high and mighty, but Jiang Fei could not shake the fact that he was hiding something.

“If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave now. Just relay anything you need to Z8-001. I will send a ship to pick you up,” said Qin Tian before ending the call.

“Brother Jiang Fei…”

When Jiang Fei was done with the call, he heard Bai Wanli and the rest of the martial artists begin to grovel for sympathy. The call was made with Z8-001’s on-board communicator which broadcast the call in a loudspeaker. Everyone heard the conversation. Qin Tian had said what they wanted to hear. Right now, they wanted to know what Jiang Fei felt about it.

“I have a bad feeling about all of this. However, if you insist on returning to the motherland, I have nothing else to add,” said Jiang Fei. He had given up on trying to persuade these morons to try. The martial artists were in dire need of help and the military had given them exactly what they needed at the last minute; like a warm meal in cold weather. If Jiang Fei stopped the martial artists from going back home, he would be seen as the villain.

“Brother Jiang Fei, please understand. I wish to remain here to fight this war with you. But take a look as our disciples! Their morale is so low that there’s no way they could pick themselves up. I have an idea. After these kids are back at home, I will return here to fight with you! That way, I can die fighting, with honor!” said Zhu Tianfei. He had only said something like that because he thought that their collective actions had offended Jiang Fei.

“That’s right! We will do the same!” the other sect leaders followed.

“Hmph…” Jiang Fei scoffed. Zhu Tianfei was a straightforward man who said things he really meant. The words from the others, however, were exactly that to Jiang Fei, words. Jiang Fei knew this and he could even see that out of ten, only one would return to Japan.

“Do what you want. As I said, I have nothing else to add,” said Jiang Fei, turning his back to them as he paced slowly away.

Jiang Fei played only a small role in this war. Be it for protecting the nation’s security and interests, or fighting for something else, Jiang Fei being there was a favor to others. Now that the martial artists had clearly expressed their desire to return home, there was no need for Jiang Fei to continue being there.

After thinking for a while and calming down, Jiang Fei had decided to ignore everything about the martial artist alliance. To hell with them even if the military or the Mutants had a plot against them. He had decided to just return home after the war here and protect only those who mattered to him. At the very least, he was confident enough to do so with his current ability.

“Thank you, brother Jiang Fei! We will not forget what you have done for us!” said Bai Wanli before bowing to Jiang Fei. The rest of the martial artists followed suit. Jiang Fei nodded only and ignored the whole lot of them as they got busy packing their belongings to return home.

…

Somewhere in China’s secret military base, Qin Tian and Fan Yao were talking to each other via video call.

“Sir, the plan is in action, everything is going smoothly as planned!” said Qin Tian.

“Very good. You have done well for the country! Rest assured, the country will reward you accordingly for your contribution.”

“Thank you, sir! The plan is very intricate. We have backup plans over backup plans! There will not be any failure!” said Qin Tian.

“Good. Work together with Nie Shilong. I expect nothing but victory!” said Fan Yao.

“Absolutely, sir! General Nie was once my commander. Our cooperation will be flawless!”

“That’s reassuring. Go now. I will wait for the good news,” said Fan Yao.

“Contact Z9 Special Assault Team and have them prep for the strike!” said Qin Tian, giving out the order to his subordinates.

“Yes, sir!” his subordinates said before going off to carry out his order.

The military had prepared everything beforehand. They had made the net, and now they were ready to cast it out. Be it fishes or whales, or even nothing at all, only Qin Tian and Nie Shilong would know.