Ultragene Warlord

Chapter 317: At Your Command

With a dull thump, he summoned the second of the four runic tablets from the dragonturtle's back. The tablets were all the same shape and size, though different runic inscriptions were carved on them, and the sensation he felt from summoning each tablet was different.

Compared to the first tablet's gravity, this tablet felt somehow... weightless. With a moment's thought, Zhang Lie suddenly found everything in the room, even himself, begin to float.

In that case, the second tablet's power was antithetical to the first: one strengthened gravity, and the other canceled it. As far as Zhang Lie could tell, if he grew skilled enough to combine or manipulate their effects at will, he would surely gain another powerful tool in his arsenal.

Instead of continuing his investigation with the third and fourth tablets, however, Zhang Lie decided to stop. He could feel the aura of the hunters gathering outside his training chamber, and it was clear that the fluctuations in his genetic energy had alerted them. They were likely waiting for him to come out of seclusion, so Zhang Lie didn't want to waste their time. He reclaimed the tablets, dressed himself, and stepped outside the chamber.

"Congratulations on your success, Deputy Leader Zhang! Given your aura, it must have been a successful session," Zhou Liao greeted him the moment he walked out, treating him even more formally than the governor himself.

The other team leaders and the lucky Qin Tian all echoed Zhou Liao's words, "Congratulations, Deputy Leader Zhang!"

Zhang Lie smiled politely. "We're all colleagues, aren't we? There's no need to be so formal."

Tension bled out of the gathered hunters' faces, and of Qin Tian in particular. After all, he had never met Zhang Lie before, so he couldn't help feeling anxious—especially after hearing so many tales of his successes over the past two days. He wouldn't have expected Zhang Lie to be so casual on their first encounter, without any of the arrogance and stuffiness natural to a hunter who had achieved so much.

He thanked his lucky stars again that he had chosen to participate in the selection process to join Zhang Lie's team.

"It's only natural, Deputy Leader Zhang—after all, everyone here is in awe of your skill," Zhou Liao replied. Who else would be able to subdue Wang Yanyi so easily? Even Governor Xiao would be hard-pressed to accomplish such a feat!

Glancing at the figures before him, Zhang Lie asked, "Are the results of the selection out?"

Given the hunters who were present, Zhang Lie had a pretty good guess as to who had been selected, but he still wanted some confirmation.

"Of course, Deputy Leader Zhang! Except for Xia Na, whom you personally spoke to and accepted, the other two spots in your team have gone to the third team leader, Zhuo Yihong, and the best candidate from the selection, Qin Tian." As Zhou Liao spoke, he motioned for the three hunters to step forward.

Zhang Lie had never met Zhuo Yihong or Qin Tian before. Zhuo Yihong was a mature hunter in his thirties, who seemed much like an uncle next door, whereas Qin Tian was somewhat younger, with a resolute expression on his face.

Zhang Lie's gaze swept over the three hunters. "Qin Tian's a somewhat familiar name. You're not related to the Qin clan in China's city of Liao, are you?"

Zhang Lie's question seemed to come out of nowhere, but everyone could hear the mild note of distaste in it. The Qin clan of Liao had likely been one of Zhang Lie's enemies during his initial period of growth. Perhaps they would no longer be able to threaten him, but he didn't want to help cultivate one of their promising talents, nonetheless.

"No, sir, I'm from Mars, and my family doesn't come from a major clan!"

The other team leaders sighed in disappointment as Zhang Lie nodded. "Good. There's no need to be so anxious—even if you were from the Qin clan, all I would have done was reject you."

Zhou Liao continued, "If there's no problem with the three candidates, Deputy Leader Zhang, then that's everything from me. I've informed Xia Na and Zhuo Yihong, the two previous team leaders, about what to expect with regards to your team's lodgings, and they should have everything prepared as well."

"Thank you for your help, Troop Leader Zhou. If there's anything you need my assistance with, please let me know, and I'll do my best."

Zhou Liao beamed upon hearing Zhang Lie's words. Zhang Lie's deferential attitude was something Zhou Liao could boast about for years; everyone present knew just how strong Zhang Lie was, after all.

"No, no, I could hardly command you, Deputy Leader Zhang! We'll work together!"

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