The job change is a bizarre and calamity; the nation begs me to tone it down.

"This million is your prize money for winning the championship. Use it to buy some good food. You're still growing, so don't neglect yourself."

Like a kind grandfather giving his grandson New Year's money, Zhang Daoxuan casually stuffed the card into Gu Xu's pocket, then picked up the book, his expression becoming slightly more serious.

"As for this, it's just a small token of my personal appreciation."

"I know you have only one profession, so you might not be interested in ordinary skill books."

"This book, 'Void Refraction,' is a legendary skill book that I obtained from a ruin in the abyss many years ago."

Legendary skill book!

Upon hearing these words, Wang Meng's eye twitched violently.

It hurts like someone has ripped a piece of my flesh out.

A legendary skill book!

That's a rare copy that countless ninth-tier powerhouses dream of!

"That old man really went all out this time!"

Wang Meng wailed inwardly.

Why don't they get such good things?

Ignoring the murderous stares around them, Zhang Daoxuan handed the book to Gu Xu: "Its effect is very special. It can reflect any form of damage received back to the attacker in proportion, and it has a forced hit with spatial attributes."

"For fragile characters like mages, this is the best way to survive."

Gu Xu's heart skipped a beat.

Thornmail?

Or is it a spatial counter-damage attack with forced hit?

That's an incredible skill!

With the help of the Bride of the Demon and Twitch's control, anyone who dares to touch him will be crippled before they even touch the hem of his clothes.

"I dare not refuse a gift from an elder."

Gu Xu accepted the skill book with both hands, bowed solemnly, and said, "Thank you, Elder Zhang!"

At that moment, everyone understood.

This young man's achievements are more than just winning a championship.

He truly caught the eye of this top tycoon of the empire.

With Zhang Daoxuan's connection and his terrifying talent, Gu Xu's future is bright.

He is probably much more expansive than anyone else present.

……

After the ceremony, the noise gradually subsided.

The off-road convoy sped along the highway in the sunset, the desolate scenery on both sides rushing past.

Inside the carriage, Su Qiong, unusually, did not smoke.

She took off her military cap, casually scratched her hair, and her eyes, which usually had a somewhat bandit-like air, were now frighteningly bright.

"Good job, kid. You did a really satisfying job today!"

As Su Qiong drove, she couldn't help but slap the steering wheel, her face full of smiles: "Didn't you see Wang Meng's face at the end? It was as black as the bottom of a pot!"

"After all these years, this is the first time I've seen him not dare to utter a single word in front of me!"

Gu Xu sat in the passenger seat, toying with the legendary skill book in his hand. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "They underestimated us. If they had really attacked together, I would have had to put in some effort."

"Come on, excessive modesty is just hypocrisy."

Su Qiong glanced at him: "I know you're capable. In the military, if you're capable, you have to show it."

"Your victory today not only made a name for yourself, but also completely dispelled the pent-up frustration of our God-Slaying Army."

At this point, Su Qiong's tone became slightly more serious.

"The next few days will be dedicated to getting down to business!"

"The job change quest is difficult, but you have to get through it. When we get back, I'll have someone arrange the best leveling spots for you so you can level up quickly and overcome this first job change hurdle."

"As for that job change document..."

Su Qiong smiled slightly: "We can solve this when we get back."

Gu Xu nodded and put away the skill book: "Understood. I also want to see what changes will occur after that transformation."

The relaxed atmosphere returned to the carriage.

Gu Xu looked out the window, but in his mind he was planning what to do next.

Although they won this martial arts competition, they also exposed some of their trump cards.

Next time, the enemy will definitely be on guard.

We must become stronger.

True security is when something is so powerful that no one can understand it.

……

The moment the convoy entered the gate of the God-Slaying Army's encampment, Gu Xu thought he had gone to the wrong place.

Is this still the same military camp, filled with the aura of steel, serious and desolate?

Before the car had even come to a complete stop, deafening cheers pierced through the bulletproof glass.

"We won!!!"

"Champions! We are the champions!"

"Awesome!!"

Through the car window, Gu Xu saw that the entire base looked like it was celebrating the New Year.

Bright red banners were hung on the trees on both sides of the road.

The signs above were filled with various simple and crude slogans—

[Warmest congratulations to Comrade Gu Xu on winning the martial arts championship!]

[We wiped out the First Legion! Awesome!]

[Long live the God-Slaying Army! Long live Comrade Gu Xu!]

Even more outrageous is the sky.

Three fully armed attack helicopters were hovering at low altitude. They were not carrying missiles, but instead trailed long colored smoke trails behind them, drawing a huge "NO.1" in the sky.

Several tanks even raised their cannons high, serving as salutes.

I don't know what was inside, but anyway, they were sending colorful ribbons flying into the sky with a bang.

This display of force is clearly to welcome the new martial arts champion.

Anyone who didn't know better would think it was a visiting head of state.

Gu Xu's lips twitched twice, and he turned to look at Su Qiong: "Sister Qiong... isn't this a bit too much?"

He's a socially awkward person (even though he's a ruthless killer in dungeons).

Faced with this situation, I'd be digging my toes out of my head.

"exaggerate?"

Su Qiong slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a steady stop at the end of the red carpet. She turned to look at Gu Xu with an unusually serious expression.

"Kid, you probably don't realize what this championship means yet."

"This is not just a title."

Su Qiong pointed to the soldiers celebrating outside: "Do you know how many years our God-Slaying Army has been poor? Because it is a newly established legion, we have no battle record and no foundation. Every year, we can only eat what others have left over from the resources allocated by the military headquarters."

"The equipment is outdated, the supplies are second-class, and even the quota for some medicines is half that of others."

"These soldiers are risking their lives to fill that hole."

Su Qiong's voice lowered slightly: "But today, because you took first place."

"Next year... no, starting next month, our resource allocation will double. Everyone will be able to get the latest equipment and receive two more recovery potions."

"You're not just winning this battle for yourself."

"You won for these tens of thousands of brothers."

"Therefore, their respect and fear of you are what you deserve."

After Su Qiong finished speaking, she smiled again, opened the car door, and said, "Get out of the car, hero. This is the respect you deserve."

Gu Xu was silent for two seconds, then took a deep breath.

He never imagined that his indiscriminate killing would affect the livelihoods of so many people.

This profound sense of honor instantly dispelled any embarrassment he might have felt.

Instead, there is an unprecedented sense of belonging.

Since that's the case, then just accept it.