37: Chapter 37 Forming the Sun-Shooting Squad

The clamor of the martial arts hall gradually subsided. Lin Zhou followed Qin Yue and Su Ye out of the arena, with a group of reporters wanting interviews and Martial Artists coming to congratulate them following behind.

Just as they stepped out the main entrance, Lin Zhou raised his hand to stop the swarming crowd, his voice clear but carrying an unquestionable power: "Thank you all for your support. We can schedule interviews for another day; today, I still have important matters to discuss with my two close friends."

The reporters looked at each other, then at Qin Yue and Su Ye beside Lin Zhou. Recalling Archery God's earlier stance, they could only tactfully step aside and take photos from a distance.

The three turned into a secluded alley before Su Ye couldn't help but rub his hands together, saying with an excited face, "Lin Zhou, you're famous across the whole country now! A Named Disciple of the Archery God, the National Martial Arts Tournament champion, and legendary mid-stage strength—any one of those titles alone could stun a whole crowd!"

Qin Yue also nodded with a smile, her eyes filled with gratification. "You've really had it tough on this journey. From making a name for yourself at Jiangcheng No. 1 High School to now reaching the top of the nation, your growth speed is simply inconceivable."

Lin Zhou smiled, then put away his grin as his expression turned solemn. "Glory is only temporary. The threat of exotic beasts on Blue Star has never disappeared, and the remnants of the Blood Shadow Pavilion are still lurking in the shadows. We cannot let our guard down."

Since his Transmigration to this world, he had seen the tragic sight of exotic beasts besieging cities and knew well the insidious nature of Evil Path forces. To live well in this crisis-ridden world and protect those around him, his strength alone was far from enough.

The smile on Su Ye's face froze, then he patted his chest. "What do you want to do? My life, Su Ye's life, has long been tied to yours! Since my class change, you've been leading my growth. Now it's my turn to charge into battle for you!"

Qin Yue also nodded slightly, her jade-like hand gripping the longsword at her waist. "My Qin Family has guarded Jiangcheng for generations. The Blood Shadow Pavilion's collusion with Zhang Hao's Family has already made them our Mortal enemies. Lin Zhou, just give the word; I, Qin Yue, will follow your lead."

Looking at their determined gazes, a warm current welled up in Lin Zhou's heart.

Transmigrating to Blue Star, his greatest luck was befriending these two partners to whom he could entrust his back. Qin Yue's cool-headed wisdom and Su Ye's hot-blooded loyalty allowed him to feel a long-lost warmth in this strange world.

"I want to form a squad."

Lin Zhou took a deep breath and said slowly, "A squad dedicated to hunting high-level exotic beasts, exterminating Evil Path forces, and protecting the peace of this land!"

"I've already thought of the name—Sun-Shooting!"

Sun-Shooting!

This name carried an overbearing aura that looked down upon the world, and even more so, a determination to protect all living beings. It both paid homage to the Archery God's Legacy and symbolized that they would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gods in Mortal bodies, piercing through all darkness and threats.

Su Ye's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh hard. "Great name! Sun-Shooting Squad! It sounds majestic enough! I'm the first to join!"

Qin Yue also smiled beautifully, the coldness between her brows turning into tenderness. "Count me in. A sword immortal paired with an archer, and a Berserker as the vanguard—this squad is destined to be famous throughout Huaxia!"

Lin Zhou looked at them and nodded solemnly.

He reached out his hand; Su Ye and Qin Yue shared a smile and also reached out their hands, the three palms gripping together tightly.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, spilling over the three of them as if plating this newborn squad in a layer of golden brilliance.

"The Sun-Shooting Squad is established today!"

"With my arrow, I shall pierce the firmament! With my sword, I shall slay all demons! With my fist, I shall protect my home!"

The three shouted in unison, their voices sonorous and powerful, echoing throughout the entire alley.

Just then, the System's notification sound suddenly rang out in Lin Zhou's mind.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for forming the Sun-Shooting Squad. Triggered roguelike system hidden mission—Oath of Protection!]

[Mission Requirement: Lead the Sun-Shooting Squad to hunt ten Pseudo-King Rank exotic beasts and exterminate three Evil Path force strongholds within one year.]

[Mission Reward: Unlock Triple Fusion permissions for talents; obtain Epic-grade equipment—Sun-Shooting Squad Exclusive Battle Armor!]

Lin Zhou was overjoyed.

Triple Fusion permissions for talents!

This was something he had been dreaming of!

The first two talent Fusions had given his strength a qualitative leap. The first Fusion of 'Piercing Shot' and 'Arrow Split' resulted in the 'Sky-Splitting Piercing Arrow'; the second Fusion of 'Sky-Splitting Piercing Arrow' and 'Elementary Domain of Archery' resulted in the 'Domain Sky-Splitting Arrow'. If he unlocked the Triple Fusion, the power of his archery would surely reach another level!

And then there was the Sun-Shooting Squad Exclusive Battle Armor, which would play a crucial role in improving the squad's overall strength.

"It seems the System also approves of our squad," Lin Zhou said with a smile.

Su Ye and Qin Yue looked at each other, both somewhat confused. They didn't know about the System's existence, but they didn't ask further. They believed that one day, Lin Zhou would tell them all his secrets.

"By the way," Lin Zhou said as if remembering something, taking out two jade pendants from his storage space and handing them to Su Ye and Qin Yue. "These are defensive jade pendants I obtained in the Misty Forest Secret Realm. They can withstand a full-strength strike from a Legendary-level powerhouse. Take them."

These two jade pendants were extra rewards he had earned while grinding roguelike dungeons, and he hadn't found a suitable opportunity to give them away until now. Now that the Sun-Shooting Squad was formed, equipping the two of them with these would give him much more peace of mind.

Su Ye wasn't pretentious; he took the pendant and tucked it into his robe. "Thanks, brother! With this thing, I'll have more confidence when I charge in front in the future!"

Qin Yue also took the pendant, her fingertips gently stroking the patterns on it, a flash of warmth in her eyes. "Thank you. You're always like this, thinking of everything for us."

While the three were talking, a sudden sound of hurried footsteps approached.

A middle-aged man in a military uniform walked quickly up to the three and gave a standard military salute. "Mr. Lin Zhou, Miss Qin Yue, Mr. Su Ye, the Military Department requests your presence!"

Lin Zhou and the others looked at each other, a flash of confusion in their eyes.

The Military Department?

Why were they looking for them at this time?

The middle-aged man saw their confusion and quickly explained, "It's like this: recently, the A-rank exotic beast nests around Jiangcheng have been frequently active, and there are signs of a beast tide outbreak. The Military Department hopes the Sun-Shooting Squad can assist us in suppressing this nest!"

An A-rank exotic beast nest!

There would be at least dozens of Legendary-level exotic beasts inside, and possibly even Pseudo-King Rank existences!

Su Ye's eyes instantly lit up, filled with Battle Intent. "Good! I was just worried about having nowhere to practice! This is the Sun-Shooting Squad's first battle; we must make it a beautiful one!"

Qin Yue also nodded. "Protecting Jiangcheng is our responsibility. Moreover, this is a good opportunity to hone our squad's coordination."

Lin Zhou pondered for a moment, then raised his head, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

Suppressing an A-rank exotic beast nest would not only complete a System mission but also allow them to accumulate combat experience and improve the squad's chemistry.

More importantly, this was the first battle after the formation of the Sun-Shooting Squad!

They wanted all of Huaxia to know that the Sun-Shooting Squad was not just a name!

"Alright! We agree!"

Lin Zhou said in a deep voice, "Time and place!"

The middle-aged man was overjoyed and quickly said, "Three days from now, at Black Wind Ridge in the western suburbs of Jiangcheng! The Military Department will send someone to meet you and provide necessary support!"

"No problem!"

Lin Zhou nodded.

The middle-aged man gave another military salute, turned, and walked away quickly.

Watching the middle-aged man's receding back, Su Ye couldn't help but clench his fists, an excited light shining in his eyes. "Three days from now, Black Wind Ridge! Let our Sun-Shooting Squad make its first mark!"

Qin Yue gripped the longsword at her waist; the scabbard vibrated slightly, letting out a crisp hum as if it were also anticipating the upcoming battle.

Lin Zhou looked up toward Black Wind Ridge, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

The blazing sun sniper bow in his storage space let out a hum of longing.

The arrow was on the string, ready to be fired!

The legend of the Sun-Shooting Squad was about to begin!