Tang Zhong didn’t expect that there were many people coldly laughing next to the task board up ahead, seemingly scheming something.

At this time, many people were going up to pick tasks.

Ah Ding was also preparing to queue up.

But the queue could only line up to the end.

Generally speaking, the tasks encountered at the front are the simplest ones.

After all, the so-called trials would prompt everyone to go outside, yet few people are willing to venture out, so they choose the easiest tasks to complete early and return early.

However, when Ah Ding and his companions walked to the side of the task board, Ah Ding’s face turned ugly.

Now there’s only one task on the task board, and that is the epic-level task.

As for other tasks, they seem to have been taken by others.

How is this possible?

Ah Ding’s face turned ugly. They had to go out for trials, and it was mandatory. How could they go out for trials without taking a task?

But now, the only task remaining is an epic level one.

Should we take this task? Completing it seems like a joke.

Who can complete that? It’s like dreaming.

Ah Ding turned back to look at Tang Zhong and said: "Yi Zhong brother, there’s only one epic-level task left now, what should we do?"

Tang Zhong didn’t speak. He felt it was surely a trap.

Someone must have deliberately taken all other tasks, leaving them with only one epic-level task, forcing them to complete it.

This epic-level task would be nothing to Tang Zhong, but to Ah Ding, it might be very difficult.

"Don’t worry."

Just then, people gathered around and looked at the epic-level task on the task board.

"Whoa, only one epic-level task remains on the task board."

"They won’t take this task, will they?"

"Do you think they have another choice?"

"Certainly no choice."

No one asked why such a situation would occur; everyone knew clearly that someone was deliberately targeting these two.

Upon hearing the commotion, Qin Chuchu and others rushed over. Just seeing the epic-level task on the board, their faces changed: "How could this happen?"

"So many tasks, how could they all be taken? Someone must be pulling some tricks. Don’t take this task; I’ll go and ask what exactly happened," Qin Chuchu said and prepared to step back.

Tang Zhong stepped forward, grabbed Qin Chuchu’s hand, and said: "No need to ask, we’ve taken this task."

Upon hearing this, Qin Chuchu’s face changed instantly, and she hurried to stop him, saying: "No, you absolutely can’t take this task. If you do, you won’t be able to complete it."

"How about, how about I talk to our faction leader and let you two join us," Qin Chuchu suggested.

"I said there’s really no need," Tang Zhong replied.

Qin Chuchu was left speechless by these words.

Meanwhile, someone stepped out from the side.

It was Jian Jiu, who coldly laughed and said to Tang Zhong: "When I first saw this epic-level task, I wondered who would be so lucky to get it into their hands. I didn’t expect it to be you. You must try your best to complete it."

With these words, everyone knew who was targeting these two.

Ah Ding, furious, stared at Jian Jiu and said: "You really are going too far, let me tell you."

Jian Jiu looked at Ah Ding, smiled, and said: "Going too far, where’s that coming from? When have I ever bullied anyone?"

"You took all the tasks, leaving us with an epic-level task. Isn’t this bullying us?" Ah Ding said.

"Young man, you might want to be cautious with your words. We can take whatever task we want. Don’t you agree with what I said?" Jian Jiu laughed and said.

"Anyway, there’s still an epic-level task left for you. If you want to pass the trials, you’ll have to take this task. Otherwise, you might spend a few more years here at the Academy," Jian Jiu said with a cold smile.

This trial must be undertaken as part of the Academy’s mid-term examination. Students entering the Academy will undergo two stages totaling six years.

The first three years are spent in the Academy receiving lectures from instructors, while the latter three years involve tasks outside the Academy, engaging with society. Upon completion, they may leave to take positions in various prominent kingdoms or ancient nations, or, they may return to their tribe to rejuvenate it.

Therefore, this trial serves as a watershed, occurring every three years. If missed, one must wait another three years.

Ah Ding was about to continue raging when Tang Zhong extended his hand to calm him: "No need to be angry. He’s deliberately provoking you, and if you get worked up, you’re falling into his trap."

"But Yi Zhong brother, I can’t suppress my anger," Ah Ding said furiously.

"There’s still one task left. Let’s take the epic-level task!" Tang Zhong said calmly.

"But this task is really too difficult," Ah Ding found himself helpless.

"Is an epic-level task really that hard? If I were to take a task from the task board, I’d certainly take the epic-level task. I wouldn’t be like those lacking courage, who take ordinary tasks and then sneer at someone taking an epic-level task," Tang Zhong remarked, and his gaze turned to Jian Jiu.

Jian Jiu’s smile instantly vanished upon hearing this, his fist clenched. Calling him a coward? This person’s courage is truly reckless, seeking death, perhaps?

Others nearby heard Tang Zhong’s words, and many cast their gazes over, thinking he was somewhat arrogant. An epic-level task isn’t that easy.

Jian Jiu calmed himself and said: "Hah, an ordinary epic-level task. Let me witness you complete it."

"Who do you think you are?" Tang Zhong said with a smile.

"You damn fool, you’re looking to die!" Jian Jiu clenched his jaw in fury.

This person had previously refused to join their Star Sword Association, bringing him considerable humiliation.

And now, he was speaking to him insolently.

This person must be eliminated.

Immediately, Jian Jiu stepped forward and whispered in Tang Zhong’s ear: "If you dare to take this epic-level task, I’ll make sure your death is ugly. I’ll also let you understand the cost of opposing me."

Tang Zhong grinned and said: "Jian Jiu, you once said something very true. The aura around me is very familiar to you. We’ve indeed met."

Jian Jiu’s face changed upon hearing this, baffled as to when he had encountered this person.

Tang Zhong continued: "Also, I killed Liu Feng, and I’ve killed many of your Star Sword Association members multiple times. If you want to kill me, come find me."

Immediately, Tang Zhong reached out, took the epic-level task, and held it up.

"I’ve taken this task."