Chapter 91: Chapter 89: Isn’t This Bullying?_1

The sonorous laughter of Master Tong echoed far and wide within the back gate of the practice base, causing countless hearts to tremble.

Lord Han, Assistant Han, a man who they had only met two days ago but who had already erected a majestic image in their minds, transcended the mundane in the blink of an eye.

He was standing right there, but the psychological distance seemed incredibly vast.

His appearance was clearly visible, but his form was elusive, more illusory and bewildering than a mirage.

Such a person... was about to become their competitor?

At this thought, many students twisted their mouths in a dreamlike haze.

"Are you... sure?"

The focus of everyone’s attention, Ye Hanjun, had already dissipated his look of fatigue.

He wasn’t fixated on the mentors, continuing to ask frivolous questions.

All he did was look them directly in the eyes, and said calmly, slowly, and firmly:

"I’ve already said, I have mastered a certain level of wilderness survival skills."

"Teaming up with students, competing with students, it’s not an exaggeration to call it a dimensional assault."

"Despite this, you still want me to fill this gap, switch to the role of a team leader, and lead the team to participate in the competition?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"We are certain."

Master Tong, stroking his beard, spoke assuredly.

This time, the students who were holding their breath and listening to the conversation could no longer restrain themselves.

"Elder Child, isn’t this a bit unfair?"

Liu Xin, licking his lips, mustered the courage to ask.

This trial was supposed to be his imagined stage.

He and his Contracted Spirit Raging Fire Dog were supposed to ride the vast horizon on such a stage.

With Wang Xinfei and Li Jingming as competitors, the pressure was already enough, but adding an assistant with unfathomable depth, what was left for him to play?

"Yeah, Master Tong, this is way out of line."

"This is the first time I’ve heard of assistants directly getting involved in student trials."

Hu Linlin, the captain of the fourth team, suppressed her complex expression and helped raise objections:

"Assistant Han - to become an assistant implies a true mastery."

"When we first heard his introduction, although it seemed absurd and we were reluctant to believe it."

"But upon deeper thought, precisely because he has accomplished tasks ordinary people would find impossible, the impression he gives should be even more frightening, shouldn’t it?"

"A remark to awaken us from a dream!"

Zou Lan, Chen Gui, Shang Jie, those students who ranked at the bottom in the trial, caught on late and quickly nodded in agreement like pecking chicks.

"Just thinking about the way he handled that blade yesterday, handsome Assistant Han suddenly seems quite terrifying!"

"To have us compete with someone like him, I feel like we will be thoroughly defeated, the outcome clear beyond doubt..."

"If you’re afraid before the battle even begins, then of course you will certainly lose."

Zhi Zhengqing coldly interjected:

"Do you still remember what Elder Child initially emphasized?"

"He repeatedly stressed that this trial prioritizes experience and participation."

"Coins and competition are just to stimulate your enthusiasm."

"The rules have limited you from killing each other. Even if Assistant Han is very formidable, can this level of defeat really discourage you?"

The protesting students immediately shut up.

"How about this, although we two have absolute decision-making power and do not need anyone’s approval or rejection,

"but to convince the masses, and for you to accept this outcome and spend an enjoyable and interesting seven days, let me expound a little further."

The smile on Master Tong’s face grew brighter, his face resembling a blooming chrysanthemum as he candidly stated:

"First, unless Han can defeat any one of the assistants, he is not capable of taking on the roles of patrol and guard. This is an indisputable fact."

"Assistant Han, do you have any objections to this? If so, you may voice them now."

In the silence and gaze, Ye Hanjun gently shakes his head.

A cross-rank battle between different stages is a very difficult task.

Huazhu, at its current stage, was far from this ability. He could not deny it.

"Secondly, continuing to emphasize ’participation’ and ’fair competition’, I have decided to give you a sweet deal, as an extra incentive."

"As long as the final ranking is above Lord Han’s team, each team will be rewarded 300 Lower Quality Spirit Stones, each person will split them evenly and receive 60!"

"Wow..."

Upon hearing this news, more than half of the students’ eyes widened, this substantial reward easily capturing their hearts and minds.

"Of course, Lord Han can also receive these Spirit Stones."

Master Tong looked at Ye Hanjun, a smile playing on his lips, adding: "The premise is coming first."

"If you can lead your team to first place, in addition to each team member getting 60 Lower Quality Spirit Stones, you will receive an additional 300, totalling 360. For you at present, that should be a rather attractive number, isn’t it?"

Ye Hanjun was silent, but the corners of his mouth lifted in a slight curve.

There’s a reward... now that’s interesting.

It seemed the two mentors really wanted to know the limits of his capabilities and were willing to pay out of their own pockets for it.

In a brief contemplation, Ye Hanjun figured out the crux of the matter.

This trial, the growth of the 29 students present, was indeed important.

But from the perspective of the school, other than Wang Xinfei who was exceptionally important due to her status,

could the potential of the others combined even compare to that of a Blood Covenant holder?

Going by this calculation, could Zhi Zhengqing, who first undertook the trial task, have known from the start that the academy wanted to test his abilities even further to gauge his real worth?

As for Dong Xuan, he probably found out later, but his interest in himself far exceeded that of Zhi Zhengqing, making his enthusiasm understandable.

"Interesting."

Ye Hanjun murmured to himself, responding casually:

"In that case, I’ll go with the arrangements of the two mentors."

"But let me just say, if there are rewards, I won’t go easy."

"After all, I really didn’t want to participate originally."

"Now, I won’t settle for anything but first place."

"If any student ends up discontent, they should take it up with the two mentors. It has nothing to do with me."

"Hahaha, well said! Feel free to approach us."

Dong Xuan stroked his beard and laughed heartily, very pleased with Ye Hanjun’s response.

"We are doomed..."

Some students clutched their heads. Even with the allure of spirit stones, they didn’t feel like they had a chance.

"Actually... let’s shift our perspective."

Li Jingming kept his head low, deep in thought, then suddenly spoke up:

"The rewards are secondary, as is the final ranking."

"Let’s think, what can we learn from Assistant Han if we team up with him."

"And what can we learn from him if we become his competitor..."

The boy’s words were crystal clear.

His voice wasn’t loud, his tone calm. They fell on people’s ears, touching each person differently.

Wang Xinfei, who had kept a straight face all along, slowly showed a hint of relaxation.

In her twinkling eyes, although it’s unclear what exactly she was thinking, it was apparent that she was no longer resistant to what was about to happen.

Dong Xuan and Zhi Zhengqing glanced at Li Jingming’s face in surprise.

The subconscious nod, however minute, was a sign of a deeper recognition.

"Li Jingming, huh? Ghost-Faced Moth, Bug Catcher..."

"Decent aptitude, outstanding intellect, interesting..."

Ye Hanjun couldn’t deny it, his appreciation for the boy grew.

Of the 29 people present, aside from Su Mei, who was already a mentee, and Piao Chenlong, who was the most troublesome and itching for a beating...

It seemed the only one who caught his real interest was this boy.

"Since everyone has agreed, let’s draw lots."

Dong Xuan took out a bamboo tube from his Dimensional Space Bag and shook the six markers it contained.

"The order of selection and the priority to choose the trial field will depend on the number drawn."

"Clang!"

Ye Hanjun was the last to step up and read the number on his marker, which was 3.

Number 1 went to Qin Shui, the cool blue-haired young girl. Her gaze wandered and she eventually snagged another patron who had a Contracted "Clay Body" Spirit Fond Ler at the Great Completion stage.

Number 2 was Li Jingming. Even though three Contracted Spirit Fond Ler in the "Clay Body" Great Completion stage were available, he chose a sturdily built "hunter" with a Contract Spirit Fond Ler only at the Small Achievement stage.

Ye Hanjun gave a slight nod.

This student, named Qian Shaoshao, despite having an odd name, was quite reserved.

He had excellent scouting abilities in the wilds. As a team member, he could bring enough value to the team. Choosing him was not a bad idea.

"Your turn, who do you want to pick?"

Dong Xuan, with a wicked grin, looked like an old fox.

Ye Hanjun raised an eyebrow and acted like he was seriously considering his options. Only after a full ten seconds did he casually point at Su Mei.

"You, step forward."

"Huh?!"

In the crowd, Piao Chenlong, who was anxiously signaling with his eyes, was taken aback.

It was clear to everyone that he wanted Assistant Han to choose him.

Unfortunately, the result was harsh. Ye Hanjun seemed to ignore him completely, his gaze lingering only on the three at the Great Completion of Clay Body.

The one he ultimately selected was a pretty girl with emerald-green hair. Perhaps it was due to her Contracted Spirit Fond Ler that was too eye-catching. The cluster of multicolored hair on its head made it extremely difficult to not leave an impression.

"Ka! Ka ka!"

The big emu made two sounds. Its clear big eyes held nothing but simple sincerity. There was nothing to show that it seemed to recognize Ye Hanjun.

And Su Mei, the emu’s master, showed just the right amount of surprise, hesitated a bit, then ran up to stand behind Ye Hanjun in an orderly fashion.

Perfect!

She could actually participate in this trial with Master Han!

The girl’s heart pounded with excitement.

As if sensing a strange gaze turned her way, she turned her head and locked eyes with Wang Xinfei.

The two of them—both remained silent.

After a glance, they both looked away, no longer paying attention to each other.

However, Ye Hanjun, with his keen perception, faintly sensed the whiff of gunpowder.

Both knights, both having seen the other shine during the wild races.

Those two might become something like "archrivals" for quite some time, right?