Number One Demon Hunter Squad

The battle for the top sixteen had nothing to do with Ling Mo, and he was happy to take it easy. He did not even bother watching the matches. For the past few days, he had been accompanying Yae Sakura everywhere. As the most prosperous human city, Holy City had plenty of good things. While Ling Mo could not afford the more expensive items, he could freely indulge in street snacks. Yae Sakura had dragged Ling Mo all over the place these past few days without stopping, making him feel as though he had returned to his early days at Shrek Academy. Back then, after class, Ling Mo would usually carry Bella around and take her to eat something tasty. Unfortunately, Bella still had not awakened. It had been over two years already, and he had no idea how much longer it would take for the Life Gold to be fully absorbed.

A few days later, all finalists in the top sixteen were required to attend, because once the final match concluded, the rewards would be distributed and the Demon Hunter Squad selection would begin.

There was no need to go into detail about the match itself. Long Haochen faced Yang Wenzhao, two Fifth-tier Retribution Knights going head-to-head. To be honest, it was a rather spectacular fight, but Ling Mo knew Long Haochen would win. What made Ling Mo feel awkward was the upcoming "selection drama." Of the three of them, only the third-place contestant was normal. Second-place Yang Wenzhao would confess to Chen Ying'er on the spot and invite her into his squad, only to be rejected. Then Long Haochen, at just fourteen years old, would openly flaunt his affection in front of everyone. Right now, Ling Mo only wanted it to end quickly so he could go back.

"Ah, I wonder what the draw will be like later. I hope my Demon Hunter Squad companions won't mind me bringing Sakura along. I don't think they will. I've even killed an Eighth-tier magical beast—I've practically made it clear that I'm a big shot. Although Sakura's strength has greatly declined because she lost her stigmata, she's still not much weaker than them. There shouldn't be any problems, right?"

The match ended quickly. The top three stood together on the competition stage as Han Qian, the host, announced the end of the competition. "This Demon Hunter Squad Selection Tournament has concluded. The three of you have earned the top three places in this competition. According to the rules, each of you may choose one contestant. As long as they agree, they may become a teammate in your Demon Hunter Squad. Long Haochen, you are in first place, so you will choose first."

Long Haochen stood on the stage, unable to decide. Sheng Cai'er had given up two matches for him, but he had previously promised Lin Xin that he would choose him as a teammate. The people below did not know why he was hesitating, but Ling Mo knew very clearly why Long Haochen had yet to make his choice.

Just as everyone waited for Long Haochen to decide, Ling Mo suddenly stood up, raised his hand high, and said to Han Qian on the stage, "Vice Hall Master Han, I have a question."

Han Qian frowned at his words. For Ling Mo to speak up on such an occasion was already somewhat presumptuous. However, after that day's match, he had specifically investigated Ling Mo. His past was unclear; he had seemingly appeared out of nowhere two years ago. If Long Xingyu had not secretly verified him, Han Qian might have suspected that Ling Mo was connected to the demon race. Setting that aside, a seventeen-year-old fourth-rank ninth-level Great Battle Master was undoubtedly exceptionally gifted, and he even possessed the ability to kill an eighth-level magical beast. Han Qian himself was only at the eighth tier. After glancing at Long Haochen, who was still hesitating, he decided to hear Ling Mo out first.

"Go ahead."

Ling Mo lowered his hand and said slowly, "Everyone knows how precious Spiritual Stoves are, but I believe trustworthy companions are even more precious. So I would like to ask: after obtaining one of the top three places, may one exchange the Spiritual Stove for one additional opportunity to choose a teammate?"

After hearing Ling Mo's question, discussions immediately broke out across the venue. Including Han Qian, the six vice hall masters of the various Temples present all began pondering the matter. The moment Long Haochen heard Ling Mo's words, he immediately spoke up. "I am willing to forfeit the Spiritual Stove reward and request that The Alliance allow me to choose one additional person for my squad."

Hearing this, everyone suddenly understood. In their eyes, Pseudo Eighth Tier combat strength was indeed extraordinarily powerful. After all, the eighth tier might be the endpoint of many people's entire lives. Yet Ling Mo was only seventeen years old. In other words, with him in the team, there would be at least one Ninth Tier combatant in the future, and that day might come very soon. What did the Ninth Tier represent? The hall masters of the major Temples were all Ninth Tier powerhouses. Moreover, his existing Pseudo Eighth Tier combat strength would provide unimaginably great help to a newly established Demon Hunter Squad at this stage. It was understandable that Long Haochen had hesitated so much.

Ling Mo looked at everyone's expressions. Although he knew they had misunderstood something, as long as his objective had been achieved, that was enough. He could not be bothered explaining. Brother Long, this is all I can do for you. Good luck.

"Han Qian, agree to it." As the six vice hall masters deliberated, an aged and resonant voice echoed through the venue.

Upon hearing that voice, Han Qian no longer hesitated. He said to Long Haochen, "You heard it as well. I now permit you to forfeit the Spiritual Stove and choose one additional person. The same applies to you two." Since first place could do so, second and third place naturally could not be treated differently. Furthermore, now that a precedent had been established, it might become one of the rules in the future.

Long Haochen no longer hesitated either. He said to Han Qian, "I choose Sheng Cai'er of the Assassin Temple and Lin Xin of the Mage Temple."

Lin Xin? Not Ling Mo? Discussion erupted again, and even Han Qian frowned once more as he confirmed, "Are you sure you did not say the wrong name?"

"I'm sure I did not."

Han Qian had nothing more to say after hearing that. A few people could be heard speaking up for Ling Mo, but since Long Haochen had confirmed that he had not made a mistake, they could only sigh and ask Sheng Cai'er and Lin Xin whether they were willing to join Long Haochen's Demon Hunter Squad.

Naturally, neither of them refused. Thus, half of Long Haochen's Demon Hunter Squad members had been confirmed.

Second-place Yang Wenzhao did not choose to forfeit his Spiritual Stove. The person he chose was, as Ling Mo expected, Chen Ying'er of the Soul Temple, but he was rejected. In the end, he chose Huang Yi of the Mage Temple. Huang Yi was one of the top sixteen, an Earth Mage skilled in defense, perfectly able to supplement the team's defensive capabilities. After all, Yang Wenzhao was a Retribution Knight.

Third-place Mu Ning did not choose to forfeit his Spiritual Stove. Since Mu Ning himself was a warrior, he could not select Ling Mo for his squad, so there was no need to give up the Spiritual Stove. In the end, he chose Duan Yi from the Knight Temple, a Fifth-tier Earth Knight and one of the top eight. He had narrowly lost to Yang Wenzhao, and his formidable strength was evident to all. To persuade him to join, Mu Ning was willing to give up the position of captain. After thinking it over for a moment, Duan Yi agreed to join Mu Ning's Demon Hunter Squad.

With the top three's selections complete, it was time for the roulette selection. Once the roulette was brought out, the more than fifty contestants present all appeared excited. Everyone wanted to join first-place Long Haochen's Demon Hunter Squad. Next came the Demon Hunter Squad of third-place Mu Ning and Duan Yi, followed by second-place Yang Wenzhao's Demon Hunter Squad. It could not be helped—this was the difference between Guardian Knights and Retribution Knights. The former were more popular because of their characteristics. Those who were not from the Warrior Temple also began thinking that being in the same squad as Ling Mo would be quite good.

"Next, we will begin selecting the first Demon Hunter Squad. Long Haochen, the Demon Hunter Squad led by you will temporarily be called Number One Demon Hunter Squad. Step forward and spin the roulette."

"Yes." Long Haochen appeared very obedient at this moment as he walked up and stopped before the roulette.

The first selection was from the Soul Temple. Unsurprisingly, the roulette ultimately landed on Chen Ying'er.

Next came the Priest Temple: the Violent Priest, Sima Xian.

Finally, from the Warrior Temple: Ling Mo.

Ling Mo was filled with emotion. Could it be because I eliminated Wang Yuanyuan, so I can only take her place? What is this, the world's corrective force?

On the stage, Han Qian announced the results. "Number One Demon Hunter Squad. Captain: Knight Long Haochen. Members: Assassin Sheng Cai'er, Warrior Ling Mo, Mage Lin Xin, Priest Sima Xian, Summoner Chen Ying'er. Squad formation complete."

Thus, the "Protagonist Group" was officially formed.