Dead End?

"Smack."

"Bang."

One bottle after another shattered. With the domain having just withdrawn and the "holy water" still effective, some decisively chose the safe route of retreat.

Lu PingAn mingled among the dwindling crowd, watching the "youngsters" he favored and hoping they would make the most rational choice.

Knowing when to give up was also a kind of courage and wisdom. In Lu PingAn's view, stubbornly persisting without recognizing one's own strength was simply foolish.

Soon enough, he would help them make that choice by force.

"This is actually a good thing. We're not losing out!"

"Sentinel" Lu Feng was still holding on. As he shouted that they were not losing out, he tried to persuade the others not to let this rare opportunity slip away.

"This is an opportunity. So many people are watching us. If we perform well, maybe some High-Level Professionals will take us as apprentices, or some major guild, company, or church will recruit us."

What he said was indeed true. The "live broadcast" had now become Changping's highest-rated television program.

Although Lu Feng's combat strength was not particularly outstanding, he had made no obvious mistakes in his decisions along the way. While he always showed some hesitation and unease before making major choices—Lu PingAn had seen him trembling—

it was clear that he was trying his best to stay rational while remaining ambitious within his capabilities. He already possessed the qualities a squad leader should have.

"...I'll count you as qualified." As the accompanying examiner, Lu PingAn handed out his first passing mark—to a "weakling" lacking in combat strength.

"Can we make a temporary pact? Let's form a combat group. You two protect me, and I'll provide support from the rear. I'm a Pactbearer. I don't lie."

The speaker was Fan Zheng. He approached the