The people below were surprised and expectant when they heard these words.
"I never thought the Imperial Court would have such resolve!"
"Wonderful! Then it seems I might have a chance to join the Demon Eradication Division too!"
"It's not that simple. The Demon Eradication Division is looking for the finest talents under heaven. How could people like us possibly measure up to those four words?"
"That's true. In this martial arts school, perhaps only Senior Brother Song, Senior Sister Jiang, and Junior Brother Zhou can be called geniuses."
"How could you forget Junior Brother Fang?"
"Fang Chen? ... He's simply too mysterious. In truth, I don't think he has any chance of breaking through to the Second Realm. Maybe that previous breakthrough was just luck."
"Luck? Then how do you explain his incredible speed?"
"I don't know either. Perhaps he has some unorthodox method..."
Hong Decheng clapped his hands.
"Stop discussing it. Listen to me first!"
Everyone immediately quieted down, curious about what else Hong Decheng had to say.
Hong Decheng said, "There are still four months before the Demon Eradication Division begins recruiting."
"I currently have two recommendation slots. Those I recommend can enter the final round of the Demon Eradication Division's selection directly, without having to take the tedious tests beforehand."
Someone muttered, "Isn't that still about having powerful connections..."
Hong Decheng smiled. "Didn't you understand, everyone? Even if you have connections, it won't do. These recommendation slots can't let you enter the Demon Eradication Division directly. They only let you reach the final round of selection."
"If your strength is insufficient, you still won't get in."
"There are two reasons for this. First, it prevents some talents from being eliminated by accident. Second, it gives talents from various regions special treatment and saves them time."
After he explained it so clearly, the martial arts school's disciples naturally understood.
But one disciple continued asking, "Master Hong, who do you plan to give these two slots to? And what are the criteria for judging?"
Hong Decheng answered, "I'll give them to whoever among you is stronger! If your strength is equal, I'll choose the younger one."
Everyone present erupted in an uproar.
Many disciples turned their gazes toward Song Ming, Jiang Qiutong, and Wang Yanshan.
Song Ming had successfully broken through to the Sinew and Bone Realm.
Jiang Qiutong was also not far from breaking through, while Wang Yanshan had failed his first attempt, but perhaps he would succeed the next time.
At present, the strongest people in the martial arts school were these three.
Of the two slots, Song Ming would certainly occupy one.
Thus, everyone's gazes toward Song Ming held a few more traces of envy.
At that moment, Hong Decheng also turned his gaze toward the three of them.
If one of his disciples could join the Demon Eradication Division, it would be something worth boasting about for him as well.
"At present, Song Ming has the best chance of joining. Jiang Qiutong has some hope too, while Wang Yanshan probably won't make it."
Hong Decheng silently analyzed the situation. Then he couldn't help turning his gaze toward Fang Chen in the crowd.
"What a pity... There isn't enough time. I wonder whether four months will be enough for him to break through to the Second Realm."
In martial arts cultivation, the further one progressed, the slower one's cultivation speed became.
Even Song Ming had spent nearly half a year advancing from the First Realm to the Second Realm.
Hong Decheng felt sorry for Fang Chen.
"He's going to miss out on an opportunity."
However, Fang Chen below did not feel disappointed in the slightest. He even thought the time was a little too long.
Fang Chen looked at the panel and pondered inwardly.
I'll probably need only forty days to reach the Sinew and Bone Realm...
Four months is one hundred and twenty days. In that case, could I advance directly to the Viscera Realm?
But... the Demon Eradication Division sounds very dangerous. My cheat is mainly for grinding experience, not fighting and killing. It actually doesn't suit me very well.
Fang Chen stopped thinking about it. He would see how things went four months later.
Zhou Hai, standing nearby, looked rather excited. He smiled and asked Fang Chen, "Senior Brother, do you think you have a chance of taking one of the slots?"
"Can you break through to the Second Realm in four months?"
Fang Chen said calmly, "Of course I can."
Wang Yanshan, who was nearby, sneered when he heard that.
"How arrogant."
Fang Chen turned to look at him and taunted, "Don't let it be that I've already broken through by then while you're still stuck in the First Realm."
"You!"
Wang Yanshan was furious. He snorted and left.
After Hong Dechang finished speaking, everyone returned to their respective positions to practice martial arts.
Song Ming and Jiang Qiutong, meanwhile, were called to the rear courtyard by Hong Decheng to talk.
Perhaps he wanted them to work harder so that they could both strive to enter the Demon Eradication Division.
Hong Decheng's actions also made everyone understand that he had already chosen his candidates in his heart.
The disciples were not jealous, however.
After hearing that there were only two recommendation slots, most of the disciples had basically given up competing with Jiang Qiutong and Song Ming.
In everyone's eyes, those two slots ought to go to the pair of them. There was nothing wrong with that.
Of course, there were also those who refused to accept it.
Wang Yanshan, for example.
At that moment, Wang Yanshan was somewhat furious.
Ever since his failed breakthrough, he had clearly felt that the disciples around him were no longer as enthusiastic toward him as before.
Some people who used to like seeking his advice had all gone to ask others instead.
How could the warmth and coldness of human relationships change so quickly?
Wang Yanshan couldn't help turning his gaze toward Fang Chen.
Ever since Fang Chen had broken through the First Realm at astonishing speed, the other disciples had become much more enthusiastic toward him than before—precisely the opposite of how they treated Wang Yanshan.
At that moment, a newly joined female disciple was walking toward Fang Chen.
Wang Yanshan froze.
"What does this new disciple want with Fang Chen?"
Curious, he quietly edged closer.
"Senior Brother Fang, are you free? There are some things I don't quite understand. Could I ask you about them?"
The female disciple was named Luo Shuiling.
She had a petite, delicate figure and a youthful face with a hint of baby fat.
However, when Fang Chen's gaze drifted slightly lower, he discovered that beneath her slender neck was a heavy fullness.
It formed a stark contrast with her youthful face.
Fang Chen looked at Luo Shuiling in confusion and asked,
"Of course. I'd be happy to guide you, but... there are so many senior brothers and sisters in the martial arts school. Why did you choose me?"
Luo Shuiling smiled. "The story I've heard most often in the martial arts school is yours, Senior Brother."
"I heard that you have exceptional comprehension. I imagine you must have a deep understanding of the Tiger Subduing Fist."
"I've already been in the martial arts school for some time, but I don't know where I'm stuck and have been unable to grasp the basics."
"If Senior Brother can successfully clear up my confusion, this junior sister will be endlessly grateful!"
Hearing that, Fang Chen understood.
He nodded and said with a smile, "All right. Demonstrate it once so I can take a look."
Luo Shuiling nodded and was just about to begin her demonstration.
Before you continue