The wind's howl faded into the distance.
Shen Fan's figure reappeared in the Fire Origin Spirit Race's recruitment square.
The square was bustling with noise.
Cultivators from different races wore all kinds of armor and carried weapons of every shape and size.
They had gathered here for one purpose alone.
To go to the battlefield, kill Demon Gods, and earn merit.
Shen Fan mingled with the crowd, quietly waiting in line.
Having been through this once before, he wasn't in any hurry.
The line slowly moved forward.
The registration officers were several elite members of the Fire Origin Spirit Race with deep, steady auras. They served as recruitment officers.
Jade Slips and identity tokens were piled high on the tables before them.
When it was Shen Fan's turn, he handed over his most basic identity information.
The recruitment officer was a member of the Fire Origin Spirit Race clad in crimson armor. His face was hidden beneath his helmet, and only his eyes were visible, fixed on Shen Fan with an appraising gaze.
The recruitment officer took the Jade Slip and swept it with his Spiritual Sense.
His movements suddenly stopped.
He raised his head, ignoring the din of the crowd, and fixed his eyes firmly on Shen Fan.
"You. Send a trace of your aura into this stone."
His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an authority that brooked no refusal.
The surrounding clamor seemed to fall silent.
Many people turned to look at the "short fellow" the recruitment officer had singled out.
Shen Fan did as instructed.
Their eyes met.
A flicker of surprise appeared in the recruitment officer's eyes beneath his helmet.
"So it really is you. I never thought a squad leader like you would make it back alive!"
As if he'd noticed Shen Fan's confusion,