After Feng Qingzhu and the others reached the Iron-Scaled Python Demon, they struggled mightily and could barely claim a single Red Token.
Yet after Lu Ming obtained one Red Token, he still had plenty of energy to spare and continued making moves one after another.
If Chen Ping, Yun Potian, and the others hadn't joined forces to resist Lu Ming, he might have claimed every Red Token for himself.
In the end, Lu Ming claimed three Red Tokens alone. Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, Chen Ping, and Yun Potian took the other four.
"Counting the Red Token from the little test, he's... got four portions of Demon Meat all to himself?"
Watching this unfold, Chen Feng's eyes reddened with jealousy, anger, and resentment.
But the results were final. On the high platform, Wei Jinlin announced, "The contest is over! Lu Ming claimed three Red Tokens, while Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, Chen Ping, and Yun Potian each claimed one. Come collect the Demon Meat shortly."
As Wei Jinlin spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Lu Ming, and surprise stirred in his heart.
He had clearly seen Lu Ming use the Cloud-Piercing Finger just now. His finger force had actually reached Minor Completion!
He had thought that even if Lu Ming managed to cultivate the Cloud-Piercing Finger to Minor Completion, it would take him at least until around the Grand Examination. He hadn't expected him to get there so much sooner.
It seemed Lu Ming really did have considerable talent when it came to acupoints.
Although there was no lineage of instruction for acupoints, and Lu Ming couldn't pursue that path even if he had a talent for it, this at least proved that his martial arts talent wasn't limited to the entry level. He really did have some potential to cultivate the Formless Divine Art.
At last, the Military Service Bureau had produced a promising young talent.
A hint of relief surfaced in Wei Jinlin's heart.
Beside him, Xu Shou and the others exchanged bewildered looks.
"We thought Lu Ming's Flesh Refining cultivation meant he had no chance of claiming a Red Token. How did things turn out so... absurdly?"
"He claimed three Red Tokens by himself. Add the one from the last little test, and that makes four. Even I'm tempted by that much Demon Meat."
"Could the kid have something wrong with his head? Is he just a blockhead? Not afraid of pressure? Otherwise, I really can't believe it."
Meanwhile, Qin Zhonghai's eyes gleamed as he smiled without a word, thoroughly pleased with Lu Ming's performance.
The result of today's contest proved that Lu Ming truly was a martial arts prodigy—and the strongest prodigy among the four nearby Military Service Bureaus!
Once they returned, the Pavilion Master ought to have nothing left to say.
"Senior Brother, every Director has a special recommendation slot. I think Lu Ming is a good candidate..."
Xu Shou weighed it over, then cautiously broached the subject.
Before he could finish, Wei Jinlin's expression darkened. "He's a disciple of the Military Service Bureau in Red Cloud County. Put those thoughts out of your head!"
Xu Shou and the other two Directors exchanged a look, understanding dawning on their faces.
It was obvious that Lu Ming was the one Wei Jinlin had chosen.
Xu Shou chuckled. "Easy, Senior Brother. I've already decided to recommend Chen Ping. I won't compete with you."
By now, he had calmed down. Lu Ming seemed impressive, but he had only reached Flesh Refining by this point. His shortcomings in cultivation talent were far too obvious. Recommending such an unbalanced prodigy would be a risky bet.
Chen Ping was a better choice: modest and unassuming. In this contest for Red Tokens, he was one of only two disciples from outside Red Cloud County to come away with anything.
With this portion of Demon Meat, Chen Ping might break through to Tendon Refining before the Grand Examination. That cultivation alone would be enough to lord it over the rest. Even if Lu Ming had other talents, the gap in their cultivation would be enough to keep him down.
In the martial world, cultivation was ultimately the foundation of strength!
"Senior Brother Lu is mighty! Claiming three Red Tokens all by himself—he's truly stunned the whole arena!"
"I knew all along that Senior Brother Lu was a martial arts prodigy. I was right!"
"When Senior Brother Lu turned the tide for the Li Family in the arena match, I already admired him greatly. Seeing his performance today, he truly has the bearing of a hero!"
"Congratulations, Senior Sister Feng, on claiming a Red Token!"
"Congratulations, Senior Sister Liu..."
By now, Lu Ming and the others had left the Iron Stake Area. The disciples who had claimed Red Tokens were surrounded by their fellow students, who showered them with flattery and praise.
Even though Lu Ming had offended Shen Changfeng, no one cared about that now. Lu Ming held four Red Tokens, after all—that meant two-fifths of the Demon Meat!
Demon Meat was a powerful tonic for martial artists, far more effective than the cultivation medicines available from the county's major powers. Getting even half a portion could help them make another breakthrough.
With such a martial arts opportunity right before them, Shen Changfeng alone could no longer inspire enough fear to deter anyone.
It wasn't just Lu Ming. Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, Chen Ping, and Yun Potian were also surrounded and warmly courted.
Feng Qingzhu had claimed a Red Token in the little test, too, so she now held two. Though her expression was proud and icy, she couldn't hold back the crowd's enthusiasm. Apart from Lu Ming, she had the most people gathered around her.
"Now that the Red Token contest is over, I have something more important to announce. I called you all here today to discuss dealing with the Earth Dragon Beast."
Just as the Grand Martial Arts Arena buzzed with activity, Wei Jinlin suddenly spoke from the high platform, leaving everyone stunned.
The entire arena fell silent. People turned to stare at Wei Jinlin in uncertainty. Discuss dealing with a demon?
Wei Jinlin's expression was grave as he continued, "The Earth Dragon Beast is no ordinary monster. If we don't eliminate it, it will bring endless trouble.
"I discussed it with the other Directors and the city's various powers, and we came up with the Genius Bait plan.
"Today, we're here to select geniuses to serve as bait in an ambush for the Earth Dragon Beast."
A Genius Bait plan?
Lu Ming's eyes flickered as he listened to Wei Jinlin explain it in detail.
After hearing the full plan, Lu Ming fell into deep thought.
This so-called Genius Bait plan was to turn the tables on the Earth Dragon Beast: select a few of the most talented disciples to act as bait and lure it out!
When the time came, Wei Jinlin would hide nearby and strike as soon as the Earth Dragon Beast was lured out!
Everyone else would stay behind at the Military Service Bureau to keep the Earth Dragon Beast from raiding their home.
After hearing the plan, Lu Ming immediately realized that Wei Jinlin was probably the only person in all of Red Cloud County capable of dealing with the Earth Dragon Beast.
"The geniuses who serve as bait will face some danger. They'll have to confront the Earth Dragon Beast directly! Their lives could be at risk."
Wei Jinlin spoke slowly.
"So I won't force you to accept.
"But I'll be honest: this is also a rare opportunity to temper yourselves. It will test your overall physical fitness and your martial will.
"We plan to select ten geniuses. Those who claimed Red Tokens will have priority.
"If the Genius Bait plan succeeds, the geniuses who served as bait may receive a joint recommendation from the four Military Service Bureau Directors, depending on their performance.
"As long as you don't run away, the worst that can happen is you join a Third-Rate Sect.
"If you perform well, joining a First-Rate Sect isn't out of the question."
At this, many people's eyes burned with excitement. The worst they could do was join a Third-Rate Sect?
They might even get into a First-Rate Sect?!
This was a golden opportunity to rise to the heavens in a single bound!
In the past few decades, among the disciples of the Military Service Bureaus in Red Cloud County and the neighboring counties, the number who had joined a First-Rate Sect could be counted on two hands.
Even those who joined a Third-Rate Sect each year were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.
Zhou Zhen had returned from the Third-Rate Sect, Lingyun Sect, claiming he was an expelled disciple. Yet he had stirred up the entire county single-handedly and become an exceedingly formidable figure.
If even a Third-Rate Sect was that impressive, then a First-Rate Sect was on another level entirely.
And now, anyone who performed well in the Genius Bait plan would have a chance to join one.
"Lu Ming, Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, Chen Ping, Yun Potian—are you willing to serve as bait?"
Wei Jinlin first addressed the disciples who had claimed Red Tokens.
Among the crowd, Chen Feng, once hailed as the top disciple in the county's Military Service Bureau, was now ignored by everyone. As he watched Lu Ming and the others bask in the crowd's admiration, his heart bled.
One careless move, and the whole game was lost!
Seeing Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, and the others step forward one after another and agree to serve as bait, he clenched his fists!
If things went this way, Lu Ming might become a disciple of a First-Rate Sect. Chen Feng would never have a chance to get revenge.
But at that moment, his gaze sharpened. He suddenly noticed that Lu Ming hadn't stepped forward right away.
"Could it be..." A thought stirred in Chen Feng's heart, and he stared intently at Lu Ming.
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