Many of the people present had heard of the Lingbiao Squad's reputation.
This is a team that has been fighting on the front lines for many years, and their achievements speak for themselves.
Now, Huo Dongfeng has broken through to the Bone Tempering Fourth Layer, which is truly astonishing.
Originally, many people thought that their side had six people at the Bone Tempering Third Layer, and that everyone was a top expert among top experts.
It's not impossible for them to compete with the other side; Huo Dongfeng's presence has shattered everyone's illusions.
"Please do not panic."
Lin Li said, "I guess they chased after this Death Scythe all the way here. The wounds on Death Scythe's body might have been inflicted by them."
But this Wasteland Beast is clearly no ordinary creature; having injured it so badly, how could the Lingbiao Squad possibly fare any better?"
Long Xiu slapped his thigh. "That's right, most of the Lingbiao Squad are injured too. These guys are cunning; they want to wait until we and Death Scythe are both severely weakened before they come out to scavenge. How cunning!"
After this analysis, everyone's morale was greatly boosted.
Suddenly, a buzzing sound filled the air again.
The same meaning, expressed in different ways, comes out of the mouths of different people.
The guy who was just pale a moment ago is now spitting as he talks, analyzing things logically and clearly.
Lin Li pressed his hands down lightly, "Gentlemen, having confidence is a good thing, but we still need to be cautious."
Even with their injuries, the Lingbiao Squad is still a formidable opponent.
They've worked together for years and have a good understanding of each other. We, on the other hand, were hastily assembled and have no coordination whatsoever. Please don't underestimate us.
No one refuted this statement.
Previously, Su Yun and his two companions had recklessly rushed out to hunt Qi Beast, resulting in Su Yun losing a leg.
Just now, there was another shout, and everyone retreated in a rush.
All of these incidents prove that the team in front of them is nothing more than a disorganized mess.
As everyone was talking, Huo Dongfeng had already led his team within fifty zhang and still did not stop.
Long Xiu said in a low voice, "I don't expect to compete for any rankings anymore. Right now, I just hope everyone works together to drive the Wasteland Spike down, complete the mission, and get a minimum score. What do you all think?"
"Brother Long is right."
"Let's get the task done first, so that we don't all end up making this trip for nothing."
Everyone expressed their opinions.
Long Xiu continued, "We've been through a lot along the way. In crucial moments, everyone has seen who has the right ideas and who is reliable."
As he spoke, he looked at Deng Qing and Lin Li, "I propose that our team be led by Brother Deng and Brother Lin. From now on, we'll listen to their opinions and stop having everyone having their own ideas."
I agree.
One of the Martial Exam Student immediately responded.
"I agree. If it weren't for Brother Deng's reminder back in the Mountain Hollow, we don't know how many of us would have perished."
"Brother Lin is fair in his dealings; I have no objection to leaving it to them."
Su Yun propped herself up and echoed his sentiment.
In the blink of an eye, all ten Martial Exam Student agreed.
After all, everyone could clearly see the performance of Deng Qing and Lin Li.
Moreover, Deng Qing and Lin Li are both Inspector. Even if they obtain the power of the chief inspector and attract a lot of attention, their final results will not conflict with those of the Martial Exam Student.
Finally, the world where only Chen Hong was injured was achieved.
Chen Hong was speechless.
Although they were both Inspector, Long Xiu immediately distanced himself from the conversation, and none of the others mentioned him.
Chen Hong wanted to say something, but seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Opposing it at this juncture will only annoy the public and will not have any positive effect.
A thought flashed through his mind, Chen Hong suddenly nodded, "I agree too."
Everyone looked at him.
Chen Hong said, "The abilities of Brother Deng and Brother Lin are evident to all. It is only right for them to lead the way."
However, as the saying goes, a family with a thousand members can only have one person in charge. When a critical moment comes, there always needs to be someone who makes the final decision.
In my opinion, it would be better to have Brother Lin as the chief and Brother Deng as the deputy. After all, Brother Lin is at the Bone Tempering Third Layer, while Brother Deng is only at the second level. When it really comes down to it, Brother Lin will have to take charge. What do you all think?"
He spoke very sincerely and his arguments were well-founded, and no one refuted him.
Chen Hong was secretly pleased with himself. He had no chance to compete with them right now, so he would first let the two of them develop some rifts.
Deng Qing stated, "I have no objection; Brother Lin is indeed very suitable to be the CEO."
Lin Li nodded to Deng Qing, not refusing, "Thank you all for your kind words. I will certainly do my best."
As he spoke, he pointed at Huo Dongfeng and the others, "Since they dare to come, let's not back down. If a fight really breaks out later, I'll hold Huo Dongfeng back. You are all from prestigious families and major sects, so don't hold back. Use your trump cards and finish this quickly."
The crowd responded enthusiastically, and they held Lin Li in even higher regard.
After all, at this juncture, it clearly takes immense courage to take on the task of challenging Huo Dongfeng.
At that moment, Lin Li gave an order and led his men out of the Dense Forest and onto the gravel ground.
Su Yun, also using a cane, hopped along on one leg to keep up.
Before long, the two groups of people stood about ten feet apart on the gravel ground.
Death Scythe lay prone fifty feet to the southeast, his breathing steady, clearly unaware of the impending fierce conflict.
Huo Dongfeng's sharp gaze swept over the crowd, and he suddenly laughed, "Not bad, I thought you were going to run away in a panic, but you do have some guts."
You're all Martial Exam Student, right? Looks like the Martial Dao Institute has struck gold again.
To be honest, I was once Martial Exam Student. Looking at you all now, I feel a sense of familiarity, like looking at my own juniors.
He raised his hand and waved, "Although we each serve our own masters, I have no intention of killing anyone today. You may leave before I change my mind."
Long Xiu and the others all sneered. This time, they finally stopped responding in a disorganized manner and handed over the initiative to Lin Li.
Lin Li said loudly, "Mr. Huo, what's the point of saying such things to fool children?"
We all know why we're here and why you're here. Although we're sworn enemies, we're Martial Exam Student, not Front Line soldiers. Right now, we're just focused on the exam.
We'll hammer our own Wasteland Spike later, and you hammer yours. Whether it's effective or not, that's up to fate, how about that?"
Huo Dongfeng laughed heartily, pointing at Lin Li and saying, "Your idea is good, but too naive."
As he spoke, he pointed at the Death Scythe, "You think this huge thing is just a rock?"
It's currently injured and dormant, relatively safe. But once the Wasteland Veins shift, it will surely awaken. At that time, this entire area will be its hunting ground; where will you plant your nails then?
Therefore, I have a suggestion. Let's both sides work together to eliminate this Death Scythe first. Once this menace is gone, we can each rely on our own abilities to conquer the Wasteland Veins. What do you think?"
Lin Li's eyes flashed, and he suddenly asked, "Mr. Huo is injured, isn't he?"
Many members of the Lingbiao Squad immediately turned sharp in their eyes.
Huo Dongfeng continued to laugh, "What do you want to say?"
Lin Li asked, "Was it Death Scythe who did it?"
Huo Dongfeng, his face cold, finally nodded.
Lin Li shrugged. "It seems this Death Scythe is indeed formidable. We lack experience in dealing with it, so we'd like to offer our assistance and support to the Lingbiao Squad. What do you say?"
Huo Dongfeng sneered, "Who do you take a three-year-old for? You want to eat meat but are afraid of being bitten by a dog? You want to take all the advantages in the world? I'm not talking about it anymore."
Huo Dongfeng waved his hand and sat down cross-legged, placing the Narrow Sword in his hand across his knees.
The members of the Lingbiao Squad behind him also sat down on the spot and began to regulate their breathing, without asking a single question.
In the blink of an eye, there was no sound from that side, only the sound of calm breathing.
Lin Li frowned.
He hadn't expected Huo Dongfeng to be so decisive, leaving no room for negotiation whatsoever.
At this juncture, he was unwilling to retreat after failing to launch an attack, and he couldn't offer any new terms for continued negotiations.
He glanced at the Death Scythe; around its long tail embedded in the ground, the azure Wasteland Qi was still gathering.
Death Scythe is recovering, and Huo Dongfeng is also recovering.
But these people could only stand there and watch.
Lin Li was undecided for a moment, but he knew very well that dragging it out would not be a good thing.
Lin Li retreated back to the middle of the crowd, leading them to a safe distance away.
Lin Li lowered his voice and said, "Please speak your minds if you have any opinions."
Everyone took turns speaking.
"The people of the Donghuang Cult are always treacherous; their words should not be trusted."
" Huo Dongfeng's words sound nice, but who knows if they'll stab us in the back once we actually cooperate."
"Believe it or not, let's put that aside for now. We need to deal with this Death Scythe, right? How are we going to hammer in the Wasteland Spike while it's lying there?"
"Since Huo Dongfeng has proposed a joint operation, he must have something in mind. We don't even know what he's planning. If we rashly agree, wouldn't we be playing right into his hands?"
"..."
After some discussion, the situation became increasingly chaotic, and Lin Li's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.
He suddenly felt that the position of the person in charge was like a fire pit.
He was silent for a moment, then suddenly gestured with his hands, "Gentlemen, please hear me out first."
Once the murmurs subsided slightly, he turned to Deng Qing, solemnly cupping his hands in a respectful gesture, "Brother Deng, you should take charge of this matter."
Deng Qing was taken aback, and everyone else was also stunned.
Lin Li said calmly, "Right now, everyone's future and lives are at stake. I am powerless to do anything about it, so it would be best for me to step down and give way to a more capable person."
Deng Qing quickly waved his hand, "Brother Lin, I'm only at the Bone-Tempering Two, I can't do it."
Lin Li said, "Now it's about brains, not physical skills."
Back in the Mountain Hollow, everyone was only thinking about stopping the Qi Beast, but only you saw the opportunity to escape using their backs. And here, you were the one who forced the hidden people out first. What does this resourcefulness have to do with the Bone-Tempering Two?"
Before Deng Qing could speak, Lin Li raised his hand to stop him, "Brother Deng, you should remain in charge. If it really comes down to fighting, Huo Dongfeng, I'll handle it."
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I'll give it a try."
Chen Hong sneered, "Just because someone else sits on a brazier doesn't mean it won't burn their butt. I'd like to see what kind of skills you, Deng Qing, have."
Deng Qing bowed to the crowd and said in a low voice, "The current predicament is that we must drive down the Wasteland Spike Wasteland Spike, and to do so, we must either drive away or kill the Death Scythe."
Besides, Huo Dongfeng and others should absolutely not be trusted.
There's another problem: we can't afford to delay, and time isn't on our side.
Chen Hong grew impatient. "It's all the same old stuff. What solutions do you have?"
After he finished speaking, Deng Qing fell silent.
Gradually, everyone began to appreciate the nuances, and they all stared at Chen Hong with sharp eyes.
Chen Hong was secretly shocked. Deng Qing was too ruthless. He used the opponent's force against him and made him provoke public anger.
He quickly bowed to Deng Qing, saying, "I misspoke, Brother Deng, please speak freely."
Deng Qing nodded and said, "Then I'll continue. We have many disadvantages, but it seems we have none."
But if we have to find an advantageous position, we can only think from the perspective of the Lingbiao Squad: what are they most afraid of?
What they fear most is something that benefits us.
Lin Li blurted out, " The Lingbiao Squad is afraid that if we don't cooperate with them, they will have to face Death Scythe alone and also have to be wary of us."
What's the second thing I'm afraid of?
Everyone looked at each other, then turned to look at Deng Qing.
"Secondly, I'm afraid of this..."
As Deng Qing spoke, he strode toward the Lingbiao Squad.
He stopped ten feet in front of Huo Dongfeng, cupped his hands, and said, "Mr. Huo, this stalemate can't continue like this."
Huo Dongfeng remained seated cross-legged, not even lifting his eyelids. "How is it not a problem? In my opinion, it's quite good."
Deng Qing smiled slightly, "Is that so?"
Before he could finish speaking, he kicked a large rock.
With a bang, the large rock, like a cannonball, hurtled straight towards Death Scythe.
Huo Dongfeng's expression changed drastically. He stood up abruptly, glaring at Deng Qing with fury.
With a deafening roar, the boulder crashed down three zhang away from Death Scythe, carving a deep crater and sending gravel and sand flying everywhere.
The crouching Death Scythe suddenly let out a heavy snort. Its massive body stirred, but its head, buried beneath its belly, did not rise.
Huo Dongfeng gripped the hilt of his sword, glaring intently at Deng Qing, "You little brat, you're asking for death!"
The Lingbiao Squad also stopped their work, staring at Deng Qing with a mixture of shock and anger.
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Huo, aren't you quite relaxed? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Huo Dongfeng sneered, "Kid, what exactly do you want? Draw a line between us."
Deng Qing said, "The situation is what it is: either we win together, or we lose together. Mr. Huo's desire to win alone is rather impolite."
If Mr. Huo insists on being rude, then we'll awaken the Death Scythe; at worst, we won't do the mission.
As for Death Scythe, no matter how ferocious he is, he can probably only chase in one direction at a time. I don't think he would let his enemies go and chase us. What do you think?
In the end, it's just an exam for us; not completing it won't cause us much loss.
But for Mr. Huo, the sin of failing to secure the Wasteland Veins would be far greater.
"Big brother, don't..."
Behind Huo Dongfeng, a man with narrow eyes had just spoken when Huo Dongfeng glared at him, forcing him to shut up.
Huo Dongfeng pointed at Deng Qing and said, "You're even more cunning than that kid from before. Tell me, what are you planning to do?"
Deng Qing said, "Our idea is to first sever the tail of the Death Scythe, cutting off its ability to draw upon the Wasteland Qi from the earth to heal its wounds. After that, we will join forces to kill it and divide the Fortune Meat equally."
Huo Dongfeng laughed angrily, "Wasn't that what I meant before? But you were all arrogant and haughty, insisting that my men charge ahead while you reaped the benefits from behind. Now you want to talk about winning together? What a waste of time!"
Deng Qing shook his head, "It's not that we disagree with Mr. Huo's proposal, but we want to change the rules."
Huo Dongfeng looked at him coldly, "How do you want to change it?"
Deng Qing said, "We haven't fought against Death Scythe, but Mr. Huo, you should have already experienced its power."
Therefore, you should send someone out first to try and cut off its tail. If that fails, we will send someone afterward.
Thus, the two sides take turns until someone cuts off the tail of the Death Scythe.
Furthermore, the person who successfully cuts off the tail will receive a portion of the Fortune Meat as a reward after the extermination of the Death Scythe. The remainder will be divided equally between our two families.
What does Brother Huo think of this plan?
Huo Dongfeng remained silent for a few moments, then suddenly laughed, pointing at Deng Qing and saying, "You're quite capable. Alright, let's do it this way."
He was about to turn around when Deng Qing said, "Wait."
Huo Dongfeng frowned. "What is it now? I just praised you, are you going to go back on your word?"
"It's not that I'm going to back out, but there's something else I need to clarify first."
Deng Qing said loudly, "When we came here, we were told that we were only responsible for the exam and nothing else."
Therefore, we have no intention of using force against you.
But the way Mr. Huo and his men behind him are looking at us isn't exactly friendly."
Several men in red turbans stared at him coldly, making no attempt to hide their hostility.
Deng Qing continued, "What if we spend all our effort to kill the Wasteland Beast, only to have Mr. Huo launch a surprise attack? Wouldn't that make our trip a complete waste?"
"Looking back and grabbing? Haha, what kind of phrase is that?"
Huo Dongfeng laughed heartily, "Fine, you're quite direct, kid. So, what do you want?"
Deng Qing said, "I only need Brother Huo to make a promise."
"You believed me just because I made a promise?"
"I believe you! Mr. Huo is a prominent figure in this world; how could he lie and deceive people?"
"You know how to flatter people."
As he spoke, Huo Dongfeng raised three fingers to the sky and declared loudly, "I, Huo Dongfeng, swear to the heavens that today I will join forces with all the Martial Exam Student to annihilate Death Scythe, share the flesh as agreed, and nail each other to the Wasteland Veins, and we will never be enemies."
If I utter even the slightest falsehood, may I be punished with Ten Thousand Blades piercing my chest!
Having said that, Huo Dongfeng lowered his hand. "Are you satisfied now, young man?"
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Huo is straightforward."
After saying that, he turned and returned to his own camp.
Lin Li stepped forward and gave him a thumbs-up, "Brother Deng is truly remarkable."
Long Xiu also praised in a low voice, " Huo Dongfeng has a great reputation. In the underworld, keeping one's word is of utmost importance. Although he is ruthless, his reputation in this regard is quite good."
Deng Qing said in a low voice, "Although Huo Dongfeng has made a vow, we can't place all our hopes on keeping his promise. We must be prepared to fight at any time."
Despite Deng Qing's warning, everyone felt much relieved, as people in the martial arts world still value reputation and promises highly.
Compared to Death Scythe, everyone was more worried about Huo Dongfeng and his group.
Now that Huo Dongfeng has made a solemn vow in front of so many people, I doubt he would dare to go back on his word.
Chen Hong stood still, feeling a little anxious.
When Lin Li stepped down, he thought Deng Qing would also be held back by this position.
Who knew that this kid could turn the tide with just a few words, forcing Huo Dongfeng to make a vow.
Seeing everyone surrounding Deng Qing and talking to her, Chen Hong felt even more uncomfortable.
Just then, one member of the Lingbiao Squad stepped forward and strode towards Death Scythe.
The man had a full beard, broad shoulders, and thick arms. He carried a broadsword and charged forward bravely.
Strangely, as the bearded man drew closer, the three scythes, which had been moving slowly, gradually sped up.
The scythes clashed, the sound of them cutting through the air growing louder. The head Death Scythe, buried beneath the scythe's belly, remained motionless.
Deng Qing and the others also stopped talking and focused on watching the bearded man break through the formation.
Suddenly, the bearded man rushed forward and roared, stomping his legs hard on the ground.
With a deafening roar, the sand and gravel beneath his feet exploded, and he shot forward like a rolling thunderbolt.
Everyone felt a blur before their eyes, and then heard a piercing metallic clang.
With a clang, a giant scythe slashed through the air, sending the bearded man flying several feet before he crashed heavily to the ground.
The bearded man scrambled to his feet, revealing a suit of dark blue Soft Armor beneath his torn clothes.
A horrifying crack suddenly appeared in the center of the armor plate, rendering it useless.
The bearded man ripped off his armor, his face twitching, and turned to Deng Qing and the others, scoffing, "Your turn."
The group exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts as cold as frost.