The Demon Hunting Team's main camp.
It had two defining features: simple and large.
A few dozen plain barracks, plus an enormous Martial Practice Grounds.
Today's selection would take place at the Martial Practice Grounds.
When Chen Shi'an entered the camp, quite a crowd had already gathered.
In the open space at the very center of the Martial Practice Grounds stood several massive stones, neatly cut into squares and arranged from largest to smallest.
Many people had gathered around these stones, sizing them up and offering their opinions.
Some even went over to test their weight.
They were young and old, men and women, dressed in all sorts of styles. They were probably all here for the Demon Hunting Team's selection.
Chen Shi'an walked over slowly, stood among them, and observed in silence.
As time passed, more and more people entered the Demon Hunting Team's camp.
Chen Shi'an spotted Song Yuming and two other martial academy disciples.
With roughly half a quarter-hour left before the selection, a group strode over, led by a burly middle-aged man with exceptionally large knuckles.
He wore black armor, with a red cape fluttering over it.
"Commander Fu is here!"
"So that's Fu Qingyang. He really does cut an imposing figure!"
Some in the crowd spoke in low voices.
Chen Shi'an looked toward Fu Qingyang and the people beside him. He noticed that the yellow-robed elder from Windrise Martial Academy was among them, though he stood somewhat off to the side.
Meanwhile, Ye Xicheng also entered the camp, followed by Fang Ruyu and more than twenty other Martial Academy disciples.
These Martial Academy disciples kept twenty paces behind Ye Xicheng the entire time, not daring to come any closer.
Upon reaching the Martial Practice Grounds, they went to one side of their own accord and lined up neatly, without a trace of their usual swagger.
Soon, several men from the Demon Hunting Team strode over, carrying tables and chairs that they set in the center of the Martial Practice Grounds to serve as the reviewing stand.
Fu Qingyang waved a hand, led those beside him to their seats, and immediately announced the start of the selection.
There was no long-winded opening speech. It was simple and direct.
Seated to Fu Qingyang's left, Ye Xicheng crossed his legs out of habit, his body tilted to one side.
Rather helpless when it came to his adopted son, Fu Qingyang gave a soft cough.
Only then did Ye Xicheng straighten a little and uncross his legs. He swept a hand through the air. "Get to work, everyone. There are too many people here. Clear out anyone who can't lift a four-hundred-jin stone first."
At his words, the Demon Hunting Team's men immediately set to work. They picked out several four-hundred-jin stones, slammed them onto the ground, and directed the candidates to line up behind them and attempt the lift one at a time.
Long queues soon formed behind the ten four-hundred-jin stones, each containing roughly the same number of people-around seventy.
The men were brisk and efficient. Once the queues were formed, they had the candidates begin the first round of testing.
Each candidate had only two attempts to lift the stone.
Anyone who failed to lift the four-hundred-jin stone both times would be eliminated and escorted straight out of the camp by the Demon Hunting Team.
The lifting attempts went quickly, and they were rather dull.
Those who lifted the stones cheered with delight, while those who failed left dejectedly.
Most people who dared to enter the selection had a few tricks up their sleeves.
In less than a quarter-hour, over fifty people had successfully lifted a stone and passed the first round.
Even more, however, had been eliminated and left the camp.
Chen Shi'an stood near the back of the rightmost queue, quietly watching the proceedings.
Some who passed the first round had strained with every ounce of strength they possessed, only just managing to lift the stone overhead on their second attempt;
others did it with effortless ease, needing no warm-up at all. They strode forward and hoisted the stone in one go.
Among the three Martial Academy disciples participating was a young woman in a fitted black outfit, of middling height and ordinary looks.
Despite her petite build, her strength was astonishing.
When she lifted the stone, she did not even squat all the way down. Bending halfway at the waist, she gave a sharp cry and raised the four-hundred-jin stone over her head.
The Martial Academy disciples watching nearby cheered in unison.
Few women had entered the selection to begin with. The black-clad woman's impressive performance naturally drew everyone's attention and a stream of praise:
"She lifted it so easily. I'd guess her strength might have reached the fifth acquired stage.
Reaching the fifth acquired stage at such a young age-remarkable!"
"A Martial Academy disciple indeed. They certainly live up to their reputation."
Praise also came from the reviewing stand, along with repeated compliments to the Martial Academy's yellow-robed elder.
The yellow-robed elder naturally beamed with pride.
Chen Shi'an also thought highly of the woman's performance and gave a slight nod.
Yet after throwing down the stone, the black-clad woman turned her gaze toward Chen Shi'an, curling her lips high in disdain, her eyes brimming with provocation.
Chen Shi'an refused to take that lying down. A faint smile appeared on his face, and he raised his middle finger at her.
Although the black-clad woman did not understand the gesture, she could tell it certainly meant nothing good.
Anger immediately flooded her face. She wanted to lash out, but a glance at Ye Xicheng on the reviewing stand forced her to hold it in.
The testing continued.
Soon, it was the second Martial Academy disciple's turn. He, too, passed easily without exerting much strength.
Likewise, after passing, he turned his gaze toward Chen Shi'an with undisguised provocation.
Chen Shi'an sighed softly. His feud with the Martial Academy was now firmly established.
Given the strength of Song Yuming and the other two Martial Academy disciples, they should have no trouble joining the Demon Hunting Team.
He reckoned it would not be long before he clashed with the three of them within the Demon Hunting Team.
Having these three troubles thrust upon him for no reason was truly irritating.
He looked toward Fang Ruyu and discovered that she was stealing glances at him again.
Just as before, she hurriedly turned her head away before Chen Shi'an's gaze could meet hers, not daring to look him in the eye.
Seeing Fang Ruyu's reaction, Chen Shi'an vaguely guessed why she had goaded Song Yuming outside the camp earlier.
Had she changed her mind?
Sorry. A good horse doesn't turn back to graze on old grass. Once your chance is gone, there's no waiting!
Fang Ruyu was certainly attractive, but she was far too much of a snob to be Chen Shi'an's type.
He withdrew his gaze and concentrated on watching the other candidates.
Song Yuming stood somewhat toward the back of the leftmost queue.
After nearly half an hour, his turn finally came.
The Martial Academy disciples watching immediately shouted:
"Go, Senior Brother Song!"
"Senior Brother Song is mighty!"
Chen Shi'an glanced at those Martial Academy disciples and muttered a curse. "A bunch of idiots!"
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Barely had he finished speaking when a Demon Hunting Team man roared, "What the hell are you yelling for? Make another racket and every last one of you can get the hell out!"
The twenty-odd Martial Academy disciples immediately clamped their mouths shut, silent as cicadas in winter.
The yellow-robed elder on the reviewing stand looked distinctly displeased and turned his gaze toward Fu Qingyang.
Fu Qingyang, however, remained expressionless and gave no reaction.
That left the elder's heart pounding like a drum, and he dared not rashly stand up for the Martial Academy disciples.
Song Yuming's expression darkened as he strode up to the stone.
Bending his knees and lowering his waist, he suddenly let out a thunderous shout, tossed the four-hundred-jin square stone straight into the air, and caught it securely.
His face did not redden, nor did his breathing quicken.
After catching the stone, he did not immediately throw it down. Instead, he held it high overhead, staring straight at Chen Shi'an.
Chen Shi'an's expression remained calm, though he was slightly surprised inwardly.
Song Yuming might only look clever, but his strength was genuinely impressive. Chen Shi'an reckoned he was at least at the seventh acquired stage.
Yet even with Song Yuming's dazzling display of power, the Martial Academy disciples watching nearby did not dare cheer again.
Today, these rough men of the Demon Hunting Team had cast a thick shadow over their tender young hearts.
At that moment, Fu Qingyang, who had remained expressionless and silent throughout, nodded.
"Good. Not bad. To possess such strength at his age-he's a promising seedling worth nurturing."
Hearing this, the yellow-robed elder respectfully cupped his hands toward Fu Qingyang. "Commander Fu, his name is Song Yuming. His father is Song Yuan, chief steward of the Internal Affairs Office."
Fu Qingyang gave an "Oh," then said, "Chief Steward Song is certainly hard on his own son, to be willing to send him to the Demon Hunting Team."
The yellow-robed elder added, "There's no better place to temper a person than the Demon Hunting Team. The Martial Academy hopes to take advantage of this excellent opportunity presented by the team's expansion to give these outstanding disciples a chance to grow quickly.
Please offer them your guidance and care, Commander Fu."
Fu Qingyang lifted his eyelids slightly but gave no response.
Beside him, Ye Xicheng curled his lips. "Here in the Demon Hunting Team, there's no such thing as guidance or special care. Whatever you want, fight for it with your fists and the blade in your hand."
Meeting that polite rebuff, the yellow-robed elder smiled sheepishly and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Song Yuming threw the stone down from overhead and strode proudly to the area left of the reviewing stand.
More than a hundred candidates who had passed the test had already gathered there.
The first round of testing continued.
Chen Shi'an finally reached the massive stone. He circled it once, then felt around its edges to find the best place to apply his strength.
Seeing his cautious manner, all the Martial Academy disciples wore looks of disdain.
Song Yuming, in particular, sneered repeatedly.
Fang Ruyu's gaze also rested on Chen Shi'an. Her delicate brows drew together slightly, and a faint concern showed in her eyes.
On the reviewing stand, Ye Xicheng leaned slightly toward Fu Qingyang and gestured at Chen Shi'an with his chin. "Adoptive Father, this fellow is rather interesting.
He clashed with Song Yuan's son outside the camp earlier without showing the slightest fear. He has some guts, and a good head on his shoulders, too."
Fu Qingyang raised his head slightly. "His name is Chen Shi'an?"
Ye Xicheng looked distinctly surprised. "You know him, Adoptive Father?"
A hint of anger appeared in Fu Qingyang's eyes. "Hou Fang only just left the Demon Hunting Team, and he's already forgotten its rules.
He's been asking favors all over the team, trying to sneak Chen Shi'an in through the back door."
"That happened?"
A faint smile appeared on Ye Xicheng's face. "Don't be angry, Adoptive Father. I set Chen Shi'an a condition just now. If he can't secure a squad leader position today, he can get lost."
Fu Qingyang lifted his eyelids. "He needs Hou Fang pulling strings everywhere just for the first round, and you want him to compete for a squad leader position? You might as well send him straight home."
Ye Xicheng shook his head. "I keep feeling there's more to this Chen Shi'an than meets the eye. Who knows? He might make today's selection a little more entertaining-and prove quite useful, too."
Fu Qingyang glanced at Song Yuming. "You think this Chen Shi'an can keep Song Yuming down?"
Ye Xicheng replied with a chuckle, "We're only giving it a try, after all.
If Chen Shi'an really can keep Song Yuming down, he'll have solved a major problem for us.
Even if he can't, it won't affect us."
Fu Qingyang paused briefly. "Your judgment has always been sound. Hearing you put it that way, I find myself expecting something from this Chen Shi'an."
Chen Shi'an felt around the square stone's edges several times, determining the best place to apply his strength.
He still did not attempt the lift, instead beginning to warm up with squats.
His warm-up also took noticeably longer than anyone else's.
The Demon Hunting Team man beside him grew impatient and urged him on. "What are you doing? Either you can lift it or you can't. If you can't, dawdling all day won't help.
Hurry up. Don't waste everyone's time."
Once the man spoke, the Martial Academy disciples grew bolder, laughing uproariously as they jeered:
"Chen Shi'an, are you stewing mushrooms over there?"
"Dawdling forever over a four-hundred-jin stone-aren't you ashamed?"
"With that little strength, you dare challenge Senior Brother Song? You don't know how high the heavens are or how deep the earth runs!"
Song Yuming spoke up as well. "Chen Shi'an, if you can't even lift a four-hundred-jin stone, you aren't qualified to carry my shoes!"
As he spoke, he swept his gaze toward Fang Ruyu.
Arrogance radiated from him, his eyes filled with lofty disdain.
Unfortunately, his whole performance went to waste.
Fang Ruyu's gaze remained fixed on Chen Shi'an.
And because of that, Song Yuming's hatred for Chen Shi'an shot straight upward.
Chen Shi'an turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the Martial Academy disciples' mockery. He smiled apologetically at the man overseeing the test. "Please be patient, sir. I'll attempt the lift now."
With that, he squatted down and placed his hands along the edges of the square stone.
He exerted his strength, slowly raising the stone overhead, little by little, then gradually straightening up.
All the while, he clenched his teeth, his face turning red.
Halfway upright, his face twitched repeatedly, and as though he could no longer hold on, he threw the stone straight onto the ground.
His first attempt had failed.
The Martial Academy disciples burst into laughter again, their taunts ringing out without end.
"Trash!"
"With that little strength, you have the nerve to enter the Demon Hunting Team's selection?"
"I thought he had a few tricks up his sleeve. Turns out he's just a fool who doesn't know his limits."
Fang Ruyu's gaze remained fixed on Chen Shi'an. Worry still lingered in her eyes, but now there was a measure of disappointment as well.
The incident involving Lu Chenyang had changed her opinion of Chen Shi'an, and had even sparked her interest and affection for him.
Today, she had unexpectedly seen Chen Shi'an taking part in the Demon Hunting Team's selection trials.
She had thought Chen Shi'an would surprise her again.
But now, Chen Shi'an could not even lift a four-hundred-jin stone. At Windrise Martial Academy, that level of strength was not worth mentioning.
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