Introductions and a Test!

Wooo-!

With a long, muffled blast of its whistle, the special train, built entirely of heavy alloy, slowly started up and began pulling away from the city.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere grew a little livelier as the train traveled on.

The middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache and an arrogant expression finally opened his eyes. He took his time straightening his relatively ornate martial arts uniform, then cleared his throat and spoke in a tone of unmistakable superiority:

"Since fate has brought us together on the same train, and we'll most likely be assigned to the same area, why don't we get to know one another first?"

He lifted his chin slightly and went on of his own accord. "My surname is Zhou, Zhou Tong. As for my cultivation, it's nothing special—bone tempering initiation, just one step away from Minor Accomplishment."

When he finished, Zhou Tong swept his gaze around the compartment, indicating that the others should introduce themselves too.

The stunningly beautiful woman in red stretched lazily, revealing every inch of her breathtaking curves. Her red lips parted, and her voice carried a hint of allure. "I'm Hongxiu, only at greater flesh refining. I hope you'll all look after me from now on."

Dongfang Yueming remained silent, calmly watching the scenery flash past the window. He was somewhat puzzled: they had met by chance, so why should he listen to this man and introduce himself? He had no liking for this kind of forced networking.

Hongxiu seemed to notice Dongfang Yueming's silence and indifference. Seeing his somewhat youthful face as well, a flicker of understanding passed through her lovely eyes. She chuckled. "Young man, this looks like your first trip to the Beast Defense Frontier, doesn't it? There are probably a lot of rules you don't know yet."

When Zhou Tong heard Hongxiu's words and saw that Dongfang Yueming still showed no reaction, undisguised contempt immediately appeared on his face.

"Hmph! So you're a rookie!" He snorted, his tone tinged with disdain. "Kid, I don't care who you were before. Once you reach the Beast Defense Frontier, everything has to be done by the rules! We'll most likely be put in the same temporary squad to carry out missions afterward! I hope you won't drag us down when the time comes. Otherwise, don't blame me, Zhou, for showing you no mercy!"

Of course, in reality, a martial artist could accept missions alone as long as he reached the bone forging realm.

Most people still preferred to form squads, however. After all, the Beast Defense Frontier was extremely dangerous.

"A squad?" Dongfang Yueming frowned slightly. He had thought he would be free to act on his own once he reached the frontier. He hadn't expected squads to be mandatory.

What a hassle... he thought. Can't I go alone? Teaming up with these people would tie my hands and feet.

Just then, the elder of the two honest-looking brothers, who had both been quiet all along, spoke up. His voice was deep and muffled, with a plain sincerity to it. "I'm Tie Shan, and this is my younger brother Tie Zhu. We're both at lesser flesh refining. Brother Zhou, you're mighty strong, so please look after the two of us from now on!"

"Mm." Zhou Tong nodded haughtily, evidently very pleased with the brothers' respectful attitude. He turned his contemptuous gaze on Dongfang Yueming once more, his meaning plain: See that? That's how a newcomer should behave!

The younger brother, Tie Zhu, seemed to recognize Dongfang Yueming's confusion and reluctance. With an honest air, he urged him, "Little brother, don't think of it as a hassle. It's mighty dangerous at the frontier. A newcomer going alone won't live three days! The higher-ups arrange squads so newcomers like us can look after each other and have a better chance of staying alive. Having someone to watch your back is always better than being alone!"

Tie Shan nodded vigorously in agreement.

After listening to the honest brothers' persuasion, Dongfang Yueming made up his mind. Since joining a squad was unavoidable, showing a little of his strength could save him some unnecessary trouble. But... he would leave his real name out of it. It was always good to keep a card up his sleeve.

He raised his head, calmly swept his gaze over the others, and spoke indifferently. "Dongfang Ri, greater flesh refining."

Greater flesh refining?!

The instant he said it, the compartment fell silent!

Tie Shan and Tie Zhu's eyes went wide, shock written all over their faces! They had thought this young-looking fellow was at flesh refining initiation or Minor Accomplishment at most. Never had they imagined he was at greater mastery! His strength was already on par with that of the beautiful woman in red!

Zhou Tong was also visibly stunned for a moment, a look of profound surprise flashing in his eyes. He sized Dongfang Yueming up and down, as if trying to discern something about him.

The beautiful Hongxiu reacted the fastest! An unusual light instantly blossomed in her eyes! The playfulness and scrutiny in her gaze as she looked at Dongfang Yueming gave way to deep interest and undisguised warmth!

"Oh my! So you're an expert at greater flesh refining, young Dongfang! Forgive me for not recognizing your standing!" Hongxiu giggled coquettishly and even moved closer to Dongfang Yueming, wafts of fragrance drifting from her. "It seems I failed to recognize your worth earlier!"

Watching Hongxiu's attitude make a complete turnaround, Zhou Tong snorted inwardly, though his face betrayed nothing.

"Greater flesh refining?" he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "That's not bad, having such cultivation at your age. But... some people like to slap their faces until they swell up to look fat, deliberately boasting about their strength. I hope you really do have the ability, little brother Dongfang, and don't end up..."

He drew out his words meaningfully. "Showing your fear on the battlefield. You'd be in for a world of hurt!" He clearly still didn't quite believe Dongfang Yueming truly had the strength of greater flesh refining, and thought he was most likely bluffing.

"Really, Brother Zhou," Hongxiu said, immediately taking Dongfang Yueming's side. She shot Zhou Tong a sidelong glance, her eyes sultry. "One look at young Dongfang is enough to see he has an extraordinary bearing. How could he be the sort to make empty boasts? I think he might even be stronger than certain people who think so highly of themselves!"

Her words carried barbs, plainly a veiled jab at Zhou Tong.

Zhou Tong's face darkened. He gave a couple of cold chuckles and said no more, though his gaze grew even gloomier.

Dongfang Yueming looked in some confusion at Hongxiu, who had taken the initiative to be friendly toward him, even at the expense of offending Zhou Tong. Wasn't this beauty... a little too enthusiastic toward him? Could it really be just because he had claimed to be at greater flesh refining? It didn't quite seem that way...

For a time, the atmosphere in the compartment grew somewhat delicate.

Tie Shan and Tie Zhu sat there awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Just then, Hongxiu stretched lazily and cast Dongfang Yueming a seductive glance. "Young Dongfang, pay no mind to that idle gossip. We have a long journey ahead, so why not get some rest and conserve your strength?"

She changed tack, her tone growing somewhat grave. "Because... I'm afraid there won't be time to rest in a little while."

"Hm?" Tie Shan and Tie Zhu looked at Hongxiu in confusion. "Sister Hongxiu, what do you mean?"

Hongxiu licked her alluring red lips, a glint of excitement flashing in her eyes. "Do you think this train is taking us to the Beast Defense Frontier for free?"

She chuckled and explained, "This train's route was specially planned. It'll pass through several gathering grounds of large mortal beasts!"

"When the time comes, the people on the train specifically tasked with 'luring monsters' will draw those hungry beasts over! And as for us 'passengers'..."