In the main urban area of Jiangnan Base City.
Within an area exceeding 5,000 mu, surrounded by high walls, the entire region appeared shrouded in mist from afar.
This place was unlike most other areas in the base city, not at all crowded. Roadside trees as thick as a person's waist were planted, and occasionally, one could glimpse strange-looking plants, clearly not of Blue Star origin.
The training grounds were vast, the practice fields majestic, and all sorts of training equipment could be found here.
"This is the training camp of Jiangnan Base City."
"The Basic Training Camp."
After the establishment of the Blue Star Alliance, major base cities also set up training camps. Unlike the increasingly high standards of the current Xin Huo Training Camp, the Xin Huo Elite Training Camp.
This training camp catered only to ordinary people, or rather, the more outstanding seedlings among them.
They were selected from various high schools and universities, and some were also self-taught individuals who passed the entrance exams.
After undergoing training and study here for a period, upon graduation, some would enter departments like the Investigation Bureau for further training and then be assigned to posts; some could choose to join the Hunter Association; some could enter the defense legions of the major base cities; and some could enter the Xin Huo Training Camp for advanced studies.
This depended on the students' own performance as well as their intentions.
The first phase of the Basic Training Camp had not yet begun, but Chi Honghao could already foresee the scene of various parties vying for talent not long from now.
Indeed,
As a member of Xin Huo and the chief examiner for the Basic Training Camp, he naturally also bore the responsibility of supplying talent to his own training camp. Moreover, he held two precious recommendation slots.
These slots allowed direct entry into the Elite Training Camp, granting an "Grade B Training Contract," enjoying extremely high welfare benefits, and occasionally the chance for personal guidance from powerful figures such as the chief instructor, the Blazing Fist Martial Saint, and the Crimson Witch.
Just a short while ago, these slots were incredibly valuable. Now, after the establishment of the Blue Star Alliance, the entry standards for the Elite Training Camp had been repeatedly raised, and all countries were competing for them.
If the news of him possessing two slots were to leak, it was likely that many wealthy merchants and powerful figures in Jiangnan Base City would be willing to pay exorbitant sums to acquire them.
But...
This was, of course, impossible.
Chi Honghao was able to meet the requirements and serve as the chief examiner not only due to his excellent academic performance, solid foundation, and teaching experience, but also because of his high integrity and fair conduct.
Furthermore, these two slots were not to be given away arbitrarily; the recommended students had to be truly outstanding.
If they did not meet the criteria, the recommendations would be rejected, and it would be his own reputation that suffered.
"Barely meeting the requirements? That's not enough!"
"If I recommend, I will recommend true geniuses. Otherwise, I'd rather these two slots go to waste."
Chi Honghao mused as he entered the Basic Training Camp.
It was his first time here. Accompanied by an official, he toured the entire training camp.
"How does Instructor Chi find it?"
"It's good, all the facilities are very complete," Chi Honghao paused and then asked, "The first batch of students will arrive tomorrow, right?"
Speaking of which, Chi Honghao also felt a sense of nostalgia for his own rookie days.
He was a 25th batch student of the Xin Huo Training Camp. At that time, the concept of an Elite Training Camp did not exist. He himself had trained and studied at the base in Shuize City to become stronger.
Along with many other rookies in the same batch.
Back then, as complete newcomers, they had caused quite a few jokes. The first time they went to Shuize Base City, their entire worldview was reshaped. Afterwards, under the rigorous training of the instructor at the time, Chi Honghao entered a state of "train to death if it doesn't kill you."
During this process, some fell behind, while some geniuses emerged.
Chi Honghao was not a genius.
He still remembered the geniuses like Wang Wu, Lin Daozhi, and the foreigners Xibeier and Tsukizaki Mai Ka, who went from zero to meeting the standards of awakening in just a few days.
And soon after, through fierce competition, they earned their membership qualifications.
Now, these geniuses from the same cohort were all beyond human level. Many, like Master Ming Deng, formed teams to explore the chaotic realms (shallow layers) or ventured deep into the grey fog areas to hunt and eliminate troublesome anomalies.
Their future was limitless.
In comparison, Chi Honghao himself was much less accomplished. Among his peers, he was ordinary. It took him more than half a month to compete for an awakening slot, and he had to compete three times before successfully joining the association.
He had always been diligent because he was truly ordinary, with experts much better than him everywhere.
However, in the eyes of many, Chi Honghao was already considered a master. In the outside world, he even earned the prestigious title of "Burning Flame Swordsman." This was his signature killing move, starting with the Northern Wind Sword technique, combined with his flame-attaching ability. He had once unleashed a flame sword aura tens of meters long, a feat with a formidable combat record.
This time, at the Jiangnan Training Camp, he served as the chief examiner, the highest-ranking position, with the power to eliminate candidates. He also served as a guiding instructor, responsible for macro-level adjustments to the training plan.
...
...
The next day,
At the entrance of the Basic Training Camp in Jiangnan Base City, buses one after another drove in. The mist that shrouded the rookies' eyes cleared up as they entered. A wide road led deep inside, with sturdy trees and small buildings lining both sides. Majestic venues stood in the distance.
"Here it is, our destination, the Basic Training Camp?"
On the bus, high school students were all apprehensive.
On one of the buses were students from Baijiang No. 1 High School, Ancheng No. 1 High School, Yunhua Affiliated High School, Pingcheng No. 1 High School, and Xingyuan High School.
Xu Feng, a student from the third year, elite class of the martial arts track, was among them.
He was actually a bit bewildered.
A few days ago, Coach Lao Chen had mysteriously told him about the legend of the "Basic Training Camp." Then, he was successfully selected for the elite class. However, before he could even start his elite class training, the elite class teacher informed him that based on his outstanding performance in the previous assessment, he had earned a provisional trial spot for the Basic Training Camp.
Xu Feng, half bewildered and half excited, packed his belongings, boarded the bus, and traveled all the way from the third satellite city to the main urban area, to this training ground shrouded in a misty white fog, appearing exceptionally mysterious.
The majority of students were like him, somewhat bewildered, with almost no prior knowledge of the training camp.
However, there were also those from affluent families who had prior understanding.
A young man nearby, wearing the Xingyuan High School uniform and a valuable wristwatch, looked at the strange trees on both sides, his brows filled with anticipation and confidence.
"This provisional trial spot is very rare. Some wealthy families want to buy it at a high price but can't, of course, it's also because their price isn't high enough, and their connections aren't broad enough."
This young man shared some information from the upper circles. Seeing everyone's astonishment, he became more enthusiastic and continued without thinking,
"It's not difficult for truly wealthy and powerful individuals to obtain a provisional trial spot. Whether it's through the school or by finding connections from above, there are many ways to do it."
"Even, it's not impossible to get a 'special recruit' who can enter the Basic Training Camp without an exam."
He knew several "special recruits" himself.
In fact, his own family could arrange for him to enter without an exam, but he himself did not want to. He disdained it.
"This is a training camp, a place to cultivate and become stronger. For incompetent mediocrities to be forced in is a waste. As for those who spend money to find connections to buy provisional trial spots, they are even more foolish."
"Even those selected through normal procedures might not pass the examiner's test to stay, let alone those who get in through the back door by buying spots. Heh, just wait and see, how these people will be eliminated in minutes."
So, there was indeed another assessment.
Upon hearing this, Xu Feng couldn't help but recall what the elite class advisor had said when the list was announced yesterday.
"Those who have obtained a provisional trial spot for the first phase are not necessarily able to stay in the training camp. For those not selected this time, there's no need to be disappointed; you can compete for the second and third batch of spots. Your futures are full of infinite possibilities."
As Xu Feng was lost in thought, someone nearby asked the young man from a well-off family, "Classmate, do you know what the test content is?"
The young man shook his head, "The test content is decided by the chief examiner and the other nine examiners. I don't know the specific content before it's announced, but..."
The corner of his mouth curved slightly, "No matter what the test content is, I, Mo Zi'an, will definitely pass, and with the first place!"
As he spoke, the bus had arrived at its destination.
Under the command of a accompanying teacher, the excited, exhilarated, and nervous rookies disembarked from the bus one by one, looking around and whispering to each other.
"Since there's still some time, you should quickly adjust your state. Once everyone is here, the training camp's assessment may begin at any moment."
The teacher from Ancheng No. 1 High School said.
He was the only accompanying teacher on Xu Feng's bus. As for the martial arts teacher from Baijiang No. 1 High School? They did not come along. After all, a high school typically only had a few or a dozen spots.
Only six people from Baijiang No. 1 High School had come this time, and in Xu Feng's third-year grade, he was the only one.
However, looking around, Xu Feng found that there were quite a few people here, numbering in the hundreds or even thousands.
With so many people, how many would be able to stay here?
Xu Feng pondered,
'Regardless of anything else, I must pass the assessment and stay.'
'As long as I can train here at the training camp, all the expenses will not need to be borne by my family.'
He clenched his fists, his resolve firm.
Soon, guided by the staff, a group of people entered the magnificent gymnasium in an orderly fashion. Some were so excited they danced with joy. However, a single sentence from a training camp instructor, "The assessment has already begun. Those who do not follow instructions will have their evaluation scores deducted," immediately made all the curious and socially adept individuals obedient.
They lined up like ducks being herded.
Soon,
"Here they come! Here they come!"
"The ten examiners presiding over our entry test are here!"
"I heard these examiners are all top-notch experts, elites from the military, cadres from the Investigation Bureau, all with distinguished combat records. They will also serve as our instructors, though these powerhouses won't stay in the training camp permanently; they will only arrange the training plan at a macro level and occasionally give us lectures."
"However, if we're lucky, it's not impossible to be noticed by these powerhouses and receive private tutoring."
Upon hearing this, the young boys and girls who had some understanding of the Basic Training Camp could barely contain their excitement.
Xu Feng just listened, saying nothing.
But as he looked at the ten examiners sequentially appearing on the high platform, his eyes were filled with longing.
The ten examiners, six men and four women, some were as burly as bears, others tall and thin like poles, not revealing much of their powerful demeanor.
But of course, no one underestimated them, especially considering...
"The tall and thin one is known as Ghost Hand Wang Wu. It is said that he was a famous expert among anomaly hunters before joining the special forces. He has repeatedly ventured into the grey fog areas and achieved great merit."
"I recognize that beautiful instructor! I've seen her interviews on television. She comes from the Chen family of martial arts."
"What about the one in the middle? That one is the chief examiner. According to logic, he should be the strongest among the ten examiners, right?"
"You guessed correctly. The chief examiner is said to have come from a mysterious department, naturally with a distinguished record. He once wielded a flaming sword and fought his way from the southern end to the northern end of the anomaly tide without batting an eye. Believe it or not, our chief examiner is also a 'Titled Expert,' with the江湖 (Jianghu) title 'Burning Flame Swordsman'."
"Hiss—"
Most students didn't fully understand, but they could grasp that these were very powerful individuals.
They couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
On the high platform, the ten examiners were also observing these rookies, assessing their spirit and demeanor.
"They all look quite cheerful."
"After all, the opportunity to be here is rare, it's understandable."
"Heh, I'm starting to look forward to seeing these rookies weeping later."
"What kind of malicious fun is Examiner Luo having?"
"Old Luo is getting revenge. Back then, this fellow made a fool of himself during the selection assessment. At that time, he was... sob, sob, sob."
"It hasn't been that long since then, but seeing these adorable rookies suddenly makes me feel old? No, no, this must be an illusion. I'm still eighteen, young and beautiful!"
Chief Examiner Chi Honghao gave a brief speech on the platform, explaining the situation of the Basic Training Camp. Indeed, his speech consisted of only a few sentences.
It was so brief and concise that many accompanying school teachers leaned in, hoping to gain more insight into the training camp, only to hear...
"Alright, my speech is concluded."
That's it? It's finished?
Shouldn't three sentences take half an hour? How did it not even last three minutes? You should say more, we don't mind, we want to listen!
These teachers could only complain in their hearts. As the chief examiner's speech ended, the rookie entry test officially began.
The ten examiners descended from the high platform and pointed to the training ground in front of them, indicating the running track that circled the vast training area.
"Your assessment is very simple: just run three laps around this training ground."
Three laps.
This training ground was much wider than a standard school track. The track specification was one kilometer per lap. However, even so, three laps were only three kilometers.
Only three kilometers? That's it?
"Running three laps, anyone with feet can do it."
"I didn't expect the training camp test to be so simple. It seems like a mere formality."
"That's right. We've already been through a round of selection at school. Now running three laps is just to observe our spirit."
Some were pleased, some disappointed.
The confident young man was very disappointed. "How can such a simple assessment showcase my abilities as Mo Zi'an? Damn it, I'll only be able to reveal my extraordinary nature after officially entering the training camp."
Looking at these rookies radiating confidence, the examiners couldn't help but smile.
A smile of ill intent.
"How naive."
"Hahaha, only rookies are so naive. Today, we'll give them their first lesson: never be careless or complacent at any time."
The naive rookies stepped onto the wide track. At the command of a staff member beside them, batches of rookie students began to run.
Immediately, dozens of people pulled away from the main group, running with great speed.
After all, it was only three laps, three kilometers. There was no need to conserve much energy; just run.
Since the entry test was so simple, they would run for a top-ranked result.
Many young boys and girls thought this way,
Unconsciously overlooking a key factor, which was... the examiners only said to run three laps, but did not specify a time limit.
How could an assessment not have a time limit?
Did they forget, or...
Xu Feng instinctively pondered. He ran forward with the surging crowd, maintaining a position in the middle. His gaze occasionally swept towards the front, at the first tier leading the vast majority.
Wait, their speed seemed to be slowing down?
They had only run for a short distance, less than half a lap. Normally, everyone's energy levels should still be abundant. Even if some people wanted to conserve energy, they wouldn't all slow down as if they had suddenly realized something.
Xu Feng didn't understand at first, but as he ran, upon crossing a certain line, he felt his body suddenly sink, as if his hands and feet were bound with weighted sandbags. It wasn't very heavy, but it consumed a bit more energy. At this speed, running three laps would still be easy.
But,
The body suddenly became heavy when running past half a lap.
So, would it continue to be heavy, and would there be other changes?
Xu Feng thought there would be! Most likely!
As expected, the entry test was not that simple. Running three kilometers was not difficult, but overcoming various obstacles to complete three kilometers... that would definitely not be easy.
It was precisely realizing this that the youths who had been running at full speed began to slow down, conserving more energy.
Surprised by the mysterious power acting upon them.
Burdened by the fact that the assessment was not simple. If they messed up and couldn't pass the assessment, it would be ridiculous.
The first tier, the individuals with the best physical fitness, their expressions changed slightly, and they gradually became serious. When the other rookies realized this, their expressions also changed. For a moment, the entire large training ground became much quieter, with only the sounds of rookies panting as they ran.
And their changing expressions.
'That peculiar heaviness is back!'
'No, I must slow down further, adjust my breathing, otherwise I'm afraid I won't be able to finish the three laps.'
'Damn it, the training camp's assessment is indeed difficult.'
The rookies' thoughts raced, and the gaps between them gradually widened.
Xu Feng did not significantly slow his pace, and thus, he gradually pulled away from the main group, maintaining a position in the third tier.
By the time he reached one and a half laps, another change occurred.
This time, it was not the physical heaviness that intensified, but a sudden daze. In front of him, it seemed as if he saw mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Terrifying roars echoed in his ears, as if... as if he were facing anomalies.
His head throbbed, and his limbs seemed to be out of his control.
"Plop—"
A girl in the third tier tripped, losing her balance and tumbling forward, rolling a circle face-first. Two rookies near the girl were also affected, falling to the ground with a thud.
Staff members intervened to prevent a stampede.
The assessment continued.
Many rookies fell and got up, their eyes slightly bloodshot, their chests heaving like bellows. At this point, there were no longer any scattered thoughts in their minds; they were all groggy, relying only on willpower for support. Some could not sustain it and switched from running to walking, from walking to sitting, or even got out of the track and lay down flat.
Xu Feng also only had the thought of running forward, continuously running forward.
The mysterious power continued to strengthen, his body becoming heavier and heavier, as if filled with lead. His vision also blurred, as if terrifying monsters were about to latch onto him.
But he still had to run! He had to pass the assessment and enter the training camp.
This was the hope of becoming an Awakener!
After an unknown period, as if a fish leaping out of water, the heavy shackles on his body were suddenly removed, and the terrifying roars in his ears gradually faded.
Only the figures of the staff became clear in front of him.
"Young man, you have completed the course and passed the assessment."
Xu Feng was stunned.
He realized he had run all three laps, and was in a very forward position. Indeed, he found that there were fewer than ten people ahead of him; he was in the top ten. That wealthy young man, Mo Zi'an, who had shared the bus with him, was among them.
Mo Zi'an was also somewhat surprised and came over to pat his shoulder.
"Yo, not bad, brother. You have a promising future, though you are still far from me, who got first place."
Xu Feng showed surprise and admiration.
Mo Zi'an had arrived at the finish line much earlier than him and did not seem to have reached his limit. This strength was indeed not something he could match.
"Impressive."
He praised sincerely.
Mo Zi'an's lips curved into a smile, but he waved his hand and said, "It's just the first place in the Basic Training Camp assessment, and only for the Jiangnan Base City region. What's that?"
"To tell you the truth, this Basic Training Camp is just a stepping stone for me. My goal is the Xin Huo Training Camp, the legendary Elite Training Camp!"
"Moreover, I, Mo Zi'an, am destined to have my name inscribed on the ranking monument of the Elite Training Camp! I will stand above the heavens!"
"I will start from the Basic Training Camp and leave behind one legend after another."
He had extensive knowledge, and his own abilities were also extraordinary.
Those rookies who had completed the three laps looked at him with admiration, and some came forward to flatter him.
Time passed.
More and more rookies completed the three laps, but they still constituted only a minority of the assessed personnel. Most people were unable to run another step and collapsed halfway.
Until the examiners announced the end of the test.
Chief Examiner Chi Honghao walked onto the stage and snorted coldly.
"You are the worst batch of students I have ever seen. Don't be unconvinced. Look at how few people have completed the three laps. By my standards, anyone who doesn't finish the three laps is unqualified!"
After he finished speaking, another examiner played the good cop.
He announced that the several hundred people who performed adequately during the test had also barely passed and could remain in the training camp.
Chi Honghao walked towards the group of excellent rookies who had completed the three laps.
Seeing the chief examiner approach, Mo Zi'an's lips curved slightly. He whispered,
"Although most people couldn't finish the three laps, I think our performance will satisfy the examiners. Just like the average level of this batch is not good, there will still be outstanding individuals."
He eagerly awaited praise from the chief examiner, this powerful expert.
However, the chief examiner shook his head.
"Your performance is also... very ordinary. None of you are impressive enough to catch my eye."
"Don't be unconvinced. I have seen geniuses who could cultivate sword techniques to the proficient level in one day, monsters who could double their physical fitness in a few days, and fierce individuals whose will was sharp enough to cut iron... Compared to them, you are nothing but ordinary!"
"With your level, even if a few of you manage to enter the Elite Training Camp, you will be but insignificant background characters."
After speaking, Chi Honghao shook his head and walked away.
Only faint voices could be heard from a distance, as he chatted with other examiners, also revealing disappointment.
"As expected, I shouldn't have had any expectations."
"Isn't it that Boss Chi's standards are too high? Trying to compare them to those monsters, these rookies definitely can't measure up..."
"Those monsters were also monstrous at the rookie stage."
"Forget about monster-level. Let's focus on discovering a few geniuses of the next tier."
--End of Chapter--
--Author's Notes--
Two-in-one, over six thousand characters. Will be updated and revised.