10: A baseline test? Just a good opportunity to practice on you guys!

Zhang Wu led Li Dong and Li Qingyan through several deep, oppressive passages, eventually arriving at a rather spacious open-air Martial Arts Field.

The Martial Arts Field was paved with hard, dark green flagstones, and several thick stone pillars stood around it, carved with mottled battle scars, exuding a murderous Aura.

At the center of the field, the most eye-catching feature was a black square stele, about the height of a person.

The stele was entirely dark, its surface as smooth as a mirror, with faint runes flowing across it, emitting strange energy fluctuations. It was clearly no ordinary object.

At this moment, about a dozen young people, both male and female, had already gathered on the Martial Arts Field. All of them were well-dressed and had strong Auras, clearly candidates who had passed the initial screening and were about to participate in the Demon Suppression Baptism.

They gathered in small groups, conversing in low voices, their gazes occasionally sweeping over Li Dong and his sister, carrying undisguised scrutiny and a hint of imperceptible disdain.

"Alright, everyone quiet down," Zhang Wu said in a deep voice. His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the entire Martial Arts Field, instantly quieting the somewhat noisy environment.

Everyone's gaze converged on Zhang Wu.

"I've gathered you all here today for a simple preliminary test," Zhang Wu explained in a calm tone, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The purpose is to get a general understanding of your current strength levels, so that the Demon Suppression Division can make more appropriate arrangements for the upcoming Demon Suppression Baptism based on the specific circumstances."

He paused, then pointed to the black square stele.

"The test content is very simple."

"Do you see this Strength Testing Stone?"

"Soon, you will all step forward in turn and attack the Strength Testing Stone with all your might. The stone will display your strength level and general standard."

As soon as Zhang Wu's voice fell, a slight commotion arose in the crowd.

Many of the scions of influential Families showed expressions of disapproval.

"Preliminary test?"

"Heh, I thought it was something important."

"It's just a formality. What can this kind of test prove?"

"Exactly. The real decision for the slots still depends on background and connections."

Although these discussions were not loud, they clearly reached Li Dong's ears.

He remained calm, not caring at all.

In his opinion, these so-called County Geniuses had far inferior Heart-Natures and insights.

True power was never spoken into existence.

Li Qingyan, however, nervously clenched her small fists. She could feel the unfriendly gazes around her and the competitive atmosphere in the air.

"Brother..." she called softly, leaning closer to Li Dong.

Li Dong gave her a reassuring look, signaling her not to worry.

Just then, a cold gaze shot over from a corner of the Martial Arts Field.

Li Dong's peripheral vision caught Zhao Zhen.

He stood at the edge of the crowd, hands clasped behind his back, a faint, sinister smile on his face, his eyes coldly fixed on Li Dong.

Zhao Zhen sneered inwardly.

"Preliminary test? Hehe, country bumpkin, let you be proud for a while."

"This is just an appetizer. The real 'surprise' is waiting for you later!"

"The Demon Suppression Baptism isn't that easy to endure. You'll have your time to cry then!"

Zhao Zhen had already made up his mind to trip up Li Dong during the Baptism. He would never allow this country bumpkin, who had made him lose so much face, to rise smoothly.

Zhang Wu seemed oblivious to Zhao Zhen's malice, or perhaps he simply didn't care about the undercurrents among these juniors.

He merely followed the procedure, announcing loudly, "Alright, the test begins now. Who wants to go first?"

As soon as his voice fell, a tall, thin young man dressed in brocade eagerly stepped forward.

"Lord Zhang, I'll go first!"

This young man clearly wanted to show off in front of everyone. He walked to the Strength Testing Stone, took a deep breath, circulated the Spiritual Qi in his body, and a faint white light appeared on his right fist.

"Hmph!"

He let out a low shout and fiercely punched the Strength Testing Stone!

"Buzz—"

The Strength Testing Stone emitted a low hum, its surface runes flowed, and light flickered, then a line of clear text appeared:

"Body Refinement Fifth Level, Intermediate!"

"Good!"

"Not bad, Brother Wang!"

Cheers and compliments immediately erupted from the crowd.

The young man named Wang showed a smug expression, cupped his hands to the crowd, and stepped back.

Next, several more candidates successively stepped forward for testing.

Most of their strengths hovered between Body Refining Fourth Level and Fifth Level.

"Body Refining Fourth Level, High!"

"Body Refining Fifth Level, Low!"

"Body Refining Fourth Level, Intermediate!"

...The test results kept appearing, and their performances were mostly decent.

For these privileged scions of influential Families, reaching Body Refining Fourth or Fifth Level at a young age was indeed considered good talent.

After completing their tests, they all had a hint of self-satisfaction on their faces, praising each other.

Soon, it was Zhou Shaoyang's turn, who had previously provoked Li Dong at the main entrance.

Zhou Shaoyang straightened his robes, deliberately puffed out his chest, and gave Li Dong a provocative glance.

He walked to the Strength Testing Stone and struck what he considered a very dashing pose.

He wanted to show this country bumpkin what a true Genius was!

"Watch closely!" Zhou Shaoyang shouted in a low voice, taking a sharp breath, his chest swelling a bit.

He gathered all the Spiritual Qi in his body onto his right fist without reservation, and the air around his fist seemed to slightly distort.

"Break for me!"

Accompanied by a loud shout, Zhou Shaoyang put all his strength into it, smashing his fist fiercely onto the Strength Testing Stone!

"Bang!"

A muffled thud, slightly louder than before, rang out.

The light on the surface of the Strength Testing Stone was brighter than that of the previous few people, and the humming sound was more rapid.

Finally, the result was displayed on the stele:

"Body Refinement Fifth Level, High!"

"Wow! Young Master Zhou is amazing!"

"As expected of a direct descendant of the Zhou Family, this strength is top-notch even among Body Refinement Fifth Level!"

"It seems Young Master Zhou is certain to get a Baptism slot this time!"

Zhou Shaoyang's followers immediately began to praise him loudly, and others around them also cast envious or admiring glances.

Zhou Shaoyang listened to the compliments around him, his face beaming with pride, his chin almost reaching the sky.

He turned around, his gaze once again falling on Li Dong, full of showmanship and provocation, as if saying, "Do you see? Bumpkin, this is the gap between you and me!"

Li Dong remained expressionless, as if he hadn't even seen his performance.

This level of strength, in his eyes, was no different from children playing house.

Boring.

Soon, all other candidates except Li Dong had completed their tests.

The atmosphere on the Martial Arts Field became quiet again.

Everyone's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, focused on Li Dong, the only one in the field who had yet to be tested.

Curiosity, doubt, disdain, anticipation... various complex gazes intertwined.

They all wanted to see how much this kid, who had gotten lucky and received a 'Direct Pass Slot' from the countryside, was truly capable of.

"Li Dong, it's your turn," Zhang Wu's voice broke the silence.

His gaze fell on Li Dong, with a hint of imperceptible scrutiny in his eyes.

Zhang Wu was also very curious about the true strength of this young man, who had repeatedly surprised him.

Under everyone's gaze, Li Dong slowly stepped forward, walking towards the black Strength Testing Stone.

His steps were unhurried, his expression as calm as water, without the slightest tension or excitement.

It was as if what he was about to do was merely an insignificant trifle.

This indifferent attitude, however, appeared to Zhou Shaoyang and others as a pretense of composure.

"Hmph, putting on an act!" Zhou Shaoyang curled his lip, sneering in a low voice.

"Let's see what he can achieve. It would be hilarious if he doesn't even have Body Refining Fourth Level," a follower next to him echoed.

The chill in Zhao Zhen's eyes intensified, and a cruel arc formed at the corner of his mouth.

He wanted to see what kind of waves this kid could stir up!

It would be best if his results were mediocre, giving him more reason to interfere during the Baptism.

Li Dong walked to the Strength Testing Stone and stood still.

He didn't take a deep breath, exert all his strength, or strike various fancy poses like the others.

He just stood there casually, then slowly raised his right hand.

His movements were very slow, very light.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on his hand without blinking.

Just as everyone thought he was about to gather all his strength for a powerful strike—

Li Dong merely brought his raised right hand towards the Strength Testing Stone in front of him, seemingly very casually, and gently patted it.

There was no astonishing Aura.

No light of Spiritual Qi.

Not even a hint of a sound of air being torn.

It was like an ordinary person casually patting a stele.

"This..."

"What is he doing?"

"Is he joking?"

Everyone was stunned, and then many people's faces showed mocking smiles.

Zhou Shaoyang almost burst out laughing.

"I thought he was so amazing, turns out it's just this..."

His words were cut short before he could finish.

Because, just as Li Dong's seemingly light hand touched the Strength Testing Stone—

"Boom!!!"

An unprecedented dull roar suddenly erupted!

The sound was deep and powerful, like a thunderclap from the Nine Heavens, striking heavily at everyone's hearts!

Immediately after, the incredibly hard black Strength Testing Stone, which had withstood countless attacks without moving, suddenly vibrated violently!

Buzz, buzz, buzz—!!!

A piercing hum echoed throughout the entire Martial Arts Field, and the runes on the surface of the stele flowed wildly at an unprecedented speed, erupting into dazzling light!

The light was so intense that some Disciples with lower Cultivation Bases couldn't help but close their eyes!

Everyone was stunned by this sudden change!

Their mouths were wide open, their eyes bulging, as if they had seen a ghost!

They stared intently at the wildly vibrating, brilliant Strength Testing Stone!

On the stone stele, the area that was supposed to display the strength Rank was now flickering with chaotic light, unable to form stable characters!

A moment later, the light suddenly converged, and finally, to everyone's utter horror, several large and striking blood-red characters appeared on the stone stele:

"EXCEEDS LIMIT, UNMEASURABLE!"

Exceeds limit!

Unmeasurable!

These eight characters were like eight heavy hammers, striking hard at everyone's heart!

The entire training ground instantly fell into a dead silence!

So quiet that a pin drop could be heard!

Everyone seemed to be under a Body Immobilization Spell, standing still, their minds blank!

The expressions on the faces of those Family Disciples who had been mocking Li Dong earlier were now extremely vivid, their mockery frozen into a comical astonishment and disbelief!

Zhou Shaoyang, even more so, looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his body stiff, his face pale, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg, his eyes filled with terror and confusion!

His proud "Body Refinement Fifth Level, High Rank" was simply a joke in front of Li Dong's "Exceeds Limit, Unmeasurable"!

In the corner, Zhao Zhen's sinister smile completely froze, then shattered inch by inch, replaced by deep shock and disbelief!

His pupils suddenly contracted, staring intently at Li Dong, as if trying to see through him!

How could this be?!

How could a young man from the countryside possess such terrifying strength?!

This was definitely not a level that could be reached in the Body Tempering Realm!

Could he... A terrifying thought arose in Zhao Zhen's mind, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

Even Zhang Wu, who had always appeared calm and composed, could not maintain his composure now.

His pupils suddenly constricted, and for the first time, a truly shocked expression appeared on his face!

He stared intently at the eight blood-red characters, then looked at Li Dong, whose expression was still calm, his eyes filled with tumultuous waves!

This young man... hides his strength so well!

A single blow actually shattered the upper limit of the strength-testing stone!

This strength-testing stone could withstand the full power of a Body Tempering Realm Great Perfection cultivator!

Could his strength have already surpassed the Body Tempering Realm?!

Li Qingyan covered her small mouth, her beautiful big eyes wide, filled with pleasant surprise and pride.

She knew her brother was the best!

As for Li Dong, facing a result that was enough to shake the entire Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division outpost, he seemed to have done something insignificant.

He slowly withdrew his palm, not even looking at the strength-testing stone that was still humming and emitting dazzling light.

He simply turned around calmly, his gaze lightly sweeping over the stunned faces of everyone present.

Finally, his gaze lingered for a moment on the pale-faced Zhou Shaoyang and the ashen-faced Zhao Zhen.

That gaze was indifferent and cold.

As if to say:

Mere clowns, nothing more.

Then, in the deathly silence of the entire training ground, he walked back to his original spot and stood beside Li Qingyan.

Only the strength-testing stone, displaying "EXCEEDS LIMIT, UNMEASURABLE!", and the petrified crowd remained behind him.

"COUNTRY BOY SHATTERS STRENGTH-TESTING STONE! Demon Suppression Division Genius LOSES FACE!"

"STRENGTH-TESTING STONE LIMIT BROKEN! WAS THE USELESS YOUNG MASTER A HIDDEN BIG SHOT?!"

"DIRECT QUOTA EXPOSES DARK SECRETS! DOES THE COUNTRY BOY HAVE A HEAVEN-SHAKING BACKGROUND?!"

"Body Tempering Realm SHATTERS Foundation Establishment STONE? FORBIDDEN Cultivation Technique EXPOSED, INVITING KILLING INTENT!"

"Demon Suppression Division ASSESSMENT BECOMES A JOKE! THE CONNECTED ONE IS ACTUALLY A PEERLESS Prodigy?!"

On the training ground, the deathly silence continued to spread.

The air seemed to have solidified, with only the strength-testing stone still emitting a faint, unwilling hum, its dazzling red light reflecting on everyone's stiff faces.

Everyone's gaze was drawn like a magnet, fixed firmly on Li Dong, the young man they had just regarded as a country bumpkin.

At this moment, he stood there calmly, his figure not particularly robust, yet he exuded a sense of steady composure, like an unshakeable mountain.

The previous contempt, mockery, and disdain had long vanished, replaced by deep shock, awe, and an indescribable hint of fear.

The shock on Zhang Wu's face slowly faded, replaced by an extremely complex expression.

He looked deeply at Li Dong, his eyes filled with scrutiny and contemplation.

This young man's strength far exceeded his expectations.

"Exceeds Limit, Unmeasurable..."

Zhang Wu murmured to himself. This meant that Li Dong's attack power had at least reached the Peak of the Body Tempering Realm Great Perfection, and perhaps... had already touched the threshold of the Foundation Establishment Realm!

A young man from a remote mountain village, without any Family resource support, was actually able to reach such a Realm at such a young age?

This was simply unbelievable!

Li Shanyue's son was indeed extraordinary!

Thoughts raced through Zhang Wu's mind, and the look in his eyes towards Li Dong had changed from initially caring for an old friend's son to one of genuine solemnity and expectation.

Perhaps this young man could truly bring something different to the stagnant Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division.

On the other side, Zhao Zhen's face was already extremely grim.

After the shock came deep-seated malice and a hint of uncontrollable fear.

He had originally thought that Li Dong was only at the Body Refinement Fifth Level, and had only luckily defeated Wang Wei and obtained the direct quota by relying on some brute force.

But now, it seemed he was terribly wrong!

This young man hid his strength too deeply!

This kind of strength was definitely not something a Body Refinement Fifth Level cultivator could possess!

Could he really have already... Zhao Zhen dared not think further.

He only knew that this child must not be allowed to live!

Once Li Dong successfully passed the Demon Suppression Baptism and his strength advanced further, Zhao Zhen's good days would be completely over!

Everything he had done before would probably be settled!

He must be stifled in the cradle before he grew up, no matter the cost!

A ruthless killing intent flashed deep in Zhao Zhen's eyes, and he looked at Li Dong as if he were looking at a dead man.

As for Zhou Shaoyang, he was completely dumbfounded at this moment.

He stared blankly at Li Dong, then at the strength-testing stone displaying "Exceeds Limit," feeling a burning pain on his face, as if he had been slapped dozens of times.

His previous arrogance seemed so ridiculous now!

In the face of absolute strength, his proud Family background and talent became insignificant jokes.

Fear, like a cold viper, instantly coiled around his heart.

He had no doubt that if Lord Zhang Wu had not appeared in time, he would probably have been slapped to death by this seemingly ordinary country boy!

He subconsciously took two steps back, no longer daring to look into Li Dong's eyes.

The other Family Disciples were also silent as cicadas at this moment.

Their eyes, when looking at Li Dong, were filled with awe and fear.

All the previous contempt and discussions now turned into silent slaps, hitting them hard in the face.

They finally understood why Lord Zhang Wu would give the "direct quota" to this young man from the countryside.

This was not just dumb Luck; this was clearly a lurking True Dragon!

"Cough."

Finally, Zhang Wu lightly coughed, breaking the suffocating silence.

He scanned the entire training ground, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces, taking in their reactions.

"Alright, today's assessment test ends here."

His voice returned to its steady tone, but if one listened carefully, it seemed to carry a subtle, almost imperceptible solemnity.

"The test results are recorded by the Division."

"Everyone, disperse now. Go back and prepare well. The Demon Suppression Baptism three days later is the real test."

After speaking, he looked deeply at Li Dong, said nothing more, and turned to leave the training ground.

The others, as if granted a great pardon, bowed their heads and hurried away from this place that had dealt them such a blow, not daring to even breathe heavily.

Zhou Shaoyang ran faster than anyone else, as if evil spirits were chasing him.

Zhao Zhen glared at Li Dong with malice, then also left quickly with a dark expression, clearly going to continue plotting his poisonous schemes.

Soon, only Li Dong and Li Qingyan, the siblings, remained in the vast training ground.

"Brother! You're amazing!"

Only now did Li Qingyan finally recover from her shock, excitedly grabbing Li Dong's arm, her small face flushed with excitement, her eyes full of adoring stars.

"That strength-testing stone was shattered by you! So cool!"

Li Dong looked at his sister's excited expression, a faint smile appearing on his face, and reached out to ruffle her head.

"It's nothing, just used a little strength."

For him, it truly was nothing.

The Lie Kong Zhen Mo Yin, which fused the Ripping Sky Hand and the Demon Suppression Seal, was already far more powerful than ordinary Body Tempering Realm Martial Skills. Coupled with his Body Refinement Fifth Level Peak cultivation and Qi and blood power far exceeding those of the same Rank, it was perfectly normal to shatter a stone stele that could only test up to the Body Tempering Realm Great Perfection.

He hadn't even used his full strength just now; he merely wanted to give those short-sighted fellows a warning.

However, the effect seemed even better than expected.

At least, for a short period, there shouldn't be any more short-sighted idiots actively provoking him.

Of course, that Zhao Zhen would definitely not give up.

Li Dong's eyes grew slightly cold.

When soldiers come, generals will block; when water comes, earth will cover.

He wanted to see what other tricks this clown could pull.

The real showdown was still the Demon Suppression Baptism three days later!