4: The direct admission quota has angered senior management!

Lord Zhang's voice was not loud, but it carried significant weight.

His words echoed clearly across the open ground outside the village.

"Congratulations, you have successfully qualified to participate in the Demon Suppression Baptism."

These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

Li Dong's heart stirred.

He was confident in his strike just now.

Yet, Lord Zhang determining the spot so decisively still came as a bit of a surprise to him.

He also let out a sigh of relief.

The task his father had given him finally had a beginning.

Li Qingyan, standing nearby, broke into a joyful smile.

She looked very happy and captivating.

But not everyone was happy.

The young Demon Suppression Division members Zhao Zhen brought with him all had different expressions.

There was shock, bewilderment, and disbelief.

They never imagined this mountain village youth to be so formidable.

He not only defeated Wang Wei in one move.

He also managed to get a direct qualification from Lord Zhang so easily.

That was the Demon Suppression Baptism.

An opportunity many in the Demon Suppression Division fought tooth and nail for.

Zhao Zhen's Face was extremely grim.

It was ashen, as if he had eaten something foul.

He suppressed the anger and embarrassment in his heart.

His voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Lord Zhang!"

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but step forward.

His tone was full of unwillingness, laced with suspicion.

"This... this kid just got lucky winning against Wang Wei."

"His strength isn't necessarily a guaranteed win."

He wanted to save Face.

He absolutely did not want to see Li Dong, this country bumpkin who made him lose Face, gain such a great advantage so easily.

"Shouldn't we... investigate his background further?"

Zhao Zhen's words were filled with distrust towards Li Dong.

He was anxious, wanting to stop this matter.

He felt there was something amiss.

Perhaps this kid used improper means.

Or maybe Wang Wei was too careless.

In short, he didn't believe an unknown mountain village youth could defeat a Demon Suppression Division envoy of the same Realm.

Lord Zhang merely glanced at him indifferently.

His gaze was calm, without any fluctuations.

Zhao Zhen's subsequent words died in his throat.

Lord Zhang waved his hand lightly.

The movement was casual, but it carried an undeniable Aura.

"No need to say more."

His voice remained as steady as ever.

"I have it handled."

Lord Zhang looked at Li Dong, his gaze meaningful.

"Everyone saw Li Dong's strength just now."

"It wasn't luck."

"Body Refinement Fifth Level, able to defeat Wang Wei so cleanly."

"This level of strength is superior to most people of the same Realm in the Demon Suppression Division."

He paused, as if giving Zhao Zhen time to digest it.

Then he changed the subject, stating another key point.

"Moreover, he is Li Shanyue's son."

Lord Zhang's tone softened slightly.

It carried a hint of nostalgia for an old friend.

"Shanyue rendered great service to the Demon Suppression Division back then."

"Now he is severely injured."

"Giving his son a direct qualification is also reasonable."

"It also shows that the Demon Suppression Division has not forgotten its old meritorious officials."

These words acknowledged Li Dong's strength.

They also mentioned Li Shanyue.

And they framed the matter in terms of the Demon Suppression Division's Dao.

It was logical and flawless.

Zhao Zhen was left speechless.

His Face changed several times, finally forcing him to angrily shut his mouth.

But the hatred in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

He knew Lord Zhang had already made his decision.

Speaking further would be useless and would only displease his old superior.

Having dealt with Zhao Zhen's issue, Lord Zhang focused his attention entirely on Li Dong.

His stern expression completely relaxed.

His eyes held clear admiration.

Like an elder looking at an outstanding Junior.

With expectation and affirmation.

"Li Dong."

Lord Zhang's voice was much gentler.

"You are excellent."

He nodded, encouraging him.

"So young, yet possessing such solid Cultivation and formidable combat ability."

"Your future prospects are boundless!"

Lord Zhang stepped forward, standing before Li Dong.

"Seize this opportunity of the Demon Suppression Baptism well."

His gaze became sharp, as if it could see through people's hearts.

"For a Body Tempering Realm Cultivator, this is a great opportunity for immense change."

"If you can fully withstand and absorb the power of the baptism."

"It can save you several years of Cultivation."

"Perhaps... it can even lay a solid foundation for you to break through to higher Realms."

Lord Zhang's words were very appealing.

Li Qingyan, standing nearby, listened with longing, her eyes filled with envy.

"Strive for further advancement, don't let down your father's expectations."

"And don't waste this opportunity."

These words were practical, both encouragement and a reminder.

At this moment, at the back of the crowd.

Two young men from the Demon Suppression Division helped Wang Wei to his feet.

Wang Wei's Face was as white as paper, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

His chest heaved violently.

Each breath tore at his broken ribs, causing excruciating pain.

He hung his head, as if afraid to look at anyone, especially Li Dong.

But beneath his lowered eyelids.

Those eyes held flames of extreme resentment.

Humiliation!

A humiliation he had never experienced before!

He, Wang Wei, was an elite of the Demon Suppression Division's enforcement team.

A powerhouse of Body Refinement Fifth Level.

Yet he was defeated in one move by an unknown youth from a remote mountain village!

This was more unbearable than being killed!

This hatred, like a venomous snake, bit at his heart.

He stared fixedly at Li Dong's back.

Engraving this figure into his Soul.

He secretly vowed in his heart.

Today's humiliation, he would definitely repay it tenfold in the future!

Wang Wei was filled with extreme hatred.

He wanted this country bumpkin named Li Dong to know the consequences of offending him, of offending the Demon Suppression Division!

However, the situation was currently unfavorable for him.

Lord Zhang clearly favored that kid, so he could only endure for now.

Wang Wei buried this hatred deep in his heart.

He kept his head down, silent.

His companions supported him, and he looked completely spiritless.

Only Wang Wei himself knew that this was merely a temporary calm.

Just then, a voice rang out in Li Dong's mind.

It was his familiar System prompt.

"Ding!"

"Detected host has defeated Demon Suppression Division enforcer Wang Wei (Body Refinement Fifth Level), target is challenging, deemed valid!"

"Gained experience +300!"

"Gained Skill Fragment: Demon Killing Palm (Incomplete)!"

"Current experience: 300/500."

"Detected 'Ripping Sky Hand' proficiency has increased, current experience meets enhancement conditions, consume 500 experience points to enhance?"

The series of prompts greatly improved Li Dong's mood.

Three hundred experience points!

This was more than what he got from killing that Body Refinement Fifth Level hanging ghost last time.

It seemed that defeating people from the Demon Suppression Division indeed yielded more experience rewards.

What pleased him even more was that he also obtained the Demon Killing Palm Skill fragment that Wang Wei used.

Although it was incomplete, if he had enough fragments, he might be able to learn this palm technique.

Li Dong felt that the Demon Suppression Division's Martial Skills should be good.

He quickly thought to himself.

Currently, with 300 experience points, he still needed 200 more to enhance Ripping Sky Hand.

It seemed he couldn't level up for now.

However, three hundred experience points were not a small amount; he would keep them for now.

Once he gained some more experience next time, he would be able to enhance Ripping Sky Hand.

Li Dong temporarily put aside thoughts of enhancement and refocused his attention on the present.

Just as he was about to speak to Lord Zhang, a chilling voice rang out.

It was Zhao Zhen.

He looked at Li Dong, his gaze extremely sinister, a cold sneer playing on his lips.

"Hmph!"

Zhao Zhen snorted coldly, his voice full of disdain and resentment.

"Country bumpkin, so what if you got lucky and obtained a spot?"

His words were harsh, not hiding his hostility at all.

"The Demon Suppression Baptism isn't something just anyone can withstand!"

Zhao Zhen stared at Li Dong, his gaze very unfriendly.

"The power of that baptism is fierce; if you're not careful, at best your Meridians will be injured and your Cultivation will drop, at worst your body might explode, leaving not even dust behind!"

He deliberately made it sound very serious, wanting to scare Li Dong.

"Don't end up getting no benefits and instead crippling yourself, how shameful!"

These words were less like a warning and more like a curse, carrying deep malice.

Zhao Zhen desperately wished for Li Dong to encounter trouble during the Demon Suppression Baptism.

Li Dong showed no reaction to Zhao Zhen's direct threats and curses.

Such abusive words had no effect on him.

He simply ignored the grim-faced Zhao Zhen and walked up to Lord Zhang.

Li Dong cupped his fists again and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your high regard."

Li Dong's voice was calm, showing no discernible emotion.

But there was a sense of confidence in his eyes.

"Li Dong will do his best not to disappoint you, Lord, and will not waste this opportunity of the Demon Suppression Baptism."

His attitude was respectful, yet not humble.

He thanked Lord Zhang and also expressed his determination.

Lord Zhang looked at Li Dong, finding the youth very steady.

The admiration in his eyes grew.

To remain so calm in the Face of Zhao Zhen's provocation and threats, just this Heart-Nature alone was stronger than many of his peers.

Lord Zhang nodded in satisfaction and reached out to pat Li Dong's shoulder.

This gesture made the nearby Zhao Zhen's gaze even more sinister.

"Prepare well."

Lord Zhang lowered his voice, his words implying more than they said.

"The Demon Suppression Baptism is indeed a rare opportunity for you; you must seize it."

He paused, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Zhao Zhen nearby.

His words carried a hint of a warning.

"However... everything has its pros and cons, and opportunities often come with risks."

"In the Demon Suppression Division, not everyone wishes for your success."

Lord Zhang's tone became serious.

"Some people are narrow-minded, unable to tolerate others being stronger than themselves, especially... those Geniuses who climb over them."

"You must be extra careful during this baptism."

"Not only must you cope with the power of the baptism itself, but you must also guard against... underhanded tactics."

Lord Zhang didn't spell it out, but the meaning was clear.

He was warning Li Dong to be wary of Zhao Zhen potentially sabotaging him during the Demon Suppression Baptism.

Li Dong understood.

It seemed his kick today didn't just send Wang Wei flying.

It also completely offended Zhao Zhen, this small leader of the Demon Suppression Division.

Trouble, it seemed, was inevitable.

However, he was not afraid.

He would meet challenges as they came.

Since he had chosen this path, there was nothing to fear.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord, Junior has noted it."

Li Dong cupped his fists again, his tone very sincere.

Lord Zhang smiled contentedly, saying no more.

He had given the necessary warnings; the rest would depend on Li Dong's own ability and luck.

The Demon Suppression Division's purpose in coming to Li Family Village was now settled.

One of the five direct qualification spots was forcefully taken by Li Dong through sheer strength.

As for the remaining four selection spots, Lord Zhang said they would be publicly selected in Mu Shi County according to the rules.

Regarding Li Family Village, Lord Zhang also noticed Li Qingyan's good talent.

He encouraged Li Qingyan to also participate in the selection competition and strive for a spot.

Afterward, Lord Zhang left Li Family Village, taking with him the grim-faced Zhao Zhen, and Wang Wei, who was being supported and had venomous eyes.

Watching their retreating figures, Li Dong's gaze subtly darkened.

The Demon Suppression Division, the Demon Suppression Baptism... all of this indicated that his peaceful days were about to be shattered.