42: There are so many geniuses, who will be my new opponent?

Life in the New Recruit Camp was even more… well, lively than Li Dong had imagined.

This place, though called a camp, was actually just a large courtyard with a few dilapidated houses.

But there were too many people.

More and more new recruits arrived, and the entire courtyard was packed with about fifty or sixty people.

Each of them looked quite young, mostly around twenty years old, but their vigor and the faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations emanating from their bodies showed that none of them were pushovers.

They were all in the Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase!

Li Dong, tucked away in a corner bunk of the six-person dormitory, quietly observed for two days and gradually got a sense of things.

Most of these new recruits came from various large cities under the Prefecture or from well-known Cultivation Families and Sects.

They were completely different from those who came from places like Mu Shi County.

Their Cultivation Realm was indeed Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase, but their Foundation was clearly much more solid, and their Spiritual Qi circulated with a smooth, heavy feel.

As for Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills, although he hadn't seen them truly fight, just hearing the names they occasionally boasted about made it clear that they were far more Advanced than the common goods in Mu Shi County.

Things like "Profound Water True Art," "Crimson Sun Saber Scripture," "Minor Formless Skill"... they all sounded grand and impressive.

Resources, this was even more incomparable.

They had grown up bathing in Spirit Medicine and eating Medicinal Pills since childhood, and their Cultivation environment was also excellent; their starting point was a whole lot higher than “wild” Cultivators like Li Dong.

Li Dong even heard rumors that among this batch of new recruits, several were already at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase, just a hair's breadth away from the Middle Stage. There were even more outrageous rumors that a “monster” was hiding in a certain corner, who had long since reached the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, but for some unknown reason, was also mixed in with the New Recruit Camp.

Hiss—the pressure was immense.

Li Dong stroked his chin.

Before, in Mu Shi County, he thought his Cultivation speed was fast enough, and he could walk sideways in the Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase.

Upon arriving at the Prefecture, good heavens, it was directly "Foundation Establishment Cultivators everywhere, Body Tempering Cultivators are worse than dogs."

In this New Recruit Camp, any random person pulled out could be a squad leader in Mu Shi County.

Competition was everywhere.

The air was filled with a scent of gunpowder.

This was especially evident in the small circle led by Lin Fan.

Lin Fan, the blue-clothed youth from the Lin Family of the Prefecture, although he hadn't directly provoked Li Dong again after being ignored in the dormitory that day, his arrogance hadn't diminished in the slightest.

He had gathered several other individuals of extraordinary background around him, such as the square-faced youth from the Zhao Family of Qinghe City, and Brother Sun, who was a disciple of the Blazing Sun Sect.

These few would gather together all day, talking loudly, their voices just loud enough for those around them to hear.

Their topics were nothing more than whose Old Ancestor had made a Breakthrough, which Sect had acquired some secret treasure, or commenting on which people in this New Recruit Camp were “worth befriending” and which were “just making up the numbers.”

The implication of their words was very clear: this New Recruit Camp was the stage for "Dragon People" like them, who had connections and talent; others had better be sensible and not be an eyesore.

Their expressions when looking at other new recruits, especially those from remote small places like Li Dong, or Loose Cultivators like Brother Qian who had no Foundation, carried an undisguised sense of exclusion and disdain. As if breathing the same air as them was an insult.

“Heh, a bunch of clowns.” Li Dong sneered inwardly. He finally understood that the class solidification in the Prefecture was much more severe than in Mu Shi County. No background? Then even your breathing is wrong.

However, he was too lazy to bother with this group of people. This old man came to level up, fight monsters, and catch the internal spy, not to play palace intrigue with you. He might as well spend that free time Cultivating the Heavenly Pill Sky-Rending Demon Suppression Seal a bit more.

Besides the boisterous Lin Fan and his gang, Li Dong also noticed a few other peculiar new recruits.

There were about three or four people who always kept to themselves, either meditating in a corner of the dormitory or quietly practicing something at the edge of the training ground, never interacting with anyone. Their Aura was very strange; sometimes it felt unremarkable, no different from an ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase Cultivator, but occasionally, when Li Dong circulated his Cultivation Technique to perceive, he could catch a trace of an extremely restrained yet unusually dangerous fluctuation from them.

Unfathomable.

Li Dong secretly raised his guard. These people were either truly formidable individuals who had hidden their strength, or they were… here with some special purpose? For example, undercover agents sent by some major power? Or perhaps even special personnel cultivated by some secret department?

The Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, the water was indeed very deep. He felt like a small fish suddenly thrown into a shark tank.

He had to improve his strength as quickly as possible, otherwise, he wouldn't even know how he died. He also had to find a way to earn merit points; without them, he couldn't move an inch in this place.

Just as Li Dong was pondering how to quickly accumulate merit, an opportunity arose.

On the afternoon of the third day, Manager Wang, who had been resting with his eyes closed and seemed indifferent to everything in the New Recruit Camp, uncharacteristically gathered everyone in the open space in the center of the courtyard.

“Is everyone here?” Manager Wang scanned the crowd, still looking half-dead, but no one dared to underestimate him. After all, he had the Cultivation Realm of Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, and he held the power of life and death over the New Recruit Camp.

“You’ve all experienced the basic training of the New Recruit Camp for two days. I presume you’re all clear on the rules.” Manager Wang slowly began, “Today, I’m issuing your first official mission.”

Everyone perked up their ears. Missions meant merit points!

“Thirty miles east of the Prefecture, there’s a Black Wind Forest. Recent intelligence indicates that demonic activity in that area has been unusually frequent, with even demons comparable to the Foundation Establishment Realm appearing.” Manager Wang pointed east, “Your mission is to enter the Black Wind Forest, clear out the demons, and eliminate the threat.”

“The mission will last for five days. Merit will be calculated based on the number and Rank of demons killed. Body Tempering Realm demons, depending on their strength, are worth 1-10 merit points. Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase demons start at 100 merit points. Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment demons start at 500 merit points. If you encounter anything stronger… if you can return alive to report, it will also be considered a great achievement.”

As soon as these words were spoken, there was a stir in the crowd. Foundation Establishment Realm demons! Those were no joke. Although they were all in the Foundation Establishment Realm, demons of the same Rank were often more difficult to deal with than human Cultivators.

“During the mission, you are allowed to form teams freely or act alone.” Manager Wang added, “Whether to cooperate for mutual gain or to hog the credit, you decide. But one thing: infighting is forbidden. Violators will have their Cultivation abolished and be expelled from the Demon Suppression Division!”

He spoke the last sentence with absolute finality, carrying a chilling coldness that immediately calmed those who had been eager to move.

As soon as his voice fell, Lin Fan immediately jumped out, looking around, especially pausing on Li Dong, and shouted loudly: “Our Lin Family, Zhao Family, and Brother Sun have decided to form a team! Our strength is formidable, and our goal is to be at the top of the merit rankings! Friends with strength are welcome to join, as for some… country bumpkins with no background and no strength who will only drag us down, don’t come to join the fun!”

His words were almost openly directed at Li Dong and several other Loose Cultivators of ordinary background. His expression was utterly contemptible.

Brother Zhao and Brother Sun immediately echoed him, gathering around Lin Fan, adopting an attitude of “we are the core.”

Immediately, several other new recruits who also had good backgrounds or wanted to curry favor with Lin Fan and his group gathered around, quickly forming a small group of about ten people, discussing tactics, appearing quite imposing.

The other new recruits looked at each other, some hesitating, others showing expressions of indignation.

Li Dong?

Li Dong remained silent, merely looking at his toes, as if there were a flower on the ground.

Forming a team? Yes, efficiency might be higher, and safety factor greater. But the question was, with whom to team up? With those idiots like Lin Fan? He was afraid he wouldn't be able to resist “clearing them out” first.

Moreover, in group actions, with many eyes and ears, his trump cards, such as his abnormal Cultivation speed, the true power of the Heavenly Pill Rifting Demon Seal, and even the existence of the System space, would easily be exposed. Before fully understanding the depths of the Prefecture, especially the clue about the “internal spy,” developing discreetly was the way to go.

Besides, what he needed was real combat, merit points, and to quickly improve his strength. Acting alone, although riskier, offered greater freedom and all the rewards would be his. This was a good opportunity to familiarize himself with the characteristics of the demons in the Prefecture and see how they differed from those in Mu Shi County.

Just then, Brother Qian, the Loose Cultivator who had previously warned Li Dong in the dormitory, hesitated and walked over. “Brother Li Dong, how about… we few Loose Cultivators form a team together? It would be good to have each other’s backs?”

Brother Qian was accompanied by two or three other new recruits who also seemed to have no background, their faces showing a hint of anticipation. After Lin Fan's stunt, these “retail investors” indeed felt a bit awkward.

Li Dong looked up, glanced at Brother Qian, and then at the few people behind him. It was clear they genuinely wanted to band together for warmth.

But he still shook his head, cupped his fists, and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Brother Qian. However, I’m used to being alone; it’s more convenient to act independently.”

The anticipation on Brother Qian's face turned into obvious disappointment. He opened his mouth, but ultimately sighed and said nothing more, leading the others away dejectedly.

This scene naturally fell into the eyes of Lin Fan and the others.

“Heh, doesn’t know what’s good for him!” Lin Fan scoffed, his voice not loud, but enough for Li Dong to hear, “Does he really think he’s all that? Just wait, when he enters the Black Wind Forest and encounters a tough opponent, he’ll have something to cry about!”

The few people next to him also burst into laughter, their gazes towards Li Dong filled with disdain and schadenfreude.

Li Dong still showed no reaction. You're right, but I don't understand. He just wanted to set off quickly to farm monsters and earn merit.

“Alright, since the team intentions are set, prepare to depart.” Manager Wang seemed accustomed to such faction-forming scenes and had no intention of interfering. “However, before departure, as per custom, we’ll do a simple assessment.”

Assessment?

Everyone was startled.

Manager Wang pointed to the center of the open space: “One by one, circulate your Foundation Establishment Spiritual Qi and release it, let me see its quality. Also, demonstrate one or two of your most good at skills, Cultivation Techniques or Martial Skills are fine. Don’t hold back, this relates to the initial allocation of subsequent resources.”

So that’s how it is. This was to differentiate treatment based on potential?

Everyone immediately became spirited. This was a good opportunity to perform!

Soon, someone stepped forward. The first was a disciple from a small Family, who circulated his Spiritual Qi, and a light green radiance enveloped his body, his Aura was quite good, and then he demonstrated a set of palm techniques, powerful and vigorous.

Manager Wang nodded, noncommittal.

Then, one by one, new recruits stepped forward to demonstrate.

The Spiritual Qi intensity of most people was on par, and their Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills each had their merits, but truly few could make Manager Wang's expression change.

When it was the turn of Lin Fan's small circle, the scene was distinctly different.

The square-faced youth from the Zhao Family had deep blue Spiritual Qi, like rippling water, clearly Cultivating a water-attributed Cultivation Technique, and his water control art was quite proficient.

Brother Sun was even more eye-catching; his Crimson Sun Saber Scripture was full of fire, his Spiritual Qi was crimson, condensing into a phantom of a flaming long saber, emitting scorching heat waves.

And Lin Fan himself, as a direct descendant of the Lin Family of the Prefecture, was the grand finale. As his Spiritual Qi circulated, a layer of misty green light emanated from his body, its refinement clearly a notch higher than others, subtly reaching the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase. He didn't demonstrate a specific Martial Skill, but merely pointed his fingers like a sword and casually slashed at the open ground!

Chii!

A sharp green Sword Qi broke through the air, leaving a half-foot deep mark on the hard ground!

“Good!”

A low gasp of surprise echoed around. This move indeed displayed strength far surpassing his peers.

Lin Fan proudly raised his chin, giving Li Dong a provocative glance.

In Manager Wang's cloudy eyes, a hint of approval finally flashed, and he nodded slightly.

Next, those few mysterious new recruits who had been silent also stepped forward one after another. Their performance was even more startling. One black-clothed youth's Spiritual Qi was as black as ink, yet it was condensed and did not disperse, exuding a cold and eerie Aura. Another woman's Spiritual Qi was ethereal and formless, as if it could merge into the air at any moment, but an occasional leaked fluctuation made even Li Dong feel a tremor in his heart.

They were all formidable individuals indeed!

Finally, it was Li Dong's turn.

Almost everyone's gaze was focused on him. There was curiosity, disdain, scrutiny, and also… anticipation?

After all, coming from Mu Shi County, with an “extraordinary” rating, although many didn't believe it, it was still a talking point.

Li Dong walked to the center of the venue, ignoring the various gazes.

He simply calmly circulated the Foundation Establishment Spiritual Qi within his body.

There was no dazzling light, no astonishing phenomena.

A Spiritual Qi fluctuation far more majestic and refined than anyone before him, like a dormant volcano awakening, burst forth with a roar!

The Spiritual Qi exhibited a deep, dark golden hue, as if containing endless power. Although it was only the Foundation Establishment Stage - Early Phase Realm, its profoundness and solidity subtly surpassed Lin Fan, and even approached the trend of those few mysterious new recruits!

What was even more chilling was that within that majestic Spiritual Qi, there was also a faint, yet incomparably domineering Concept of suppression! As if an invisible great seal hung overhead, making people involuntarily feel a tremor in their hearts!

That was a trace of the Concept that naturally integrated into the Spiritual Qi after Cultivating the Heavenly Pill Rifting Demon Seal to a certain Realm!

Although Li Dong merely circulated it casually and did not deliberately activate it, that Aura could not be faked!

The entire scene instantly fell silent.

Lin Fan, who had been full of smugness, had his smile freeze on his face, his pupils slightly contracted.

Those few mysterious new recruits, who had always been calm, all simultaneously cast their gaze towards Li Dong, their eyes showing a solemn expression for the first time.

Manager Wang, who had been half-closing his eyes, suddenly opened them wide, a sharp glint flashing in his cloudy pupils, staring intently at Li Dong, as if wanting to see through him.

Li Dong circulated his Spiritual Qi for several breaths, then slowly reined it in.

He didn't demonstrate any more Martial Skills, simply cupped his fists towards Manager Wang, and retreated to the side.

Manager Wang stared at Li Dong for a long while before slowly shifting his gaze to the others.