"Hence, I suggest we divide ourselves into ten teams, then select a commander-in-chief as well as captains for each team, followed by a collective hunt of the demon beasts. Each beast slain will count towards the collective haul, until every person has acquired a sufficient quota and we can depart together!"

"Please don’t get agitated just yet. Remember, we are in the Western Frontier, outside the city walls. We are facing demon beasts and have the Western Frontier Border Guard at our backs. It could be said that we cannot rely on anyone else. If we want to survive and complete the mission, we must unite. Otherwise, I fear that none of us will be able to accomplish the task alone!"

The crowd fell silent. In fact, Zheng Wen made sense, but people are selfish by nature. In the Martial Realm where strength reigns supreme, who can truly trust others?

Therefore, at this moment, no one dared to readily agree, as many were worried that after the teams were formed, they might become sacrificial lambs for others.

Indeed, Zheng Wen’s proposal to form teams to combat the demon beasts was a fairly good solution, but with team formation, some people would inevitably be sacrificed.

They are facing demon beasts, not humans!

If it were an enemy, perhaps no sacrifice would be needed, but demon beasts are different. To deal with a demon beast, bait is invariably needed, and those who act as bait are essentially those who may be sacrificed at any moment!

Besides the matter of bait, there is also the distribution of the spoils from slaying demon beasts. The so-called collective haul - how shall these beasts be allocated and by whom?

What if after everyone strives and fights to the death, a few individuals take the demon beast corpses and leave? What then?

It can be said that such doubts are not without reason.

However, what they did not know was that in fact, Li Long and the Border Guards were clearly observing their every move.

This is the Great Tang Empire’s Western Frontier wall that has stood for a thousand years, never breached by any enemy.

How could it be that a group of demon beasts appeared so close to the wall? And that they have even captured an outpost?

All of these arrangements were explicitly made for the purpose of a test, and even the demon beasts were selectively chosen, without including any that were overly powerful.

"This Zheng Wen isn’t bad; he seems to have seen through the leader’s intentions. However, leader, why isn’t Ye Luo having any reaction?"

Ye Luo?

Why would they mention Ye Luo?

If Ye Luo knew about these people’s conversation, he would certainly be utterly shocked. Out of so many students, to single out Ye Luo suggested something extraordinary about him.

"Just wait and see, this Ye Luo is not simple. I’ve thoroughly investigated his background, yet I can’t discern his origins. Since my imperial brother wishes to recruit Ye Luo for himself, he must surely be extraordinary. Besides, haven’t you noticed the unique aura about him? Not only his bloodline strength but even the cultivation technique he practices is extremely special, don’t you think?"

With a casual wave of his hand, Li Long focused the projection on Ye Luo. As it turned out, the area where Ye Luo and his group were had been surreptitiously enveloped in a secret surveillance formation.

"Hmm, leader, I’ve also noticed that the aura emanating from Ye Luo is indeed quite unique. However, this young fellow is merely at the Qi Cyclone Realm; why are you paying so much attention to him?"

Li Long observed Ye Luo, his eyes filled with a hint of reluctance. In truth, he became interested in Ye Luo because he had heard from within the Imperial Palace that his older brother, the current Emperor, was also watching this young man.

At first, Li Long was merely puzzled, but upon seeing Ye Luo, he became intrigued.

In reality, Ye Luo had no qualifications to participate in this selection, but under the insinuation of Li Long, he had still let Ye Luo in!

What was the principle that the previous Border Guards used to eliminate students?

First and foremost, a background check is mandatory. No matter how advanced one’s cultivation or how exceptional one’s talent, those wishing to join the Border Guard must have their family backgrounds thoroughly checked, as the Border Guard cannot tolerate the infiltration of any enemy spies!

Just by this criterion alone, Ye Luo should have had absolutely no chance of being selected, as after all, Ye Luo’s background is unknown!

Next is the comprehensive assessment. Do not be misled by Li Long’s sudden appearance; in fact, a detailed investigation has already been conducted. It can be said that the character and overall battle achievements of each trainee have been meticulously scrutinized.

Joining the Border Guard is not something just anyone can achieve, especially this selection of personnel, who are extremely crucial to the defense of the Border Guard.

On this point, in reality, Ye Luo would never have been picked, because there is too little information about Ye Luo, not even enough to make a judgment.

But Ye Luo is indeed present here.

Li Long and others continued observing Ye Luo and his group.

At this moment, Ye Luo silently observed everything before him.

It could be said that since they were able to be selected for this Border Guard recruitment, each person must have their own strengths and certainly wouldn’t be the type with a slow wit.

Therefore, when that person suggested this method, everyone had their own calculations, yet no one refused. However, the selection of a commander and the division of roles within the team stirred up some disagreement, and for a while, they could not come up with a viable plan.

This was indeed an unsolvable issue; after all, each person here considered themselves a proud genius, so having them submit to someone else—especially entrusting their lives to another—was something they were simply unwilling to accept!

...

The standoff continued for a long time, accompanied by incessant arguing.

Suddenly, a roar erupted from the distance.

In an instant, everyone’s expressions changed dramatically, each of them quickly brandishing their weapons!

"Damn it, weren’t the Demon Beasts supposed to be near that outpost? Why are they here!"

"Form up for defense on the spot, let’s set up a Formation to meet the enemy!"

"There’s only one Demon Beast; there’s no need to be afraid. While it’s alone, let’s test the strength of this Demon Beast!"

Several voices rang out simultaneously. In the blink of an eye, the group split into several teams to confront the suddenly appearing Demon Beast. These trainees, who were just in the midst of disagreement, made their decisions in an instant, and a few individuals who were previously active and with nobler status naturally assumed command.

It can be said that all of this was done subconsciously. However, some people were left isolated!

Among these people was Ye Luo!

Ye Luo didn’t know what the others were thinking, but at this moment, he was unwilling to follow the main group’s actions.

In fact, while those people were arguing, although they might have had their reasons, they overlooked one point.

Moving together in larger numbers is indeed safer, but at the same time, it also makes for a larger target. It can be said that the more people there are, the more Demon Beasts they will have to face.