Hong Tao acted as if nothing had happened, and calmly said, "Trainees from the Become King Plan, 68 of you, step forward."

"Hoo."

Upon hearing the Become King Plan, some people visibly grew very tense.

But upon hearing the number 68, they immediately let out a sigh of relief.

The Become King Plan number of spots allocated to Hua Country is 68, but one can exchange abundant resources or demon spirits for trainee slots.

Therefore, this time, those participating from Hua Country in the plan are not just 68, but potentially exceed a hundred.

This time, no one acted foolishly; all 68 trainees obediently stepped forward, appearing in front of Hong Tao.

Having seen Hong Tao’s ruthless actions first-hand, half of them slightly lowered their heads, not daring to meet Hong Tao’s gaze.

Lin Feng, Ye Xing, Yun Tianqi, and Bu Yuanlong also stepped forward.

Compared to others’ unease and fear, they already had their decisions made in their hearts, hence their composure.

Huang Tianze, although a trainee, obtained his spot through his family purchasing it, and thus did not need to step forward.

Of course, to him, stepping forward held no particular significance.

Hong Tao said, "Even though you earned the trainee slots, they belong to the country. You are not Guardians; there’s no obligation—it’s voluntary. Those not wanting to go automatically forfeit their slots. You have one minute to consider."

After speaking, Hong Tao fell silent.

The atmosphere grew slightly agitated, and after 20 to 30 seconds, a young man bowed his head and stepped forward. He didn’t say anything nor looked at anyone, quickening his pace and leaving silently.

He made his choice.

Entering the Become King Plan doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a king.

The odds are quite low.

Going to Zhouyun City, however, bears a significant risk of losing one’s life.

To him, life takes precedence over strength.

No one stopped him, allowing the young man to leave.

No one blocked him, but someone seethed with anger, cursing under his breath.

Each trainee has two assistants. If a trainee gives up, their assistants naturally lose their chance to participate in the Become King Plan, hence the fury.

"Chen Nianyi."

Lin Feng looked at the young man’s departing figure, silently repeating his name in his mind.

Of the 68 trainees, aside from the four of them, there were just 64.

Lin Feng knew about these 64, as they might become opponents in the future.

This Chen Nianyi gained his slot through a popularity vote; Lin Feng forgot his specific ranking, but knew he was a former professional player.

With the first person, soon there was a second and a third; from 68 trainees, a total of 9 eventually withdrew.

Under others’ gazes, they all slightly bowed their heads, showing signs of embarrassment.

"Haha."

Yu Qiao couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

Even though distinguished figures were present, he laughed aloud.

He wasn’t gloating, though.

He simply felt relieved.

Among the nine who gave up were those who arrogantly challenged them online, repeatedly issuing battle invitations.

As brazen as they were before, now they appeared awkward and embarrassed.

Hearing Yu Qiao’s laughter, some raised their heads to glance at him, while most pretended not to hear and quickened their departure.

"Though his actions are ruthless, in some ways, Hong Tao is still governed by rules."

Lin Feng silently mused in his heart.

Just now, three Guardians were disposed of without hesitation, and Hong Tao didn’t give them a chance to change their minds, appearing exceptionally ruthless and callous.

However, faced with the trainees, he offered them a choice.

One must know he possesses both the strength and authority to ensure all the trainees obey, without daring to oppose him.

He could also force those who bought their slots to choose, but he didn’t.

He maintains certain boundaries.

Soon, Lin Feng denied his own thoughts.

Because he thought of Hong Yi.

"A person with boundaries wouldn’t make a girl become a Spirit Medium, and wouldn’t threaten with familial ties."

This isn’t Hong Tao’s boundary, but the country’s boundary.

If certain matters lacked boundaries, chaos would ensue.

Even Emperors aren’t invincible, free to do as they please.

It’s not about wanting, but about being able or not.

"Emperor Hong, I’m willing to go to Zhouyun City. Could this trainee slot be given to me?"

A young man raised his hand to inquire.

Hong Tao glanced at him. Under the Emperor’s gaze, the youth’s eyes slightly flickered.

"No, but the slot can be rewarded to those with outstanding battle records."

With the nine trainee slots hardly enough to distribute, it’s unnecessary to allocate them.

Upon hearing these words, some sighed, looking somewhat dejected.

Hong Tao whispered a few words to those behind him, then looked toward a particular crowd: "You three are not obliged to participate."

Though he didn’t name names, everyone knew who Hong Tao referred to.

Regarding such different treatment, some pursed their lips, discontented, but the majority remained calm.

Were it others, they’d definitely have objections.

However, Lin Feng Squad is different.

Though the slots belong to the state, Lin Feng Squad’s battle record alone is enough to exchange for these three slots. Not just three; even ten would be more than sufficient.

As the heroes of sealing the Land of Chaos, each member of Lin Feng Squad carries a hefty bounty; as prime targets for Alien Race elimination, should they enter Zhouyun City, they’d surely face retaliation.

The danger they would face is beyond imagination.

Not just for Lin Feng Squad—for any trainee, it would induce fear.

Abstaining would be the wisest choice.

No one would ridicule them.

Given their battle record, no one even has the right to mock them.

"If we go to Zhouyun City, will Emperors attack us?"

Lin Feng asked.

Hong Tao was about to leave; hearing this made him pause, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

The meaning behind this question...

Others looked shocked at Lin Feng as well.

"No."

Hong Tao affirmed, "Emperors won’t attack you and don’t dare to."

"That’s good."

Lin Feng nodded.

That’s good?

Upon hearing these three words, the crowd felt extremely conflicted, their surprise plainly visible.

This meant with their current strength, Lin Feng Squad is unafraid of Emperors.

Even multiple Emperors.

This also meant Lin Feng Squad is unafraid of them.

This statement seemed to warn certain individuals among them.

Complex gazes swept over Lin Feng Squad, trying to discern any differences.

At this moment, He Jun drew several covert glances. Yang Qingtian could surmise some things, and others naturally could too.

What qualifies an ordinarily gifted, average-strength, unremarkable girl to join Lin Feng Squad?

Why does the Alien Race bounty on her reach over ten billion?

All this certainly ties back to that unknown demon spirit.

Even Hong Tao glanced at He Jun this time.

He knew a little about her demon spirit, aware that it had some sacrificial-like ability.

Lin Feng Squad’s rapid rise in strength likely had a lot to do with her.

He was curious about this as well.

Yet now isn’t the time or place to delve into it—there will be opportunities in the future to learn more.

He Jun seemed to sense the attention and drew closer to Yun Kai.

Outside the hotel.

Currently, over a hundred thousand people have gathered around the hotel, with more arriving from afar.

Their eyes reddened, faces marked by sorrow, waiting silently.

They knew there was a meeting going on inside.

A meeting determining the lives and deaths of hundreds of thousands in Zhouyun City.

As Shangjing’s affiliated Satellite City, these hundreds of thousands include their relatives and friends.

No one spoke loudly—even conversational tones were deliberately hushed.

But soon, as figures emerged, they erupted into cheers with every ounce of their strength.

"Heroes!"

"Heroes!"

"Triumph!"

"Triumph!"

Among the cries, Hong Tao took off first, soaring towards Zhouyun City like a sword, followed closely by Lin Feng Squad flapping their wings in pursuit.

From the waiting crowd, some also leaped, flapping wings to follow the group.

Covering less than a hundred kilometers in a direct line took only five minutes; although they encountered numerous attacking flying demon beasts along the way, they were all repelled by Hong Tao and three others, without slowing their pace.

When everyone arrived outside Zhouyun City, the scene before them caused their expressions to turn grim.