Dugu Qianye took her place on the high platform and said, "Since everyone is standing here, it means you all wish to participate in the Four Great Empires' competition. However, I only need 100 of you, and of those, 15 will be alternates. In other words, even if you are selected now and undergo the same training as everyone else, you still might not be able to participate in the competition. So, anyone who wishes to withdraw may leave now."
After Dugu Qianye finished speaking, she waited a few minutes, but when no one left, she continued, "Those who are selected will face training akin to hell. If you feel you cannot endure it, you may leave."
She waited a few more minutes, but still, no one left.
"Very well. Now, everyone is to run 50 laps around the plaza," Dugu Qianye commanded, then fell silent, simply observing as the crowd below erupted.
"What? 50 laps, isn't that just asking for someone to die?"
"Exactly, how can anyone run that?"