Chapter 67: Freedom of Action

Chapter 67: Freedom of Action

Xue Xiao, standing on the stage, paused after speaking and looked around the audience. She soon saw her niece, Xue Ruyan, and Jiang Tian beside her.

"Hmm?" Xue Xiao was confused for a moment and felt that something was wrong.

Why did the students from Yue City seem to prefer to stand behind her niece's group?

When students from the four major high schools in Xiang City gathered together, their sheer presence created an invisible sense of oppression, causing others to instinctively keep their distance. Yet, the students from Yue City had clustered behind Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan instead.

Could it be that her niece's progress was so obvious?

She quickly regained her composure and addressed the students with a serious expression.

"You should already understand the changes to the martial arts college entrance examination this year." She gestured behind her. "Test Site No. 1 is located at the No. 7 Second-Order Space-Time Gate. Beyond it lies the Starry Sky Road, which connects to the Red Realm, specifically a small world called Huotang."

"While human forces have secured Huotang, the world has not been fully conquered. It remains an active battlefield. Taking control of Huotang also means securing a Starry Sky Road, something the alien races of the Red Realm will not tolerate. Therefore, resistance continues."

"Your martial arts college entrance examination will take place here. Your mission is to earn military merit."

"Military merit will be your key to evaluation and will be converted into exam points at the end."

The students broke into murmurs and whispers.

"You have three choices."

"First, join the regular army stationed in Huotang. Obey military command, follow orders, and work in coordinated squads."

"Second, support logistics and construction efforts. If you have specialized skills, you may contribute without engaging in direct combat."

"Third, act freely and hunt aliens independently. You will have no direct military oversight and will be fully responsible for your own survival and actions."

As soon as she finished speaking, the students erupted into excited discussions.

"SILENCE!"

Her voice, filled with blood energy, cut through the noise. The entire audience felt their chests tighten, an invisible force pressing down on them. Even the top students from Xiang City paled, struggling to breathe.

"Aunt is really…" Xue Ruyan glanced at Jiang Tian and found him standing there as if nothing had happened, looking around curiously.

"Student Jiang, you're pretending, aren't you?" she whispered.

Jiang Tian blinked in confusion before suddenly hunching over, shivering, and coughing violently.

"Ah… too strong…" he muttered weakly.

Xue Ruyan: "…"

From the stage, Huang Hui observed silently, his expression blank.

"Too crude, little brother. Too crude."

Once the students had composed themselves, Xue Xiao continued.

"The martial arts college entrance examination promotes competition. However, sabotage or framing of your comrades on the battlefield is strictly forbidden."

"Your military medals will record all actions. Any misconduct will be investigated."

"The exam will last 15 days."

"If you do not return by the deadline, you will lose 30% of your military merit."

"Is that clear?!"

"CLEAR!" the students shouted in unison.

"Prepare for deployment!"

She turned and led the examiner team through the Space-Time Gate.

The students would enter next, in descending order of strength, based on their high school rankings.

Huang Xing turned to Jiang Tian.

"Old Jiang, what's your plan?"

"I'm choosing free action."

"That's way too dangerous," Guo Qihang warned. "Joining the regular army is much safer. You'll have veteran guidance and avoid unnecessary risks."

"My dad told me to follow the regular forces," Huang Xing added. "Said it's better to learn from experience before taking risks."

"I have my own priorities. If I stick to the regular army, it'll restrict me."

His gaze shifted toward the massive swirling vortex of the Space-Time Gate. His eyes shone with anticipation.

Huang Xing and Guo Qihang exchanged looks.

"Why does it seem like Jiang Tian is… drooling?"

A sneering voice interrupted them.

"People from a small town want to act freely? Seriously?"

They turned to see students from Xiangshi High School passing by.

"I suggest you don't embarrass yourselves," one of them scoffed. "Going in alone is suicide."

"This isn't some small-town awakening test. You think you can just play hero?"

One of their examiners called them forward.

"Forget it, they'll die soon anyway."

The students from Xiangshi High School walked off, laughing among themselves.

"Damn it! Why do they have to be so arrogant?" Huang Xing fumed.

"They're not wrong," Guo Qihang sighed. "Without scouts, logistics, or experience, going solo is practically asking for death."

"Just come with me to the regular army!" Huang Xing insisted. "You're strong, but this isn't a joke!"

"If my uncle hadn't personally told me to stay away from you, I would've gone with you!"

Jiang Tian patted Huang Xing's shoulder.

"Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

Huang Hui had already messaged Jiang Tian earlier.

"Do not let Huang Xing follow you."

"The battlefield isn't a playground."

"If you go alone, you'll be fine."

"But if he follows you, he'll die."

Jiang Tian took one last glance at the Space-Time Gate, feeling his stomach growl in anticipation.

Finally, it was time.