Chapter 69: I Believe in Him

Understood. I will strictly follow your instructions. Here is the corrected chapter with only grammar adjustments and no changes to the format.

Chapter 69: I Believe in Him

"Thank you for your concern, examiner, but we have decided to act freely. We have prepared in advance and are well aware of the risks," Jiang Tian said seriously.

Xue Ruyan nodded. "Examiner, we are fully prepared and will take responsibility for any consequences."

Neither of them blamed the examiner for his harsh attitude. He was simply looking out for them, worried they might lose their lives due to recklessness. Truthfully, their survival had nothing to do with him. He could have just followed procedure and let them go without saying a word.

The examiner sighed. Seeing their determination, he could only proceed with the formalities.

Leng Hao and his team shook their heads and walked toward the exit, along with several other confident candidates.

Many others glanced at Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan with skepticism.

Taking free action with just two people? Was this a honeymoon trip?

Even top candidates in previous exams would team up in groups of five or more to watch each other's backs.

Many dismissed them as reckless but refrained from mocking them outright. Most were focused on their own survival and maximizing military merit.

After the registration was completed, the examiner sighed as he watched Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan disappear through the exit.

"I hope these two realize their mistake before it's too late," he muttered before moving on to the next group of students.

As time passed, the space-time gate outpost of the Huotang Small World quieted down. Most students had either joined regular army teams or logistics units, preparing for their assigned tasks.

Meanwhile, those who opted for free action had begun venturing into the outer areas of Huotang Small World, searching for alien targets to hunt.

Unbeknownst to them, their every move was being observed by the examiners.

The practical martial arts college entrance exam was confined within a specific area, where human technology and formation techniques had been combined to set up monitoring equipment.

The fusion of technology and magic created a surveillance system that ensured the fairness of the exam while providing insight into each candidate's performance.

Inside the temporary command center, the examination team gathered around a vast array of projection screens, observing students across different areas.

"Who do you think will take the top spot in Southern Province this year?" a middle-aged examiner asked, breaking the silence.

"My bet is on Leng Hao. He has the strongest raw power and is also the most tactically sound," another examiner responded.

"He's definitely done his homework. He's already leading his team to ambush potential alien scouts instead of rushing in blindly."

"I wouldn't count out Gan Tian either. His team has already made their first kill."

"That was pure luck. They just happened to stumble upon a weak scouting party."

The discussion continued, with most examiners favoring the top candidates from the four elite schools: Leng Hao, Deng Jun, Yuan Lijuan, and Gan Tian.

Suddenly, a soldier in Longteng Army combat uniform entered, reporting to Xue Xiao.

"What?!" Xue Xiao's sudden exclamation drew everyone's attention.

Huang Hui, standing nearby, also turned his head toward her.

"Commander, what should we do?" the soldier asked.

Xue Xiao clenched her fists, her expression grim. "Return to your post."

The soldier saluted and left, while Xue Xiao turned to the monitors, searching for a specific feed.

She quickly spotted Jiang Tian and her niece, walking through Huotang Small World.

"Is this girl crazy?" Xue Xiao muttered, frustration evident in her voice. She knew her niece could be stubborn, but she had always been rational when it mattered.

Yet now, she had chosen free action—and brought Jiang Tian with her?

This wasn't just reckless; it was suicidal.

"Deputy Team Leader Huang, do you have a favorite candidate?" the middle-aged examiner from earlier asked, still unaware of what was happening.

Huang Hui took a slow drag from his cigar before grinning. "Yeah, but you guys wouldn't know him."

"Oh? A dark horse?"

"You could say that. My nephew's best friend, Jiang Tian, is taking our team leader's niece along with him."

The examiners turned to Xue Xiao, waiting for her reaction.

She glared at Huang Hui as if to say, Are you out of your mind?

He actually believed Jiang Tian had a chance at the top spot?

"Two people acting freely? The team leader's niece sure is brave," one examiner coughed awkwardly.

"Well, she must have some hidden talents. Being the team leader's niece, she probably received special training."

"Yeah, and they seem pretty cautious in their movements."

Despite their words, none of them actually believed Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan had a chance. Two people venturing into an alien battlefield alone? It was nothing short of suicide.