Dark Moon Era

Life in the settlement had made Tang Ling a little bit more practical.

Most of the time, he never cared about other people’s comments or acknowledgment. All he needed was to improve by himself step by step.

However, in this special case, Tang Ling cared about the recognition from Su Yao. He did not want to be a useless boy in the man’s heart.

It was the same theory behind a child needing recognition from his parents and not others.

“I’m not too bad. Compared to the other seven, my general results might not be first, but it’s better than most. Whatever the contents of the upcoming test are, I should be able to pass.” Tang Ling sounded a little anxious as he tried to make Su Yao understand that he did not waste his time in training and was not stupid.

It was not necessary for Su Yao to help him walk every step. Such was the pride of a man.

Su Yao, of course, understood Tang Ling’s feelings. He grinned and said, “I know you aren’t all that shabby, but your capabilities aren’t related to whether you pass the upcoming test or not.”

“Lionel?” Tang Ling immediately thought of a potential key factor.

The trauma from the first exam had not faded yet even though he knew it was all because of the personal grudge between Lionel and Su Yao.

“Him?” Su Yao chuckled in disdain although his expression turned heavy and he shook his head. “He isn’t  that capable yet. What he did the last time is the best he can do.”

“Is someone else after me?” Tang Ling’s background was simple, and life in the settlement had always been low profile for him. However, now, offending the important figures in the sector and then being a target was rather unbelievable.

Is it because of Su Yao again? Tsk tsk, this guy is really bossy even to others.

“What are you thinking about?” Su Yao glared at Tang Ling as he stood up and strolled along the forest before he said, “I can’t be sure of certain things, but nonetheless, being prepared is always right. I’m just speculating that you can’t pass the test under normal circumstances. Let’s hope it’s just speculation.” Up until this point, Su Yao’s tone carried a weight that he could not remove, and he did not sound like he was joking at all.

Tang Ling did not say or ask anything. He was thinking in his heart that if his future was destined to be bumpy and filled with obstacles, all his hurdles should not always be Su Yao’s burden.

“Since you’ve eaten so many good things of mine, if you don’t pass tomorrow, you’ll know what the consequences are.”

Tang Ling had completely recovered after 20 minutes. After taking the risk and consuming so many beneficial things, the effect was in full display after it settled down.

Even when he was walking, Tang Ling felt an uncontrollable strength and speed in his movements. Upon closer look at his trail, he left shallow footprints behind on the hard concrete land.

His mind was much more refreshed. It felt surreal but genuine at the same time. The night was more vivid in his eyes, and the noises from the forest were clearer. He could locate the source of the noises quicker than before.

“The forest occupies 10.26 hectares of land. There are 114 trees that are at least 10 meters tall…” His Precise Instinct was unconsciously activated, and even Tang Ling was surprised. He was able to observe and calculate his surroundings quicker, and more importantly, the range of his Precise Instinct was wider.

“Are you feeling the boost in the power of your abilities?” Su Yao seemed to understand Tang Ling’s feelings.

“Mm-hmm.” Tang Ling was slightly excited. After the night that changed his life, due to the frequent use of his Precise Instinct, he was able to tell that his ability was slowly improving.

Tang Ling thought that his ability that came at birth would improve with practice and repeated use, but he did not expect to improve his Precise Instinct through training his body and boosting his physical qualities altogether.

“All power comes from a source. The stronger a person is, the richer the spirit. Your Precise Instinct is related to your spirit, so it’s naturally related to your body. Therefore, your body is the base for everything. Never neglect it.” Su Yao tapped Tang Ling’s shoulder and offered his advice.

“This little surprise is only temporary. Just you wait and see. There’s still a lot of untapped potential in your Precise Instinct.” Su Yao’s voice also sounded excited.

“Uncle Su Yao, you seem to know a great deal about Precise Instinct.” Tang Ling felt odd. Did Su Yao possess the same ability as him?

The question made Su Yao unconsciously tighten his hand on Tang Ling’s shoulder, but it was just for a split second.

He vaguely explained, “A powerful person knows everything. Anyway, after this little enhancement, even if something happens during the test, you should be able to pass.”

******

On the second morning, Instructor Thuja appeared in the sealed-off reserved camp as usual.

Unlike before, he did not rush the young warriors to their devil training anymore. Instead, he told them to pack their things and leave the place.

Those who passed would not stay there anymore while those who failed would not return either.

Tang Ling’s luggage was simple: his grandmother’s urn and his sister’s dress, two training tracksuits, a set of casual clothing from Su Yao, and the level 3 vicious beast meat that Su Yao returned to him last night before parting ways.

Su Yao had told him, “When you officially enter the First Reserved Camp, you’ll need this after going through the systematic learning process. Just remember to keep it properly. Our next meeting will be in Thor Tavern in the inner city. You should have one day off every month.’

After packing his level 3 vicious beast meat carefully, Tang Ling was the first to appear in the field.

The morning sun was comfortable. The forest that sealed off the First Reserved Camp was visible from the field, and there were people collecting the morning dew.

The birds chirped happily. There were no dangerous beasts or insects around, so they must live a happy life.

Tang Ling was carried away by his thoughts, so he did not care about the other warriors who were busy on the field.

They were actually building a temporary shed. Was it related to the test later?

Tang Ling was early, but the other new warriors were not late either. In less than five minutes, everyone had lined up neatly on the field with their luggage on their backs.

Then, Director Alan together with a group of instructors arrived in the sealed reserved camp, waiting with the new warriors quietly.

Lionel was hiding behind Alan, glancing over at Tang Ling with gloomy eyes from time to time.

After the enhancement last night, Tang Ling’s senses were sharper, and he could feel the malicious intent in Lionel’s gaze.

His brazen malicious intent was less scary and was a lot more relieving than a danger that was hidden from plain sight.

Tang Ling ignored Lionel and pretended that he did not notice him.

Then, one of the warriors who was building the shed walked over. “Director, the testing shed is done.”

It was quick and was not much of a wait even for Tang Ling.

“Then, let’s begin.” Alan was being unusually straightforward too.