This person, clad in the standard attire for the assessment and wearing a mask, gazed with eyes full of deep concern, even tinged with a hint of anxiety.
For these past few days, this person had been searching the surroundings of the Miegu Valley ceaselessly. Yet, no matter how they searched, it seemed they couldn't find a single trace of the Stone Monster's movements.
Therefore, even though they constantly told themselves not to let their imagination run wild, as time dragged on, some pessimistic thoughts still flashed through their mind.
Just then, their eyes suddenly lit up, staring in disbelief at what lay ahead.
Amidst a stretch of scorched earth and ruins, a figure burst forth.
It was as if, in the midst of the apocalypse, someone had actually survived.
"It's him, the Stone Monster!" Upon seeing the figure charge out from the scorched earth, the heavy stone that had been pressing down in this person's heart instantly lifted. "Thank the heavens, he's really not dead. I knew it, he wouldn't die so easily..."
Watching that figure race out from the ruins, the person standing on the slope felt waves of emotion surge within them. Their eyes shone with a strange light, a mix of relief and a strange sense of pride for this Stone Monster who had cheated death.
After a moment, as they saw the Stone Monster's form drawing ever closer, the person on the slope finally reined in their emotions. With a slight push of their feet, they accelerated with incredible speed and vanished into the vast, primeval forest.
"Jiang Chen, may your journey be smooth." The figure disappeared, though the thought lingered silently in their mind.
Clearly, this person had already equated the Stone Monster with Jiang Chen.
...
The figure that had charged out from the ruins was, without a doubt, Jiang Chen, and also the sole survivor of the fire that had burned for a hundred li. However, he was unaware that on the outskirts of this scorched land, someone had already drawn an equals sign between his Stone Monster identity and the name Jiang Chen.
Stepping out of the scorched area, Jiang Chen took in the unique fragrance of the surrounding grass and trees, feeling as though he had suddenly been granted a new lease on life.
For these past few days, his nose had endured nothing but the torment of that acrid smell.
Counting the time, it had only just passed the halfway mark since entering the Miegu Valley.
With this latest gain, Jiang Chen's actions would no longer be so reckless. Instead, he would adopt a steadier approach.
The Scarlet Scale Fire Lizard, the Fire Crow King – these powerful creatures had taught Jiang Chen a stern lesson. They made him realize that within the Miegu Valley, one absolutely could not act wantonly.
A moment's carelessness could invite absolute catastrophe.
Standing atop the slope, Jiang Chen paused for a moment. Suddenly, his gaze turned slightly cold, and he gave a soft snort: "These bastards, coming this way with such ferocity... could it be they've set their sights on me? Truly courting death!"
All around the slope, dozens of figures were converging, their momentum fierce. From their posture, it was clear they were heading straight for him.
At first, Jiang Chen was somewhat surprised. How had so many people appeared all at once?
But he quickly understood. A fire raging for a hundred li would certainly alert many people. Martial artists in this surrounding area would naturally gather nearby – some to watch the excitement, others to observe the situation calmly.
However, the moment Jiang Chen appeared, walking out of that field of ruins, he had unmistakably become a live target, instantly the focus of everyone's collective attention.
These people showed remarkable tacit understanding. One after another, they leaped towards the slope's summit, their intentions blatantly opportunistic – clearly planning to pillage while the situation was chaotic.
At first, it was a few dozen. Then, martial artists from all directions continued to stream in. Clearly, the practitioners within several dozen li had heard the news and were arriving in increasing numbers.
A cold smile touched the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Although this excursion into the Miegu Valley had no restrictions and killing wasn't forbidden, these martial artists were so brazenly trying to take advantage. Yet they hadn't even bothered to weigh their own capabilities.
"Courting death."
Watching the continuous influx of assessment martial artists, Jiang Chen showed no fear on his face. Once a person reached Jiang Chen's level, numerical superiority could be disregarded.
Jiang Chen sat cross-legged upon a towering boulder, like a great deity radiating an aura of inherent authority, capable of quelling anger without an outward display.
When the approaching martial artists came within a hundred zhang, they all stopped in unison.
However, the continuously arriving practitioners worked with remarkable coordination, forming concentric circles around Jiang Chen, subtly creating the impression that they were surrounding him.
Jiang Chen's closed eyes snapped open, shooting out beams of piercing light. He gave a cold laugh: "What? Have you all come rushing over to join a feast?"
These martial artists, though they didn't know the true identity behind Jiang Chen's mask, were well aware that this was the Stone Monster who had dominated the first four tests.
If it had been just one or two of them, they wouldn't have had the courage to approach.
But in numbers, there is courage. Under a strange sense of tacit agreement, this crowd of martial artists felt less fear and more ambition.
"Your excellency, let's not speak in riddles. You've emerged from that sea of fire; you must have reaped considerable benefits. Everyone here has been loitering for days, worrying endlessly. Surely you should show some sincerity, right?"
A proctor – likely the elected leader of the group – spoke with a sneer.
Beside him were two other martial artists, forming a triangular stance with the leader.
Jiang Chen could tell that the strength of these three was likely the highest among the crowd, which was why they had been elevated to leading roles.
"Worry?" Jiang Chen chuckled. "I have no kinship with any of you; I needn't trouble myself with your worries. If you have something to say, say it quickly. Spit it out! Don't beat around the bush with this pointless drivel. I have no interest in listening."
Worry?
How could Jiang Chen possibly believe such nonsense?
In the world of martial arts, where everyone was a stranger, who would truly worry about a stranger?
This kind of sanctimonious excuse was both hypocritical and nauseating.
If these people had been upfront about robbing him, Jiang Chen would at least have respected them as honest villains. Using such flimsy excuses only made him feel utterly disgusted.