Age of Evolution

A few people arrived at the checkpoint, where a war-general-level officer was standing, and four military vehicles had blocked the road, with warning lines all around.

As the team leader, Shi Lei walked at the front and asked the officer, “Sir, why is there a checkpoint here?”

The officer glanced at Shi Lei: “Up ahead is Yi Lan. The giant palm bear has appeared in Yi Lan county town, attracting many martial artists to surround and attack it. However, there has been news that the number of high-level mutated beasts in Yi Lan county town has increased dramatically, and many martial artists have already lost their lives there. In order to protect the martial artists, Base City and the military have jointly decided to set up a checkpoint here. Those martial artists with insufficient strength are forbidden to enter Yi Lan county town for the time being, so as to avoid heavy casualties and affect the security of Base City itself.”

Everyone exchanged glances, feeling both disappointed and a little excited.

Although they were certain the news had been leaked, it wasn’t in vain. High-level mutated beasts are dangerous, but also valuable. Each one is worth a lot. If they could gain something, this trip would be worth it.

At most, they would have to compete with other teams, and martial artists have never been afraid of competition.

Shi Lei spoke again, “How can we obtain qualifications to enter Yi Lan?”

The officer looked at everyone again: “I think your team shouldn’t go, especially with trainee-level members. Yi Lan county is very dangerous, and those without enough strength are not allowed to enter.”

Everyone was a bit anxious; they had prepared for a long time and come all this way, and they couldn’t just go back like that. Shi Lei said, “Sir, although our team has trainees, our overall strength is still good. At least you should give us a chance. Otherwise, how can we convince martial artists?”

“Alright, since you insist on trying, I’ll give you this opportunity. Do you see the small town up ahead?”

Everyone looked ahead, where there was a town, which used to be administered by Yi Lan County and was a necessary route to reach Yi Lan.

“We see it.”

“For all teams insisting on entering Yi Lan, Base City has a rule. The small town is a temporary trial field. The military has already enclosed it and roughly divided it into War General Zone and Warrior Zone. There are many monsters inside. Only by killing enough monsters in the town can you prove your strength to enter. Those who fail to achieve the required results are not allowed to enter the county town.”

“Alright, we’ll participate.”

“Do you want to participate under your team’s name or individually?”

“What’s the difference?”

“Of course there is a difference. Teams are ranked by total score. In the end, everyone’s spoils are added up, and if they reach the standard, they can enter Yi Lan county town together. If not, even if they are just a little short, no one can enter. If it’s individual achievement, it’s simple: it depends on your own performance, and if you meet the standard, you can enter.”

Shi Lei said, “Our team is a whole, and we can’t do without anyone. We’ll participate under our team’s name.”

At this point, Ye Tiancheng looked at Lin Zhen as if wanting to say something, but ultimately closed his mouth.

Lin Zhen didn’t make a sound, and Ye Tiancheng still had some doubts about his strength. Although his performance in the fight with Zhang Huai was impressive, that was after all a battle with a human.

People are generally more courageous when fighting their own kind, but when facing ferocious mutated beasts, it’s hard to say whether they can maintain their previous performance. It’s normal for him to have doubts.

However, Lin Zhen didn’t want to say anything; he would only speak with his actions.

“Alright, it’s confirmed that you’ll participate under your team’s name. Each War General-level member will pay a fee of 50,000, and each Warrior-level member will pay 20,000.”

As the team leader, Shi Lei consulted with his teammates and immediately took out the money to pay the fee.

“Now go line up. Warrior-level members go to the left, War General-level members go to the right. The difficulty on both sides is different. The time limit is twelve hours. After twelve hours, you must come out. Since you are entering under your team’s name, the final score will be the total of all your team members’ scores. Remember that clearly.”

Everyone nodded their heads. As Zhao Liang walked to the right, he said to Lin Zhen, “Lin Zhen, this is your first time fighting a mutated beast. Don’t try to be brave. You can start by getting familiar with the rhythm of the battle, and progress gradually. Also, be careful of the other warrior martial artists inside. Your reputation in the fighter circle at Base City is not small now, so there might be many martial artists who are dissatisfied. When the time comes, be extra vigilant.”

“Thank you, Brother Zhao. I know.”

Just as Shi Lei and the others were about to turn away and leave, another team approached.

“Captain, it’s the Demon God’s men.”

Shi Lei’s face changed as he turned his head and the approaching team was already in front of him.

“Hahaha! Look who it is! Isn’t this the Demon Hunter who talks big?”

The one who laughed loudly was a lean man with a long knife on his back. His face had several scars, which made him look a little ferocious.

Behind him were four people: a martial artist carrying a long spear, another tall, muscular man with what looked like a rocket launcher on his left hand and a battle axe in his right hand.

In addition to the three men, there were two women.

When Lin Zhen saw one of the women, he suddenly paused.

He actually knew this woman, who used to be his neighbor and grew up with Lin Zhen. Their families had similar situations, and she was a year older than Lin Zhen. Her name was Li Mengxi, a pretty girl.

The two had been childhood playmates, and when they were young, their neighbors joked about Lin Zhen, asking him what kind of wife he would want when he grew up. At that time, the young Lin Zhen said that he wanted Li Mengxi to be his wife, which made people laugh for a while. This topic continued to be brought up by their parents as they grew up, which made Lin Zhen feel embarrassed.

It was said that Li Mengxi, although a girl, had passed the graduation exam and was recruited by a martial arts school. It created quite a sensation in their neighborhood at that time.

In Lin Zhen’s view, since it had only been a year, it felt like a thousand years had passed, and his memory of Li Mengxi was already somewhat vague.

Now that he thought about it, Lin Zhen remembered something.

At that time, Lin Zhen was often teased by the adults because he was always with Li Mengxi. Li Mengxi even thought that Lin Zhen really liked her. After passing the graduation exam, she had even talked to Lin Zhen alone, rejecting him, saying that they were not suitable and wishing him luck in finding true love in the future.

Lin Zhen was a little disappointed at the time, but not too much, because by then, he had found that he didn’t really like Li Mengxi. The person he liked was An Ning, and his feelings for Li Mengxi were more like a sisterly affection. Moreover, their personalities didn’t really match; Li Mengxi was a very realistic girl, and although that wasn’t necessarily wrong, An Ning was what he truly wanted.

Later, Lin Zhen had also heard about Li Mengxi’s situation. It seemed that she hadn’t had a good life, having been with several martial artists. She was desperate for a good life but never got what she wanted, which made Lin Zhen feel a little sad at the time.

If it weren’t for meeting Li Mengxi today, Lin Zhen would have forgotten about this. This was not part of his plan after his rebirth.

Li Mengxi now had her long hair tied up, was dressed in black leather, had an excellent figure, and a delicate face with light makeup. Beside her was another girl with dyed purple hair who looked to be 18 or 19 years old.

When Li Mengxi saw Lin Zhen, she was a little surprised and paused, asking,

“Lin Zhen, how did you get here?”

“Mengxi sister, I’m now a member of the Demon Hunter team.”

“Demon Hunter! You’ve become a martial artist? How did you join this team?” Li Mengxi frowned slightly, appearing somewhat discontented..