My exclusive card pool

Chapter 258 The challenge begins

Several more days have quietly passed.

October 15th has arrived.

Early in the morning, Wang Xi got up, washed up, and had breakfast with his three roommates at the cafeteria before heading to Kunwu Camp Square to meet up.

Today, all students from the four academies will set off together for their first training course of this term.

After that, the trainees can choose when to go to the "Arena" for training, based on their own wishes.

If you don't care about the Kunwu Ranking, you can even choose not to participate... but I doubt anyone would do that.

After all, Kunwu Camp reimburses admission fees once a month, so why not go? Besides, being at the bottom of the Kunwu rankings means being eliminated from the camp.

"Aside from the entrance banquet, there are very few opportunities to see such a grand occasion."

Feng Lingyun arrived at the square and looked at the men and women in various uniforms, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I'm a little nervous."

"Don't be nervous." Ji Xin glanced at him and teased, "Being nervous won't help. If you can't beat them, you just can't beat them."

“You bastard…” Feng Lingyun glared at him. “I’ve been working really hard lately, and my ranking has improved. I’m 68th on the Kunwu Ranking, so I shouldn’t be unable to even pass the top ten.”

"Hmm?" Chu Yichen looked at the sword monument in the center of the square, somewhat surprised. "I haven't checked for a few days, and Wang Xi's ranking has already dropped?"

Upon hearing this, both Feng Lingyun and Ji Xin looked at the sword monument, where the Kunwu Ranking was displayed as follows:

First, Cao Pang (97 points)

Second, Sun Chenglu (95 points)

Third, Wang Xi (94 points)

Fourth, Li Youqing (92 points)

Fifth, Zhao Leng'an (89 points)

……

Wang Xi also saw his ranking, which had dropped from first to third.

During this period, other colleges also conducted disaster simulation courses one after another, and the top students from each college caught up.

He didn't seem to care much about it.

After all, the majority of the points are earned in today's training session, and Wang Xi is confident that he can use this opportunity to regain first place.

'Um? '

Wang Xi's gaze swept across the Kunwu List, but he still couldn't find Chu Nai's name.

It wasn't until near the end that I saw—

Ninety-fifth, Chu Nai (32 points)

"It's a real pity. I heard that the dark horse of Red Heart Academy, 'Chunai,' has been absent from class for a week and just missed the disaster combat simulation."

The sounds of discussion from not far away reached Wang Xi's ears.

'Hopefully Chu Nai can return from Dongzhou soon, otherwise she might really end up at the bottom...'

Wang Xi sighed secretly.

At this moment, Feng Lingyun turned to him and said:
"Cao Pang, Li Youqing, and the others have already processed the rewards from last month's top ten, and their strength has improved again. In today's training session, they will all be formidable opponents for you."

"Thanks for the reminder," Wang Xi replied with a smile. "I haven't stood still either; my grades shouldn't have gotten too much worse."

"It's good that you have confidence. Keep it up."

Chu Yichen patted him on the shoulder.

"The dean is here. We should go to the assembly point. We'll talk later."

"it is good."

The three roommates parted ways and each headed towards their respective college's group.

Wang Xi also joined the Black Spade Academy's line.

As soon as he arrived, Zhao Leng'an, the leader with green, shoulder-length curly hair, stepped forward, put her arm around his shoulder, and comforted him:

"The drop in ranking is only temporary. I believe you can achieve good results today and regain first place."

"Does my senior have that much confidence in me?"

Wang Xi smiled.

Zhao Leng'an said matter-of-factly, "That's right! I knew you were something special!"

"Doesn't the senior want to compete for first place?"

Wang Xi asked curiously.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Leng'an shook his head: "It was lucky that I got first place last month... Although I received the top spot reward, I haven't fully digested it yet and have encountered a bottleneck. I'm not very confident today."

Zhou Ziming, who was standing nearby, also came over with several students. He smiled and said, "They really went all out this time. During the process, various forces and conglomerates also secretly won them over, providing them with a lot of resources and high-quality cards."

"My goal this time is just to stay in the top ten."

"You're too modest, senior," Wang Xi replied.

He had inquired and learned that Zhou Ziming was a second-generation rich kid from a medium-sized conglomerate, so he certainly didn't lack resources.

His expression also revealed that his so-called top ten target was definitely an underestimate.

"All trainees, please be quiet."

At this moment, Madam Du arrived with her two granddaughters, and her voice gradually quieted the murmurs in the room.

The trainees also followed the rules and consciously returned to their lines, waiting for the Kunwu Camp's senior officers to arrive.

Not long after.

Principal Zhang Yinglong, Dean Luo Sha, and a dozen or twenty specially appointed lecturers walked to the center of the square.

Wang Xi noticed that a large number of people had also arrived outside the square, forming a dense crowd.

Among them were media reporters from various non-governmental organizations, whose camera drones hovered in mid-air, dutifully recording the scene.

As a training base for geniuses of the Mountain and Sea Federation, Kunwu Camp's annual training course naturally attracts the attention of countless people.

Even high-ranking officials from various continents, foreign friends, and even important figures from "Weitai" are paying attention.

"Today, the Kunwu Camp's annual training course will begin, with its destination being the 'Arena' in the Red Disaster Zone of Xuanzhou."

Zhang Yinglong, who was in the lead, said loudly.

He was dressed in a simple blue long gown, his gray hair tied up, and he looked refined and approachable.

"All trainees, please do your best and do not be greedy for quick results or act rashly, so as to avoid unnecessary accidents."

"I'm sure the deans of each college have already explained the relevant precautions in detail, so I won't waste your time... Next, please board the Silver Shuttle in an orderly manner. If you have any questions, you can ask the accompanying instructors along the way."

After saying that, Principal Zhang stood with his hands behind his back.

Boom——

A loud bang came from afar.

The students gasped in surprise and all looked up in unison.

Suddenly, a colossal object appeared from behind the square. It was over a hundred meters long and eight or nine meters wide, resembling an enlarged version of a silver train.

"It's the 'Giant Silver Shuttle,' the safest cross-border vehicle."

At this moment, Wang Xi heard Zhou Ziming speak from beside him, his tone containing a hint of surprise.

Presumably, this "Giant Silver Shuttle" is of a higher standard than the "Shenzhou Silver Shuttle," and is not something that ordinary people can ride.

Click, click...

Outside the square, camera drones flashed white light as they filmed the entire group of trainees and the giant silver shuttle.

"All students of the Spade Academy, board the shuttle."

Dean Rosa stood at the front of the line and addressed Wang Xi and the other thirty-odd Spade students.

bang——

A massive silver shuttle, several meters off the ground, lay across the edge of the plaza. A row of entrances opened, and metal folding gangways descended.

A total of about a hundred people from the four academies lined up and went up the gangway to enter the Silver Shuttle.

"set off!"

...

...

puff-

Once the gangway retracted silently and the cabin door closed tightly, it instantly shut out the noise from the outside world.

Everything returned to silence.

The silver shuttle seemed to awaken like a giant beast, emitting a deep hum. Immediately afterwards, a powerful push pressed everyone firmly into their seats.

Fortunately, this feeling came and went quickly.

It returned to normal in just a few seconds.

Wang Xi sat by the window and looked out through the large, specially designed porthole. He could see the Kunwu Camp complex on the ground rapidly shrinking in his field of vision.

The silver shuttle shot straight up into the sky, incredibly fast.

The view outside the window was no longer the familiar low-altitude scenery, but a deep blue, almost inky sky. The sunlight became incredibly dazzling, dyeing the boundless sea of ​​clouds with a layer of fiery gold.

Huge clouds swept past the window like a continuous range of snow-capped mountain peaks, only to be left behind in an instant. The silver shuttle, like a lightning bolt cleaving the sky, traced a dazzling silver trail in the stratosphere at an incredible speed.

Across from him, Zhao Leng'an looked at the fleeting sea of ​​clouds outside the window, his face filled with undisguised surprise: "The Giant Silver Shuttle... truly extraordinary. The data says it takes less than two hours to travel from Dragon City in Central Continent to the territory of Xuan Continent."

"Two hours?" Wang Xi raised an eyebrow.

The distance between Zhongzhou and Xuanzhou is about seven or eight thousand kilometers. Accustomed to the "snail's pace" of travel in the new era, he was still a little unaccustomed to it. Zhou Ziming, who was next to him, was holding a cup of energy drink and smiled as he spoke: "In the field of intercontinental travel, although the Shenzhou Silver Shuttle is fast enough, it still has to follow a specific route. But the Giant Silver Shuttle is different. It is a strategic vehicle that can fly in the stratosphere or even higher, and is minimally affected by complex weather and terrain."

"It's even faster than airplanes from the old days."

Wang Xi understood: "Such a high speed, while also having to consider the supernatural phenomena and monsters that may be encountered along the way... it's really not simple."

He subconsciously glanced at the front cabin where the four deans and lecturers were located, at the head of the silver shuttle.

Zhao Leng'an shook his head, revealing an expression of reverence:

"With four deans escorting us, these are no problem. They are all 'Disaster Hunter' level experts, stationed throughout the entire journey, capable of sensing, avoiding, and even dispelling supernatural interference and potential threats along the route."

"Moreover, the Silver Shuttle itself is extremely well protected. Even an orange-level cataclysmic disaster core cannot break through its protective barrier in a short time."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi seemed to be thinking: "The Federation attaches great importance to this collective training exercise of the Kunwu Battalion."

Zhou Ziming nodded, his smile fading as he looked serious: "Yes, the outside world is paying close attention, and all sides are watching. We 'geniuses' bear both glory and responsibility."

At this moment, a flight attendant dressed in a silver-gray uniform, with a capable demeanor, pushed a cart past, which was filled with a dazzling array of high-end food and drinks.

Wang Xi casually ordered a glass of iced soda, while Zhao Leng'an and Zhou Ziming got juice and coffee.

Sipping his drink, Wang Xi looked around.

The top students from the four colleges gathered together, some talking in hushed tones, others closing their eyes to rest and adjust their state.

Wang Xi's gaze swept over the area, and with a slight thought, Caius quietly began to investigate, the entries in his field of vision lighting up like stars.

He saw Cao Pang—

"Cao Pang, a student of the Kunwu Camp Plum Blossom Academy (Neutral/Title 3-Star/Hero)"

There are also areas for the Heart Academy and the Diamond Academy.

Sun Chenglu, Li Youqing, and other top talents on the Kunwu Ranking are listed as having the title "Three-Star/Elite".

Compared to half a month ago, they have clearly gained a great improvement after receiving the rewards from the Kunwu Ranking.

Wang Xi couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "As expected of the Kunwu Camp, which gathers the elites of the Nine Provinces..."

These prodigies possess remarkable talent and potential, and with the right resources, they will experience explosive growth.

If the elite students present do not perish along the way and successfully graduate from Kunwu Camp, then the "Shan Hai Roster" will have at least a dozen more first-class "Taiyu".

Although Wang Xi's observation was discreet, Cao Pang, Sun Chenglu, and others were exceptionally perceptive.

As if drawn by invisible threads, their gazes turned almost simultaneously. In the instant their eyes met, Wang Xi clearly caught a hint of surprise in their eyes.

"Wang Xi from Spade Academy?"

In the Red Heart Academy, a young man of mixed race smirked. Beneath his disheveled hair, a six-pointed star "sacred mark" adorned his left forehead.

This person is none other than Sun Chenglu, the strongest student of Red Heart Academy.

"Brother Chenglu, have you figured out his true colors?"

A short-haired woman next to her whispered.

The other familiar trainees also turned their gazes towards him, their faces filled with curiosity. They knew very well that Sun Chenglu possessed an extremely strong investigative skill that was invincible.

Sun Chenglu withdrew his gaze, opened a bag of chocolates, took a bite, and said calmly, "'Supervisory Holy Spirit' just told me... that guy is dangerous and I shouldn't mess with him."

"Huh?" Everyone was surprised.

Even when facing Cao Pang, who had dominated the rankings for months, "Supervisory Saint Spirit" only gave him a "not bad" rating.

Could it be that Wang Xi's true strength is significantly greater than Cao Pang's?

How can this be……

He's only been here a short time, and hasn't even received any rewards from the Kunwu Ranking yet. Surely he's not hiding his strength.

the other side.

A woman with delicate features, long flowing hair, and two shell-shaped earrings withdrew her gaze and chuckled softly:
“Feng Lingyun, he is indeed just as you said…very strong.”

"Sister Youqing, how strong is 'strong'?"

Feng Lingyun asked curiously.

Li Youqing shook her head, stirring the lemon tea in her iced glass: "It's hard to judge, but... my intuition tells me that his strength is above mine."

"Stronger than you?" Feng Lingyun looked surprised.

In Feng Lingyun's memory, Li Youqing was the strongest genius in their Fangpian Academy, on par with the top students of other academies.

My roommate is actually that amazing?
"Just an intuition." Li Youqing took a sip of lemon tea, the sweet and sour taste making her squint comfortably. "Let's see what happens during today's training; perhaps we can get a direct look at his strength."

On the Plum Blossom Academy side, just as several students were about to speak, the long-haired youth Cao Pang raised his hand to signal them to be quiet.

"Exterior Realm..."

Cao Pang spoke calmly.

Immediately afterwards, the corners of his mouth turned up.

"do not let me down."

...

...

Time flies by at breakneck speed.

About two hours later, the clouds outside the window suddenly thinned, and the landscape below the porthole changed abruptly.

Through the clear view, a colossal object appeared at the edge of the horizon, and grew rapidly as the silver shuttle swooped down.

That was the infamous Red Disaster Zone of Xuanzhou—

"Gladiator Arena"!
Its grandeur exceeded imagination.

It was far more magnificent and grand than what was projected on the screen during a theoretical lecture.

"We've arrived..." someone whispered.

Zhao Leng'an then operated the monitoring wristwatch a few times.

drip.

The numbers on the dial climbed rapidly.

"We are still 8.7 kilometers from the core area, and the reality distortion is still steadily increasing. The energy level has also entered the 50 range, which is already within the energy level range of the Orange Cataclysm."

Zhao Leng'an looked surprised.

"The power that merely escapes from the periphery is enough to cause ordinary people and even ordinary soldiers to suffer mental breakdown and physical deformities."

Zhou Ziming's expression gradually became serious.

The giant silver shuttle gradually reduced its altitude and speed, landing hundreds of meters away from the magnificent and menacing barrier.

The hatch opened again.

As the trainees descended the gangway, they were immediately greeted by a stench of rust, dust, and blood.

The trainees stood solemnly, gazing at the colossal object before them.

The area around the giant silver shuttle was already teeming with people.

Besides the Kunwu Camp's own student body and the four deans who had already arrived, there were many unfamiliar faces.

Wang Xi even saw that familiar important figure.

'Is that Mr. Zhu Yi?'

He saw an elderly man with white hair, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, being protected by several Taiyu-level experts in the crowd in the distance.

It was Zhu Yi, the honorary president of Dongzhou University and secretary-general of "Weitai".

Back then, Wang Xi was able to resolve the pressure from the Gear Consortium by leveraging his influence.

Beside Zhu Yi was a middle-aged man with a profound aura, wearing a combat trench coat with complex star insignia on his shoulder straps.

"Overlooking the Bureau Headquarters, Executive Deputy Director - Disaster Hunter - Wei Zhengyang (Friendly/Skull/Hero)"

Wang Xi was quite surprised.

Overlooking the headquarters, the deputy director is also a "Disaster Hunter," at the same level as the four directors.

Behind Zhu Yi and Wei Zhengyang were several high-ranking executives from top conglomerates, who were respectful and attentive, serving as their companions.

Further away, another small group of people were gathered.

They wore different styles of battle uniforms or exquisite clothing, and the leader was a tall man with a straight posture, slightly dark skin, and strange white vertical pupils.

He didn't deliberately display his imposing presence, but just standing there, he was like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, his oppressive aura no less than that of the four deans of the Kunwu Camp.

The following entry appeared in Wang Xi's field of vision:

"Eden Garden Director Angelo, the Catastrophe Hunter (Neutral/Skeleton/Hero)"

'Looks like it's a foreign "disaster hunt"...'

Wang Xi suddenly understood.

Behind Angelo, the middle-aged man with white eyes, stood six or seven young men and women. They all possessed outstanding bearing, their eyes burning with curiosity and scrutiny as they sized up the Kunwu Camp's trainees.

The strongest of them, a blond youth, had a silver-framed title with three stars, making him no weaker than Cao Pang, Li Youqing, and others.

Clearly, this is an elite team that has come all the way from the Heaven Federation to request an exchange.

Once all the trainees had assembled, Principal Zhang Yinglong, the four deans, Deputy Director Wei Zhengyang of the Overlooking Bureau, Mr. Zhu Yi, and Angelo, the leader of the Heaven Federation, slowly walked into the arena.

The whole place fell silent instantly.

Deputy Director Wei Zhengyang stepped forward, his voice booming and clearly carrying to every corner:
"Fellow trainees of the Kunwu Camp, the future pillars of the Federation! Welcome to the 'Arena'! This is one of the Federation's greatest proving grounds, a crucible for selecting the truly strong! As the highest oversight body, the Overlook Bureau hereby announces—"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with both severity and motivation: "Kunwu Battalion's first collective training session of the year, the challenge begins!"

(End of this chapter)