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Chapter 186: The Rules, Rewards, and Special Squad Formation of Project Hidden Dragon! (Updated 35 times out of 2 words)

The next morning.

The simulated dawn within the grotto-heaven awakens the sleeping courtyard, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees through the window lattices.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei finished getting ready and pushed open the courtyard gate, where they happened to run into Wei Banmeng, Chu Kuanglan, and Lu Jiuyuan, who were also heading to the top floor.

"morning."

Wei Banmeng's cool voice rang out, and she seemed to pause slightly when her gaze fell on Fang Qingyu.

With a hint of barely perceptible apology and curiosity.

"My master came looking for you last night?"

Fang Qingyu nodded calmly: "Yes, I've met him."

Wei Banmeng took a soft breath, as if relieved of some burden, but her tone still carried a hint of helplessness: "I'm sorry. Master is a bit impatient. It's mainly because of these 'Xuan Chi'."

She subconsciously raised her hand and gently stroked the hilt of the pair of ancient-style, jet-black swords behind her, with only the spines of the blades showing faint icy blue light. "I've brought them into the 'Abyss' several times, and I've encountered the Source Tide twice, but I've always fallen short and haven't been able to complete that transformation."

Fang Qingyu followed her movements.

For the first time, his gaze truly and carefully examined the pair of swords named "Xuan Chi".

The blade's lines are smooth and understated. Its black material is neither gold nor jade, and in the morning light, it has a profound sense of swallowing light. The flowing icy blue light carries a chilling aura, like the breath of a dragon lurking in the abyss.

"I really didn't know before that this was actually divine weaponry."

Fang Qingyu's tone carried a hint of understanding and emotion.

No wonder back in the Songdu Pit, Wei Banmeng's blade could always precisely tear through the tide of corpses, carrying a sharpness and coldness that surpassed her own level.

"Small things."

Fang Qingyu waved his hand, his tone frank, "Sect Master Yan is right, this is also a good thing for me. The Dragon Sparrow also needs the Source Tide."

He patted the Dragon Sparrow Slayer hanging from his waist.

The scabbard is simple and unadorned, yet its inherent sharpness and the aura of thunder and fire subtly emanate from it.

Chu Kuanglan grinned from the side, patting his chest with his large, fan-like hands, "Don't worry, Fang Shen! Once we're in the Abyss, we two brothers will definitely keep an eye on things for you! If there's even the slightest sign of a Source Tide, we'll risk our lives to snatch it for you!"

Lu Jiuyuan nodded, his eyes sharp: "It's only natural to help each other out."

The five of them left the blessed land together and took a private elevator directly to the top floor.

The huge A1 conference room was now filled with hundreds of people.

The moment Fang Qingyu and his group walked in, the previously noisy venue instantly quieted down.

A barrage of gazes, some curious, some scrutinizing, and some harboring hostility, were like invisible arrows, all focused on them, especially on Fang Qingyu!
Fang Qingyu's gaze calmly swept across the entire room.

Just as Wei Banmeng said, everyone sitting here exudes the aura of the Profound Realm!

His blood and qi were like a furnace, his spirit was refined, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, carrying the unique confidence and arrogance of a core disciple of a prestigious family or sect.

Many of their gazes turned icy and sharp the moment they met Fang Qingyu's eyes, even carrying undisguised scrutiny and rejection.

Some of the martial arts school disciples who appeared on the list looked at Fang Qingyu with particularly unfriendly eyes.

Fang Qingyu's expression remained unchanged, as if those gazes were merely a gentle breeze.

He took Jiang Wei and the other two, including Wei Banmeng, and found a few empty seats near the front.

Wei Banmeng sat next to him, while Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan sat on either side, seemingly unintentionally.

Soon, everyone had arrived.

A middle-aged officer, dressed in a crisp military uniform with a general's star on his shoulder insignia, with a resolute face and sharp eyes like a hawk, strode onto the podium.

Without wasting any words, he immediately activated the holographic projection.

In an instant, the entire conference room was filled with a deep, chaotic, and bizarre scene!

on the screen.

The sky was churning, with thick, blood-red clouds and countless thick, twisted purple lightning bolts tearing through the air, emitting silent yet chilling roars.

The earth was cracked, a scorched plain flowing with lava, where gale-force winds whipped up sand and gravel, forming black tornadoes that stretched from the sky to the ground.

The ocean was boiling, with giant, dark green waves, hundreds of meters high, crashing against the jagged, monstrous rocks.
"This is the 'Abyss'!"

The officer's voice, like the clanging of metal, pierced through the shock of the holographic projection and clearly reached everyone's ears.

"I know that many of you have heard of 'The Abyss'." The officer's gaze swept across the room like lightning, pausing particularly on Fang Qingyu and the several elderly men beside him who clearly possessed profound auras. "But today, I will tell you the true nature of 'The Abyss'!"

“You should know,” the officer’s voice carried a strange resonance, as if echoing the raging natural forces in the scene, “that beyond our world, there exist dimensions that are difficult for the living to perceive, or even understand?”

Fang Qingyu immediately thought of what he had read in the book and whispered, "The dimension where the Fate Ghost lurks?"

The officer seemed to have heard him, glancing at Fang Qingyu before nodding slightly: "Indeed! Fate Ghosts did not arise out of thin air from our world. They originate from a distorted dimension adjacent to ours, yet entirely different!"

He raised his hand and pointed to the extremely chaotic scene in the holographic projection: "That dimension is extremely unstable! The spatial structure is like glass riddled with cracks, the rules are chaotic, and the energy tides are violent and disorderly. Fate Ghosts are products that breed and twist in that chaotic dimension! The reason they can 'penetrate' the dimensional barrier and appear in our world is because the 'membrane' between the two dimensions becomes extremely thin in those unstable areas, and even temporary 'holes' appear!"

The conference room was silent; many people were hearing about the true nature of the Ghost Dimension for the first time.

“And what we call the ‘Abyss’,” the officer’s voice suddenly rose, carrying a resolute solemnity, “is neither the main body of the Ghost Dimension, nor an extension of our real world!”

He swiped his hands across the control panel.

hum!
The holographic projection instantly transforms into an extremely simple yet profoundly meaningful three-dimensional model!
At the bottom is the outline of a relatively stable blue light membrane, representing the real world.

At the top layer is a dark red abstract pattern, full of twisted and chaotic lines, representing the dimension of the Fate Ghost.

Between the two lies a narrow, gaping layer, like a giant rift!
In this interlayer, the light and shadow present a chaotic, constantly churning state, like a storm-raging sea or molten lava surging deep within the earth's crust!

Countless tiny "holes" are faintly visible between the interlayer and the upper and lower layers!
"'Abyss' is this crevice! It is the 'intermediate zone' formed by the mutual compression, collision, and frantic energy clash between those two enormous dimensions! It is a chaotic realm where rules conflict and energy runs rampant!"

The officer pointed to the chaotic, churning interlayered light and shadow, his voice filled with a blood-pumping fervor:
"There, you will face extreme celestial phenomena that are unimaginable in the real world! You will be bathed in the raging fragments of rules! On the edge of life and death, you will feel the most primal and authentic pulse of heaven and earth!"

"Project Hidden Dragon is to send you 'Hidden Dragons,' who have gathered the Federation's top talents, into this 'Forge of Creation'! To temper your will with the harshest environment! To hone your foundation with the most violent energy! To refine your edge with the most dangerous battles!"

Then, the officer abruptly changed his tone, his voice becoming as cold and hard as iron:
"But remember! In the abyss, there are no shortcuts! No tricks! Only the most naked life-or-death struggle!"

"Fight against the heavens! Fight against the earth! And even more so, fight against those ghosts of fate who have also been drawn into the 'abyss' or have infiltrated through the 'holes'!"

The officer's gaze was like a sharp blade, slicing across every young, battle-ready face:

"Now, announce the rules!"

"The first rule, and the ironclad one, is that fratricide is strictly prohibited! Any act of intentionally killing a fellow fighter will be met with death upon verification, and the martial arts school or family to which the perpetrator belongs will be permanently disqualified from participating in Project Hidden Dragon!"

When the six words "Do not kill each other" were spoken with absolute certainty.

Chu Kuanglan, standing next to Fang Qingyu, immediately lowered his voice, chuckling in a tone only a few nearby could hear, with a hint of amusement and a reminder:

"Fang Shen, listen up! It means you can't maim or kill! It doesn't mean you can't fight!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Qingyu's gaze sharpened slightly, and he instantly understood the subtext.

Killing is forbidden, but sparring, fighting, and seizing opportunities are permitted.
As long as no one dies, it's all within the gray area permitted by the rules!
Fang Qingyu slowly raised his head, his gaze calmly meeting the scrutinizing, provocative, and even subtly malicious stares that were once again projected onto him from all directions of the venue.

Those gazes, after the officer announced the rules, seemed to grow even more brazen, like sharks smelling blood. The officer's voice, like a cold hammer, struck everyone's hearts:
"Second rule! The timing of entering the 'Abyss' is not up to us!"

His gaze swept across the entire room, carrying an undeniable severity.

"The opening and stability of the 'Abyss' entrance depend entirely on the energy fluctuations generated by the collision of two dimensions, which is extremely random and unpredictable!"

"Once the entrance reaches a stable state that allows passage, your personal communicators will immediately issue the highest-level summons!"

The officer's voice was firm and resolute.

"At that time, no matter where you are or what you are doing, you must arrive at the designated teleportation point on the top floor within ten minutes!"

"Missing this opportunity means forfeiting your eligibility to enter! There will be no second chance!"

"Therefore," the officer's gaze swept across every face like a searchlight, "be on standby at all times! Always carry your communicator and keep it in good working order!"

These words made many people's expressions turn serious.

This means that for the next three months, they must remain on high alert and be ready to venture into that unknown and dangerous place at any time.

"Article 3!"

The officer's voice softened slightly, carrying a hint of encouragement.

"As the Federation's investment in and expectations of you 'hidden dragons,' during this plan, in addition to being able to comprehend the power of nature in the 'Abyss' and seek opportunities for breakthroughs, each of you can unconditionally choose one 'Great Sun-level' martial art from the Federation's arsenal!"

This incentive, however, didn't generate much of a response.

Based on the strength of everyone present.

It's not difficult to exchange one's merits for a Great Sun-level martial art.

"At the same time," the officer continued, "during the program, fifty Profound Qi and Blood Crystals and ten Profound Life Pearls will be distributed monthly, and the followers of the Divine Cult will receive the same number of Meditation Flowers!"

The supply of resources is quite good.

The atmosphere at the venue became slightly more lively due to the generous resource rewards.

But the officer's next words were like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire scene!
"Article 4!"

The officer's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unprecedented solemnity, and even a hint of fanaticism!
"This Hidden Dragon Project will last for three months! Within these three months, those who successfully break through to the Martial Arts Grandmaster realm will be selected as the three strongest fighters among all those who achieve this breakthrough!"

The officer's gaze burned like a torch:

"These three will be granted the qualification to form a 'special team' by the Federation!"

"A special squad?!"

"Eligibility to form an organization?!"

"What squad?"

The venue instantly erupted in chaos!

Exclamations, whispers, and incredulous skepticism swept across the scene like a tsunami!
Many disciples from top-tier forces who had previously maintained their composure changed their expressions, their eyes flashing with astonishing light!

Even Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan, who were sitting next to Fang Qingyu, straightened their backs abruptly, their breathing became heavier, and their eyes were filled with longing and excitement!
A rare ripple crossed Wei Banmeng's usually cold face.

Only Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei exchanged a glance, both seeing clear confusion in each other's eyes.

A special squad? What's that?
Fang Qingyu looked at Wei Banmeng beside him and asked in a low voice, "What is a special team?"

Wei Banmeng immediately snapped out of her shock, turned her head, and explained in a low voice with great speed:
"Special teams are a special force directly controlled by the highest levels of the Federation! They are not subordinate to the Bureau of Divine Management, nor are they part of the regular military order! Although their duties include handling cases involving ghosts, their scope covers the entire Federation; wherever a major threat arises, they will be there!"

Her voice carried a hint of barely suppressed longing:

"Most importantly, once qualified to form a team, this squad will have extremely high autonomy! The Federation will provide top-tier resources! Including but not limited to a fixed monthly allowance of Qi and Blood Crystals, Life Beads, and special medicines! They can freely choose any ancient technique at the Great Sun level or even higher! Moreover..."

Wei Banmeng's voice trembled slightly:

"Each month, you will have the qualification to enter the 'Shangjing Martial Arts Arena' three times to gain enlightenment!"

"There's a martial arts arena in the capital too?"

Fang Qingyu's pupils contracted, and he instantly thought of the stone wall at the Qingjian City branch that had brought him great help.

"Of course!" Wei Banmeng nodded vigorously, her eyes gleaming. "Moreover, the Martial Arts Wall in Shangjing City is the largest, oldest, and most profound in the Federation, containing the richest and most profound martial arts imprints! Even Martial Saints can gain insights upon entering it!"

Fang Qingyu's heart trembled violently!
Even martial arts masters can benefit from the Martial Arts Arena!

"And another thing," Wei Banmeng added, her tone tinged with envy, "all the spoils obtained by the special squad during their missions, whether they are materials for the Soul-Destroying Demon, rare and precious herbs, or other resources, are entirely distributed among the squad members themselves! The Federation will not interfere! Furthermore, they possess extremely lenient law enforcement authority and have a great deal of discretion when dealing with threats!"

This is simply the perfect combination of power, resources, and freedom!

No wonder the venue erupted in cheers!

Build your own special squad with top-tier resources and complete freedom of action!

This temptation is deadly to any ambitious and aspiring young strongman!
Fang Qingyu's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.

The privileges and resources of this special squad are too tempting!

Especially the three opportunities each month to enter the largest training ground.
"quiet!"

The officer's stern shout, imbued with a sense of spiritual pressure, was like a thunderclap, instantly silencing the clamor in the room.

His gaze swept over the faces flushed with excitement, and he said in a deep voice:

"Qualifications are earned through fighting! They're earned with your life!"

"We'll know who's stronger in three months."

"Meeting adjourned! Everyone, return to your residences immediately and enter the highest level of standby status!"

"Keep your communicator on at all times! Await your call!"

After finishing his sentence, the officer turned and left decisively.

After a brief silence, the room erupted into even louder discussions.

Hundreds of gazes intertwined and collided in the air as if they were tangible, filled with the gunpowder of competition!
Especially those core disciples with top-notch strength and powerful backgrounds, their gazes toward each other became sharp.

Fang Qingyu could clearly sense it.

At least a dozen pairs of eyes, filled with intense hostility and scrutiny, were fixed on him like nails.

Some of the dishes were even filled with blatant provocation and eagerness to try!
"Hehe." Chu Kuanglan grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. He lowered his voice and said to Fang Qingyu, "Fang Shen, did you see that? Jackals and tigers have their eyes on this piece of fat meat! Once we enter the Abyss, things will get interesting!"

Lu Jiuyuan clenched his fist, his eyes sharp: "Perfect! Let's test my new swordsmanship on them!"

Wei Banmeng stood up, her cold eyes sweeping over the unfriendly gazes directed at her. Her tone was calm yet carried an undeniable sharpness: "Let's go. We'll see who's the real deal in the abyss."

Fang Qingyu nodded, his expression remaining calm and composed.

He took Jiang Wei's small hand and walked out of the conference room with the crowd.

Behind him, countless scorching, greedy, and hostile gazes surged forth like a tangible wave.

The gates of the abyss have not yet been opened, but the killing intent has already been revealed!
(End of this chapter)