Pre-death assessment

Seeing that Li Qingxue was the first to stand up and express her opinion, Li Ming and the others smiled and shook their heads.

Li Ming took a deep breath and looked at Ling Wu.

Then he slowly said, "Actually... at the beginning, we really thought your purpose was just to find your girlfriend and gain more superpowers."

"But we later discovered that things weren't that simple."

"You seem to have a much grander goal, one that is far beyond our imagination."

"And your goal seems to... concern everyone!"

Yes, they couldn't understand it before.

But when he saw that Ling Wuzhen was willing to do his best to make this assessment space peaceful.

They figured it out.

Ling Wu's goals are very ambitious!

His vision was so grand that it defied imagination, so grand that only he could comprehend it.

It's like a large family where only the head of the household knows how heavy the burden is for the whole family.

Children will never understand; they just cry when they feel like crying and laugh when they feel like laughing.

The head of the household cannot cry or laugh at will.

They can only silently bear burdens that children cannot understand.

"What you said before was indeed correct. Even if we go back, we won't be able to make much of a difference with our current superpowers."

Li Ming continued, "If the world order really changes rapidly, in a war dominated by ability users, we are nothing."

"So... since you've chosen us, since you're carrying a heavy burden that concerns everyone."

"Then...we have an obligation to help you share the burden!"

"We've discussed this before, and actually, our main idea is to go and take this opportunity together."

"But we need someone to go back and take this information out!"

"We're all practically strangers, except for Yuan Chen... who has a wife and children at home."

"So, how about we send him back?"

They ultimately decided to continue their journey with Ling Wu.

Helping Ling Wu also helps yourself.

However, one of them should indeed return to the present world and bring out the information about the pre-death assessment space.

This makes it easier for outsiders to attack the space where the character is assessed before death.

Yuan Chen is the best choice.

"You can make this decision yourselves; I'm not forcing you."

Ling Wu simply smiled.

If it's just one person short, then of course it's possible.

Moreover, it is indeed difficult for a married person to pass certain challenges in the pre-death assessment space below.

"Okay, it's settled then!"

Li Ming nodded, then said to Yuan Chen, "After you go back, report all the information you have. The rest... leave it to us!"

Yuan Chen nodded emphatically, then walked to Guan Hao's side and handed him his sword: "The road ahead depends on you two!"

"Don't worry, with our captain leading the way, we'll definitely fight our way through the nine levels of hell!"

Guan Hao nodded slightly, then patted Yuan Chen on the shoulder: "I'll leave the outside to you."

"I will be waiting for you all to return in this world!"

Yuan Chen nodded again, then exchanged glances with everyone.

Immediately afterwards, he summoned his generals and commanders.

hum!

As a chessboard unfolded and he summoned, two illusory figures, resembling divine generals, slowly appeared.

One wielded a greatsword, the other a long spear.

These two are the generals and commanders of the chess game.

He is also the goalkeeper for this assessment space during the Xu hour (7-9 PM).

They can open a portal to send anyone back to the present world, or to another pre-death assessment space.

It can also be sent to the second level!

"Captain, thank you for understanding me."

He finally said to Ling Wu, "Thank you for helping us obtain superpowers so easily."

"I firmly believe that no matter what lies ahead, with you, Captain, we will have no obstacles!"

Through this initial brief interaction, they gained a certain understanding of Ling Wu.

Here, there is no such thing as an evenly matched struggle.

There was no backstabbing or infighting.

For Ling Wu, there was only utter crushing defeat!

Therefore, he believed that once they reached the bottom, Ling Wu would still be able to lead everyone with ease.

Ling Wu simply smiled and said, "Once we get outside, if we can stabilize the situation, we should try our best to do so."

If another global war were to break out, even more people would die.

The more people come to the pre-death assessment space and die there, the stronger the twelve rulers will become.

Therefore, this applies both to the present world and to the space for the pre-death assessment.

Ideally...not too many people should die.

"clear!"

Yuan Chen nodded emphatically: "Until we meet again, everyone."

Having said that, he finally didn't linger any longer and said to the two goalkeepers, "Send me back to the real world!"

The two goalkeepers, representing the generals, raised their greatswords and spears and gently slashed upwards.

hum!

A passageway radiating light slowly opened.

Yuan Chen darted into the passage.

With his departure, the two goalkeepers and the passageway also disappeared.

At this point, only Ling Wu and eight others remained.

They will now spend their final moments with everyone in this pre-death assessment space.

Then, proceed to the second level!

"When you selected this team, you probably already planned to send one person back, right?"

Li Ming smiled at Ling Wu: "And our team happens to have one member, Yuan Chen, who needs to go back."

One person going back would be able to take the information from here out with them.

Secondly, it can stabilize the external world order and prevent the outbreak of war.

Perhaps Ling Wuben had already planned these things.

Ling Wu smiled and did not deny it.

"There's still plenty of time."

He continued, "Only the individual and their own superpowers can bring the present world back."

"However, you can bring all your equipment with you when you go to the second level and other pre-death assessment spaces."

"Dr. Lu, there are still more than 300 days left. You should be able to manufacture some... weapons of mass destruction."

"Once we get down there, we'll hunt...the hunters!"

"Because in the pre-death assessment space below, hunting down hunters is also one of the ways to pass the level!"

In this first level, killing is one of the ways to pass.

But in the second stage, killing is no longer the same.

"Um!"

Dr. Lu nodded: "Since killing the hunters requires temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun, then I'll... make some pulse laser weapons. This city should be able to find the materials needed."

With Ling Wu's enhanced abilities, killing those hunters will be no problem.

"Since you've already decided to come with me to the second level, then I'll tell you what the second level is like!"

Ling Wu then slowly said, "As I mentioned before, in the second level, everyone's test questions are different; they are random."

"Furthermore, you cannot reveal your exam questions to anyone, in any language or written form, or you will be immediately eliminated!"

"So when you get to the second level, after you receive your test questions, there's no need to rush or make a fuss."

"Just focus on answering your own exam questions. You yourselves can't say, but... that doesn't mean others can't guess!"

"That doesn't mean others can't say it, understand?"

Although I can't tell it to myself, I can't tell anyone else.

However, others can guess what your test questions are based on your behavior.

Then, through someone else, they can exploit a bug to reveal their exam questions.

Once the test questions are revealed, we can naturally help each other and work together to pass the test.

"That's easy, I'll let you guess when the time comes."

Liu Ruyan smiled and said, "You'll definitely be able to guess our test questions as quickly as possible and then reveal them, right?"

Since we can't speak or write, we can only do.

Then just do it.

Then let Ling Wu guess.

With Ling Wu's intelligence, he was naturally able to guess it quickly.

Then Ling Wu said it.

Then we can work together to solve problems, right?

Everyone else also glanced at Ling Wu.

On this point, they had great faith in Ling Wu.

"Killing the hunters is also the second way to pass the level. You may not necessarily have to complete the test questions. Killing the hunters is actually more convenient."

Ling Wu continued, "Hunters are categorized into beginner hunters, intermediate hunters, and advanced hunters."

"Killing one thousand novice hunters will allow you to pass the level; killing one hundred intermediate hunters and ten advanced hunters will also allow you to pass!"

"The hunters are the second greatest threat."

"Because every day, there is a one-hour hunting period during which the space will release a thousand novice hunters, or a hundred intermediate hunters, or ten advanced hunters."

"Therefore, in the second level, there is generally no hostile relationship between people, unlike the first level where people need to kill each other."

"Of course, only under normal circumstances!"

"Another point is that there is no time limit for the assessments below the second level!"

"So don't worry, given enough time, passing the level is inevitable!"

Therefore, passing the second test is not actually that difficult.

The most difficult thing is to survive those hunters.

As long as you can escape the hunters' hunt, even if you can't complete the game, because time is unlimited, you can at least live forever in the second level.

Li Ming and the others all nodded.

Based on this, the second level doesn't seem so scary.

The most difficult thing is dealing with the hunters; they've already seen the novice hunters.

We can deal with them as long as we have powerful weapons.

As for how strong the intermediate and advanced levels are, they don't know; they'll have to wait and see.

"Next... let's conserve our energy and get ready."

……

The present world.

On the elevated highway at night, an SUV fell freely and crashed down.

With a loud bang, the car was completely totaled.

The people inside the car, and the person the car hit, did not die.

At this moment, Yuan Chen had already returned.

He stood in front of the wrecked, burning car, looking at the empty space.

Ling Wu once said that as long as one enters below the second level, their present self will disappear directly, leaving no trace of their corpse.

Now, Ling Wu and the others, as well as Jiang Luo who was hit by the car, have all disappeared.

This means that they must have gone to the second level.

"Good luck to you."

Yuan Chen took a deep breath: "I will try my best to stabilize the situation in the present world before you return."

Now, he is a person who has actually gone to the pre-death assessment space and returned alive.

Therefore, his status and influence will naturally be enhanced to some extent.

He will tell you everything that happened below, as well as everything that Ling Wu said.

The space for pre-death assessment doesn't need too many people.

Because the more people there are, the more will die in the struggle for superpowers and in the fight among themselves.

Then those twelve rulers will also become stronger!

Since Ling Wu was going to lead everyone to fight their way deeper into the territory...

Sooner or later, they will inevitably have to face off against those twelve so-called rulers.

Therefore, it's best not to let those twelve rulers become too powerful.

Yuan Chen did not linger.

He turned and left.

Next, he will follow Ling Wu's instructions and do his best to stabilize the fragile order of civilization that could collapse at any moment.

Then, they waited for Ling Wu and the others to return.

……

A year is indeed not a long time.

But for someone who counts down every day, it feels incredibly long.

Inside the pre-death assessment space, the subtitles displayed in the sky were still as dazzling as ever.

It's just that things are a little different from when I first arrived.

[Number of participants in this pre-death assessment: 71253]

[The challenge before death: Murder to steal the chess pieces]

[Assessment Countdown: 1 day]

When we first arrived, there were over 12,000 people being assessed.

The thousands who died mostly perished in the first month.

Unfortunately, apart from Alice killing a thousand people, no one else managed to do it.

The others all died from killing each other.

Some people killed hundreds, some killed dozens, and some killed just a few.

Anyway, nobody killed a thousand!

Since Ling Wurang transformed the entire pre-death assessment space into a peaceful place, the number of people in the sky has remained basically unchanged.

Now, a year has passed.

Only one day left.

Everyone fears this day, yet everyone awaits it.

Now, it's really here.

It's like... complete liberation!

At this moment, everyone in the entire community came out.

After a year of getting to know each other, we've all become friends, neighbors, relatives...

Some of them even became couples.

Now, no matter what kind of relationship it is, it's time to say goodbye completely.

Just then, a car drove up from a distance and stopped.

The car door opened, and Ling Wu and the others got out.

Today is the last day, and these people are saying goodbye to each other, and they... of course, they've also come to say goodbye.

But just then, just as Ling Wu and the others got off the car...

Everyone crowded around, and everyone's expression was so determined.

Their gazes were all fixed on Ling Wu, and then they said in a deep voice, "We've made up our minds. Since we're going to die anyway, let's... make our deaths more meaningful."

Upon hearing this, Ling Wu simply let out a soft sigh.

He seemed to have anticipated that these people would eventually make this choice.

"We still have more than 7,000 people here."

The group continued, "Therefore, at least seven of us can return to the present world alive."

"After discussion, everyone agreed."

"We selected seven of the youngest children, whose family circumstances are also the most challenging; we must keep them alive!"

Yes, they have made this decision after collective discussion.

Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well use my own death to save the lives of my seven children.

There were more than 7,000 of them, and 1,000 of them died in a group, all at the hands of the same child.

That way, the seven children could leave alive.

They have already selected the seven youngest children.

"We need your help."

The group continued, "We need...weapons, we need a quick and painless death!"

To easily kill a thousand people in one go, you would need weapons of mass destruction.

Therefore, we do need the help of Ling Wu and the others.

Upon hearing this, Li Ming and the others frowned and remained silent.

I never expected that everyone would make such a decision at this final moment.

It's difficult for one person to make a decision, and it's even more difficult for everyone to make a decision.

When they saw the determination on everyone's faces, Li Ming and the others immediately realized that none of them were ordinary people.

They are all great!

"good!"

Ling Wu, of course, did not deny the decision they made.

Yes, there is indeed only one day left.

Since death is inevitable either way, it's certainly possible to die in a more meaningful way.

We'll save as many as we can.

Although dying on the way will strengthen the ruler of this place.

But... if it's just this batch, it won't cause any major problems!

"Which seven people did you choose?"

Ling Wu then asked.

"These are the seven children."

The crowd made way, and six children who looked no more than ten years old stepped forward.

There was also the youngest one, the one that Ling Wu and the others had rescued earlier.

She had just turned one year old and was still being held in her mother's arms.

These children are lucky; they are able to survive.

But there was no happy expression on their faces.

Because they know that there are many other children around their age who are destined to never leave this place.

Strangely, the children who were able to leave didn't laugh; instead, they seemed to want to cry.

But those friends who couldn't leave smiled, their eyes filled with encouragement and farewell.

Because they know that they are the ones who protected these younger brothers and sisters.

Because they know they are heroes!

"Alright, since you've made your decision, I can help you."

Ling Wu nodded slightly, then stepped forward.

Then, pointing to the little one still in his mother's arms, he said, "But have you ever considered that this little one can't even speak or walk? How is he supposed to summon generals and send himself out?"

He's only one year old. At that age, his brain isn't fully developed. Even if you gave him a complete set of chess pieces, he wouldn't be able to do anything.

Upon hearing this, everyone finally realized the problem.

Yes, what should we do?

The child's mother also turned deathly pale instantly.

So... does that mean my child is destined to die?

She was originally very happy to have the opportunity.

At the very least, if the child were alive and returned to the present world, back to the moment of birth.

Even though he was dead, if someone found him, they would call 120 and save the child.

But now that Ling Wu has said these words, she realizes that there is no chance!

There was no way the child could have left alive.

"I have another complete chess set here, so... one more person among you can leave alive."

Ling Wu then said, "You all, choose one more!"

As he spoke, he took out a box containing a complete set of chess pieces.

Yes, the extra set of chess pieces allows one more person to escape alive.

When they saw this chess set, everyone looked at each other without saying a word.

Of course, everyone wants this chess set, but... there are people who need it even more than I do.

"You helped us get through this period safely."

At that moment, someone spoke up: "If it weren't for you, we might all have already perished in various forms of infighting!"

"So, it's your decision. You decide who gets to return to the present world alive, and no one will complain!"

Yes, everyone wants to go back, and everyone has a reason to go back.

But there was only one spot available, so they had to let Ling Wu make the choice.

In this way, no one else will have any thoughts or complaints.

After all, it's the last day now, so who can still have any complaints?

Everyone had already made all the necessary mental preparations.

"good!"

Ling Wu nodded, then looked at the mother holding the child: "What's your name?"

"My name is... Zhang Hong..." the mother replied in a voice devoid of any hope for life.

She was just an ordinary person, an ordinary mother.

Unfortunately, the most ordinary people often have the most miserable lives.

"Here you go, this chess set." Ling Wu handed over the chess set.

However, Zhang Hong gave a bitter smile: "Thank you, but... I don't need it anymore, you should give it to someone else."

If even your own child can't go back alive, then why should you go back alive?

What's the point of going back alive?

Would you want to go back to the day you gave birth and see the corpse of your newborn child?

No, it's better to die here than that.

"I want to...be with my child."

She gently held the child in her arms, her voice choked and trembling, tears welling up in her eyes.

In the end, she still couldn't protect her own child.

She feels only sadness and guilt now.

"I can let the child leave this world alive with you."

Ling Wu continued, "A group of children who have returned to the present world alive should have an adult to gather them together and lead them."

"So, you're going with these children!"

As he spoke, Ling Wu turned around and looked at everyone: "I know you must have prepared a lot of last words in advance."

"And then I hope that through these children, you can convey this message to your loved ones in this world."

"But they're just children, how could they possibly convey the message accurately?"

"So, since this little one needs a mother, let this mother take these children back to the present world."

"Go and convey your last words, what you wanted to say to your loved ones!"

Everyone nodded upon hearing Ling Wu's words.

Yes, they did indeed tell these children that they hoped they could pass on a message to their families after returning to the real world.

Indeed, it is very difficult to entrust this kind of task to a group of children.

Since Ling Wu has chosen an adult to take these children back, that would be even better.

Zhang Hong should indeed go back alive, after all, her child has just been born and really needs her.

"But... how can my child go back?" Zhang Hong looked at Ling Wu with tear-reddened eyes.

"A chess set can only summon the king once, and can only send one piece out at a time."

Ling Wu slowly said, "But it didn't say that the one sent out would definitely be himself."

"I have two complete chess sets inside me, so I can use one of them on your child."

"I hope that after you get out, you can gather these children and do something truly...meaningful!"

That's right. According to the rules, a complete set of chess pieces can only summon the king once, and can only send one piece away.

But it doesn't say that the one who sends it has to be the summoner himself.

For example, the last time Jiang Liao came to the pre-death assessment space, he used this method to send himself out.

She gained full superpowers, but instead of leaving, she kicked herself out...

"this……"

Zhang Hong was somewhat surprised. "Is this even possible?"

If I've cleared the game, can I let others leave?

"Let's begin."

Ling Wu then raised his hand and placed it on Zhang Hong's shoulder: "Memory enhancement."

With the boost from his superpowers, Zhang Hong suddenly felt that his memory had increased countless times.

I feel like I have an unparalleled memory right now, like I can remember everything I see or hear.

"Thank you, thank you."

Her eyes were filled with tears, and she was full of gratitude towards Ling Wu.

Then she turned around and faced everyone: "Everyone, you gave these children life, you gave my child life."

"I will remember each and every one of your names and faces."

"Tell me everything you want to say to your family members in this world."

"I promise that once I return to the mortal world, I will tell your family and loved ones everything in detail."

As Zhang Hong's voice spread, everyone nodded emphatically.

Then one after another, people stepped forward.

"My name is Zhao Hua, and I live at No. 503, Building 16, Dongcheng Nanyuan Community, Lingzhou City. Please tell my wife that I am sorry for her. She has suffered because of me. I love her..."

"My name is Nonas, and I live on Canal Street. I hope you can tell my daughter not to be sad and to make sure she studies hard..."

"My name is Chen Haoran, Auntie. When you go back, please tell my parents that I have always loved them very much. If there is a next life, I still want to be their son. I will definitely be a good boy..."

"My name is Lü Dahai. Please tell my wife when you get home that she shouldn't be afraid. Although I'm gone, I will always be with her in heaven..."

"My name is Matsumoto Yan. When you get back, tell my two sons that I'm a hero, that I saved several children, hahaha..."

"My name is Lin Xue. Please tell my husband and my family when you get back... tell them that I didn't suffer at all, not at all..."

"My name is..."

I live in…

"..."

Everyone rushed forward and said what they wanted to tell their families.

Everyone was crying.

They will never see their family again, never see their loved ones again.

They could only find some solace in Zhang Hong.

Seeing everyone in such a state before their deaths, Li Qingxue and Jiang Luo couldn't help but shed tears.

The pain of separation by death is the most painful thing in the world.

Only those who have experienced it will understand that, apart from life and death, there is actually nothing in this world that can be considered a big deal.

"Grass!"

Li Ming and the other grown men couldn't bear to watch or listen any longer.

She turned around and blinked hard, trying to hold back the stinging sensation in her nose...

And so, after everyone had finished saying their last words.

Under the arrangement of Ling Wu and others, the more than 7,000 people were divided into groups of 1,000 and gathered together.

Then, Ling Wu and the others obtained a large amount of ether from the hospital and research institute.

Since death is inevitable, the best way is to let everyone die without suffering.

"Everyone, you are all heroes, the greatest heroes."

Zhang Hong, holding her child with tears streaming down her face, said, "I will do my utmost to fulfill the requests made by each and every one of you."

"These children and I will always remember each and every one of you. You are all our benefactors, forever and ever."

She has indeed remembered everything now.

She remembered everyone's name, appearance, and last words.

Once she gets back, no matter the cost, she will make sure to do everything that everyone has asked of her.

I will definitely live up to your expectations!

Everyone nodded emphatically, their eyes filled with helplessness and sorrow on the verge of death.

Now they truly ask for nothing more than that their words be conveyed to their living relatives.

Then, Ling Wu tapped the walkie-talkie: "Let's begin."

After receiving the message, Li Ming and the others immediately began releasing ether.

Then, more than 7,000 people fell into a deep sleep.

Next, they gave each of the selected children a remote control.

Then, have those children press the button!

bang bang bang...

Seven explosions, which resounded through the sky, rang out almost simultaneously.

Seven mushroom clouds rose into the sky, accompanied by explosions and flames.

This is the most solemn funeral for these great sacrifices…

Li Ming and the others all sighed deeply, not looking at the fireworks of the explosion, nor could they bear to look.

After all seven thousand people died, the children who survived all gained superpowers.

Subsequently, guided by Li Qingxue and others, they summoned their generals and left this hellish place.

Ling Wu also summoned his generals directly.

Then, they opened the passage and sent Zhang Hong's child out.

He then handed the complete chess set to Zhang Hong.

"Thank you, thank you all, you are all our benefactors."

Zhang Hong took the chess piece and sealed it with her blood.

"Make good use of this power when you get back."

Ling Wu said softly, "You and those children will no longer be ordinary people."

"Um!"

Zhang Hong nodded emphatically: "Gentlemen, where do you live? After we leave, I will definitely gather the children together and come to see you."

"No need, we'll come to see you later," Ling Wu said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hong naturally didn't ask any more questions.

She took a deep breath, then bowed deeply to Ling Wu and the others: "Well... everyone, see you in the present world!"

Having said that, she finally did not linger any longer and summoned her generals.

Then, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes, she bid farewell to Ling Wu and the others completely…

With Zhang Hong gone, only Ling Wu and his eight companions remained in the pre-death assessment space.

And the raging fire that followed the explosion.

Everything seemed so quiet, and so desolate.

In the end, this group of people proved the kindest and most beautiful side of humanity through their own deaths.

No one can underestimate the evil in human nature, but no one can underestimate the goodness and greatness of human nature either…

Ling Wu slowly exhaled, then said slowly, "Let's go! We'll go to... the second level."

After saying this, he summoned his generals again and had them open a downward passage.

Going up leads back to the present world, while going forward, backward, left, and right leads to other first-level pre-death assessment spaces.

Going downwards is to reach the second level.

After the passage opened, Ling Wu swooped down.

Without saying a word, Liu Ruyan and Jiang Luo also summoned their generals and followed Ling Wu.

Li Ming and his men, carrying their equipment and weapons, followed closely behind…

The assessment in this space for the final test before death at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM) has come to a complete end here!

What follows is a completely new path, a completely new assessment, and a completely new challenge!

hum!

Li Ming and the others only felt a blinding white light flash by.

Then, they arrived in a completely new world.

A new world completely different from the present world and the first level!

Welcome to the pre-death assessment space... Level Two!