Pre-death assessment

Lei Yun's family died in a flood in the present world.

The dam burst, destroying their home.

They brought their entire family to the pre-death assessment space.

Upon arriving at the pre-death assessment space, Lei Yun once again witnessed her family members die one by one in front of her.

Eventually, she was all alone.

She hated this so-called pre-death assessment space, and she hated the people who created it.

Even though they were already dead and had no feeling left, they were still transported here to die cruelly again.

Why does such a place need to exist?

Later, having no relatives or friends in the present world, she chose to come to the second realm.

Her summoning ability allows her to summon a relative of hers.

So she summoned Lei Zhenyu.

She had already watched Lei Zhenyu die once.

It would be truly cruel to watch him die again.

Although this Lei Zhenyu is not the real Lei Zhenyu.

However, in terms of memory and other aspects, he is Lei Zhenyu.

Even if he is a summoned creature, he is still a living, breathing person.

They have feelings, they feel pain, and they experience joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.

"It's really not easy to get an apple from you."

Lei Yun continued walking forward, saying, "You have nothing to do with me, but I feel like I have to help you."

"Even if you truly considered him your brother, even if he were dead..."

Ling Wu continued walking side by side with Lei Yun: "You can summon him again."

Although no one wants to watch their loved ones die in front of them.

However, if Lei Yun can overcome this mental hurdle...

This is really nothing special.

If the summoned Lei Zhenyu dies, she can immediately summon a second one.

Of course, the feeling of watching a loved one die right before your eyes...

Even if it's fake, no one really wants to experience it a second time.

Why?

Lei Yun asked curiously, "What's the purpose of doing this?"

The fact that Ling Wu came to see her personally to discuss this matter means that it is quite important.

Of course, it also means that Ling Wu is very considerate of her feelings.

Otherwise, given Ling Wu's abilities, if he wanted to kill Lei Zhenyu through scheming, why would he need to talk to her?

To put it bluntly, Ling Wu was indeed concerned about her.

"The seed is planted in the ground."

Ling Wu slowly said, "Absorb nutrients, take root and sprout."

"Then it slowly grows and bears fruit."

When ripe, they are picked and become the food that everyone depends on for survival.

"Even Death needs food."

"Therefore, before his death, the Grim Reaper planted the seeds of his clones in the second to eighth levels of the testing space."

"Just wait for the seeds to absorb enough nutrients, grow, and become food."

"Specific deaths and negative emotions are nutrients that different seeds can absorb."

"That's why the second test is to make a person die under certain emotions."

"This is why the second level of the pre-death assessment space is also known as the space of regret."

"Death... is nurturing its seed!"

"And to bring out this seed, we need... a fifth-level ability user."

"Ideally, they should be fifth-level ability users with extremely high destructive power."

"Because those with the fifth level of ability are in this second level, they have the strength to walk around with impunity and can kill everyone and their hunters."

"The Grim Reaper will not allow an existence that can kill everyone and all hunters to exist."

"Because once someone can kill everyone here and dominate this place in an absolute sense, he will be unable to absorb regret and nourishment."

"Therefore, once the seed senses the presence of a fifth-realm expert, it will also appear."

"Lei Zhenyu... he's your brother. Even if he's a summoned creature, he's still your brother!"

"But he is indeed the most suitable candidate."

"Because you can also bring him back to life!"

This is why Ling Wu told everyone that this place is called the Space of Regret.

Because his goal was to seize the seed that Death had planted here.

The seed is the greatest treasure in this pre-death assessment space.

It can be understood as... the embryo of a plane!

Ling Wu told everyone not to regret it before, which seemed like he was trying to persuade them, but in reality... he was reopening old wounds.

Since Ling Wu wanted to seize the seed, he naturally hoped that the seed could be as powerful as possible.

"Liu Ruyan is also a fourth-level expert, and I can help her reach the fifth level."

Ling Wu continued, "But... if she dies, there's no way to bring her back to life."

So he came to Lei Yun specifically to discuss this matter.

I hope Lei Yun will agree.

"Actually, if you hadn't come to me, I could have just arranged it..."

Lei Yun gave a bitter smile: "Who would know?"

With Ling Wu's abilities, he could easily arrange for Lei Zhenyu to die.

Who knows, if Lei Zhenyu dies, no one will realize that it was Ling Wu's scheme.

But Ling Wu still came to find her and told her everything.

If that's the case, what reason does she have to refuse?

Moreover, she couldn't actually refuse.

Since Ling Wu has already decided to do this, even if she really refuses, Ling Wu will probably still do it.

"You should be made aware of this beforehand so you can be mentally prepared and avoid being too heartbroken later."

Ling Wu said softly, "Your health isn't good to begin with, you shouldn't be too sad or upset..."

Upon hearing this, Lei Yun turned her head and stared at Ling Wu's profile.

Under the cover of night, her face was as pale and weak as ever, but with a hint of a smile.

"Are you... genuinely concerned about me, or are you just pretending to care to get me to agree?"

She then asked in a low voice.

She felt that Ling Wu cared about her somewhat.

But it seems he only cares about me so that I'll agree to his demands.

She had a hard time distinguishing between what was true and what was false.

"If you want it to be fake, it is fake; if you want it to be real, it is real," Ling Wu replied.

He intended for Lei Yun to make her own judgment on this matter.

Whatever judgment she makes, it is correct.

Hearing this, Lei Yun smiled and shook her head.

Then he took a deep breath: "You're right, there really isn't a more suitable candidate."

The only way to create a fifth-realm expert is to find a fourth-realm expert and then enhance them with Ling Wu's strength.

The only four-realm experts we can find so far are Liu Ruyan and Lei Zhenyu.

Liu Ruyan was a real living person; once she died, she could never come back.

Therefore, the only option is to choose Lei Zhenyu, who is a summoned creature.

"So...when do you plan to make your move?"

Lei Yun then asked, and immediately agreed to Ling Wu's request.

"After we've all met the requirements to complete the level and killed enough hunters..."

Ling Wu replied, "At that time... the seed left by the Grim Reaper will appear in the form of the final boss of the second level of the pre-death assessment space, and there will be a real fierce battle."

Lei Yun nodded, then asked, "Jiang Liao doesn't know anything about this?"

If Jiang Liao had known that each level of the pre-death assessment space contained the ultimate treasure, the Embryo of a Plane, he probably wouldn't have been able to pass the level so quickly.

She simply completed the game, but in reality, she had no idea that the most valuable items in each level existed.

"We can't let her take everything of value."

Ling Wu smiled.

Jiang Liao was indeed unaware of this matter.

"Then... if you take the seed, will the space for the pre-death assessment change?" Lei Yun then asked.

"meeting!"

Ling Wu nodded: "The second to eighth levels of the pre-death assessment space, to put it bluntly, all exist to cultivate seeds."

"Once the seed is gone, the existence of space becomes largely meaningless!"

"At that time, everyone's exam questions may be made public."

In other words, if he had taken away the seed from the second assessment space.

Then it won't be so difficult for anyone to complete the game from now on.

Hearing this, Lei Yun smiled.

Just as I had guessed.

He would cut through any thorns and brambles that he walked on!

The people behind will find it easier to walk.

"Then I'll... head back now."

Ling Wu then took out a walkie-talkie and handed it to Lei Yun: "You can contact me anytime if you need anything."

Lei Yun smiled and took the walkie-talkie.

Ling Wu then returned to the base without lingering any longer.

Watching Ling Wu's departing figure, Lei Yun let out a long, helpless sigh.

Honestly, they just leave as soon as they achieve their goal, without even spending a little more time with the person.

If you bring someone out for a walk, can't you at least take them home?

Then, she had no choice but to turn around and return to the base.

She had just returned to the base when Lei Zhenyu also came back.

When he saw Lei Yun, he looked dejected: "Sis, I've been dumped, waaaaah..."

"You've been dealing with heartbreak since middle school, haven't you gotten used to it yet?" Lei Yun retorted.

"What...what are you saying?"

Lei Zhenyu immediately raised an eyebrow.

That's right, he started learning how to pursue girls as early as middle school.

Back then, I often experienced what heartbreak felt like...

"Sis, I'm really tempted this time."

Lei Zhenyu continued, "I really like that Liu Ruyan."

"But they don't like you."

Lei Yun said slowly, "Remember this: there's no need to pursue someone you like, and there's no need to waste time on someone who doesn't like you."

"oh…"

Lei Zhenyu nodded, then frowned again: "Wait... you mean me? What about you? What's going on between you and Ling Wu?"

Upon hearing this, Lei Yun frowned slightly: "Since when did it become your place to lecture me?"

……

Ling returned to the base alone.

At this moment, Liu Ruyan was sitting on the sofa with her left leg crossed over her right leg.

Beneath the red dress, her snow-white legs, paired with high heels, and her proud, tall figure, were exceptionally alluring.

"Where are you going so late at night?"

She was a little curious when she saw Ling Wu return.

How come Ling Wu sometimes acts alone?

"Go out for a walk to clear your head," Ling Wu simply replied.

"You should have invited me; I also want to clear my head."

Liu Ruyan smiled charmingly and continued, "You have no idea, while you were away, someone came to harass me."

"If someone is pursuing you normally, how can that be considered harassment?" Ling Wu replied.

"Heh, so you know?" Liu Ruyan scoffed.

Indeed, Lei Zhenyu did not harass her; he simply wanted to send her flowers as a normal expression of his affection.

Unfortunately, she blocked Lei Zhenyu immediately.

Lei Zhenyu didn't even have a chance to confess his feelings before he slunk away...

"Don't you mind at all that other men are pursuing me?" Liu Ruyan stared at Ling Wu with her beautiful eyes.

Ling Wu looked at her and asked, "What does this have to do with me?"

I don't believe it.

Liu Ruyan suddenly stood up and walked up to Ling Wu.

Then she raised her two snow-white arms and hooked them around Ling Wu's neck: "Ling Wu, look into my eyes. I don't believe you have no feelings for me at all, not even the slightest."

One's own appearance, figure, and even strength.

Is there anything that isn't top-notch?

And she herself took the initiative to team up with Ling Wu and stay by his side.

She really didn't believe that Ling Wu had absolutely no... even the most primal possessiveness towards her.

Did he never think of taking it for himself?

Ling Wu stared directly at Liu Ruyan, her face so close to his, without any attempt to look away.

He didn't say a word, but his eyes and expression said it all.

If he really had feelings for Liu Ruyan, his eyes should at least have been darting away.

Seeing Ling Wu's expression, Liu Ruyan sighed helplessly.

What kind of man is this?

Just how much did his girlfriend win his heart, that he remained unmoved even when faced with such a beauty as himself?

"Didn't you ever think about getting your hands on me?"

Liu Ruyan looked into Ling Wu's eyes: "Although you already have a girlfriend, what man would ever complain about having too many girlfriends?"

"No one cares about things that are easily obtained."

Ling Wu simply replied, "No one will put in too much effort."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan immediately scoffed and released him.

What kind of talk is that?

It makes it seem like I'm worthless.

Who do you take me for?

Is it something you can easily obtain?

You can refuse when you want to, but when do you say you want something and I have to give it to you?

Are you kidding me?

"Aren't you being a little too arrogant?"

Liu Ruyan immediately let out a soft hum.

As soon as she finished speaking, Ling Wu suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

Then I put my arm around her waist.

"you……"

Liu Ruyan struggled slightly, seemingly struggling, but sometimes struggling is a form of frantic compliance.

The next moment, Ling Wu's face came close.

Liu Ruyan did not avoid it.

Instead, she slightly raised her delicate chin, waiting for Ling Wu's seemingly imminent kiss...

But it didn't.

Ling Wu merely smiled slightly, then released her and turned to walk towards the room.

"you……"

Liu Ruyan froze on the spot.

You bastard, come on if you want!

What do you mean by that?

You...

Liu Ruyan immediately realized what was happening.

What does he mean by that?

Of course it's obvious. He's trying to prove to himself that when he wants something, he really won't refuse.

Could it be that I really... have it so easily within my grasp?

"Damn it..."

Liu Ruyan couldn't help but curse immediately.

What was I doing just now?

One second they were saying it was something easily obtained and worthless.

The very next second, it actually manifested itself?

How could someone be such a bastard?

Why do I feel like I really...can't refuse him?

It seems like my door is always open to him?

Is he really available anytime?

"hateful!"

The more Liu Ruyan thought about it, the more unwilling she became.

On what grounds?

Why should I appear so cheap, and be so easily won over by him?

At this moment, Liu Ruyan secretly vowed to make Ling Wu understand that she was not so easy to deal with.

She was not someone he could easily obtain!

……

The next day, Ling Wu and the others did not leave the house all day.

They closed the base gates directly and hid in the sealed space made of black metal, shielding themselves from the detection of advanced hunters.

Today's attackers are high-level hunters, and since everyone hasn't fully recovered, we've chosen to avoid combat for a day.

Meanwhile, chaos reigned outside.

The first level of the pre-death assessment space has countless instances, with one corresponding time slot for each day.

After all, tens of thousands of people die every day in the world.

Therefore, among all the people who die every day, there are still a very small number who manage to reach the second level.

Therefore, the number of people in the second level is constantly increasing.

But... it's decreasing!

Because there are hunting opportunities every day.

Especially during the hunt by advanced hunters, it's a complete one-sided crushing victory.

It can be said that a power user who has reached the fourth level of strength might be able to escape the hunt of a high-level hunter if they are prepared.

Other ability users, without any special trump cards, are almost certain to die when facing high-level hunters.

That's the situation outside right now.

As the bell rang, ten high-level hunters appeared.

Then, they went on a city-wide hunt.

Everyone could only keep fleeing.

They fled in all directions.

Everyone hopes they won't be targeted by high-level hunters.

Everyone hopes that others can't outrun them.

After all, when facing wild beasts, as long as you can run faster than others, you can survive.

If we can hold out for an hour, everything will be over.

Such an escape is certainly useful.

Indeed, the vast majority of people are able to escape being hunted down.

But inevitably, some people couldn't escape it!

Those who couldn't escape the pursuit would inevitably die at the hands of the hunters.

Before being brutally slaughtered by the hunters, they were filled with such despair and such remorse.

They remembered what Ling Wu had said yesterday.

This is the Space of Regret. The owner of this space brought everyone here to evoke feelings of regret.

Why? Why were you so foolish and greedy back then?

Wouldn't it be better to just go back to the real world?

Why did you have to come here? You're just asking for death!

Everyone knows there's no point in regretting it.

But the more they learned the truth, the more they regretted it.

Regret is an emotion that is completely uncontrollable.

Or rather, most human emotions are actually completely uncontrollable.

And each of their regrets would coalesce into a corresponding power, which would be absorbed by the dimensional embryo that no one could see.

The seeds continuously absorb nutrients, and the fruit grows bigger day by day.

Death is like a hardworking farmer, watching the crops he planted grow day by day and slowly ripen.

Little did they know... the thieves had already broken in!

……

Day three.

Today's arrival will be a novice hunter.

When facing novice hunters, Ling Wu and the others were naturally fearless.

They now have virtually unlimited ammunition.

Therefore, even if a thousand novice hunters were to attack them all at once, they would be perfectly capable of handling them.

As before, they chose the stadium as their hunting ground.

Then, they wait for the moment of the hunt to arrive.

As the bell tolled to signal the start of the hunt.

Those novice hunters had just emerged from the distorted space teleportation above the sky when Ling Wu and the others immediately opened fire.

Some novice hunters were pierced by lasers as soon as they peeked out.

Immediately, almost all the novice hunters rushed towards the stadium.

It looked as if he was seeking revenge for his comrade.

Ling Wu and his team stood on the dilapidated dome of the stadium, laser-aimed and firing wildly.

It was incredibly fun to play.

"Captain, something just occurred to me."

As they continued to kill the novice hunters, Zhao Yu suddenly spoke up: "We can summon novice hunters anyway, so can we summon them ourselves and then just kill them? Can that count as a kill?"

If possible, this would be a huge bug.

Each of them has ten soldiers, and they can summon more soldiers after killing them.

Doesn't that mean they can summon an endless number of novice hunters to keep killing and racking up kills?

Upon hearing Zhao Yu's words, Li Ming and the others immediately realized what was happening.

This does seem to be a solution, doesn't it?

"Where can you find such a good deal?"

Ling Wu interrupted everyone's reverie.

This isn't exploiting a bug; this is outright cheating, so of course it's unacceptable.

Those summoned by themselves and killed by themselves are not counted in the total number of kills.

Upon hearing this, everyone gave a dry laugh and then continued to obediently kill the hunters.

"Li Ming, how much more do you need?"

Ling Wu then asked.

"I killed more than ten intermediate hunters yesterday. If that were replaced by beginner hunters, that would be more than a hundred. We still need more than eight hundred beginner hunters," Li Ming replied.

"Catch all the novice hunters here and make sure you become immune first."

Ling Wu then gave an order.

Then he instructed everyone not to kill the hunters, but simply to lure them all over and restrain them.

Then, let Li Ming take the kills!

Li Ming possesses a strength-based superpower. If he can achieve immunity first, dealing with the hunters will be much easier.

Under Ling Wu's command, the chessboard was set up, and everyone began to restrain the densely packed hunters that kept surging forward.

Li Ming grabbed two laser guns and started racking up kills like crazy…

After an hour of hunting, all the novice hunters who appeared today were eliminated without exception.

Of course, even though most of the heads went to Li Ming, there was still a little short.

So, let's continue tomorrow!

……

The next day marked the hunting time for the intermediate-level hunters.

As soon as the bell rang, Ling Wu and the others were already waiting in the stadium.

Having learned from their previous hunting experience, this time they didn't need Lei Yun and the others to share the burden.

They directly summoned all one hundred intermediate-level hunters to the stadium.

Then, just like before, deploy a defensive barrier and trap them like turtles in a jar.

After a brief hunt, Li Ming finally reached the required number of kills.

[Congratulations! You have killed enough hunters to become immune to their weaknesses and have qualified for the level.]

The system notification sounded in Li Ming's mind.

He could feel as if he had obtained a key, a key that could open the door to the next level.

At the same time, he no longer needs to fear direct contact with the hunters.

He immediately handed the gun in his hand to Zhao Yu and Guan Hao.

Then, he gripped the white metal rod tightly in his hands.

"As expected, he lost control!"

A smile immediately appeared on Li Ming's lips.

Now that he can no longer be restrained, he can directly confront the hunter head-on.

He immediately activated his power-based abilities to the maximum.

Then, wielding an iron rod, he charged forward and smashed it down hard on a mid-level hunter.

Bang!

With a loud bang, the intermediate hunter's entire head was deformed.

"Hahaha! Come on! Let's have a good fight!"

Li Ming burst into laughter and began smashing the iron rod down with it.

Next, he can directly engage in hand-to-hand combat.

Then leave these hunters alive until they are on their last breath, and give the rest of the kills to the others!