"The truth lurking beneath the world?"
Luo Jianxing tossed and turned, unable to sleep for a whole night.
What happened yesterday had indeed shaken his worldview. Of course, there was also a possibility that it was just a trick, an illusion created by props and remote control, followed by self-destruction and disappearance.
However, if it was a trick, it was an expensive one. Why would it be used on him, an unemployed vagrant?
He didn't have more than a thousand yuan on him in total. What was there to cheat him of?
Who would even try to scam someone like him?
It would be a pure loss!
Luo Jianxing was self-aware. Moreover, he felt that something had indeed happened in the world, and some rumors online might not be false.
When the blue light exploded yesterday, he didn't know why, but his blood boiled.
He felt a surge of impulse.
Why not go and see?
He still harbored doubts, but with nothing else to do, the address outlined by the electric light was in Baijiang City, in the not-too-distant northern district.
If it had been in another city, or in a remote place, Luo Jianxing would have hesitated.
Having been a corporate drone for so many years, he wasn't foolish. As it was, since it was nearby, he decided to go and see. If he felt something was wrong, he could just leave. What trouble could he get into in broad daylight?
Once he made up his mind, Luo Jianxing didn't hesitate and set out immediately.
...
"This must be the place."
A tall wall obscured what was inside, but vehicles occasionally came and went. It didn't seem like a pyramid scheme or a scam den, Luo Jianxing thought as he walked in.
Following the guidance of a slightly chubby girl, Luo Jianxing arrived at the waiting room on the second floor and pushed the door open.
He found a chair and sat down, surveying his surroundings.
Besides him, there were three other people sitting there. Some were fiddling with their phones, their minds elsewhere; some had excited and expectant expressions; others were restless.
This appearance...
Luo Jianxing pondered. It was quite similar to his experiences searching for jobs these past few days!
After going through so much trouble, had he stumbled into some strange company for an interview? Was yesterday's spectacle some kind of special recruitment advertisement? Surely not?
There were job seekers everywhere these days, and the competition was among the applicants. HR departments held all the power.
The other three people, besides him, also looked very young and naive.
At this moment,
Another person walked in. He was an older brother, fashionably dressed. After looking around, he approached Luo Jianxing and whispered, "Brother, you're also... here for that?"
The older brother rubbed his hands together.
Luo Jianxing understood and drew a square in the air.
The secret code matched.
They had both received a small card.
"That secret lurking beneath reality, brother, do you believe it?"
"A little," Luo Jianxing replied. "But I'm not sure what this place is for. Anyway, it won't hurt to look. We're applying for a job, and we have the right to choose."
The older brother agreed wholeheartedly.
He thought the same way. He had even told his family before coming that if he didn't return by nightfall, they should call the police.
That's how clever he was.
Why would such a clever person come here? Wasn't it precisely because he harbored a sliver of hope in his heart!
Everyone who came here believed in something, to some extent.
The scheduled time was nine o'clock. Luo Jianxing glanced at his watch; it was almost time. There were now six people in the waiting room.
Including him, there were four men and two women.
Hmm, two more people came down from upstairs. Were they from this 'company'? They looked quite young.
He had wanted to probe their intentions, but these two young boys and girls also sat down to wait like them, which was a bit puzzling.
Nine o'clock was approaching.
No one had come down from upstairs yet, but the waiting room door opened, and two more people walked in.
Master Mingdeng and An Jianyou!
"Master Mingdeng, your desire to apprentice and learn... well, it's understandable, but such matters require the mentor's approval."
"Perhaps you could ask Instructor Heidao later. If the Instructor approves of you, there might be a chance to stay."
The arrival of the two drew the attention of others.
An Jianyou's appearance was 'unremarkable,' a frail student girl, but Master Mingdeng, on the other hand, was different. Even in his loose monk's robes, his robust physique was undeniable.
His arms were thicker than his thighs.
Was this truly a monk!
Is this monk also a 'job seeker' like us? But he seems to be here specifically to apprentice. Could this company be very famous?
Luo Jianxing looked around and noticed that many people had undisguised looks of anticipation and excitement on their faces.
Come to think of it, it seemed only he and the older brother next to him were maintaining their rationality. Everyone else was acting a bit strange.
Wait!
Could it be that everyone else, except for the two of them, were decoys!
Is it possible that this stylish older brother is also an actor?
Luo Jianxing was suddenly stunned.
At this moment,
The clock on the wall turned to nine o'clock, the hour, minute, and second hands overlapping.
A figure dressed in black descended from upstairs, stepping on the last stair precisely on time.
"From today onwards, I will be your instructor."
"To remain, to stay here, you must all pass my assessment."
"If you have any questions, you may ask now."
Questions? There were too many questions!
Luo Jianxing felt this person was a riddle-spouter, and his attire was also enigmatic.
Maintaining the composure of an adult, he didn't rush to speak but continued to observe.
Master Mingdeng was very excited to see Heidao.
It was that great master! A master who could cleave and obliterate terrifying and powerful evil beings with a single strike!
Fortunately, he had found this place by chance. No matter what, he had to stay!
Here, he would surely find the path to salvation!
He inquired about the assessment criteria.
Heidao said, "Your ability to come here indicates you have some potential, but it is far from enough. Only when both your will and ability are qualified will you have the right to become a reserve member."
"In the time to come, I will conduct some training for you. It is both training and an assessment."
Luo Jianxing curled his lips.
But this place didn't seem to be a scam, and he had no money to be scammed. He suppressed his thoughts and continued to listen.
Others also asked questions.
But the person who called himself the instructor refused to answer many of them, only saying, "You will have the right to know only after you pass the assessment and become a reserve member."
Reserve member again.
Being qualified makes one a reserve member? As if this place is some coveted treasure. If the benefits aren't good, even if I pass the so-called assessment, I won't stay.
He swore it!
"Now, we begin the first item of training."
"Willpower training."
As soon as the words fell, an invisible force rippled outward.
The black-clad instructor's coat fluttered in the wind.
A cold wind, like a blade, swept across each of their faces, a wind that seemed to cut through their souls.
Luo Jianxing felt as if he had fallen into an abyss.
But his consciousness was exceptionally clear, and he was extremely shocked.
Such a method, such a method...
It's real!
Instructor, I want to learn!
No one could stop him from passing the assessment and staying.
He swore it!
...
ps: Do you have any monthly votes? If not, I'll ask again tomorrow~