"Yes, Zhou Hong, if we hadn't held you back, you probably would have already crossed the Sea of Death by now."
Everyone looked filled with guilt. With Zhou Hong's current strength, traversing the Dark Forest and the Sea of Death within an hour would have been a simple task.
"Heh, why say so much? Let's go," Zhou Hong said, instantly stepping onto the water's surface and rushing forward.
After about ten kilometers, the seemingly endless expanse of the sea erupted with crocodiles. These were no ordinary crocodiles; each one was over ten meters long, and their gaping maws were wide enough to swallow an elephant whole.
In front of Zhou Hong, these crocodiles were as fragile as paper, instantly disintegrating into fragments, churning the sea with crimson blood.
However, the four companions trailing behind Zhou Hong found themselves struggling considerably.
Much like the Dark Forest before, after passing through the sea of crocodiles, even more formidable sea beasts awaited. Waves of attacks continued, and although these sea beasts were stronger than those in the Dark Forest, those who managed to reach this point indirectly indicated greater strength. These sea beasts didn't threaten their lives, but they significantly slowed their progress.
Thus, Zhou Hong led the four, employing the same method. Whenever someone fell behind, Zhou Hong would turn back to assist them.
After a little over an hour, Zhou Hong and his four companions finally crossed the Sea of Death.
"Yay, we crossed the Dark Forest and the Sea of Death in just two hours!" Jiang Caiyue shouted excitedly from the shore. The other companions' eyes welled up with tears. Entering the Taigu Academy meant so much to them – it signified a brighter future.
"Alright everyone, let's not get too excited. Let's head back to the starting point quickly. Even if we pass this elimination round, there's still another one," Zhou Hong chuckled.
"Zhou Hong, please accept our bows," the four immediately bowed to Zhou Hong.
"We're all friends, no need for such formality."
Zhou Hong looked ahead. Another cave stretched before them, also about ten kilometers long. Passing through this cave would lead them back to the starting point, merely in the opposite direction of where they had entered.
Without further ado, Zhou Hong quickly dashed into the cave. In mere minutes, they emerged from the other side.
What met their eyes was the foot of Taigu Academy, their starting point. At this moment, only a little over 6,000 people were waiting at the foot of the mountain.
These 6,000-plus individuals were those who had returned earlier.
"You lot, come over here quickly and collect your rankings," a middle-aged man called out.
Zhou Hong hurried forward.
"You, 6218," the middle-aged man handed Zhou Hong a numbered token, indicating that Zhou Hong was the 3,218th person to pass the elimination assessment.
"You, 6219."
"You, 6220."
"You, 6221."
In this manner, the five of them consecutively received five numbers.
"Zhou Hong, we're safe," Lu Yilong exclaimed excitedly, looking at the number 6222 in his hand.
"Naturally. According to past conventions, the number of people who pass the elimination annually is around 10,000, sometimes up to 11,000, or down to 9,000. We're well within the safe range now."
"It's just that Zhou Hong was delayed by us. With his strength, he should have been within the top 500 at least."
Zhou Hong chuckled, "This is just the elimination ranking; it doesn't matter. Passing is what counts. It has no real significance."
After receiving their numbered tokens, Zhou Hong and the others waited on the spot. People continued to emerge from the cave.
Soon, another half-hour passed.
At this moment, a familiar man ran out of the cave. Faint traces of blood stained his clothes, suggesting he had fought desperately along the way and sustained some injuries.
This familiar man was none other than Zi Xiao Ming, the Eighteenth Prince of the Zi Xiao Empire.
Upon seeing Zhou Hong, Gu Dao Chen, and the others, Zi Xiao Ming's face contorted with shock.
"You, come over here quickly and get your number," the man who had been handing out tokens called out.
Zi Xiao Ming hurried forward.
"You, 10662."
Holding his numbered token, Zi Xiao Ming felt a pang of frustration. His father, the Emperor, had spared no expense for his successful completion of the assessment this time. Thus, he had spent about two and a half hours to pass.
Unfortunately, he still only received the number 10662.
In the past, his best ranking was 19286. While he had improved significantly this time, he was still on the edge of elimination.
Zi Xiao Ming walked towards Zhou Hong and his group, his expression extremely complicated.
"How did you guys pass so quickly?" Zi Xiao Ming asked Gu Dao Chen and the others.
"We just came out not long ago, less than half an hour," Gu Dao Chen replied with a faint smile.
"What are your ranking numbers?" Zi Xiao Ming pressed.
"6220."
Zi Xiao Ming's heart sank. This meant they were all safely through, regardless of the cut-off point.
"How could you be so fast?"
"Why, of course, it's because Zhou Hong helped us. Whenever one of us fell behind, Zhou Hong would turn back and help us. That's why our rankings are consecutive."
Zi Xiao Ming glanced at Zhou Hong, his eyes filled with a resentful gaze. If Zhou Hong had been able to help him in the same way, he would have had absolutely no problems.
"What are you looking at me like that for?" Zhou Hong snorted, seemingly displeased by the Eighteenth Prince's stare.
"I want to report you. You cheated," Zi Xiao Ming declared fiercely.
"You're welcome to. Go ahead," Zhou Hong sneered.
Gu Dao Chen and the others, however, grew tense. "Zi Xiao Ming, don't push your luck."
"In any case, if I don't make it to the next round, I will report you," Zi Xiao Ming stated coldly.
"What a lunatic. You'll have no friends acting like this."
"Heh, this prince doesn't need friends like you. Don't blame me for warning you, when I return to Zi Xiao Continent, your families will not fare well."
"You...!" Lu Yilong roared in anger.
Zhou Hong quickly interjected, "Ignore this madman. Let him report if he wants. The rules of the assessment don't forbid helping others. Besides, by helping you, I also dragged myself down. I'm exchanging my ranking for your successful assessment."
"We'll see then," Zi Xiao Ming said, flicking his sleeve before turning and walking away.
"I never expected him to be this kind of person. I think he's clearly jealous," Shui Yangmei said indignantly.
Zhou Hong's gaze turned cold. This Zi Xiao Ming seemed to be tired of living. If an opportunity arose, he would directly eliminate him.
Time continued to pass slowly. Soon, ten hours had elapsed, and the sky had darkened.
Tens of thousands more people had arrived and were waiting quietly.
"Everyone, I announce that the elimination round assessment time has officially ended. Those who haven't emerged may have perished." The assessor shouted, and a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. It was impossible for everyone to complete it successfully; undoubtedly, a small fraction had died in the Dark Forest or the Sea of Death. The assessment rules were clear: if one's strength was insufficient to proceed, they should return the way they came. Yet, some individuals, knowing their limitations, still pushed forward, and it was typically these people who met their end.