Ian Song had just stepped out of Edward Zhao's courtyard when he noticed Andrew Zhao waiting for him.
"Second Uncle." Ian greeted him with a smile.
"I assume the patriarch has already told you about the War God Squad?" Andrew Zhao asked warmly.
Ian nodded.
"Then you should know that five other Zhao clan youths will be joining you for the assessment."
"I know."
"Good. I'll take you to meet them now. Once you get acquainted, you’ll be able to work together during the assessment."
"Okay, Second Uncle." Ian replied obediently.
Then, Andrew Zhao casually added, "But you’d better be mentally prepared—those five are all proud and ambitious types."
"Really?"
Upon hearing Andrew Zhao’s introduction, the five immediately showed subtle changes in their expressions—some were jealous, some envious, some dismissive, and some even hateful.
Ian could even sense a faint trace of killing intent directed at him.
The source was a young man in a loose red training robe, tall but not bulky, probably around twenty-four or twenty-five years old.
Ian found it odd—this was his first time meeting the guy, so why was he already thinking about killing him?
"Why don’t you all introduce yourselves?" Andrew Zhao’s voice rang out again.
"I’m Gavin Zhao, from the Tongzhou branch, thirty-three years old, Innate Sixth Layer," said the oldest of the group, a short-haired man.
"I’m Ray Zhao, from the Yuezhou branch, twenty-nine years old, Innate Sixth Layer," the man next to Gavin chimed in. He wore a white training outfit and had flowing black hair, giving off a scholarly vibe.
"I’m Elaine Zhao, from the Fanyang branch, twenty-six years old, Innate Fifth Layer," said the only woman among them. She wasn’t exactly beautiful, but there was an unmistakable heroic spirit about her.
"I’m Derek Zhao, from the Bingzhou branch, twenty-five years old, Innate Fifth Layer." Derek had delicate features and a slightly feminine air.
"I’m Kevin Zhao, from the Longzhou branch, twenty-four years old, Innate Fifth Layer." Kevin was the one radiating that killing intent at Ian.
Once the introductions were done, Ian stepped forward with a friendly smile and bowed to the group. "I’m Ian Song, seventeen years old, Innate Fourth Layer. I hope you all—brothers and sister—can look out for me."
Seventeen years old and already Innate Fourth Layer.
All five couldn’t help but react again, especially Kevin—his killing intent toward Ian grew even stronger.
After Harold Zhao’s fall, the main branch had no heir, so the branch families saw an opportunity. Kevin was the most outstanding talent among dozens of branch youths—already Innate Fifth Layer at just twenty-four.
But then, word spread that the patriarch, Edward Zhao, had adopted an outsider named Ian Song and was even considering passing the patriarch’s seat to him.
It was just a rumor, but there’s no smoke without fire—and Kevin was notoriously narrow-minded. That’s why he’d taken a murderous dislike to Ian.
Especially after hearing Ian had already reached Innate Fourth Layer, Kevin’s killing intent only intensified. He knew that if this kid didn’t die, he’d never be the next patriarch.
Of the other four, only Gavin Zhao seemed calm. He was already thirty-three and had reached Innate Sixth Layer, but compared to these up-and-coming prodigies, he knew he was no longer the brightest star.
Elaine, being a woman, was initially a bit skeptical of Ian, but once she learned he’d reached Innate Fourth Layer at seventeen, she realized his potential was limitless. Her doubts melted away.
As for Derek and Ray, though shocked by Ian’s cultivation speed, they still felt a strong urge to compete with him.
"There are only two days left until the War God Squad assessment. The patriarch and I both hope you’ll work together during the test! All right, get to know each other—I’ll be heading out now!"
With those words, Andrew Zhao strolled out of the training hall.
No sooner had Andrew left than Elaine stepped up with a grin. "Ian, how on earth did you train? Seventeen and already Innate Fourth Layer—you’re even more monstrous than Harold Zhao used to be!"
"You flatter me, Elaine. I just got lucky, that’s all!" Ian replied modestly.
Kevin snorted coldly. "Even geniuses die. I heard this year’s War God Squad assessment is packed with experts, some even at Innate Seventh Layer. Ian, you’re only Fourth Layer, so it’d be easy for someone to kill you. If you’re smart, you’ll drop out now!"
"Thanks for the warning. I’ll think about it," Ian replied coolly.
Gavin Zhao chuckled. "It’s not as dramatic as Kevin says. The assessment is mainly a contest for slots—most participants are family scions or sect disciples. Unless there’s a deep grudge, people won’t go around killing each other for no reason."
Kevin gave Ian a sly look. "Is that so? Well, I heard something interesting—Kyle ‘Madman’ Lee from the Lee Family has put out word that if you dare show up for the assessment, he’ll kill you. And rumor has it he’s leveled up to Innate Fifth Layer. Back when he was Fourth Layer, he already killed a peak Fifth Layer expert. Now he’s Fifth Layer, so he’s got the power of a Sixth Layer at least!"
The news that Ian had once badly injured Kyle Lee was only known among the top families in Yandu. Kevin, who’d lived in Longzhou, had no idea Ian was the one who’d put Kyle in the hospital.
Ray Zhao suddenly spoke up, "All right, I’ve got a suggestion. There are only seventy-two War God Squad slots, but over five hundred people will be taking the test. It’s almost impossible to get a spot on your own, so I say we six form a team—help each other out and work together!"
"I agree with Ray’s idea!" Gavin was the first to voice his support.
"I’m in too," Ian nodded.
The other three had no objections and agreed as well.
Seeing everyone was on board, Ray continued, "Since we’re all agreed, our team is officially formed. But I have another suggestion—let’s pick a captain!"
The moment he said that, all four branch youths—except Ian—exchanged meaningful glances.
"Thanks for the warning. I’ll think about it," Ian replied coolly.
Gavin Zhao chuckled. "It’s not as dramatic as Kevin says. The assessment is mainly a contest for slots—most participants are family scions or sect disciples. Unless there’s a deep grudge, people won’t go around killing each other for no reason."
Kevin gave Ian a sly look. "Is that so? Well, I heard something interesting—Kyle ‘Madman’ Lee from the Lee Family has put out word that if you dare show up for the assessment, he’ll kill you. And rumor has it he’s leveled up to Innate Fifth Layer. Back when he was Fourth Layer, he already killed a peak Fifth Layer expert. Now he’s Fifth Layer, so he’s got the power of a Sixth Layer at least!"
The news that Ian had once badly injured Kyle Lee was only known among the top families in Yandu. Kevin, who’d lived in Longzhou, had no idea Ian was the one who’d put Kyle in the hospital.
Ray Zhao suddenly spoke up, "All right, I’ve got a suggestion. There are only seventy-two War God Squad slots, but over five hundred people will be taking the test. It’s almost impossible to get a spot on your own, so I say we six form a team—help each other out and work together!"
"I agree with Ray’s idea!" Gavin was the first to voice his support.
"I’m in too," Ian nodded.
The other three had no objections and agreed as well.
Seeing everyone was on board, Ray continued, "Since we’re all agreed, our team is officially formed. But I have another suggestion—let’s pick a captain!"
The moment he said that, all four branch youths—except Ian—exchanged meaningful glances.