Chapter 11

Facing the fear of the venomous snakes, over forty children hesitated, and a long time passed. The incense had already burned down by nearly a quarter, but not a single child had stepped forward to try. |www..com|

Facing the numerous venomous snakes in the forest, although Qin Fengming was extremely afraid, his fear did not prevent him from stepping forward. However, seeing that no one had gone, he also stopped in his tracks.

As long as he picked the cinnabar fruit before the incense burned out, he could pass. There was no need to rush at this moment.

Some time passed, and suddenly, a small figure emerged from the crowd, taking firm steps along the narrow path lined with shrubs, quickly heading towards the nearby forest.

Although this young man's face was still youthful, his expression was extremely resolute.

Qin Fengming looked closely and recognized him as Duan Meng, who had come with him in the same carriage.

Duan Meng moved very quickly, almost running. In just a few breaths, he disappeared into the dense undergrowth.

Just as the children were nervously watching the forest, a scream suddenly came from within, filled with fear, making everyone shudder.

As everyone was stunned, the bushes parted, and Duan Meng ran back, his face pale, holding a bright red cinnabar fruit in his hand.

Approaching Elder Wang, he collapsed to the ground before he could speak.

As he sat on the ground, a flush of red appeared on his pale face. His left hand had turned black.

Without waiting for Elder Wang's instructions, a young man immediately rushed over, holding a jade bottle. He poured a red pill from it and directly placed it in Duan Meng's mouth, using his internal energy to send the pill into Duan Meng's stomach.

In just a moment, the wobbly Duan Meng straightened his body, and the blackness on his arm began to fade.

Seeing Duan Meng successfully pick the cinnabar fruit, even though he had been bitten by a venomous snake, and that someone had treated him, some of the bolder children were greatly encouraged.

Shortly after, another person stepped forward towards the forest. This person was the first youth to climb Green Bamboo Peak. He used the same method as Duan Meng, quickly entering the undergrowth.

Soon, several cries were heard from inside. Just as everyone was worried, the trees swayed, and the youth limped out, holding a bright red fruit in his hand.

He had undoubtedly been bitten by several venomous snakes. But as soon as he appeared, the same young man rushed over, placing a pill in the youth's mouth as he had done with Duan Meng.

Seeing two people enter and be bitten by venomous snakes but receive help, the other children, who were envious, began to stand up. Their determination overcame their fear of the snakes, and they started running towards the forest together…

As time slowly passed, with the incense still having about a quarter left, thirty children had successfully picked the cinnabar fruit. The remaining ten or so children were pale and trembling, some with wet pants.

It seemed they would not be able to participate in this test.

Seeing the time running out, Qin Fengming knew he had to act. He slowly stood up and walked forward at a steady pace.

Approaching the forest filled with venomous snakes, Qin Fengming looked at the snakes on the trees and the ground. Unlike the other children, he did not rush through but stepped lightly on the open ground.

Suddenly, something strange happened. The snakes, which had been quiet, quickly scattered in all directions as soon as his foot touched the ground, as if avoiding him.

Standing there, Qin Fengming was surprised and puzzled. He was greatly confused by the snakes' behavior. But this was not the time to investigate, so he moved forward towards a nearby cinnabar fruit tree.

With each step, the various snakes nearby scattered without attacking him.

Although the other children could not see Qin Fengming's performance, Elder Wang saw everything. He was also very puzzled by the strange scene before him.

After observing Qin Fengming for a long time, Elder Wang concluded that the youth must have a powerful snake repellent on him.

When Qin Fengming returned safely, the incense had burned out.

"The time is up. Thirty-one of you have passed the third test. From now on, you thirty-one will be official disciples of Luoxia Valley. The rest can become external disciples."

As Elder Wang spoke, Hall Master Zhang quietly approached the group. Facing the thirty-one successful youths, he smiled warmly.

"Good. This time, nearly one in ten has passed the test. Tomorrow, you will go to Danyun Peak to begin learning the basic techniques." After saying this, he nodded to Elder Wang and gracefully left the area.

Danyun Peak is high and densely forested. At the summit, there is a well-maintained square with a three-story hall in the center, flanked by side halls. Several courtyards are scattered in the forest behind the hall.

At this moment, seven people stood on the steps of the hall. In the middle was Hall Master Zhang, with three imposing men in brown robes standing on each side.

After a night's rest, Qin Fengming and the others had recovered. After breakfast, the thirty-one children were brought to this square.

Hall Master Zhang, named Zhang Li, is known as the Thunder Hand in the martial world, with his Thunder Palm technique reaching a divine level.

Fifteen years ago, he single-handedly entered the Five Willows Mountain bandit camp and killed the five tigers of the Feng family, who had terrorized Yuci City for twenty years. This feat made his name famous throughout Yingzhou Prefecture.

Later, he was recognized by Luoxia Valley's leader, Sima Qingshan, who personally invited him to join Luoxia Valley as the Hall Master of the Hundred Refinements Hall.

"From now on, you thirty-one are official disciples of Luoxia Valley. From today, you must train hard to become elite disciples of Luoxia Valley, fighting evil and upholding justice to bring glory to Luoxia Valley. If you fail to achieve anything in ten years, you will be transferred to external disciples and leave Luoxia Valley."

Standing on the steps, Hall Master Zhang looked at everyone and said solemnly.

At this moment, Qin Fengming knew that Luoxia Valley had both ordinary and elite disciples.

Elite disciples are the backbone of Luoxia Valley. External disciples, on the other hand, manage the various businesses of Luoxia Valley, such as taverns, pawnshops, herbal medicine stores, and mines, scattered across different regions.

"From now on, you will train with these six masters. The choice of martial arts is up to you. Regardless of which martial arts you choose, the only path to success is through hard work. I hope you remember this."

"Now, Duan Meng, Yuan Kejian, and Qin Fengming, follow me." After saying this, Hall Master Zhang said no more, gave a few instructions to the six men in brown robes, and walked towards the hall.