Chapter 161: Final Assessment

The breakthrough in the core material of the Living Performance Mobile Battle Armor was like a cardiac stimulant, reviving the entire secret R&D base. Project progress surged forward; with a stable and reliable material foundation, all subsystems began rapid integration.

Qin Feng did not relax because of this. He knew technological breakthrough was merely the first step—how to convert the technology into actual combat power, and how to ensure this generation-defying equipment fell into absolutely trustworthy hands, was the key.

To this end, he activated the final assessment of the "Zhu Long" project.

"Zhu Long," named after the ancient mythic deity with a human face and dragon body who controlled light and darkness, symbolized that this soon-to-be-formed squad, equipped with living battle armor, would be like Zhu Long's eyes—penetrating darkness, guarding light.

The assessment location was a remote mountain training base under Qin Feng's ownership, thoroughly renovated and reinforced by Gao Yuan and his team. The terrain was complex, the facilities advanced, and absolute secrecy guaranteed.

The participants in the final assessment were twenty elite among elites, selected through layer upon layer of screening, background checks, and rigorous physiological and psychological tests from top special forces and elite security agencies worldwide. They knew only that they were competing for a top-secret, extremely well-paid position—completely unaware of the "Zhu Long" project or the Living Performance Mobile Battle Armor.

On the day of the assessment, dawn was just breaking.

Accompanied by Gao Yuan, Qin Feng stood behind the massive one-way glass wall of the Base Command Center, overlooking the twenty candidates assembled below. They wore identical combat uniforms, postures erect, eyes sharp—like twenty unsheathed Blades, radiating intense lethality and disciplined energy.

"Excellent candidates," Gao Yuan murmured, his tone tinged with hunter's delight. "A few even have high bounties on them across the international darknet."

Qin Feng nodded slightly. He needed precisely this kind of top-tier combat power, tempered in blood and fire.

The assessment began.

Phase One: a comprehensive test of physical endurance, tactics, and willpower under extreme conditions. Amid simulated extreme climates, complex urban warfare, and high-intensity infiltration and counter-infiltration scenarios, these twenty demonstrated astonishing individual capability and team coordination. Five were eliminated—for minor errors or momentary wavering of will.

Phase Two: a test of loyalty and mental fortitude. Through hyper-realistic virtual reality scenarios simulating capture, interrogation, and temptation, their ability to uphold moral boundaries and protect secrets under extreme pressure and temptation was evaluated. This phase was even more brutal; seven more "died" in virtual sugar-coated bombs or cruel torture, their spirits on the verge of collapse, secretly removed for psychological intervention.

In the end, only eight remained, standing before Qin Feng.

These eight—three women, five men, of different nationalities—each had eyes like tempered cold iron, resolute, steady, carrying a hint of cautious scrutiny as they gazed at Qin Feng behind the glass wall. They knew: this unnaturally young, mysterious employer held their fates in his hands.

Qin Feng stepped out of the Command Center and stood before the eight. He said nothing, merely gazed calmly, one by one, across them.

His gaze was not sharp, yet carried an almost soul-piercing power. His 35-point Spiritual Attribute, combined with the invisible authority accrued from years at the apex of power, commanding vast wealth and secrets, imposed unprecedented pressure on these battle-hardened elites—they instinctively straightened their spines.

"Congratulations," Qin Feng spoke, his voice calm yet clear to every ear, "you've passed the first two rounds. But this does not mean you are qualified."

He paused, then posed a question that made their pupils contract: "Suppose I now order you to eliminate a target posing a severe threat to world peace, but protected by the official apparatus of a major power. Success probability is under thirty percent. If you fail or are exposed, you will be ruthlessly abandoned—and even smeared. Will you accept?"

This question struck at the core—absolute belief transcending nationality and faction, and unwavering trust in the employer.

The eight fell silent. This was no virtual trial—it was a direct confrontation with their inner selves.

After a moment, a man codenamed "Night Owl," a former member of the Signal Flags known for his calm precision sniping, spoke first, voice hoarse: "Sir, we fight for belief and reward. But senseless death is not belief."

Another, a woman codenamed "Amber," skilled in intelligence analysis and infiltration, added: "We require a more thorough assessment—and… a reason worthy of our loyalty."

Their answers were cautious, pragmatic.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Qin Feng's face. He did not seek blind fanatics—he sought warriors capable of independent thought, yet ultimately resonating with his own conviction.

"Reason?" Qin Feng stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over them. "What you are about to see… is the reason."

He snapped his fingers.

Behind him, the Alloy Wall silently slid open, revealing a storage chamber glowing with deep blue light.

Eight fully pre-calibrated Living Performance Mobile Battle Armors, like slumbering ancient beasts, stood silently on racks. Their streamlined dark biological armor, faintly visible energy conduits, and the overwhelming aura of Super Technology and raw power instantly seized the attention of all eight!

"This is…" Even the well-traveled "Night Owl"'s voice trembled slightly.

"Living Performance Mobile Battle Armor, codename 'Zhu Long,'" Qin Feng's voice carried undeniable authority. "It grants you strength, speed, and reflexes beyond human limits. Your mission is not for any nation, nor for mere money."

His gaze grew deep and distant: "Your mission is to wield this power to handle 'anomalies' that conventional forces cannot resolve—threats to the survival of human civilization. They may be runaway advanced technologies, unknown threats from deep space, or… mad schemers attempting to overthrow the existing order."

"You will become Blades in the shadows, Guardians in silence. No flowers, no honors, not even recognition. Your very existence is the highest secret."

Qin Feng looked at the eight, their eyes now burning with fervor, and asked slowly: "Now, tell me your answer."

Silence.

Deathly silence.

Then, "Night Owl" stepped forward first, clenched his right fist, and slammed it hard against his left chest—in an ancient knight's salute—voice unwavering: "I offer myself as your blade, to shatter all darkness!"

"Amber" drew a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with wisdom and resolve: "My loyalty is given to the future and truth."

"Stone," "Shadow Dancer," "Physician," "Smith," "Peregrine," "Sea Serpent"… the other six each expressed their resolve in their own way.

This technology beyond comprehension, and the grand, noble mission Qin Feng had described, had utterly conquered these proud elites. They saw meaning and value surpassing any career they had ever known!

"Good," Qin Feng nodded. "From this moment, you are Phase One of 'Zhu Long.' Forget your past identities and codenames. You will be given new names—together with this armor, inscribed into… the annals of the future."

He turned and pointed to the eight armors: "Go. Familiarize yourselves with your new partners. The real training begins now."

The eight, barely containing their excitement, approached the armors—symbols of power and mission.

Qin Feng watched their backs, knowing the fangs of "Zhu Long" had finally taken shape.

He stirred his thoughts, and a system screen materialized.

【Detected: Host successfully assembled and secured elite combat unit "Zhu Long," territory expanded, Comprehensive Assessment improved.】【Wealth Prediction unlock progress: 85%】【Super Technology unlock progress: 92%】

Only one step remained to fully unlock those two critical functions.

And "Zhu Long" would be his sharpest sword, clearing all obstacles from his path.

The mountain wind howled, tugging at Qin Feng's clothes as his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of this world, hidden currents had already begun to churn—and his "Zhu Long" was about to enter the water, stirring the storm.