Volume One: The Lonely Beta Test Chapter Twenty-Five: The Selection Tournament (Part Two)

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Lin Zhen, Han Dang, and the others saw that Lin Feng and his two companions had been in the field for some time, so they walked over as well.

Lin Zhen inquired, “Master, are the two brothers injured?”

Lin Feng replied, “The brothers are only a bit exhausted, nothing serious. We were just talking about Brother Zhou’s fishing skills. He’s extraordinary—every time he goes to sea, he can spear two or three hundred fish with a single outing!”

Seeing their arrival, Lin Feng spoke with excitement.

Old Zhang laughed, “Every time I go to sea, all I know is how to cast and pull nets. I’ve never seen such skill as Brother Zhou’s. It makes me itch with curiosity! Brother Zhou, could you show us your technique?”

Zhang Meng, ever curious, would always pursue anything novel to the end, regardless of setting.

Hearing this, Lin Feng felt a headache coming—Zhang Meng was just too much!

Lin Zhen glanced at Zhang Meng, “You’re only interested in novelty and spectacle, never thinking to care for your brothers. Don’t you see they’ve just finished a contest and are exhausted? Go fetch some water for them!”

Zhang Meng scratched the back of his head with his right hand, “Haha, Second Brother, you’re right. I was too careless and neglected my brothers. I’ll fetch water right away.” With that, he turned to leave, but after a few steps, he spun around and added, “But Brother Zhou, once you’ve rested, you must show us your skill!”

Zhou Shun clasped his fists, “How could I trouble Third Master to fetch water? I’ll go myself!”

As Zhou Shun and Huang Qiang prepared to fetch water, Lin Feng stopped them, “Let him go. You two should rest.”

Lin Feng then gestured for a few benches to be brought over, inviting everyone to sit.

Huang, Zhou, Yang, and the other thirteen men knew their place and were reluctant to sit alongside their master. Lin Feng tried persuasion, but ultimately had to order them to sit. Though the benches were rough and the order forced, they couldn’t suppress their excitement at being so favored.

Once everyone was seated, Lin Feng called the crowd to gather around casually.

Noticing their awkwardness, Lin Feng decided to fill the time while waiting for Zhang Meng by telling a few jokes.

Having read countless jokes over the years, Lin Feng was numb to humor, but to these honest men, his fresh stories brought roars of laughter, some even shedding tears.

Soon, the earlier tension melted away, and everyone began sharing their own anecdotes, the atmosphere becoming lively and joyful.

It must be said, Lin Feng’s experience in the scientific expedition fleet had taught him how to enliven a crowd, and he was putting those skills to excellent use.

Meanwhile, Zhang Meng, fetching water, could hear the laughter and felt his curiosity stir. Afraid to miss anything, he couldn’t find a ladle in his hurry and simply carried the large wooden water barrel out of the hut. Walking quickly, the water splashed and left a trail of wet marks behind him. Anyone seeing from behind, unaware of the situation, might think he was relieving himself as he walked!

Even as he approached the crowd, no one noticed or made way for him. So he set the barrel down with a thud, water splashing everywhere. The crowd turned to see Zhang Meng sitting on the barrel’s edge, arms crossed, looking bewildered.

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Lin Feng stood up and laughed, “Uncle Meng, why did you bring the whole barrel? Are you planning to bathe here?”

Everyone laughed heartily.

“Master, you’re all too unfair. As soon as I left, you started telling interesting stories. If I don’t get a story to catch up, no one drinks this water!” Zhang Meng said, standing and threatening to pour the water out.

Lin Feng hurried, “Alright, Uncle, don’t pour it out! We’ll tell you a story after drinking.”

“Tell it first.”

Lin Feng couldn’t argue with Zhang Meng’s childlike stubbornness. He thought for a moment, smiled slyly, and decided to tease him, “There was once a half-man named Chang Gong who drove his donkey to town early in the morning.”

“A half-man? Such a person exists? Interesting!” Zhang Meng perked up.

“Yes, quite novel!” Lin Feng continued, “He happened to meet another half-man named Minzi, who always made trouble for him. Minzi asked, ‘Have you eaten?’ Chang Gong, being up early, hadn’t eaten and thought Minzi was inviting him to breakfast. He was delighted and replied, ‘No.’ Guess what Minzi said?”

“Well, he’d invite him to eat, wouldn’t he?” Zhang Meng answered.

Lin Feng smiled, “Minzi chuckled and said, ‘I’m asking about the donkey, not you!’”

Zhang Meng burst out, “Ha! Minzi is so mean! What happened next?”

Lin Feng continued, “Chang Gong turned around, slapped the donkey twice, and said, ‘You’re too sly—having relatives in the city and never telling me!’”

Everyone broke into laughter, clutching their chests. Zhang Meng laughed so hard he nearly toppled over, and Lin Zhen, after a moment, pointed at Lin Feng, unable to stop laughing.

When the laughter subsided, Lin Feng said seriously, “Uncle, was that novel enough? Can we drink now?”

Zhang Meng wiped his tears, “Yes, quite novel. You’ll have to find your own containers, I couldn’t find a ladle. But since you’re a man of supernatural talent, can you tell me where such a half-man lives?”

Lin Feng picked up a dry twig from the ground and handed it to Zhang Meng, whispering, “Uncle, the half-man is in their names. Whether you can figure it out depends on your fate. But this is a heavenly secret, don’t let outsiders know.”

“Oh! I’ll write it down in the hut!” Zhang Meng took the twig and ran off.

Han Dang, puzzled, shouted, “Third Brother, where are you going? Aren’t you going to watch Brother Zhou’s skill?”

“Heaven’s secrets can’t be revealed. I’ll be out soon to watch!” Zhang Meng called back without turning.

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Lin Feng walked up to Lin Zhen, clasped his hands and said, “Uncle, did I go too far? Will Third Uncle be angry?”

Lin Zhen rolled his eyes, “You’ve done far worse before, and we never minded. Honestly, we uncles spoiled you too much.” Though his words sounded reproachful, there was a genuine happiness in his eyes.

Since Lin Feng had awakened, apart from his appearance, his behavior was entirely different, and Lin Zhen felt estranged. Now, seeing Lin Feng teasing Zhang Meng, he glimpsed the mischievous Lin Feng of old and felt a warm familiarity.

“Uh…” Lin Feng couldn’t believe how unruly his body’s former owner had been. He leaned close to Lin Zhen and said, “Second Uncle, I’ve made you all worry with my childishness.”

Lin Zhen signaled with his eyes, indicating he didn’t want to expose Lin Feng’s shortcomings in front of everyone. “Master, let’s watch Brother Zhou’s spear technique.”

Lin Feng nodded, then turned to Zhou Shun, “Brother Zhou, have you rested enough? Could you perform for us?”

Zhou Shun stood, clasped his hands, and replied, “Master, I’m full of energy now. If everyone clears the field, I’ll begin at once.”

“Alright, brothers, clear the area!” Lin Feng called, and the crowd scattered.

Zhou Shun stepped into the field, where someone had already brought him his spear. He saluted the assembly, “Master, Second Lord Lin, General Han, brothers, Zhou will do his best.” With that, Zhou Shun gripped the spear, drew it behind his shoulder, the tip angled skyward, held his breath, and stared at a scarecrow at the edge of the drying field. With a loud shout, “Ho!” the spear shot out, flying at lightning speed, and within a breath struck the scarecrow, knocking it down, the spear deeply embedded.

“Well done!” everyone cheered loudly.

Lin Feng was stunned. He had estimated the distance when Zhou Shun stared at the scarecrow—over eighty meters. As a geography student, Lin Feng was sensitive to distances, and with tricks learned from veteran sailors during his internship, he was confident in his estimate. Even in the technologically advanced society of his past, the furthest humans could throw a javelin was just over a hundred meters. Zhou Shun’s spear was hardly aerodynamic, yet he threw it that far and hit the target. Though ancient people were physically stronger than modern ones, this feat astonished Lin Feng.

Lin Zhen was equally shocked, and quietly said to Lin Feng, “Master, if Brother Zhou used this skill for our…”

He left the sentence unfinished, eyes fixed on Lin Feng for his response.

Though Lin Zhen didn’t say more for secrecy, Lin Feng understood and nodded, “Yes, if so, we’d surely be pleasantly surprised.” Expectation shone on his face. He stood, “Brother Zhou, your skill is truly remarkable. But I don’t think this is your highest ability. Could you show us something even more impressive?”

The crowd, already amazed, could hardly imagine what else Zhou Shun could do.

Lin Feng wasn’t just seeking entertainment—he wanted Zhou Shun to display all his skills, so everyone would be convinced. Later, if Lin Feng promoted him, there would be no objections.

ps: These days have been busy, so I can only upload the first draft. Sorry, everyone! Due to various reasons, the book has undergone major revisions and has basically become another story. After a few more chapters, I’ll switch to the new book. Truly sorry. If you like it, please check out the next book. The character names are unchanged and the plot continues from here. Thank you all!