The response from the students below was deafening at that moment.
Although Ma Dong spoke quite a bit, everyone basically understood his meaning, which was during the combat assessment exercise, any team or student who has already surrendered cannot be attacked further; otherwise, they will be disqualified from the competition or even face criminal charges.
"Alright, now that the time has come, everyone please queue up and enter Wilderness Gorge in order, no disorder is allowed. The combat survival assessment for martial artists officially begins only when all competing teams have entered Wilderness Gorge and the bell rings. Before then, no team is allowed to initiate attacks..."
After Ma Dong made the final announcement, the instructors and staff present began leading the teams into Wilderness Gorge one by one.
Shortly thereafter, the Moon God Squad, to which Su Chen belonged, also walked in through the entrance and entered the interior of Wilderness Gorge.
Su Chen was visiting Celestial God Mountain Wilderness Gorge for the first time, and as soon as he stepped in, he smelled a heavy scent of blood along with various beast calls intertwined.
From nearby, afar, and even deep within Wilderness Gorge came terrifying cries.
The entrance to Wilderness Gorge was blocked off with high-pressure wire mesh, clearly indicating that the entire martial artist combat exercise area was contained. No participating student was allowed to exit the boundary.
Though the contained area was just the outermost part of the entire Celestial God Mountain Wilderness Gorge, it was sufficiently large for the over 300 participating students.
More importantly, the dense vegetation, numerous caves, and cellars in Wilderness Gorge made it ideal for hiding and ambushes.
With just a glance, Su Chen saw that this place was not simple.
After Instructor Ling Yue led the Moon God Squad, including Su Chen, to a specific location in Wilderness Gorge, she immediately instructed the five seriously.
"Always remember, safety first. Life is what matters the most. This is just a competition. Once you encounter an unbeatable opponent or inevitable crisis, immediately surrender and give up all your silver feathers. Do you understand?"
"Don’t worry, Sister Ling Yue, we’re not that foolish. At all times, we definitely prioritize safety first."
Su Chen nodded, reassuring Ling Yue.
The other three also nodded one after another, though Zhang Weidong, the wealthy heir, seemed a bit anxious and was constantly looking around, unsure of what he was searching for.
Perhaps he regretted joining the martial arts tournament, but it was too late for regrets now.
As the time approached, Instructor Ling Yue pursed her alluring red lips. She stepped forward again, patting Su Chen’s shoulder with a worried and reluctant look, and said.
"Especially you, remember, Su Chen, if there’s an emergency where surrendering is useless, contact the nearest safety instructor and staff. Don’t get hurt..."
Su Chen nodded again, and at this moment, Ma Dong’s voice rang out once more.
"All accompanying instructors, please leave Wilderness Gorge now. Safety instructors and site security, maintain order. The combat survival assessment is about to begin..."
"I’m leaving, Su Chen, remember what I said..."
After saying this, Instructor Ling Yue quickly left. All other instructors also withdrew from Wilderness Gorge one after another.
After all instructors had exited Wilderness Gorge, the beasts inside started to stir, seemingly receiving some signal, and began moving toward the outskirts.
From a distance, Su Chen saw a giant red-haired brown bear approaching the area where the group of five was located.
"It’s coming, everyone be careful..."
Su Chen shouted loudly, and right at that moment, the dull and resonant bell in the gorge rang again.
The ringing signified the start of the battle.
In an instant, everyone sprang into action.
All the teams began their respective maneuvers.
At this time, the red-haired brown bear had its sights set on the Moon God Squad, fresh and tender-skinned, raising its heavy paws and charging over like a mad bull.
"Brother Chen, that brown bear has a silver feather mark on it. This is the beast we need to hunt..."
Chubby Liu Yang shouted loudly amidst panic.
Su Chen nodded, directly channeling the inner strength from Nine Yang Divine Skill, and invisible true qi surged from his body immediately.
Then, Su Chen stepped forth, directly facing the oncoming red-haired brown bear head-on.
"Su Chen, be careful! The red-haired brown bear is very strong; its paw strike can exceed one ton, you can’t face it directly. I’ll sneak attack from the side."
Little Bai Jing hurriedly reminded Su Chen, darting like a nimble kitten from the side to attack, simultaneously drawing a dagger from her waist aimed at the red-haired brown bear’s head.