SFS Chapter 64, Part 2: Knights of the Round Table
Chapter 64, Part 2: Knights of the Round Table
At the foot of Mount Qingcheng, the wind rises and the clouds surge.
With the full operation of the state apparatus, the "Kunlun" project progressed at an astonishing speed.
In just half a month, the valley that Ma Cong had chosen had completely changed.
Thousands of top-notch engineers, equipped with world-class heavy machinery, worked around the clock. Their first task was not to build towers, but to lay a tight net around the valley.
The outermost perimeter is guarded by the military, with sentries every three steps and patrols every five steps, coupled with state-of-the-art thermal imaging and dynamic sensing systems. Not even a rabbit, let alone a person, could sneak in without permission.
Countless miniature vibration sensors and sound detectors have been secretly installed on the rock walls of the valley, and any climbing or drilling activity will trigger an alarm immediately.
Meanwhile, underground, a massive underground base, capable of withstanding a nuclear attack, is being frantically excavated. That will be the energy center, data center, and final refuge of the entire "Kunlun Holy Land."
General Zhou practically moved his entire family to the construction site, personally overseeing the work every day. He knew very well that security here was of paramount importance before the "Tower of Babel" was completed.
That day, the uninvited guests outside the valley were spotted by the sentries before they could even get close. A brief but fierce battle ensued in the forest. In the end, seeing that they could not succeed, the mysterious men left behind several corpses and quickly retreated.
Judging from the equipment and identification marks found on their bodies, they belonged to a globally renowned mercenary organization called "Ghost," composed of retired special agents from various countries.
This incident gave General Zhou and those at higher levels a real fright.
This was only the beginning, and foreign powers were already sending people to spy on the area. This further strengthened their resolve to make the "Kunlun Holy Land" an impregnable fortress at all costs.
Ma Cong, on the other hand, completely ignored all the outside noise.
He spent most of his time in the quiet room that the military had temporarily built for him.
On one hand, he was constantly familiarizing himself with and perfecting his newly created "Divine Martial Classic." After perfectly integrating the three forces of Bajiquan, Xingyiquan, and Baguaquan, he discovered that this method had enormous potential to be explored. It was like an open platform; theoretically, the force of any martial art could be absorbed and integrated into it.
On the other hand, he is also preparing for the upcoming "opening of the sect and the acceptance of disciples".
He wasn't looking for ordinary apprentices, but rather the first batch of cornerstones for "Kunlun".
These people must be true elites.
That day, Chen Beixuan and Qin Zhenshan went to find Ma Cong together.
The two elderly people looked much better than they had half a month ago. One of them is now the "Chief Consultant of the Kunlun Project" and the other is the "Chief Instructor of the Kunlun Project". They are busy every day organizing martial arts classics from various schools and screening the list of promising talents reported from all over the country. They are very busy, but they are also in good spirits.
"Master Ma, we've compiled the first batch of preliminary selection lists." Chen Beixuan handed over a thick folder.
Ma Cong took it, opened it, and looked at it.
The list contains over a thousand names.
Each name is accompanied by detailed information, including age, place of origin, martial arts background, lineage of teachers, past experiences, and even investigation reports on family members and social relationships.
"So many people?" Ma Cong was somewhat surprised.
Qin Zhenshan smiled wryly, "This is the result of our screening process, which we conducted again and again according to your requirements. After your feat of 'breaking a sword with one finger' spread, the entire Chinese martial arts world went crazy. Countless people tried to pull strings and pull strings to become your disciples. Almost every major sect sent their most outstanding disciples. The military and police systems also recommended many skilled fighters."
"These thousand-plus people can be considered the most outstanding martial arts talents under the age of thirty in the country right now," Chen Beixuan added. "Our idea is to carefully select one hundred people from among them as the first batch of disciples of 'Kunlun.' What do you think?"
One hundred people.
Ma Cong pondered for a moment.
He glanced at the list and saw several familiar names.
For example, there was a talented female soldier named Xiao Ya when he was teaching in the military.
There are also some who are direct descendants of major martial arts families, such as the Cheng family of Baguazhang, the Guo family of Xingyiquan, and even lay disciples of Shaolin and Emei.
These people are undoubtedly outstanding individuals, the pride of heaven.
But what Ma Cong wanted was not just talent.
"Put the list down for now." Ma Cong closed the folder. "One hundred people is fine. But I'll handle the selection process."
He stood up and said, "Spread the word. Half a month later, at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, 'Kunlun' will open its doors for a public audition."
"Open auditions?" Chen Beixuan and Qin Zhenshan were both stunned.
"Master Ma, this...this isn't appropriate, is it?" Qin Zhenshan said anxiously. "Doing this will cause too much of a commotion! All sorts of shady characters will come running, and the situation will be difficult to control. Moreover, what if foreign forces infiltrate?"
"It's alright," Ma Cong said calmly. "If they want to come, let them come. If they want to watch, let them watch."
"If we're going to establish a school of martial arts in Kunlun, we can't hide it. What I want is a straightforward and open strategy. I want the whole world to see what kind of martial arts truly deserves the title of 'National Martial Arts'."
"As for the selection process, it's very simple, just three stages."
Ma Cong held up three fingers.
"The first test is to assess one's 'innate qualities'."
"The second test is to assess 'comprehension'."
"The third test is to assess your 'mental character'."
"You'll find out how to measure it in time."
Seeing Ma Cong's confident demeanor, Chen Beixuan and Qin Zhenshan exchanged a glance. Although they were still filled with doubt and worry, they ultimately chose to believe him.
They were used to this young master making decisions that were beyond their wildest imaginations, but which later proved to be absolutely correct.
……
half a month later.
At the foot of Mount Qingcheng, a huge field temporarily cleared by the military was packed with people.
The news of "Kunlun Mountain Opening and Open Selection of Disciples" spread like wildfire throughout China.
Tens of thousands of martial arts enthusiasts, disciples of various schools, retired soldiers, and combat athletes gather here from all over the country and even the world.
They all wanted to see how the legendary Master Ma, who could break a sword with a single finger, would choose his successor.
The scene was completely surrounded by thousands of soldiers, with countless high-definition cameras pointed at the center of the field. This time, it was broadcast live globally, and the number of viewers has already exceeded one billion.
In the center of the venue, there was only an old-fashioned table and a chair.
Ma Cong sat there quietly, resting with his eyes closed.
Chen Beixuan and Qin Zhenshan stood behind him, one on the left and one on the right, like two guardians.
When the time came, Ma Cong opened his eyes.
His gaze calmly swept over the dark mass of people before him; his voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"Today, Kunlun Mountain is opening its doors, and one hundred disciples will be selected."
"Anyone who wishes to become my disciple must pass three tests."
"Now, let's begin the first stage."
As soon as he finished speaking, ten soldiers in white training uniforms with stern faces emerged from behind him. They carried a huge object covered by a black cloth to the center of the field.
With a "whoosh".
The black cloth was lifted.
Under the sunlight, a three-meter-tall humanoid statue, cast entirely from black metal, appeared before the crowd.
The statue, with its bulging muscles and hard lines, is posed in a strange posture, as if it is exerting force.