The Hidden Evil: Villainous Cultivator

Now, everyone had to choose a particular class expertise for themselves—firearms, hacking, intel gathering, spying, and more. They were given options and allowed a one-month trial period to test their capabilities before making a final decision.

Ye Feng chose firearms as his specialty. Ning Xiao opted for hacking. It wasn't that Ye Feng was only good at firearms—his intellect made him proficient in many areas—but his main goal was to improve his strength. He understood that, in their world, strength was supreme.

During the trial, Ye Feng excelled in nearly every subject, his keen mind making him a quick learner. However, he committed to firearms. He mastered everything from small handguns to automatic rifles, sniper rifles, grenades, and even launchers.

Beyond combat skills, he delved into world geography, global politics, different cultures, rules of the outside world, and advanced technologies. He learned the intricacies of social etiquette, how to communicate effectively to gather intel, and, most importantly, advanced combat techniques.

One day, in an advanced technologies class, Ye Feng unexpectedly crossed paths with Ning Xiao. She spotted him and approached with a smile.

"Hey, Ye Feng! How are you?"

He looked at her and responded coolly, "Hades. It's Hades now. And I'm doing fine."

She chuckled. "Hades, huh? Nice. It suits you."

"Thanks. What's your specialty?"

"Hacking. Let me guess—firearms for you?"

Ye Feng observed her for a moment. She had a sharp mind. Perhaps she would be useful in the future.

"You guessed right."

"Looks like we'll be batchmates. How about we sit together?"

"No problem," he replied.

From that day on, they attended classes together. Over the year, they spoke daily and built what Ning Xiao considered a friendship. However, for Ye Feng, it was merely a convenient acquaintance. He knew there were no real friends in their line of work—only benefits. He maintained a friendly demeanor, but in his heart, she was only slightly above the rest.

After a year, their training phase ended, and they parted ways. Before leaving, Ning Xiao told Ye Feng to stay in touch whenever he had time. He agreed, but in the following three years, they never met again.

Four years passed in the blink of an eye. It was now 2020. Ye Feng had turned fifteen. He had grown into a striking young man—lean, well-defined muscles, short black hair, fair skin, and piercing black eyes. Standing at 5'3", he wasn't the most handsome boy around, but his looks were certainly an asset.

They gathered once more in the same arena as before, but now they all bore refined appearances, making them capable of blending seamlessly into the outside world. The fierce intensity they once displayed after surviving the forest trials was now masked behind a calm, natural façade.

These four years of relentless training had shaped them. They now possessed knowledge and understanding that had once been out of their reach due to their isolation.

Ye Feng received two bank accounts—one in China and an international account in Switzerland—along with a reward of one million dollars for his exceptional performance in the earlier competition. Additionally, he was gifted a dagger with an elegant black handle, engraved with a golden dragon. Its blade, crafted from an exceptionally durable material, had a silvery sheen, making it both deadly and beautiful.

Today was the final ceremony. Soon, they would receive their missions and step into the real world. Excitement buzzed in the air as they anticipated the freedom and new experiences that awaited them.

On a grand platform, the leader of Zero, a man known only as "Zero," stepped forward. This time, there was no mask on his face. He had blue eyes, black hair, fair skin, and an aura of absolute authority. His gaze swept over them before he began his speech.

"Today, you stand here for the final time as trainees, so I won't take much of your time. As you all know, you will soon be sent into the outside world. I understand your excitement, your hunger for new experiences. But remember one thing—never forget where you belong."

His voice carried weight, silencing the whispers among the crowd.

"Whatever you choose to do in the future does not concern us, as long as you do not bring harm to Zero. You will have free time when not on missions, and we will make all necessary arrangements for your assimilation into society. However, when a mission is assigned, you are expected to dedicate yourself entirely to it."

His gaze sharpened. "All missions will be assigned based on your capabilities. With each successful mission, your achievements will be recorded, and your rank will increase. For now, you all start at the Yellow rank. The ranks ascend as follows: Silver, Gold, Diamond, Heaven, and finally, Supreme."

A murmur spread through the trainees at the mention of ranks.

"In addition to missions, you can increase your rank by providing valuable intel and information beneficial to Zero. For the next three years, you will receive fewer missions—use this time to assimilate into society. After that, your mission difficulty will gradually increase."

He took a pause, letting the weight of his words sink in. "That is all. Best of luck for your future."

With that, Zero turned and left the stage.

After the speech, Ye Feng and his fellow trainees went to meet their master, who offered them words of encouragement and wished them success in their futures. The era of their training was finally ending.

On this day, Ye Feng also crossed paths with Ning Xiao once more. She approached him, her expression softer than before.

"Keep in touch, okay?" she said.

He gave his usual nod. "Of course."

They spoke for a short while before parting ways again.

After wrapping up all necessary formalities, Ye Feng returned to his quarters. He took a long shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of his past life as a trainee. Lying down on his bed, he closed his eyes, recalling the journey from his childhood in the orphanage to the trials he had endured. A whirlwind of memories flashed before him—moments of pain, growth, and hard-earned wisdom.

Slowly, he drifted into sleep, stepping into the unknown future that awaited him.