Within just a few minutes, the aberrant examinees had each shown what they were capable of by breaking through the outer spirit matter defenses and storming straight into the base as if they owned the place. 

There was a reason people said no one wanted a craftsman dead more than another craftsman. Even the weakest among these aberrant examinees had a trick or two for dealing with spirit matter defenses, each one alarming enough to make Ji Jue’s heart sink. Watching them, he wanted nothing more than to slap himself a few times.

What the hell? I only just thought about it, and now it’s happening? Great. The deserted island battle royale has officially begun.

Ji Jue sighed helplessly and looked up at the ceiling, as though he could see the examiners outside the simulation gloating over his predicament. So this was how they wanted to mess with him, huh? Resigned, he waved a hand and shrugged. 

The entire underground base was rocked by a violent tremor. With a terrifying roar, the entire subterranean base shook. Flames surged through the narrow corridors, instantly engulfing those at the head of the charge.

A moment later, sharp clicks sounded from beneath the floor. Bounding mines shot up through the cracks, spun through the air, and exploded with a thunderous bang, spraying shrapnel like a torrential downpour....