This was clearly a branch office converted from a large family mansion, with imposing stone lions on both sides, a high gate, and a small door that only one person could pass through.
Xu Ming held a high status in the Sunburst Gang, so he naturally could use the main entrance. However, Bai Ziyue and the others weren't qualified to do so, not that it was necessary anyway.
Therefore, Xu Ming directly led the three of them along the outer wall for a while and entered through the back door.
Soon, Bai Ziyue and the others saw in the backyard that there were seven or eight children about their age standing obediently together.
"Go over and stand with them. I'll speak with the Steward here. Don't worry, with my connections, you all will pass the assessment."
Xu Ming whispered to Bai Ziyue and the others before quickly leaving.
Bai Ziyue glanced at the group. There were a total of eight children, five boys and three girls, all around ten years old. They were probably also introduced here to be apprentices like them.
Perhaps Xu Ming's words had been overheard. When the other children saw Bai Ziyue and the others approaching, their eyes showed a mix of emotions.
Regarding this, Bai Ziyue had nothing to say. Given the chance to join the Sunburst Gang as an apprentice through connections, he wouldn't miss out.
After a while, Xu Ming returned with a tense expression.
Bai Ziyue's heart sank, sensing something was wrong.
Sure enough, his suspicion was quickly confirmed.
"We have a bit of a problem. The one in charge of the assessment this time happens to have some grudges against me."
Xu Ming was somewhat depressed and embarrassed. He had guaranteed their entry but was now facing complications.
Unexpectedly, his rival in the battle for squad leader at Qinghe Pier had left and become the Logistics Steward at this Sunburst Gang Branch.
"But don't worry, I'll be watching the whole time. Zhang Bo wouldn't dare trouble you on purpose."
Seeing the panic on Xu Li and Zhang Guoyi's faces, Xu Ming quickly reassured them.
Bai Ziyue gave a wry smile, thinking, "The real fear is you being here."
Without Uncle Ming, Zhang Bo wouldn't trouble them. But with Uncle Ming around, Zhang Bo might use the opportunity to cause trouble.
Though he understood this, Bai Ziyue didn't say it out loud and waited patiently.
Soon, several people emerged from a house in the backyard.
Leading them was a middle-aged man, slender and clean-faced, but with small eyes that gleamed coldly, giving an extremely indifferent impression.
Obviously, this was the Zhang Bo mentioned by Xu Ming.
Beside him were two young men, one fat and one thin, slightly trailing behind with a humble demeanor, not daring to walk ahead.
"This is Steward Zhang, the Logistics Steward of our Sunburst Gang Branch. Why don't you all come over and greet him?"
The thin young man beside Zhang Bo coldly snorted.
"Good day, Steward Zhang!"
All the children immediately stepped forward and greeted timidly.
"Humph, putting on a show!"
Xu Ming snorted with disdain.
Zhang Bo's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at the eleven children below, noticing Bai Ziyue, Xu Li, and Zhang Guoyi standing close together. Xu Li's occasional glances for help towards Xu Ming, and their similar looks, made it clear to Zhang Bo.
"It's getting late; let's not waste any time. Those who can read, step aside."
Zhang Bo said casually.
Upon hearing this, Bai Ziyue's face changed, showing a helpless expression.
He could read, but only characters from his previous life, not those of this world.
Understanding the importance of literacy, he resolved once again to solve this problem soon.
At that moment, a child hesitated, taking a small step forward before timidly stepping back.
"What are you doing?"
The skinny young man glared.
"I... I can write my name."
The child said timidly.
"What good are just two characters? Stand still."
The young man snorted, scanning everyone.
The child immediately shut up, and the others remained motionless.
Clearly, none of the eleven children could read.
This was to be expected. Children who could read and write usually came from wealthy families and wouldn't lower themselves to become Sunburst Gang apprentices.
Only children from poor families like Bai Ziyue and the others would seek a livelihood here.
"Since none of you can read, you'll have to rely on strength to join our Sunburst Gang.
See those stone weights over there? Boys, carry fifty pounds; girls, thirty. Lift the weights over your shoulders and walk ten steps to pass the test."
Zhang Bo pointed to several stone weights at the edge of the yard, explaining calmly.
Those weights were clearly meant for the Sunburst Gang disciples to train strength, piled by the wall with weights marked on each one.
"Fifty pounds..."
All the children's faces paled.
"If I'm not mistaken, the previous assessment required boys to lift thirty pounds, and girls, twenty pounds, to pass the test.
This direct increase is quite excessive, isn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Ming's face also changed, and he said coldly.
These children were only around ten years old and from poor backgrounds, probably eating meat only during festivals, making them quite weak.
Not to mention lifting fifty pounds; even thirty pounds would be a challenge, let alone walking ten steps.
Other people didn't concern Xu Ming much, but among the three he brought, only Zhang Guoyi seemed strong enough to pass. Bai Ziyue and Xu Li were too frail to succeed.
"Is it me or you who decides here?
Besides, even if you had the right to interfere, isn't raising the bar in line with Liu Yang, the Guardian's principle of selective acceptance?
Dare you question Guardian Liu Yang's words too?"
Zhang Bo sneered coldly, his eyes flashing with delight.
He had remembered well the humiliation of failing in the squad leader competition.
Xu Ming was at a loss for words, his face extremely ugly.
The Sunburst Gang's Qinghe Town branch was headed by Sect Leader Liu Dong, with Left Guardian Zhao Jing and Right Guardian Liu Yang next in line.
Despite having some status at Qinghe Pier, Xu Ming had no authority before Right Guardian Liu Yang.
Though Liu Yang probably did say something about selective acceptance, Zhang Bo was clearly using his name to suppress Xu Ming now.
Xu Ming had no choice but to remain silent.
"Why are you hesitating? Try if you want, or leave if you don't want to try."
With a triumphant smile, Zhang Bo gave a cold look at Bai Ziyue and the others.
"I'll give it a try!"
Bai Ziyue was about to step forward, but Zhang Guoyi moved first.