129: opponent

In the central square of the prefectural city, over a dozen temporary sheds had been erected. Government officials, soldiers, and Instructors from various martial arts halls were stationed there to register eligible young Martial Artists. The queue stretched like a long dragon, winding for nearly a hundred zhang, and the clamor was deafening.

Chen Linsheng did not join the crowd—as an outstanding performer at the Hidden Dragon Banquet, he enjoyed direct registration privileges. He only needed to send his identity credentials to the branch's deacon office for record-keeping.

But the start of registration meant that the Martial Examination was truly drawing near.

In the afternoon, Chen Linsheng sat alone in his room, spreading out a sheet of paper and carefully writing down names one by one with a charcoal pencil.

Yan Chen: Young Hall Master of the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall, Flood Dragon Tendon Realm Middle Stage (currently in seclusion attempting a Breakthrough). His "Blazing Sun Art" is domineering and fierce, with Blazing Sun True Energy that invades the Meridians. He excels in killing moves such as "Sky-Burning Palm Shadows" and "Fierce Sun Piercing Heavens." Although defeated by me at the Hidden Dragon Banquet, it was actually due to his underestimation of the opponent. If he truly breaks through to the Middle Stage, the power of his True Energy, total blood qi, and flame control will all leap forward, making him the greatest threat.

Mu Qingxue: Genius of the Qiushui Sword Sect, Jiaojin Realm Early Stage. Her Sword Intent is icy and pure, with microscopic control, and she has already caught a glimpse of the "Clear Sword Heart" Realm. Her Sword Qi is condensed and precise, specializing in breaking through surfaces at a single point. Moreover, her Heart-Nature is cold and detached, making her extremely unlikely to make mistakes in battle. Her weakness might lie in her sword dao's pursuit of "purity," perhaps resulting in insufficient variations? However, without having truly fought her, it is difficult to say for sure.

Young Military Expert (Information still lacking): According to Lei Hao, he is the son of a border army captain in the Northern Frontier named "Qin Li." Only seventeen years old, he has already spent two years tempering himself with the army, possessing rich combat experience and a heavy killing Aura. His Cultivation Technique is unknown, but military martial arts emphasize simplicity and efficiency, aiming for a one-hit kill, and he must be skilled in mounted archery and combined attack techniques. This person needs to be closely watched.

Yu Linfeng: Young Master of the Prefectural Governors Mansion, Jiaojin Realm Early Stage. His Cultivation Technique is well-rounded, and his Aura is upright and peaceful, seemingly specializing in defense and battles of attrition. He did not go all out at the Hidden Dragon Banquet, so his true strength remains a mystery. As the son of the Prefectural Governor, he has abundant resources and may have hidden trump cards.

Lin Yueru: Genius of the Lin Family, Flesh Refining Realm Perfection (suspected half-step Jiaojin). Her Cultivation Technique combines hardness and softness, and she has rich combat experience. The Lin Family has a deep Foundation, so she must have mastered Spirit Rank Martial Skills.

Xu Wangshu: Representative of the Tingtao Academy, Flesh Refining Realm Perfection. His Aura is calm and quiet, seemingly excelling in mental cultivation. Academy martial arts often integrate the scholarly path, so he may have unexpected moves.

Other Noble Family Scions: Families like the Fang and Li families all have carefully nurtured Disciples. While they may not necessarily compete for the top spot, they cannot be underestimated either.

Chen Linsheng's pen tip pressed heavily on the name "Yan Chen."

The greatest threat was still this person.

With his seclusion in the Earth Fire Cave and his vow to break through, his determination and will cannot be underestimated.

Although I have the solid Foundation of the Hunyuan True Body, the gap in Realm is real. Before the Martial Examination, I must push my Physical Body tempering one step further and completely stabilize my Spear Intent to have a chance at victory.

While he was deep in thought, a knock sounded at the door.

"Junior Brother Chen, the Hall Master is gathering all Disciples to discuss matters in the front hall." It was Shi Poyue's voice.

Chen Linsheng put away his paper and pen, stood up, and went out.

In the front hall of the martial arts hall, seventy or eighty people stood in a dense crowd, all of them Disciples of the branch.

Martial Arts Hall Master stood at the head, his expression solemn. Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, Zhao Linger, and other Instructors stood on either side.

Seeing everyone had arrived, Martial Arts Hall Master spoke slowly, his voice deep and heavy: "Registration for the Martial Examination has begun. In one month, it will be time to see the true results."

The hall was silent as all the Disciples held their breath in concentration.

"The Martial Examination is a major ceremony for the imperial court to select military talent, and it is also a stepping stone for Martial Artists to advance their status." Martial Arts Hall Master's gaze swept over the crowd. "Our Yang Wei Martial Arts Hall Branch was founded over a decade ago. Although we cannot compare to those century-old halls in the prefectural city, we have never let our prestige falter. In this Martial Examination, I want you to give your all and show the Aura of our branch!"

He paused, his voice suddenly rising: "Anyone who enters the top hundred in the Martial Examination will be rewarded by the hall with five hundred taels and three hundred contribution points. Those who enter the top fifty will receive one thousand taels, five hundred contribution points, and can apply for three days of personal guidance from the Hall Master himself."

Flames ignited in the eyes of the Disciples, and their breathing became heavy.

Martial Arts Hall Master's gaze finally landed on Chen Linsheng, and word by word, his voice rang out like a great bell: "If someone can enter the top ten of the Martial Examination!"

The hall instantly fell silent, so quiet that a falling needle could be heard.

"I promise in the name of the Branch Hall Master," Martial Arts Hall Master stared at Chen Linsheng, his eyes full of expectation and resolve, "to open the branch's treasured Spirit Rank Martial Skill—the Mountain Suppressing Seal—for them to study for three months! And I will personally apply for a spot in the Army Breaker Manor's 'Trial Secret Realm' for them!"

Whoosh—!

The hall instantly erupted!

A Spirit Rank Martial Skill! The Trial Secret Realm!

Those were the bottom-line Foundations of the Yang Wei Martial Arts Hall Branch! Ordinary Disciples didn't even have the qualification to see them!

Countless burning, envious, and admiring gazes turned toward Chen Linsheng.

Chen Linsheng was also shaken in his heart.

He had heard of the Mountain Suppressing Seal; it was created by the Ancestral Master of the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall. When driven by the Hunyuan Foundation, the palm print is like a mountain, suppressing all directions with infinite power, which perfectly matched his Hunyuan True Body! And the "Trial Secret Realm" of the Army Breaker Manor was a legendary treasure land for honing practical combat and seeking Breakthroughs!

This reward could not be described as anything less than heavy.

"Chen Linsheng," Martial Arts Hall Master said deeply, "can you do it?"

Chen Linsheng took a step forward, bowed, and spoke in a clear and firm voice: "This Disciple will surely go all out and not fail the Hall Master's high expectations!"

"Good!" Martial Arts Hall Master shouted, his voice shaking the roof tiles. "Everyone, from today onwards, double your hard work! At the Martial Examination, spread the fame of our martial arts hall!"

"Spread our fame! Spread our fame!" The Disciples shouted in unison, their voices like a rising tide, their Battle Intent soaring to the heavens.

After the mobilization ended, the Disciples dispersed, each one rubbing their palms and itching for a fight, their fighting spirit high.

By the time Chen Linsheng returned to Yuqian Lane, dusk had already fallen.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, he smelled a faint aroma of food. Su Wan was busy at the stove. Hearing the sound, she turned and smiled: "You're back. There was a mobilization at the hall today, so it must have been very lively."

Chen Linsheng walked to her side, watching the soup bubbling in the pot, warmth flowing through his heart: "The Hall Master promised a great reward. If I enter the top ten, I can practice a Spirit Rank Martial Skill."

Su Wan's hand serving the soup paused slightly, a gentle smile rippling in her eyes: "A Sheng will definitely be able to do it."

She placed the soup bowl on the table, then turned to take out a blue cloth bundle from the room and gently unfolded it.

Inside were neatly arranged: three sets of brand-new martial arts outfits, the fabric interwoven with Ice Silkworm Silk, breathable and tough; a leather examination basket with several compartments containing brush, ink, paper, inkstone, identity credentials, dry rations, and a water skin; a set of Golden Sore Ointment, Heart-Clearing Pills, and Qi-Supplementing Powder; and even a pair of thousand-layered sole short boots embedded with soft steel plates.

Every item was handled meticulously and arranged appropriately.

"The Martial Examination lasts for three days, and both food and lodging are at the examination grounds. These are what I've prepared over the past few days. See if anything is missing?" Su Wan said softly.

Chen Linsheng took her hand. Her fingertips felt slightly cool, but they made his heart feel incredibly steady: "Wan'er, thank you for your hard work."

Su Wan shook her head, her gaze soft yet firm: "I'm not tired. A Sheng, just focus on charging forward; there's no need to look back. I'm here at home."

She paused, and her Aura suddenly became long and soft. A very faint, jade-like warm luster vaguely appeared around her body. Her entire temperament became increasingly tranquil and transparent, like a deep pool, unruffled yet unfathomable.

"The fourth level of the Plain Heart Art, 'Bright Mirror, Still Water,' I have already touched its threshold." Su Wan smiled slightly. "A Breakthrough is imminent. When that time comes, I can also help you better."

A flash of pleasant surprise went through Chen Linsheng's eyes.

The Plain Heart Art was a superior Cultivation Technique for calming the mind and nourishing the Foundation. If Su Wan could break through to Major Achievement, not only would her own strength improve, but her tranquil and resilient state of mind would also be the best support for him.

As night fell, the lights in the small courtyard were warm and cozy.