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Chapter 122 Life and death in the world depend on one person

In recent days, the city has been under martial law and wanted posters are posted everywhere.

I heard that many high-level warriors from the sect died.

Tongxuan Sect and Luoxia Villa, two of the seven major sects in Liangzhou, each lost five or six true disciples and dozens of inner disciples overnight. Among them was a genius with the Xiong Gang Tyrant Body. Despite such a big commotion, there was not a single eyewitness.

But after their death, their heart blood was taken away, so naturally it was believed that it was the work of the Wushen Cult.

"It shouldn't be."

Chen Sanshi couldn't figure it out.

Being able to break into the heartland of two sects at the same time and kill so many people shows that the Wushen Sect is definitely not just one person, but a group of people. But this is Liangzhou, with the Eight Major Camps and Sun Xiangzong.

If there really are a large number of Witch God followers hiding, they must have a hiding place. How is it possible that we can't find them after searching for so long?

Even Xiang Tingchun was able to find clues from Jinzhong Temple.

It doesn't make sense.

Unless the Wushen Cult has some special means.

Chen Sanshi wasn't just thinking about it randomly.

When he takes office in the Eighth Battalion, he will most likely participate in the hunt for the Wushen Cult.

He also wanted to ask the senior Wushen followers about the whereabouts of the supporting equipment of the "immortal treasure", what the previous blood sacrifice was for, and what was the point of killing warriors?

The black air in the mountains...

Could it be related to the Wushen Cult?
"Shut up!"

With all sorts of random thoughts in his mind, Chen Sanshi came to the entrance of the inner city where the troops were stationed and dismounted from his horse.

Chihiro went out to play on her own.

It's just like a dog that roams outside and comes home on time for dinner, the difference is that it can be called back at any time and will not be left without a mount when needed.

Inside the military city, on the martial arts field.

Most of the selected generals have already arrived.

Including Cao Fan, Yin Hanwen and others.

However, Fang Qingyun announced that Yin Hanwen gave up the forward selection assessment and automatically forfeited.

“Brother Yin!”

Chen Sanshi patted Yin Hanwen on the shoulder and said, "Why did you give up the exam?"

"what--"

Yin Hanwen wailed with distorted features and almost fell to the ground.

"Master Chen, what are you doing?!"

Wen Qiushi was furious and rushed forward to support him.

"what?"

Chen Sanshi was surprised. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know Brother Yin was injured. No wonder he gave up participating in the selection. What happened? Could it be the Wushen cultists who did it?"

Yin Hanwen was sweating from the pain and gnashed his teeth as he said, "That's right. On the way back home from the restaurant a few days ago, I encountered a group of Wushen followers and was hit by a sword. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop them."

"So, Brother Yin is the only eyewitness!"

Chen Sanshi asked, "Can you see where they are hiding? The whole city is searching for the Wushen Cult now. If we can find them, it will definitely be a great achievement."

"Haha, that's not the case."

Yin Hanwen grinned and said, "They are very good at Qinggong. They disappeared in the blink of an eye. We were unable to catch up with them."

"I see. Brother Yin, take good care of your injuries."

Chen Sanshi clasped his fists, turned around and left.

It seems that the person he shot was Yin Hanwen.

There were multiple transparent holes on his shoulders, and even a piece of bone was missing. Even with precious medicine to heal the wounds, he would probably need to rest for a long time.

……

"Sir!"

Yin Hanwen's voice was distorted due to the pain: "Did you see that? He is so arrogant!"

"You came up with the idea, so just hold on if you're hurt!"

Cao Fan had a blank expression on his face: "But don't worry, Hanwen, I will avenge you. If he shoots you with an arrow, I will at least cut off one of his arms and cripple him."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yin Hanwen said bitterly: "This man is proficient in the internal organs training method, and I don't know where he got the guts to fight back. When the duel comes, the prince will be able to take him down within five rounds."

"Is there still a need for the prince? I can destroy him if I meet him."

Wen Qiushi said disdainfully: "No, it seems that we don't need to do it ourselves. He may not even pass the first round of formation."

"Too."

Yin Hanwen sneered and said, "They are just a bunch of defeated soldiers from the countryside. No matter how much they are trained, they are still defeated soldiers. No matter how sophisticated the formation is, they will be scattered as soon as they are charged and rotten as soon as they are killed!"

"I heard that the commander-in-chief also loves his soldiers like his own sons. Could it be that he used this move specifically to perform for the commander-in-chief?"

"This boy is indeed thoughtful. He knows that he comes from a humble background and has good talents but they are not outstanding. If he wants to have a good future, he must attract the attention of the higher-ups. First, he led the people across the river to gain the emperor's appreciation. Now he wants to prove that he is loyal to his old subordinates and curry favor with the commander-in-chief. He really has a good plan."

"You're overthinking it. It's true that the commander appreciates people with loyalty and righteousness, but he dragged a bunch of useless trash into the arena. Can't Commander Sun see that he is just putting on a show? It will only backfire."

"That's right. Ultimately, what is tested is the ability to lead troops."

"Call him a hypocrite, and let's wait and see how he makes a fool of himself."

"..."

Many of the prince's supporters talked at once.

Cao Fan himself said in a deep voice: "Not necessarily."

Wen Qiushi was suspicious: "What does the prince mean by this?"

"I sent someone to see how his soldiers were training."

Cao Fan said slowly, "Those soldiers who escaped from the small county town of Yunzhou, under the command of an old man, practiced the formation very solidly and fluently. Even though they came from a small place, they have experienced life-and-death battles along the way. They are not as inferior as you say. In my opinion, he should have no problem with this first test."

The capital had specifically sent him a letter, telling him that if he had the chance, he could make friends with Chen Sanshi and see if he could win him over.

He was a little surprised at first. Even if the Nine Dragon Bodies were not many, they were definitely not nothing. Why should he condescend to please a country bumpkin?

Until a few days ago, Cao Fan saw Chen Sanshi's archery skills on the mountain and saw that he had improved. Later, he went to watch his military training in person and found that he was indeed a good trainer. This showed that this man did have extraordinary qualities and even if he had some weaknesses in his cultivation, he could become a general worthy of being used in the future.

But it’s still just two words: pity.

The other party obviously has no intention of surrendering.

Let’s put Yan Changqing aside for now.

This kid...

He actually wanted to compete with him for the title of forward selection!
Cao Fan could see from the other party's eyes that he was determined to win. He was so domineering and was looking for death!
Sun Xiangzong has been domineering and powerful for so many years.

Now that he has finally waited until his energy is almost exhausted, how could he allow the magic technique that could break through to that of a Martial Saint to fall into the hands of anyone other than Cao? Just for this reason, the man named Chen deserves to die.

Fortunately, although this person has some abilities, his realm is too low. He is still not proficient in the internal organs refining technique. Even if he can break through to a small success recently, he will not be a match for those who have achieved perfect internal organs refining.

Of course, it would be better to stop him and cripple him before the competition. After all, if he takes action himself after receiving the imperial edict, he might make the emperor unhappy again.

Cao Fan has already made all the arrangements.

Even if Mr. Chen can pass the stage of setting up the formation, he will fail in the second stage of breaking through the formation.

"The prince really has the demeanor of a great general!"

Wen Qiushi quickly echoed, "This is called knowing yourself and knowing your enemy, and you will win every battle!"

"Yeah!"

"..."

A group of people started to flatter again.

"Brother Yin."

Tang Yingke came closer and asked, "Is your injury okay?"

"roll!"

Yin Hanwen sneered, "If you hadn't exposed yourself, how could I have been hit by this arrow? When the selection is over and we return to the capital, you will see what happens!"

"Brother Wen, yesterday I..."

"Brother Yao..."

No matter who Tang Yingke talked to, he was either laughed at or simply ignored.

……

Chen Sanshi saw this scene.

Just because he spoke up for him, he is being isolated. I'm afraid the next forward selection won't have an easy time either.

"Hey!"

Bai Tingzhi found Tang Yingke alone in a corner, ignored by everyone, and said, "That group of people bullied you like this, why do you still want to continue to stick up for them? Why don't you come with me and follow General Chen? You will definitely be able to make a career in the future."

"Tingzhi, don't instigate others here."

Chen Sanshi clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your help before." "Master Chen, you are too polite. I can't help much."

Tang Yingke sighed, "You don't have to worry about me, sir. I came here just for the sake of training, not for the championship. If I really meet the prince and his men in the competition, I will give up and admit defeat. But you have to pay attention, sir. I saw someone this morning talking to the person in charge of the second round... Well, in short, sir, be careful!"

He said, standing up and saying goodbye.

"The second level, breaking through the formation?"

Before Chen Sanshi could guess, horns were blown and drums were beaten in the martial arts arena, announcing the official start of the selection assessment.

"Commendations!"

Fang Qingyun sat on the high platform and spoke slowly, his clear voice resounding throughout the martial arts arena: "The selection of the vanguard begins, the first big question is to set up the formation!

"Next, someone will read out your names in order.

"Generals whose names are called, please lead your men to another closed martial arts training ground five miles away, where a formal assessment will be conducted. The standard is to see whose formation can best withstand actual combat.

"Supervisor Sun, Governor Liu, and Military Supervisor Hou will serve as the chief examiners to personally judge the test results and divide them into grades A, B, C, and D. After all the tests are completed, the rankings will be determined based on the comprehensive results to determine the winner of this selection.

"besides……"

The scholar in blue shirt smiled and continued humorously, "Many adults from Youzhou, Liangzhou, and Yanzhou will come to watch the selection. Many of them are ready to marry rich men, so you guys should perform well and don't miss the chance to become a rich son-in-law!"

"..."

After hearing this, the atmosphere in the martial arts arena became much more relaxed.

Among them were several talented generals who came from humble backgrounds or ordinary families. They all felt nervous and were obviously ready to seize this opportunity to turn things around.

What's the use of just fighting?

If you want to make a living in this industry, what matters is power and background.

This is especially true for officials in the court.

"Okay, let's get started."

After Fang Qingyun presided over the opening ceremony, he was pushed away by a soldier.

Li Qianzong was left holding the booklet and shouted, "Cui Yongping!"

"To!"

"set off!"

The young general led five hundred men and marched straight to the north. The marching troops were neat and orderly.

Five miles away, there is a closed martial arts training ground, surrounded by walls three meters high. Therefore, people outside cannot see what is happening inside, and naturally have no way of knowing the specific method of testing the formation.

Even after the assessment, they did not return along the same route, but left from the other end. The confidentiality measures were done very well, and no one would know the inside story before the final result was announced.

……

Close the training ground.

There are many pavilions built on the city wall which is several meters high. The small pavilions on both sides are covered with curtains. Sitting inside are the officials and their families who come to watch the fun. In the center of the large pavilion in the middle sit the three examiners of this selection.

Sun Xiangzong, Governor Liu, and Eunuch Hou.

Behind them were the governors, generals and other officials of various states. The lowest rank was the prefect. It could be said that all those present were high-ranking officials, and they could also be considered invigilators.

Since it is an alternative military examination, it is naturally impossible for Sun Xiangzong to have the final say alone. Many people are needed to witness it in order to ensure relative fairness and let the generals participating in the selection know that they are soldiers of the court, not soldiers of the Sun family.

This rule has only been in place in the last ten years.

Ten years ago, Sun Xiangzong was the only one who had the final say.

"Commander-in-Chief Sun."

Governor Liu put down the teacup in his hand and said with a smile: "There are many young talents this time. Many of them only need a little training and will definitely become great generals in the future."

"Yes."

Sun Xiangzong, who was wearing a coarse linen shirt, half-closed his eyes and leaned on the armchair: "This is also the last time I will accept a disciple. I hope you can give me some surprises."

"Governor Liu."

Eunuch Hou made a shrill voice, and raised his finger holding the teapot: "Who do you think will win this time?"

"Of course it's His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Governor Liu believed firmly: "The Crown Prince has the heart of a dragon and the bones of a tiger. He has mastered the Green Dragon Crescent Blade bestowed by His Majesty. He has now reached the great perfection of refining internal organs and is only one step away from transforming energy. He must be the champion this time! If Superintendent Sun can accept the Crown Prince as his last disciple, he may become a Dragon Master in the future!"

"Lord Liu is too arbitrary."

Eunuch Hou expressed a different opinion and slowly said a few names: "I think Yan Changqing, the grandson of Elder Yan, is good. Just yesterday, he also successfully broke through to the great perfection of refining internal organs.

"In terms of his bones, he has the Qilin body that will surely make him a Martial Saint. In the capital, many people call him Qilin Son.

“In addition, there is Lu Shuhua, the young master of the Liangzhou Tongtian Sword Sect. He is born with a sword heart and will definitely become a great swordsman in the future.

“In addition, Wen Qiushi from Pi Yue Villa, Wen Shaoyang, the young master of Luo Yun Men in the capital, Fei Yuliang from Youzhou, and Jie Sishu from Yanzhou are all very favorable competitors.

"Sir Liu, didn't you see so many outstanding people?"

"Haha~"

Governor Liu smiled and said: "Although there are many outstanding people, there are only two or three who are destined to become martial saints. Eunuch Hou, don't forget that the last level of bone touching will also be included in the overall assessment score, and it carries a lot of weight.

"An A grade in bone-touching is equal to two A grades in the other tests.

"After all, the top generals will receive the best training treatment from the imperial court. There is no telling how many precious medicinal materials will be consumed just for the precious medicines. Naturally, we have to choose the generals with the highest upper limit."

Some physiques will show an astonishing cultivation speed in the early stages, but after reaching the Tongmai and Xuanxiang realms, the speed will drop sharply, or even get stuck, and will never be able to break through.

For example, Fei Yuliang from Youzhou has the Tiangang physique, which will allow him to enter the Xuanxiang realm more quickly than his peers, but he will never be able to reach the Martial Saint realm in his lifetime, let alone any higher realm.

It would be no problem to train this kind of person as a future leader.

But if he really wins, it’s not worth all the training.

Therefore, the weight of bone touching is very high.

Of course, the body of a Martial Saint is not available every year.

In previous years, having the Tiangang land was definitely considered a first-class physique.

Who knows that this year is the last time to select forwards, and Sun Xiangzong’s last closed disciple, and those attracted are all true geniuses from all over the world, so the level of the selection has been raised by more than twice?
I'm afraid that even a real martial arts examination would not be as difficult as this selection.

"Even so~"

Eunuch Hou insisted: "Yan Changqing, Lu Shuhua, and Jie Sishu can all become martial saints."

"Gone?"

Sun Xiangzong's old and powerful voice sounded: "Are these the ones you are optimistic about?"

"Who else do you think it could be, Commander Sun?"

Governor Liu stroked his beard and said, "These are the only ones who have achieved the Great Perfection of Refining the Internal Organs. The others are not bad either, but I'm afraid they are far from being the champion."

"..."

Sun Xiangzong tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair and said indifferently, "In my opinion, this rule needs to be changed. The body of a Martial Saint is useless. I have three disciples who are all so-called 'Innate Martial Saint bodies', but in the end, only one of them became a Martial Saint. The other two may be stuck in the Mysterious Realm for many years. In addition to the physique, one also needs to rely on comprehension."

"Master Sun is right."

"Master Commander is still as picky as ever."

"It's just that this rule can't be changed just by saying so."

"..."

Fang Qingyun, who had just climbed onto the city wall, asked, "Buqi, if I remember correctly, Junior Brother Chen should have the body of a nine-dragon, right?"

"Yes, my sister saw him practice the Nine Dragons Active Tendons with her own eyes. How could it be fake?"

Sun Buqi slapped his forehead in annoyance and sighed, "Sanshi will suffer a great loss. As long as the Nine Dragon Body has resources, the lower limit is the Xuanxiang realm, that is, a general, but the upper limit is also Xuanxiang...

"With the Nine Dragon Body, it would be no problem to get an A grade in the bone-touching test in previous years. But this year, there are so many people with the Innate Martial Saint Body, and they all came to participate in the selection. The Nine Dragon Body seems to be less valuable. I'm afraid I'll have to get a B grade like Wen Qiushi and the others. Isn't that a big hindrance? Fourth Brother, can you help me think of a solution?"

"It's a troublesome matter."

Fang Qingyun ordered his men behind him, "Go and bring all the books on 'Martial Arts' from my room here."

"Eh?"

Sun Buqi didn't seem to expect his senior brother to react like this: "Fourth Senior Brother, it seems that you also want to win the championship with three stones."

"It's not me who wants him to win."

Fang Qingyun looked at the old man in coarse linen clothes in the front and said, "It's him."

"My father?"

Sun Buqi was even more surprised.

He didn't expect that his father liked Sanshi to this extent.

"Ah~"

Fang Qingyun let out a long sigh: "Unfortunately, the rules are the rules. Governor Liu and Eunuch Hou are both here, and the officials from the three states are watching. It is not easy for Master to favor anyone.

"Let me check first. As long as there is an example of a Nine Dragon Body breaking through to the Martial Saint level in the past thousand years, it can barely be considered as a Grade A root bone."

Only he knows.

Whether Junior Brother Chen can win the championship this time is not just about becoming the last closed disciple, but it is related to an important layout that can affect the eight major camps and even the entire world.

In this game of chess, eight are dead, one is disabled, and one is alive.

Life, death or disability all depends on how far this junior fellow from Poyang County can go in the end.

(End of this chapter)