Starting from the Greyhound, seventy-two changes.

On March 15th, the Spring Military Examination began.

During the Daji Dynasty, it was clearly stated in the laws that all military examinations were to be organized and managed by the Martial Temple, with court officials and local military and civilians only serving as auxiliary.

Therefore, today in the Martial Temple, Qin Yu took the main seat, and even Tan Chongrui only sat on his right. On the other side sat Shangguan Yun and Baojiao County Magistrate and County Lieutenant.

Originally, the captain Ye Chong was going to come as well, but he had already led his troops into the deep mountains of Baojiao County to suppress bandits and demons for more than half a month and was unable to spare time, so he was absent this time.

As the main temple for worshipping the Daji Dynasty, the Temple of Martial Arts is dedicated to the Martial Ancestor, along with ten great sages and seventy-two generals from ancient and modern times.

Except for the main priest position of Martial Ancestor and the first four of the Ten Great Saints, which remained unchanged in all dynasties, the other six saints and seventy-two generals have undergone different changes.

For example, in the Ji Dynasty, the Ji State Martial Temple moved the sculpture of Ye Qingniu, a famous general in the middle period of the Hong Dynasty and one of the 72 generals worshipped by the Hong Dynasty, out of the Martial Temple, and instead moved the statue of "Guanjun Hou", a founding general of the Ji Dynasty, into the Martial Temple.

All the statues in the Temple of Martial Arts are made of pure copper.

The temple is divided into three parts. The first part is the worship hall, the second part is the Wuzu Hall, where ten great saints are enshrined, and the third part is the Dacheng Hall, where seventy-two generals are enshrined.

Qin Yuxian, Tan Chongrui, Shangguan Yun, Qi Wanshan, and Ma Tianlin, the five people representing the central court, the Martial Temple, and local officials, sat in the square in front of the third Dacheng Hall, quietly waiting for the last twenty people to arrive here.

"Master, you are a role model for the martial artists of Qiulong Prefecture. With you in charge of the martial arts examination, the scale of the provincial examination for martial artists in Baojiao County has almost reached the scale of the prefectural examination." County Lieutenant Ma sat in the second seat on the right and said with emotion: "It's hard to imagine how many people in Baojiao County can finally get the honors among the martial artists this time?"

A provincial examination attracted all the geniuses in the prefecture. The provincial examination became a "prefectural examination". The difficulty of the examination for the martial arts students in Baojiao County increased by more than a hundred times.

………………

Outside the Martial Temple, today, there were huge crowds of people, people from the city who were watching the fun, especially many big families, big clans, big landlords, young and old were all here.

There are also many outsiders coming from other places, all of whom bring their elderly relatives to guard the house and other places for protection.

When Chen Ku arrived here, he found that his master Yang Luchan, his senior brother Yang Shaoqi, his master Shang Yunfang, even Kou Ming, his sister-in-law and Hu Zi were all here.

"Junior brother, you are finally here. Many people have already signed up. We wanted to sign up for you, but the rules do not allow it." Kou Ming said.

He was looking forward to Chen Ku passing the examination to become a martial artist. Although after the new policy reform, those who passed the examination might not have any special rights to tax reductions or exemptions, the fame brought by a martial artist could not be bought with any amount of money.

"Second uncle, you must pass the exam!" Hu Zi hugged Chen Ku's thigh.

Although my sister-in-law and mother didn't say anything, as honest country people, they never thought that they would witness such a thing one day.

Passing the exam to become a martial artist is completely different from becoming a shopkeeper.

When people evaluate whether a person has a promising future, making money is certainly important, but the genes engraved in their bones still make them feel that "being rich is not as good as being noble."

No matter how rich he is, he is just a rich man who is full of the smell of money.

But having fame and honor truly means becoming a 'noble person'.

"Don't worry, I will live up to your expectations."

Chen Ku responded to everyone and looked towards the registration direction in front of the Martial Temple. To be honest, he did not feel any pressure about passing the exam to become a martial artist, and he felt that it would be a piece of cake.

What actually worries him is the test in the 'Martial Temple' after he passes the exam to become a martial artist.

At the same time, he was also a little anxious about the weapons that Erlang had refined.

Erlang said that he would succeed in seven days. Now I don’t know whether he has succeeded or is on the way back, or is he still practicing?

"Then I'll go."

Chen Ku said goodbye to everyone and squeezed towards the registration office. With his body and strength, he reached the registration location effortlessly.

I saw a man standing right in front of the Martial Temple. He was Feng Buping, the twelfth of the Twelve Guardians.

Seeing that many people had gathered here, he smiled and said:
"On March 15th, the martial arts exam will begin. Everyone knows this, so I don't need to say more. But there is one thing. Although the registration method for this year's martial arts exam is the same, the difficulty of the exam will be greatly increased..."

When he spoke, his voice was not very loud, but it just suppressed all the noise, and the clear voice echoed in everyone's ears, clearly audible.

"Fifth realm strength!"

Di Jianqing and Fu Huangfei looked at each other in the crowd, both of them were shocked:

"I've heard that each of the twelve great guardians under Grandmaster Qin Yuxian is a leader. I didn't expect that even this twelfth-ranked one, at the age of less than twenty-three or twenty-four, has reached the fifth realm of cultivation."

Amid the whispers of the people below.

Feng Buping said slowly:
"The registration requirements for this martial arts exam are the same as usual, limited to being under 20 years old and having internal energy. Anyone who meets this requirement can register. After registration, the content of the exam will be different from the three items of skills, strength, and combat.

First, let me talk about the first skill. Do you see the stone tablet behind me?"

Including Chen Ku, everyone looked at the stone tablet behind Feng Buping. It was about three meters high and made entirely of lapis lazuli. No one knew what material it was made of. There were many armored soldiers guarding it around it.

Feng Buping said, "This stone tablet is a piece of 'Xuanjin Stone' that my master Qin Yuxian took out from the inner storehouse of my Qiulong Martial Arts Association. It is much harder than ordinary gold and iron. This year's first test is about 'skills'. After registration, no matter what skills and weapons you use, you need to leave your name on this stone tablet. Only those who leave their names can start the second test."

After saying that, Feng Buping turned around and made way.

"Okay, registration can begin now."

But after Feng Buping finished speaking, Chen Ku heard a wailing sound:

"Didn't the martial arts test in previous years test the proficiency of martial arts, stone lock training, and archery? Why did it become like this this year? It's already difficult to leave a mark on this black gold stone, let alone engrave words on it."

"From what you said, was it possible for a master to preside over the provincial examination in previous years?"

"You are also from another place. We have so many people from all over Qiulong Prefecture come to Baojiao County to compete with the students of Baojiao County for places. It is already unfair to them. So what if the Grandmaster increases the difficulty of the martial arts test?"

As everyone was talking, young people who met the age and skills requirements began to sign up one after another.

The hurdle of being under 20 years old is enough to eliminate 90% of the people present today.

Following the young men, after their bone age was measured and their internal energy was tested, they began to use their methods on the lapis lazuli tablet.

Chen Ku was not in a hurry, but planned to wait and see what methods others had.

"This is simply impossible! The Huanggang sword in my hand is only one step away from becoming a famous soldier. How could it be impossible for it to leave any mark on the lapis lazuli?"

"Even famous soldiers can't leave traces, so who else can leave traces?"

But at this time.

“I left my handwriting!”

One person said excitedly:

"So this stone tablet is a test of the warrior's experience in the circulation of energy. Just being sharp is useless. It is hard no matter how hard you are. Only when you have mastered a superior martial art to at least the 'great success' stage can you skillfully attach energy to external objects. This is a test of 'martial arts skills'. The higher the level of martial arts skills, the easier it is to engrave words."

The others suddenly understood after hearing this.

Chen Ku was also thoughtful.

At this time, Chen Ku saw Di Jianqing walking up and said:
"Get out of the way, I'll do it."

Many people knew this young genius from the Qiulong Di Mansion, who was only sixteen years old, had reached the third realm of cultivation, and possessed a Kanglong mace of the highest level. Di Jianqing took off the Kanglong mace from his back, held it in one hand, and used it as a pen, writing like a silver hook and iron painting, and quickly left his name on the stone tablet.

Di Jianqing!
The three large characters are extremely eye-catching with the depth and strength they leave on the stele.

Chen Ku's eyes moved slightly when he saw this: "This kid's martial arts skills have improved again!"

A month ago, when he fought with his opponent, he felt the opponent's cultivation level. Not only did he have supernatural powers, but he also possessed terrifying martial arts aptitude. As a result, a month later, after the opponent fought with him, his martial arts level did not decline but improved.

It must be said that he is indeed a genius.

With Di Jianqing's example, the geniuses and prodigies from Qiulong Mansion tried enthusiastically one after another. After registering, some failed and left sadly, while others proudly stepped into the Martial Temple and walked into the first hall to take the second test.

Chen Ku looked at it for a long time and was about to step forward.

Suddenly, a figure walked past him slowly, exuding a chilling aura that made everyone around him step back.

"Unparalleled!"

"Dugu Wuer is here!"

Chen Ku made way and immediately looked at the young man with a sword case on his back. He had long hair draped over his shoulders and exuded a stiff aura, as if he was a human-shaped sword.

But just when Chen Ku was about to see what means this young sword demon, who was said to be very famous, would use to leave his name on the stone tablet.

Suddenly, the sword box behind the young sword demon trembled, and three swords flew out, trembling beside him, with the tips of the swords pointing to three positions respectively.

One of the positions was Chen Ku's.

At this moment, everyone was shocked.

This unique sword box has never taken out the sword on its own initiative since it came to Baojiao County, no matter what kind of enemy it is facing. What is the situation now?
Even Feng Buping in front of the stone tablet frowned and shouted at the young man carrying the sword case:
"Dugu Wuer, this is the martial arts exam registration site, what are you doing?"

Chen Ku was pointed at by one of the swords and frowned. He subconsciously paid attention and looked at the black-haired young man with his back to him.

However, the black-haired young man carrying the sword box first looked at the three swords that flew out of his box, and seemed to be slightly surprised for a moment, then he spoke calmly to Feng Buping, saying:
"I didn't do anything. It was just that the three swords in my box were here, and I suddenly sensed the auras of three young strong men who threatened me, so I unsheathed myself in response."

Dugu Wuer finished speaking.

Everyone was surprised.

A strong young man who can make Dugu Wuer, whose strength far exceeds that of his peers, feel threatened?
Three more?

Everyone looked at the places where the three swords were pointing and subconsciously moved away, knowing that they were definitely not pointing at them.

Soon, a laugh came from the crowd, and then a yellow-haired young man with two sledgehammers on his shoulders, a pointed mouth, sunken cheeks, broad shoulders, and a hunchback-like appearance, slowly walked towards Dugu Wuer.

"The number one on the Qionglong Prodigy Ranking!"

"Pei Qingzhi!"

At the same time, as the crowd dispersed in the direction where the second sword was pointing, a woman wearing nine-colored clothes and with a five-colored divine bird standing on her shoulder slowly walked over.

"That's... the little princess of Hanshouhou Mansion!"

"Oh my god, the princess of Hanshouhou Mansion is also here to take the martial arts exam."

But at this moment, more people were looking at the direction where the third sword was pointing.

Even Dugu Wuer, Pei Qingzhi, and Guan Hongluan looked curiously towards the direction of the third sword.

It can be said that whether it is Dugu Wuer, Pei Qingzhi, or Guan Hongluan, their strength was recognized by Dugu Wuer's magic sword in the box. They all knew in their hearts that the only people who could be their enemy in this martial arts exam were probably the other two.

But I didn't expect...

They were not very familiar with the person the third sword was pointing at.

"Who is that?"

The geniuses who came from Qiulong Mansion were not familiar with Chen Ku.

Until a warrior from Baojiao County shouted out Chen Ku's name:

"That's Chen Ku from our Baojiao County!"

Chen Ku frowned slightly.

He originally wanted to see how others left their names behind, but didn't want to expose himself. After all, in a martial arts exam, exposing oneself in advance and letting others know about oneself is not a good thing, and will lead to being targeted.

Unexpectedly, the plan was disrupted by Dugu Wuer's sword?
What sword is that?

Not only can it float in the air like a flying sword.

Can I actually sense his breath?

Subconsciously, Chen Ku was thinking, how should he deal with such a flying sword?

At this moment, Guan Hongluan also looked at Chen Ku curiously.

Dugu Wuerjian actually regarded this warrior who was born and raised in Baojiao County as a threat comparable to her and Pei Qingzhi?
It is easy to understand why Pei Qingzhi, as the most capable fighter among the younger generation of Qiulong Mansion, was regarded as an enemy by Dugu Wuer.

She possesses the unparalleled martial art inherited from her family, the Divine Sword of the Subduing Dragon, and has reached the pinnacle of the fourth realm.

It is normal for Dugu Wuer's sword to sense the threat.

Although she had also heard of Chen Ku from Baojiao County, who was said to be able to kill a fourth-level realm warrior with a third-level realm warrior, but with this... she was not qualified in any way.

Unless, this Chen Ku possesses something that she doesn't know.

Chen Ku subconsciously avoided looking at Guan Hongluan, and mainly avoided looking at his own incarnation, the Five-Colored Peacock. He just said softly to the Dugu Wuer sword pointing at him:

"I don't think anyone likes to be pointed at by a sword. Your Excellency, why don't you put away your sword?"

Hearing this, Dugu Wuer examined Chen Ku. Although he could not see from his appearance what was wrong with Chen Ku that his magic sword would be afraid of, he always believed in his sword, so he knocked on the sword box, took back the three magic swords, and then said:
"Since my sword has recognized the three of you as masters, then please leave your names together. Let me see what skills the three of you have that my sword will be afraid of."

As he said this, he took the lead and walked towards the stone tablet.

"Hey, okay, let's see whose handwriting is bigger!" Pei Qingzhi smiled and followed closely.

Guan Hongluan glanced at Chen Ku and said with a smile, "Chen Ku, since Brother Dugu has said so, why don't the four of us show off our skills in front of this stone tablet? This is a good opportunity for me to see what exactly is so frightening about Brother Chen that Dugu Jianxie is afraid of."

After saying that, he followed closely and walked towards the stone tablet.

At this moment, everyone focused on the actions of four people:
"Why do I feel like we're going to enter the competition for the top three directly before the martial arts test even begins?"

There is no doubt that Dugu Wuer, Pei Qingzhi and Princess Guan Hongluan are the three characters that dominate the class. With their presence, they almost occupy the top three spots.

As a result, the three martial arts tests have not yet begun, but the competition will start at the registration place.

Does this mean a decisive battle at first sight? (End of this chapter)