Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 247 Let’s start the competition!
As dusk settled, Jinyang City was shrouded in a gray-blue shadow.

The snowflakes continued to drift slowly, covering the rooftops and streets with a thin layer of silvery white.

The streets, which were bustling during the day, were much quieter, and pedestrians hurried along with their necks hunched over.

In the temporary shack area outside the city.

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao sat around a small brazier near the doorway.

Pei Yuanshao rubbed his hands, which were red from the cold, and approached the brazier. He kept breathing out white breaths and paced back and forth anxiously in the small space.

"Damn it! This awful weather is freezing me to death!" Pei Yuanshao cursed under his breath, kicking a tattered sack next to him with a dull thud.

"We've been holed up here for almost three months! Every day we're hiding like mice, watching people's faces, doing manual labor like carrying and unloading goods! Brother Zhou, we're here to compete, make a name for ourselves, and fight for our future! Not to be cowards!"

He became increasingly angry as he spoke, and his voice involuntarily rose a few decibels.

"Silence!"

Zhou Cang suddenly looked up, his eyes sharp as knives, and shouted in a low voice.

He remained silent, sitting on a low stool. On the ground in front of him were several sheets of rough, yellow hemp paper covered with writing, and next to him was half a hard, dry wheat cake.

On the paper were his meticulously copied copies of Bingzhou's "Public Security Law" and "Criminal Law," drawn stroke by stroke with charcoal sticks.

He pointed to a line of words, his voice low and solemn: "Can our identities withstand scrutiny? Do you want to go to the Bingzhou prison, or do you want to be dragged out and beheaded as a remnant of the Yellow Turbans?"

His voice was a little tense because there was something he hadn't told Pei Yuanshao: one day he had seen Zhang Bailu and some familiar Yellow Turban leaders in the patrol guards of Jinyang.

He wanted to go and strike up a conversation, but when he saw the other man's neat and exquisite military armor, he stopped in his tracks for some reason.

Perhaps it was due to inferiority complex, or perhaps for some other reason. The Yellow Turban brothers had become successful, and now these refugees were trying to strike up a conversation with them, which might cause trouble for others.
After all, he was a fugitive remnant of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. With this in mind, Zhou Cang glanced at the familiar tribal leaders a few more times and then silently left.

Pei Yuanshao was speechless at Zhou Cang's gaze and words, his momentum immediately faltering. Frustrated, he scratched his messy hair and plopped down on the cold, muddy ground: "But...but this is too frustrating! I have so much energy but nowhere to use it! Looking at those arrogant guys in the city, I really want to..."

"Do you really want to go back to the old days, living hand to mouth, being chased all over the mountains by government soldiers? Zhang Hou's notice clearly states, 'No regard for background, no investigation of the past, only talent matters!' This is our only chance to be upright brothers! Endure! Endure it for me! Save your strength, when it comes to the arena, you'll have plenty of time to use it!"

He picked up the half-eaten hard bread, took a big bite, and chewed it hard, as if he were chewing on the anxiety in his heart.

Time flies like an arrow, and time flies like an arrow.

Winter passed and spring arrived in the blink of an eye.

The solid ice of winter finally showed signs of weakening under the warm sun and moist southeast wind at the end of March.

The thick snow that had covered Jinyang City for nearly five months began to melt, and the dripping snow water flowed down the eaves and roof tiles, forming small streams on the bluestone slabs.

Although the sunlight was not yet very intense, it already carried a gentle warmth, shining on people and dispelling the chill that had accumulated in their bones all winter.

The air was moist and fresh, mixed with the earthy smell of thawing soil and the faint fragrance of sprouting grass and trees.

However, what shook Jinyang even earlier than the springtime in nature was the overwhelming fighting spirit that had been building up for an entire winter and was about to burst forth from the city! Three thousand heroes and tens of thousands of onlookers, the entire city was just waiting for that one command to unleash its power and soar into the sky!
On the banks of the Fen River, the venue for the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament, which already showed its massive outline in winter, has now completely unveiled its mysterious veil.

Nine sturdy arenas, each over ten feet high and made of poured concrete and covered with sheet metal, gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the early spring sunlight.

The largest main arena is located in the center, and its base is half a zhang higher than the other arenas. The platform is extremely wide, enough for more than a dozen people to fight one-on-one! The arenas are connected by wide and solid passageways, leaving a large open space as a viewing area.

The most eye-catching feature is the water battle platform that lies across the middle of the Fen River! Three specially made giant fighting ships are firmly connected by iron chains as thick as a child's arm and thick hardwood, forming a huge square platform floating on the water.

The river water rushed past the side of the boat, and the waves crashed against it. The entire water arena was not stationary but rose and fell with the waves, adding to the thrill and grandeur.

Outside the venue, a huge area was enclosed by wooden fences, with tiered viewing platforms extending upwards like steps, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Flags fluttered in the vendor area, and stalls selling all kinds of snacks, drinks, and novelties lined up one after another.

At the very front was a special viewing platform reserved for representatives from various prefectures, imperial envoys, and high-ranking officials of Bingzhou, decorated with black banners representing the majesty of the Han Dynasty and a large banner with the character "Zhang" (meaning "Zhang"), a black tiger with a single horn, symbolizing the power of Bingzhou.

The entire venue was bustling and vibrant, exuding a powerful and unrestrained atmosphere, reminiscent of the fierce battles of war.

Martial artists from all over the country could no longer contain themselves and flocked to the perimeter of the venue in groups, pointing and gesturing at the majestic arena, rubbing their hands together, their eyes burning with fervent desire.

The sounds of discussion, cheers, and the clanging of weapons being drawn rose and fell, merging into a tremendous wave of sound that reverberated over the Fen River.

"It's finally starting! I've been waiting so long my bones are practically rusting!"

"Look at that water fight! Goodness, they're fighting in the middle of the river! If they fall in, they'll be turtle food! Haha, that's exciting!"

"The champion's full-body armor made of refined steel... and the Ferghana horse! We have to fight for it even if it costs us our lives!"

Just as everyone was eagerly anticipating and the atmosphere was electric, the Jin Yang leadership released a message: former General and Marquis of Jinxiang, Zhang Xian, would personally attend the Fenhe venue at noon to raise the flag and open the arena for the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament!
The entire city of Jinyang was in an uproar! Crowds poured out of the city gates and streets from all directions like a flood bursting its banks, all heading towards the Fenhe River meeting place! The official roads were jammed with carriages and horses, and the country lanes were also teeming with people.

Ordinary people with children, elderly people with white hair, and even some reclusive scholars and literati were all attracted by this unprecedented event and joined the surging crowd.

The deafening roar soared into the sky, seemingly shaking even the clouds above.

Noon is approaching.

Under a clear, cloudless sky, the bright spring sun shone down on the vast venue on the banks of the Fen River.

Nine iron-clad arenas, a water battle platform that blocks the rapids, layers upon layers of spectator stands, and tens of thousands of dark, surging crowds of people, creating a deafening roar.

The judicial officers, yamen runners, county soldiers, and a thousand Anbei soldiers maintained order at the scene to prevent any potential conflicts or stampedes.

There were also two thousand guerrilla soldiers and two thousand Anbei soldiers lined up to guard the outer perimeter.

Just as the clamor seemed to be reaching its peak, everyone's gaze turned to the tallest viewing platform in front of the main arena, decorated with black banners and a large banner with the character "Zhang".

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Three deep, resonant drumbeats, seemingly capable of shaking the very soul of the earth, exploded like thunder! The drumbeats were evenly spaced, carrying an ancient and solemn rhythm that instantly silenced all the noise.

The lingering sound of the drums echoed between heaven and earth, and everyone's heart seemed to tremble along with it.

Immediately following, a clear and stirring bugle call, powerful enough to pierce the clouds and split rocks, rang out in succession! The long, mournful bugle call, carrying the aura of battle and warfare, was like an invisible command, completely uniting the minds of tens of thousands of people inside and outside the venue!
Amidst the breathless anticipation of the crowd, a figure, surrounded by Xun Yu, Zhao Yun, Gao Shun, Han Ji, and other civil and military officials, ascended to the front of the highest viewing platform.

It was Zhang Xian!

He did not wear the elaborate marquis's robes, but rather a black outfit with dark gold cloud and thunder patterns on the sleeves, over which he wore a black cloak without any decoration.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, standing atop the high platform, naturally becoming the center of the entire world. Sunlight fell on his young face, his eyes calm, yet like a deep pool, surveying the myriad faces of the tens of thousands of people before him.

Zhang Xian's gaze slowly swept over the dark mass of people below, over the nine silent arenas, over the shimmering waters of the Fen River, and finally landed on the distant horizon.

He didn't speak immediately, but his invisible aura silenced the tens of thousands of people in the hall.

After a brief silence, Zhang Xian spoke.

His voice, deep and resonant, traveled throughout the venue via a simple amplification device made of copper and iron.

"Gentlemen!"

Those two words struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

"Since the end of last autumn, when the call for heroes was issued, heroes from all over the land have been mobilized, traversing mountains and rivers to gather in Jinyang! This scene truly moves me to the core!"

He clasped his hands in a respectful salute to the crowd in all directions.

"In the land north of Bing, the dust of the barbarians has obscured the sun for a hundred years! Beneath the Yin Mountains lie bones weeping blood! By the vast sea lie wandering souls yearning for home! This is the pain that tears flesh from the hearts of every Han man!"

Zhang Xian's voice suddenly rose, carrying the sound of metal and stone, passionate and uplifting.

"Thanks to the soldiers' valiant sacrifice and Heaven's mercy! Last year and this spring, in Wuyuan, Yunzhong, Shuofang, Shangjun, and across a thousand miles of territory, the banners of the Han dynasty were finally restored!"

He suddenly swung his arm, pointing it towards the Yinshan Mountains in the north.

"Indeed! Though our territory has been restored, the surrounding barbarians are not yet at peace! We are surrounded by wolves and jackals, with the eyes of eagles and the gaze of wolves! To protect our vast land and our millions of people is not the work of one person or the strength of one place! We must gather the spirit of heroes from all over the land and build an impregnable fortress!"

His gaze sharpened like lightning as he scanned the fierce-looking martial artists below the stage.

"Therefore! This 'Number One Martial Arts Tournament Under Heaven' is hereby established in Jinyang! Regardless of social status or past grudges, all those skilled in archery and horsemanship, possessing exceptional strength and strategic acumen may step onto the stage!"

Zhang Xian suddenly pointed his hand towards the majestic main arena and the water battle platform behind him.

"The land arena has nine platforms, forged from iron! The water arena spans the Fen River, where warships race against each other! Skills are tested in broad daylight! Contests are held under the watchful eyes of the masses! Victory is proven by skill! Defeat is no less a hero!"

Finally, his voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"The champion shall be bestowed with a full suit of armor made of refined steel, a divine weapon forged from a thousand irons, a prized Ferghana horse, and the rank of military captain in Bingzhou!"

"The second-place winner will be bestowed with fine steel scale armor, a hundred-times-forged precious sword, a fine horse from Hexi, and promoted to the rank of Army Commander!"

"Those who attend again will be granted fine iron chainmail, a fine steed, and the rank of commander of a hundred men!"

"Those who make it into the top 100 will all be rewarded with money and silk! Their names will be recorded in the military roster of Bingzhou!"

He took a deep breath.

"This is—!"

There was a brief pause.

The World's Greatest Martial Arts Tournament

"The match is now open!"

"Roar--!!!"

"Number one in the world!!!"

"Start the match! Start the match! Start the match!"

The fighting spirit, desire, ambition, and glory that had been pent up for an entire winter were ignited and detonated by Zhang Xian's words at this moment!
Like a suppressed volcano finally finding an outlet! The roars and howls of tens of thousands of people converged into a terrifying sound wave powerful enough to tear the sky apart and shake the earth!
The sound waves surged like a tide, sweeping across the heavens and earth.

Dian Wei gripped the twin halberds on his back tightly, his eyes burning with the most intense flames of battle.

Xu Chu was so excited that his face turned red, and he waved his fists and let out a howl.

Gan Ning's lips curled into a smug, arrogant smile.

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao clenched their fists in the crowd, breathing heavily.

After the commotion subsided, Xun Yu stepped forward, unfurled a scroll of yellow silk, and read out the rules of the conference.

"A total of 3,527 martial artists are registered and possess talismans! Starting immediately, present your talisman at the 'Lottery Box Office' to randomly draw your opponent's number!"

"This is the preliminary test! Players will fight in pairs across nine arenas! The winners advance! The losers are eliminated! The life-or-death agreement has been signed. Victory, defeat, injury, and disability on the arena are all left to fate! Within ten days, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four winners will be determined!" (One player receives a bye if the number is odd.)
"After the preliminary test comes the intermediate test!"

"Ten arenas will be set up for the intermediate test! Nine will be on land and one on water! All those who advance may step onto the stage! The one who successfully captures the arena flag and defends the arena for one hour will become the arena master and directly advance to the final test!"

"Those who fail to challenge the champion can participate in the subsequent rematch! The rematch will begin the next day, and all those who failed to challenge the champion will compete against each other again to determine the final ninety winners!"

"In the end, the ten reigning champions and the ninety semi-finalists, totaling one hundred people, will compete for the title of the greatest champion in the world!"

After the rules were read aloud, each word was firm and resounding! The entire venue erupted in another huge discussion.

The brutal elimination process by random selection, the arduous test of defending the title for an hour, and the coveted final reward! Opportunity and danger coexist! Ambition burns fiercely in the heart of every martial artist!
"The lot-drawing box has been set up below each arena! All martial artists, please draw lots in order!" Xun Yu's voice gave the starting command to this boiling scene.

In an instant, a surge of people appeared beneath the nine arenas! More than 3,500 martial artists rushed towards the first point that would determine their fate, like a flood bursting its banks.

The first round of the draw was brief and quick.

Some people drew opponents of mediocre strength and their faces lit up with joy, while others drew notorious and ruthless opponents and their faces turned pale. Still others, because their draw order was later, could only wait anxiously.

"In the Rank 6 match, draw number 1003, Dian Wei of Chenliu will face draw number 7, Liu Mang of Jizhou!"

"Category C, Round 6, Lot 875, Xu Chu of Qiao County! Facing Lot 22, Zhang Heng of Yanzhou!"

"Renzi Lu Lei, draw number 193, Ba Jun Gan Ning! Facing draw number 5, Jing Zhou Chen Tao!"

"Gengzi Lu Lei, draw number 455, Zhou Da from Qingzhou! Facing draw number 2700, Sun Ming from Qingzhou!"

"Xin Zi Lu Lei, draw number 302, Pei San of Qingzhou! Facing draw number 111, Hu Hu of Youzhou!"

(End of this chapter)