Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 248 First Test!

The shouts of fame rose and fell below the stage.

Upon hearing his name called, Dian Wei expressionlessly parted the crowd and headed straight for the Jia-character arena.

The tattered cloth bundle on his back was untied, revealing a pair of short iron halberds with a ferocious, cold gleam.

Coupled with his ferocious face, the surrounding crowd seemed to feel an almost tangible aura of malevolence, and they all hurriedly gave way in horror.

Xu Chu rubbed his hands together excitedly and shouted in a deep voice to several familiar fellow townsmen from Yuzhou beside him, "Watch me! If I can't take down that guy in three punches, I'll go straight home!"

He strode towards the Bing-character arena, his burly body exuding an aura of arrogance.

Gan Ning didn't even hear who his opponent was, only the arena number. A disdainful sneer curled at the corner of his mouth. He adjusted the still bright red rooster feather on his head, and led a few of his men toward the Ren-character arena. His steps were flamboyant, and although his brocade robe was old, it still stood out in the crowd.

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao exchanged a glance. Zhou Cang whispered, "Be careful. Don't underestimate your enemy, and don't go for the kill. Don't cause trouble."

Pei Yuanshao licked his lips, a fighting glint in his eyes: "I know, I know! Watch me!"

The two ran towards their respective rings.

Fights broke out almost simultaneously on the nine arenas!
Jiazi Lei.

Liu Mang of Jizhou! He was eight feet tall, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, and wielded an iron rod that he swung with great force, making him quite a strongman.

After a guerrilla soldier acting as referee gave the order to begin.

Looking at Dian Wei, who wielded twin halberds like a ferocious beast, he felt a little intimidated, but confident in his superior strength and fierce staff techniques, he shouted, "Big Black Guy! Take this!"

With a single, powerful strike, the staff whistled through the air, aiming straight for Dian Wei's head!

Dian Wei didn't even lift his eyelids.

Just as the tip of the staff was about to reach his body, he suddenly took a half step forward with his left foot, and his right hand wielded a short halberd like a black venomous dragon emerging from the sea, striking upwards from below, arriving first despite being behind! There were no fancy techniques, only pure speed and power!
“Dang—Crack!!!”

The ear-piercing clang of metal against metal was accompanied by a teeth-grinding cracking sound!

Liu Mang's finely crafted iron staff, which was level with his eyebrows, was actually knocked away by Dian Wei's seemingly casual halberd strike, and the staff spun into the air!

The halberd's momentum had not yet subsided, and with unparalleled force, it slammed into Liu Mang's hastily parried left arm iron wrist guard!
"Ah—!" Liu Mang let out a shrill scream. He was thrown off the ground as if he had been hit by a charging rhinoceros, crashing heavily onto the ropes at the edge of the ring before bouncing back to the ground.

His left arm was bent at an odd angle, clearly broken! He coughed up blood, struggled a few times, and then fainted!

From beginning to end, it's just a single breath!
A deathly silence fell over the arena! Then, a deafening roar erupted!

"My God! One halberd strike! Just one halberd strike!"

"The knife broke! He's ruined!"

"Is this...is this thug even human? He's too brutal!"

Dian Wei didn't even glance at his unconscious opponent on the ground. He slowly retracted his short halberd, and the corner of his mouth under his bushy beard seemed to twitch slightly, as if he had just casually swatted a fly.

He silently walked to a corner of the arena, leaning on his halberd, standing like a demon god.

The referee from the Jia-class arena was stunned for a moment. He looked at Dian Wei, nodded, and then loudly announced, "Dian Wei wins the Jia-class arena!"

Bingzi Lei.

Zhang Heng of Yanzhou was nicknamed "Iron Arms" because his arms were exceptionally thick and were covered with arm armor made of fine iron.

He looked at Xu Chu, who was half a head taller and as muscular as a mountain, and secretly became wary of him. He steadied himself in a horse stance, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and said in a deep voice, "Kid, I'll let you go first!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Chu's large, copper-bell-shaped eyes widened instantly, and he grinned, revealing his teeth, his honest demeanor tinged with a hint of excitement.

"Really? Then I won't be polite!"

He took a deep breath, and without any apparent movement, his right fist, like a battering ram, slammed straight out! The fist tore through the air, and the wind from it howled!

Zhang Heng's pupils constricted sharply! The speed of that punch! The momentum! He dared not be careless, channeling all his strength into his arms, his muscles bulging, his iron arm armor crossed to block!
"boom--!!!"

Like a heavy hammer striking an anvil! A dull, deafening roar!

Zhang Heng felt an immense force surge towards him like a flash flood! His arms throbbed with excruciating pain, and his arm armor groaned painfully! His firmly planted horse stance was as fragile as paper in the face of this terrifying power! His feet left the ground, and he was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string!

With a loud thud, he crashed off the stage, his arms hanging limply at his sides, his arm armor dented and deformed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his face filled with disbelief, horror, and pain.

In contrast, Xu Chu's fists only had a thick layer of calluses that were slightly red.

"I...I only threw one punch..."

Xu Chu looked at Zhang Heng, who was in a sorry state below the stage, scratched the back of his head, and seemed a little embarrassed.

He then looked at the referee and said in a deep voice, "I won, didn't I?"

The referee's lips twitched slightly, and he announced loudly, "In the C-class arena, Xu Chu wins!"

"Zhongkang's big lottery!"

"My cousin is mighty!!"

A group of Xu family disciples shouted in unison, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

The seventeen-year-old boy had never experienced so much attention before, and he chuckled to himself. If the referee hadn't reminded him to get off the stage, he didn't know how much longer he would have stood there.

Renzi Lei.

Chen Tao from Jingzhou was agile and wielded a pair of double swords, with a sinister look in his eyes.

The referee gave the signal to begin.

He immediately took the initiative, shifting his feet and slipping like an eel to approach Gan Ning. The tips of his twin blades transformed into two cold stars, aiming to slay Gan Ning's throat and lower abdomen! His moves were ruthless and cunning.

A hint of disdain flashed in Gan Ning's eyes.

His left hand remained casually resting on the hilt of his knife, his feet still, while his right hand shot out with lightning speed! Not to parry, but to precisely seize Chen Tao's wrist holding the dagger! It exerted force suddenly, like an iron clamp!
He immediately pulled, flipped his body, and pushed with his knee, pinning Chen Tao to the ground.

"Crack!" A crisp sound!
"Ah—!" Chen Tao let out a bloodcurdling scream like a pig being slaughtered.

Gan Ning whistled and looked at a group of officials dressed in judicial robes who were maintaining order.

This trick, I learned from them, is very effective at capturing people.

Then he raised his foot and struck Chen Tao squarely in the waist!
Chen Tao screamed and rolled off the stage like a broken sack, clutching his wrists and curling up on the ground, howling in agony.

He glanced around the audience, a signature arrogant smile playing on his lips.

His men were also chanting his name in unison.

The referee announced loudly: "In the Ren-class arena, Gan Ning wins!"

Geng Zi Lei.

Sun Ming of Qingzhou was a swift swordsman. His long sword transformed into countless cold stars, enveloping Zhou Cang's vital points with a hissing sound.

Zhou Cang remained calm, wielding a thick-backed ring-pommel sword. His moves were wide and sweeping, seemingly clumsy, yet he always managed to deflect fatal sword strikes with the blade or hilt at the opportune moment.

His footwork was steady and his lower body was solid. No matter how dazzling Sun Ming's sword light was, he remained unmoved.

He kept in mind the admonition to avoid trouble, his sword strikes heavy yet reserved, intended for defense and counterattack.

Unable to break through, Sun Ming grew increasingly impatient, and his swordplay became even more fierce and ruthless.

Zhou Cang spotted a tiny opening in his opponent's breath, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He suddenly switched from defense to offense with his ring-pommel sword, unleashing a simple and unadorned downward slash! It aimed straight at Sun Ming's head!
Sun Ming was shocked and hastily raised his sword to block! "Clang—!"

Sparks flew everywhere! Sun Ming felt a tremendous force coming from the sword, which made his hands go numb and the sword almost slip from his grasp!
Zhou Cang pressed his advantage relentlessly, changing his blade from a slash to a strike, the heavy blade slamming into Sun Ming's chest like a door panel!

"Pfft!" Sun Ming spat out a mouthful of blood, flew backward, and crashed on the edge of the arena. His longsword slipped from his hand, and he struggled to get up.

Zhou Cang sheathed his sword, his breathing steady, and clasped his hands in a fist salute to the referee: "Thank you for your concession."

The referee nodded: "In the Geng-character arena, Zhou Da wins!"

Xin Zi Lei.

"In the Xin-character arena, Pei Sansheng wins!"

Almost simultaneously, the results were announced on both stages.

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao exchanged a glance from a distance and nodded to each other.

As soon as one round ends, another begins immediately.

Nine arenas, filled with the deafening roar of battle, a scene of carnage and carnage! The sounds of clashing weapons, roars, screams, and cries of alarm rose and fell, along with the referee's announcements!

On the viewing platform, beneath the black banners and the enormous "Zhang" character banner.

Watching the guests further enhances their distinguished status.

Luoyang's influence had already reached Jinyang along with the news of this grand event.

Tables were covered with cloth and laden with wine, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Zhang Xian sat in the main seat, watching the battles unfold below the stage with a calm mind.

Adjacent to Zhang Xian's right and below, there was a row of even more ornate seats.

The leader, about thirty years old, had a fair complexion, a slight beard, and wore a bright brocade robe with a purple mink coat as a symbol of his status. His eyes held a hint of pampered arrogance and an imperceptible contempt.

Yuan Shu, Yuan Gonglu.

He sat to Zhang Xian's right, his attitude neither good nor bad, but there was a deep-seated aloofness and contempt.

Behind Yuan Shu were several strong and powerful bodyguards, their auras deep and their eyes sharp as they scanned their surroundings.

Yuan Wei sent him here, naturally to observe Zhang Xian's strength and his intention to stir up trouble.

Yuan Shu looked down at the martial artists competing below, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

To Zhang Xian's left sat a man dressed as a martial artist, who appeared to be in his twenties or thirties.

He was Wu Kuang, a trusted subordinate of General He Jin.

The purpose of their visit coincided with that of the Yuan family. However, He Jin was not planning to target Zhang Xian at the moment. Instead, he instructed Wu Kuang to recruit some heroes who were of interest to him.

Among the crowd were some seemingly inconspicuous figures.

They dressed in the attire of ordinary clerks or wealthy merchants' attendants, behaving discreetly, yet their eyes were exceptionally sharp, searching and recording among the crowd like hawks.

They were "hidden eunuchs" secretly dispatched by Emperor Liu Hong through the Ten Attendants.

Liu Hong's attitude towards Zhang Xian has not changed; he's just a figurehead who attracts attention, but this time, he's become far too conspicuous.

"Lord Zhang, what a generous gesture! What a popular person you are!" Wu Kuang picked up the warm wine on the table and gestured slightly to Zhang Xian, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate flattery.

"When the General heard of this grand occasion in Luoyang, he was full of praise, saying that this was a magnificent feat that demonstrated the martial virtue of our great Han Dynasty!"

Zhang Xian smiled calmly, raised his cup in return, and said, "Wu Zhonglang, you are too kind. This is because the heroes of the world are giving me face, and it is also due to the blessings of the imperial court. Please convey my thanks to the General for his kindness. After the conference, please take some local specialties from Bingzhou back with you."

"Hahaha." Wu Kuang instantly understood and burst into laughter: "Definitely, definitely!"

Yuan Shu glanced at the two men and spoke calmly, "Minister Yuan also asked me to convey a message to Lord Zhang. Minister Yuan said that Lord Zhang has recovered the northern frontier and brought peace to the region. Now he is holding this grand gathering to gather the heroes of the world. He is truly a pillar of the nation. I hope that this tournament can select truly loyal and brave men for our Han Dynasty to serve the country."

His words were fine at first, but then his tone turned somewhat contemptuous at the end, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

Zhang Xian didn't care at all and only continued the conversation after the first few sentences.

“You flatter me, Master. I am merely fulfilling my duty to defend the land. This conference is also to seek out talent for the purpose of protecting the land and ensuring the safety of the people.”

"I hope so."

Yuan Shu wasn't really interested in having a conversation; he just needed to pass on his uncle's message. He was far from done watching the excitement unfold below the stage.

Wu Kuang narrowed his eyes as he watched the conversation between the two, secretly chuckling to himself.

'As long as the Yuan family exists, there's no need to worry about Zhang Xian not maintaining a good relationship with the General, which is convenient.'

He clicked his tongue inwardly a few times, then toasted Zhang Xian again to ease the tension.

"Lord Zhang, let's drink! This event is truly spectacular. I, Wu, am even itching to join in and have a few matches!"

"Haha, there's always a chance!"

The commotion in the stands was no less intense than the fight off the stage.

Soon, as darkness fell, the first day of the preliminary test came to an end.

As the final "Victory" was uttered, the sound of metal clashing rang out, announcing the successful conclusion of the opening ceremony.

The winners, filled with excitement at advancing and aspirations for the next round, temporarily left the stage.

Below the arena, stretchers from the medical camp moved about, treating the wounded.

As evening fell, Zhang Xian returned to the general's mansion and received the list. The first day of the competition consisted of a total of three hundred battles, which was about the same amount of time and number of battles as he and the other generals had expected.

The first day had 600 people, but the opening ceremony took up some time. If the competition starts tomorrow, there will be more sessions. Five days is enough time to complete the preliminary rounds.

Even if they can't complete the task, they have a contingency plan to cut in line.

After glancing at the list report, he stopped paying attention to the details. His subordinates were already keeping an eye on talent, and his focus remained on Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and Gan Ning.

"It's time to eat. You've had some rare free time these past few days, so you should rest more."

Just as he was thinking about something, Madam Zou Wan came over carrying Zhang Qian.

Babies who are four or five months old are already quite active.

When the little porcelain doll saw Zhang Xian, it waved its hands wildly and kept calling out "Papa, Papa".

He's trying to comfort and coax you with a hug.

Zhang Xian smiled, put down the list in his hand, stood up and took the little porcelain doll, facing Zou Wan: "Today's competition was truly wonderful. Madam can go and watch it tomorrow. This is a rare grand event in Jinyang."

The two walked out of the study side by side.

"There are too many people. I'm afraid I'll frighten Qian'er."

"It's alright, I'll stay home tomorrow."

The sound gradually faded into the distance.

(End of this chapter)