Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 250 Top Ten
As the sun gradually set in the west, the long and fierce battle was finally drawing to a close.

"clang--!"

A clear and melodious gong resounded throughout the venue!
"The tenth champion has been born! The B-rank champion is Xu Heng from Youzhou!"

The referee's voice carried a barely perceptible hint of fatigue.

The battle raged from morning till dusk, and in the final rounds, there was hardly any fighting left; everyone was just barely holding on to grab the flag.

Many left the stage, leaving behind almost all those with strong willpower.

They didn't eat or drink a drop of water or a grain of rice for an entire day, and even after most of the audience had left, they continued to struggle on.

"The ten champions have been chosen, and the intermediate examination is over!"

On the viewing platform, a Jin Yang official announced loudly.

"The champion of the top-ranked tournament: Dian Wei from Chenliu!"

"The champion of the Bing-character tournament: Xu Chu from Qiao County!"

"Renzi Water Challenge Champion: Bajun Gan Ning!"

"The champion of the Geng-character contest: Zhou Da!"

"Second-Rank Champion: Xu Heng!"

"T-shaped arena:."

"..."

The names of the ten champions were gradually read aloud by the officials!

Although there was no longer any cheering at the scene.

But the last few champions who successfully defended their titles still couldn't contain their excitement.

Top 100! Top 100! Once you're in the top 100, your future is practically guaranteed!
"Damn it!!! It's finally over!"

On several arenas, the last defender collapsed to the ground.

The judges came forward and gave them some herbal medicine, which helped them regain some strength.

The medical team in the audience continued their busy work.

There were still some spectators on the viewing platform who hadn't left, and they didn't hesitate to praise the willpower of the last few people!

The ten arena battles have come to an end! The ten champions have been the first to advance to the final top 100!

The news spread widely in Jinyang City, and those who left early were informed.

The next day.

The smoke from the ten-way competition for the top spot in the imperial examination had not yet cleared when Jinyang City was plunged into a new round of excitement.

More than 1,600 martial artists who won the preliminary rounds but failed to become champions stared intently at the battlefield of the second round, like tempered iron. It was the last 90 tickets to the final top 100, to compete for the supreme glory of "Number One in the World"!

The rules for the second round are even simpler and more direct: it's still a brutal elimination process! Nine arenas open simultaneously, and the bronze slips from the lottery office determine the fate of every martial artist.

Without the intense public attention of a title defense battle, it possessed a more desperate and resolute air of a do-or-die situation.

For three consecutive days, the sounds of battle never ceased at the meeting place outside Jinyang City.

The clanging of weapons, the thuds of fists hitting flesh, the groans and roars of the wounded, and the referee's hurried announcements never ceased.

The arena was stained with blood, stretchers from the medical camp moved back and forth, and the air was filled with a strong stench of blood, sweat, and wound medicine.

Strength, luck, willpower, and even the speed of injury recovery all became key factors in determining victory or defeat.

Some people crush their opponents with their superior martial arts skills, some turn the tide in desperate situations with their tenacious will, and some die on the last step on the road to the top due to recurring old injuries or bad luck.

The ten champions, including Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Gan Ning, Zhou Cang, and Xu Heng, have already secured their positions among the top 100 and do not need to participate in the retest, yet they still appear at the venue every day.

They either silently observed potential opponents, cheered for their fellow townsmen and old acquaintances, or simply felt the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of the battle.

After three days of fierce fighting, the dust has settled.

Ninety victors, scarred yet with eyes like wolves, stepped proudly into the hall of the final top 100, like ferocious beasts struggling to emerge from mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

They will compete with ten champions for the ultimate title of number one in the world!

The streets and alleys of Jinyang City were already plastered with the list of the top 100, and each name sparked countless discussions and speculations.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the magnificent scene ten days from now.

On the eve of the final, undercurrents were swirling within the Jin Yang City Inn.

The envoys from Luoyang could no longer contain themselves and turned their attention to the most dazzling champions.

Yuan Shu's temporary residence was brightly lit and filled with the fragrance of incense.

He sat upright in the main seat, dressed in fine clothes, his fingers lightly tapping the table, exuding the unique reserve and arrogance of a scion of a noble family.

Several guards stood by, their expressions solemn.

"Dian Wei, Xu Chu," Yuan Shu said, his gaze sweeping over the "invited" Dian Wei and Xu Chu, a smile on his face that he thought was a gesture of respect for the virtuous.

"You two are exceptionally brave and rarely seen in the world. Our Yuan family of Runan has produced three high-ranking officials for four generations, and our students and former officials are all over the world. My uncle, Minister of Works, also speaks highly of you two."

"If you two are willing to return to Luoyang with me and join my Yuan family, I will easily recommend you for the position of colonel. Wealth and honor will be within your grasp. Wouldn't that be a hundred times better than fighting and risking your lives against the barbarians in this harsh border region?"

He spoke casually, as if the position of captain was a handout, and regarded guarding the border of Bingzhou as a lowly and arduous task.

Dian Wei remained expressionless, as if he hadn't heard anything.

His beard was bushy and bristling, his arms crossed, his beastly face and tiger-like eyes staring indifferently at the shadow in the corner of the hall, as if Yuan Shu and the wealth and future he promised were not as interesting as that shadow.

Yuan Shu's arrogance only made me feel uncomfortable.

Xu Chu scratched the back of his head, his large, copper-bell-shaped eyes filled with confusion and straightforwardness.

"Is a captain really as great as 'the best in the world'?"

He asked in a muffled voice, "I told my father that I came to Bingzhou to fight for this title! Whether I become an official or not doesn't matter. Winning the arena and letting the world know how powerful I am, that's what I'll truly enjoy!"

He patted his broad chest, making a deep, resonant sound: "Besides, what's wrong with fighting the barbarians? I think it's great! It's better than having to put up with other people's attitudes in Luoyang!"

Yuan Shu's smile froze instantly, as if he had swallowed a fly.

He never expected that the two people in front of him would be so ungrateful, even comparing Yuan's recruitment to that "empty reputation"! A surge of anger rose to his head from being offended, and he snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve.

"You brat! You don't know your place! Enough! Show him out!"

When has Yuan Gonglu ever been treated with such disrespect?
At almost the same time, Wu Kuang was also trying to recruit Gan Ning, Zhou Cang, and Xu Heng in another private room.

"Gan is a man of great talent, and Zhou and Xu are brave and fierce. Kuang is still vivid in my mind. The general is eager to find talented people. Luoyang is located in the center of the world, and its prosperity far surpasses that of Jinyang."

If the three of you are willing to return to the capital with me, the General will certainly entrust you with important responsibilities. Lieutenant Commandant and Colonel are both options, promising a bright future and bringing glory to your family. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Gan Ning leaned back in his chair, toying with the exquisite copper bells at his waist, a familiar, slightly roguish, arrogant smile playing on his lips: "Captain? That sounds pretty good."

Wu Kuang was overjoyed, thinking that there was hope.

But then Gan Ning changed the subject: "However... General Wu, you see, what I hate most is being bound by rules. Luoyang City? It's just a gilded cage! How can it compare to the exhilaration of competing for 'Number One Under Heaven' on the Fen River?"

His eyes were sharp, carrying a wild yearning for freedom: "I don't know if Bingzhou is tough or not, but Jinyang is definitely not tough. Besides, the barbarian hordes are not yet pacified, which is the perfect place for men to show their skills! If Lord Zhang thinks highly of it, this place is much more enjoyable!"

Zhou Cang clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice steady and powerful: "General Wu's kindness is appreciated, but I am just a rough man who only knows how to distinguish between gratitude and resentment. At the Zhang Hou gathering, regardless of our backgrounds, we were given a fair chance to fight. I have not yet repaid this kindness. Moreover, the northern border is not yet pacified and the barbarians are lurking around. If Zhang Hou needs me, I am willing to serve him like a dog on the frontier, guarding the land and protecting the people, so as not to waste my strength."

His words were simple, yet they conveyed an unwavering determination.

Xu Heng was much more direct. He casually took a swig of wine, wiped his mouth, and his face still bore unhealed wounds.

"Luoyang? No way! Too many rules! It's nothing like fighting under Zhang Hou's command! I can kill whoever I want! I'm burning with rage because I got this title by being a pain in the neck! I'm going to make a name for myself in the finals! Becoming an official? I'll think about that after I win the 'Number One Under Heaven' title!"

His only thought was to prove himself in the upcoming final.

Wu Kuang observed the three men's distinctly different yet equally resolute attitudes and sighed inwardly. What methods had Zhang Xian of Bingzhou used to win over these unruly warriors so completely? Money? Official positions? Perhaps none of those could compare to the allure of the glory of being "the best in the world" and the patriotic fervor of defending the borders and slaying the barbarians!

He bowed helplessly and said, "The three of you have lofty aspirations, which I admire. Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them. I wish you all the best in the finals!"

The three of them politely bowed, as one doesn't hit a smiling face, and Wu Kuang was alright.

The news of several promising players being recruited was quickly compiled and presented to Zhang Xian.

"Yuan Shu tried to recruit Dian Wei and Xu Chu, but was rebuffed and the meeting ended unhappily."

Wu Kuang recruited Gan Ning, Zhou Cang, and Pei Yuanshao, but all three declined, saying they would strive to be the 'best in the world' and were willing to serve on the frontier.

Listening to Xiahou Lan's report, Zhang Xian put down an official document in his hand, a genuine smile appearing on his lips.

This smile was different from the polite one he wore when facing the envoy from Luoyang; it was a genuine expression of joy and pride.

"They value fame and honor over wealth and status; they cherish glory and disregard life and death! The smoke of war on the frontier is the perfect crucible for their heroism!"

He looked up at Xiahou Lan with bright eyes, took out several blueprints from the drawer of his desk, and handed them to her.

"Take it to Gongzhi and ask him to arrange for a master craftsman to make it properly."

Xiahou Lan took it, glanced at it a few times, and said with some surprise, "Brother Xian, did you tailor-make weapons for them?"

Zhang Xian laughed heartily: "They are all talented people, how could we not care? These weapons were designed based on my observations of their fighting style these past few days, and they are no worse than your and Brother Yun's Bright Silver Spears!"

Xiahou Lan laughed too: "Hehe, of course! Brother Xian, you personally fired the guns that Ayun and I used. They didn't have that kind of luck!"

“Hey,” Zhang Xian waved his hand, “We can’t say that. After the match, when we hand it over to them, we’ll say that I played it myself!”

"Hahaha"

Xiahou Lan laughed heartily and headed towards the crafts camp with the blueprints.

He had several blueprints in his arms, each with a different weapon design, and additional notes and instructions.

Dian Wei: Double halberds! Their fierce and domineering nature, like a thunderbolt! The halberd shaft must be heavy, tough, and sturdy! The blade must be wide, sharp, and have a blood groove! No fancy tricks, just a single strike to shatter armor and bones!

[Xu Chu, Mo Dao! Modeled after the Zhanma (horse-slaying sword), it embodies the power to sweep away a thousand armies! The blade must be long, straight, and thick-backed! The edge must be heavy, sharp, and indestructible! The handle must be extended so that it can be wielded with both hands to unleash its divine power!]

[Gan Ning, Wild Goose Feather Saber! Its agility and speed are chosen to resemble a wild goose skimming the water! The blade must be light, resilient, and streamlined! The edge must be thin, sharp, and have a chilling gleam! The hilt must fit the shape of the hand, facilitating grappling and locking techniques!]

[Zhou Da, Xu Heng, Ma Liang, Li Feng, infantry-fighting horse-slaying saber! Its weight and stability are chosen for its imposing presence! Slightly smaller than Xu Chu's Mo Dao (陌刀), it facilitates movement in foot combat! The back of the blade needs to be thickened, and the body needs to be tough, beneficial for parrying heavy blows, and also capable of slashing and penetrating armor!]

[Pei San, Huang Si, Hu Luo, Iron-Spined Serpent Spear! Its fierce, life-or-death nature is chosen, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue! The spear shaft must be both resilient and strong, the spearhead long and sharp, with a bleeding ridge! The entire spear must be sturdy, able to withstand its ferocious impact!]

The drawing lists the names of more than a dozen people, all of whom Zhang Xian intends to recruit.

Meanwhile, he also secretly investigated the backgrounds of hundreds of those who were eliminated, as they were also the people the Bingzhou army intended to recruit.

Ten days passed quickly.

When the final day arrived, the entire city of Jinyang was deserted as everyone flocked to the city.

The venue on the banks of the Fen River was packed with people, and the atmosphere was electric.

The nine land-based arenas and one water-based arena were rearranged, with larger arenas and stronger defenses.

On the viewing platform, Zhang Xian, Yuan Shu, Wu Kuang, civil and military officials from Bingzhou, and other prominent figures from all sides were present, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Three drumbeats resounded, their echo shaking the four fields and eight directions!

"The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament, the final battle of the top 100, begins!"

Xun Yu's clear and melodious voice ignited the final flames of war!

The top 100 warriors, dressed in the uniform leather armor provided by the tournament organizers, stood solemnly below the main arena, carrying or holding their own weapons.

Their gazes, as if tangible, collided in the air, creating invisible sparks.

Tension, excitement, longing, murderous intent... a mix of emotions.

The final format is simple and clear: 100 participants draw lots, random draw, one-on-one elimination! Winners advance, losers are eliminated!
Until the final ten are determined! The top ten will then go through a single-elimination tournament until a champion is crowned! Every battle is fought with a life-or-death contract signed, and there is no room for luck!

The draw begins! The names of the winners are announced one after another, determining the fate of each strong individual.

"Round 1, Class A Arena: Dian Wei vs. Wang Huan!"

"Category C Arena: Xu Chu vs. Li Gang!"

"Water Arena: Gan Ning vs. Liu Tong!"

"Geng Character Arena: Zhou Da vs. Sun Ba!"

"Xin Character Arena: Xu Heng vs. Zhao Sheng!"

……

The battle erupted instantly! Its intensity and ferocity far surpassed the previous two rounds!

On the Jiazi Arena, Wang Huan wielded a long iron spear with exquisite skill, like a venomous dragon emerging from its cave, attempting to suppress Dian Wei with both technique and length.

Dian Wei remained silent as a mountain. Faced with the barrage of spear shadows, his only response was the simplest and most direct: He stepped forward, charged, and slashed with his twin halberds!
"Clang! Clang! Clang!" The clang of metal against metal was like thunder! Dian Wei used his double halberds as a shield to meet the spearhead head-on! The immense force made Wang Huan's arm go numb! Just as Wang Huan's spear thrust faltered slightly, a fierce glint flashed in Dian Wei's eyes! His right short halberd slashed away the spear shaft, while his left short halberd, like a black lightning bolt, slashed upwards at an eerie angle!

"Tsk-!"

Wang Huan's leather armor was torn apart like paper! A deep, bone-revealing wound ran from his ribs to his shoulder! Blood gushed out! Wang Huan screamed in agony, his spear slipped from his grasp, and he staggered backward, only to be kicked off the stage by Dian Wei! Ferocious! Domineering! Brute force can overcome any technique!

On the Bingzi arena, Li Gang, wielding a giant shield and a short hammer, attempted to wear down Xu Chu through defense.

But Xu Chu was excitedly yelling, "A moving tortoise shell! This is so much fun!" He grabbed a short stick and lunged forward.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!..."

A dull, deafening roar, like the beating of war drums, resounded! The giant shield trembled violently under the terrifying force, and dents began to appear on its surface! Li Gang felt as if he had been repeatedly struck by a battering ram; his blood surged, and he had no chance to retaliate at all!

"Open for me!" Xu Chu roared, throwing his short staff aside. He then channeled all his strength into his right fist, which slammed into the center of the giant shield like a comet striking the moon!

"Crack! Boom!"

"Pfft!" Li Gang spat out blood and was blasted away along with his armor, like a stone projectile thrown by a catapult. He crashed heavily onto the edge of the arena, his leather armor on his chest and abdomen dented, and he immediately lost consciousness!
On the water arena, Liu Tong, wielding the Water Splitting Dagger, moved like a ghost, attempting to use the shaking of the arena and his own advantage in water to entangle Gan Ning.

Gan Ning, shirtless and revealing his well-defined muscles, swung across the water arena as if it were flat ground.

He wore a cold smile, not in a hurry to attack, like a venomous snake toying with its prey.

Just as Liu Tong's thrust missed its mark and his strength was exhausted, Gan Ning moved! His body swayed like a fish in water, instantly cutting into Liu Tong's center! His right hand flashed and grabbed Liu Tong's wrist holding the dagger, while his left hand formed a claw, striking Liu Tong's shoulder well acupoint! At the same time, he tripped Liu Tong with his foot!
Liu Tong felt half of his body go numb and weak instantly, tripped over his feet, and lost his balance! Gan Ning seized the opportunity and executed a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw!
"Splash!" Water splashed everywhere! Liu Tong was thrown hard into the icy Fen River! Clean and swift!

On the Gengzi arena, Sun Ba wielded a bronze staff with the ferocity of a madman. The staff's shadow was like a mountain, its power immense, and each move was a fierce attack, as if he were insane.

Zhou Cang held a thick-backed ring-pommel sword, his face as calm and composed as still water.

He no longer focused solely on defense; his swordsmanship became more deliberate and sharp. His footwork was steady, and he would dodge the staff's edge at the last possible moment, using his ring-pommel sword to parry, deflect, or deflect, skillfully neutralizing the opponent's violent power.

Just as Sun Ba's momentum waned after his powerful strike, Zhou Cang's eyes flashed with a sharp light! He swung his ring-pommel sword upwards in a reverse motion!

"Dang - click!"

The blade struck precisely at the weakest point of the bronze staff! The blade collided violently with the bronze! The bronze staff was actually cleaved with a deep gash, and the enormous recoil caused Sun Ba's hand to crack, and the bronze staff slipped from his grasp!
Zhou Cang did not retract his blade; instead, he changed from a sweeping motion to a slapping motion, and the heavy blade struck Sun Ba's chest hard!
"Pfft!" Sun Ba was sent flying off the stage!

The battles were spectacular and incredibly fierce, one after another.

A clash of titans, with upsets galore.

Some people win against stronger opponents with their superior skills, while others suffer defeats due to injuries or mental setbacks.

The ring was stained with sweat and blood, a topic that countless people repeatedly discuss during their leisure time.

After three days of fierce competition, the dust has settled! The final top ten stand proudly.

Dian Wei (Chenliu)
Xu Chu (Qiao County)
Ganning (Bajun)
Zhou Da (Jizhou)
Xu Heng (Youzhou)
Ma Liang (Yanzhou)
Li Feng (Liangzhou)
Huang Si (Nan'an)
Hu Luo (Youzhou)
Pei San (Jizhou)
(End of this chapter)