Starting from the pharmacy, he grew into a martial saint among men.

The announcement of Zheng Yuan's elimination spread throughout Canglang Mountain, instantly causing a stir.

All the candidates were shaken and their faces showed horror.

Zheng Yuan is a veteran master of internal strength with unfathomable power, and was the biggest favorite to top the list this year. Yet, he has been eliminated without a trace.

What surprised them even more was that they didn't know who had done it.

Although some people knew that the martial arts duo were "ruthless and domineering," they also noticed that someone was following the two.

But no one really connected the two of them with Zheng Yuan's elimination.

He kept searching for powerful figures in his heart, trying to figure out the truth.

In the valley, after Chu Hong removed his identity token, he poured a handful of powder into Zheng Yuan, putting him into a deep hibernation.

The two paid little attention to the unconscious Zheng Yuan. Since he had been eliminated and lost his fighting ability, soldiers would come to "collect his body".

The two retraced their steps and retrieved the identity tags they had hidden earlier.

They found a secluded spot and started a fire to roast the meat.

While replenishing their supplies, they waited for the martial arts competition to end.

-----------------

Seeing that there was nothing more to see here, the crowd outside the training ground turned their attention to other areas to observe the final competition among the other candidates.

Time passed slowly, and before we knew it, it was noon.

A majestic voice once again enveloped the entire Canglang Mountain, carrying an unquestionable solemnity:

"The three days have passed, the martial arts examination is over. All candidates shall remain where they are and await the soldiers' escort to leave the mountain. No one shall act without authorization."

As soon as the order was given, the surviving candidates stopped and stood still.

The candidates who were still fighting for the prize reluctantly stopped.

Before long, groups of soldiers emerged in separate directions, leading the group out of the mountains.

Chu Hong and his companion were met by the soldiers who came to escort them. On the way, they even encountered Zheng Yuan, who was unconscious, and were carefully carried away.

It has to be said that Chu Hong's mixed medicinal powder is truly remarkable.

Even a poorly made product can cause a master of internal energy to fall into a deep sleep.

If refined, it might be effective against martial artists at the Transformation Realm or even higher.

However, its drawbacks are also obvious: it takes too long to take effect and is not suitable for on-the-spot combat; otherwise, it would be absolutely invincible in martial arts.

-----------------

All the forces and martial artists outside the mountain have risen to welcome the return of the martial arts examinees.

The candidates who came out of the mountains came in an endless stream, but their moods were all different.

The candidates, who had no chance of passing the imperial examinations anyway, decided to let go of their obsessions at the last minute and took the opportunity to hunt some wild game.

They either kept it for themselves or resold it, reaping considerable profits.

Meanwhile, the candidates who consistently ranked at the top either appeared calm and composed or beaming with joy, all patiently awaiting the final list.

They already knew that the title of scholar would never fall into their hands.

The thirteenth-ranked martial artist was the most delighted at this moment.

He had given up hope, but upon hearing the news that Zheng Yuan had been eliminated, his hope was instantly rekindled.

If nothing unexpected happens, he can be promoted to the next rank and happen to become a martial arts scholar.

This step is a stroke of good fortune, akin to ascending to heaven.

As the candidates met and interacted with various forces, the "world-shaking battle" came to mind.

From the "fated showdown" between Chu Hong and Zhou Mingrui to their meticulous planning and joint counterattack against Zheng Yuan, every moment is thrilling.

Many test takers even exclaimed how regrettable it was, wishing they could have been there to see it for themselves.

After a short while, Chu Hong and Zhou Mingrui finally appeared.

The crowd was like a boiling cauldron, bustling and excited, with cheers echoing like mountains and seas.

"Chu Hong! Chu Hong! Chu Hong!"

"Zhou Mingrui! Zhou Mingrui! Zhou Mingrui!"

They called out the two men's names over and over again, their voices rising and falling, echoing throughout the entire training ground.

Song Qingshan went up to him, his face full of admiration, and gave him a thumbs up:

"Young Master Chu is indeed extraordinary; he has truly broadened our horizons today."

Shi Potian nodded repeatedly, "Young Chu, that was a brilliant fight!"

Then he suddenly patted Shi Lin on the shoulder: "Learn from this, don't stick to those rules too rigidly."

Zhou Sanhe then strode forward and gave Chu Hong a bear hug:

"Brother Chu, I've hit the jackpot! I've made a fortune again!"

"You wait, come find me later, I'll give you a share, hahaha."

On the other side, Zhou Mingrui was also surrounded by people from Hung Hing and other martial arts schools, who pulled him aside to ask about his well-being and inquire about his injuries.

A few moments later, all the candidates had returned.

The soldiers began to maintain order, and the entire scene gradually quieted down.

The surviving candidates and the eliminated candidates were divided into two groups, standing neatly in the center of the training ground.

With the help of the doctor, Zheng Yuan has now regained consciousness.

His injuries, like those of the other examinees, were treated quickly.

The government-made special medicine can quickly heal ordinary skin, flesh, and bone injuries, as long as the person is not dead and their limbs are not broken or crippled.

At this moment, his face was deathly pale, and he stood in the crowd, his whole being exuding resentment and ruthlessness.

Standing atop the high platform, Xiong Zhen stood tall and imposing.

His gaze swept over the group of young martial artists below, and he felt a surge of satisfaction.

He spoke slowly, his voice resonating throughout the hall:

"This martial arts competition, lasting three days, has been successfully completed. Congratulations to all the outstanding talents..."

"Next, the list of the top twelve in this year's martial arts examination will be announced. Those who make the list will be awarded the title of Martial Arts Scholar. From now on, the government will be your biggest support."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience held their breath, waiting for the result.

"The champion of this year's martial arts examination." Xiong Zhen paused slightly, his gaze falling on Chu Hong below, and slowly began to speak, "Chu Hong!"

As soon as the top spot was announced, the entire stadium erupted in thunderous cheers once again.

It was as if they too had received this honor.

It is an honor to share in it, a true honor to share in it.

Above, Xiong Zhen continued speaking, announcing the subsequent rankings.

"Second place, Zhou Mingrui."

Although everyone had already guessed, they couldn't help but be excited again when the results were actually announced.

No one doubted the two men's strength, character, and methods; they even believed that only Chu Hong and Zhou Mingrui were worthy of the position.

They deserve it; this is what everyone expects!

"Chu Hong! Chu Hong! Chu Hong!"

"Zhou Mingrui! Zhou Mingrui! Zhou Mingrui!"

The crowd cheered enthusiastically once again.

Xiong Zhen pressed his hands down, waiting for the crowd to calm down, before announcing the remaining roster in a loud voice:

"Please invite the twelve newly appointed martial arts scholars to come to the stage to receive their certificates of merit."

The certificate of merit was actually a golden silk scroll.

However, the information about academic achievements will be written on it.

With it, one could then obtain many privileges in Yunxi County, such as travel and handling affairs.

The whole family can also benefit from this protection; it's a perfect example of one person achieving enlightenment and all their relatives and friends benefiting from it.

After Chu Hong received his certificate of passing the imperial examination, he was about to leave the examination hall when Xiong Zhen stopped him, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"Chu Hong, I made it clear before the exam that the top scorer in the martial arts exam can choose one martial art."

"You are the top student in this year's martial arts examination. If you have any needs for martial arts training, please feel free to let me know."

Chu Hong's mind raced, and he bowed, saying:

"Thank you, Lord Xiong, but I am not yet aware of the martial arts techniques you possess. Could you allow me to learn more before making a choice?"

Xiong Zhen paused slightly, then lightly patted his forehead, feigning annoyance:

"I completely forgot about that. Here's what we'll do: After you've finished your business, Chu Bangshou, come find me at the county office, and I'll introduce you to him."

"Thank you, sir!"