The examiner continued, "Based on the ranking of battle records, Wu Jian and Gao Yaolin both have a perfect record and are tied for first place."

Wu Changning lost a match and is ranked second.

Lin Feng lost two games in a row and ranked third.

Li Yan is fourth, Jiang Yun is fifth...

Some people in the audience were whispering among themselves.

"Lin Feng lost two matches? I don't recall that."

"He conceded defeat, he conceded defeat to Wu Changning, and he conceded defeat to Gao Yaolin as well."

"Wow, so cowardly?"

"It's their choice, what's it to you?"

After the examiner finished reading, he added, "However, there can only be one first place."

Next, Wu Jian and Gao Yaolin will have to play an additional match to determine the true winner.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gao Yaolin raised his hand.

"There's no need to compete anymore, I concede, I'll accept second place."

The examiner was taken aback, then nodded in satisfaction.

This result was exactly what Governor Ding Jianyang wanted.

Wu Jian's strength is undeniable, making him number one is the popular choice.

Gao Yaolin was sensible, which saved everyone trouble.

Just as he was about to make the announcement, a voice suddenly rang out.

"I refuse to accept this."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

Wu Changning stood in the crowd, his face gloomy, his eyes fixed on Gao Yaolin.

"I want to challenge Gao Yaolin."

No one was surprised by this statement.

Wu Changning couldn't beat Wu Jian; he really couldn't.

But Gao Yaolin, despite being a mediocre talent, might not necessarily lose.

Having been defeated by Wu Jian in ten moves, he was seething with anger and wanted to vent his frustration on someone.

The examiner looked at Gao Yaolin: "Wu Changning wants to challenge you. What do you say?"

Without a second thought, Gao Yaolin immediately followed Lin Feng's example and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"I concede defeat; I'm willing to be third."

The examiner then looked at Lin Feng, who came in third: "Lin Feng, what's your opinion?"

Lin Feng stood to the side, his expression indifferent.

"I am completely satisfied with this ranking."

The examiner nodded in satisfaction and asked no further questions.

He cleared his throat and announced loudly:

"In that case, the top ten rankings of this year's martial arts examination are as follows:"

First place: Wu Jian; Second place: Wu Changning; Third place: Gao Yaolin.

Fourth place: Lin Feng; Fifth place: Li Yan; Sixth place: Jiang Yun.

Seventh place: Zhou Tong; Eighth place: Zhao Han; Ninth place: Sun Zheng;

Tenth place: Qian Mancang.

After the rankings were announced, applause erupted from the audience.

Lin Feng stood calmly in the crowd.

Fourth place. Not too high, not too low, just right.

The examiner then said, "Next, come with me to see Governor Ding."

Lord Ding will personally confer upon you the status of martial arts examinees.

This is standard practice.

All military candidates had to be granted official titles by the prefect himself.

Firstly, it shows that the imperial court values ​​talent, and secondly, it's also a way to build good relationships.

If these successful candidates later entered the imperial court and rose to prominence, the governor would be credited for their recommendation.

If I get promoted in the future, I can still curry favor with those who have powerful connections.

Upon hearing this, everyone straightened their clothes and followed the chief examiner toward the high platform.

Lin Feng walked in the middle of the group, at a leisurely pace.

The autumn wind brushed my face, carrying a hint of coolness.

Inside the Liangzhou Governor's Mansion, Lin Feng and his entourage were led into a spacious and bright hall.

Governor Ding Jianyang sat upright in the main seat, his face thin, with three long strands of beard, and a scarlet official robe that accentuated his extraordinary majesty.

The prefects of various prefectures sat on chairs on both sides, seated in order of seniority.

Zhao Boli, the prefect of Huayang Prefecture, was ranked first to Ding Jianyang's left, a position that speaks volumes about his current status in Liangzhou.

After all, he had two outstanding scholars among his subordinates, making him the most meritorious contributor.

When Zhao Boli saw Lin Feng and Wu Changning walk in, his face immediately lit up with a smile.

He never expected that his promise to temporarily take over Yongguan County when he passed by would lead to such a big surprise.

Two innate advantages, one fourth and one second—that's enough to sustain him for years.

"My lord, all ten of this year's martial arts examination candidates have been brought here," the chief examiner reported.

Ding Jianyang waved his hand and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your hard work. Go to the accounting office to collect your reward."

"Thank you, sir!" The examiner left with a pleased expression.

Ding Jianyang's gaze fell on Lin Feng and the others, and he became more and more satisfied with what he saw.

He never expected that the martial arts examination during his term would produce four innate masters, which was the most in history.

In previous years, one was considered a great achievement, but this year it has doubled.

"You are all the pride of Liangzhou, the pillars of the nation."

Ding Jianyang spoke slowly, his tone gentle yet filled with expectation.

"These achievements are the result of your hard work and dedication."

However, the road ahead is long, and you still have a long way to go.

Never become arrogant or complacent; you must continue to work hard and break through your own limits.

"We will heed your teachings, sir!" the ten replied in unison.

Ding Jianyang smiled slightly, said nothing more, and waved his hand in acknowledgment.

Dozens of guards filed in, each carrying a tray with a neatly arranged bronze plaque. People took turns to receive theirs according to their rank.

Starting with Wu Jian, then Wu Changning, Gao Yaolin, and then it's Lin Feng's turn.

Lin Feng took the bronze medal and examined it carefully.

The bronze plaque is about the size of a palm and is finely crafted.

The front is engraved with the three large characters "武举人" (Martial Arts Examination Graduate), while the back has lines of smaller characters:

He was the top student in Yongguan County, the second-ranked scholar in Huayang Prefecture, and the fourth-ranked scholar in Liangzhou.

Even his physical characteristics are briefly described to ensure that the person and the card match perfectly.

Ding Jianyang added, "You must keep the three plaques for the title of Tongsheng, Xiucai, and Juren safe. Losing them would be a huge hassle."

The procedures for reissuing the permits are complicated and will affect your ability to take the imperial examinations in Beijing.

"Yes, sir."

Ding Jianyang nodded, then changed the subject: "Now that you are all martial arts graduates, you are qualified to go to the capital to participate in the metropolitan examination and compete with graduates from all over the country for a place among the top 100."

Only those who make it into the top 100 can participate in the final examination.

He paused, his tone becoming serious.

"The national examination is far more brutal than the provincial examination. At that time, it will no longer be a martial arts contest, but a brutal elimination tournament."

In the end, life and death are not matters; it all depends on oneself.

At the same time, you will face the true prodigies of the Great Wei.

You need to be mentally prepared.

Upon hearing this, everyone tensed up.

Seeing this, Ding Jianyang softened his tone: "Of course, there's no need to worry too much."

If you can't beat them, just hide and admit defeat when it's over.

Having the title of a martial arts graduate is already a great honor for you.

He changed the subject and said with a smile, "Next is your reward."

Each person will receive a cultivation technique that allows them to advance to the Heavenly Realm, one thousand taels of silver, a bottle of healing pills, and a bottle of Qi-replenishing pills.

"Guards, take them to the storeroom to collect their reward."

"Thank you, Your Excellency!" Everyone was overjoyed.

Although these were all rewards from the imperial court, the skills learned were one's own, making this reward exceptionally meaningful.

The warehouse of the Liangzhou Governor's Office was a three-story building, guarded by soldiers at the entrance.

The steward led everyone inside and announced the rules with a blank expression:

"The first floor contains acquired martial arts techniques and skills, while the second floor contains innate martial arts techniques and skills."

Each person is limited to choosing one manual; no more may be taken.

After you have made your selections, you may leave on your own and take them back to copy.

Complete the copying before noon tomorrow, report to the governor's office, and submit it to your place of origin.

At the same time, Lord Ding will also host a banquet for you martial arts graduates, as well as the prefects of various prefectures.

Do you understand?

"Got it!"

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