A Long River Myth

Outside the training ground.

Li Hong declined the offers of several people who came to contact him and walked toward the "private car" that Jiang Tao had arranged for him.

"Master Li, take care!"

A strange voice called out to him from behind.

A young man dressed in brocade emerged from the crowd. Li Hong felt that the man looked familiar, and then he remembered him.

Not long ago, when the business held its monthly offering ceremony, this man was the attendant who followed Ye Qingsong.

He was deeply impressed.

"Lord Li! I am Xue Lin, congratulations on achieving the rank of Second-Class Martial Arts Student!"

Xue Lin, beaming, hurried to catch up with Li Hong, bowed, and said with a smile:

"This afternoon, Third Master was truly impressed by your impressive performance on the testing platform..."

"This junior envoy is waiting for you here. This is Third Master's way of encouraging you."

"Manager Ye, you're too kind. I, Li, am truly unworthy of such an honor!"

Li Hong took the two silver notes handed to him, his eyelids twitching slightly. He had just handed over two hundred taels.

He didn't do much today, but he was still a second-class martial arts student whose identity hadn't been fully established yet.

It has already brought him an income of three hundred taels of silver!

You should know that Li Hong broke through the Innate Gate and has been worried about not having any money these days.

The common tonics used to nourish the body during the period of internal strengthening are no longer very effective.

His body has undergone tremendous changes, and ordinary tonics are no longer of any use.

Ordinary resources are becoming increasingly scarce.

However, Li Hong absolutely could not reveal his innate strength, so his financial situation was naturally temporarily limited.

Three hundred taels of silver is neither a lot nor a little for him now.

In terms of value, three hundred taels of silver can almost buy a two-courtyard house in Xitai Street in the outer city!

"That's enough for me to work myself to the bone for almost half a month!"

Li Hong thought to himself, while wondering why Ye Qingsong would make a special trip to watch the autumn examination.

However, he didn't ask. After giving him the silver, Xue Lin offered his usual congratulations and left without saying anything more.

.............

The next morning, Li Hong was sent to the inner city training ground.

He spent the night at Jiang Tao's residence in the inner city last night.

Upon hearing about his achievements yesterday, the latter was greatly shocked and excitedly called him "brother".

He also said that he would come to watch the inspection meeting at the patrol station today after the morning roll call.

On Arena B, today's opening match was an even more intense battle.

"puff!"

Several candidates have been seriously injured, and there are not many outstanding people in the second round.

Two of Zhu Jiawu's servants were sent out today, but neither gained any advantage. It was a fight where they traded injuries for injuries, and they didn't care about the final result at all.

"The Zhu family has really gone all out this year..."

Many people in the waiting area were deeply moved!

Among the eight great martial arts families in the inner city, the Zhu family ranks among the top three. This year, Zhu Wen's appearance to compete for the title of first-class martial arts student has attracted much attention.

However, even before he took the stage, those who knew him kept their eyes fixed on that steady figure in the waiting area.

"Wow, that young man must be Yang Jinnian, the nephew of Yang Wenshan, the third manager of Lei's Trading Company. He's incredibly skilled and has a talent for the martial arts arena!"

There were no more candidates from the outer city beside Li Hong; all those speaking were candidates from the inner city.

Yang Jinnian's hard skills were extremely impressive. He used both fists and palms to split the stone, and his energy was powerful and unrestrained.

His lower body used the Heavenly Net Step, with its numerous leg shadows that were impossible to defend against. When he encountered Zhu's martial servants, they were all sent flying out of the arena.

For a time, they were the most popular!

"Brother Li, you're also a retainer of the Lei Clan Trading Company, don't you recognize him?"

A young man named Wan Gu smiled; he was the eldest son of the commander of the Divine Guard Camp in the county.

I had just tried to win over Li Hong on behalf of the Divine Guard Battalion, but he politely declined.

After all, Li Hong's status as a martial arts student was already secure, and he had won two consecutive battles. Anyone with discernment would know that he had considerable potential.

Perhaps he could really compete with those top-tier martial artists in the Grand Arena.

The candidates from the inner city naturally have a lot of contact with each other, and if they are successfully recruited, then there will be one less potential threat on the arena.

"I only got into Lei's Trading Company a few months ago through connections, and I'm not familiar with them yet."

Li Hong smiled faintly.

"Using connections?"

Wan Gu frowned, thinking to himself that this was an opportunity. He didn't even know Yang Jinnian, which meant that Li Hong had no relatives in the Lei family business.

He couldn't help but extend another warm invitation:

"Brother Li, my Divine Guard Battalion is at least a garrison commander of a prefecture. If you are willing to come, you can start as a deputy battalion commander, leading three hundred households. The resources you receive will be several times, or even ten times, more than what the Lei Clan Trading Company provides."

Li Hong humbly declined again: "Thank you, Brother Xie. I come from a humble background and live a very leisurely life. I am not qualified to intimidate tigers and wolves or deter petty villains..."

Although the Divine Guard Battalion is a good organization, joining it would still place one within the official system.

With the control panel on his back, his goal was crystal clear: to reach the pinnacle of martial arts in this region.

"Alright... you're a straightforward man, brother! I'll definitely pay you a visit after the autumn examinations!"

As they were chatting and laughing, the other candidates suddenly stirred:

"Look! Zhu Wen is coming on stage!"

"Something's about to happen! That's Qin Feng, the last disciple of Zhou Liang of the Broken Gold Hall!"

Upon hearing this, Wan Gu wore a gloating expression: "Brother Li, this Duan Jin Tang is a top-tier martial arts training ground in the inner city!"

"Qin Feng has truly mastered his master's teachings, achieving mastery of the 'Severing Metal Technique.' His body is as hard as metal, making him one of the most outstanding young talents in the inner city in the past two years!"

Li Hong nodded. He had also observed Zhu Wen's man during the test yesterday.

He should be considered one of the six or seven people who have the best chance of winning the first-class martial arts examination in this autumn examination.

But only half a cup of tea's time passed.

"Huh!? Zhu Wen actually defeated Qin Feng in just four moves?"

The lightning-fast scene on the field was like a meteor shower, suddenly igniting the training ground!

Zhu Wen and Qin Feng exchanged blows for only two breaths before the latter was sent flying off the stage!

The loss was extremely ugly!

This will undoubtedly have a huge negative impact on Duanjintang's reputation.

The closed-door disciple came to participate in the autumn examination, and was knocked off the stage in just four moves. It was too sensational and exciting!

Wan Gu's eyes seemed to freeze, his smile instantly turning to ice, and he was speechless for a moment.

Yang Jinnian, who had just stepped down from the stage, was in high spirits, but before he could return to the waiting area, he looked back and could not hide the astonishment in his eyes!

Qin Feng couldn't even last four moves against Zhu Wen?

It should be noted that the former was already famous throughout the county when he was only fifteen years old!

At the age of sixteen, he was already a second-class martial arts student, with academic achievements already in hand!

After two years of honing his skills, he was defeated so easily by Zhu Wen today!

This stark contrast left the few remaining test-takers feeling as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Even Li Hong narrowed his eyes, realizing that Zhu Wen was currently still at the peak of the Inner Strength stage and had not yet broken through to the Innate stage!

But its foundation has accumulated to an appalling degree!

"This is the foundation of a century-old martial arts family within this prefecture. If Zhu Wen breaks through to the Innate Realm in the future, he will likely become a top expert in this area!"

After a couple of glances, Li Hong's expression returned to normal; although he was strong, he couldn't stop him.

At this moment, after witnessing the appearance of numerous inner city examinees in the second arena, he had a clear understanding of the situation and the outcome was already decided.

But on the stands outside the training ground, a raging storm had already broken out.

Yang Wenshan clenched his fist. He had already reached the same conclusion as Li Hong, and couldn't help but worry for Yang Jinnian.

The top three in this arena are probably not so easy to achieve. It will be very difficult for my nephew to get into the top three from Zhu Wen!

The competition for the top martial arts performer title is exceptionally fierce this year.

Many of the candidates who didn't use their full strength in the second round were still experts!

But once we get to the top arena, the intensity will probably be on an even higher level!

..........

After several rounds, Li Hong took the stage again.

If he wins this round, he will achieve a three-game winning streak and advance to the top tier.

Interestingly, the opponents they face in this round are also quite interesting.

Yang Jinnian's eyes were icy cold... clearly he had suppressed the shock that Zhu Wen had just brought.

The top three in the Jia arena can all be rated as first-class martial arts students, even if he admits that he is no match for Zhu Wen.

But as long as he can advance to the top arena, who else besides Zhu Wen can easily defeat him?

He sized up Li Hong opposite him, feeling a slight disdain in his heart, even though Li Hong was considered one of his own retainers.

However, during our meeting yesterday, I noticed that he still had some reservations due to his uncle's influence.

Li Hong remained expressionless. He was determined to win this match, even though Yang Jinnian had a significant connection with his Lei family business.

Otherwise, if he makes too many moves, in this highly anticipated autumn examination, there's no guarantee that some hidden expert observers won't notice something amiss.

It's best to be careful; his innate strength hasn't reached the point where it needs to be revealed yet.

I originally thought that the martial arts student's trial would be very difficult, but with the breakthrough of the innate barrier.

From his current perspective, all his previous worries are no longer a problem.

How can there be any light boat that can cross ten thousand mountains, as if it were just something to be done casually and easily?

In that case, he only needs to secure his status as a first-class martial arts student.

In the future, I will settle the score with that armor in the martial arts exam, enter the upper sect, and complete the early stages of my planned martial arts path. That would be ideal!

On the arena.

"Drink!"

Yang Jinnian roared, his Stone-Splitting Hand technique was quite powerful, his palm was like a sharp blade, and his fist brought a fierce wind!

Li Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, responding only with his Hundred-Refined Fist, his double-barreled iron gates immediately blocking the incoming attack.

But Yang Jinnian didn't gain any advantage at the first move. What followed was a series of deadly moves, sharp and ruthless, completely unreasonable.

Even from an outsider's perspective, it seems to have a different flavor.

Li Hong was deeply involved in the battle and understood it far better than anyone else; his brows were already slightly furrowed.

This match was not crucial for either of them. If they were to give it their all and make a mistake, what would happen when they reached the final round?

Li Hong subtly hinted to the other party several times that it was enough to stop there, which was already a sign of goodwill.

But Yang Jinnian ignored it and instead felt that he was not gaining the upper hand as the fight went on. He was quite embarrassed and annoyed and started to hit hard.

Li Hong's good intentions have become an opportunity for him to recklessly test his weaknesses!

After several unsuccessful attacks, Yang Jinnian suddenly changed his fist into a palm and swung his knife down at Li Hong with extreme cunning. The force of the blow made their clothes rustle.

If Li Hong were just an ordinary late-stage internal strength test taker, he would probably have three broken ribs and his major meridians affected by such methods.

He pushed off with his left foot, his body shifting as if he had barely dodged the attack.

Yang Jinnian's eyes turned cold. He took the Heavenly Net Step and thought he had found a good opportunity. His right foot shot up, aiming for his groin!

By forcing Li Hong into a disadvantageous position, and knowing that he would inevitably fall into his trap, a series of deadly moves were unleashed, and Li Hong's Iron Gate Pass skills would surely be overwhelmed.

"You don't even want to be given face?"

But he noticed that Li Hong's skin color subtly changed for a moment.

First, bend your knees to protect your groin with your legs.

Then, he clenched his fists, and under Yang Jinnian's swift, fierce, and insidious calculations, he suddenly switched from defense to offense.

After landing, it only took three strikes!

boom!

Li Hong's seemingly casual leftward punch suddenly transformed into a "Long Pass One Rider" strike, which he unleashed with merciless force!

The air exploded without warning at that moment!

Having failed to gain an advantage in the upper game and being engrossed in the lower game, Yang Jinnian's heart suddenly turned frosty!

Wow~

He moved with the agility of a dragon, trying to dodge, but the punch came with such force that his entire body was sealed off, and no matter how he dodged, he could not escape unscathed.

We had no choice but to take it!

Boom!

Upon receiving the punch, Yang Jinnian's mind went completely blank, and his eyes widened several times over in an instant!

It was as if a muffled thunderclap exploded in front of him, and his left arm, which he used to block, suddenly went numb!

He was thrown backward for more than ten meters before his feet barely touched the ground. He staggered for more than ten steps to regain his balance and stopped just off the edge of the ring.

He had rubbed two clear white marks into the edge of the wooden arena!

Yang Jinnian's left arm was trembling slightly, and drops of blood were seeping from the tiger's mouth. His face turned pale!

He looked at Li Hong with a shocked expression!

Li Hong calmly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "You flatter me!"

Since it is a skills test, it is a place for fame and fortune. Although it is not a life-or-death struggle, fists and feet are always merciless.

Li Hong, out of goodwill, wanted to give him some leeway, to let them test their strength to the point of exhaustion, hoping he would back down and that would be the end of it.

If someone offers you a ladder but refuses to climb down, instead trying to reach for the moon while sitting on the wall, then there's nothing you can do about it.

"This Li Hong seems to be a candidate from the outer city. I heard he's also a retainer of the Lei Clan Merchant Guild. He's truly hiding his true abilities!"

"Such talent is indeed extraordinary, it's a pity that Yang Jinnian is blind to its value, unable to see it even when given a way out?"

"Tsk tsk, a retainer of the Lei Clan Chamber of Commerce injured the nephew of the Third Master. Yang Wenshan has no sons. This is going to be a good show!"

With another victory, even the most obtuse and slow-witted person would know the strength that Li Hong had demonstrated!

The candidates in the waiting area were close by, so they could clearly see what had just happened on the stage, and their discussions were like a surging tide.

Today's autumn examination has witnessed a multitude of top talents emerging one after another, as well as a dark horse like Li Hong.

Even if they didn't advance to the top-tier arena, they still felt the trip was worthwhile!

On one side of the waiting area, Zhu Wen's eyes showed a cautious look, and when he looked at Li Hong, he was less relaxed.

He already knew in his heart—this person was a formidable rival!

His eyesight was naturally far superior to that of the other candidates in the examination hall. Now that the autumn examination had progressed to this point, his family's servants had been exhausted!

I can't help but blame myself for being a little too arrogant yesterday; today I have very little left and can hardly exert any more influence on this person...

On the other side, Wan Gu frowned even more, and when his gaze swept over Li Hong, he felt a heavy pressure coming over him!

Suddenly, a heavy feeling settled over me!

This autumn examination was indeed full of hidden talents; none of them were ordinary people.

The fact that such a person could stand out even in the outer city shows how deep the pool is and how murky the water is!

As for the stands, Yang Wenshan had already sprung up, his eyes fixed on Li Hong.

Li Hong's sudden and fluid change of move was something he hadn't anticipated even with his sharp eyesight!

"Perhaps it's because it's far away?"

Yang Wenshan clenched his powerful right fist tightly, a slight chill running down his spine!

Yang Jinnian's blow was solid and will definitely affect his performance in the upcoming Jia-level tournament!

"Sir! Before Steward Ye left yesterday, he asked Xue Lin to deliver some silver notes to Li Hong. The two talked for quite a while!"

Yang Jinnian's servant reminded him from the side.

Snapped!

A section of the grandstand railing suddenly shattered, and a chill ran through Yang Jinnian's eyes:

"Hmm? Well, you've even started playing these tricks on me!"

..............