Chapter 116: Whispers in the Wind, Nine-Tenths Eliminated!

"Why are you only arriving now?"

At the Eighteen Locust and Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing met Long Xiao, who had hurried over.

"This time it's stricter," Long Xiao said. "I had planned to deliver the things to you half a month ago, but the Military Department issued orders to every army—no interfering with the reserve training, especially the branch academy trials, so it got delayed."

"Since you're not supposed to interfere, then this is…"

Long Xiao said: "The Military Department's three prohibitions—no delivering treasures or equipment, no directly giving points, no bringing people to treasure grounds for enlightenment."

"Only in these last three days can one come by to deliver some food."

"By the time I got the news, I had already set off. Since I was already on my way, I simply brought the things over."

Long Xiao handed a bundle to Zhao Xing: "The food can't be too good either. Before the branch academy training, recruits must not break through to the Eighth Rank, or there'll be a strict investigation, so I didn't dare bring anything too fine."

"Everything inside is prepared for you after the branch academy."

Zhao Xing took the bundle; it was fairly heavy.

He could understand the prohibitions issued by the Military Department.

Although every garrison could go cultivate the talents they had selected, the use of certain resources was decided after the branch academy.

If heavy cultivation became the norm, it wouldn't be training anymore—it would turn into a contest of each army's reserves, and recruit training would lose its meaning.

If cultivation is to happen, it must wait until after training ends.

Long Xiao said: "The prohibitions are here, and right now we can't give you much help either—you can only rely on yourself to fight for it. But don't worry, whatever you don't have, others won't have either."

"If others have it, Old Chen and I guarantee you'll have it too."

Those words warmed the heart. Zhao Xing cupped his hands in thanks: "I certainly won't disappoint the expectations of you two big brothers."

"Hahaha, don't be so polite," Long Xiao laughed. "I'll be off now. You have to train, and so do I. I still have military duties over in Xi'er Commandery."

"Last time you reported in, you ranked twenty-ninth—Old Chen and I didn't expect that. Work hard; we'll be waiting in Xi'er Commandery for your good news."

"I'm off, don't see me out."

With that, Long Xiao turned and left, leaping a few times before vanishing from sight.

Zhao Xing withdrew his gaze. Inside the bundle was mainly a material called Lei Ting Stone.

Ten pieces in total, each with a recovery price of 800 points at the armory and a selling price of 1,000 points.

The rest was a miscellaneous assortment of food; all told, the armory's recovery price came to exactly 10,000 points.

Under the Military Department's prohibitions, the initial resources given during training to the geniuses on each army's key selection list was a quota of 10,000.

This still had to wait until after the branch academy before it could be exchanged.

Before the branch academy, Zhao Xing had no way to exchange it.

The function wasn't opened for him.

After the branch academy, there'd be no need to give extra either, because the branch academy itself was a kind of screening.

The geniuses of the Four Great Academies would inevitably obtain more resources.

"I must get into one of the Four Great Academies, or my starting resources will be a notch below everyone else's." Zhao Xing's gaze was firm.

Take the Earth Vein Academy—the Earth Vein Hall displayed murals of the nineteen provinces' ley lines, and there were even higher-level ones. What could be viewed for free was only the relatively low-level ones.

The Seventy-Two Earth Palaces could also be experienced at closer range.

The Mysterious Earth Prison could also display rarer exotic beasts with more valuable enlightenment effects.

The Grand Granary Academy had many precious original-fruit harvests each year—only so many portions were produced, so supply was limited, and of course priority went to the Four Great Academies.

"Two or three more days—keep training."

After putting down his things, Zhao Xing immediately threw himself back into training.

March 29th, twin suns overhead.

Yangcheng's climate had become even more pleasant, with cool breezes drifting through and temperatures just right—perfect for sleeping.

From Wei hour to Shen hour was when a person felt sleepiest.

Add to that the twin suns overhead, and the weather had become thoroughly comfortable.

Throughout Yangcheng, most people were taking afternoon naps.

Only a very small number of people were still at various treasure grounds doing enlightenment, preparing for the branch academy trial in two days.

"Aawo~" Zhao Xing was yawning nonstop too.

The weather was simply too comfortable, and combined with the high training intensity lately, he couldn't help going to his room to lie down for a bit.

"Hoo~"

At the third quarter of Wei hour, a faint breeze blew out from the Heavenly Time Hall.

The wind was extremely weak, yet in the blink of an eye it blew into the residential area, into the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces viewing area, into the Mysterious Earth Prison… reaching every corner of Yangcheng.

Zhao Xing was fast asleep.

Suddenly, his brow twitched.

Deep sleep became light sleep.

Another second passed, and Zhao Xing awoke from sleep, frowning.

"This breeze…"

He sat up, put on his clothes, left the room, and stood quietly in the courtyard.

Since he hadn't yet learned the Solar Term Command, the weather in the Eighteen Locust and Willow Courtyard area followed the outside.

Zhao Xing sensed something strange in the wind.

"A strange breeze has appeared in the Locust and Willow Courtyard."

"Very faint, but I can confirm it's neither a natural wind nor the lingering resonance from my practice an hour ago."

It was like dropping a single new grain of rice into a rice jar, and Zhao Xing was the person guarding that rice jar.

The abnormal wind blowing in was equivalent to the sound of that single grain being dropped.

The rice jar was still flowing, and this single grain of rice had already vanished into the rice jar.

At this moment, Zhao Xing was capturing this abnormal and faint wind.

Zhao Xing moved on tiptoe, his mind completely unfurled, his Life Soul cultivated to the Ninth Rank, middle period, making his perception incomparably alert.

Such a subtle, abnormal wind — he had actually found it.

Right now it was spinning around the main trunk beneath the pagoda tree.

"There's really something abnormal!"

The wind circled the pagoda tree, rotating steadily. If one didn't walk over, it would be impossible to notice at all — because it was far too faint!

After walking over, Zhao Xing's fingers lightly touched this wind.

"Hum~"

When he touched it.

The wind instantly blew to his ear, and at the same time an extremely faint voice emerged.

"The branch academy examination has already begun. All Agronomist reserves, please proceed to 'Yangcheng East Suburbs' by the third quarter of the Shen hour."

"Arriving before the third quarter of the Shen hour is deemed passing the first trial, and you may accept the next trial's test."

"During this period, the use of spells is forbidden, and it is also prohibited to reveal it to anyone else by any means. Violators will have their results voided."

The breeze dispersed, and the voice dispersed with it.

A strange glint flashed in Zhao Xing's eyes.

"A tip-off — what a fine tip-off."

"They said the branch academy examination would be a month later, but in reality it started from the second-to-last day?"

"Looking at it now, the sudden appearance of two suns today, and the weather becoming so sleep-inducing, were all prepared for the examination."

Zhao Xing looked at the sky, and instantly understood the examiners' intention.

The first trial tests the vigilance of the Military Agronomists!

"This trial is very difficult. I'm afraid the first trial alone will screen out the majority of people."

Zhao Xing took a deep breath, pushed open the gate of Huai Willow Court, and walked outside.

It was now the third quarter of the Wei hour, and the requirement was to arrive before the third quarter of the Shen hour — in other words, there was one shichen of travel time.

Yangcheng East Suburbs was not far.

As long as one could hear it, with the strength of the new recruits, running over would be more than enough.

"Not letting people use spells, and walking over — it's to prevent others from noticing anything unusual."

"If others saw the capable ones all flying toward the East Suburbs, they'd probably catch on right away."

"So one also has to avoid letting anyone notice anything unusual. Flying is too conspicuous; walking is much more normal — there are plenty of people wandering around inside Yangcheng."

Zhao Xing thought as he walked, heading toward Yangcheng East Suburbs.

However, after he left the residential area, he didn't see many people either.

The first trial's test was a bit harder than he had imagined.

The change in the heavens' timing, and the sleep-inducing environment it fostered, had a greater impact than he had imagined.

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The people on the road were all yawning nonstop as they returned to the residential area.

Those who hadn't slept planned to sleep, and those who had slept still wanted to sleep more — storing up energy for the examination the day after tomorrow.

"By altering the heavens' timing, an environment that makes one want to sleep is unconsciously created. This method is already close to illusion arts." Zhao Xing could not help secretly marvel.

Residential area, Shiyong Three Autumn Court.

Falling leaves fluttered, withered branches covered the ground. A sunny, cheerful youth walked barefoot out of a grove of trees.

He raised his head and looked at the sky.

"Spring drowsiness, autumn fatigue, summer dozing — a change in the heavens' timing, and three seasons actually arrive together. No wonder I felt a wave of sleepiness just now."

Shi Yong waved his hand, and from a bamboo grove not far away, a faint breeze blew over and spiraled in his palm.

"Yangcheng East Suburbs, third quarter of the Shen hour."

Shi Yong clenched his palm, dispersed the wind, and walked out of the courtyard with composure.

Wind Hill Manor. A coldly expressioned youth with short hair was sitting cross-legged in a spacious room.

Before him, two cyan-colored phantoms were intertwined.

"Bang bang bang!"

Muffled sounds came from the air; the two wind shadows were like two martial artists locked in combat.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Feng Qiu opened his eyes in confusion.

He opened his mouth, his cheeks caved in, and he sucked in sharply!

Immediately after, the two cyan phantoms also transformed into a cyan torrent and vanished into his mouth.

"That's not right — there's an extra wind."

"So that's how it is."

Feng Qiu immediately rose and walked toward the door.

Earth Advantage Court, Earth Vein Hall.

Zhuang Ziqing was meditating before a map of earth veins.

He was the genius ranked second at the time of registration. Meditating before the earth vein map now, no one nearby dared to approach and disturb him.

"Choosing this moment?"

Zhuang Ziqing's gaze shifted away from the mural, and he looked down at a wisp of wind flowing past his ankle.

"What perfect timing."

He glanced at the many people meditating before the mural, seemingly oblivious to everything, shook his head, and walked out of the Earth Vein Hall.

Twenty-Four Hours Fuchun Hall.

Hua Zhilin and Guan Junyang were observing the flower buds on the ground.

"Brother Guan, I still have things to do. Let's end today's Five Elements Observation here." Hua Zhilin suddenly withdrew his gaze and began seeing his guest out.

"Little Hua, you think you're the only one who heard it?" Guan Junyang smiled faintly.

"Hahaha, I knew Brother Guan was no simple man." Hua Zhilin had a delicate, feminine appearance, and his voice was also remarkably soft and tender.

"Then shall we go together?"

"That was exactly my intention."

After passing through Yangcheng's city gate, the number of people grew even sparser.

But those walking outside the city at this moment were all forces not to be underestimated.

Li Feng had come out from the south gate.

He had looped around most of the way before finally hurrying onto the main road leading to the eastern outskirts.

Li Feng was skilled in wind techniques, so this checkpoint naturally posed no difficulty for him.

He was among the very first batch to react.

With scarcely a soul on the road now, he finally breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

This is how it should be!

Last time over a hundred people — that was purely an accident!

This is my true strength!

"In this branch division trial, I must absolutely wash away my past shame!"

"Surpass Feng Qiu, surpass Zhuang Ziqing, surpas— damn!"

Li Feng was running when he suddenly spotted a familiar silhouette in the left front also running.

"It's him!"

Li Feng recognized Zhao Xing at a single glance.

How utterly familiar was this scene?

Meeting again while on the run!

Li Feng immediately rushed over quickly.

"Hey brother, you look awfully familiar!!!"

"I don't know you, sir — you've got the wrong person."

Seeing Li Feng closing in, Zhao Xing also quickened his pace.

"Stop! If you've got guts, don't run!" Li Feng shouted.

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"If you've got guts, then stop chasing!"

"……"

Zhao Xing hadn't expected to run into Li Feng at this moment — he had no desire for complications and just buried his head in sprinting.

He had taken the Giant Whale Pill, which strengthened his internal organs, and to repay the debt to True Lord Departing Fire, had undergone weighted training for many days — now when he ran, he flew.

For a moment, Li Feng actually couldn't catch up.

"Who's that? Why is Li Feng chasing him?" Those in the Tiger Jiao Army who knew Li Feng were immediately baffled. "This first checkpoint doesn't even rank you — there's no need for all this chasing."

"Who knows, maybe there's some grudge between them."

As Zhao Xing ran and ran, he noticed Li Feng was still in pursuit and felt a bit helpless.

It's not like I only tricked him once — why hold such a grudge?

In any case, right now he didn't want to engage Li Feng and waste time.

He simply sped up to evade him.

"Hm? It's Li Feng — who's he chasing?" Feng Qiu also caught sight of Zhao Xing and Li Feng's chase. He was walking shoulder to shoulder with Zhuang Ziqing.

Zhuang Ziqing pondered: "I think I've seen this person too. He's the one who used King Di Zang's Return to Origin in the Ten Thousand Li Lei Chi area."

"Ten Thousand Li Lei Chi?" Feng Qiu thought it over. "Now that you mention it, I think I have a vague impression too. When I crossed the Gang Wind Mountain Range and entered Yangcheng's city and territory, I seemed to see someone using cloud and wind techniques to advance."

"His wind techniques are pretty poor, but his cloud techniques are genuinely impressive — looks like he cultivates the Swallowing Cloud Art."

"They must have had some conflict during registration." Zhuang Ziqing laughed. "In our internal selection, Li Feng ranked sixth, but this time at registration he ended up over a hundredth — he probably had a clash with this person."

"Looks pretty ordinary, nothing special." Feng Qiu said coolly. "Li Feng really is trash."

Yangcheng Eastern Outskirts.

The moment Zhao Xing crossed the boundary marker, he immediately stopped.

A flying vessel appeared in the half-sky ahead.

Clearly, he had already reached the destination.

"Buzz~"

The Earth Mirror in his bosom trembled slightly. Zhao Xing took it out to look.

There was a notice sent from the Ten Sun Army on it.

It showed he had already passed the first checkpoint's trial.

"Run! Go on, run!"

"Let's see where else you can run!"

Li Feng's face dark, he appeared before Zhao Xing.

"You've made me suffer terribly."

Zhao Xing said, "Under this heaven, those who look alike or resemble each other are as common as carp crossing the river. Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else."

Li Feng snorted, "No need to keep up the act. Even if you turned to ash, I'd still recognize you!"

"Fine, then I won't pretend anymore." Zhao Xing shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, I'm the one who screwed you over. Are you going to argue with me for three hundred rounds so everyone can know about it?"

"You—" Li Feng was instantly at a loss for words. He had been so blinded by rage that he only now realized this wasn't the place for a fight.

"I'll remember you." Li Feng gave Zhao Xing a deep look. "Don't you ever fall into my hands."

"I'll be waiting." Zhao Xing showed no weakness. "Just don't let me screw you over a second time."

Seeing more and more people gathering, Li Feng finished speaking, gave a cold snort, turned around and left.

He found Zhao Xing an eyesore now.

"What's going on?"

At this moment, Han Bing also stepped past the boundary marker and appeared before Zhao Xing.

"Had a little run-in while crossing the Ten Thousand Li Lei Chi."

Han Bing's face showed some surprise: "The person who made Li Feng drop to over a hundredth place—that was you?"

Li Feng's ranking dropping to over a hundred naturally drew quite a bit of attention.

At the time, there were still quite a few people in front of the Ten Thousand Li Lei Chi, so the news spread quickly afterward.

That's why Li Feng was so furious when he saw Zhao Xing.

"Mm."

"Call me if you need anything."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing, then smiled and nodded, accepting the goodwill the other had shown.

After a pause, Han Bing asked again, "The rampage on the Earthfire Plains—is it related to you?"

Zhao Xing was startled: "That got out too?"

"No." Han Bing shook his head. "I guessed. Intuition."

Seeing Zhao Xing's reaction, Han Bing knew he'd guessed right: "It really was you?"

"Mm." Zhao Xing said, "Why are you stepping back half a pace?"

"I'm afraid I'll get caught up in it when you get struck by lightning."

"Hey hey, you just said to call you if I needed anything. That's a pretty quick change."

"What you need is for me to help collect your corpse?"

"……"

Han Bing had quite the dry humor—Zhao Xing was actually left speechless.

The two chatted for a while, and it was soon approaching the third quarter of the Shen hour.

By now, the number of people at Yangcheng's eastern outskirts was gradually increasing.

At first, there were only a dozen or so.

Past the Shen hour, it grew to over a hundred.

By the third quarter of the Shen hour,

there were close to a thousand people.

As soon as the time came, two figures flew out from the flying vessel.

The people below saw them and immediately recognized who they were.

"It's the Agricultural Master of Pinghuai Court, Zuo Zizhi!"

"And the Agricultural Overseer of Taicang Court, Lu Bang!"

"Are they about to announce the results?"

"I wonder how many people passed."

"……"

Agricultural Master and Agricultural Overseer are both specific positions; the Agricultural Overseer already belongs to the upper management of the Four Great Courts.

Seeing these two come out, the crowd below immediately burst into discussion.

Zuo Zizhi and Lu Bang flew up to midair and used the wind to transmit their voices.

"The first trial has ended. Nine hundred and thirty-one people passed."

"The nine hundred and thirty-one may proceed to the second trial."

"Those who did not hear the wind-signal and come to Yangcheng's eastern outskirts will all be assigned to branch courts other than the Four Great Courts: Taicang, Pinghuai, Tianshi, and Dili."

The wind carried the news throughout all of Yangcheng.

At this moment, the new recruits—whether meditating or fast asleep—all heard this voice.

"What? The trial has already started? When did it happen?!"

"Wasn't it supposed to be April 1st? What wind-signal? What's with the eastern outskirts?"

"Sigh, I couldn't even hear the wind-signal. My vigilance is too poor."

"Heavens, I actually fell asleep at such a critical moment!"

"Alas, I'm fated to have no connection with the Four Great Courts."

"……"

Throughout Yangcheng came the sounds of the new recruits' regret and remorse. Many stamped their feet and beat their chests, hating themselves for not being more vigilant.

Others knew this trial was inherently far too difficult—over ten thousand people, with nine-tenths eliminated in the very first trial! Even with the utmost vigilance, one might not have heard it. So they quickly adjusted their mindset, preparing to enter the other branch courts and fight for rankings there.

At Yangcheng's eastern outskirts, Zuo Zizhi also announced the contents of the second trial.