Chapter 130: FuduDianZhu Examination!

In the following days, Lu Zhangsheng continually familiarized himself with his own cultivation techniques and martial skills at home.

His strength also rose steadily, and the atmosphere of the whole county town was peaceful yet somewhat strange.

Three days later.

Early morning.

Early in the morning, after Lu Zhangsheng received a summons from Qin Ruobing, he headed toward the DemonSubduingOffice's main hall.

He passed through clean and prosperous streets all the way, amidst the reverent gazes of many commoners, arriving before a great hall.

He lifted his foot and stepped inside.

He saw Qin Ruobing's willow brows slightly furrowed as she lowered her head to review official documents.

Below, a beautiful figure stood still—it was Tong Yuhua.

Upon seeing Lu Zhangsheng arrive, Qin Ruobing slowly set down her brush, smiled, and spoke:

"I summoned you today mainly because of the FuduDianZhu examination."

"The examination will be held in the prefectural city ten days from now; with your abilities, you could actually wait for the next one, and this time I am merely giving a routine notice……"

In her view, their strength had not yet reached the Detachment stage, making it almost impossible for them to pass.

The next examination, however, offers some hope.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua heard this, their expressions shifted slightly.

What she said was already clear: she was not optimistic about the two of them and wanted them to participate next time.

At this moment, Lu Zhangsheng smiled and asked: "If we pass the examination, what benefits will there be?"

This was also Lu Zhangsheng's longstanding doubt: with so many martial artists desperately striving to become a Vice Hall Master, there must be some secrets.

Qin Ruobing smiled charmingly, making one feel as if basking in a spring breeze.

She picked up her teacup, took a sip, then continued: "Do you know what a sect's true transmission disciple is? The Vice Hall Master is similar—it is an innate seed cultivated internally by the court."

"Each month there will be a precious martial arts resource, of great aid to martial artists."

"Of course, the examination is also quite strict, requiring a multi‑factor analysis of each martial artist's age, bone structure, and strength to assess their overall potential."

"Even martial artists who have achieved Perfection in Detachment but are somewhat old in age cannot pass at all."

"Moreover, the Vice Hall Master also has the qualification to independently lead a hall; the future benefits will naturally become clear to you……"

Her tone was gentle, and she spoke at length.

Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua listened quietly to Qin Ruobing's explanation, gaining some understanding in their hearts.

In short, becoming a Vice Hall Master will greatly increase both cultivation resources and status.

This is also a benefit that every martial artist dreams of.

After hearing this, Tong Yuhua felt somewhat gloomy in her heart.

With her strength, it is nearly impossible for her to pass this examination.

Nevertheless, she still wants to give it a try; even if she fails, she can accumulate experience for the next examination.

A thought stirred in Lu Zhangsheng's mind.

The court's actions alone prove how precious innate experts are.

They spare no expense in resources, aiming to cultivate more innate experts.

He has long enjoyed reading, and from some ancient texts he also learned many secrets.

The Way of the Innate is extraordinarily marvelous.

As a transition from human nature to divinity, this step is crucial.

In legend, those ancient powerhouses who proclaimed themselves gods attained this terrifying realm by cultivating upward from the Innate path.

Lu Zhangsheng himself is already at the late stage of Detachment, and this step is not far away.

Naturally, he must make plans early.

Moreover, although the court is weak, it still controls vast territories of hundreds of millions; the resources granted to a Vice Hall Master are surely abundantly rich, so he will certainly not miss out.

The position of Vice Hall Master of Changping County is settled for him.

"What do you two plan to do?"

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng and the other still deep in thought, Qin Ruobing spoke softly.

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile: "Subordinate intends to give it a try."

He did not elaborate further; everything will be clear to the other party once he passes the examination.

Tong Yuhua also nodded solemnly with a serious face.

"Subordinate's idea coincides with that of Lu Xunyou."

She also thought that Lu Zhangsheng, like herself, merely held the idea of familiarizing himself with the rules, without giving it much thought.

"Very well, since you two want to try, then gather tomorrow morning at the eastern city square."

Qin Ruobing spoke lightly.

"For this examination in Changping County, aside from you two, the participants are Chen Zhanpeng and Zhu Houyu."

In her view, their pass rate is also less than ten percent.

Although their strength is somewhat greater than her subordinates', it is still difficult for them to pass in one attempt.

Afterward, the three exchanged a few more words, and Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua then rose and left.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

When Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua arrived at the eastern city square, Chen Zhanpeng and the other had already arrived.

Upon seeing Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua approach, Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng both stared, their eyes revealing a hint of doubt.

In their view, Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua had almost no hope of passing the examination; they never expected the two to actually choose to participate.

Zhu Houyu and his companion did not greet Lu Zhangsheng, standing there with arrogant faces.

The two have never regarded Lu Zhangsheng as a rival; the contest for the Changping County FuduDianZhu must arise between them.

Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua arrived at a corner of the plaza, also ignored Chen Zhanpeng and his companion, and waited quietly.

Time passed slowly.

After a tea‑time, Qin Ruobing, in a flowing purple long dress, slowly walked from a distant street corner.

They exuded an air of noble, cold elegance.

They quickly arrived before the group.

"Since everyone is present, let's set off."

Their tone was flat, and their gaze, slightly authoritative, swept the whole scene.

"We await your command."

Zhu Houyu and his party clasped their hands, their faces full of respect.

Then Qin Ruobing led the way toward the city outskirts.

Lu Zhangsheng and his group followed closely.

Soon, the party reached the vicinity of the city gate, each mounting a fine horse and heading outward.

"Clip‑clip‑clip…"

The riders whipped their horses, galloping along the official road toward Qingning Prefecture City.

……

When Lu Zhangsheng's party set out for the prefecture city to take the assessment, the news instantly spread throughout Changping County.

Countless martial artists were rather surprised.

In the eyes of the crowd, even Zhu Houyu and his companion had little hope.

No one expected Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua to dare attend the assessment.

This time, the two were doomed to return empty‑handed.

Even Xiao Tiansi and HeChunlin, the two FuduDianZhu, thought likewise, though they did not voice it openly.

…………

Two days later.

Qingning Prefecture City.

As one of the largest cities in Qingzhou besides the capital, its population numbers in the millions, and there are many strong individuals.

The Great Zhou Dynasty is highly martial, and the ubiquitous training halls attest to this; many families, if they have surplus grain, send their children to practice martial arts for a better future.

Within Qingning Prefecture City, even self‑born strongmen exist, and several FuduDianZhu are among the elite.

As for innate strongmen, ordinary people rarely see them; aside from the few publicly known, the exact number is unknown.

At noon, the sun shone brightly.

Outside the official road on the eastern side of Qingning Prefecture City, five figures rode horses at speed, kicking up clouds of dust.

The five were Lu Zhangsheng's party.

After two days of travel, they finally arrived outside Qingning Prefecture City.

Lu Zhangsheng looked up, gazing at the city ahead.

He saw an immensely magnificent citadel, like a colossal dragon, coiled upon the ground.

The walls were built from massive blue stones, over a dozen zhang tall, bearing faint streaks of blood and sword marks, as if narrating the passage of time.

"What a grand, sturdy city."

It was Lu Zhangsheng's first visit to a prefecture city; seeing this, he could not help but feel surprised.

Even Tong Yuhua and Zhu Houyu's party wore looks of awe.

Changping County is but a peripheral corner; only within a prefecture city can one become a true innate strongman.

The position of FuduDianZhu is a key to entering Qingning Prefecture City.

Naturally, they would give their all.

"Let us enter the city."

Qin Ruobing led the way toward the city gate.

Lu Zhangsheng's group followed closely. Soon, the party reached the gate, where Qin Ruobing produced their Waist Badge, and under the respectfully gazes of the guards on both sides, they formally entered Qingning Prefecture City.

The moment he stepped in, Lu Zhangsheng sensed something different.

The streets were not only wider than those of the county town, but even the common folk inside were sturdier, clearly living better than in the county.

All around, laughter, chatter, vendors' cries, and conversations filled the air.

The civilians on the street, upon seeing Lu Zhangsheng's party, all stepped aside with reverent expressions.

Those who ride horses in the prefecture city are either high officials or imperial relatives—people not to be offended.

Lu Zhangsheng's group pressed onward.

Soon they arrived outside the Zhen Yao Si Office; after handing their horses to the steward, they entered the DemonSubduingOffice directly.

Qin Ruobing led the group toward the reception area, and along the way many outstanding candidates who had come for the assessment—strongmen from other counties—were present.

Before long, Lu Zhangsheng's party arrived in the northwest, a district of large buildings.

"You will rest here for a few days; then go straight to the Trial Tower in the central area of the DemonSubduingOffice for the assessment."

Qin Ruobing's tone was even.

"We await your command."

Tong Yuhua and the others solemnly nodded.

Then Qin Ruobing turned and walked away slowly.

Tong Yuhua and the others also walked toward the reception area ahead.

Along the way, Lu Zhangsheng also sensed a number of young strong cultivators, including some at the Detached Fetus stage.

The number of strong cultivators in the prefecture city was indeed far greater than in the county city.

Soon, the group arrived at an open space in the center.

At that time, many people had already gathered on the open ground.

A large crowd surrounded the two young men, their faces quite fawning.

"It is said that these two are the talented individuals of Jingshan County and Wanlong County, named Han Mingxuan and Xu Peng, and they are quite famous in the prefecture city; this time they are very likely to pass."

Tong Yuhua looked ahead silently and then spoke up to explain.

Lu Zhangsheng also noticed these two.

A man in a black robe had a sinister visage; he was Han Mingxuan of Jingshan County. Another man with a hooked nose and eyes like hooks was Xu Peng of Wanlong County.

Their aura was extremely strong; it is said they possess late-stage Detached Fetus strength.

At such a young age, they already possess extraordinary talent.

"Lord Han and Lord Xu are destined to pass the examination; the others are just here to go through the motions."

Some people around began to offer flattery.

Among them were also some who had completed Blood Exchange and had just entered the Detached Fetus stage.

They had come to familiarize themselves in preparation for the next examination.

Han Mingxuan and Xu Peng wore expressions of arrogance.

Everyone present disregarded the two; with their strength, they could easily suppress most of the Patrol Envoys on the field.

As for Lu Zhangsheng and the others who had just arrived, they merely glanced at them with peripheral vision and then paid no further attention.

"We should also go make connections with these two lords."

Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng also proceeded forward.

As scions of aristocratic families, being adept at making connections with the strong is also a required course.

Lu Zhangsheng, however, disdained to look, turned and walked toward the resting area.

Tong Yuhua also closely followed behind.

Seeing this, Zhu Houyu and the others couldn't help but sneer, "country bumpkin."

……

In the DemonSubduingOffice of the prefecture city, inside a splendid hall.

Qin Ruobing sat upright at the lower seat, wearing a faint smile.

On the steps sat a middle-aged man of refined bearing, emanating astonishing pressure.

This person was precisely the Hall Master of the DemonSubduingOffice in the prefecture city, Liang Jinghui, who had already been an Innate-stage expert over twenty years ago, his strength unfathomable.

"Uncle Liang, long time no see, your bearing remains as before."

Qin Ruobing's tone was quite affectionate.

He was also one of her biggest backers in the prefecture city, and his family had good relations with hers.

"Haha…… Qin niece, your strength is growing; you're not far from the Innate stage."

Liang Jinghui laughed heartily.

As for this junior niece, he also held high hopes for her, although her talent was not top-notch.

"Your Changping County hasn't produced any talented individuals in recent years; today you also came to participate in the examination?"

He spoke again, his eyes showing some doubt.

"There are a few promising seedlings; I intend to observe them in preparation for the next examination."

Qin Ruobing gave a light smile and directly stated their purpose.

Liang Jinghui also nodded, his expression showing understanding.

Such a scene was also commonplace.

It seemed that most of his retinue were just here to fill the numbers, so he didn't pay them much further attention.

……

Over the next few days, Lu Zhangsheng remained indoors, waiting quietly.

In the blink of an eye, the day of the examination arrived.

That day, at dawn.

Lu Zhangsheng walked out of the attic and headed toward the central examination grounds.

Along the way, he also encountered many strong cultivators, most of whom were at the early Detached Fetus stage, with a few at the completed Blood Exchange stage.

A crowd surged like a tide into a central plaza.

In the center of the plaza stood a golden tower over twenty meters high, its body gleaming with light, quite miraculous.

On the first floor of the ancient tower were three large golden characters: "Heaven-Reaching Tower".

"It seems this tower is the final examination site."

Lu Zhangsheng's eyes flickered slightly.

He scanned the surroundings and soon spotted the silhouettes of Qin Ruobing and her companions.

Lu Zhangsheng strolled over to them.

Before long, he arrived behind Qin Ruobing and stood together with Tong Yuhua and the others.

"Hall Master Qin, what precautions should we take for the examination here?"

Tong Yuhua asked somewhat curiously.

Zhu Houyu and the others also turned their heads to look at Qin Ruobing.

Obviously, they are also very curious.

"The scenery inside is known only to Hall Master Liang; you just need to display your utmost potential, and the tower spirit will naturally evaluate each participant."

Qin Ruobing gave a faint smile.

"Tower spirit?"

Lu Zhangsheng was somewhat surprised.

"This object has existed since the founding of the Great Zhou dynasty; it is said that its birth is somehow related to dragon qi."

Qin Ruobing explained with a smile.

"Thank you, Hall Master, for the answer."

Lu Zhangsheng and the others clasped their hands.

At the same time, they also gained some understanding of today's assessment.

According to their own speculation, this assessment is likely a semi-public one; apart from some high-level members of the DemonSubduingOffice, it would be hard for others to find out in a short time.

This also makes it difficult for many strong individuals to leak their methods, greatly enhancing security.

Just as they were talking, a black-clad beautiful woman accompanied by several men walked over slowly.

One of the men was none other than Han Mingxuan.

Soon, the group arrived before Qin Ruobing and her companions.

Upon seeing the arrivals, Qin Ruobing's expression turned cold: "Someone is really a lingering ghost."

This black-clad beautiful woman is named Zhou Meier; she is also a Deputy Hall Master of the county. Since they both took office in the prefecture city years ago, due to their competition for the Deputy Hall Master position, they have never been on good terms.

"Hehe... I haven't heard that Hall Master Qin has any geniuses participating in the assessment."

"This method of cultivating talent is still lacking for some people."

Zhou Meier gave a hehe laugh, her face full of mockery.

Her subordinate Han Mingxuan will surely take first place this time; others are destined to be suppressed.

Seeing her old rival suffer a setback, she felt extremely refreshed.

As for the other's background, she is not afraid either; she also has her own backing.

"Hmph..."

Qin Ruobing's eyes turned cold, and she did not speak again.

The arena instantly filled with a strong smell of gunpowder.

Zhou Meier held her head high, like a proud peacock.

Han Mingxuan beside her also looked at Lu Zhangsheng and his group with a face full of disdain.

These people simply are not worthy to be his opponents.

(End of chapter)