33: Military Examination

He immediately began to swim.

The cool river water effectively neutralized the heat caused by the Tiger Meat in his body, making him feel much more comfortable.

He swung his arms and coordinated his legs to kick the water. The Divine Effect of [Aptitude for Water (Initiate)] made him like a swimming fish, easily moving forward in the river and swimming a considerable distance against the current.

Just as he was engrossed in this novel experience, his nostrils suddenly detected an extremely faint, yet exceptionally pure, fluctuation of Spiritual Qi.

The "Scent-Guided Tracking" of the [Herb Gathering] Skill had automatically activated!

This Spiritual Qi... came from underwater?

Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. He stopped moving, floated in the water, and focused his mind to sense carefully.

That's right. Although the river water obstructed and weakened it, the wisps of Spiritual Qi were undeniable, and there was more than one stream, scattered throughout the dark riverbed below.

"This river actually nurtures Aquatic Spirit Medicine?"

A surge of pleasant surprise rose in his heart, and he attempted to dive.

However, the deeper he went, the greater the water pressure became, and the dimmer the light.

Relying on the eyesight granted by [Five Senses Clarity], he could vaguely see some faintly glowing Aquatic Plants and strangely shaped coral-like objects growing on the riverbed below. The Spiritual Qi was emanating precisely from them.

Unfortunately, most of these Spirit Medicines grew in extremely deep areas. With his current Initiate level Aptitude for Water, and his inability to hold his Internal Breathing for extended periods, he couldn't reach them at all.

What made him even more vigilant was that when he tried to approach a deeper cluster of Spirit Medicine, the "Preempting the Enemy" feature of [Tracking (Perfection)] faintly signaled a warning. Within the shadows of the deep riverbed, an unsettling aura seemed to lurk, cold and dangerous.

'The river bottom is indeed not simple. Fierce Aquatic Beasts probably reside there.'

Chen Linsheng decisively abandoned the idea of risky harvesting.

Although the Opportunity was good, one needed to be alive to enjoy it.

He noted the location, then quickly surfaced and swam back to the shore.

"It seems I'll have to wait until my Aptitude for Water improves, or my strength increases, before coming back to explore the secrets of this river bottom."

While wringing out his soaked clothes, he pondered silently... The next day, Chen Linsheng arrived at the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall early.

Today was the day of the Personal Disciple Minor Competition. He had expected it to be as quiet as usual, but he found many unfamiliar faces on the training grounds.

These people were slightly older, mostly between twenty and thirty years old. They wore various outfits; some looked like commercial escort guards, others carried the dusty air of travelers, but without exception, they all exuded strong Vitality fluctuations and had sharp eyes. They were clearly Martial Artists who had achieved rank, with cultivation at least in the Middle or Late Stage of the Skin Tempering Realm, and a few even made him feel a subtle pressure.

"Who are these people?"

Chen Linsheng’s heart slightly froze, and he became inwardly vigilant.

Just then, Senior Brother Shi Poyue walked over. Seeing his puzzled look, he explained with a smile:

"Don't be nervous. These are Formal Disciples who graduated from the Martial Arts Hall in previous years. Although they have left to take up posts elsewhere, they often return for the Martial Arts Hall's Minor Competitions or New Year festivals to spar and exchange pointers with their fellow Disciples and maintain camaraderie."

While leading Chen Linsheng toward the back courtyard, he continued:

"Qinghe County isn't considered a large city, so the paths for Martial Artists to make a living are limited. Most Junior Brothers choose to become guards for large Medicine Shops, or join transportation companies to escort goods. Some with better family backgrounds help manage their family businesses. These are all legitimate livelihoods."

Speaking up to this point, Shi Poyue's tone slightly darkened:

"Of course, there are also some who willingly fall into depravity, or can't resist temptation, and go to the Black Mountain Gang or the Casinos and brothels they control to act as enforcers, or even participate in illicit dealings."

Hearing this, Chen Linsheng said, somewhat puzzled:

"Senior Brother, it seems to me that in this world... strength reigns supreme. The Black Mountain Gang is powerful. Choosing to rely on them to exchange for resources and Silver and Money... doesn't seem entirely incomprehensible, does it?"

He had experienced the Medicine Gang's brutality and the struggles of mountain and forest combat, gaining a deep understanding of the world's Rule of the Jungle.

Shi Poyue glanced at him, seeming to understand his thoughts, shook his head, and spoke with a hint of solemnity:

"Strength is indeed important, but in Great Liang, Status is equally important, and to some extent, it determines how far you can go in the future."

He paused, lowering his voice: "Because only Martial Artists with a clean background and no blemishes are qualified to participate in the Imperial Court's 'Martial Examination'!"

"The Martial Examination?"

Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. The term wasn't unfamiliar to him, but hearing it in this world seemed to carry an extraordinarily different meaning.

"Exactly. The Martial Examination is the most crucial path for Commoner Disciples, and indeed all Martial Artists without backing, to leap over the Dragon Gate! Once you pass the examination, you can join the army as a general, or take office in the public sector, gaining official Status, access to more Advanced Cultivation Techniques and resources, making your future boundless!" Shi Poyue explained. "But once you get involved with notorious forces like the Black Mountain Gang, your record will have an indelible stain, and you will be forever barred from the Martial Examination. Therefore, those truly aspiring to the Peak of the Martial Dao would never ruin their future by touching those things."

As he spoke, the two of them had arrived at the Minor Competition grounds in the back courtyard.

Shi Poyue patted Chen Linsheng's shoulder: "Alright, you just need to be aware of these things. For now, focus on the Minor Competition. Let me see the progress you've made lately."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Chen Linsheng nodded in agreement, temporarily suppressing his thoughts about the Martial Examination and Status. His eyes sharpened as he scanned the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters already waiting in the arena, as well as the Formal Disciples who had returned to observe. His Battle Intent slowly rose.

This Minor Competition was the perfect Opportunity to test the results of his recent Arduous Training!