Chapter 38

Zhongfan frowned and said, "Why? ... Because of a warrior's dignity?" It seemed as if he remembered something, and his voice carried a hint of sarcasm when he said the last sentence.

Jiang Feng shook his head, "No, of course not for that."

"The major exam, as its name suggests, is a test. What is a test for? Naturally, it is to gain some kind of qualification, but most importantly, it is to assess the strength of a martial artist. Cheating in a test... you're actually deceiving yourself."

He patted Zhongfan's shoulder, "Using it to make up for deficiencies in actual combat is fine, but in the major exam? It's best not to."

Zhongfan thought for a moment and confirmed, "So you would still use it in battle?"

Jiang Feng laughed, "Of course! In a life-or-death struggle with an enemy, any extra combat power is foolish not to use!"

Zhongfan nodded thoughtfully, finally showing a smile.

Three days later, it was the first day of the fourth month, and the time for the biweekly market to open.

That morning, after finishing his cultivation, Jiang Feng smiled and asked Zhongfan, "Do you still want me to carry you down the mountain?"

Zhongfan handed him a leather bag and said, "You carry this, and I'll try to walk myself."

The leather bag was full, all containing the dried monster meat he had made himself. Jiang Feng raised an eyebrow, "Are you going to sell it at the biweekly market?"

Zhongfan shook his head, "No, just you alone isn't enough; I need more test subjects."

The people who would try it? The biweekly market was indeed a good choice.

A little later than last time, the two arrived at the biweekly market.

As soon as they got there, Zhongfan plopped down on the ground, panting heavily.

Jiang Feng lifted him up, let him rest against a tree, and smiled, "I didn't expect you to actually be able to walk down."

Zhongfan shook his head, panting, his face flushed, his heart beating as if it would jump out.

After a while, he caught his breath and said, "Thanks to your training... otherwise..."

He looked up and saw Jiang Feng's gaze, asking in confusion, "What's wrong?"

Then, following Jiang Feng's gaze, his brows immediately furrowed.

This time, the biweekly market was clearly less crowded than last time, and the buyers and sellers were far less enthusiastic. They gathered in small groups, whispering to each other, and the air was filled with a heavy atmosphere.

Jiang Feng walked over to a group of people, where a few were discussing with flushed faces, "... A martial artist with one chain and two apertures, and an experienced hunter, couldn't defeat a first-stage, first-level monster. Do you think that's normal?"

One chain refers to the first primordial branch, meaning all seven primordial apertures on the first branch are open, which is the Dawn Realm.

After the first chain is open, a new primordial branch automatically grows, with seven apertures as well. Normally, a martial artist with one chain and two apertures has strength equivalent to a first-stage, second-level monster. An experienced hunter, with the added benefit of experience, should handle it easily.

"Combat is unpredictable, maybe there was an accident."

"One accident is normal, but five? Five martial artists with one chain and two to three apertures all passed the Heaven Test but failed the Human Test!"

The big man spat on the ground and said angrily, "What Human Test, it's clearly a Beast Test!"

His words had a double meaning, and the people around him exchanged glances, all feeling that he was right.

Such combat errors are possible for beginners, but for experienced hunters, how could they make such frequent mistakes?

Undoubtedly, they were talking about the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam.

The last time Jiang Feng came to the biweekly market, he heard several examinees discussing this. Last year, they were in the same situation, passing the Heaven Test but failing the Human Test.

How could it still be like this after a year?

It's indeed not normal!

Someone asked, "Those people? Are they still in River Central County?"

The big man, who knew the most, said, "The Tianzhao Preliminary Exam results are out today. Those who finished yesterday are still there, probably waiting to see the final results."

"Without passing the Human Test, what luck could they have? They probably didn't pass."

"... If there are more people like this, something might happen."

When these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.

Their eyes flashed with an indescribable light, clearly agreeing with this statement.

The Tianzhao Preliminary Exam is the starting point of the major exam.

Each person can participate in the preliminary exam a maximum of three times in their lifetime. If they didn't pass last year and didn't pass this year, they only have one chance left.

Among them, there are definitely some who have used up all three chances.

Not being able to participate in the major exam means they can't get the certification of a martial artist, can't truly enter the martial artist society, and can't obtain more resources and learning opportunities. This would mean that a martial artist's life is largely wasted!

For any martial artist, this is a crucial matter. If they didn't pass because of their own lack of ability, it would be one thing, but if there are other factors...

Suddenly, someone stood up straight, "I'm going to River Central County to see."

"Are you also going to take the preliminary exam?"

"No, I already have the Tianzhao Order."

"Then what does this have to do with you?"

"If the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam can have problems, can you guarantee that the county exam won't have problems?"

Everyone was suddenly alert.

Yes, that's the key.

If the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam is not trustworthy, how can the credibility of the county exam be guaranteed?

In a short time, a small portion of the people at the biweekly market left. River Central County was near Luming Town, and they couldn't resist going there to see what was happening!

Zhongfan looked at Jiang Feng and said, "If you want to go, go."

Jiang Feng countered, "What about you?"

"I'm also interested in this... I'll go with you!"

...

...

The Tianzhao Preliminary Exam lasted three days, and the first day of the fourth month was the last day, the day the results were posted.

The Tianzhao Preliminary Exam in this area was held in River Central County, and the future county exam would also be held there.

Starting from Luming Town, following the Changchuan River downstream, one could soon see a sandbank in the middle of the river, connected to the riverbank on one side, with a wide wooden bridge spanning it.

River Central County was on this sandbank.

Just as they approached, Jiang Feng felt the atmosphere was off.

According to past experience, the preliminary exam results were posted in the afternoon at 6 PM, but before that, more than half of the people would have a rough idea of whether they passed or not, and those who had no hope would leave early.

But today, many people gathered at the bridgehead of River Central County, in small groups, not speaking, just looking at the county office with uneasy eyes, and a heavy atmosphere filled the air.

Jiang Feng and Zhongfan exchanged glances, and Jiang Feng whispered, "Stay outside, don't go in."

Zhongfan thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, be careful."

Jiang Feng nodded and walked through the crowd into River Central County.

Zhongfan stood there, his sleeves fluttering in the mountain breeze, looking particularly slender. He asked softly, "What happened?"

...

...

Pingluan Mountain also had to participate in this Tianzhao Preliminary Exam.

Although they had only met once, Jiang Feng had a good impression of this ageless man.

Last time, Pingluan Mountain was worried about not passing the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam, and he wondered how things were now.

He crossed the wooden bridge, and a group of cavalry passed by him.

They were fully armored, looking down at the crowd nearby, their eyes flashing under their helmets.

Clearly, it wasn't just Jiang Feng who noticed the unusual atmosphere; the officials of River Central County had already started to take precautions.

Jiang Feng crossed the wooden bridge and found several groups of cavalry on the way.

He noticed that there were two types of cavalry. One wore earth-colored leather armor and rode ordinary white horses. The other wore green clothes and rode first-stage Wind Sweeper horses, a low-level tamed monster. The latter was clearly better equipped and of a higher martial artist level than the former. Moreover, it was clear that both sides were performing the same tasks.

For such a county to have two forces, both looking quite formal?

"The students of the Hidden Stream Sect are really increasing..."

Jiang Feng's ears perked up, suddenly hearing a voice.

Students of the Hidden Stream Sect?

He reached out and patted the person's shoulder, smiled, and asked directly.

He quickly got his answer.

Fifteen years ago, the King of Zhu Tian, Zhu Yang, formally recognized the Hidden Stream Lord as his teacher.

At the time, the Hidden Stream Lord was famous in Zhu Tian for advancing to the Heart Enlightenment Martial Ancestor, and Zhu Yang's recognition of him as a teacher was widely accepted. Almost all the people of Zhu Tian were proud that their country had such a strong person and could keep him.

After becoming the imperial teacher, the Hidden Stream Lord continued to take on disciples, who in turn took on more disciples, gradually spreading his influence throughout the land.

They were called "students of the Hidden Stream Sect," helping and supporting each other, becoming a major force in Zhu Tian.

Zhu Yang was pleased with this and repeatedly summoned outstanding members of the Hidden Stream Sect, promoting them to officials.

Gradually, becoming a student of the Hidden Stream Sect became a good path for independent cultivators in Zhu Tian.

These green-clothed cavalry, with flowing water patterns on the edges of their sleeves, were the mark of the students of the Hidden Stream Sect.

Hearing the name Hidden Stream Lord, Jiang Feng's face darkened slightly. After listening to the other person, he thanked them and turned around, his frown deepening.

Students of the Hidden Stream Sect? A new force strongly supported by Zhu Yang?

It seems his future path still has a long way to go!

Turning down two streets, Jiang Feng inadvertently looked to the right and immediately lowered his head, his steps slowing down.

On the right was a small alley, where two green-clothed students of the Hidden Stream Sect were talking to a young man.

"… After becoming a disciple of Xian Ning, you will become a member of the Hidden Stream Sect. You don't need to participate in the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam anymore. With your talent, Xian Ning will definitely give you a Tianzhao Order directly!"

Clearly, this young man had good talent, and the two students of the Hidden Stream Sect had discovered him and were trying to recruit him.

Not having to participate in the Tianzhao Preliminary Exam and getting a Tianzhao Order directly...

Jiang Feng's heart stirred, as if he had an idea.

Before the thought was fully formed, a familiar voice sounded, "Ah, sorry, I'm honored by your invitation, but I already have a teacher, and I can't take another one!"

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Thank you all for the lollipops, yes, I'm three years old this year, and Children's Day is my holiday!! I also wish everyone a happy Children's Day, always young at heart and in appearance!

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