Chapter 75

According to Jiang Chen's calculations, although the strange events in the medicinal garden foretold ominous signs, they had not yet come to fruition. The most urgent task for Jiang Chen was to return to the capital to report.

"Xiao Yu, remember my words. Seal off that medicinal garden and don't let anyone enter or leave." In Jiang Chen's view, the ominous signs would manifest in two to three years at the earliest, or seven to eight years at the latest, giving them time to prepare.

After bidding farewell to the Zijing Department, Jiang Chen returned to Bojiang City to say goodbye to Jiang Tong. With a group of new and old subordinates, he set out on the journey back to the capital.

During the journey, Jiang Chen traveled by day and supervised the training of his guards at night, teaching them martial techniques and formations.

What should have been a three to four-day trip took ten days to complete. However, after these ten days, both Jiang Chen and the eight guards had advanced in their cultivation.

Upon returning to the capital, this mission cycle had taken about twenty-six or twenty-seven days.

"Jiang Chen, the second first-class mission is to recruit eight guards. They must be under twenty years old and have cultivation at the level of Six Pulse True Qi!"

"Here is the list of my guards, with their information, identities, and backgrounds."

Jiang Chen submitted the information of the eight guards.

After reviewing the information and finding no errors, the examiner said, "This mission requires each guard to pass the martial arts assessment."

"How is the assessment conducted?"

"There are two procedures. The first is for them to individually participate in the Six Pulse True Qi assessment. This procedure is relatively simple," the examiner replied.

"The second procedure is for them to go to the arena and fight against eight sixth-level wooden puppets. They must defeat the eight sixth-level wooden puppets within a specified time, which is only half an incense stick's duration."

The first procedure was a fixed routine, with no room for tricks. When Jiang Chen took the basic assessment, he had also undergone this test.

This procedure was simple and could not be faked.

The second procedure was more complex. After all, defeating eight wooden puppets equivalent to Six Pulse True Qi experts within half an incense stick's time was quite challenging.

If Jiang Chen had not prepared, he might have failed this assessment after hastily completing the recruitment.

Now, Jiang Chen had made preparations. He had not only advanced all eight guards to the Seven Pulse True Qi level but also taught them formations and martial techniques.

With these preparations, the second assessment procedure became much more manageable.

Under Jiang Chen's instructions, the eight guards did not reveal their full strength in the first procedure. They only input Six Pulse True Qi and stopped there, avoiding exposing their true capabilities.

They passed smoothly.

The entire process was closely watched by Princess Gouyu. Seeing that all eight guards recruited by Jiang Chen had passed the Six Pulse True Qi assessment, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She had been worried that Jiang Chen lacked control and influence, and might not have recruited enough guards. Now, it seemed her concerns were unfounded.

As for the second assessment procedure, Princess Gouyu was not too worried. What kind of person was Jiang Chen? Even a True Qi master like Princess Gouyu could be guided by him. Teaching a few Six Pulse True Qi followers would be easy.

Upon arriving at the arena, Jiang Chen found it bustling with activity.

He also discovered that he was not the only one executing this recruitment mission.

Almost all the young nobles competing for the position of First-Class Marquis had the same task. Familiar faces in the arena greeted Jiang Chen with a mix of smiles and sneers.

Here, everyone was a competitor.

Long YinYe and Long JuXue, the brother and sister duo, were naturally among them.

There was also Hong TianTong, the successor of the Zhuque Marquis, a loyal supporter of Long JuXue. As the successor of one of the Four Great Marquises, he was also present in the arena.

Additionally, Bai ZhanYun, the successor of the Baihu Marquis, and Yi TaiChu, the successor of the Xuanwu Marquis, were all prominent successors of the Eastern Kingdom.

Some of these people greeted Jiang Chen with hostility, while others smiled politely.

Among them, Yan YiMing, the successor of the Yanmen Marquis, no longer dared to provoke Jiang Chen. Instead, he turned his head away, pretending not to see him.

"Background, that's what it is!" Hong TianTong's untimely voice sounded behind Jiang Chen. "We, the First-Class Marquises, have all completed the recruitment of eight guards long ago. Unlike some upstarts who lack background and yet aspire to rise to the top. It's uncertain whether they can pass the second assessment."

By now, Bai ZhanYun and Yi TaiChu had seen through Long JuXue and realized how foolish it was to be her pawn.

However, Hong TianTong was more than willing to serve her. Even if he couldn't win Long JuXue's heart, improving his relationship with the Longteng Marquis House was still very appealing to him. He did this not only to please Long JuXue but also to impress Long YinYe.

After all, Long YinYe was the legitimate son of the Longteng Marquis and would inherit the title.

Hong TianTong's sarcastic remarks were clearly aimed at Jiang Chen.

However, Jiang Chen was not interested in arguing with such a trivial person.

Instead, he handed over the assessment card to the examiner, who glanced at it and said, "Arena Seven, the assessment will begin in half an incense stick's time."

"Jiang Chen, Hong TianTong is right. Some things do require a certain background. Look at the guards you recruited. They all come from remote villages. How can such country bumpkins shoulder important responsibilities?"

Long YinYe, unlike Hong TianTong, was straightforward in his provocations.

"Ha, if they are considered misfits, it might be a bit harsh. But, Brother Jiang Chen, the people you recruited are too rustic. By the way, this one looks familiar. Isn't he the grandson of Grand Tutor Guo? If I remember correctly, his father was a notorious deserter in the capital?"

Seeing Long YinYe take the lead, Hong TianTong became even more enthusiastic and joined in.

"Hong TianTong? Are you provoking me? I hope I'm not misunderstanding you," Jiang Chen said with a faint smile.

Hong TianTong, standing behind Long YinYe, felt confident and puffed out his chest. "If you insist on thinking that way, then so be it! I, Hong TianTong, can't stand upstarts like you. What qualifications do you have to compete for the position of First-Class Marquis?"

Boasting about status and lineage was a common tactic among these so-called nobles.

However, Jiang Chen was not one to play by the rules.

He glanced at Hong TianTong with a relaxed and casual look. "What's the point of all this nonsense? You look down on my guards? Simple, call out your eight guards. Let's have a live demonstration. Since the assessment is still half an incense stick away, why not provide some entertainment for everyone? What do you think?"

Jiang Chen could see that Guo Jin's eyes were about to burst into flames. The "deserter" label deeply hurt Guo Jin's pride.

As a superior, Jiang Chen naturally had to protect the dignity of his subordinates.

"Demostration?" Long YinYe's eyes lit up as he looked at Hong TianTong. "TianTong, your Zhuque Marquis House is one of the Four Great Marquises. Surely you won't be intimidated by a lower-class Marquis?"

Hong TianTong, being shrewd, thought for a moment. His eight guards included one at the Eight Pulse True Qi level, three at the Seven Pulse True Qi level, and four at the peak of the Six Pulse True Qi level.

This configuration was inferior to Long YinYe's guards but was certainly not inferior to those of the other Four Great Marquises' successors.

Jiang Chen, a mere Second-Class Marquis from a remote area like Jianghan, could not have recruited many young geniuses.

In a guard demonstration, Jiang Chen could not participate himself. What was there to fear?

After careful consideration, Hong TianTong felt that a demonstration would be a sure win for him. After all, his guards, with one at the Eight Pulse True Qi level, could easily overpower three or four at the Six Pulse True Qi level. The three at the Seven Pulse True Qi level were also formidable.

With this in mind, Hong TianTong's eyes gleamed with a sinister smile. "A demonstration is not impossible! However, with the assessment approaching, what if something goes wrong?"

Long YinYe, impatient, said, "Fists and feet have no eyes. If something goes wrong, it's just bad luck. Jiang Chen, what do you think?"

Despite his rough appearance, Long YinYe was actually using a provocation tactic against Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen secretly laughed but pretended to be angry. "Bad luck? You just want to embarrass the Jianghan Marquis House and make me fail the assessment, right?"

Long YinYe laughed. "Jiang Chen, if you're afraid it will affect the assessment, admitting defeat is fine. After all, this demonstration is voluntary, and no one can force you."

"Backing down at the last minute is a coward's act," Yan YiMing added coldly.

Jiang Chen chuckled. "Hong TianTong, they are trying to put us in a difficult position. What do you say?"

Seeing Jiang Chen's reaction, Hong TianTong thought he was afraid and became even more confident. "My Zhuque Marquis House is not one to ruin the mood. Since everyone is so enthusiastic, let's have a demonstration!"

"A demonstration?" Jiang Chen asked, following Hong TianTong's lead.

"Let's do it!" Hong TianTong declared, glancing at Long JuXue. It seemed she nodded slightly, approving of his decision.

This made Hong TianTong even more determined.

"Half an incense stick's time. Everyone, clear a space. The successors of the Zhuque Marquis and the Jianghan Marquis will send their guards to demonstrate."

Long YinYe's words immediately cleared the area. Everyone stepped back, creating a large open space.

"What are you all doing? The Qianlong Examination is not a game," Princess Gouyu suddenly appeared, looking formidable.

With her Eleven Pulse True Qi, Princess Gouyu was undoubtedly one of the top experts in the kingdom. Her presence immediately complicated the atmosphere.

Hong TianTong, who had been aggressive and determined, subconsciously moved behind Long YinYe, hoping to use his aura to shield himself from Princess Gouyu's anger.