My Cultivation Starting from Archery

Initially, he found it odd that, despite the rarity of the Nine Dragon Body, it certainly wasn't nonexistent, so why deign to please a country bumpkin?

It was not until a few days ago that Cao Fan, having witnessed Chen Sansi's archery skills atop a mountain, had a change of heart. Later, after personally witnessing his troop training, he found Chen indeed has a way with training soldiers, indicating that the man truly possessed exceptional qualities. Though lacking in cultivation now, he could one day become a formidable general.

But still, it was a pity.

The man clearly had no intention of pledging loyalty.

Let's set Yan Changqing aside for now.

This kid...

Actually dared to contend with him for the title of Champion Leader in the Selected Point!

Cao Fan could see from his eyes a determination to win at all costs, which was nothing short of audacious and foolhardy.

Sun Xiangzong had wielded power for many years.

Now, just as he was nearing his end, how could he allow the Immortal Law, surpassing even the Martial Saint, to fall into hands outside the "Cao" family? This alone warranted death for the Chen named.

Fortunately, while the man had some abilities, his realm was too low. Up till now, he was still proficient in the refining organs skill, and even if he could breakthrough to a small achievement soon, there was no way he could match someone who had achieved Refining Internal Organs Perfection.

Of course, it would be best to incapacitate him before the martial arts competition segment commenced, for receiving the imperial edict meant if he took matters into his own hands, it might displease Grandpa.

Cao Fan had already made arrangements.

Even if Chen made it past the first obstacle of Formation, he would fall at the second, breaking through the Formation.

"Princely Heir truly has the aura of a general!"

Wen Qiushi hastily agreed, "This is called knowing both your enemies and yourself, a guaranteed victory in every battle!"

"Exactly, exactly!"

"..."

A group of people started to flatter again.

"Brother Yin."

Tang Yingke made his way to the front: "Are your injuries alright?"

"Scram!"

Yin Hanwen sneered, "If it weren't for you exposing yourself, how would I have taken that arrow? After the Selected Point is over, you'll see what's coming to you back in the Capital City."

"Brother Wen, yesterday I..."

"Brother Yao..."

Regardless of whom Tang Yingke spoke to, he was either snubbed or outright ignored.

...

Chen Sansi noticed this scene.

Simply because he had spoken on his behalf, he was now ostracized, likely making the upcoming competition even tougher.

"Hey!"

Bai Thingzhi approached Tang Yingke, who was standing alone in a corner, ignored by everyone, "Why do you keep trying to appease those who mistreat you? You might as well join us and follow General Chen; surely, you can carve out a great career with us."

"Thingzhi, stop inciting him here."

Chen Sansi bowed with folded hands, "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your help earlier."

"Mr. Chen, please, I didn't help much."

Tang Yingke sighed, "And Mr. Chen need not worry about me. I came to the Selected Point only for experience and have no desire to contend for the title. If I face the Princely Heir and his ilk in the martial arts stage, I will concede defeat. But Mr. Chen, you should be careful. Just this morning, I saw someone speaking with the person in charge of the second phase... well, just be careful!"

With that, he stood up and took his leave.

"The second phase, breaking through the Formation?"

Before Chen Sansi could speculate further, the Martial Arts Arena reverberated with the sound of trumpets and war drums, announcing the official start of the Selected Point examination.

"Generals!"

Fang Qingyun, seated high above, began in a leisurely manner, his clear voice echoing throughout the Martial Arts Arena: "The Selected Point begins, the first major item, Formation!

Next, we will call your names in sequence."

"When a General's name is called, please lead your subordinates to another closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, where the official assessment will take place. The standard is to see whose Formation withstands actual combat the best.

"Supervisor Sun Dushi, Governor Liu, and Hou Jianjun will serve as the chief examiners, personally adjudicating the scores and grading them from first to fourth tier. After all assessments are completed, we will determine the ranking based on the overall scores to decide the Champion Leader of this Selected Point.

"Besides that..."

The Green Robed Scholar continued humorously, with a smile, "Representatives from You State, Liangzhou, and Yan State, including various distinguished officials, will observe this Selected Point. Many among them have eligible daughters, so gentlemen, perform well and don't miss the opportunity to become highly desirable sons-in-law!"

"..."

With these words, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena relaxed considerably.

Among them, several brilliant generals from humble or ordinary backgrounds all tensed up, clearly prepared to seize this chance to turn their fortunes.

What use is mere combat prowess?

Mingling in society involves power, a background.

This is even more true for governmental officers employed at the court.

"Alright, let's begin."

Once Fang Qingyun concluded the opening ceremony, he was wheeled away by a soldier.

Li Qianzong, holding a register, then called out, "Cui Yongping!"

"Present!"

"Depart!"
Continue your adventure with empire

The young general led his five hundred subordinates directly towards the north, their marching formation crisp and orderly.

In a closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, surrounded by walls thirty feet high, outsiders could not see inside; hence, they had no way of knowing specifically how the Formation was tested.

Even after the assessment concluded, they would not return the same way but would exit from another end—security measures were well implemented, ensuring that the details remained confidential until the final results were announced.

...

The enclosed Martial Arts Arena.

Atop the tall city walls, several pavilions were built, the smaller ones on each side shielded by curtains, housing the families of officials who came to watch. In the central and most prominent pavilion sat the three chief examiners of this Selected Point's selection.

Sun Xiangzong, Governor Liu, and Mr. Hou.

Behind them were various officials like governors and generals from different states, with the least being magistrates, creating a gathering solely of high-ranking officials who also served as overseers of the examination.