Chapter 429: Highly Skilled and Affordable
Commander He’s smile seemed strained as he asked hesitantly, “Did my son speak disrespectfully? Young Master, please don’t take offense. I’ll give him a severe scolding when I return.”
“Heh, it was nothing, just some playful banter. Master He, there’s no need to worry,” Xu Sanyan replied dismissively, waving his sleeve casually. He turned to greet Li Wuxing, who stood nearby. “Master Li, we meet again.”
“Indeed, Brother Liang, how have you been lately?” Li Wuxing nodded with a smile. An elderly man stood beside him, whom Shan Zhoushan introduced in a low voice: “That’s Prefect Jiang.”
Xu Sanyan gave a barely perceptible nod and replied loudly, “Thanks to your blessings, Master, all is well.”
“So this is Formation Master Liang, whom Master Li mentioned? Truly, heroes emerge young. To achieve such accomplishments at such a tender age… it makes us old-timers blush with shame.”
Prefect Jiang, clad in a sky-blue official robe, maintained a dignified demeanor, yet his words were warm and approachable.
“Your Excellency flatters me,” Xu Sanyan replied humbly. “I still have much to learn from you and the other esteemed officials.”
After exchanging pleasantries, the group took their seats. Prefect Jiang sat at the center, with Li Wuxing to his right and Associate Magistrate Qin to his left, the prefect subtly positioned as the highest-ranking official.
Commander He, seated on the second tier, glanced back. Though he didn’t know Xu Sanyan’s exact identity, seeing Prefect Jiang—usually so stern—adopt such a cordial manner made it clear this young man came from an extraordinary background. He gritted his teeth, his gaze like daggers aimed at his son.
He Wenshu, constantly monitoring the situation on the high platform, witnessed the Junior High Priest of the Grand Temple of Eternal Harmony and Prefect Jiang both proactively greeting Xu Sanyan. His panic intensified. Now, seeing his father’s murderous glare, he felt he might as well have skipped the Prefectural Examination altogether.
“Brother He, what’s wrong?” the man beside him asked, noticing his pale complexion.
“Heh…”
He Wenshu forced a bitter smile and sighed, “If you don’t see me again, remember to visit Flowing Cloud Pavilion a few more times and ask for Miss Xiaocui. Her skills are excellent and her prices are reasonable. Also, tell her I might not be able to visit for a while…”
“…Brother He, what’s wrong?”
No matter how persistently he pressed, He Wenshu only shook his head, as if he had already foreseen his fate.
Meanwhile, Qin Shutong was brimming with excitement, rubbing her hands together in anticipation. Today, she was determined to shine and make Brother Liang’s eyes light up!
“Shutong, why are you so cheerful today? Could it be spring fever?” a nearby girl teased with a suggestive tone.
Qin Shutong’s attire was noticeably more elaborate than usual, and her energy was unusually high. The girl could think of no other explanation than spring fever.
Qin Shutong’s cheeks flushed crimson, but she refused to back down. “You little hussy! You’re the one with spring fever! Say another word and I’ll steal Brother Shan from you!”
The girl’s crush was none other than Shan Qiuyu.
The girl playfully grabbed at Qin Shutong, who begged for mercy until she finally relented.
Tang Huanhuan, lacking any acquaintances, stood to the side, coldly surveying her opponents as she patiently awaited the start of the competition.
At that moment, Prefect Jiang nodded subtly toward the distance. A figure emerged from a corner and stepped onto the arena, announcing in a loud voice, “The first round of the Prefectural Examination is about to begin! All participants, prepare yourselves! Group A, Number 1 and Group B, Number 1, proceed to Arena 1. Group C, Number 1 and Group D, Number 1, proceed to Arena 2. Group A, Number 2…”
As the competition was about to commence, the crowd on the high platform ceased their idle chatter and turned their attention to the arena, eager to witness the performance of their family’s disciples.
This year’s Prefectural Examination held particular significance, even for them. They hoped their younger generation would achieve outstanding results.
Xu Sanyan straightened his posture, his gaze lingering intently on Tang Huanhuan. After so long apart, he was especially curious about her current abilities, wondering how much she had improved.
Back when they were bandits, Tang Huanhuan’s strength had always surpassed his. Their numerous sparring matches had consistently ended with Xu Sanyan’s narrow defeats, which meant that even… during their intimate moments, she would always take the dominant position.
Shan Zhoushan sighed softly, “Time truly flies. Another five years have passed in the blink of an eye. I remember the last Prefectural Examination produced two exceptional talents who reached Foundation Establishment Perfection at such a young age. I wonder what this year will bring.”
The Prefectural Examination was held every five years. During the last examination, Xu Sanyan was still toiling as a bandit in the northwest, enduring harsh winds and scorching sun. Now, five years later, he stood as an equal to the prefect himself.
Zhao Wenshu, the clerk, chuckled, “In my humble opinion, Young Master Jiang will undoubtedly take first place in this year’s examination. Judging by his cultivation level, he must have already reached Foundation Establishment Perfection, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Indeed, there should be no surprises,” the others chimed in, offering their flattery.
Prefect Jiang waved his hand modestly. “Heh, it’s still too early to say. Let’s see how Long’er performs first.”
Li Wuxing sat quietly to the side, his expression impassive. He had no sons or juniors participating in the examination; he was merely there to observe the spectacle. Since both the prefect and associate magistrate had attended, it would have been impolite for him to stay away. If he could have avoided it, he would have preferred to remain at his desk, where a mountain of urgent matters awaited his attention. What time did he have for these tedious martial contests?
Associate Magistrate Qin remained silent, his gaze fixed on the arena. His eyes occasionally drifted to Xu Sanyan, his thoughts unreadable.
Clang!
The copper gong rang out, and fierce battles erupted simultaneously on all five arenas. Xu Sanyan glanced around, finding only one person worthy of his attention:
A handsome young man wielded a crimson longsword with crisp, decisive movements. In just a few exchanges, he sent his opponent tumbling off the arena, yet managed to defeat him without causing injury, demonstrating a clear superiority in skill.
“Well done! As expected of the prefect’s son—truly remarkable!” someone shouted in praise. Xu Sanyan narrowed his eyes, finally realizing that the young man was Prefect Jiang’s son.
The young man happened to be looking at Xu Sanyan as well, his sharp gaze revealing a hint of curiosity mixed with deep resentment, likely stemming from his dissatisfaction with Xu Sanyan’s presence here.
Xu Sanyan grinned, showing his teeth. Young man, keep practicing diligently. Once you learn about me from your father, you’ll understand what it means for a mayfly to glimpse the vast sky.
Among the countless cultivators in the world, seventy percent remained below the Foundation Establishment stage. Only thirty percent achieved Foundation Establishment, and of those, twenty percent failed to break through the Dao Seeking Realm. The Soul Refining Realm was even rarer, and the void harmony realm was as scarce as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, with even the five great sects of the Central Region possessing few such masters.
By this time, the other four arenas had also declared their victors. The injured were carried away, while the winners quickly recovered their spiritual power, preparing for the next round.
Though the battles on the arenas were fierce, no lives were lost. Most participants were descendants of powerful families, who recognized each other and exercised restraint. Moreover, numerous high-level cultivators kept a close watch, ensuring no fatal accidents occurred.
Shan Zhoushan shook his head slightly, sighing inwardly at how each generation seemed weaker than the last. Back when he had participated in the Prefectural Examination, broken limbs were considered minor injuries. Now, even a scraped hand brought whimpers and complaints—truly a generation spoiled by comfort.
Clang! Arena One: Third-ranked contestants from Group C and Group D, please proceed to the arena…
Xu Sanyan glanced up as Tang Huanhuan leaped onto the arena.
(End of the Chapter)