Human Martial Saint: Starting with Bajiquan

Chapter 105 Grouping by Lottery

In the two matches just now.

Liu Sheng truly gave it his all.

He neither concealed his talents nor put on an act.

Perhaps he wanted to secure the title of Wu Xiucai as soon as possible to avoid making a fool of himself and capsizing in a ditch.

It's also possible that, as the senior brother said, things are different.

With Liu Sheng's current strength, he might be able to contend for the title of Martial Arts Examination Graduate.

Moreover, Liu Sheng had his own plans.

A while ago, in order to break through to the eighth-grade Body Refining Realm, he spent almost all of his money on precious medicines.

He is now penniless.

It was only by shamelessly taking two silver notes from the Yan family that they were able to survive for a while.

After passing the military examination, if one joins the righteous army early on, then the starting point for both the military examination graduate and the military scholar cannot be a ninth-rank military official, right?

Even if they are both of the ninth rank, can they be divided into lower and upper ninth ranks?

In short, a higher official rank means better salary and benefits, so it's always good to strive for it now.

Gao Huang's appearance just now further solidified his confidence in his actions, as he usually didn't have many opportunities to show his face in front of his master.

Master is here today, so I must make the most of this opportunity to show him my best.

On the other hand, if we cannot go to the righteous army for the time being, we need to stay in Qili County for a while longer.

Then we need to find a way to make money quickly.

I already have a job with the Yan family. If I show my skills, maybe I can become a guest retainer of the Yan family? I can earn more money in a short time.

If the Yan family doesn't want it, maybe the Yin family next door will have a chance, right?

Then, if Yin Ruyu or Yin He says a few more good words for you, you might be able to earn even more.

As for the Kang family, he certainly wouldn't consider them due to various past reasons.

There's no way around it; it just goes on as your martial arts level rises.

Spending money like water.

Martial artists are practically made by burning money.

In conclusion, all things considered, giving it your all in the provincial examination is definitely worthwhile.

After practicing for so long, why not show off your skills?

That was like wearing fine clothes in the dark, which is somewhat regrettable.

Liu Sheng secretly made up his mind.

In the third round, regardless of the rules, he will do his best to compete for the title of martial arts champion.

Unless the difference in strength is obvious to the naked eye, he will immediately admit defeat.

I can eat anything, but I can't stand being taken advantage of.

With such a bright future for the rebel army right before their eyes, it would be a terrible waste to lose their lives.

After some thought.

While waiting for the candidates who had one win and one loss to continue the tiebreakers and fill the twelve vacancies.

The deputy examiners then led the twelve martial artists, who had already obtained the title of Martial Arts Scholar, to the main arena.

Facing the judges' stand and the fluttering banners, they awaited General Wang's continuation of explaining the rules for the third round.

Liu Sheng stood in the middle of the group, slowly regulating his breathing, feeling the soreness in his muscles from the battle just now, and the reassuring power within them.

He glanced at the group of twelve.

I'll take one spot myself.

Li Ying also made it in. He looked like he had a serious injury to his right leg and was limping, but that didn't stop him from chatting with Liu Sheng in high spirits, even though he was dragging his injured leg.

Unfortunately, Wang Zheng ultimately lacked both strength and luck, and couldn't make it to this round.

Of the remaining ten, three were from the Kang family, including Kang Yizhi; and three were from the Yin family, including Yin Wuji.

Yan Zhan was the only member of the Yan family, and he was at the end of the line, winking at Liu Sheng.

Niu Dashan, a martial artist of the Wild Bull Fist; Hou Tong, a martial artist of the Monkey Fist; and Yang Ren, a martial artist of the Rock Sheep Fist.

These are the last three.

They were all substitutes, and they all had some obvious injuries.

Hou Tong also bowed to Liu Sheng, his eyes reflecting both his own good fortune and his gratitude for Liu Sheng's help.

Yang Ren touched his injured neck and guiltily avoided Liu Sheng's gaze.

Outside the arena, cheers erupted from the crowd, who were all very enthusiastic and focused on the twelve "scholars".

These twelve scholars each had a different posture: some stood tall and proud, some were secretly adjusting their breathing, some had burning eyes, and some were simply resting with their eyes closed.

The audience below the stage looked at them with countless eyes filled with envy, admiration, curiosity, and fervor, and exclamations and discussions rose and fell.

Suddenly, a gust of wind rose, and the banners fluttered in the wind. General Wang slowly rose from the judge's seat, and the vast training ground fell silent.

His gaze slowly swept over the twelve faces below the stage, some expectant, some nervous, some calm, before he spoke, his voice booming like a bell:

"Congratulations to all twelve of you for achieving the title of 'Martial Arts Scholar'!"

"The path of the military examination is based on merit. The next round, the third round, will determine the final four winners of this level of the provincial examination, who will be awarded the title of 'Military Examination Graduate'!"

Martial Arts Examination Graduate!

At this point, Wang Jingyi paused slightly, as if waiting for the weight of this title to slowly sink into everyone's heart.

Liu Sheng could feel that Li Ying's breathing had become heavier.

Indeed, as a military officer, one possesses a complete official status, allowing one to be exempt from kneeling before officials, have all household taxes waived, and even join the border army as a general.

Although it is difficult for children from ordinary families to reach this position in the provincial examination, it is indeed the only hope for martial artists like Li Ying who come from poor families.

Therefore, Liu Sheng was very able to understand Li Ying.

If his father were still living in Yueya County, and if he hadn't managed to get close to his grandmaster's lineage, he would probably have had to fight tooth and nail for that martial arts title.

For now... just do your best.

"In the third round, we examiners will select four defenders based on their performance in the first two rounds of the provincial examination. The remaining eight will be divided into four groups—east, south, west, and north—with three people in each group."

"Among the three members in each group, two will first compete by drawing lots. After the winners rest, they will then fight against the defending champion. The final four winners from each of the four groups will be this year's martial arts champions!"

The rules were clear and straightforward. The expressions of the crowd below the stage varied. Without a doubt, the four defenders were the martial artists whom the examiners believed had the highest probability of obtaining the title of martial arts champion.

The other two people who came by lottery were simply given a chance.

Without a doubt, in previous years, those who defended the title were all scions of prestigious families.

"No wonder my senior brother prepared Qi-restoring pills for me; he was waiting to use them here."

Liu Sheng touched the pills wrapped in oil paper in his arms, his heart filled with warmth.

On the stage, General Wang's gaze swept across the entire arena once more: "This round of competition places greater emphasis on practical combat adaptability and also tests the martial artists' endurance and willpower. Now, the defending champion will be announced, and the drawing of lots will begin!"

The hearts of the twelve warriors were in their throats, waiting for their names to be called.

"Eastern Arena—Kang Yizhi!"

"West Arena—Yin Wuji!"

"South Arena - Yan Zhan!"

"Northern Arena - Niu Dashan!"

All four defending warriors were called upon.

On the other side, an assistant examiner brought over a lottery box, and the remaining few people began to draw lots.

Liu Sheng also received his draw number.

"North Arena, Number Two."