Chapter 107 - 106: Recruitment
Chapter 107: Chapter 106: Recruitment
"Milady, Young Miss, Master Zhou has arrived."
The old man reported respectfully.
From behind the screen, a gentle yet dignified female voice spoke. "Let them in."
Zhou Zhen gestured for the three to come forward.
Qian Laibao, Shi Zhongjian, and Chen Shouheng came to a stop before the screen.
Behind the screen, the beautiful woman addressed as "Milady" did not rise. Her gaze slowly swept over the three young men through the gaps in the screen.
Her eyes lingered on Chen Shouheng for a moment longer before she gave a subtle, almost imperceptible shake of her head, seeming slightly disappointed.
The beautiful woman’s voice was gentle, but it carried a sense of lofty detachment. "Gentlemen, you are all young heroes. My Liyang Zhou Family has always cherished talent. We can offer some support in the form of silver coins, Cultivation Medicinal Cuisine, and even insights into certain Cultivation Techniques to help you three reach the next level."
At this point, her tone suddenly shifted. "Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you accept the Zhou Family’s patronage, then after the Martial Examination—whether you pass or fail—you three must accept our invitation to serve the Zhou Family for a period of time. The specifics will depend on the situation. What do you three think?"
This was a blatant recruitment attempt.
An exchange of resources for freedom.
Qian Laibao immediately shook his head. "Thank you for your kind offer, Madam. I’m used to my freedom and don’t take well to being tied down. I’m afraid I’m not worthy of the Zhou Family’s favor."
He refused crisply and decisively, showing the Zhou Family no face whatsoever.
Hearing this from the side, Zhou Zhen’s brow twitched.
The beautiful woman didn’t get angry. She just gave a soft "Mm" and turned her gaze to Shi Zhongjian. "And you, young man?"
Shi Zhongjian fell silent. The resources the Zhou Family could provide would be a godsend for him, but the price was becoming their vassal. He struggled internally for a moment before suddenly looking up. "Madam, please allow me a few days to consider."
"You may."
The beautiful woman’s voice remained calm. She nodded and finally turned her gaze to Chen Shouheng.
Chen Shouheng met her gaze, his expression tranquil. "Thank you for your generous offer, Madam. This junior came here solely to focus on preparing for the examination. I have no intention of joining any family at this time. I hope you can forgive me."
There was a moment of silence from behind the screen.
Suddenly, another voice, clear but laced with obvious displeasure, rang out. "Zhou Zhen, the disciples you’ve taught this year are really... Each one’s ambition is higher than the heavens, but I’m afraid their fates are as thin as paper. Hmph, to ignore an opportunity that falls right into their laps!"
The words were like a resounding slap to the face, causing Zhou Zhen’s complexion to flush red. He was so embarrassed he wished the ground would swallow him whole.
"Young Miss, please calm your anger."
Zhou Zhen hurriedly bowed in apology, sweat beading on his temples.
"Hmph! You don’t know what’s good for you!"
The young lady behind the screen snorted coldly and said no more.
The beautiful woman’s voice sounded again. "To each their own. The Zhou Family won’t force the matter. Qingyi is just blunt. Please, gentlemen, don’t take it to heart. Zhou Zhen, take them back."
"Yes! Thank you, Third Mistress. Young Miss! I will take my leave!"
Zhou Zhen agreed profusely and hastily led his three disciples out of the elegant room and down the small building.
Only after they had walked out of the small building and into the chilly rear courtyard did Zhou Zhen let out a long sigh of relief. His expression was still rather unsightly.
He finally sighed again and waved his hand. "Forget it. Go back and get some rest for now."
The three followed in silence.
...
「March 19th, the Spring County Examination.」
The morning light was faint, and a crisp chill still hung in the air.
Inside the training grounds in the eastern part of the city, however, the roar of the crowd was already deafening, and a wave of heat washed over them.
A massive, dark crowd of spectators surrounded the huge training grounds, their shouts and discussions mingling into a boisterous clamor.
Within the grounds, several hundred young Martial Artists from the various counties of Liyang County had gathered. Each wore a solemn expression, their eyes a mixture of nervousness, anticipation, and soaring fighting spirit.
「A quarter to eight in the morning.」
DONG! DONG! DONG!
Three deep, resonant drumbeats suddenly rang out, silencing all the noise.
The County Captain, clad in purple official robes, ascended the Commander’s Platform with a proud, powerful stride.
"I declare this year’s Liyang County Martial Examination officially open!"
The County Captain’s gaze was like lightning as he scanned the entire field. His voice, like a great bell, rang out clearly for all to hear. "The first trial: a test of strength, lifting the cauldrons!"
He was concise, raising a hand to point toward the center of the training grounds.
There, two enormous Bronze Cauldrons stood side by side, glinting with a heavy metallic luster under the sun.
The two cauldrons were of different sizes. Beside them stood wooden placards, on which were written "3,000 jin" and "5,000 jin" respectively.
"Those who can lift the 3,000-jin cauldron pass and may proceed to the next trial! Those who can lift the 5,000-jin cauldron will be named Champions! You will receive a bye in the third round of the arena competition! Now, step forward in order!"
The rules were simple and brutish, but they were the best way to reveal a Martial Artist’s foundation.
Soon, the examinees in the first row stepped forward in order.
The vast majority of examinees played it safe, choosing the 3,000-jin Bronze Cauldron just to pass.
For someone at Qi Realm Perfection, 3,000 jin was not too difficult, but 5,000 jin was a serious stretch.
Of course, even with the 3,000-jin cauldron, there were differences.
Some performed Qi Sinking into the Dantian and lifted the cauldron with relative ease, earning waves of cheers.
Others turned red in the face, veins popping on their necks, their muscles bulging as they barely managed to hoist the cauldron over their heads. By the time they set it down, they were already staggering.
"Tiger Subduing Martial Arts Hall, Qian Laibao."
When it was Chen Shouheng’s row’s turn, the examiner called out the name.
Qian Laibao took a deep breath, adjusted his slightly-too-tight brocade martial arts uniform, and strode forward.
He walked unhesitatingly to the 3,000-jin cauldron, planted himself in a firm horse stance, gripped the cauldron’s legs, and gave a low shout. "Up!"
The cauldron wobbled and slowly lifted off the ground.
Qian Laibao’s face instantly flushed red, and his arms, even his entire body, began to tremble slightly.
But he ultimately grit his teeth and lifted the cauldron over his head, holding it for three breaths before setting it down heavily.
"P-passed!"
He let out a long, turbid breath and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.
As he returned to the line, his steps were a little unsteady. A trace of lingering fear mixed with relief was on his face as he whispered to Chen Shouheng and Shi Zhongjian, "That 3,000 jin... is no joke..."
He had often slacked off during his training at the martial arts hall, frequently relying on medicine while neglecting his practice, so his foundation was much weaker.
"Tiger Subduing Martial Arts Hall, Shi Zhongjian."
The examiner called another name.
Shi Zhongjian’s expression was calm. He was still wearing the same half-worn, gray martial arts attire.
He walked forward steadily, also heading for the 3,000-jin cauldron.
Without any wasted motion—bending, gripping the legs, and exerting force—the entire sequence was as smooth as flowing water, steady and solid.
He lifted the heavy Bronze Cauldron steadily over his head, his breathing even and not the least bit disturbed.
"Nice!"
A few cheers rose from the crowd.
Shi Zhongjian calmly set the cauldron down and silently returned to his place.
"Tiger Subduing Martial Arts Hall, Chen Shouheng."
The examiner’s voice rang out again.
Chen Shouheng walked out of the line, his face placid.
His gaze swept over the two cauldrons.
’Five thousand jin?’
’With my Spirit Realm Cultivation, it would be effortless.’
’But then again,’ he thought, ’it’s just a chance for a bye. I don’t need it at all.’
He made his decision in an instant.
With steady steps, he walked straight to the 3,000-jin Bronze Cauldron.
He bent down, gripped the legs, and exerted force.
The movements were fluid and natural, without a hint of flashy effort.
The 3,000-jin cauldron seemed weightless as he casually lifted it over his head, his expression unchanged, his breathing steady and deep.
He lifted the cauldron, and set it down.
"Nice!"
"Another one passed with ease!"
Some applause and murmurs rose from below the platform.
Chen Shouheng set the cauldron down and was about to turn and return to the line.
"Han Yue Martial Arts Hall, Yue Zifeng."
The examiner’s call rang out once more.
A towering figure built like an iron pagoda strode forward, and the ground itself seemed to tremble slightly.
"Three thousand jin? What’s so great about lifting that?"
Yue Zifeng shot a glance at Chen Shouheng as he walked off the platform, his eyes filled with a trace of contempt.