Whispers in the Wind, Ninety Percent Eliminated!

"Why are you only arriving now?"

At the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing met Long Xiao, who had rushed over.

"This time it's stricter," Long Xiao said. "I originally planned to send the things to you half a month ago, but the military headquarters issued an order to all armies not to interfere with the training of the reserve forces, especially the branch academy tests, so it was delayed."

"Since you say you shouldn't be disturbed, then what are you doing...?"

Long Xiao said, "The military Three Prohibitions: no sending treasures or equipment, no directly sending points, and no taking people to treasure lands for enlightenment."

"Only during these last three days can we bring some food."

"I had already set off when I received the news. Since I was already here, I simply delivered the items."

Long Xiao handed a package to Zhao Xing: "The food can't be too good either. Before the branch training, the new recruits are not allowed to break through the Eighth Grade rank, otherwise they will be strictly investigated, so I didn't dare to bring anything too good."

"These things inside are prepared for you after you are assigned to a different department."

Zhao Xing took the package; it was quite heavy.

He could understand the ban issued by the military.

Although each garrison can train its own selected personnel, the branch will decide on the use of resources thereafter.

If the focus is on cultivating a widespread practice, then it's no longer training; it becomes a competition of the military's strengths and weaknesses, and recruit training loses its meaning.

If we're going to train them, we'll wait until after the training is over.

Long Xiao said, "The ban is here, and we can't offer you much help right now. You'll have to fight for it yourself. But don't worry, if you don't have it, no one else will either."

"If others have it, Old Chen and I guarantee you will have it too."

These words were very heartwarming, Zhao Xing cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "I will definitely live up to the expectations of you two elder brothers."

"Haha, don't be so Guest Qi." Long Xiao laughed, "I'll be leaving now. You need to train, and so do I. I still have military affairs to attend to in Xier County."

"Last time you were ranked 29th, neither Old Chen nor I expected it. Keep up the good work, we'll be waiting for your good news in Xier County."

"I'm leaving, don't see me off."

After saying that, Long Xiao turned and left, disappearing from sight in a few leaps.

Zhao Xing turned his gaze away; the package mainly contained a material called Thunderstone.

There are 10 pieces in total. Each piece is worth 800 points when recycled in the Arsenal and sold for 1000 points.

There were also some other miscellaneous food items, and all in all, the Arsenal's recycling price was exactly 10,000 points.

Under the military's ban, each army provides a starting resource of 10,000 for the geniuses on the key selection list during the training period.

We can only switch schools after the division of labor.

Before the branch school was assigned, Zhao Xing couldn't switch schools.

This feature will not be enabled.

After the division, there's no need to give extra, because the division itself is a form of selection.

The geniuses from the Four Great Academies will inevitably receive more resources.

"You absolutely must get into one of the Four Great Academies, otherwise your starting resources will be far behind others." Zhao Xing's gaze was firm.

The Earthly Advantage Institute and Earth Vein Earth Vein Hall display murals of the Nineteen Provinces, and there are even higher-level ones. What you can see for free is only the lower-level ones.

You can also experience the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces up close.

In the Mystic Earth Prison, one can also see exotic beasts with even more valuable enlightenment effects.

Great Granary Institute produces many precious native fruits, but the number produced each year is limited, so supplies are restricted and naturally prioritized for the Four Great Academies.

"We have two Heavenly Timing to continue training."

After putting down his things, Zhao Xing immediately threw himself back into training.

March 29th, two suns in the sky.

The climate in Yang City has become more comfortable, with a cool breeze and a very pleasant temperature, making it perfect for sleeping.

The period from Wei Hour to 3-5 PM is when a person is most sleepy.

With both suns shining brightly, the weather became pleasantly cool.

In Yang City, most people were taking a nap.

Only a small number of people are still studying in various sacred places, preparing for the upcoming division test.

"Aww~" Zhao Xing also yawned repeatedly.

The weather was so nice, and with the recent training intensity being so high, he couldn't resist going to his room to lie down for a bit.

"Phew~"

At Wei Hour of Wei (1-3 PM), a gentle breeze blew out from the Celestial Timing Hall.

The wind was very weak, yet in the blink of an eye it blew into the residential area, into the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces visitor area, into the Mystic Earth Prison... reaching every corner of Yang City.

Zhao Xing was fast asleep.

Suddenly, his brow twitched.

Deep sleep turned into light sleep.

A second later, Zhao Xing woke up from his sleep and frowned.

"This wind..."

He sat up, put on his clothes, left the room, and stood quietly in the courtyard.

Since he was still unfamiliar with the Solar Terms Decree, the weather in the area around the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard followed the weather outside.

Zhao Xing sensed something unusual in the wind.

"A strange wind appeared in Locust Willow Courtyard."

"It's very faint, but I'm certain it's neither from natural wind nor from the lingering effects of my practice an hour ago."

It's like a new grain of rice being dropped into a rice jar, and Zhao Xing is the person guarding that rice jar.

An unusually strong wind blowing in is as loud as dropping a single grain of rice.

The rice container is still flowing; this single grain of rice has already disappeared into the container.

At this moment, Zhao Xing was trying to detect this unusual and faint wind.

Zhao Xing tiptoed, his mind completely at ease. His Fate Soul had been cultivated to the mid -Ninth Grade, making his senses extremely alert.

He managed to spot such a subtle and unusual breeze.

It is currently swirling on the main trunk under the locust tree.

"There was definitely something wrong!"

The wind swirls steadily around the locust tree, so faint that you wouldn't even notice it unless you walked over!

After walking over, Zhao Xing gently touched the wind with his fingers.

"Buzz~"

After he touched it.

The wind suddenly blew to his ears, and at the same time, a very faint sound appeared.

"The branch examination has begun. All reserve Agricultural Official, please proceed to the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City by 3:45 PM."

"Arriving before 3:45 PM is considered passing the First Stage and allows you to proceed to the next test."

"No magic may be used during this period, and it is forbidden to disclose this information to others in any way. If this is violated, the results will be invalidated."

The breeze dissipated, and so did the sound.

A strange look appeared in Zhao Xing's eyes.

"Tip-off, what a clever tip-off!"

"The sorting test was supposed to start a month later, but it actually started the day before the deadline?"

"Now it seems that the sudden appearance of two suns in the sky today, and the weather becoming so drowsy, were all preparations for a test."

Zhao Xing looked at the sky and immediately understood the examiner's intention.

The First Stage is the vigilance of the Military Sima Nong!

"This stage is very difficult; I'm afraid the First Stage alone will eliminate most of the candidates."

Zhao Xing took a deep breath, pushed open the door of Locust Willow Courtyard, and walked outside.

It was Wei Hour, and the requirement was to arrive before 3:45 PM, meaning there was one hour to travel.

It's located in the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City, not far away.

As long as they can hear it, the recruits are more than capable of running there.

"We don't let anyone use magic; we just walk over there to prevent others from noticing anything unusual."

"If others see that all the powerful ones are flying to the Eastern Suburbs, they'll probably realize what's going on."

"So we have to make sure no one notices anything unusual. Flying is too conspicuous, so walking is much more normal. There are plenty of people wandering around in Yang City."

As Zhao Xing pondered this, he headed towards the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City.

However, he didn't see many people after leaving the residential area.

The First Stage test was more challenging than he had imagined.

The changes in Heavenly Timing and the resulting more suitable sleeping environment had a greater impact than he had imagined.

People on the street were all yawning as they headed back to their homes.

Those who haven't slept plan to sleep, and those who have slept want to sleep more, all to conserve their energy for the challenges of the day after tomorrow.

"To subtly create a sleep-inducing environment by altering the timing of the Heavenly Timing —this method is almost like magic," Zhao Xing thought to himself in amazement.

Residential area, Shi Yong Three Autumns Courtyard.

Fallen leaves fluttered down, and withered branches covered the ground. A cheerful and optimistic young man emerged barefoot from a grove of trees.

He looked up at the sky.

"Spring drowsiness, autumn fatigue, summer naps—the changing Heavenly Timing happen all at once! No wonder I felt sleepy just now."

Shi Yong waved his hand, and a gentle breeze blew from the bamboo forest not far away, swirling in his palm.

"Eastern Suburbs of Yang City, 3:45 PM."

Shi Yong clenched his fist to ward off the wind and calmly walked out of the courtyard.

In Feng Qiu Residence, a cold-looking young man with short hair was sitting cross-legged in a spacious room.

Two cyan phantoms intertwined in front of him.

"Bang bang bang!"

A muffled sound came from the air, and two figures of wind appeared, like two martial artists fighting.

"Um?"

Suddenly, Feng Qiu opened his eyes in confusion.

He opened his mouth, his cheeks hollowed out, and he inhaled sharply!

Then the two cyan phantoms transformed into a cyan torrent and entered his mouth.

"No, there's an extra gust of wind."

"I see."

Feng Qiu immediately stood up and walked towards the door.

Earthly Advantage Institute, Earth Vein Hall.

Zhuang Ziqing was studying a map of the Earth Vein.

He was the second-ranked genius at the time of the report, and he was currently studying the Earth Vein map, with no one daring to come over and disturb him.

"Choosing this time?"

Zhuang Ziqing looked away from the mural and down at a wisp of wind passing by his ankle.

"They really know how to pick their timing."

He glanced at the many people who were meditating in front of the murals, seemingly oblivious to everything, shook his head, and walked out of the Earth Vein Hall.

Twenty-Four Seasons Rich Spring Hall

Hua Zhilin and Guan Junyang were observing the flower buds on the ground.

"Brother Guan, I have other matters to attend to. That concludes today's Five Elements Observation." Hua Zhilin suddenly withdrew his gaze and began to see the guest off.

"Xiao Hua, do you think you're the only one who heard that?" Guan Junyang smiled slightly.

"Hahaha, I knew Brother Guan was no ordinary man." Hua Zhilin had a delicate appearance and a surprisingly tender voice.

"Shall we go together then?"

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Once outside the city gates of Yang City, the number of people dwindled even further.

However, those who were walking outside the city at this time were not to be underestimated.

Li Feng came out from the south gate.

He drove around in circles before finally reaching the main road leading to the Eastern Suburbs.

Li Feng is skilled in Wind Art, so this challenge is naturally no problem for him.

He was among the first to react.

There were very few people on the road at this time, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That's right!

The last time he was ranked over 100th, it was a complete accident!

That's my true strength!

"We must avenge our defeat in this branch school test!"

"Surpassing Feng Qiu, surpassing Zhuang Ziqing, surpassing... holy crap!"

As Li Feng was running, he suddenly saw a familiar silhouette running to his left.

"It's him!"

Li Feng recognized Zhao Xing at a glance.

How familiar this scene is!

We met again while running!

Li Feng immediately moved closer.

"Hey buddy, you look familiar!!!"

"I don't know you. You've mistaken me for someone else."

When Zhao Xing saw Li Feng approaching, he quickened his pace.

"Stop right there, don't run away if you dare!" Li Feng shouted.

"If you're so brave, don't chase after me!"

"..."

Zhao Xing didn't expect to run into Li Feng at this time, and he didn't want any complications, so he kept his head down and ran as fast as he could.

He had taken the Giant Whale Pill, which strengthened his internal organs. In order to Li Fire True Lord, he also underwent heavy training for many days and can now run.

Li Feng couldn't catch up for a while.

"Who is that person? Why is Li Feng chasing him?" Tigron Army members who knew Li Feng were immediately puzzled. "This First Stage doesn't rank people, there's no need for you to chase me."

"Who knows? Maybe there's some kind of grudge between them."

Zhao Xing ran, he realized that Li Feng was still chasing him, and he felt somewhat helpless.

It's just that you tricked me once, why are you so vengeful?

In short, he doesn't want to waste time confronting Li Feng right now.

Let's just speed up and avoid it.

"Huh? It's Li Feng. Who is he chasing?" Feng Qiu also saw Zhao Xing and Li Feng chasing each other. He was walking side by side with Zhuang Ziqing.

Zhuang Ziqing pondered, "I think I've seen this person before. He's the one who used the Earth Treasury Return to Origin technique in the Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool area."

"Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool?" Feng Qiu. "Now that you mention it, I seem to have a vague recollection of it. When I crossed the Astral Wind Mountain Range and entered Yang City territory, I think I saw someone Cloud Method Wind Art to advance."

"His Wind Art is terrible, but his Cloud Method is quite impressive, like he's practicing the Devouring Cloud Art."

"There must have been some grudge during the reporting," Zhuang Ziqing said with a smile. "Li Feng was ranked sixth in our internal selection, but in this report he was ranked over one hundredth. I guess there was some conflict between them."

"It looks ordinary, nothing special," Feng Qiu said indifferently. "Li Feng is truly a waste of space."

Eastern Suburbs Yang City.

Zhao Xing stopped immediately after crossing the Boundary Marker.

A flying boat appeared in the air ahead.

Clearly, I've already arrived at the destination.

"Buzz~"

The Earth Mirror in his arms trembled slightly, and Zhao Xing took it out to take a look.

There was a notice from the Ten Suns Military Department.

This indicates that he has passed the First Stage test.

"Go ahead and run! Run again!"

"Let's see where you can run now!"

Li Feng appeared before Zhao Xing with a gloomy face.

"You've caused me so much suffering."

Zhao Xing said, "There are countless people in this world who look and resemble each other, you must have mistaken me for someone else."

Li Feng scoffed, "You don't need to pretend anymore. I'd recognize you even if you turned to ashes!"

"Alright, then I won't pretend anymore." Zhao Xing shrugged. "It was me who tricked you. Are you going to argue with me for three hundred rounds so everyone knows?"

"You..." Li Feng was speechless. He was so angry that he realized this was not the time to fight.

"I'll remember you." Li Feng gave Zhao Xing a deep look. "You better not fall into my hands."

"I'm waiting for you," Zhao Xing said defiantly. "You better not let me trick you again."

As more and more people gathered, Li Feng finished speaking, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

He finds Zhao Xing an eyesore now.

"What happened?"

At this moment, Han Bing also crossed the Boundary Marker and appeared in front of Zhao Xing.

"There was a minor disagreement when we crossed the Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool."

Han Bing looked somewhat surprised. "You were the one who caused Li Feng to drop to over a hundredth place?"

Li Feng's ranking of over 100 naturally attracted a lot of attention.

There were still quite a few people in front of Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool at the time, so the news spread very quickly.

Therefore, Li Feng was very angry when he saw Zhao Xing.

"Um."

"Call me if you need anything."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing, then smiled and nodded, accepting the goodwill extended by the other party.

After a pause, Han Bing asked again, "Is the rage of the Earth Fire Plain related to you?"

Zhao Xing was surprised. "This has spread?"

"No," Han Bing shook her head. "I guessed, it was just a gut feeling."

Seeing Zhao Xing's expression, Han Bing knew she had guessed correctly. "It really is you?"

"Hmm," Zhao Xing said, "Why did you take half a step back?"

"I'm afraid that if you get struck by lightning, it will affect me."

"Hey, you just said you'd be called if needed, that's a really fast change of heart."

"What you need is for me to collect your body?"

"..."

Han Bing has a dry sense of humor, which left Zhao Xing speechless.

The two chatted for a while, and soon it was almost 3:45 PM.

At this time, the number of people in the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City gradually increased.

There were only a dozen or so people at the beginning.

After 3 PM, the number increased to over a hundred.

Wait until 3:45 PM.

There were nearly a thousand people.

When the time came, two figures flew out of the airship.

Those below recognized him immediately.

"It's Zuo Zizhi, the Agricultural Master from the Tranquil Flood Academy!"

"And there's Lu Bang, the agricultural official of the Great Granary Institute!"

"Is this the time to announce the results?"

"I wonder how many people will pass."

"..."

Agricultural Master and agricultural director are both specific positions, with the agricultural director already belonging to the senior management of the Four Great Academies.

Upon seeing these two people emerge, a flurry of discussion immediately arose among the crowd.

Zuo Zizhi and Lu Bang flew into the air and used the wind to transmit their voices.

"The First Stage test is over; 931 people have passed."

"Nine hundred and thirty-one people. We can continue to the Second Stage."

"Those who came to the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City without hearing any news were all assigned to branch campuses other than the Four Great Academies of Grand Granary, Huai Equalization Office, Heavenly Timing, and Earthly Advantage Institute."

The news spread throughout Yang City.

At that moment, all the new recruits, whether they were deep in thought or fast asleep, heard this voice.

"What? The test has already begun? When did it start?!"

"Wasn't it supposed to be April 1st? What's with this 'wind signal' and what's the purpose of the Eastern Suburbs?"

"Sigh, I can't even hear the wind. I'm too unprepared."

"Oh my god, I actually fell asleep at such a crucial moment!"

"Alas, I'm destined to miss out on the Four Great Academies."

"..."

Throughout Yang City, the sounds of frustration and regret from the new recruits could be heard. Many were stamping their feet and beating their chests, hating themselves for not being more vigilant.

Some knew this stage was incredibly difficult; with over ten thousand participants, ninety percent would be eliminated in the First Stage! Even with the utmost vigilance, they might not hear anything. So they quickly adjusted their mindset and prepared to compete for rankings in the other departments.

In the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City, Zuo Zizhi also announced the content of the Second Stage test.