Whispers in the Wind, Ninety Percent Eliminated!

"Why are you only getting here now?"

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

"This time, the rules are stricter," Long Xiao said. "I had planned to bring you the items half a month ago, but the military issued orders to every army not to interfere with reserve training, especially the academy assignment assessment. That delayed things."

"If interference is forbidden, then what about this..."

Long Xiao said, "The military has Three Prohibitions: no delivering treasures or equipment, no directly giving points, and no taking people to treasured sites for enlightenment."

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

"I had already set out by the time I got the news. Since I was already coming, I might as well deliver the items."

Long Xiao handed Zhao Xing a package. "Food, but it can't be too good. Before academy assignment training, recruits aren't allowed to break through to the eighth rank, or they'll be strictly investigated. So I didn't dare bring anything too valuable."

"Everything inside is meant for after you're assigned to an academy."

Zhao Xing accepted the package. It was rather heavy.

He could understand the military's prohibition.

Although each garrison could cultivate the talents it had selected, academy assignments determined how certain resources would be used afterward.

If focused cultivation ran rampant, it would no longer be training. It would become a competition of each army's accumulated resources, and recruit training would lose its meaning.

If they wanted to cultivate people, they could wait until training was over.

Long Xiao said, "With the prohibition in place, we can't give you much help right now. You'll have to fight for it yourself. But don't worry—if you don't have something, others won't have it either."

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

The words warmed Zhao Xing's heart. He cupped his hands in thanks. "I definitely won't disappoint you two big brothers."

"Hahaha, no need to be so formal." Long Xiao smiled. "I'll be leaving now. You need to train, and so do I. I still have military duties in Xier County."

"Neither Old Chen nor I expected you to rank twenty-ninth in the last report. Keep it up. We'll be waiting for good news from you in Xier County."

"I'm leaving. Don't see me off."

With that, Long Xiao turned and departed. After a few leaps, he vanished from sight.

Zhao Xing withdrew his gaze. The package mainly contained a material called Thunderstone.

There were ten pieces in total. Each had a buyback price of 800 points at the Arsenal and sold for 1,000 points.

There were also assorted foods. Altogether, their buyback value at the Arsenal came to exactly 10,000 points.

Under the military's prohibition, the initial resources each army could provide to geniuses on its key recruitment list during training were capped at 10,000 points.

That could only be exchanged after academy assignment.

Before academy assignment, Zhao Xing could not exchange them.

That function had not been unlocked for him.

After academy assignment, there would be no need to provide extra resources anyway, because academy assignment itself was a form of selection.

The geniuses of the Four Great Academies would inevitably receive more resources.

"I have to enter one of the Four Great Academies. Otherwise, my starting resources will lag far behind everyone else's." Zhao Xing's gaze was resolute.

For example, at the Earthly Advantage Institute, the Earth Vein murals displaying the earth veins of the nineteen provinces in the Earth Vein Hall had higher-level versions. The ones available for free viewing were merely lower-grade.

At the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces, one could also experience them from closer up.

At the Mystic Earth Prison, one could see exotic beasts whose enlightenment effects were even more precious.

At the Great Granary Institute, many precious native fruits only produced a limited number of servings each year and could only be supplied in limited quantities. Naturally, the Four Great Academies received priority.

"There are still two or three days left. Keep training."

After putting the items away, Zhao Xing immediately threw himself back into training.

March 29th. Twin suns hung in the sky.

Yang City's climate had become even more pleasant. A cool breeze blew softly, and the temperature was perfect for sleeping.

From the Wei Hour to the Shen Hour was when people felt the sleepiest.

Coupled with the twin suns overhead, the weather had become exceptionally comfortable.

Throughout Yang City, most people were taking their afternoon naps.

Only a small number were still seeking enlightenment at various treasured sites, preparing for the academy assignment assessment the day after tomorrow.

"Yaaawn..." Zhao Xing yawned repeatedly as well.

The weather was simply too pleasant, and with the recent high-intensity training, he could not help but lie down in his room for a while.

"Whoosh..."

At the third quarter of the Wei Hour, a light breeze blew out from the Celestial Timing Hall.

The wind was incredibly faint, yet in the blink of an eye, it swept into the residential district, into the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces' viewing area, into the Mystic Earth Prison... reaching every corner of Yang City.

Zhao Xing was sleeping soundly.

Suddenly, his brow twitched.

His deep sleep turned shallow.

Another second later, Zhao Xing woke up, frowning.

"This wind..."

He sat up, got dressed, left his room, and stood quietly in the courtyard.

Since he had not yet learned the Solar Terms Decree, the weather within Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard followed the weather outside.

Zhao Xing sensed something unusual in the wind.

"A strange wind has appeared in Locust Willow Courtyard."

"It is faint, but I can be sure it belongs neither to the natural wind nor to the lingering traces from my practice an hour ago."

It was like tossing a new grain of rice into a rice bin, while Zhao Xing was the person watching over that bin.

The abnormal gust blowing in was the same as the disturbance caused by tossing in that grain.

The rice bin itself was still moving, and that grain had already disappeared into it.

At this moment, Zhao Xing was trying to catch that faint and abnormal wind.

Zhao Xing moved on tiptoe, completely opening his mind. His Fate Soul had reached the middle stage of the ninth rank, making his perception incomparably sharp.

He actually found that incredibly subtle, abnormal wind.

It was currently circling the main trunk beneath a locust tree.

"There really is something unusual!"

The wind circled steadily around the locust tree. Without approaching it, no one would notice it at all—it was simply too faint!

After walking over, Zhao Xing lightly touched the wind with his finger.

"Buzz..."

The moment he touched it—

The wind immediately blew against his ear, and an extremely faint voice emerged.

"The academy assignment assessment has begun. All Minister of Agriculture reservists, please proceed to the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City by the third quarter of the Shen Hour."

"Arriving before the third quarter of the Shen Hour will be considered passing the First Stage, allowing you to take the next assessment."

"No spells may be used during this time, and you are forbidden from revealing this to anyone else by any means. Violators will have their results invalidated."

The breeze faded, and so did the voice.

A trace of surprise appeared in Zhao Xing's eyes.

"Using the wind to pass a message. What a clever use of the wind to pass a message."

"They said the academy assignment assessment would begin in a month, but it actually started on the second-to-last day?"

"Now it seems the sudden appearance of twin suns today, along with the weather becoming so sleep-inducing, was all prepared for this assessment."

Zhao Xing looked at the sky and immediately understood the examiners' intentions.

The First Stage tested a Military Minister of Agriculture's vigilance!

"This stage is extremely difficult. The First Stage alone will probably eliminate most people."

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

It was currently the third quarter of the Wei Hour. He had to arrive before the third quarter of the Shen Hour, which meant he had one shichen to travel.

The Eastern Suburbs of Yang City were not far away.

As long as they heard the message, the recruits had more than enough ability to run there.

"They aren't allowing anyone to use spells or travel by foot because they don't want others to notice anything unusual."

"If people saw all the powerful ones flying toward the Eastern Suburbs, they would probably catch on."

"So I also have to avoid drawing attention. Flying is too conspicuous, while walking is much more normal. There are plenty of people strolling around Yang City."

As Zhao Xing thought, he headed toward the Eastern Suburbs of Yang City.

However, after leaving the residential district, he did not see many people.

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

The sleep-inducing environment created by the change in Celestial Timing had affected people more than he expected.

The people on the road were all yawning as they headed back toward the residential district.

Those who had not slept planned to sleep, while those who had slept still wanted more rest, all to conserve their energy for the assessment the day after tomorrow.

"Using changes in Celestial Timing to subtly create an environment that makes people want to sleep... this method is practically an illusion." Zhao Xing could not help but marvel inwardly.

Residential district, Three Autumns Courtyard of Shi Yong.

Fallen leaves fluttered through the air, and dead branches covered the ground. A sunny, cheerful young man walked barefoot out of a grove.

He raised his head and looked at the sky.

"Spring drowsiness, autumn fatigue, summer naps... three seasons are appearing at once through a change in Celestial Timing. No wonder I felt sleepy just now."

Shi Yong waved his hand, and a breeze drifted from the bamboo grove not far away, swirling in his palm.

"Eastern Suburbs of Yang City. Third quarter of the Shen Hour."

Shi Yong clenched his fist and dispersed the wind, then calmly walked out of the courtyard.

Feng Qiu Residence. A cold-faced, short-haired young man was sitting cross-legged in a spacious room.

Two azure phantoms intertwined before him.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Dull sounds echoed through the air as the two wind phantoms fought like martial artists.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Feng Qiu opened his eyes in confusion.

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

The two azure phantoms then transformed into a torrent of azure wind and entered his mouth.

"That's not right. There's an extra gust of wind."

"So that's how it is."

Feng Qiu immediately stood up and walked out the door.

Earthly Advantage Institute, Earth Vein Hall.

Zhuang Ziqing was studying a map of earth veins.

He was the genius ranked second during the report, and while he sought enlightenment before the earth vein map, no one around him dared approach and disturb him.

"They chose this moment?"

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

"They really know how to pick their timing."

He glanced at the many people studying the murals who seemed completely unaware, shook his head, and walked out of the Earth Vein Hall.

Twenty-Four Seasons Rich Spring Hall.

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

"Brother Guan, I have something to do. Let's end today's Five Elements Observation here." Hua Zhilin suddenly withdrew his gaze and began showing him out.

"Little Hua, did you think you were the only one who heard it?" Guan Junyang smiled faintly.

"Hahaha, I knew Brother Guan was no ordinary man." Hua Zhilin had an effeminate appearance, and even his voice was remarkably delicate.

"Then shall we go together?"

"That was exactly my thought."

After leaving Yang City's gates, there were even fewer people.

Yet those walking outside the city at this time were not to be underestimated.

Li Feng exited through the southern gate.

He took a large detour before reaching the main road leading to the Eastern Suburbs.

Li Feng was skilled in Wind Art, so this stage naturally posed no challenge to him.

He was among the first group to react.

There were barely any people on the road now, and he finally relaxed.

This was more like it!

That ranking of over a hundred last time had been a complete accident!

This was my true strength!

"In this academy assignment assessment, I must wash away my humiliation!"

"Surpass Feng Qiu, surpass Zhuang Ziqing, surpa... damn it!"

As Li Feng ran, he suddenly spotted a familiar side profile running ahead to his left.

"It's him!"

Li Feng recognized Zhao Xing at a glance.

How familiar was this scene?

They had met while running again!

Li Feng immediately sped closer.

"Brother, you look very familiar!!!"

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

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

"Stop! If you've got guts, quit running!" Li Feng shouted.

"If you've got guts, quit chasing!"

"..."

Zhao Xing had not expected to run into Li Feng at a time like this. He did not want any unnecessary complications, so he kept his head down and sprinted.

He had taken a Giant Whale Pill, strengthening his internal organs. To repay Li Fire True Lord's favor, he had also undergone days of weighted training. Now that he was running,

Li Feng could not catch up to him for a while.

"Who is that? Why is Li Feng chasing him?" Those in the Tigron Army who knew Li Feng were immediately baffled. "The First Stage doesn't rank people. There is no need to chase each other like this."

"Who knows? Maybe they have some grudge."

As Zhao Xing ran, he realized Li Feng was still pursuing him, leaving him rather helpless.

He had only tricked him once. Why was he holding such a grudge?

In any case, he did not want to waste time confronting Li Feng right now.

He simply sped up to shake him off.

"Hm? That's Li Feng. Who is he chasing?" Feng Qiu also spotted Zhao Xing and Li Feng in pursuit. He was walking side by side with Zhuang Ziqing.

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

"Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool?" Feng Qiu thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it, I seem to remember him too. After I crossed the Gale Wind Mountain Range and entered Yang City's territory, I think I saw someone advancing with Cloud Art and Wind Art."

"His Wind Art was terrible, but his Cloud Art was indeed impressive. It looked like he cultivated the Devouring Cloud Art."

"They must have had some conflict during registration." Zhuang Ziqing smiled. "Li Feng ranked sixth during our internal selection, yet he ended up over a hundredth in this registration. He probably clashed with that person."

"He looks ordinary enough. Nothing special." Feng Qiu said coolly, "Li Feng really is useless."

Eastern Suburbs of Yang City.

The moment Zhao Xing crossed the Boundary Marker, he stopped.

A flying vessel appeared in the air ahead.

Clearly, he had reached his destination.

"Buzz~"

The Earth Mirror in his arms trembled slightly. Zhao Xing took it out for a look.

There was a notification from the Ten Suns Military Department.

It showed that he had passed the First Stage assessment.

"Run! Go on, run some more!"

"Let's see where else you can run to!"

Li Feng appeared before Zhao Xing with a dark expression.

"You made me suffer terribly."

Zhao Xing said, "There are countless people in the world who look alike. Are you sure you've got the right person?"

Li Feng snorted. "Stop pretending. I'd recognize you even if you turned to ash!"

"Fine, then I won't pretend." Zhao Xing shrugged. "It was me who tricked you. Are you planning to argue with me for three hundred rounds so everyone can know about it?"

"You..." Li Feng was instantly left speechless. Blinded by anger, he had forgotten this was not the place to start a fight.

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

"I'll be waiting." Zhao Xing did not back down. "Just make sure you don't let me trick you again."

Seeing more and more people arriving, Li Feng snorted coldly and turned to leave.

The sight of Zhao Xing irritated him now.

"What's going on?"

At that moment, Han Bing also crossed the Boundary Marker and appeared before Zhao Xing.

"We had a minor clash while crossing the Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool."

Surprise appeared on Han Bing's face. "The person who caused Li Feng to drop below a hundredth place was you?"

Li Feng's ranking beyond one hundred had naturally drawn plenty of attention.

There had been many people before the Ten Thousand Mile Thunder Pool at the time, so word quickly spread afterward.

That was why Li Feng had become so furious upon seeing Zhao Xing.

"Yeah."

"Call me if you need anything."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing, then smiled and nodded, accepting his goodwill.

After a pause, Han Bing asked again, "Did the rampage on the Earth Fire Plain have anything to do with you?"

Zhao Xing was startled. "That spread too?"

"No." Han Bing shook his head. "I guessed. Intuition."

Seeing Zhao Xing's reaction, Han Bing knew he had guessed correctly. "It really was you?"

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

"I'm afraid I'll get caught up in it when lightning strikes you."

"Hey, hey, you just said to call you if I needed anything. Isn't that a bit of a fast change?"

"Do you need me to collect your corpse?"

"..."

Han Bing had quite the dry sense of humor. Zhao Xing was completely choked off.

The two chatted for a while, and soon it approached three quarters past the Hour of the Monkey.

The number of people in Yang City's eastern suburbs gradually increased.

At first, there had only been a dozen or so.

After the Hour of the Monkey began, the number rose to over a hundred.

By three quarters past the Hour of the Monkey,

there were nearly a thousand people.

When the time came, two figures flew out from the flying vessel.

The people below immediately recognized them.

"That's Agricultural Master Zuo Zizhi of the Tranquil Flood Academy!"

"And Agricultural Administrator Lu Bang of the Great Granary Institute!"

"Are they going to announce the results?"

"I wonder how many passed."

"..."

Agricultural Master and Agricultural Administrator were both official posts. An Agricultural Administrator was already part of the management upper echelon of the Four Great Academies.

When the two appeared, the crowd below immediately broke into discussion.

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

"The First Stage assessment has ended. Nine hundred and thirty-one have passed."

"The nine hundred and thirty-one may proceed to the Second Stage."

"Those who did not hear the wind message and arrive at Yang City's eastern suburbs will all be assigned to branch institutes other than the four great institutes: Great Granary, Tranquil Flood, Celestial Timing, and Earthly Advantage."

The announcement spread throughout Yang City.

At that moment, whether they were meditating or fast asleep, all the new recruits heard the voice.

"What? The assessment had already begun? When did that happen?!"

"Wasn't it supposed to be April first? What wind message? And what are the eastern suburbs?"

"Sigh, I couldn't even hear the wind message. My vigilance is far too poor."

"Heavens, I actually fell asleep at such a crucial moment!"

"Ah, the Four Great Academies are beyond my reach now."

"..."

Throughout Yang City, the new recruits' voices were filled with regret and remorse. Many stamped their feet and beat their chests, hating themselves for not being more alert.

Some also knew that this stage had been far too difficult. Out of more than ten thousand people, ninety percent had been eliminated in the First Stage alone! No matter how vigilant they had been, they might not have heard it. They quickly adjusted their mindsets and prepared to compete for rankings in the other branch institutes.

In Yang City's eastern suburbs, Zuo Zizhi also announced the contents of the Second Stage assessment.