Jade Tablet

The martial arts test was held in a small grove of trees cleared behind the River Conservancy Office Government Office, a flat area of several acres of Yellow Earth that the soldiers had rammed into shape in half an hour.

Upon seeing Liang Qu emerge from the shadows of the Prefectural Office eaves, the bustling crowd spontaneously made way for him.

The villagers of Yi Xing Town were bold. "Master Liang, are you also going to board the King's Ship?"

"I'm not logging in, I'm just coming up to have some fun."

Liang Qu rolled up his sleeves, revealing the Bloodstone Armguard on his left hand. He wasn't wearing his official robes today; instead, Dragon Spirit Silk wore a black outfit with red patterns, exuding an air of grandeur.

Even if people from neighboring counties didn't recognize Liang Qu, they could tell from his demeanor and appearance that a very important person had arrived.

"Quickly! Master Liang is about to make a move! Those who are quick, make room for him!"

"That's right, we can't let Master Liang wait in line!"

When the people of Yi Xing Town in the Martial Arts Field heard that Liang Qu was going to touch the pillar, they were excited and shouted for people to make way for him.

The martial arts test lasted for most of the day, and the procession in front of the three White Marble stretched for more than half a mile in the sweltering heat.

The front collapses quickly, while the back is packed tightly, maintaining a basic dynamic balance.

"No need," Liang Qu waved his hand. "I'll just wait in line."

"Master Liang! There's a seat for you here!"

In front of the east pillar, a dark-skinned young man jumped up to greet people, with three people standing in front of him.

"That's not a good idea..."

"Very good, kid. This is the third time we've gone through this session since yesterday. One more time won't make a difference!"

"The third time?" Liang Qu was stunned, looking him up and down. "I've seen you before, you're from the Chen Clan, right? What are you doing here so many times? Having trouble sleeping at night?"

The crowd realized it was a joke and burst into laughter.

"Chen Mingchao, my name is Chen Mingchao, and I 'Elder Chen!" Chen Mingchao was slightly excited to be recognized, but blushed when he heard the second half of the sentence. He scratched his head and said, "I'm thinking that if I touch him a few more times, I'll get used to it and be able to hold out for a while longer. Who knows, I might just get on the ship and bring glory to my ancestors."

"A Shui is quite popular," Ke Wenbin joked, arms crossed.

"Natives from this area are in high demand."

"Good!"

Liang Qu reached into his pocket, tossed out a small piece of silver, and waved his hand.

Chen Mingchao looked delighted, stepped aside, and made way for him.

A strange glint flashed in some people's eyes.

Ran Zhongshi summoned the soldiers outside the Martial Arts Field: "Go to the Celestial Ship Merchant Guild and buy some Blue Blood Dye. Draw a mark on the pillars of those who have touched them. No second chances."

"Yes!"

All eyes were on the Martial Arts Field.

Liang Qu was tall and imposing, his towering figure, nearly 1.9 meters tall, casting a shadow over the three people in the front of the group. They felt immense pressure; before they could even touch the pillar, they started shivering, their foreheads glistening with sweat.

"Passed! Passed! Someone passed! Quarter-quarters of an hour, bronze medal! Bronze medal!"

Suddenly, cheers erupted from the crowd.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

Beside the White Marble, a gaunt young man with pale lips and sweat pouring down as if he had been pulled from the water, still held on tightly to the White Marble, every muscle trembling and twisting, as if he were undergoing some kind of unspeakable torture.

"Ordinary people?"

Lu Gang could tell the strength of the other party's Qi and Blood.

Before entering Skin Barrier, he was undoubtedly an ordinary person, his clothes were patched, and he did not seem to have any official rank or fame.

Xu Zishuai exclaimed in surprise, "This is the first time since the martial arts competition began. It's quite rare."

"Where is this kid from?" Xiang Fangsu became somewhat curious. He beckoned to the soldier and said, "Go ask if anyone nearby knows him."

"We found out it's from Nanxun."

The soldier clasped his hands in response.

The young man in the arena let go of his grip, and his whole body went limp.

It was barely a quarter of an hour and half a breath.

Bronze medal is the limit.

The soldier under the White Jade Pillar stepped forward, supported the young man, and dragged him to a chair. He served him a bowl of chilled mung bean soup, and with the consent of Ran Zhongshi and others, he also stuffed a copper Waist Token with a flamboyant "Yue" character on it.

The young man's hands trembled, spilling large amounts of mung bean soup, but he held onto the bronze medal tightly and refused to let go.

This is a rare opportunity.

Those with exceptional perseverance can always find a minimum standard to maintain, no matter where they are placed.

He has yet to achieve any official rank or break through any barriers; he is destined to be a miserable person.

They either have seriously ill parents, a bunch of Little Sister to support, or they've encountered some kind of injustice.

Liang Qu had a slight thought, withdrew his gaze, reminded the soldier to record the time, and after confirming that it was correct, he reached out and pressed his hand on the White Marble.

"Master Liang touched it! He touched it up!"

A loud shout made the astonished and excited villagers turn their attention away.

Buzz! A bright silver light shone forth. Before Liang Qu could react, he suddenly felt a lightness throughout his body, his spirit rising and plunging into a hazy, dreamlike world.

The sky and the ground shimmered like waves.

In an instant.

Thousands of sharp blades sliced through the flesh!

Roar! The Dragon Tiger Two Qi swirled out, actively protecting their master.

Gold and silver light flowed like water, vying to crush each other! Cicadas chirped desperately in the woods.

Under the eaves of the Prefectural Office, Ke Wenbin squatted on a small stool, scooping watermelon with a spoon and spitting out the black seeds.

"Come on, guess what badge A Shui will get? Gold, silver, or bronze? Which one?"

"Different levels correspond to different levels of difficulty." Xiang Fangsu rubbed his chin. "As for A Shui, she should at least have a Silver Medal."

Ran Ying nodded in agreement. "Silver Medal is the minimum."

"Gold and silver are split 70/30."

People aren't stupid.

Liang Qu never hid his cultivation, and breakthroughs in his realm were as easy as eating and drinking. You never heard the word "slow" from his mouth.

They rode ahead of everyone else, so fast they seemed to fly.

Furthermore, by condensing two great true forces, he Sudden Enlightenment while riding the wind, and comprehended the spiritual manifestation on his first observation of the strange phenomenon.

She deserves to be called exceptionally talented.

The King of Yue established the martial arts test not to find any peerless geniuses.

Exceptional geniuses, once they begin to show their talent, are quickly taken in by masters as disciples, leaving very few to be discovered among the common people. It's pointless to pick out just two or three to board the ship along the way.

There are only a few cats and dogs; even a small frame isn't enough.

The real picks are the talented individuals who have the potential to become the backbone of the team, with the addition of a couple of potential Grandmaster being ideal.

Ran Zhongshi looked at Lu Gang and Xu Zishuai on the side and asked, "As fellow disciples of Liang Qu, what kind of medal do you think A Shui is capable of winning?"

"Gold medal!"

"Gold medal!"

Lu Gang, Xu Zishuai, Hu Qi, and others spoke in unison, their statements resolute.

Ran Zhongshi smiled and said, "After all, we are from the same school, so we trust each other much more than we do as colleagues."

Xu Zishuai looked up at the sky and said, "You have all seen with your own eyes how the youngest disciple that Master took in has surpassed his senior brothers all the way up, climbing from the ninth to the fifth position in two years, and you will not hesitate for a moment."

Lu Gang added, "I think there's a fourth one, but the third one might not be so sure."

Xu Zishuai as if an arrow had pierced his heart.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

"Bronze medal! Bronze medal!"

Exclamations of surprise erupted from the Yellow Earth Martial Arts Field.

The other two pillars were tested at a slower pace, drawing attention.

On the sundial, the shadow of the long pole clearly moved a quarter of an hour, marking that Liang Qu had reached the bronze medal level.

Two silver lines were added to the shimmering White Marble pillar.

However, not a drop of sweat appeared on Liang Qu's forehead, a stark contrast to the young man before him.

With ease and skill.

The locals Spirit-Settling, showing disdain for the astonished outsiders.

"Master Liang has seen the Emperor with his own eyes, what is a mere bronze plaque to him?"

"Let alone Master Liang, I'm telling you this, even if Master Liang's own River Otter came, it could pull out a bronze plaque!"

Have you seen His Majesty?

"Hmm?" Ran Zhongshi lifted his chin. "A Shui, when did you go to the Imperial Capital?"

"It's all just hearsay." Xu Zishuai curled his lip in disdain. "That brat came back from flood control last year and has been showing off the Sacred Emperor's Edict every day. What do country bumpkins know? It's been passed around and circulated until it's become a story that he met the Emperor in person and that the edict was given to him in person."

The void of heaven and earth.

Its sharp edge has surged, more than doubling in size.

The range of the golden light was forced to shrink.

"A bronze medal?"

Liang Qu could not feel the passage of time, but he could sense the doubled power of the silver light, indicating that they should be entering a new phase of confrontation.

It was extremely difficult to resist with just the Golden Body; the silver light stung the skin with a piercing pain, so he had to use the Azure Dragon True Aura to fight back.

The golden and silver lights clashed, with a touch of pale blue appearing in the middle.

The golden and blue hues intertwined, regaining more than half of their territory and stabilizing their position.

"I told you Silver Medal would be the minimum."

Xiang Fangsu has sharp eyes.

A few beads of sweat appeared on Liang Qu's forehead, but they did not condense into sweat droplets.

It's still in the exertion phase and far from exhaustion.

If you can endure the half hour, winning the Silver Medal is a sure thing!

Time passed second by second.

The cicadas are chirping loudly.

Ke Wenbin had eaten half a watermelon, leaving only a light red rind.

"Silver Medal! Silver Medal!"

Someone shouted.

The entire White Marble pillar shone with a brilliant silver light, illuminating more than half of it! The third stage!

Just get through it and you'll win the gold medal! Just one breath.

Two breaths.

Three breaths!

"Hold on! Gold is coming today!"

An old man shouted.

After watching the drama unfold for so long, the villagers have figured out a pattern themselves.

Touching this pillar, if you don't fall down immediately within three breaths after each stage, you've gained a foothold and have a good chance of making it through! The Martial Saint has been here for so long, and he hasn't given out a gold medal yet! The entire Martial Arts Field was abuzz with discussion, and more and more people gathered around to watch the excitement, not just villagers, but also scions of many prominent Lineage.

"Brother Liang is truly remarkable." Weng Shaoping closed his paper fan.

"So amazing, brother, why don't you introduce me to you?" The girl leaned back on the bench, sticking her toes out and revealing her white socks.

Weng Shaoping didn't bother with it.

Zhai Yunsu and Bian Yuanchong glances, both slightly startled.

Zhang Xu's words make some sense; the River Conservancy Office only had one person on the field, yet they already had a chance to win gold!

Could it be...?

"Yanjiang, hurry to the Shanghu Academy and call Mr. Zhang over. Tell him that the martial arts competition will award gold!"

Lin Yanjiang had some reservations about Zhai Yunsu's instructions.

Everyone boarding the ship was a passenger, yet some of them acted arrogantly and bossily.

There's nothing I can do; I'm only a bronze medalist, while they're a prestigious Silver Medal.

There are single cabins on the ship, and it's said that once we arrive in Ning Jiang Prefecture, we'll be assigned a private courtyard, at least two courtyards! "Let's go now."

"Call!"

The silver light was dazzling, like a surging tide.

Dragon Tiger Golden Body, Azure Dragon True Aura, White Ape True Aura all emerge together!

The interplay of gold, blue, and white light forcefully withstood the crushing force of will.

Liang Qu had no doubt that once he withdrew his true energy, he would face excruciating pain, as if he were being torn to pieces!

When one's mental and physical will is devastated, the body is unable to suppress the pain, and there is almost no limit to it.

"Winning the gold medal shouldn't be too difficult..."

Liang Qu sensed the intensity; he had already gained a foothold, and it wouldn't be difficult for him to hold on for another quarter of an hour.

What changes will occur in a quarter of an hour? Two great true qi, the Dragon Tiger Golden Body.

It hasn't reached the limit of Liang Qu!

The Immortal Island Above the Clouds has not yet appeared, and the "Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness" still has the skill of "Preserving Spirit," which is the Third Realm "Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness" that arises spontaneously.

[Preserving Spirit] preserves the spirit of [Chuan Lord Slaying Flood Dragon].

Liang Qu is rarely used.

Because before the need for "Preserving Spirit" is overdrawn, "Spirit Transformation" can often resolve difficulties in advance.

Difficulties that cannot be solved by [Spirit Transformation] will also be of no use if [Preserving Spirit] is used, and will even end [Spirit Transformation] prematurely due to overexertion of physical strength.

"How long has Liang Water Envoy been touching her?"

Zhang Xu rode his Shadowless Horse through the forest path and came to a crowded Martial Arts Field, where he stopped a soldier.

The soldier recognized the man and replied, "A quarter of an hour away."

The words had barely left his mouth.

A deafening roar of cheers erupted from the Martial Arts Field, where the crowd surged like a tidal wave.

"Gold! Gold! Gold!"

"Withdraw money! Withdraw money!"

"A quarter of an hour, and the gold medal!"

"Really!"

The young man, still reeling from the experience, clutched the bronze medal in his hand, his eyes filled with envy.

Despite his extraordinary perseverance, he could never compare to a true genius.

"There really is a gold medal!"

Bian Yuanchong and Zhai Yunsu climbed up the tree to observe, their hearts pounding with shock.

Gold medal!

The treatment on board is far superior to that of Silver Medal.

Leaving aside other matters.

Those with bronze or Silver Medal have no right to bring anyone with them, but those with gold medals can choose a servant to accompany them! On the ship, there were gold medal holders who brought their beautiful maids with them, their figures slender and graceful, making outsiders envious!

"I wonder if I can take that final step..."

Zhang Xu stared at Liang Qu, walked through the crowd, came to the center of the venue, and reached into his pocket to touch the small cards.

Gold was rarely produced in the entire mansion.

The King of Yue from south to north, stopping at many places along the way. At most, he received six gold medals at a time, two of whom boarded the ship. He generally did not receive more than one gold medal.

I stayed for three days. I dare not say that the test was complete and without any omissions, but I was able to glean some insights.

However, after the gold medal, something else happened, and everyone had to accept the uncontrollable force of withdrawing from the trial.

Only a few of the King of King of Yue's confidants understood.

More than!

"That's... over?"

The void was a hazy expanse, Liang Qu was panting heavily.

I thought there would be another challenge after the gold medal, but it came to an abrupt end.

Unfortunately.

Boom! The sound of thunder roared and thunder rolled, a gale suddenly rose, and the pale white void suddenly turned gray, with dark clouds covering the sky! Hmm? Liang Qu stood in the gale, his clothes fluttering, and then felt a sharp murderous intent intent surging in the chaos.

He didn't freeze in surprise.

He forcefully activated the [Preserving Spirit]! The Azure Dragon Coiling Dragon Great Pillar, embraced by White Ape, while white clouds cascaded down from the Immortal Island Above the Clouds!

Then thunder roared again, and a silver spear suddenly appeared in the sky, wrapped in endless lightning, piercing through the sky and shooting towards us!

A silvery flash streaked across the sky, splitting the clouds in two as they scattered and dissipated.

A biting chill descended from the sky!

Liang Qu remained unfazed, taking a sharp step forward, his palm forming a loose grip, with a long spear faintly appearing within.

The White Ape, over three zhang tall, clung to the Dragon Pillar, its eyes like torches, its fur flowing like water.

Despite being a White Ape, it displayed the demeanor of Divine General, and a blurry figure emerged behind it, subtly complementing it.

A chill pierced my brow.

The White Ape wields the giant pillar!

In an instant.

The phantom image became clear, and the Divine General raised his hand.

The sky and earth flashed into Black and White and white! The spear that shot towards them seemed to transform into two simple black lines, like a child's line drawing...

The Coiling Dragon Great Pillar crashed down, as if erased by an eraser, wiping away portions of the two black lines.

The lines that formed the spear broke, instantly twisting like an earthworm.

instantly.

It shattered into thousands of pieces!

The forest was lush, and the cicadas, caught up in the cheers of the crowd, were too startled to utter a sound.

To outsiders, the flowing silver patterns on the entire White Marble pillar lit up and suddenly shone brightly!

Yet, at its most brilliant moment, it abruptly ended, its glory vanished.

It faded away from the top to the bottom, leaving no trace of light.

The White Marble seems to have degenerated into an ordinary pillar.

Liang Qu opened his eyes, weakly let go, and was promptly supported by the soldiers behind him.

strangeness.

Bian Yuanchong and Zhai Yunsu exchanged a glance, having never seen such a scene before.

After winning the gold medal, shouldn't they just bounce the person away? Is that so "gentle"? "Lord Liang, on passing the martial arts test." Zhang Xu stepped out of the crowd and bowed.

"Mr. Zhang!"

Bian Yuanchong and Zhai Yunsu jumped down from the tree branch to greet them.

The distribution of Silver Medal and bronze medals was handled by the River Conservancy Office, while gold medals had to be distributed by Zhang Xu personally.

The people craned their necks, eagerly awaiting news.

Even setting aside the gold medal, the sheer amount of gold—tens of taels—is rare and worth seeing in a lifetime.

"Wait, A Shui isn't boarding the ship, so he can't get a pass." Ke Wenbin suddenly spoke up.

"Damn, I almost forgot." Xu Zishuai slapped his forehead.

"No! Liang Water Envoy doesn't board the boat, he still has a sign."

Zhang Xu took out a small square token from his pocket and displayed it to the people.

Unlike gold, silver, and bronze, which shimmer with metallic luster, the square plaque has an overall smooth and understated appearance.

A... jade pendant? Bian Yuanchong Zhai Yunsu were stunned.

Bian Yuanchong guessed. "Could it be that instead of issuing gold medals, they're issuing jade medals instead of gold medals for boarding the ship?"

Is that so?

"That is not true. It is true that you will not receive a token if you do not board the ship," Zhang Xu interrupted the two. "However, above the gold token is the jade token, which will be given to you regardless of whether you board the ship or not. This was instructed by the King of Yue long ago."

Above the gold medal?

How could there be anything above a gold medal?

Bian Yuanchong and Zhai Yunsu greatly alarmed.

Four layers of copper, silver, gold, and jade?

Liang Qu rubbed the jade plaque.

It was as white as mutton fat jade, as smooth as the skin of Dragon Girl.

"Mr. Zhang, what discount can we get on this jade pendant at the Celestial Ship Merchant Guild?"

Zhang Xu was stunned.

A short while later.

Zhang Xu smiled.

"I'll go ask the Steward of the Chamber of Commerce."