The fifth day of the second month, Stinging Insects.
Dawn had only just begun to break.
The entire Lin Hai County seemed to awaken earlier than usual.
Countless people, carrying either nervousness or anticipation in their hearts, streamed toward the Training Ground in the west of the city.
Chen Yuan met up with Senior Disciple Brothers and Senior Disciple Sisters such as Chen Yuan, Wang Meng, and Sun Yun from the martial halls, and they headed together for the military training ground.
The military training ground covered a vast area. It had originally been where the garrison trained, but now it had been converted into the County Examination grounds.
Colorful flags were planted on either side of the tall gate, fluttering in the wind.
Inside the gate was an exceedingly broad gravel field divided into several areas.
The most eye-catching feature was the enormous Martial Arts Platform in the center of the grounds. Built from heavy bluestone, it rose more than three feet above the earth and spanned roughly twenty zhang.
The platform was sturdy, with faint traces of old saber and sword scars and darkened stains visible across its surface, as though recounting the fierce battles of years past.
Directly in front of the Martial Arts Platform stood a tall Viewing Pavilion, especially conspicuous.
Several rows of grand chairs had been arranged inside. They were seats reserved for the county magistrate, the respected elders of the city, the masters of the various martial halls, and other distinguished figures.
By now, the Training Ground was already packed with people.
The martial artists taking the examination gathered in their designated areas according to instructions. Every one of them wore a solemn expression; some closed their eyes to rest their minds, while others loosened their muscles and bones. An invisible tension hung