Wang Family Retainer—Wang Chen!

When Lu Feng saw that Grandmaster Realm experts could project their internal energy outward, his eyes immediately lit up.

"Wow! Martial Grandmasters in this world can actually achieve internal energy projection!"

In his previous life, Lu Feng had watched many martial arts and fantasy films, where some martial arts masters could project internal energy outward and kill from a distance.

A newly ascended Grandmaster could generally spread their internal energy within a ten-zhang radius.

As the Grandmaster continued to improve their Martial Realm, the range of their internal energy projection would gradually increase, typically expanding by about three zhang with each minor realm advancement.

However, a very small number of Grandmasters possessed superior talent and martial arts, allowing their internal energy projection range to exceed that of their peers.

Beyond the characteristics of Grandmasters, the book briefly introduced the more powerful Great Grandmasters and the Innate Realm.

But the book contained little information about these two higher Martial Realms. Great Grandmasters could briefly achieve Aerial Flight, while Innate Realm Great Powers could not only fly for extended periods but also wield some unfathomable abilities.

Additionally, the book included some introductions about Strange Beasts. For instance, ordinary Strange Beasts were equivalent to the Martial Artist Realm in humans, while higher-tier Spirit Beasts and Fierce Beasts corresponded to the Martial Master Realm and Grandmaster Realm respectively.

Finally, there were Demon Beasts comparable to the Innate Realm. These Demon Beasts possessed intelligence no lower than humans and were bloodthirsty by nature. Once they appeared, they were a city-slaughtering existence.

After spending two days, Lu Feng finally finished reading the entire Martial Arts Compendium.

At this point, he had a general understanding of this world's martial arts and Strange Beasts.

But his longing for this world's martial arts had deepened even more.

If he could cultivate to the Great Grandmaster level, he could achieve Aerial Flight—something he had always dreamed of in his previous life.

"Hmm, it seems the road ahead is still long. I wonder if I can reach that step," Lu Feng thought to himself.

Just then, a knock suddenly came from outside the door.

"Captain Lu, the County Magistrate sent me to call you. Please come over for a talk."

Recognizing the voice as Xiao Wang the Yamen Runner, Lu Feng immediately got up and opened the door. "So it's Xiao Wang. I'll go see the County Magistrate right away."

With that, he arrived at the Magistrate's study, only to find not only the Magistrate and Strategist Wang Jun inside, but also a middle-aged man he didn't recognize.

Seeing this, Lu Feng cupped his hands toward the Magistrate. "Your subordinate Lu Feng greets the County Magistrate. May I ask what instructions you have for summoning me?"

County Magistrate Wang Lichuan smiled slightly upon hearing this. "Heh, Captain Lu, I called you here this time regarding the Martial Examination in the county city."

Lu Feng had already guessed it was about this matter, but he had never been to the county city, let alone participated in the Martial Examination.

So he still had to see how the Magistrate would arrange the follow-up.

Wang Lichuan paused, then raised his hand to introduce. "This is my Wang Family's Retainer, Wang Chen! Originally, he was specifically assigned to guard my safety. Now that you're going to participate in the Martial Examination, I've arranged for Retainer Wang to accompany you, so you'll have someone to look out for you."

Lu Feng's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the middle-aged man sitting to the side. His build and appearance were no different from an ordinary person, but he carried a Sha Qi about him—clearly not someone soft-hearted.

Since he could serve as County Magistrate Wang Lichuan's personal Guard, his martial strength naturally wouldn't be below the Martial Master Realm. As for which grade of Martial Master, that was harder to guess.

"So you are Retainer Wang. This Humble One, Lu Feng, greets the senior!" Lu Feng cupped his hands in salute.

Wang Chen glanced at him, then nodded. "Mm, Captain Lu, you are courteous!"

After that, the man said no more. Seeing this, Wang Lichuan continued, "Captain Lu, Retainer Wang is quite familiar with Baiyue County City. The two of you will set out together early tomorrow morning. If there's anything you don't understand on the road, you can ask Retainer Wang. Understood?"

"Your subordinate understands. Thank you for your care, County Magistrate."

Although the Magistrate was only using his participation in the Martial Examination to boost his own political achievements, the man had indeed treated him well during this time.

Lu Feng naturally kept that in mind.

"Mm, if that's the case, then go home and prepare today. Tomorrow at the Chen hour, Retainer Wang will wait for you at the South Main Gate of the county city," County Magistrate Wang Lichuan instructed.

Lu Feng nodded. "Alright, your subordinate will remember that!"

Seeing this, Wang Lichuan walked up to him and patted his shoulder. "Lu Feng, you need to do well in this Martial Examination. Strive for a good ranking and let others know that Qinglu County isn't at the bottom."

"Yes, your subordinate will not disappoint the County Magistrate or the people of Qinglu County."

After their conversation, Lu Feng left the County Yamen and returned home directly to prepare.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the next morning.

Lu Feng arrived at the South Main Gate carrying a small bundle.

Before he even got close to the gate, he saw two tall horses stopped in front of the city gate.

Standing nearby were several guards and Retainer Wang Chen.

Seeing this, Lu Feng hurried forward and cupped his hands to Wang Chen. "Retainer Wang, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Wang Chen nodded slightly. "Not long! Since you're here, let's go."

"Alright, then I'll rely on Retainer Wang for the journey ahead."

With that, the two mounted their horses and galloped south along the Official Road.

According to Lu Feng's memory, Baiyue County City was south of Qinglu County, but the distance was considerable.

Even on horseback, it would take five or six days to arrive.

So the two rode swiftly, only stopping to rest when eating or reaching a Post Station.

Along the way, Lu Feng also took the opportunity to ask Wang Chen about the situation in Baiyue County City.

Although the man was not talkative, whenever Lu Feng asked, Wang Chen answered earnestly.

For example, Baiyue County City was more than five times the size of Qinglu County City, housing not only tens of thousands of stationed troops but also high-ranking imperial officials like the Prefect.

Additionally, the county city contained several well-known Noble Families and wealthy merchant magnates.

There were even several Great Powers at the Grandmaster Realm.

Thus, the two of them rode swiftly for three days. During this time, they encountered no unusual incidents nor any bandits blocking the road.

"Captain Lu, there's a Post Station ten li ahead. Tonight, we'll rest there for the evening." Wang Chen pointed forward.

Lu Feng nodded upon hearing this. "Mm, that works."

A moment later, the two finally spotted the Post Station ahead. As they entered, they found other guests already inside.

In the station's main hall sat four oddly dressed individuals.

The reason they were described as oddly dressed was that their clothes seemed somewhat ill-fitting.

At the same time, these four were clearly martial artists.

Just as he was observing them, Wang Chen suddenly spoke. "Alright, the rooms are booked. Let's head to ours first."

Lu Feng nodded in response and followed him to the second-floor lodgings.

Once inside the room, he spoke. "Retainer Wang, I find those four downstairs somewhat suspicious."