Cloud-Arriving Inn.
"I did it!"
"Hahaha!"
He Jinsheng stepped out of his room, overjoyed.
His spirits soared, and his face glowed.
After years of cultivating both internally and externally, he had successfully condensed his first wisp of inner breath today.
This also meant he had taken a crucial step forward on the Martial Dao.
He could now be called a true fifth-rank expert.
With this strength, he was a genuine figure of influence even in Dongling City.
"Unfortunately, there's still another year before the triennial examinations for martial jinshi and the top martial scholar."
"If only they were a year earlier. I could just barely qualify at my age."
"With some luck, I might even have slipped through and secured a martial jinshi title."
He Jinsheng shook his head and muttered to himself, regret showing on his face.
Thirty was the maximum age for participating in the martial examinations.
He was already thirty this year.
Yet the metropolitan and palace examinations were still a year and several months away.
By then, he would be thirty-one, over the age limit and ineligible to participate.
As for lying about his age, others had tried it long ago. It did not work.
But even though it did not work, people still tried all sorts of methods every year.
That was because possessing the title of martial jinshi or top martial scholar paved a smooth road to rapid advancement within the military.
Those who earned titles through the martial examinations were all Martial Dao prodigies in their golden years. They also had to memorize every military treatise and strategic essay, making them accomplished in both letters and arms.
Naturally, they were highly valued.
After all, a truly simpleminded warrior was not suited to commanding an army.
And without formidable Martial Dao strength, one could