Just as Song Wen had said, when the assessment results were announced, he and Xu Yan had indeed both ranked among the top three thousand men.
"Brother Fang, this is wonderful. I can finally set foot on East Creek Mountain." Xu Yan was overjoyed.
Song Wen forced a smile as well.
"Congratulations, Brother Xu."
Xu Yan said, "Congratulations to you too, to you too. And besides, I have you to thank for all of this."
At that moment, Miao Sheng appeared once more on the high platform.
"The top three thousand men and top three thousand women shall remain. Everyone else, leave at once and return to your homes."
The faces of those selected were all aglow with wild joy.
They congratulated one another, laughter rising and falling without end.
Those who had failed, however, all looked ashen.
Their hopes had come to nothing, and naturally their hearts were bitter and unwilling.
Yet no matter how unwilling they were, they could only obediently leave the training ground.
Some were unwilling to depart so easily. They walked to the front of the high platform, fell to their knees, and begged Miao Sheng to give them a chance.
That was naturally impossible!
In the end, those people were dragged away by soldiers.
After all the unsuccessful candidates had left, only six thousand young people remained, three thousand men and three thousand women.
Miao Sheng looked at the young people below the platform and declared in a clear voice.
"You are the most outstanding young people of this generation in Guanling City. Once you enter East Creek Mountain, I hope you will cherish this opportunity, comprehend the Buddhist teachings, and when you have cultivated yourselves to success, repay Guanling City."
"We shall obey the City Lord's command," the crowd below answered sporadically.
Miao