Mr. Su nodded slightly but did not reply, as if he were just going through the motions.
The White-Clad Woman frowned slightly beneath her mask; she had never liked Zhao Feiyan.
Whenever this person bumps into her, he has to find some excuse to compete with her. No matter how trivial the matter, she can always find a way to cause trouble, and she always manages to act all lovey-dovey.
The White-Clad Woman found it annoying and tried to avoid seeing her as much as possible.
Unexpectedly, just as he had secured a recommendation opportunity for Deng Qing to be included in the register, Zhao Feiyan found out so quickly and even brought Mr. Su from the Document Institute to this place.
The White-Clad Woman realized that Zhao Feiyan had probably made thorough preparations for this trip, and the situation was not good.
The waterfall roared, and the mist drifted on the night breeze, landing on the clothes of the group.
Zhao Feiyan stared at the White-Clad Woman, her smile growing ever brighter, while inwardly she sneered, "With me here, do you think you'll succeed?"
Finally, Mr. Su coughed lightly, breaking the silence, "Elders, please allow me to say a few words."
The reality is that both of them have the right to make recommendations, but there is only one spot left. On the way here, Elder Zhao said that she wanted to follow the old rules and invite Su to come and act as a middleman.
Elder Jian, what do you think?
The White-Clad Woman said, "If she wants to follow the old rules, then follow the old rules. Let's do it."
As she spoke, she moved swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, she was already three zhang away.
Zhao Feiyan giggled, "Sister Jian is indeed addicted to fighting. It's a pity that I've been busy studying lately and have neglected my martial arts skills."
Sister Jian has misinterpreted the old rules and wants to fight me; that seems like taking advantage of my vulnerability. Besides, it's not like we were recommended; why would we fight?
"Does that mean just because you beat me, the person you recommend is better than the person I recommend? Isn't that a joke?"
At this point, she sighed softly, " Jian Ruyu, Jian Ruyu, when will you ever grow up and use your brain?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the White-Clad Woman's robes suddenly billowed up.
An imposing aura exploded from her, instantly forcing the surrounding grass to bend low and even the mist from the waterfall to swirl outwards.
Deng Qing felt a tightness in her chest and instinctively tensed her back.
This was the first time Deng Qing had ever seen the White-Clad Woman so angry since they had met.
However, through Zhao Feiyan's chatter, he learned the White-Clad Woman's name: Jian Ruyu.
The Jian Ruyu, wielded astonishing power, yet Zhao Feiyan felt as if bathed in a gentle breeze.
She looked at Jian Ruyu with a smile, her skirt fluttering in the wind, but her feet did not move an inch.
Mr. Su quickly took a half-step to the side and raised his hand in a gesture of restraint, "Gentlemen, gentlemen! Time is of the essence, let's settle the important matters first."
As he spoke, he turned to the white-clad youth beside Zhao Feiyan, "This is Chen Xiaotian, the candidate recommended by Elder Zhao."
Chen Xiaotian bowed slightly to Mr. Su, then stood up straight, his gaze fixed on Deng Qing.
Mr. Su then looked at Jian Ruyu, " Elder Jian, how about we follow the old rules and have the two candidates who have been recommended compete in a martial arts contest? What do you think?"
Jian Ruyu snorted coldly, staring at Zhao Feiyan and said, "You really did that, actually using Chen Xiaotian as a competitor?"
Zhao Feiyan chuckled, "Look at what Sister Jian is saying, how come Chen Xiaotian can't compete?"
She adjusted the gold hairpin, her tone tinged with helplessness, "It's just that time was tight, and I only heard that you wanted to recommend someone. In the rush, I couldn't find anyone else, so I had no choice but to bring Chen Xiaotian here."
Besides, Xiaotian is only at the Bone-Forging First Layer, the same level as the person you chose. You can't say it's unfair, can you?"
Jian Ruyu sneered, "Whether it's fair or not, you know it in your heart."
Zhao Feiyan laughed even harder, "Oh, how rare! How rare! Even Sister Jian has a time when she wants fairness?"
Jian Ruyu's eyes sharpened, and he was about to speak when Mr. Su preemptively cupped his hands in greeting.
" Elder Jian, we'd better hurry, I still have a lot to do."
"I am the one recommended by Elder Jian, and I am willing to fight."
Deng Qing spoke up without hesitation.
He guessed that Chen Xiaotian's reputation was so great that Jian Ruyu was worried he had no chance of winning, which was why he hesitated to speak.
But at this critical juncture, Deng Qing had to step forward.
He had to take responsibility and also prevent Jian Ruyu from temporarily changing his nomination quota based on weighing the pros and cons.
Zhao Feiyan stared at Deng Qing and chuckled, "You're so impatient, but I wonder if your skills match your figure."
If you lose, your Elder Jian will lose face as the top dog, since he never uses his recommendation power.
The first time they used it, they recommended a complete idiot; how amusing!
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Who are you calling an idiot?"
Zhao Feiyan chuckled, about to reply, when she suddenly realized there was a hidden trap. Pointing at Deng Qing, she said, "You little brat, you dare to scheme against me?"
Deng Qing cupped his hands in greeting. "This junior dares not presume, but I am certainly not an incompetent fool, therefore I do not know who this incompetent fool is referring to."
Jian Ruyu wasn't good at arguing, but Deng Qing's retort put Zhao Feiyan at risk of anger. Jian Ruyu was in a good mood and said with a smile, "Yes, I really don't know who you're calling a good-for-nothing?"
Seeing that Zhao Feiyan was about to explode in anger, Mr. Su quickly tried to smooth things over, "Elders, now that the candidate has been chosen, instead of arguing, let's see who has the real skills. Otherwise, it won't sound good if word gets out, will it?"
Chen Xiaotian strode forward, glaring at Deng Qing: "Hurry up, I have things to do after you're done."
He was very dissatisfied that Deng Qing was able to get involved in the two elders' circle, even when they were arguing. Unfortunately, he was not good with words, so he could only feel jealous.
As he spoke, he drew his longsword and pointed it at Deng Qing, "Stop dawdling, draw your weapons quickly."
Deng Qing spread his hands, "To be honest, my weapon is broken, and now I only have my fists. I will use these fists to learn from your skills."
Zhao Feiyan giggled and pointed at Deng Qing, saying, "What courage! What skill! I admire you more and more. Such confidence shows that your practical skills are definitely better than your verbal skills."
Deng Qing ignored Zhao Feiyan's ridicule and rolled up the two wet cuffs of her sleeves.
Chen Xiaotian, mindful of his status, did not launch an attack unless Deng Qing made a move.
Mr. Su pointed at Chen Xiaotian and said seriously, "This is Gold Sword Examiner from the Martial Dao Lower Court. Three years ago, he was already able to advance to the Bone-Tempering Two."
However, due to the needs of the Martial Dao Lower Court, his cultivation level was forcibly halted, and he never advanced.
As he spoke, he looked at Deng Qing, "Young man, I want you to know what this means."
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Su. However, it doesn't matter what the consequences, we'll still have to fight eventually."
Chen Xiaotian sneered, "Well said. Since you've asked for trouble, I'll make you suffer! Take this!"
Before he finished speaking, the sword in his hand exploded with a Clear Radiance, and amidst the flashing sword light, a piercing sound rang out.
Judging solely from the profundity of its Sword Technique, it far surpasses the Sword Python that Zhuo Lin created back then.
If this had happened before today, Deng Qing would have been on high alert in the face of such an offensive.
Unfortunately, just now, he had already boarded a boat, crossed the water, and ascended another mountain.
Deng Qing let out a whistle, and instead of retreating, he advanced, taking a step forward and soaring more than ten feet.
He had barely made a move when Jian Ruyu frowned slightly, Zhao Feiyan let out a soft exclamation, and Mr. Su stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Chen Xiaotian snorted coldly, and the long sword in his hand moved faster and faster. Suddenly, the Sword Shadow in the sky disappeared, and a cold star shot out from it, heading straight for Deng Qing's brow.
That sword strike was executed with extreme precision.
Deng Qing was moving forward, but the tip of the sword was already waiting in his path, so fast that it gave him almost no time to react.
Deng Qing did not dodge, but instead blocked with both arms, smashing towards Chen Xiaotian's sword.
Chen Xiaotian sneered and slashed horizontally with his sword, but Deng Qing did not stop.
Just as the sword was about to strike, Deng Qing's palm emitted a faint red light, which, in the eyes of the crowd, looked like a sudden surge of blood.
The next instant, Deng Qing's five fingers suddenly closed, firmly gripping the longsword.
Chen Xiaotian's heart pounded, and he immediately flicked his wrist to urge the sword away, attempting to pull the blade away.
Unfortunately, the longsword seemed to be embedded in a piece of iron, and it couldn't be moved at all.
At the same time, Deng Qing grabbed his sword-wielding wrist with his other hand, twisted his waist and back, and lifted and pulled him with both hands.
This is truly a case of Phoenix Swaps the Nest!
In an instant, a tremendous force struck, pulling Chen Xiaotian's entire arm and twisting it. He could no longer hold onto the sword, and it was forcibly taken away.
Chen Xiaotian was shocked and horrified. To throw his sword away in front of him was an utter disgrace.
But since things had come to this, he could only withdraw and plan for the future.
However, he was already like a bird in its nest, held in Deng Qing's grasp, and Deng Qing would never let him escape.
Deng Qing casually tossed aside the longsword he had seized, Sinking Shoulder leaned under Chen Xiaotian's arm, grabbing Chen Xiaotian's wrist with one hand and wrapping his other arm around Chen Xiaotian's shoulder and back. With a snap, Deng Qing's arms suddenly closed together.
Carrying the Elephant Across the River!
Chen Xiaotian felt excruciating pain all over his body, as if his back and waist were being squeezed together, making it impossible for him to mount a counterattack. Then, his feet left the ground.
The next instant, Deng Qing turned around and slammed him to the ground.
Then there was a loud bang, the rocks flew up and a deep pit appeared in the ground.
Chen Xiaotian trembled violently, as if his chest had been struck by a heavy hammer, and he couldn't even breathe for a moment.
And this was only after Deng Qing had reduced his strength as much as possible; otherwise, if he had really used his full strength, with a move like "Elephant Hurls, Mountain Crumbles," Chen Xiaotian would not have survived.
Even so, Chen Xiaotian was in great pain. He gritted his teeth and struggled to get up, but as soon as he propped himself up on one side, his hands suddenly went limp and he fell back down.
He spat out a mouthful of blood onto the muddy ground.
The entire room fell silent. Mr. Su's hand, which was stroking his beard, froze, and Zhao Feiyan's beautiful face turned as cold as if she had been caught in adultery.
She glanced at Chen Xiaotian with disdain, coldly tossing out a "trash," then glared hatefully at Deng Qing, as if to say, "Kid, I'll remember you." She then looked at Jian Ruyu, "Sister Jian, you really played your tricks well. You dared to scheme against me; this isn't over."
Having said that, he strode away.
Mr. Su bowed respectfully to Jian Ruyu, "Congratulations on winning the selection for Elder Jian. Until we meet again."
After saying this, he drifted away.
At this moment, Chen Xiaotian finally caught his breath, supported himself on his knees, and stood up unsteadily. He stared at Deng Qing, pointed at the sword on the ground, and said coldly, "This sword of mine was forged from one pound and three Wasteland Iron, and it is worth more than a hundred gold pieces."
You keep it safe. One day, I will definitely demand it back from you in person!
Deng Qing stared at Chen Xiaotian and suddenly felt that the scene before him was somewhat familiar.
In a daze, it seemed as if Song Que was standing opposite him.
After Chen Xiaotian staggered away, Jian Ruyu stared at Deng Qing and asked, "When did you break through?"
She was really surprised.
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "It was just now, when we were practicing under the waterfall."
Jian Ruyu glanced at the waterfall, then looked back, still somewhat incredulous. "It seems your shortcut—widening the meridians and cleverly using the Martial Origin Pill —is truly ingenious."
Deng Qing smiled and said, "It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, senior. If it weren't for your pointers, how would I have known that there were such intricacies?"
Jian Ruyu shook her head. "Although I gave you the method, how well you can master it depends on your own skill."
Deng Qing nodded in agreement, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Jian Ruyu said, "Just ask what's on your mind. It's making me uncomfortable to watch."
Deng Qing said, "This junior just doesn't understand why Elder Zhao said that you tricked her, and that she wasn't the one who started this battle?"
Jian Ruyu said, "She only temporarily grabbed Chen Xiaotian, and the information she received must be that you have just broken through to the Bone-Forging First Layer."
I thought getting Chen Xiaotian would be enough, but who would have thought you'd break through to the Bone-Tempering Two?
Zhao Feiyan didn't think it was because she hadn't thought things through enough; rather, she believed that there was a problem with her source of information.
Moreover, she believes that the information she received was deliberately leaked to her by me, causing her to misjudge the situation.
That's why she said I tricked her.
Deng Qing nodded. "Then who do you think leaked the information to Zhao Feiyan?"
Jian Ruyu snorted, "You already have the answer in your heart, why ask me?"
Deng Qing smiled slightly, not revealing anything, and instead asked about Chen Xiaotian's situation.
Deng Qing said, "Judging from Chen Xiaotian's posture, he seems to be something extraordinary. How can someone at the Bone-Forging First Layer have such an imposing presence?"
Jian Ruyu said, "Don't underestimate Chen Xiaotian. He deliberately suppressed his cultivation level, but that's because many exams at the Martial Dao Institute require students to be of equal level."
He was at the Bone-Forging First Layer, where his swordsmanship had reached its peak. He was holding back from advancing further simply because he was at the Bone-Forging First Layer, which was considered Gold Sword Examiner, and the benefits were extremely considerable.
Once he reaches the Bone-Tempering Two, there are always new challenges ahead, and it will be too difficult for him to climb to the Gold Sword Examiner at the Bone-Tempering Two. Therefore, he would rather suppress his cultivation level and not move.
Even so, you cannot underestimate Chen Xiaotian's strength. It would be extremely difficult for a Bone-Tempering Two to defeat him in just a few moves.
However, your clean and decisive victory over Chen Xiaotian proves that your strength is far greater than I thought.
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Senior, you flatter me."
Jian Ruyu looked up at the sky and said, "Alright, that's enough for today. Go back and rest. Tomorrow, prepare to go into the Desolate Soil with the Prefecture Examination Deployment Office."
Deng Qing agreed and was about to pack his things when Jian Ruyu said, "There are a few more words I need to tell you."
This time, candidates from all three prefectures gathered together, Deployment Office recruited many local experts, including powerful figures from prestigious sects and young masters from aristocratic families.
Once you're inside, these people will be both your partners and your competitors. When it's time to work together, you'll naturally need to cooperate, but you yourself also need to prove yourself.
Deng Qing nodded, then asked with some doubt, "Senior, since they are both powerful figures from prestigious sects and young masters from aristocratic families, why don't they take the path of Martial Exam Student and instead become assistant administrators?"
In his original idea, although this assignment was good, it was ultimately to provide some assistance to the candidates.
Why would people from privileged backgrounds and with connections flock here?
Jian Ruyu glanced at him, "Don't underestimate the assistant administrator. This is a rare experience of cooperating with the Martial Dao Institute. Some people want to come, but they may not be able to."
As for the path of the Martial Exam Student, how do you know they haven't walked it? They just haven't succeeded.
Deng Qing immediately realized that he had underestimated the assistant administrator's resume.
Seeing that he seemed to understand, Jian Ruyu said, "You don't need to overthink it. Once you're inside, just keep trying to climb higher."
Deng Qing asked, "May I ask, senior, is my assignment also related to the Registration Examination?"
"Certainly."
Jian Ruyu said, "When you participate in the Registration Examination, the Martial Dao Institute will check your resume. You come from a small place, and your basic resume is blank. If you don't fill in this gap, you will have almost nothing to show for yourself, and your impression score will be ruined."
Therefore, you must do your job as an assistant administrator well and try your best to get promoted.
Deng Qing solemnly cupped his hands in greeting, "This junior understands and will certainly do his best to fulfill his duties and live up to your guidance."
Jian Ruyu nodded and waved for him to leave.
Deng Qing fastened his Waist Pouch, picked up the long Wasteland Iron sword, bowed to Jian Ruyu, and then took his leave.
A huge, dim, Blood Moon hangs over the Desolate Soil all day long.
Of course, the Blood Moon will also emit light that changes in brightness depending on the fullness of the lunar halo.
Therefore, everyone learned to distinguish the time of day by the fullness of the halo around the Blood Moon.
It is currently morning.
Under the glow of the Blood Moon, a magnificent, nameless lake, as vast as the sea, shimmered with a golden-orange light.
Deng Qing squatted on the shore and plunged the kettle into the lake. Bubbles were rising from the spout when suddenly, the lake surface swelled up.
Splash! An outrageously large fish burst out of the water.
The fish was about the size of a small boat, its entire body covered in gray-black scales, and its head was especially large, with its mouth taking up almost half of its head.
At this moment, the giant fish opened its huge mouth, revealing two rows of sharp teeth that could be used as swords, and rushed straight towards Deng Qing, accompanied by a large splash of water.
The fish was still in mid-air when the fishy smell hit us.
Deng Qing didn't even get up. With a flick of his wrist, a cold light shot out from behind him. With a swift motion, the sword pierced through the giant fish's mouth and went straight through its skull.
With a flick of his wrist, Deng Qing retracted the Desolate Iron Sword, which fell into the scabbard bound to his back.
The fish's body stiffened, then plunged into the sea like a mountain, but before it even touched the surface, the entire fish carcass rapidly vaporized.
In the blink of an eye, it vanished, as if Deng Qing had just extinguished a beam of light.
At this moment, the bubbles finally stopped coming out of the kettle. Deng Qing got up, plugged the kettle, tied it around his waist, and continued to stride southward.
In the distance, countless giant trees reach straight into the sky.
The trees were incredibly tall, their trunks growing straight upwards until they reached the very top before branching out. Their vast canopies intertwined, blocking out half the sky, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the mountains and the trees from a distance.
The area nearby was quite open, with flat ground beneath Deng Qing's feet, a patch of green with only a few large stones scattered about, and hardly any undulations.
After walking for only a few dozen breaths, a layer of white frost suddenly appeared on the ground in the distance.
The white frost spread extremely quickly, first in a line, then connecting into a large area, rushing towards Deng Qing.
Deng Qing glanced at it, then looked away.
He had been working as an assistant administrator in the Desolate Soil for over ten days, and he encountered Moving Wild Qi almost every day, so he was already used to it.
In fact, everyone else who entered the Desolate Soil took the Blazing Sun Pill every day to combat the pervasive invasion of the Wasteland Qi.
Deng Qing, however, did not need to.