inspire-indiana Chapter 70, Round 2
Chapter 70, Round 2
Because of Qi Weizhu's outstanding performance, although Fu Que also broke twelve silk threads, it only surprised some people, since it was only the first round of the assessment, and there were still two more rounds to come.
What they didn't know was that Qi Wei was able to break twelve threads and receive the highest evaluation because his strength only allowed him to break twelve threads, while Fu Que broke twelve threads because the straw man only had twelve threads.
As for the grass roots on the shoulders, they were originally military equipment, and because they have been phased out, very few people know about them.
……
Not far away, Hu Liangyu and Xu Qingying also witnessed Fu Que bombarding the straw man. Compared to the satisfaction in Hu Liangyu's eyes, Xu Qingying's eyes were filled with an unyielding worry.
She knew all too well how important martial arts cultivation was to these martial arts fanatics. The Marquis's mansion she once belonged to was destroyed because the Marquis couldn't resist the temptation of higher martial arts cultivation and chose to get involved with the remnants of the previous dynasty. He was eventually executed by the Dragon Cavalry, and the entire Marquis's mansion was wiped out along with him.
The higher Fu Que's martial arts talent, the greater his despair will be when he finally stops progressing, and the possibility of betrayal will also increase accordingly.
Da Zhao adopts a system of collective punishment. If Fu Que betrays her this time and causes huge losses to Da Zhao, she will not have another chance to be chosen and will only face death.
"I hope Fu Que won't be blinded by power, but to be honest, if he really is, there's not much I can do. Someone who sees marriage so clearly, if he betrays it for power, it must be a well-thought-out choice."
A bitter smile appeared on Xu Qingying's lips.
"What's wrong?"
Hu Liangyu glanced at Xu Qingying. Up to now, Hu Liangyu was very satisfied with this daughter-in-law she had bought. She knew when to advance and when to retreat, and she could understand her place without Hu Liangyu's subtle reminders.
What's even more remarkable is that he also possesses considerable knowledge and genuine talent, and many of his ideas are refreshing to him.
"It's nothing, Uncle Hu."
Xu Qingying gently shook her head; her thoughts were not something she could share with outsiders.
Hu Liangyu smiled faintly: "You've been bitten by a snake once and are afraid of ropes for ten years. Don't worry, I know Fu Que. Although he is serious about his work, he has no patience and is only enthusiastic for a short time."
Expecting him to gamble everything for the elusive realm of martial arts cultivation is overestimating him; besides, he doesn't possess that kind of ruthlessness and forbearance.
After saying that, he changed the subject: "Although it is not appropriate for me, as an elder, to bring this up, you should also be mindful of your words. We respect your wishes and are willing to give you time to calm things down, but you should also respect me and Fu Que's deceased parents."
Don't drag this out any longer, understand?
Xu Qingying was slightly taken aback: "I understand what you mean, Uncle Hu."
"Okay, that's good. Let's continue with the assessment."
……
The first round of assessments continued, with martial arts school disciples, wealthy merchants' retainers, and the descendants of local gentry taking turns to perform.
Several others have also achieved the feat of severing twelve silk threads. Among them are two retainers cultivated by wealthy merchants, three from the Qi family's faction, and one person planted by the Dragon Riders.
The cheers and applause from the sidelines were endless, interspersed with the sounds of betting.
Fu Que watched from the sidelines, pondering to himself.
"Judging from the current situation, one against six is not a big problem. In the first round, apart from me, no one else achieved the hidden achievement of breaking the grass roots, which is good news."
In the second round, as long as that skilled dragon rider isn't assigned to my group, I'll take down everyone else on the stage. I'll get an extra magic weapon; why not take it? It's best to choose something that's linked to the inherited cultivation technique.
If all else fails, I'll just get myself a better knife; a standard-issue waist knife doesn't seem quite right now.
The abilities of the alternate painter have been concealed by the divine inheritance, so there's not much of a problem. Even if I perform brilliantly, my identity as a Dragon Tiger Guard is enough to ensure my safety.
As for the forces of his opponents in Gaoyang County, Fu Que was more than happy that they would target him. He had already honed the existing abilities of the Strange Painter to near perfection, and all that remained was to continue to strengthen them with the Sinful Cloud Ink.
As noon approached, the first round of martial arts assessments finally came to an end, with more than a third of the participants being eliminated on the spot.
The second round of assessments was conducted in the afternoon.
To prevent cheating or personal disputes from disrupting the afternoon's martial arts examination, all candidates will be grouped together for lunch and rest, with designated personnel guarding the area to minimize the risk of accidents.
Fu Que followed the team to the makeshift military barracks, received his utensils and food, and quietly sat down in a corner.
At that moment, a patrolling county soldier happened to be inspecting Fu Que's dining table. He slowly used his chopsticks to examine the steamed buns on his plate, then took the large, rough porcelain bowl containing thick porridge and gently shook it. After confirming that everything was alright, he left without saying a word.
Fu Que ate slowly and carefully until he had finished all his food, then leaned against the temporary wall to rest. He had already chewed up and swallowed a small, inconspicuous note along with the steamed bun.
As a deep, resonant bugle call sounded, the military officers in the barracks rose and marched out in formation.
Fu Que opened his eyes, preparing to head to the arena, when he happened to catch a glimpse of the Qi brothers simultaneously opening another military barracks. All three of them were stunned, their gazes briefly meeting in the air, and then Qi Wei made a throat-slitting gesture towards Fu Que.
Fu Que ignored him and walked straight ahead.
Although he has always enjoyed these low-level pleasures and is quite the entertainer himself, that's for his own people. He has no interest in doing that to a dead person. Besides, if he's going to make threats or provoke someone, it has to be someone like the head of the Qi family.
"Is this the Tiger Rider who started the Fishermen's Mutual Aid Association? The one who broke twelve fishing lines with one punch?"
One of the chamber of commerce's retainers recognized Fu Que and whispered.
Qi Wei's face darkened: "It would be best if he were assigned to my side later, then I could just cripple him and show these lackeys who really calls the shots in Gaoyang County."
"Relying on a mere celestial official sent down from above, they can't cause any trouble."
"That's right, that's right. This kid can break twelve silk threads, but his strength only allows him to break twelve silk threads. But Brother Qi, you are a straw man with only twelve silk threads."
The retainer said in a flattering tone.
"Let's go, let's focus on getting things done first and successfully pass the second round of the military elections."
Qi Wei said calmly, and then took the lead towards the arena.
The surrounding people's eyes flickered slightly. Rumor had it that the Qi family had suffered a great loss at the hands of the fishermen's mutual aid association, and that several years of business had been destroyed in an instant. But looking at Qi Wei, it didn't seem like that.
The group exchanged glances, understood each other's thoughts, and silently followed.