Chapter 409: Top Martial Graduate

Chapter 409: Top Martial Graduate



February 10, 2025

The sun was high in the sky, gradually moving westward.

"Next, Jiang Ning!" The chief examiner's voice boomed, his gaze like a torch, scanning the direction of the examinees.

Jiang Ning stepped forward from the crowd, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Even in Dongling County, it was rare for someone of Jiang Ning's age to qualify for the formal examination.

Most of the participants were already of age.

At the same time, several people in the spectator stands adjusted their postures and focused intently on the examination ground.

"I've heard that this Commander Jiang, despite his unconventional background, possesses exceptional archery skills," remarked Yan Duwei.

As the commander of the garrison outside Dongling County, Yan Duwei held a position at the pinnacle of the local power structure.

Hearing this, Feng Xiaochen, a captain, nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, Commander Jiang's archery skills are truly remarkable! His participation in the military preliminary examination is merely a formality, and the top rank undoubtedly belongs to him!"

"Oh?" The deputy general from Julu County showed a hint of surprise. "From your conversation, this person seems to have quite a background?"

Wang Shouyi explained, "General Xu, this person is a Fourth Rank warrior."

"Fourth Rank?!" The deputy general from Julu County, who was also the chief examiner for the military preliminary examination, couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.

Fourth Rank, the same martial rank as himself.

Even for a small preliminary examination, with this rank, he could still have a chance to secure a place in the provincial examination.

He focused his gaze on Jiang Ning, who had just finished identity verification and was approaching the examination ground.

Despite the distance of over a hundred meters, he could still clearly see Jiang Ning's body, as if it were a celestial jade statue.

Indeed, a Fourth Rank warrior!

He inwardly sucked in a breath of cold air, deeply shocked.

Such youth and already a Fourth Rank, not inferior to himself.

He couldn't imagine the heights this candidate would reach in the future.

The top military graduate! Perhaps this person would have a place among them! The deputy general from Julu County thought to himself.

On the other side, Jiang Ning had already mounted the horse.

With his meticulous control over his physical body, he instantly mastered horsemanship.

[Technique]: Horsemanship (Beginner 13/100)



The large warhorse under him snorted, expelling thick mist from its nostrils, and slightly lifted its right front hoof, pawing the ground as if ready to charge.

"Are you ready?" asked the examiner.

Jiang Ning picked up the longbow from the horse's back, gently pulled the bowstring with two fingers to gauge its tension, and then nodded.

"I'm ready!"

"Begin!" The examiner gave the signal.

The next moment, Jiang Ning gently squeezed his legs against the horse's flanks.

Responding to Jiang Ning's command, the warhorse suddenly accelerated, instantly transitioning from stillness to motion.

Due to the sudden acceleration, Jiang Ning's upper body leaned slightly backward from inertia.

But within a moment, he adjusted his posture.

With near-perfect control over his body, horsemanship presented no challenge to him.

[Horsemanship Experience +87]



A prompt flashed, and his horsemanship level increased from Beginner to Proficient.

At this moment, Jiang Ning drew an arrow from the quiver on the horse's back.

There were nine arrows in the quiver, corresponding to the nine bronze targets.

Each bronze target had only one chance to be hit.

The more arrows that pierced through the center holes of the bronze targets, the higher the score.

Jiang Ning released the first arrow, and it flew through the air with a whoosh.

He then took out the second arrow, nocked it, and pulled the bowstring.

Without even aiming, he released the arrow.

The second arrow flew.

Then the third, fourth, and fifth arrows followed in quick succession.

As the horse galloped past the 100-meter mark, Jiang Ning held the longbow in his left hand and pulled the reins with his right, slowing the horse.

"Hoo!"

The warhorse neighed, exhaling white mist.

[Technique]: Horsemanship (Mastery 87/1000)



At this moment, his horsemanship had reached mastery.

Jiang Ning could now control the horse under him with ease, as if it were an extension of his arm.

On the high platform, the deputy general from Julu County exclaimed, "Truly remarkable!"

All nine arrows hit the center holes of the bronze targets, each as small as a copper coin.

"Nine arrows hit, top grade!"

This evaluation caused a stir among the spectators outside the examination ground.

"Top grade! The first top grade!"

"His archery skills are truly impressive; even hitting a target a hundred steps away seems effortless for him!"

"Indeed, especially at his age, it's even more astonishing!"

The crowd's discussion didn't seem to affect Jiang Ning's composure.

He then rode the horse back to the starting point, returned it, and left the examination ground.

At the same time, Yan Duwei stared at Jiang Ning's departing figure with a grave expression.

Having spent most of his life in the military, Yan Duwei had already reached the pinnacle of horsemanship.

So, when Jiang Ning first mounted the horse, he noticed Jiang Ning's inexperience with riding.

But after just a few strides, Jiang Ning's horsemanship seemed to improve dramatically.

With each stride, he exuded the composure of a qualified cavalryman.

As time went on, Yan Duwei was even more astonished.

When Jiang Ning reined in the horse, he and the horse had reached a level of unity, a true mastery of horsemanship.

After his return, he continued to make remarkable progress.

The man and his horse became one, a perfect harmony between rider and steed.

This was the pinnacle of horsemanship.

The entire process, from start to finish, took only a brief moment.

"Is this his innate talent?!"

Commander Yan's heart was stirred by a surge of tumultuous emotions.

From this single display, he could sense the terror that was Jiang Ning.

This won't do!

I must find an opportunity to mend our relationship! With his current momentum, there's no way I, a mere commander, can stand in his way.

Mending our relationship is the best choice.

An idea suddenly struck Commander Yan.

He made a silent decision.

On the other side.

"Uncle, you're incredible!" Jiang Yiming hurriedly stood up upon seeing Jiang Ning's arrival.

His voice was filled with sincerity.

Jiang Ning smiled at his words.

He then patted Jiang Yiming's shoulder, "Keep it up! In the future, you will surely reach my current level and surpass it!"

"I will!" Jiang Yiming clenched his fist.

His young heart was filled with admiration for Jiang Ning.

At this moment.

Among the other candidates for the military preliminary examination, they unconsciously made way for Jiang Ning upon seeing him.

The highest grade in mounted archery.

This indicated that Jiang Ning was a strong contender for the top spot in Dongling County this year.

In the crowd, there were also those who clenched their fists, their eyes filled with determination.

As the sun gradually moved westward, the hour of the goat had just passed, and it was time for the second event of the military preliminary examination.

Field archery.

Jiang Yiming stood with his bow in hand.

"Second grade!"

"Uncle, I failed again!" Jiang Yiming approached Jiang Ning with his head bowed, feeling a bit dejected.

Previously, he had secretly practiced archery.

So, he was confident in his field archery skills.

However, he never expected that his field archery skills would only earn him a second-grade evaluation.

One lowest grade, one second grade.

Two events out of four had already passed.

This meant that his attempt at the military examination was a complete failure, dashing the last of his hopes.

"It's okay!" Jiang Ning patted his shoulder and continued, "You're still young. Next year will be different! With a year of experience, you'll be sixteen, and the military preliminary examination shouldn't be difficult for you!"

"If you succeed next year..."

"You'll be a Martial Talented Scholar at the age of sixteen!"

"That's enough to bring glory to your family!"

"Our Jiang family's ancestral tomb will emit blue smoke!"

"Think about it, what was I doing at sixteen? I was less accomplished than you, a failure, and could only rely on your parents to support me."

Hearing Jiang Ning's words.

Jiang Yiming raised his head and shook it firmly.

"Uncle, it's not the same!"

"Uncle, you've been accumulating for a long time!"

"Your achievements now, not to mention in Dongling County, but even in the nine provinces of Daxia, are worthy of praise."

"How many in this world can compare to you?"

Jiang Ning smiled at his words.

"You little rascal."

A moment later.

It was Jiang Ning's turn.

Boom—

As he released the last arrow, he stood with his bow.

The arrow pierced the air, precisely hitting the tail of the previous arrow.

The previous arrow instantly exploded, turning into fragments that danced in the air.

Bang! The last arrow heavily landed in the center of the target.

At this moment.

There was only one arrow embedded in the target, and the previous nine arrows had all been shot at the same spot, with their fletching still trembling.

"Highest grade!"

As this evaluation was announced.

The crowd outside the training ground erupted once again.

"Highest grade, another highest grade! This person is determined to seize the top spot and become the champion!"

"Indeed! After the first event, this person has only obtained three highest grades! In other words, as of now, only two people are qualified to compete with him!"

". . ."

Amidst the crowd's discussion.

Several of the reference candidates couldn't help but clench their fists tightly.

Jiang Ning's appearance put immense pressure on them.

Especially the two who had achieved the highest grade in the mounted archery event, they clenched their fists even tighter.

Subsequently.

"Yan Youjiao, highest grade!"

"Li Guangzheng, highest grade!"

"Highest grade, another highest grade!!!"

"All three are highest grades, this is going to be exciting!"

The crowd outside the training ground witnessed this scene.

The topic of the three vying for the top spot in the military examination instantly piqued their interest!

On the other side.

Among the candidates.

Yan Youjiao's gaze burned intensely as he looked at Jiang Ning.

As the son of Commander Yan, he naturally knew about Jiang Ning and had heard of his feats.

He stared at Jiang Ning, his eyes still filled with unwavering determination.

Jiang Ning glanced at him and smiled slightly.

He didn't recognize Yan Youjiao, but he could sense the pure determination in his eyes at this moment.

Aside from that, there was no ill intent, so he responded with a polite smile.

At this moment, compared to Jiang Ning attracting everyone's attention.

Among the candidates, Lin He's expression was desolate.

As the former top student of Wu Yuan, he had risen from a commoner to become a legend.

But now, he realized his insignificance, truly understanding that there are always greater mountains beyond the ones you see and people more capable than you.

If it weren't for Jiang Ning and Jiang Yiming, he could still console himself by saying he had trained for too short a time and was too young.

But with Jiang Ning and Jiang Yiming present.

He couldn't convince himself with that reason.

How could he compare to Jiang Yiming in terms of youth?

At just fifteen years old, having just joined Wu Yuan, he already possessed the strength of an 8th-grade warrior.

The hour of the tiger had passed its midpoint.

The third event of the Junior Military Examination began.

This event, known as barbell lifting, was a test of strength.

On the battlefield, strength was paramount when facing the enemy.

A single force could overcome ten, and its importance was evident in the heat of battle.

Especially during the charge, strength was crucial.

As large iron blocks were carried onto the field by soldiers, the ground shook with each thundering impact.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

The vibrations continued as the iron blocks settled into place.

Soon, the third event officially commenced.

Candidates took the stage, only to quickly step down in disappointment.

This round was straightforward: lift the iron block, cast from pure iron, overhead and hold it for three breaths to pass.

The heavier the weight lifted, the higher the score.

Boom! Jiang Yiming lifted half of the iron block and let it fall, causing the ground to tremble beneath him.

The weight was marked as two thousand catties.

Failing to lift it overhead and hold it for three breaths meant Jiang Yiming's third examination was over.

"Fourth Grade!"

Jiang Yiming's evaluation was quickly announced.

"Uncle, I did my best!" Jiang Yiming approached Jiang Ning.

"I understand," Jiang Ning nodded.

After Jiang Yiming's turn, it was Jiang Ning's turn.

As Jiang Ning entered the field, the crowd outside the fence craned their necks, eager to see how much weight he could lift and what evaluation he would receive.

Even the candidates for the Junior Military Examination were curious.

However, those on the viewing platform knew there was no suspense.

In the first two events, Jiang Ning might have had a 1% chance of failing due to bad luck.

But in this round, which solely tested raw strength, there was no possibility of anyone surpassing Jiang Ning.

With his Fourth Grade strength, participating in the Junior Military Examination, Jiang Ning's power was absolutely overwhelming.

A short while later,

"Highest Grade!"

Jiang Ning gently placed the iron block back down.

His evaluation was promptly announced.

"Highest Grade again! He's locked in the top spot for the Military Examination!" The crowd outside erupted in a buzz.

Jiang Ning's effortless lifting had revealed his extraordinary strength.

For Jiang Ning, the Junior Military Examination was merely a formality.

A moment later,

"Yan Youtou, Highest Grade!"

"Li Guangzheng, Second Grade!"

With these evaluations, a sliver of suspense remained.

"This just got more interesting!" someone from the crowd exclaimed.

"Indeed! It's truly more exciting now. Jiang Ning and Yan Youtou both achieved the highest grade in three events, which means the top spot for the Military Examination will be decided in the third event's military essay!"

The crowd outside the field buzzed with discussion.

On the high platform,

Du Wei let out a bitter laugh.

"General Xu, it's not like that! My son clearly doesn't deserve the highest grade for this event."

The Section Head from Julu County shook his head and smiled.

"Yan Youtou has lifted the iron block according to the rules, earning the highest grade!"

Du Wei said, "General Xu knows that the upper limits of the two are completely different! Jiang Ning lifted it effortlessly, without any pressure. My son, on the other hand, has clearly reached his physical limit, trembling all over and turning red. How can they be compared?"

"He met the standard, and that's that!" The Section Head spoke again.

Hearing this, Du Wei didn't argue further.

An hour later,

Jiang Ning exited the examination hall.

The third event of the Military Examination, the military essay, was much simpler than the Literary Examination.

It mainly tested military strategy and tactics through written examinations.

For Jiang Ning, it was too easy!

At the same time,

Yan Youtou clenched his fists, his face brimming with confidence.

He knew that although the title of top military graduate hadn't been announced, it was destined to be his.

In the first three events, his father had no chance to interfere.

Whether it was archery or barbell lifting,

Success was evident, and failure was obvious.

It was plain for all to see.

Even if his father was a Du Wei, he couldn't blatantly lie in front of so many witnesses.

But with the military essay, it was different.

It was too easy to employ underhanded tactics in the essay.

Moreover, there was no way to verify the authenticity.

He believed his father could help him secure the title.

He was certain his father could ensure the title of top military graduate went to him.

Furthermore, he had obtained the essay topic in advance and had memorized it thoroughly over the past few days.

Therefore, even without his father's assistance, he was confident of achieving the highest grade in the essay.

For these reasons, he felt incredibly confident.

Meanwhile,

Du Wei, using the handwriting as a clue, found his son's answer sheet. He dipped his brush and gently touched the paper.

A drop of ink fell onto the answer, spreading and ruining it, rendering one answer invalid.

It was no longer perfect.

This meant the answer sheet had lost its chance for a perfect score!

"What are you doing?!" The Section Head appeared before Du Wei in an instant, grabbing his wrist and glaring at him.

"General Xu, this is my son's answer sheet!" Du Wei exclaimed.

Hearing this, the Section Head was slightly shocked and turned to look at Du Wei.

He grabbed the answer sheet, broke the seal, and saw the three characters, 'Yan Youtou.' His pupils constricted.

He looked at Du Wei with confusion.

He had initially thought Du Wei was about to tamper with someone else's answer sheet.

But he never expected Du Wei to ruin his own son's answer sheet.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end