Once the rankings were decided, the results would be posted after some time.

This year’s Martial Arts Qualification has a certain number of spots, and candidates will be accepted in order of their rank.

Therefore, even if someone lost in the first round, it didn’t necessarily mean they couldn’t make it onto the final list. If they performed well in the later stages, they still had a chance to be ranked.

...

At 7:00 AM, the sun climbed into the sky, and the hot wind over the training grounds gradually grew heavy and still.

The chief examiner and the three other examiners slowly walked up to the high platform on the eastern side.

They took their seats one by one behind their desks, on which were placed brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and the files of each arena’s victor.

With the appearance of the examiners, the noisy training grounds quickly fell silent. It was as if an invisible hand had pressed down on the entire field, leaving only the sound of the wind whipping through the banners.

All eyes were fixed on the high platform and the main arena in the center. Everyone subconsciously held their breath. The main event was about to begin.

A moment later, a Captain in silver armor strode onto the high platform, holding a yellow scroll. He announced in a booming voice, "The ranking competition for the Yuhe County Martial Arts Qualification now—begins!"

His voice, resonant as a great bell, was carried by his internal energy across most of the training grounds, stirring a low commotion among the crowd.

The Captain then unrolled the yellow scroll and read out eight names: "Arena One victor, Zhou Tong! Arena Two victor, Xu Guangwei! Arena Three victor, Lin Yue... Arena Seven victor, Yang Jing! Arena Eight victor, Zhou Zhiqiang! All arena victors, enter the main arena now!"

As his voice faded, several soldiers behind the wooden fence surrounding the main arena moved forward, opening a narrow path just wide enough for one person to pass.

From the sections where the various Martial Arts Halls were seated, figures rose one after another. Some walked with steady steps, others with spirited confidence, all heading toward the entrance in the fence.

Over at the Sun’s Martial Arts Hall, Yang Jing and Lin Yue rose at the same time. They bowed to Sun Yong, who sat beside them. "Master, we’re heading out."

"Go on, and be careful," Sun Yong said in a solemn voice.

"Yes, Master!"

The two of them acknowledged his words, then turned and walked toward the path leading to the main arena.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting their shadows on the ground, which moved slowly forward with each step.

From the stands outside the fence, a thunderous roar of cheers and applause erupted, mixed with the shouts of encouragement from the disciples of the various Martial Arts Halls.

Watching the upright figures of his two disciples, Sun Yong felt a warmth spread through his chest, like he was holding a glowing piece of charcoal.

He deliberately puffed out his chest and straightened his back, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkling with pride.

’For Sun’s Martial Arts Hall to produce two arena victors at once... this is no ordinary achievement!’

Sun Yong could almost feel the gazes from the other Martial Arts Hall Masters, gazes filled with envy, jealousy, and a hint of sour resentment.

"HAHAHA."

Sun Yong felt a wave of pure satisfaction wash over him, as refreshing as drinking a tall glass of iced lemonade on a scorching summer day. He felt wonderful from the inside out.

...

PS:

Thank you to [Wan Li Han Chan Shu] for the 500 Qidian Coin donation.

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As always, if you guys spot any issues, feel free to point them out.

I’ve been getting a better feel for writing the book these past few days, and I can generally sense which parts need more detail and which can be more concise.

But sometimes I still can’t help myself. I’m trying my best to revise. Seriously, I cut at least three thousand words today. Sob.

Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, please send some monthly tickets my way~

Monthly tickets are super important for a new book. I’m counting on all of you, thank you!