Chapter 180 Join the Martial Academy!
In the next few days, Wang Yao stayed at home to adapt to his physical strength. The system could help improve it, but it did not mean that he could suddenly master roundness.
Wang Yao looked at the morning light outside. Today was the autumn selection of the martial arts academy, so he went to the village temple first to get a place in the village.
When he opened the door, his father Wang Shi was already sitting under the jujube tree waiting. When he saw Wang Yao come out, he walked up and handed him two steamed buns.
The two of them ate as they walked. The path outside was filled with villagers heading to the village temple, and from time to time someone would come up to greet them. However, while they were enthusiastic towards Wang Yao's father, they were indifferent towards Wang Yao. It seemed that few villagers had a favorable impression of Wang Yao.
Wang Yao knew his father was fair and helpful, which earned him the support of the villagers. His original self, however, was once ignorant and, while not malicious, had done all sorts of nefarious things.
Seeing Wang Shi glancing at him, Wang Yao touched his nose and quickened his pace a few steps forward.
When they arrived, they saw a two-meter-high platform in front of the ancestral hall. The village courtyard was crowded with people. On the platform, several village elders were talking to two martial arts students. When they saw Wang Shi, they hurriedly ordered people to welcome him to the stage.
Wang Shi stood on the podium, cleared his throat, and said loudly, "Fellow villagers, the annual autumn election has arrived. Our village still has only one quota this year. Next, please fairly and impartially select the most suitable young person under the age of 18. If the right person enters the martial arts academy, it will be an honor for our Yanxi Village."
As soon as Wang Shi finished speaking, the villagers below started discussing with a buzz.
"The village council didn't send anyone here this year."
"I think the village chief's son is better." "No, no, the village chief is a good person, but his son..."
"Yangcun's oldest son is still the best. He's at the second level of Blazing Flame just like the village chief's son."
Wang Yao's mouth twitched as he listened in the audience. The village head was equivalent to the village chief, who usually worked in the richest village under his jurisdiction. It didn't matter whether Xiaoqiu Xuan sent someone or not.
"Ahem, quiet, quiet, let the candidates come on stage first." Several village elders suppressed the villagers' discussions and let the young people who were willing to run for election come on stage.
In the end, only Yang Cunlao's son and Wang Yao made it to the stage. Seeing this, Yang Cunlao nodded in satisfaction.
A martial arts academy disciple in white martial arts uniform stepped forward and said loudly, "If there are no objections, we will represent the martial arts academy to supervise the competition for the quota. The strongest will be elected, and those who are equal will be voted in."
At this time, another martial arts academy disciple walked to the stage, ready to supervise the voting order.
The eldest son of Yangcun was the first to confidently step forward and practice his skills, performing a set of martial arts boxing, each punch of which was full of wind and power.
The martial arts academy disciple on the stage nodded in satisfaction and said loudly: "Solid foundation, second level of Fiery Flame Technique."
Yangcun's eldest son still had a provocative look on his face and glanced at Wang Yao several times.
Wang Yao didn't say anything, his breathing was steady. He stood with his feet together and practiced the Fiery Fire Technique. The aura of Fiery Fire emerged and wrapped around his fist, and a huge force wave rushed out.
There was a commotion from the audience, and those who were close to them felt a gust of hot wind and could not stand steadily.
The martial arts academy disciples below the stage were shocked and said in surprise, "Fiery aura, this is the perfection of the Fiery Art, and this has the strength of half a horse, right?"
Upon hearing this, the faces of the village elders changed drastically, and Yang, the village elder, turned pale. According to the vote, his son should have won. During this period, he had colluded with other village elders, constantly showing small favors to the villagers, and made full preparations.
Unexpectedly, things turned out like this. Although Yang Cunlao's son couldn't believe it and didn't dare to act rashly in front of the disciples of the martial arts academy, he just stared at Wang Yao.
Suddenly, he stepped forward and saluted the martial arts student who was conducting the test, saying unconvincedly, "Please ask Senior Brother Wu to let me and Wang Yao fight, otherwise I'm afraid we won't be convinced."
At this time, two martial arts academy disciples were walking aside and discussing whether they should give Wang Yao a try.
It also seemed like he was confirming whether the Fiery Flame Technique was really perfect. After all, anyone in the village who could reach the third level was considered a genius, let alone someone who could reach the perfection directly.
Wang Yao stood aside and waited calmly. What was he afraid of with such hard power? Wasn't it something he cultivated himself?
Finally, the discussion was over. The two martial arts academy disciples had a few brief words with Wang Shi, then waved their hands to let Yangcun's eldest son go down. Do you still need to try? Are you questioning the eyesight of the martial arts academy disciples below the stage?
Wang Shi announced the news, this time unable to suppress the smile on his face. He said in a loud voice with a smile, "After confirmation from the martial arts academy's senior disciples, Wang Yao has been recognized as the most outstanding and has been awarded a place in the village. Furthermore, he will most likely enter the inner courtyard directly and receive the best training."
When Wang Shi said the last sentence, he was already laughing heartily. After so many years of training, he finally achieved success. How could he not be happy?
The village elders finally gave up and first dispersed the villagers, then put on a proud look on their faces and congratulated them.
After all, they also knew that it was not easy to enter the inner courtyard of the martial arts academy. At least Yanxi Village had never produced an inner courtyard disciple.
Yang Cunlao's son shouted that he was not convinced and was very angry. Yang Cunlao hurriedly dragged his son away to apologize first. He was afraid that his son would not accept the decision of the martial arts academy and act impulsively and rashly.
Wang Yao had never heard of the inner courtyard, but he could guess it was a good place. Several village elders came forward with awkward faces to congratulate Wang Yao, and Wang Yao had no choice but to feign agreement.
After all, my father is still the village chief, and he needs the help of several village elders to govern the village.
Soon, Wang Shi and several village elders came to the village entrance to see Wang Yao off. They could not send him to the county town, so he was escorted the entire way by people sent by the Martial Academy.
"Don't try to be stubborn when encountering problems. If you can make a step forward, that's better. If not, you will have food to eat at home..." The old father rarely spoke a few more words to Wang Yao, and looked at the departing team with eyes full of worry, relief and expectation.
For the first time, Wang Yao experienced the feeling of being cared for by his loved ones, and gradually identified with his father in his heart.
Three yellow horses were galloping on the official road, and Wang Yao was thinking about his plans after arriving in the county town.
"What are you thinking about, Junior Brother Wang? Do you still feel that you have nothing to say to us?" The martial arts academy disciple next to him interrupted Wang Yao's thoughts.
Wang Yao slowed his horse and said quickly, "My two brothers are in a state of panic. I haven't been away from home for a long time and I'm a little worried. By the way, I haven't asked for your names yet."
The person on the left replied, "What kind of title is that? I'm Liu Geng from the Outer Court, and I'm ashamed that I haven't even been admitted yet."
What did Liu Geng mean by "entering the rank"? However, Wang Yao didn't have time to think before he clasped his fists in return and said, "Senior Brother Liu, please take care of me from now on."
The person on the right also said calmly: "Liu Changyu from the inner courtyard, who has just been promoted, is Liu Geng's cousin. If you have anything, you can ask me on the way to the county town."
Wang Yao smiled slightly and said, "So you two are brothers. No wonder you are both so handsome. Nice to meet you."
Wang Yao noticed the difference between the two. Before Liu Changyu reached a higher level of cultivation, he was the one who presided over the tests on the stage. He looked cold but kind.
Liu Geng was naturally familiar and enthusiastic, and he was the one who started the conversation first.
Wang Yao was not stingy with his good words, and kept praising people, and he also got a lot of information.
There are many foundational techniques like the Fiery Fire Art. Liu Geng practiced the Fiery Fire Art and achieved great perfection in it, so he recognized Wang Yao's level of Fiery Fire Art at once.
The martial arts academy is divided into inner and outer courtyards. First-time admissions and those who have mastered the second level of foundational exercises or below enter the outer courtyard, while those who have mastered the third level or great perfection enter the inner courtyard.
The first time you are assigned to the outer courtyard, you can only be promoted to the inner courtyard after you have passed the examination.
Today's martial arts are divided into nine grades, with grade one being the highest and grade nine being the lowest. A person whose martial arts skills reach grade nine is called an entry grade.
The early autumn morning was already a bit chilly. The county town was just around the corner, and many fields on both sides of the official road were idle. Most of the people working in the fields were dressed as slaves, and from time to time, three or five ragged refugees appeared on the road.
Suddenly, a chaotic sound of horse hooves broke the scene in front of them. A man and a horse were rushing towards Wang Yao and his group in front, and it seemed that there were people chasing them from behind. Seeing this, Liu Changyu signaled Wang Yao and Liu Geng to dismount and pull over.
He took out two knives from the bag on his horse's back, threw one to Liu Geng, and asked Wang Yao to stand behind him, ready for battle.
Wang Yao was also very sensible. He did not stand out to show off his strength. He stood behind the two of them, his body tense and ready for battle.
Perhaps because they saw that the three men were not causing any trouble, the two groups rushed past one after the other. The man in front was dressed in tight clothes, and the three people chasing him were all constables from the yamen.
I could faintly hear a few words: "Black Water Sect demon, you can't escape, get off your horse immediately."
Before Wang Yao could ask, Liu Geng said angrily, "If I had known they were from the Black Water Sect, I would have stepped forward to stop them. They've been thinking about rebellion all day, and this place is less than a mile away from the county town."
Liu Changyu glared at Liu Geng fiercely and said to Wang Yao, "Don't say this outside. It will easily make the Black Water Cult bear a grudge against them. Although they can't do anything to the court now, they are not something we can afford to offend."
Wang Yao nodded in agreement. This was indeed the way to deal with things when one did not have enough strength.
Wang Yao looked at the refugees walking past them with numb faces, and felt a little emotional. It had been 345 years since the Great Yan Taizu ruled the world, which was indeed a long time.
The vacant fields were not because no one wanted to cultivate them, but because they had already been occupied by the wealthy families in the county, and there were not enough tenants and servants at the moment.
When these refugees found themselves in the county town and found no way to survive, they would sell themselves into slavery. It was truly a case of the rich having fields stretching for miles while the poor had no place to stand.
Wang Yao and the other two did not mount their horses, but led the horses forward while listening to Liu Changyu's instructions on everything.
In a blink of an eye, we arrived at the county town. The city wall was ten feet high and made of bluestone and earth bricks. The wide moat surrounded it like a silver belt, and it looked majestic from a distance.
According to Liu Changyu, Dingping County wasn't considered a border town, but the border prefecture of Cangrong was right next to it. Once Cangrong was breached, they could march straight through Dingping. Therefore, Dingping County's location was crucial and defenses were relentless. Merchants and civilians lined up in two long lines to be inspected before entering the city.
Wang Yao was about to join the queue when Liu Geng pulled him back and led him straight to the city gate. The two rows of imposing gatekeepers kept their eyes fixed on him. The gatekeeper, recognizing him as a martial arts academy student, asked him a few pretentious questions before letting him pass, his words tinged with flattery.
This, it was agreed that prominent positions would be strictly checked. Damn privileged class! Wang Yao was speechless.
But that's true. There hasn't been a war in Dayan for nearly twenty years, so it's good that the city gates are well guarded.
Liu Geng pointed at the golden thread on Liu Changyu's chest and said sourly, "This is because of Brother Yu's face. See this golden thread? It's not that easy to talk to those in the inner courtyard. Although the outer courtyard disciples don't have to queue up, they will also be questioned and searched."
The city was bustling with people. It wasn't the messy, dirty place Wang Yao had imagined, but rather clean and tidy. Teahouses, taverns, and clothing stores lined the streets, and there were also glamorously dressed prostitutes soliciting customers.
There were also vendors holding large umbrellas and shouting their wares. The most common one was of course "Honey, hay, hawthorns!"
If we don't mention the refugee area designated by the government at the corner of the city wall, this was truly a prosperous era. Although Wang Yao had soul memories, he still felt a little fresh.
After passing through several busy streets, Wang Yao was brought to the east of the city, which was almost the sphere of influence of the martial arts academy.
Unlike other neighborhoods where various flowers bloom, this area is filled with an atmosphere of the supremacy of martial arts, and most of the people coming and going are disciples of martial arts academies and members of underworld gangs.
The martial arts academy consisted of several large courtyards connected together, surrounded by a brick and stone wall, forming a self-contained entity covering a vast area. Upon reaching the gate of the academy, a blue and gilded plaque hung above it, inscribed with the words "Dingping Martial Arts Academy."
Wang Yao thought these four words were ordinary at first glance, but after reading them again, he felt that they were profound and seemed to contain some martial arts concepts.
Wang Yao suddenly felt a sharp pain in his spirit and fell backward. Fortunately, the Liu brothers were prepared and supported Wang Yao.
"Are you okay? This is a situation that everyone who comes to our martial arts academy for the first time will encounter. You can't look at those words for too long." Liu Changyu asked with concern.
"What is this?" Wang Yao came back to his senses and asked in confusion.
Liu Geng held his head high and said with a hint of pride, "This was written by our dean himself when he opened the martial arts academy thirty years ago. Back then, our dean made great contributions to the court and was granted special permission to open a school. The academy also has quotas for participating in the martial arts examination every year."
Wang Yao showed a trace of admiration on his face, thinking to himself, how come the martial arts academy can be opened in the city and the government doesn't dare to intervene? It turns out that this is a "sect" recognized by the court.
The Great Yan Dynasty has extremely strict control over martial arts sects and gangs in the world. Although it has been relaxed a lot in recent years, as long as a sect is not recognized by the court, the government will not pursue it if it is attacked or even exterminated.
Only those recognized by the imperial court will be protected by the government, which can be regarded as a semi-official force. Therefore, Dingping Martial Arts Academy will have independent military examination quotas every year.
Dingping County can only select 50 people every year to go to Hedong County to take the county examination to become a martial arts scholar. Then the martial arts academy can have an extra 10 people to go to the county town to take the martial arts examination without having to compete with people from the entire county.
The fact that these 10 people passed the examination to become military scholars was also considered an achievement of the Dingping County Magistrate, so the relationship between Dingping Martial Academy and Dingping County Government was very good.
After checking with the guards, the two brothers took Wang Yao through several corridors and came to a room with a sign saying "Mission Hall" where several people in gray robes were leisurely drinking tea.
"Deacon Zhou, mission accomplished. Bring back a genius who is qualified to enter the inner courtyard." Liu Changyu, Liu Geng and Wang Yao saluted a man in a gray robe.
Upon hearing the words "inner courtyard qualifications", the originally leisurely Deacon Zhou stood up, jumped to Wang Yao's side, pinched Wang Yao's arms a few times, and patted Wang Yao's back a few times.
Wang Yao's body involuntarily activated the Fiery Fire Technique, and abundant blood and energy surged to his skin. Deacon Zhou nodded in satisfaction, looking at Wang Yao with a kind expression, saying, "Not bad, not bad. Full of blood and energy, and perfected the Fiery Fire Technique. A definite talent for the inner court."
After praising Wang Yao, he took out a small notebook and wrote a few words to the two Liu brothers, saying, "I was wondering why you were the first to come back. It turns out you met such a good seedling. I'll remember the merit points for you. I will send people to the other villages. You go wait outside first."
Liu Geng winked at Wang Yao, and the two of them excused themselves and left, leaving Wang Yao alone. Wang Yao, a rookie who hadn't even reached the rank yet, felt a little uneasy. He remembered what Liu Geng had said before entering the mission hall.
Generally, people who have no potential for advancement or want to live a stable life will choose to apply to become deacons, but their strength should not be underestimated. A gray-robed deacon is at least a senior strong man among the ninth rank, and there are also many in the eighth rank.
"What's your name? Which village are you from? Who are your family members? What's your family situation like?"
After a series of questions and answers, Wang Yao quickly explained his situation. Deacon Zhou was very satisfied with Wang Yao's qualifications and quickly wrote down the relevant information.
He then said, "Wang Yao, you have a clean family background and a solid foundation. I now formally welcome you to join Dingping Martial Arts Academy." After that, he handed Wang Yao a waist badge and a bundle.
Wang Yao took the things and, at the signal of Deacon Zhou, said goodbye and slowly left the room.
It was almost noon, the sun shone on his shoulders, and Wang Yao breathed a sigh of relief, finally taking his first steps. Liu Geng and Liu Changyu waved to him from a pavilion; he still had something to ask them.
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