Chapter 6: Me, Only Capable of "Basic Three Items"

Good

Only by conquering the harsh and critical gazes of these five examiners can one hope to enter the Lu Yang Mansion and step into a broader world

The chief examiner Zhao Yiming said impatiently

become incredibly tranquil, as tranquil as a statue that has stood proudly for a thousand years without falling

The surrounding martial performers erupted in a thunderous applause, visibly excited, as they clapped and cheered in approval

Originally, I did not want to pay any attention to Zhao Xing, but he keeps buzzing around like a fly, and I can't help but wish to swat him away with a single slap

Today, I did not perform poorly due to nervousness; instead, I demonstrated my abilities steadily. Unfortunately, the seventh sword still could not be controlled, which lowered the score

They each wore an expressionless face, exuding an air of authority and sternness

Zhao Xingwu, a practitioner of the second level, possesses a robust physique, well-proportioned bones, and abundant vitality, making him a promising candidate in the martial arts realm. His hands are calloused from diligent training in martial techniques, indicating that his swordsmanship is likely commendable

Zhao Xing's technique has been cultivated to a realm of perfection, which is quite commendable

It is well said! I have always been fair and impartial, and I will never miss a good opportunity.

Zhao Xing's several followers burst into laughter, each one starting to mock.

He must face the joint examination of the top ten martial arts academies

A series of exquisite sword techniques were executed like flowing water, with dazzling moves that were incredibly sharp

At the martial arts examination grounds of Luyang Prefecture, there are five chief examiners and dozens of assistant examiners supervising the assessment. They will personally evaluate the martial arts capabilities of each candidate, including their martial arts cultivation and skill level.

Oh, how to gamble

"Shang, initiate the drill! 'Basic Three Items'!"

Shang did not take Zhao Xing seriously at all

Many of the martial students in the same class as Zhao Xing were secretly astonished at this scene, and it seemed that what Ye Fan had said was indeed correct; Zhao Xing's swordsmanship training had indeed encountered some issues.

"What? You only know basic martial skills, so why are you even here to take the exam at the academy?"

He is also very satisfied with this score

After a brief self-introduction, Zhao Xing first broke a six-inch thick hardwood post with one hand, and then began to demonstrate his martial arts skills

It is extremely difficult to achieve a score above sixty in any martial art.

Zhao Xing is indeed a member of the Zhao family from Luyang Prefecture; even as a collateral branch, he should not be underestimated!

Hello, Brother Xing, your swordsmanship is excellent

At this moment, Ye Fan felt an unprecedented immense pressure that nearly left him breathless

Many examiners frequently exchanged glances, nodding in appreciation.

The five examiners nodded in satisfaction.

He held a long sword, proudly stepping into the examination area ahead, and saluted the five chief and deputy examiners with cupped hands, exclaiming with vigor, "Student Zhao Xing from Nancheng Martial Arts Academy, greetings to the esteemed examiners!"

Ye Fan, it is your turn to take the exam

The examiner immediately frowned

Well, not bad

Only a few geniuses can practice two disciplines simultaneously. To maximize the score, it relies on the candidates to weigh the pros and cons themselves

During his three years at the Southern Chen Martial Arts Academy, he only practiced basic martial skills. With a weak foundation, attempting to forcibly cultivate more advanced beginner martial skills would only result in failure, akin to trying to paint a tiger but ending up with a dog. He understood this principle well.

However, the total score of the martial arts department is 267 points, which is sufficient for him to be admitted to the martial arts department of Luyang Prefecture Academy

Ye Fan tidied his clothes and entered the assessment area empty-handed, gazing at the five court examiners, awaiting the moment when his fate would be revealed

Intermediate Swordsmanship "The Slanting Moon Thirteen Swords"

Then you may begin

These three skills are essential introductory martial arts techniques that all martial students must master. They are often practiced simultaneously by martial students and are collectively referred to as the foundational three.

In the junior martial arts academy, young martial artists generally can only learn basic martial skills and introductory martial techniques

The chief examiner Zhao Yiming sighed and shook his head inwardly

Candidates generally can only cultivate one martial skill

In this vast training ground, there is only his figure, only he is demonstrating his martial skills

Upon achieving this, one leaps up and continues to stride towards the higher peaks of martial arts

This set of swordsmanship attracted the attention of more martial artists around, who watched the display of sword techniques

Five middle-aged examiners from the government office sat in a row, suppressing the warm smiles typically reserved for a young nobleman like Zhao Xing

Having executed the seventh form of the sword technique, "Cold Star Chasing the Moon," Zhao Xing had reached the utmost limit of his strength. With all his might, he thrust the sword forward, but could not hold on, and the sword nearly slipped from his grasp

Zhao, the chief examiner, my nephew Jiang Weiyun will be taking the exam shortly, please take good care of him

The five examiners also expressed their disappointment

The top ten junior martial arts academies in Luyang Prefecture require candidates to reach the first level of martial artist before they can apply for admission

However, today, he wants to give it a try

It was at this moment that he finally understood why so many martial artists had trembled before the panel of examiners for so many years, their expressions dazed and their performances subpar

Countless young martial artists charged towards the mountains, attempting to conquer these five peaks, yet all fell before them.

Ye Fan's entire demeanor had completely transformed

Thank you, esteemed examiners

Zhao Xing felt a bit flushed and out of breath, sheathed his sword, calmed the nearly boiling energy within him, and came to a halt

The moment of taking a step forward

Ye Fan certainly knew that his cultivation level was only at the first layer of a martial artist, and his total score was initially a full one hundred points lower than Zhao Xing's, which made his expression rather unsatisfactory

Basic Three Items

A sword thrusts forth, the movement resembling a flood dragon emerging from the water, gazing up at the moon in the vast sky

Ye Fan hesitated for a moment, inwardly asking the ancient text "Shang", "Shang, should I gamble with him?"

They stand like five towering mountains, blocking the path ahead and obstructing Ye Fan's progress in martial arts.

If defeated, one will sink into the dust and become an ordinary commoner in Luyang Prefecture

Chief Examiner Zhao Yiming displayed a kind smile.

Dozens of young martial artists surrounding the scene gasped in astonishment, revealing expressions of envy

Zhao Xing's complexion is rosy, and he appears refreshed and spirited

Zhao Xing was greatly encouraged and invigorated by the sounds of admiration and envy from those around him He was quite outstanding among the other youths and had no reason to belittle himself

Zhao Xing's swordsmanship, rated at sixty-nine points, is by no means low

This intermediate-level sword technique, once unleashed, is indeed formidable; not only does it exude a strong fighting spirit, but each move is also exceptionally cunning and ruthless, completely catching the enemy off guard

Ye Fan, you were so impressive in class yesterday, you wouldn't suddenly turn timid now, would you

Ye Fan replied in a deep voice

Zhao Xing, Jiang Weiyun, and their group all looked at Ye Fan with mocking expressions, reveling in his embarrassment

Congratulations, Xing Ge. With such a swordsmanship, gaining admission to the martial arts department of the academy will be an effortless task

They each became lazy, sipping tea to soothe their throats, engaging in low murmurs and casual chatter, no longer paying any attention to Ye Fan.

However, I only know basic martial arts techniques

Zhao Xingchao and the martial artists all let out a long laugh

Unfortunately

Just compare yourself with Brother Xing, let us also see your 'superb' basic martial skills

Ye Fan took a deep breath, calmed himself, and cupped his hands towards several examiners, saying: "Student, Ye Fan from the Southern Chen Martial Academy, Martial Artist Level 1..."

To assess a warrior's skill, one need only observe their ability to chop a wooden stake

All the young martial artists from every group, as well as the examiners from each group, were struck with shock, staring fixedly at Ye Fan, unable to turn their heads.

Today, I will let everyone witness what truly constitutes exquisite and unparalleled intermediate swordsmanship

In front of the team, several examiners are seated at the examination table, one of whom glares over.

He is not very confident about how much effect the "Martial God Performance" in "Shang" can have

The young martial artists are like this, and so are the examiners

In theory, candidates can use any martial arts technique, but the "Basic Three Items" is an entry-level martial skill. A martial artist typically practices it for only one or two years before no longer pursuing further training.

The assessment team is continuously moving forward, and it is almost time for Ye Fan, Zhao Xing, and others.

A few examiners whispered among themselves for a while and made their evaluations: "Zhao Xing from Nancheng Martial Arts Academy, the scores are as follows: cultivation 200 points, swordsmanship 69 points. Total score for the martial arts assessment: 269 points"

This step is taken

Ye Fan frowned

Let us make a wager; let's see who will receive a higher score from the examiner in martial arts! The loser must bark like a dog in front of everyone! Of course, if you consider yourself a coward and do not wish to take the bet, I will not force you. What does everyone think?

The cultivation level of a martial artist is one hundred for the first level, and for each subsequent level of cultivation, an additional one hundred is added

"Brother Xing, that kid Ye Fan is only at the first level of martial arts, and his cultivation score is directly a hundred points lower than yours. His martial skill score won't even reach sixty at best. What does he need to compete for? Hurry up and learn to bark like a dog!"

What happened, are you still going to take the exam?

His gaze became profound, ethereal and distant, as if he stood alone at the peak of a mountain, gazing into the far-off sky

This martial skill has just begun, yet the overwhelmingly strong aura unexpectedly stirs the entire examination venue

No one can take away even a fraction of his brilliance

Immediately, the surrounding young martial artists burst into uproarious laughter, looking at Ye Fan as if he were an idiot

"Come on, you will soon activate 'Martial God Showdown', how could you possibly lose to such a waste of a second-level martial artist? You should use the 'Basic Three Techniques' martial skill and eliminate him!"

A martial artist at the first level possesses a strength of approximately 100 jin, capable of cleaving a three-inch thick hard wood with one hand. At the second level, a martial artist has about 200 jin of strength, able to cleave a six-inch thick hard wood with one hand. This pattern continues, with a martial artist at the ninth level reaching a terrifying strength of up to 900 jin, capable of cleaving a twenty-seven-inch thick hard wood with one hand, with enough force to slay a fierce tiger or a wild bull

As a branch disciple of the Zhao family from Luyang Prefecture, how could he not be acquainted with them

Ye Fan was extremely angry, his hands clenched tightly, and his whole body was trembling slightly

An examiner, showing no interest in hearing more from Ye Fan, directly interrupted and asked: "What martial skill are you going to demonstrate?"

In terms of power, intermediate martial skills naturally far surpass primary and basic martial skills

A glimmer of cold light shone at the tip of the sword, the sharp aura almost piercing through the blade

The martial student of the South Chen Martial Academy, one of the top ten martial academies in the prestigious Lu Yang Prefecture, can only perform basic entry-level martial skills, which is truly embarrassing

Alright! You are only at the first level of a martial artist, so there is no need to chop the wooden post. Just start the demonstration of your martial skills directly

Since they look down on him, let them experience what true "Fundamental Three Skills" martial arts are, a realm of extraordinary strength

Holding a grading pen, a scrutinizing gaze fixated on Ye Fan, attempting to identify every minute flaw in him for ruthless point deductions—selecting the top five hundred candidates from thousands, the assessment requirements were naturally exceedingly strict

Zhao Xing wore a smirk at the corner of his mouth, squinting and smiling as he spoke to several accompanying martial artists around him

The martial arts score actually reached sixty-nine points! If my martial arts could reach sixty, I would already be grateful to heaven and earth

That is

The First Formula, the Dragon Looking at the Moon

Brother Xing is amazing

The group of young martial artists fell silent at once, not daring to speak out of turn

Zhao Xing stood firm, let out a shout, and his entire demeanor suddenly transformed, as if he were a sword drawn from its sheath, exuding an intimidating aura of sharpness

The surrounding young martial artists were taken aback, feeling a chilling aura of the sword pressing in, and they all retreated a few steps to avoid being harmed by the sharpness

Ye Fan's face flushed slightly, feeling somewhat ashamed of himself

Any martial arts skills are acceptable, and the scores of the martial arts skills can be accumulated

The distant sky has also changed, and in this moment, all the radiance converges upon Ye Fan.

Silence! It is your turn; prepare for the assessment

Zhao Xing, full of pride, turned his head to mock Ye Fan, and then lowered his voice to sneer, "Remember the bet we made; if your score is not as high as mine, you will have to bark like a dog in front of everyone!"

There are five groups of candidates taking the exam simultaneously, thus the assessment speed is also quite brisk

The evaluation of martial arts techniques is more complex, primarily determined by the level of cultivation, which is divided into ten realms.

Applying to the top ten junior martial arts academies in Luyang Prefecture, using such martial skills is acceptable. However, now it is about advancing to the Luyang Prefecture Academy, which is a senior martial arts academy. Continuing to use these entry-level martial skills is clearly inappropriate and lacks the value of discerning the level of martial skills.

The surrounding entourage of martial artists excitedly cheered and urged, fearing that Ye Fan would be unwilling to gamble

In

Ye Fan suppressed the anger in his heart and took a step forward

Zhao Xing raised the sword sharply, gripping the hilt with both hands.

In an instant, the wind and clouds changed color

Zhao Xing! It is your turn to take the stage

Basic three martial arts skills? Can't you perform a set of beginner martial arts skills

Ye Fan had never dared to hope that he would have the opportunity to overcome this enormous hurdle

However, since Shang is fully confident, he will take this gamble

However, each subject must reach the sixth level, with a score of 60 or above, in order to be counted towards the cumulative martial arts achievements

The martial arts assessment of Luyang Prefecture is governed by very simple rules. The total score is the sum of the cultivation score and the martial skill score

Zhao Xing has a strength of 200 pounds, reaching the second level of martial artists, thus scoring 200 points

No wonder the Southern Chen Martial Arts Academy has been getting weaker over the years. Such a mediocre martial artist has the audacity to apply to the academy, what a waste of time

Only a very small number of martial artists from prestigious families have the financial means to purchase mid to high-level martial arts runes and learn mid-level and high-level martial arts techniques

The three fundamental items refer to "Basic Fist Techniques," "Basic Leg Techniques," and "Basic Footwork," totaling three foundational martial arts skills

Ye Fan immediately said

Those who witnessed Ye Fan take that step were left in shock, speechless.

Even if he is weak, it is not appropriate to underestimate him in this manner

Zhao Xing's eyes glinted mischievously as he turned a few times, smilingly saying, "Ye Fan, this assessment is too dull. How about we play something more interesting? Shall we have a bet?"

It is essential to add a few more points later