Chapter Seven, Qihuo Town

A clear voice suddenly came from behind, and Lin Feng turned to look, only to see a young man with a smile slowly approaching, appearing quite amiable

In his view, this number is evidently not small

"Not many," Zeng Yang shook his head. "The largest number still comes from the local residents of Qihuo Town; they alone outnumber all thirty-two of our tribes combined."

Lin Feng was taken aback

"Without a token, one cannot enter?" Lin Feng's complexion appeared somewhat pale

Standing amidst the crowd, Lin Feng looked around with a face full of curiosity and surprise. He had long heard of the renowned Tianwu Army, and now he was finally witnessing it for himself. Although he was at a considerable distance, he could still sense the subtle aura and majesty emanating from them.

No wonder. Zeng Yang smiled and said: "Every year, Qihuo Town gathers the outstanding talents from the major clans of the surrounding villages. Generally, each clan sends a few representatives; some may send just one, while others may send four or five. For instance, our Zeng Family Village has sent four. In total, there are usually nearly one hundred representatives from thirty-two clans."

Finally, I can participate in the preliminary martial artist assessment

"A town, more than thirty-two clans?" Lin Feng was astonished

This text appears to be a placeholder or a non-specific input. Please provide the actual text you would like to have translated from Simplified Chinese to English.

Regardless of whether I enter the Qihuo Martial Arts Hall or the Tianwu Chamber of Commerce, I will achieve my goals

This should be the Heavenly Martial Army that Brother Ting mentioned, right

Qihuo Town, with its various towering buildings, may be small but is constructed in a well-ordered manner. A variety of peculiar devices, centered around energy stones, operate continuously, creating a vibrant and flourishing atmosphere. Lin Feng sat in a large, open-top energy vehicle, enjoying the prosperity of Qihuo Town along the way, his heart filled with endless admiration

It has come to us. Zeng Yang casually took out an ancient copper token from his bosom, and Lin Feng looked on with curiosity, noticing that the words 'Qi Huo' were clearly engraved on it.

The soldiers of the Heavenly Martial Army had cold expressions, their sharp eyes carefully scrutinizing Lin Feng. They then took the gold coins and retrieved an iron token from their bosom, which bore a resemblance to the order and library token of Zeng Yang.

This year, there are only three people from Linjia Village participating in the preliminary martial artist assessment, including myself

Lin Feng was well aware of his family's financial situation, which was equivalent to ten silver coins valued at one gold coin, yet it felt very burdensome to him

Have you heard? This year, there is a quota for the Xiaoyang Martial Arts Gate. I wonder who among us will have such good luck.

After continuous analysis of gains and losses, Lin Feng still leans towards Qi Huo Martial Hall. After all, Qi Huo Martial Hall also offers quite good benefits, and he does not enjoy a life driven solely by the pursuit of money. Deep down, Lin Feng possesses a sense of passion and a yearning, hoping that one day he can become a truly formidable figure, like the mysterious strongman in his mind, standing tall and strong in the world

Stepping forward and standing in the teleportation array, Lin Feng felt a bit nervous, but more so, he was filled with anticipation and excitement

Thank you, Chen Bo" Lin Feng nodded and said

Both have relatively low thresholds; as long as one can pass the assessment, entry is possible. The key lies in the choice of the martial artist themselves

Setbacks and disappointments will only drive him to pursue progress with even greater effort

Hello, my name is Zeng Yang

What is even more tragic is that, were it not for Zeng Yang, he would not even be able to enter the gates of Qihuo Town

Please go in

"Fortunately, my goal is not the Heavenly Martial Army," Lin Feng said, patting his chest and smiling

Gazing at the bustling crowd coming and going in Prayer Fire Town, looking up at the uniquely towering energy structures, and feeling the vibrant scene of this prosperous area, Lin Feng tightly gripped the token, his expression radiating strong determination and resolve.

At the entrance of the town, four well-dressed men in uniform are methodically maintaining order

Inside the vehicle, in addition to him, there were over ten advanced martial arts apprentices from different ethnic groups, engaging in lively conversation with one another

"Ha, don't worry, I'm here!" As he spoke, Zeng Yang had already shown his identification token to the Tianwu soldiers conducting the inspection. He pulled Lin Feng over and quietly took out two gold coins, saying, "Commander, we are from the same village, could you please do us a favor"

"Chen Bo." Lin Feng Wei greeted with a smile, as he saw an elderly man with graying hair standing not far ahead.

Lin Feng shook his head

At this moment, as the speed of the train gradually slowed and came to a stop, Lin Feng's thoughts returned, revealing before him a massive building standing at least fifty meters tall. Its fiery red color exuded a vibrant vitality, stirring the heart.

Listening to these words, Lin Feng wore a faint smile on his face. Throughout this journey, he had gained a lot, deepening his understanding of various major forces. Although he yearned for the Xiaoyang Martial Sect, after all, people aspire to rise higher, he was aware of his own limitations.

"Identity token, don't you know?" Zeng Yang expressed his astonishment

Here, it is evidently a completely different world from the small mountain village he belongs to

Paying out of one's own pocket? Chen Bo was taken aback, and his gaze towards Lin Feng suddenly changed. He had originally thought that Lin Feng merely wanted to broaden his horizons

Zeng Yang shrugged and said, "Among these more than 200 people, only ten will be selected. Do you think the Tianwu Army is strict in its recruitment?"

First, one can obtain the status of a warrior, no longer subject to clan restrictions; secondly, one can settle in Qihuo Town, and in the future, after saving enough money, one can apply for ordinary identity tokens for parents and siblings, and even purchase a house in Qihuo Town

Upon emerging, Lin Feng realized that he had previously been viewing the world from the bottom of a well

Having spoken, she did not wait for Lin Feng's response and left like a gust of wind

He will not admit defeat, nor will he become discouraged

Lin Fengqing made a sound of "hm"

Identity token? Listening to this name ... ...

Zeng Yang and he were merely acquaintances, yet he helped me so much; truly, I do not know how to express my gratitude

What is this? Lin Feng asked.

This number is somewhat difficult for him to imagine

The Qihuo Martial Arts Hall has arrived

"Is ten still not enough?" Lin Feng exclaimed in surprise

"Cough, Xiaofeng, what brings you here today?" said Chen Bo, hunching his back.

The same two gold coins, he has to save and scrimp for three years to earn, yet Zeng Yang can casually take them out without feeling any regret at all.

Lin Feng

Please line up properly and do not push

So many? Lin Feng felt a bit bewildered

I feel the same way; it would be fortunate just to pass the assessment

In an instant, a sense of unease rose in Lin Feng's heart. His gaze quickly darted forward, where he saw a burly man holding a similar ancient token, which he handed over to a soldier of the Tianwu Army, causing Lin Feng to furrow his brow.

After enduring for so long, I have finally reached the physical standards of a preparatory martial artist. Am I really going to stumble here?

... ...

The gap is too large

Under the admonitions of four individuals, the crowd formed two orderly lines and entered in a single file, exhibiting a remarkable sense of organization without any hint of noise or crowding, clearly demonstrating a considerable degree of authority

Linjiacun, too primitive, too backward

Upon reflection, Lin Feng could not help but exclaim, "Aren't there more than 200 people participating in the preliminary martial artist assessment?"

The distinction lies in that entering the Qihuo Martial Arts Hall is relatively free, primarily focused on martial arts practice; whereas entering the Tianwu Chamber of Commerce is more rigorous, with numerous work tasks, but the salary is also higher

Come, next!

In a brief encounter, Lin Feng quickly became familiar with Zeng Yang; he certainly did not mind making another friend

Holding the token in hand and gazing at the departing figure, Lin Feng felt an indescribable mix of emotions in his heart

For the past five years, I have trained tirelessly, without a single minute of delay or slackening. Isn't it all for today?

I ... ... prefer Qihuo Wutang

Thank you. Lin Feng nodded emphatically and said: "I will definitely repay you when the opportunity arises, and those two gold coins..."

Lin Feng has always understood one principle

He is going to Qihuo Town

... ...

Moreover, Zeng Yang gave him a very pleasant feeling, being easygoing and unpretentious, and they communicated very well with each other

The face, marked by age, flashed a hint of surprise. Although there are often clan members who go to Qihuo Town for trade, choosing this perfectly timed moment...

mountain peak, teleportation array

A town, compared to a city, differs only in land area. Generally, what a city has, a town also possesses, albeit on a smaller scale. For instance, in an ordinary city, there may be a dozen martial halls, but in Qihuo Town, there is only one—Qihuo Martial Hall

However, the cost of "free" is substantial

What should I do about this... Lin Feng was anxious and restless

At eighteen, it seems that our Lin family village has produced an extraordinary individual. " He shook his head, revealing a smile imbued with deep meaning.

"Imperial Edict?" Chen Bo spread his hands.

Zeng Yang smiled and said, "Well, my dream is to join the Tianwu Army, but there are too few slots each year; there are only ten in Qihuo Town."

"Alright, alright, stop being so fussy, you big man," Zeng Yang said with a smile. "It's just two gold coins; consider it the cost of our friendship. I have something to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. See you later."

***

He knows the rules; to use the teleportation array for free, one must have the authorization of the clan leader or Madam Yu Ru.

Lin Feng nodded slightly

One's self is as insignificant as dust in a sandstorm

They hold the rank of second lieutenant; if you look at their shoulder insignia, you will see a copper star bordered in gold

Thank you, officer. Zeng Yang quickly shoved the ancient iron token into Lin Feng's hand and pulled him along as they swiftly ran inside, fearing that the soldiers of the Tianwu Army might change their minds. They slipped into a corner and let out a sigh of relief: "Hehe, fortunately, I saw someone use this trick last time; otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to help you"

Qihuo Town, though merely a town, is far from comparable to Linjia Village, a small mountain village nestled in a remote corner of the mountain range

Having luck is of no use; entering the Tianwu Army is difficult, and entering the Xiaoyang Martial Gate is even more challenging! That is a Martial Gate, far superior to the Qihuo Martial Hall, with countless powerful masters at the Grand Martial Master level inside, while those at the Martial Artist level are simply not worth mentioning! I do not aspire for much; I would be satisfied just to enter the Qihuo Martial Hall.

"Go ahead." After receiving the silver coin, Chen Bo did not ask further and opened the teleportation array

Feeling the cold token in his hand, a surge of warmth flowed through Lin Feng's heart in an instant

Take the energy vehicle as an example; in Linjia Village, such a mode of transportation is virtually nonexistent, whereas in Qihuo Town, it is ubiquitous, with energy vehicles coming and going everywhere, transporting a continuous stream of people. The vehicle he is riding in is specifically designated for picking up and dropping off advanced martial arts apprentices participating in the preliminary martial artist assessment.

The stronger the capability, the more one obtains

But it is now evident that this is not the case

I must become a warrior!" Lin Feng's eyes shone with determination

It seems that one wishes to broaden their horizons. I thought to myself, such examples are numerous in Chen Bo's experience, like Lin Ting from last year. Even if one cannot pass the preliminary martial artist assessment, gaining insight into the outside world is certainly beneficial without any drawbacks.

With his right hand reaching into his waist, Lin Feng gently pulled out a delicate cloth bag from his bosom, poured out ten shiny silver coins, and handed them over, instantly causing Chen Bo to be momentarily stunned.

Zeng Yang shrugged, and this expression immediately made Lin Feng feel a chill in his heart, with beads of sweat seeping from his forehead

It is impressive that even from such a distance, one can sense a chilling atmosphere.

Lin Feng looked at the newcomer with great interest, seemingly of a similar age to himself, and curiously asked, "Brother Zeng Yang, are you familiar with the Heavenly Martial Army?"

In an instant, a dazzling and brilliant light shone forth, and the figure clad in coarse linen gradually vanished

Indeed, one only knows the vastness of the world after stepping out. In Linjia Village, he can be considered a standout, as advanced martial artist apprentices are extremely rare, and meeting the standards of a preparatory martial artist is a source of pride for the clan. However, in Qihuo Town, there are actually over two hundred individuals like him each year

Zeng Yang smiled and said, "Brother Lin Feng, this should be your first time participating in the preliminary martial artist assessment, right?"

As long as he can enter either the Qihuo Martial Hall or the Tianwu Chamber of Commerce, Lin Feng will be satisfied

As he gazed at the energy transmission array lighting up, a blinding white light flickered, and Lin Feng's eyes briefly sparkled with brilliance before returning to normal in an instant

Eh? Chen Bo is stunned

Looking back, a white hexagonal object resembling a scale immediately caught my eye. I nodded and said, "Chen Bo, I would like to use the teleportation array."