The triennial Imperial Martial Examination of the Shu Yun Kingdom was moved forward due to the ambition of Luo Xiaofeng, and when the news broke, it immediately caused a national uproar. After all, the Martial Examination, just like the Civil Service Examination, was a major affair; how could it be altered on a whim?

Yet, facing Luo Xiaofeng’s overwhelming authority, no one dared voice much opposition, though it stirred considerable debate among the common folk…

However, when Luo Xiaofeng claimed this was necessary to cultivate new military commanders for the nation, the dissenting voices quieted significantly. Then, when he directly announced that the champion of the Martial Examination would immediately be bestowed with the title of General Who Guards the Nation, the entire populace erupted in fervor. Whether they were martial artists or scions of noble houses, every single person felt their ambition stir…

General Who Guards the Nation—what supreme honor was that? It equated to a high-ranking official like a modern Deputy Minister of Defense. How could such a position not tempt the heart?

Still, some astute individuals regarded the Sovereign’s move with suspicion, though they were powerless to change anything. The early commencement of the Martial Examination was thus settled smoothly…

The competition was scheduled for two months hence, lasting a full month. Besides assessing martial skills, it would also test military strategy and similar subjects. However, the latter parts were merely for show. For Luo Xiaofeng and his cohort, whoever could overwhelm the masses with sheer martial might would become the Martial Champion. In truth, they needed cannon fodder, not renowned strategists…

But this time, the Martial Examination included a new stipulation: only youths under the age of thirty were permitted to participate; those over thirty were barred. This rule puzzled many, but excited even more, especially the younger generation. Who among them didn't yearn to achieve glory and make a name for themselves?

If the older generation were allowed to compete, their own chances would diminish severely. But with this restriction, they had no need to worry about their elders; everyone competing was young, so how vast could the difference in ability truly be?

Therefore, despite seeming peculiar, this rule gained the approval of the majority. As for the older generation, they had little personal desire to enter such an examination, but they eagerly pushed their disciples to participate. If they could seize the title of Martial Champion, they could establish vital connections within the Imperial Army, could they not?

Moreover, it would elevate the prestige of their own sects. For such a mutually beneficial outcome, how could they not prepare diligently?

Everything unfolded precisely within the expectations of Luo Xiaofeng and his son’s circle…

In Yun Jing, above the residence of the Third Young Master, Luo Ruofeng sat in his grand hall used for counsel, clad in a white brocade robe. Seated around him were more than a dozen young men of similar age—these were the absolute confidantes Luo Ruofeng had gathered, all possessing considerable ability. Ye Jingyu was among them, as were Lian Yi, Lin Jian, Li Hang, and Qing Shun, four masters whom he had met in the Southern Barren Forest, all having reached the Xiantian Realm…

“Gentlemen, you are all my trusted subordinates, so I will not hide anything from you. (Read the full novel at .1.(1.m.wen.xue.net)

Whoever wins the title of Martial Champion this time will lead the army on a long campaign against the Hu Kingdom—a mission fraught with mortal peril. Which of you is willing to go?” Luo Ruofeng explained the true reason for advancing the Martial Examination. Of course, he omitted the detail that this was a tactic of borrowed knives to kill, instead stating that his father, the Sovereign, wished to select young generals to lead the conquest of the Hu Kingdom, thoroughly detailing the dangers involved…

Those present were no fools. With Luo Ruofeng being so explicit, they understood exactly what the title of General Who Guards the Nation represented: it was little more than a death warrant…

No one cherished their life so little that they would willingly choose death.

However, they were all Luo Ruofeng’s most devoted confidantes, utterly loyal to him. Thinking that Luo Ruofeng would entrust them with such a vital secret only deepened their sense of moved obligation, leaving them momentarily paralyzed, unsure of how to respond…

“Young Master, let me go…” At this moment, a voice still carrying a hint of childishness suddenly broke the silence. Everyone turned to see Ye Jingyu, who had only recently joined the Young Master’s retinue…

“Brother Ye, this…” Luo Ruofeng’s face clouded with gravity…

Ultimately, the primary reason he cultivated a friendship with Ye Jingyu was the power of the Southern Barren factions behind him—a truly unimaginable fighting force. If anything happened to Ye Jingyu, he would never regain the trust of the Southern Barren Forest, and that power would be lost to him…

Most importantly, the news that Ye Jingyu was a Soul Master had already spread widely, and he knew it well. Though currently only at the Manifest Soul Realm, capable of flying using summoned objects, he was still a Soul Master. How precious were Soul Masters? As the Young Master of the Shu Yun Kingdom, Luo Ruofeng could not possibly be ignorant of this fact. How could he bear to send Ye Jingyu to his doom?

“Young Master need not worry. I am no fool; I wouldn't walk into certain death. But since it is a path of nine deaths and one life, I am confident I can carve out a way to survive,” Ye Jingyu stated with solemn composure…

It was not entirely due to his unwavering loyalty to the Third Young Master. It was because he knew that while this mission was dangerous, wasn’t it also a magnificent opportunity?

If he could survive this great calamity, it would inevitably draw the Sovereign’s attention. And if he possessed even a fraction of power then, his chances of eliminating Qin Yan would increase significantly…

Though currently a confidante of the Third Young Master, the Young Master was still just that—young, possessing almost no real power or influence. Who knew how long he would have to wait for the opportunity for revenge? If he didn't take this risk now, how many years would pass before retribution was served?

Every night, the mere thought of Ye Fugui’s plump, round face sent a sharp pang through Ye Jingyu’s heart…

“Very well, then. But this Martial Examination is shaking the entire nation. Although those over thirty are barred, the younger generation will still be filled with formidable masters. Brother Ye, do not overexert yourself. Even if you ultimately fail, as long as you remain alive, we still have chances…” Seeing Ye Jingyu’s unwavering resolve, Luo Ruofeng reluctantly agreed…

“Young Master, rest assured, I will not disappoint you,” Ye Jingyu nodded heavily. At this moment, he was already capable of battling masters in the Xiantian Realm. While victory wasn't guaranteed, he possessed the strength for a fight. And with two months until the competition, he had ample time to refine the Linghui Soul. By then, his strength would surge, perhaps even giving him a fighting chance against a Grandmaster…

However, achieving the strength of a Grandmaster was no simple feat. The Baiyun Villa, so powerful, only publicly boasted two Grandmasters, let alone other factions.

And those who reached the Grandmaster realm before the age of thirty were exceedingly rare. Even the four Grandmasters serving the Eldest Young Master were all forty or fifty years old. Therefore, Ye Jingyu surmised that truly top-tier experts at the Grandmaster level would likely not emerge from this Martial Examination…