Xie Sui passed through the main front gate. He noticed that around him, in addition to the male students who were already study buddies, there were also unfamiliar faces and people from different regions who were not used to being there. Both adults and children gathered in scattered groups, chatting casually.
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As is the case every year, the relatives of the students from different departments came to encourage their own children. There were almost two hundred lives present in the department alone. And on this particular day, the department decided to open the doors wide without restricting entry or exit. Just a simple notification of who you came with or who you were looking for would allow you to enter. However, this year, there seemed to be an excessive number of people coming in, wasn't there? Xie sui took a soft breath.
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Although there were more people than usual, about four or five times the usual, the students here had a uniform of long white linen robes covering wide black trousers, black leather belts with buckles, and badges hanging on the side of the waist. Observing who was an insider and who was an outsider was not difficult. The "person" they were looking for was not among those students. Even though they knew the details of the target's appearance, covered as it was, the person who fit the description had to be very careful not to be missed by their gaze. Xie sui's eyes suddenly ignited as he walked past a group of people. Among them was someone who had a similar appearance to the one he was looking for. If it was indeed the person he was looking for, he would seize the opportunity to approach or at least attract attention.
Xie sui walked past that group of people and quickly observed everyone in the group once again before he stopped and stood under the eaves of a building to the south, not far from where he had been keeping an eye.
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After a while, the young man in the middle of that group separated from them, along with a teacher from the department whom Xie sui didn't recognize. The remaining people began to disperse. Seeing the situation, Xie sui decided to follow suit.
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Nan Khaon Li , who had been searching on his own until now, walked and half ran into the study building. He tried to look for Guo Yun throughout, and even though he hadn't found her yet, he wasn't worried. Because, in any case, his attire didn't resemble the students here. If he walked among them for a while, even if he didn't find Guo Yun, at least he wouldn't stand out too much.
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Thoughts were not as quick as actions. He ran to blend in with a group of students who were slowly walking towards the archery field. Surely enough, Guo Yun, who had just come out of a room in one of the buildings, accompanied by three classmates, noticed him almost instantly. Before Guo Yun could walk over to drag him out of other classmates, he approached him.
Guo Yun had entered the classroom earlier to prepare the arrows for the exam. Being not an outstanding student in this field, he didn't put much effort into trying to outperform others in the competition. Unlike those who spent their free time on holidays studying textbooks, practicing riding horses, or archery, whether it was a quiz on agriculture, literature, history, or even politics, he wasn't sure which one to focus on among the twenty subjects. But that wasn't a problem. His only duty was to pass the provincial level exam, and it didn't matter how much he scored. Just as long as he could secure a government position in the capital city, preferably a position like a sixth-ranked lord in the Ministry of Rites or a supervisor in the Ministry of Household Affairs, that would be excellent. It would help facilitate the smooth operation of the family's business. This was Guo Yun 's initial idea, making his demeanor appear relaxed as he prepared the arrows. There was no pressure on him like the other exam-takers.
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At the exam field, the students and visiting guests walked together to the spacious arena. All the teachers from the department gradually emerged and took their positions on the elevated area in front of the slope, facing the open space. This area, usually used as the teachers' resting place, had been designated as part of the competition area for the day.
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When the combat strategy representatives, five in total, lined up in the upper area of the building, each holding a flying target in their hands, they heard the signal from a large drum located on the side of the building. The students taking the exam, about fifty at a time, would walk up to the front edge of the field to shoot arrows at the designated targets. When the targets were released, the students could shoot as many arrows as they wanted to hit the target as accurately as possible. The accuracy of the shooting position and the number of arrows hitting the flying target would determine the score, and they had to hit as close to the target as possible without exceeding the predetermined number of arrows.
The atmosphere surrounding the department at this moment was tense, as if entering a state of war. Competitors were focused on challenging each other within the arena. Coupled with the sound of the drum signaling the start and cheers from students and their relatives, the excitement and joy resonated throughout the field.
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The group of teachers on the building next to the field either stood up or perched on the waist-high wooden railing at the front, hoping to get a better view of their students' performances. Some clapped their hands, providing vocal encouragement to their beloved students, whether they performed well or fell short during the test. The slightly older group of teachers, though only lifting their hands gently to brush their chins in contemplation, couldn't hide the smiles that lit up their faces when their students excelled.
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In a quiet certification room of the department, a group of people gathered, forming a circle around a boy and a girl around the ages of 11-12. Their faces were round, full, with wide foreheads and rounded chins. They all had identical silver-threaded hairstyles. Despite the slightly plump figures, their faces were friendly, constantly adorned with wide smiles as they chatted. This group wore the same uniform as the students of this department. The friendly faces, constant smiles, and cheerful laughter of the girl sitting nearby contributed to a relaxed atmosphere. The boy, with a slight build, was chatting away while leaning to the side, his right hand resting on the tea table next to him.
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Behind them, not far away, five young men with robust figures and expressionless faces stood scattered in the room. Among them were two girls who sat side by side. Although they made the atmosphere inside more relaxed, with only the sounds of their conversations, it was evident that the five young men carried small short knives, each with a golden flying fish symbol engraved at the end of the handle. Overall, their presence didn't quite fit the relaxed atmosphere displayed by the boy and the girl.
After someone walked in to announce that the testing had begun, the boys slowly stood up and walked, leading the group out of the room. Halfway through the test, it was Guo Yun and Xie Sui 's turn. They walked to the front, waiting for the signal to start. Guo Yun raised his bow, already nocking an arrow, ready to shoot as soon as the signal sounded. On the other hand, Xie Sui calmly held his bow, taking an arrow and shooting effortlessly. The arrow hit the target in the first round107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUa2SfZ7Ty
Xie Sui maintained his accuracy in subsequent shots, hitting the target consistently. Guo Yun, however, faced challenges in the second and third rounds. His last arrow, released with dwindling strength, swayed in the wind before finally reaching the ground. Xie sui , on the other hand, consistently hit the target in all four rounds.
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Xie Sui was confident about his performance, while Gou yun knew he had some challenges. As they left the arena together, the teachers on the adjacent building, especially Xie Sui ‘s teacher, couldn't hide their smiles. They saw potential in these students and were sure of their bright futures.
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In the following round, a new group replaced Guo yun, Xie Sui, and their companion. The teachers were eager to see how the new participants would fare. Meanwhile, on the adjacent building, the teachers were genuinely impressed by Xie Sui 's remarkable skills. They realized that he had a strategic mindset different from his peers.
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However, when Xie Sui spotted uncle Lhong, he was surprised. Uncle Lhong was not supposed to be there as he was still recovering from an illness. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the situation, prompting Xie sui to consider various possibilities.
Even though Uncle Lhong's name was listed in the school records, his health issues made him rarely seen around. He had only recently participated in organizing an archery event, but fell ill shortly after. While most people might consider his symptoms minor, given the cool weather, Uncle Lhong's health was delicate, and heaven never overlooked him. Uncle Lhong was known for his intelligence, having passed the provincial exams at the age of 11. Despite not being able to take the regional exams due to his age, his skills were recognized by his teachers.
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As Xie sui tried to find Uncle Lhong, he discovered that Uncle Lhong had joined the group of students in the chaotic area. Suddenly, Xie sui heard the sound of clashes, screams for help, clashes of swords, and the whizzing of arrows. Confused, he and Guo yun were caught off guard. Xie sui was in the middle of pondering when he heard a loud "kill" coming from the direction near the mountain of the arena. It was followed by desperate cries and the clash of weapons. Arrows flew through the air.
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As the chaos unfolded, the cries for help and the sounds of battle echoed, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Xie sui decided to run in the opposite direction of the turmoil, pulling Guo yun with him. Their initial training might not match the professionalism of the assassins, but they were determined to escape the impending danger. As they tried to flee, they encountered a young man running swiftly past them.
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This young man was none other than the one Xie sui had seen in the school building a few minute ago. The one who was supposed to be unwell and bedridden. Yet, here he was, running amidst chaos. The commotion had attracted the attention of many, and as Xie sui looked around, he saw Uncle Lhong's face among the crowd. The wind intensified, causing the flames in the brazier to sway violently, spreading the fire in the oil-soaked area. Some students were hit by stray arrows or scorched by the flames.
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Xie sui and Guo yun, now aware of the danger, turned to run towards the opposite direction, away from the chaos. As they looked back, they saw a few individuals engaged in a fierce battle with the students. In the midst of their escape, Xie sui noticed Uncle Lhong being dragged out by Guo yun just in time.
Gou yun dragged Xie sui out of the school. They didn't exit through the side door, even though it was the closest exit, as they were worried that Nan Khaon Li might be waiting to catch them at the main gate. Meanwhile, Xie sui swept his gaze around, searching for his comrade, while Uncle Lhong passed through the fleeing crowd.
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Sometimes, when he encountered uncle's comrade, he would rush to ask immediately. However, the usual response was that uncle's comrade didn't know if A had been at the school today.
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Shortly after, Nan Khaon Li emerged, running with the large group. "Ayun, this round... you've made me open my eyes and ears for real... Haha!" Even though Nan Khaon Li had sweat pouring down his face, disheveled clothes, and almost colorless lips, his eyes still lacked the expected fear. What was more surprising was the blood-soaked back, visible even though he wore a deep blue shirt. Despite the severe injuries, he laughed naturally. Seeing this, Gou yun quickly moved in to support his comrade.
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"Ayun, you quickly take your comrade home. I'll go back in search of Uncle Lhong," said Xie sui, glancing back at Nan Khaon Li and then stopping to follow the group leaving.
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"You can use my horse. It's still parked in the same place. Hurry to follow the doctor, and I'll find my way back," he emphasized to his injured comrade before turning his heel to leave.
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"What are you saying? Instead of going back, isn't it better to face it and go back to wait at home? Have you seen uncle coming here?" Gou yun asked while one of his hands grabbed his comrade's shirt and pulled, buying some time.
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"Yes, it seems like I saw someone similar to him here," Xie sui turned back, not moving forward, but also not changing his mind.
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"He's not in good health. I'm afraid he'll be injured. However, he's a relative of mine."
While speaking, Xie sui pulled his shirt sleeve away from his comrade's hand and walked back. At that moment, he could feel the shockwaves of the horse's hooves restrained by the rapid pace. When he reached a visible distance, he saw the guards and city soldiers swiftly leaping into the school, causing the crowd in that area to run and seek refuge in chaos. When the dust settled from the horse's hooves, a group of soldiers stood blocking the entrance to the school, checking everyone exiting and not allowing anyone else to enter.
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Xie sui frowned and stood there for a moment before heading off with Gou yun and Nan Khaon Li. They walked through the crowd, searching for horses to ride back. Xie sui took a moment to send his two comrades from the Juen family off first before quickly returning to report to his father.
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Meanwhile, Xie Huihui was listening to his eldest son reporting the events of the day. While doing so, he used a pair of tongs to feed two African grey parrots kept in the same cage. Before speaking calmly, he said, "How can you be sure that Xie Lhong isn't at home? Isn't it better to go see for yourself instead of blindly following me? Don't let your thoughts run wild."
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As for Xie Huihui, deep down, he hoped that his younger brother would either stay sick in house or disappear altogether. If his younger brother wasn't present, or if he left, it would be even better. The old virtues and wealth of the family would then be left to him, the only branch with a clear claim to succession. He considered it a kind of justice that he had been deprived of opportunities ever since his older brother passed away. Despite being born with a disability, which, although it could have been exchanged for his brother's life, prevented him from taking over the leadership of the family from his older brother. With no one giving him any good opportunities, he had to try to seize every chance with his own hands.
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When everyone learned that Xie Lhong couldn't be found in his room, Xie Eiliang, his father, After went to look for him in the afternoon.
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