Volume One: The Lonely Beta Test Chapter Twenty-Three: The Selection Tournament (Part One)

“Yes, my lord!”

Han Dang was a straightforward man. As soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, he immediately stood up and wiped away the tears threatening to fall.

“Hahaha, Fifth Brother! Your horse tears are worth a fortune, aren’t they?”

That “Zhang Yikou” truly had a poisonous tongue!

Han Dang was already feeling a bit embarrassed, and now Zhang Meng was loudly teasing him in front of everyone—especially Han Dang’s own subordinates. Han Dang could only turn his head away in shame, facing a direction where no one stood.

Lin Zhen hurried to smooth things over, saying, “Ah! Third Brother, you are mistaken! We brothers are all men of emotion. Feng treats us elders so well, how could we not be moved? Just recall that day when I—”

Lin Zhen nearly mentioned how he himself shed tears that day, but stopped abruptly.

Zhang Meng, noticing Lin Zhen’s sudden silence, rolled his eyes and asked, “What about that day? Did Second Brother get made to cry by Feng as well?”

Lin Zhen said nothing, merely casting him a glance.

“Hahaha, Second Brother, you—”

After his laughter, Zhang Meng turned to Lin Feng and said, “Feng, this really isn’t fair. You didn’t even tell me about this!”

Zhang Meng’s words made Lin Zhen’s face turn green.

“Uncle Meng, if you don’t watch that big mouth of yours, believe me, I’ll make your horse tears pour like rain right now!” Lin Feng said with a serious tone.

Lin Feng was amused by Zhang Meng’s antics, and wanted to add a bit more humor. However, considering the occasion—especially with all their subordinates present—it seemed inappropriate to expose too much, and besides, if they kept bantering, the selection of men would never get done today. So he had to rein in Zhang Meng’s chatter.

“Uh…”

Zhang Meng, startled, quickly clasped his hand over his mouth, his fearful expression prompting peals of laughter from the crowd.

Lin Zhen and Han Dang, seeing their mutual “nemesis” in such a predicament, naturally joined in the laughter.

With everyone relaxed, Lin Feng spoke, “Alright, the matter of selecting men is settled. Uncle Meng, after the martial contest, go see Uncle Han yourself. I have only one requirement: strength. Whether you can recruit them depends on you.”

“Yes, my lord!” Hearing that Lin Feng wouldn’t make him cry, Zhang Meng removed his hand from his mouth and readily agreed.

“Uncle Han!”

“Yes, my lord, what are your orders?” Han Dang replied.

Although Lin Feng had clarified their uncle-nephew relationship moments ago, Han Dang knew how to conduct himself, and resolutely addressed Lin Feng as “my lord.”

Lin Feng nodded in acknowledgment of Han Dang’s salute. “When the martial contest begins, pay close attention and select ten men with the greatest arm strength. Form them into a special squad—they’ll have separate tasks.”

“Yes, my lord,” Han Dang replied.

“Second Uncle, you have other important matters to handle, so there’s no need for you to participate in the contest. Instead, you, Uncle Han, Uncle Meng, and I will serve as judges!” Lin Feng informed them.

“Understood!”

After arranging everything, Lin Feng told everyone to stand at the edge of the square, leaving the center clear.

The grain-drying ground was truly spacious. Even spread out, the people standing couldn’t form even half a circle.

Lin Feng moved to the center and addressed the crowd:

“Let me explain the rules for the martial contest. First, twelve brothers must step forward as ring masters. Anyone from the crowd can challenge them. The loser steps down, the winner stays. After each round, there will be a quarter-hour rest before the next bout. Each person has one chance to challenge any ring master.

Those who remain after all challenge opportunities are exhausted will compete for the deputy general position. Of course, if a ring master wins five consecutive matches, or dares to call out five challengers at once and defeats them, he can directly enter the next stage.

If five challengers are victorious, those five will compete among themselves to decide who stays.”

Having finished, Lin Feng stepped aside. “Alright, which twelve brothers will step forward first?”

“I will!” As soon as Lin Feng finished, the burly man who had spoken before ran into the arena.

“Brother, state your name,” Lin Feng said.

“My lord, my name is Yang Da Zhuang!”

“Good, you are now ring master number one.” Lin Feng addressed the rest loudly, “Who else?”

“I will!”

“Count me in!”

…

With Yang Da Zhuang taking the lead, twelve men soon assembled in the arena.

Seeing everyone ready, Lin Feng said, “Alright, the ring masters are set. Brothers in the crowd may challenge at will. Ring masters may also specify the number of challengers.”

Yang Da Zhuang spoke up first, clasping his fists toward the crowd, “I, Yang Da Zhuang, don’t wish to waste time. I’ll fight five at once—who will come forward?”

Han Dang and Zhang Meng nodded at Yang Da Zhuang’s declaration, recognizing his prowess.

Lin Feng, a layman, couldn’t judge their strength, but was moved by Yang Da Zhuang’s boldness.

The other ring masters only accepted one challenger each.

Soon, sixteen men entered the arena, five heading toward Yang Da Zhuang. After announcing their names, they squared off to fight.

The five surrounded him, attacking from five directions.

Yang Da Zhuang remained calm, deflecting each assault, then leaping free from their encirclement.

Two of the five, blocked by Yang Da Zhuang in the center, couldn’t see each other. When Yang Da Zhuang suddenly dodged, their attacks landed on one another—a shorter man took a punch to the face, a taller one suffered a heavy kick to the ankle.

Outside the arena, Han Dang’s eyes gleamed as if he had discovered a treasure.

After separating from the five by a mere two steps, Yang Da Zhuang spun around, and before they could react, grabbed the collar of the man struck in the face with one hand, while the other seized his belt and, with a swift motion, hurled him at the taller man.

“Bang!” Unable to dodge, the two collided heavily and fell to the ground, pain rendering them unable to fight.

Lin Feng, from his former “civilized society,” had never witnessed such a vivid and thrilling brawl outside of fiction. His fists clenched, and he shouted his approval.

The remaining three, seeing two downed within a couple rounds, grew anxious.

They exchanged glances, let out a yell, and charged Yang Da Zhuang in a reverse triangle formation.

As they closed in, the first two attacked from left and right, aiming for his head and waist.

As they struck, the third dropped to the ground, sweeping at Yang Da Zhuang’s legs.

Their coordination was flawless, timing their assaults perfectly.

Yang Da Zhuang was beset from above, middle, and below, facing a grave threat.

The spectators all thought he couldn’t escape this attack and would lose, feeling regret for him. If he fought one-on-one, his earlier performance suggested he could withstand five rounds.

Yet at the critical moment, Yang Da Zhuang crossed his arms over his chest, sank his feet, and launched into an airborne backflip.

As he landed, the man sweeping at his legs missed and slid forward due to inertia, ending up right in front of Yang Da Zhuang.

Yang Da Zhuang kicked aside the man’s outstretched leg with his right foot, and then stopped his right fist just shy of the man’s chin.

The man closed his eyes, knowing Yang Da Zhuang had held back. If that punch had landed, he might have been knocked out—possibly even concussed.

“Thank you, Brother Yang, for your mercy. I admit defeat!” The man climbed to his feet and clasped his hands in thanks.

“Ha, brother, you let me win,” Yang Da Zhuang replied.

The other two, seeing this, relaxed their stance and approached. After understanding, they too clasped their hands and conceded.

The five challengers were no match for Yang Da Zhuang; the remaining two stood even less chance. The three helped their slightly injured comrades off the stage.

Yang Da Zhuang’s contest lasted only a few dozen breaths. By the time the five left the arena, the other eleven pairs were still fighting.

Lin Feng walked up to Yang Da Zhuang, grabbed his right hand, and raised it high. “Our first victor has emerged—congratulations!”

“Bravo!” Cheers erupted.

After Lin Feng lowered Yang Da Zhuang’s hand, Yang Da Zhuang hurriedly knelt and clasped his fists. “My lord, I have won!”

“Rise! Excellent. I have high hopes for you,” Lin Feng said, helping him up.

“Thank you for your favor, my lord!” Yang Da Zhuang said excitedly.

“Come, let’s go rest for a moment!” Lin Feng led him off the field.

Those watching from the sidelines envied Yang Da Zhuang’s treatment, secretly vowing to give their all to win, defend their ring, and earn such favor themselves.

Even those still fighting in the arena felt the impact—most sped up their bouts, except for a few. Within a hundred breaths, nine groups had decided their winners.

Seeing this, Lin Zhen remarked to Lin Feng, “My lord, those on the field have lost their composure due to earlier events, many haven’t shown their true strength.”

“Uncle, this is their real capability. On the battlefield, you can’t focus solely on your opponent. If your mind is swayed by outside events, you might lose to someone weaker than yourself—and that sort cannot be a qualified commander!” Lin Feng replied earnestly, then turned his gaze to those still fighting.

Lin Zhen stroked his beard and nodded in agreement.

Han Dang approached Lin Feng. “My lord, nine on the field have finished their bouts and are resting. They are sweating heavily—should we send them water to refresh them?”

Lin Feng said nothing, simply waved his hand, eyes still fixed on the matches.

Han Dang was puzzled, standing there in confusion. He thought: My lord is usually considerate of his subordinates; why not let them have water?

Lin Zhen seemed to sense Han Dang’s thoughts and pulled him aside, speaking softly, “Fifth Brother, are you puzzled by my lord’s actions?”

“Yes! Do you know my lord’s intention?” Han Dang asked.

“My lord is not only testing their martial prowess, but also their endurance and perseverance! I believe those chosen today will soon become the core officers of our force. You’ve spent years outside—surely you’ve often endured hunger, haven’t you?” Lin Zhen asked.

Han Dang thought for a moment. “Yes, yes, I see now. Thank you for the reminder, Second Brother. Indeed, when marching and fighting, things rarely go smoothly. Shortages of provisions are inevitable, and that's when the enemy will attack. As a commander, one must overcome such hardship and maintain high fighting spirit. My lord truly is farsighted—I am deeply impressed!”

“Indeed, Fifth Brother. Our lord is heaven’s gift to the people, a savior for our nation—naturally he is full of wisdom. We must all learn from him,” Lin Zhen said earnestly, showing his deep admiration for Lin Feng.

“Yes, yes, Second Brother, you must guide me in the future!”

“Of course! Let’s watch the contests now.”