第十“测试”Chapter Ten"Testing"

第十"测试"

Chapter Ten"Testing"

Mr. Ma: "We have already agreed that you are under my orders."

"I'm not under your orders, I'm just going to do some things to give back. I need you in the tests because I heard that among them the applicants will be fully physically examined."

He explains to her: "That's right. In this case, you will be exposed before you begin. The test will be phased: strength, throw, run, and also strategic tests, including the final test that determines the successful ones. I will accompany you through all the tests to make sure you pass them safely."

Li Xiao asks, "They're beginners, will they make it harder for them?"

Mr. Ma replies: "They are not beginners. All applicants are from war families or former martial arts trainees. I think there are large numbers that will apply because there is a chance to get a position inside the palace."

Li Xiao was surprised: "I didn't expect this. Thank you anyway, and don't worry, I can manage the tests you mentioned."

He smiled as he looked at her: "The miss seems to have boldness and strength, and also how can I help you when I don't know what you look like?"

"You've met me more than once before without knowing my name or what I look like, so you don't need to see me. Mr. Ma, you can easily recognize me."

He laughs in a clear voice: "The miss is starting to understand my mood. I can't linger with you now, I have my work too, so I'll meet you in a week on test day. Excuse me."

Both stood up and each one went their way.

- After Li Xiao arrived at the temple, I was able to sneak inside it easily and it was late and darkness fell. Li Xiao would hold her shoes and walk on tiptoe so she could enter her room, looking around to make sure Rory wasn't next to her. She quietly opened the door and then closed it while inside.

"Oh, yes, I went in safely, haha." She turned her back after hearing a voice: "Why did you come? You had to stay out, ma'am."

Rory was angry and put both hands on her waist, then turned to her lady: "Rory, you've come, won't you welcome me? A grandiose laugh on Li Xiao's face, taking a few steps back, raising both hands: "We can understand, you know you're my best dear friend and I love you so much."

Rory raised her tone: "Enough, don't flatter me. Do you know how worried I was about you? You didn't even tell me you were out, what if something happened to you? You don't even know the roads here, what if someone in the temple finds out? Tell me."

Xiao approached me towards Rory, holding both shoulders, reassuring her: "Aren't you okay here in front of you? I even wore men's clothes to avoid attracting suspicion. In your opinion, are they exposed to a man? And also I have a reason for my exit. As for the road, I asked a passerby and he showed me, so don't worry."

Rory removed Li Xiao's hands from her: "What is the reason? Tell me."

Xiao answers me: "Remember when I told you I lost my money bag? I needed the money, so someone helped me, so I promised him I would give him back the money in a few days, and today I only went to give him back the money."

Rory sighed, "Ma'am, I'm just worried about you."

Xiao tells me: "I promise you, this week I will never go out."

Rory looks aside at her lady and shows that she didn't believe her: "Really, you're not going out?"

Xiao smiles at me: "Yes, I won't go out, I promised you. Come on, Rory, don't be angry, I know I'm wrong, I won't do it again. You're my friend, Rory, don't be angry."

Rory laughed: "Don't make that expression on your face, ma'am, you're laughing at me. Oh, well, I'm not mad at ma'am."

- A week has already passed, and Li Xiao has been training rigorously every day to prepare for the test. She was adamant that her entry into the guard could change future events and bring the situation under control.

* بعد أسبوع...

- The sun had risen in the sky for another day, the day the test would begin. Li Xiao crept back outside the temple, dressed men's clothes carefully, and put on her head a hat to hide her face, going to the place where she would be auditioned to join the D.C. Guard. She was nervous about what was going to happen to her today. Li Xiao arrived at the registration yard early, the place was crowded with men who came to take the exams as well.

- There was a large table where the registration officials were seated, and in front of it was a long line of applicants. After her turn arrived, Li Xiao steadily walked towards the table. The official raised his head and looked at her: "What's your name?"

She replied in a heavy voice: "I am called Li Wang."

The official looked at her carefully, then grabbed the brush and wrote her name in the record, then gave her a piece containing a number representing her sequence, and then the official said in a formal tone: "Memorize this number well, it will help you keep track of the stages of the test."

After she took the number, she was walking inside, and in the meantime a group of applicants intercepted her and she fell to the ground. They started laughing at her, one of them came forward and scolded her: "How dare you get in our way, don't you see, you idiot?" and another person: "The idiot who bumps into people, haha, look, he hides his face with this hat, do you hide your ugliness? Then another said, "Listen, shall we take off our hat to see this ugly face?"

Those around him agree with his proposal. Li Xiao was upset by their behavior, and then Li Xiao got up and undressed. However, she decided to avoid them in order not to make a meaningless commotion, she turned around without even answering them, and took several steps, but one of the bully applicants grabbed her by the shoulder from behind to stop her: "Where are you running, coward? He dragged her back, then pulled her hat off her head and threw her on the ground: "Turn around to see you, let's see how I hit you." Then this advanced raised his fist and tried to hit Li Xiao, but Li Xiao avoided hitting him. Then she turned around and smiled coldly and with a sharp look: "So, you saw my face well, you ugly. Don't bully anyone or you'll regret it."

The applicant laughed sarcastically: "How can a weak man like you threaten me? It is you who will regret insulting me. Guys, let's teach him respect. Come on!" this advance and the rest prepared to attack him. They were already around, Li Xiao in the middle of them looking at them firmly, showing no hesitation or fear. After they stepped forward, a loud and sharp voice stopped them for a moment, looking wonderfully. The horses stopped, and both General Jin Xin and Mr. Ma disembarked. This was the voice of General Jin Shen: "What's this fuss here? Do you want to be excluded before the test begins? Stand firm now."

Silence swept after these words, and all stood still without movement or words, looking down. Jinxin then stepped forward to them with a stern and frightening expression: "Who caused this commotion? You, answer."

Jin Xin pointed to the person who started the fight first: "Your Excellency, it's this, he started, he got in our way first."

Then Jin Xin looked at her and then walked up to her: "How are you going to explain this?"

She was already worried, but she replied in a consistent tone, "Your Excellency, they started. They got in my way and brought me down, and then tried to hurt me. He spoke sternly, "Is what you said true, Tang Official?" The official began to dragging his feet because he was one of the reasons for the fuss, and he didn't stop them but just looked at him. "It's, like, General Shen, her words are true." Jinxin then said, "So why didn't you stop them?" Jinxin looked at the applicants with a sharp look and then said in an apprehensive voice, "This mess is causing inconvenience to the public so everyone will be excluded." I object, your decision is not fair. It has been proven that I am not the one who started the problem. Jin looked at her with a frightening look, moving towards her, "Then Xiao replied condescendingly, "Yes." Then he answered categorically, "You are now belittling me, so only you will be disqualified." Li Xiao was shocked, "Why?" Then Mr. Ma intervened, "General Jinxin, let him go to the test, you are already wronging him." He laughs and says in a gentle tone to calm the troubled weather, "And also you can disqualify him after he takes the tests, if he is bad in his performance you have the right to act with him. Can you accept my request as one of the judges?" Jin Shen had to accept Mr. Ma's request and then nodded in agreement, then entered. Mr. Ma looked at them, "Everyone had a chance to take the test, you can come in. And you, you naughty, you have to pay attention to the day. Welcome."

After registration, applicants were directed to a waiting area where a number of tents were set up for applicants. weather was fraught with tension and anticipation, and everyone was talking in a low voice about the expected tests. After the start was announced, everyone lined up attentively to explain the first stage of the competition, and the judges were sitting watching the applicants.

Mr. Ma then stood up, "Hello everyone. After everyone is present, we will begin the first phase of the test. Let's see your fitness and physical endurance. This stage will be the arena of power. The first thing trainees should run through this track. This track has small hills and water barriers. It depends on speed, so if you finish before the time you will pass this test."

"Then you'll head towards the shooting range. Aim at targets of different sizes and distances. The evaluation is carried out on the accuracy of aiming and the speed of response.

This is followed by a dedicated fencing arena. All trainees who have passed both tests will duel. Trainees are assessed on their physical ability and fighting skills."

Everyone lined up prepared, "Ready... Go!" and then everyone ran at full speed. Li Xiao was running at full speed so she could pass the test. Li Xiao was lightweight and fit, managed to get through obstacles, hills and more. Already Li Xiao ended up setting a record time well ahead of schedule. After this 50 people out of 500 were excluded. After that Li Xiao was already tired and also wet because of the puddles. So all the trainees went to change their clothes to prepare for the next race. Li Xiao was then looking for an empty tent to be able to switch, but all but one of the tents were occupied. She went to enter her, but the bully again blocked her way and prevented her from entering. He told her, "This tent is mine, go somewhere else." And also I was in that tent. Did you come to tease me? Get out of my way." This intern got angry, and then began to mock her, "You won't go in, change your clothes outside." Li Xiao got upset and then walked towards him with a stern face. Then the trainee said, "What? You're going to fight with me, you idiot?" and then pushed her to provoke her. But luckily, Mr. was watching. He came towards them, "What? Are you still determined to fight? The trainee then walked away and left. Mr. Ma then looked at Li Xiao and smiled, "I found the miss. I did well in this test." she replied, "Thank you for helping me, And keep that annoying boy away. I'm going in to change my clothes, I ask permission." Mr. Ma then said, "We'll wait a little bit until you finish, so that no one enters the tent." Xiao smiled at me, "Well, thank you."

Then the second test, archery, was prepared. It was a vast field with different targets. All remaining apprentices were standing in groups lined up at distance from targets with bows and arrows in their hands. Mr. Da then spoke to explain the rules, "You have ten arrows, ten attempts. Five of them will be thrown in a standing position, and the other five will be on horses. The closer it is to the goal, the greater the chance that you will pass this test. Now be ready, the test will begin."

The trainees start throwing targets trying to reach the center, and the referees watch their movements. Li Xiao had started in the first five arrows, getting three in the center and two near the center. Then, in the other five, She rode the horse steadily and soberly, holding an arrow trying to aim at the target. She managed to hit the center of the goal brilliantly until she reached the last goal, which was very far away. Taking a deep breath to concentrate more, she raised her left hand steadily to direct the bow towards the target, and the right slowly pulling the arrow back, causing the characteristic tendon pulling sound "chshsh", and the muscles of her shoulders and arms were tight so that she could feel the strength of the bow and the tension of the tendon. The arrow was sticking to the bowstring ready to go, and with a quick and decisive movement her fingers fired the bowstring causing the arrow to go at lightning speed. The sound of the shooting was short and sharp "shhh Everyone was stunned by this delicate movement. Mr. Ma then signaled to check the center of the arrow, and then one of the guards came forward to see the target, but he was not in the middle of it but close to the center.

After this test, the points were collected and it was determined who was excluded and who passed the test. All the remaining 300 trainees then headed to the fencing ring. The floor was covered with sand to provide a safe surface for fighting and prevent slipping, and everyone was prepared. Then a group of fencers entered to face the trainees. Mr. Ma then began to explain the details as well: "This is the last test of this stage. As you can see in the fencing ring, the conditions are clear. You'll face a duelist in the ring, and all you have to do is get him out of the red line drawn here. At a certain time, if time runs out and you can't take your opponent out, you lose, and if you can, then you pass this test." Everyone was going in one by one, winning and losing, until Li Xiao's turn came. She advanced towards the ring and her opponent was strong. She was nervous but she won't give up no matter what, Her eyes staring forward. She was wearing a simple uniform that allowed freedom of movement, the sound of her footsteps was light, but she felt the weight of anxiety and what the result was. She then stood at the center of the ring, taking a deep breath as the attendees silently watched her. Li Xiao then took a fighting posture, her feet evenly apart, and her knees slightly bent. Her hands were raised in front of her face, her fists clenched and ready. She punched quickly and directly with her right hand, the sound from the rush of air was sharp, "Oooooosh." She followed with another punch with her left hand, targeting her opponent's side. The sound of the punch when it hit was muffled, "Boom." Then without warning, she quickly raised her right foot, firing a circular kick towards the opponent's head. The air rushing as a result of the movement made a "sosh" sound. She followed with a low kick with his left foot targeting the opponent's knee, making a "tuk" sound on impact.

The opponent was already angry and began to attack her aggressively, but she made a quick lateral move to avoid punching her opponent. The sound of sand beneath her feet was light, "confused." She leaned quickly to avoid a high kick, letting the air pass over her "fooosh". Not content with it, the opponent punched at Li Xiao but she used her arm to block her opponent's punch, making a "tuk" sound when the fist hit her arm. She raised her knee to block a low kick "Bam". But the opponent became furious and found the opportunity to retaliate against the attack. He then dropped her to the ground hard and managed to hold Li Xiao and tried to pull her out of line, but at the last moment, to dodge him, she jumped with her arms into the air and fired a circular kick from above, the sound produced by the movement was "Hooooooo After landing, a strong punch was carried out towards the opponent's abdomen, the sound resulting from the collision was "boom",

So that I pushed him out of line, and I was able to overcome him. Everyone was impressed by her smooth movements except for one person who couldn't stand looking at her, Jin Shen. After the end of this test and the announcement of the results, only 250 trainees remained. Mr. Ma got up: "Congratulations to everyone who managed to pass these three tests at this stage. A thorough physical examination will be done under my supervision, so after an hour please go to the medical examination department."

An hour later, he began summoning trainees in groups for examination. After the arrival of the group that Li Xiao was in, after they entered the medical examination tent was large, well prepared to receive the trainees. The floor was covered with clean mats, and medical equipment was carefully organized on a wooden table. The trainees walked into the tent in an orderly manner, calmly following instructions. Li Xiao was among them, trying to keep her calm and steady. The sound of their footsteps was muffled by the mats beneath their feet, creating an atmosphere of silence and anticipation. Mr. Ma, the doctor in charge, stood in the center of the tent and gave his instructions in a clear and steady voice: "To clarify something before starting, after the examination and to see if anyone with chronic or special diseases will be excluded, so we will start the medical examination now. جميعكم، قوموا بخلع Top dresses so we can examine you thoroughly." The trainees began to respond, but Li Xiao was very worried. She knew that taking off the top would reveal her true identity as a woman. She looked around looking for a solution, pretending to fasten her belt and delay the undressing process as much as possible. Mr. Ma did not know that this group included Li Xiao, then noticed its existence. Approach her quietly, When everyone was busy undressing, he whispered to her: "Li Wang, follow me. We have a special screening for exceptional cases." Meanwhile, Jin Shen and his assistant came in as an examination observer. After entering, he was watching everyone take off their clothes already, but he noticed one person not doing, it's Li Xiao, and Mr. Ma was next to her. He stepped up to her: "You, trainee, what is your name?" she looked at him anxiously: "I answer your lordship, I am Li Wang." Then he took a step further in front of her: "So, Li Wang, why don't you take off your clothes?" Mr. Ma stood between them: "This young man has a special case so I will examine him and make sure he is healthy in another room." Jin Shen looked full of doubt: "Special case? So, let's go to another room, it's okay, I'll be his supervisor." Mr. Ma opposes: "You can't, because you have to supervise the examination here for the rest." Jin Shen in imposed words: "I'll come to the test to supervise it, Min Lian watch here." Both were unable to remove Jin Xin, and indeed went to another room for examination. After they entered, Jin was looking at them, and Mr. Ma was putting the examination equipment on the table, and then hesitantly asked Li Xiao: "You can take off your clothes." Li Xiao does not know how to evade the situation, then she grabbed her belt tie and then took off her outer robe. Jin Xin is still standing looking,

The master then submitted her for examination. Then the other robe she must also take off, she grabbed it with trembling hands, which might reveal her. Then I untied the tie.

Min Lin entered the room quickly...

To be followed in the next chapter.

Thank you for reading.