Outside the Hei pavilion, everyone was positioned accordingly by the chiefs ready to receive the convoy. And finally, the procession has arrived with strong condensing guards being at the fore-front. The first carriage door was opened and a simple middle aged looking man descended, but the people who laid eyes on this kind looking man have already difficulty breathing and even the village chiefs are oozing with cold sweat.
Tai Peng kneeled down "I have seen Wu Lao". Everybody followed suit and the few who were informed of the martial arts supervisor this time Wu Lao is already said to be a strong man in Foundation realm. The pressure seems to have suddenly faded and Wu Lao asked " You're Tai Peng?". "You're eyes are like a torch Wu Lao. We hereby thank you for coming to my village and select various talents".
Wu Lao's vanity seems to be satisfied "Haha, I'm looking forward to find any special talents this time. Lead the way". Mu Shen and Meng Haotian introduced themselves respectively and led the procession inwards. The rear twenty guards were left at the outermost pavilion. Around 15 carriages were halted at the third layer and the remaining five proceeded to the second layer.
From one of the five carriages, a weasel looking old man got down and was searching for someone. "You've arrived Ping Lao" a strong voice came over. The old man almost tumbled over after hearing it " Young master Rin, I have come to your service ". His eyes were bawling out looking at the young master who should have a great future being stuck in such a remote place.
"Brother Meihun" a crisp voice sounded as a young girl jumped from one of the carriages. "Ling 'er, haha, you look all grown up. It's already three years huh" Meihun felt nostalgic. Aunt Shu followed up with Ye Ling " I have seen young master Rin". Meihun was polite " Senior Shu, thank you for taking care of the little girl all the way".
"It's my duty, young master. Miss made this trip especially to see the place where you have been staying and she made quite the ruckus back at Ye mansion". Ye Ling spit out her tongue while Ping Lao followed "By the way master, the things you requested have been made and are in the last two carriages."
"En, if all of you had rested enough during the journey, let Ba Shou arrange something to eat for you and come to the exhibit after you are done" Meihun suggested. "Certainly young master, please follow me seniors and miss Ye" Ba Shou the steward of the core layer led the way to dining.
Meihun and his entourage of 3 guards who seem to be simple but majestic followed him to the third layer where the exhibit is going to take place. The merchant tactics/ strategist test is going to start on the first day, followed by martial exam on the second day and then the medical assessment on the third day. Final competitions shall be held on the fourth day and the young talents shall be selected.
A path was opened by two guards for Meihun to reach the third layer where he overlooked the various arrangements and personnel. It was soon afternoon and Rin Meihun along with Ye Ling and group went to the first plaza where the strategist assessment is going to take place. As soon as they have seated in their special seats, the announcer loudly spoke " Welcome to the esteemed young master Rin, Miss Ye and the seniors. We hereby start the assessment process. A total of 237 people have registered for the test below the age of thirty. We shall have three phases to select 10 people who shall remain victors".
The village chiefs and their deputies, other officials were seated a deck lower than where Ye Ling's troop was located. And hence started the first phase where each participant was handed a paper detailing on the basic math questions and various scenarios where each person is to determine which path they consider can be more profitable in Henji city.
The Bai siblings (Bai Mei and Bai Sheng) who were in the crowd felt lucky for they were the children of officials and have some knowledge regarding Henji city and how it operates. This phase lasted for two hours and many people being the average villager who wanted to climb up with no martial talent or medical prowess, failed significantly. At the end of the evaluation by the officials who came from the city in the convoy, only 36 people have passed and through to the second layer.
After a one hour break, the second phase started where the 36 participants were presented with a sand board. It consisted of a simulated scenario where the three villages were on the verge of a huge war due to the beast attack. The food reserves are decreasing by the day and the front line warriors need to replenish their strength while the villagers started to conserve the resources. The participants were posed with a challenge to propose their best tactical solution.
Ming Shin who was in the audience was smirking 'Isn't this a no brainer? This situation was meticulously designed by the examiners, most likely the Rin clan to make the people think of such a possible situation. It is at this time that all merchants can be united on a front by Rin Meihun or his lackeys and make the most out of it by gaining both Chen and Juuko under this wing'.
The Rin clan finally laid eyes on Juuko prominently as it was thriving with no beast attack last time and also Ming Rui's extensive cultivation of herb boys and girls. These herbs though of low quality in the clan's eyes still mean tremendous profits with such huge quantity and endless supply from the dense forests with little to no investment.
Ping Lao was gleeful 'fufu, now it starts' and Rin Meihun was looking at this with a flat expression. At the end of the test only 7 people have come to the conclusion for either an alliance or subjecting to Rin Meihun residing in Pitu village to gather up all merchants on a front and make the plan. When it comes to such a scenario where survival of each to own, cruel decisions of cutting of food to certain areas or people cannot be made by these ordinary villagers.
"As expected, there wasn't even a need to conduct a third phase. Well, it's not surprising for this backward place though" Aunt Shu commented while keeping a sharp eye on Ping Lao. The Bai siblings both had red eyes even though they passed the test as they had to think of such a solution and it's further consequences. Knowing full well and to give hold of all your reserves to someone as cruel as Rin Meihun, it is nothing short of a bold and merciless decision.
But it is only those who are ruthless, cruel, bold and decisive can sit up in high positions and make huge decisions. Such is the profession of a strategist and a merchant. Use any situation to best and efficient way possible to squeeze out profits. When the audience learned of the passing answer, they were baffled but most were relieved that this solution was actually feasible. The Bai family is sure one to celebrate for both of them have been selected and shall be going to the city.
"Congratulations to the seven young people who have made through this assessment. We expect you to soar to great heights in Henji and make your village and family proud" the announcer exclaimed. The crowd cheered and congratulated them. Ming Shin joined up with group and congratulated " Sister Mei, Bai Sheng, you have done it before me now. I am going to pass my assessment and let's go to the city together".
Meng Kai teary eyed clutched his clothes " Brother Shin, what shall I do, even if you go too?". " Kai, you have 5 more years to study under my mother and do well in the medical assessment next time. Focus everything on studies, not on food" Shin smacked her head.
"Yeah Kai, you're still six, study well under Aunt Rui and we can meet again after 5 years in Henji town" Tai Xue who considers as Meng Kai as her little sister interjected softly.
" En. That reminds me, you are the best student of Aunt Rui, do well in the medical exam big sister" Meng Kai replied with vigor.
And hence Ming Shin was excited for the martial assessment which is going to take place tomorrow. 'Even though I practice with my Dad and fight tamed beasts, I need real skills to become strong and break the barriers' Shin was determined. All of them set off to check for the convoy exhibits and check out the novel town things. The crowd was also enamored in celebration and all kinds of delicacies while Rin Meihun made his way back to the core pavilion to check the things he requested of the clan.