Twenty-Eighth Year of Emperor Shizong, seventh month, ninth day.
In Gaolin County's City God Square, flagpoles stood as dense as a forest.
Today was the official start of the Martial Arts Examination.
Passing the Martial Arts Examination and earning the title of Martial Scholar not only brought tax exemptions but also granted privileges far beyond the reach of the common folk.
Thus, the commencement of the Martial Arts Examination had become a grand affair in Gaolin County. Yet in truth, the glory and clamor of this grand affair had little to do with the countless commoners outside the grounds.
On the General Selection Platform to the far north of the training grounds, the Chief Examiner and the Examiners were seated, attended by several Scribes standing to their left and right.
The various colors of their official robes—vermilion, green, black, and white—were arranged in disciplined rows, a silent testament to the rigid hierarchy of their ranks.
