Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

Boom!

The arena shattered, and a vast and powerful energy swept around.

Amidst a deafening roar, three figures flew out directly, crashing hard onto the ground and skidding several feet.

The arena, now in ruins, had a hole blasted into it by Chen Mo. Chen Mo stood up slowly from within the hole, the sunlight reflecting off his bare upper body, making him appear so strong and powerful.

Despite the destruction of the arena, Chen Mo remained within its boundaries.

In contrast, Li Weiqiu, Peng Yun, and Wang Yang were simultaneously blasted away, lying on the ground, unable to rise. The victor was clear at a glance.

Wow!

Once again, an uproar erupted.

Just one move!

Only one move.

And these three were defeated.

One must know that these three could each lift a great cauldron weighing tens of thousands of pounds.

Especially Li Weiqiu, who had performed the best in the first three tests.

But now, he could not even withstand a single move from Chen Mo.

The nearly recovered Wu Chang’an saw this scene, his mouth agape.

Wasn’t this too overpowering?

His defeat was not unjustified.

In the stands, the expressions of the officials were frozen.

With their eyesight, they could naturally see.

The move Chen Mo executed just now relied purely on his formidable strength without any fancy maneuvers.

It was truly a case of overwhelming strength conquering all.

The martial arts champion of this examination would undoubtedly go to Chen Mo.

”A talent like a qilin, Chen Mo is truly the qilin talent of our Great Song!” Zhao Chong stood up, saying excitedly.

Xiao Yunqi, standing nearby, hurriedly added: ”In this martial arts examination, Chen Mo single-handedly swept all opponents, demonstrating the greatest strength, and is undoubtedly the martial arts champion.

Therefore, I believe that such a pillar of the country must be entrusted with significant responsibilities to truly manifest Your Majesty’s appreciation for talent, and to show everyone that our Great Song values talent...”

In short, according to Xiao Yunqi’s suggestion, he should be rewarded generously and entrusted with an important position.

However, upon hearing this, Zhao Chong’s face darkened.

To be honest, Zhao Chong also intended to reward Chen Mo generously.

After all, he wanted to cultivate his own trusted aides.

But with Xiao Yunqi speaking out and so many officials hearing, the favor would be seen as Xiao’s.

When this reached Chen Mo’s ears, he would naturally remember Xiao Yunqi’s generosity.

However, Zhao Chong didn’t dare show any displeasure in front of Xiao Yunqi and inquired, ”What does Lord An Yang think should be his position?”

Xiao Yunqi had already made his decision but deliberately pondered for a moment before saying, ”His elder brother is the Deputy Commander of the Infantry Department. Naturally, his position can’t be higher than his brother’s. Therefore, according to my view, he should be appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Cavalry Department, commanding three thousand cavalry, and conferred as an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision.”

There was originally someone in the position of Chief of Staff of the Cavalry Department.

But in the recent assassination turmoil, the Chief of Staff of the Cavalry Department was assassinated, leaving a vacancy.

And since Chen Mo is Chen Hong’s younger brother, and under my faction, Xiao Yunqi also saw the opportunity to draw him in, assigning him to fill this vacancy.

But considering that Hua Zhong, whom I sent out, was only a Second-Grade Martial Artist and was already the Chief of Staff of the Infantry Department,

It seemed unreasonable for the First-Grade Chen Mo to hold the same position.

So he was additionally granted the title of an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision, an independent official.

Back when Huangfu Hao suppressed the Nanyang rebellion and returned to the capital, Zhao Ji also conferred an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision on him.

Although an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision is an independent official, without specific duties, its status is higher than an active position.

Not only that, but Xiao Yunqi also granted Chen Mo military authority.

Three thousand cavalry, which surpasses ten thousand infantry.

To win over Chen Mo, Xiao Yunqi was indeed generous.

Hearing Xiao Yunqi’s words, everyone in the adjacent room had their own thoughts.

”The old fox intends to win over both brothers,” Hu Mei’Er mused.

...

”The Holy Decree arrives, Chen Mo, receive the decree.”

In the center of the Martial Arts Training Ground, an old eunuch brought down the prepared decree from the stands and said to Chen Mo.

The competitors nearby, eager to curry favor with Chen Mo, all bent slightly at the waist, as Chen Mo loudly bowed, ”Chen Mo is present.”

The old eunuch nodded, then announced the decree with a knowing expression:

”His Majesty decrees that Chen Mo, brother of Chen Hong, is both virtuous and talented, his martial skills unparalleled among all candidates, being the martial arts champion, which delights me. Thus, Chen Mo is appointed as Chief of Staff of the Cavalry Department, commanding three thousand cavalry, and conferred as an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision...”

As the eunuch finished the decree, everyone present couldn’t help but gasp.

Someone who had never held office before was suddenly appointed as the third chief of the Cavalry Department, with real military power, additionally conferred as an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision.

Previously, when Huangfu Hao returned from suppressing the Nanyang rebellion, having accomplished great deeds, he was only conferred as an Inspector of the Ministry of Supervision.

Chen Mo merely won the martial arts championship and was already on par with Huangfu Hao.

Chen Mo was slightly taken aback too.

”Champion, time to accept the decree,” the eunuch smiled, not urging, but reminded him, with implicit flattery in his words.

”...I...accept the decree,” now with an official status, Chen Mo could also call himself a subject.

As he accepted the decree, the eunuch suddenly whispered in his ear, saying it was Lord An Yang’s intention.

Chen Mo paused, then smiled and said, ”I understand.”

The eunuch returned.

Li Weiqiu approached, his expression complicated, but he took a deep breath and said, ”Let me formally introduce myself. I am Li Weiqiu, the Young Master of Myriad Swords Manor and a Second-Grade Martial Artist.”

”Chen Mo, First Grade,” Chen Mo met his gaze.

”Brother Chen, I’ve never admired anyone in this life, but you count as one. As the saying goes, an unexpected encounter can create new friends. I am hosting a banquet at the Hongfu Restaurant tonight; would you do me the honor of attending?”

Upon arriving in Bianliang, he had learned that although the Hongfu Restaurant was newly opened, it was the most bustling restaurant.

Li Weiqiu held no grudge against Chen Mo for defeating him, instead genuinely wanting to befriend him.

Such a prodigy, if made a friend, would be a blessing in life.

”Uh...” Chen Mo looked troubled, then said, ”Brother Li, it’s not that I don’t want to honor you, it’s just that I already have plans tonight...”

Upon hearing Chen Mo’s words, Li Weiqiu took it as a gentle refusal and was feeling slightly disappointed when Chen Mo suddenly added, ”So I will personally host a banquet tomorrow and invite Brother Li to do me the honor...”

Saying this, Chen Mo also glanced at Peng Yun, Wang Yang, and others, inviting them too.

These were all martial art prodigies.

If he could befriend them, it would also benefit him.

Although he had tens of thousands of troops under him, there was a lack of capable talent among them.

Gao Zheng and Xu Dabong, their abilities were ultimately a bit too low.

And now, no longer needing to keep a low profile.

As for Chen Mo’s invitation,

Li Weiqiu and the others naturally wouldn’t refuse it.

All expressed that they would certainly, certainly attend.