There were no explanations , no words of comfort or apologies given why they were exposed under the sun the whole afternoon . Gu Yun gently raised her hand with fingers pointing to the side of the training field and gave strange instructions,
“Later, divide into groups of fifty. There will deep pits before you with the network of thistles and thorns, single plank bridge and obstacle wall. You must jump out the pits then proceed crawling to the bramble network . After you crawl out move forward towards the bridge. If you fall down you must return from the beginning. As for the tall walls I don’t have to I say but you must climb over. Behind high walls waiting are ten bows and ten arrows . Your target is not a bull’s eye but a feather hanging from the top. The person who can shot the feather with one arrow will be able to stay. "
A clear resounding voice was very loud that everyone can hear. The things they did the whole afternoon is nothing special. The spectators were expressionless . High above the platform were curious few elderly people.
On the site is a twenty or thirty feet long pit excavated more than ten feet deep and above it is a tunnel of thorns and thistles. After the network of thorns and thistles there is a net with a quagmire underneath that one has to creep and crawl under to pass. These obstacles are unreasonably harsh… After the network ahead are ten trunks with the girth is a big as the mouth of a bowl standing upright across on the ground . Past the trunks is a wall of more than three meters tall.
Why is this girl doing so many strange things? Suddenly the three people watching found the training exercise funny and very interesting. Now, they are watching it avidly,
The Su military officers do not have martial arts skills so don't even mention of elite martial arts skills but the soldiers all looked very calm.. Gu Yun smiled and said,
“I know you are the elite of the elite, I have no doubt that you can pass these obstacles, but you have to remember there are only ten arrows.
The audience understand what she meant. Only the fastest ten people in each group of fifty are eligible to shoot, therefore the rest are eliminated.
Sure they know what she meant, Gu Yun facing the side of Han Shu gave the command,
“Start now. ”
” Rank and file! ”
Han Shu loudly ordered the soldiers to orderly arranged in fifty rank formations. The three thousand men lined up very fast and very neat in sixty rows. Gu Yun was secretly amazed. General Su’s array of tactics is practiced very well. On a battlefield of large scale against the enemy, their formation is so precise and quick and the enemies can never find a weak point to attack!
Gu Yun still admiring the team went to the venue of the obstacles. To begin Han Shu distributed the first arrows to the soldiers and they went to the end of obstacle course. Everyone understood that if they cannot reach the first ten then they are out of contention.
Fifty people almost at the same time jumped into the three meter long, three meter wide and three meter deep pit. Obviously there were so much men inside the small space. Each man was pasted against each other making it very hard to move even more to climb out. It was easy to get in but not crawl out is nearly impossible. Sure enough the opening of the pit became bigger before someone could get out.
Crawling under the thistles and mud have no difficulty for them. It only made them covered with mud but after running across the single plank bridge however the more than three meters high wall stopped many men to get through until the unstable foundations of the wall have toppled over.
When the arrows were claimed by their masters, Su Ren's Lieutenant, Yu Shijun standing by the wall shouted,
“The men behind withdraw! ”
All those who wasn't able to quickly climb the walls looked very defeated. The man lucky enough to get the arrows also does not necessarily mean they are victorious .
The target was twenty feet away and the white feathers were being blown by the night wind was swinging back and forth. The night was only lighted by the torches and in the midst of the swinging blaze even if a person was able to see the floating feathers still it won't be clear, let alone shoot it! Gu Yun didn’t give them time to take aim but after the arrow was picked up it must be shot in less than half a quarter of an hour. Running in front of the rest, the owners of the arrows are breathless and the floating feathers was to test one's eyesight!
This turns result is not totally clear. Yu Shijun looked also at the feather which flutters as the target and under his heart he secretly criticizing Gu Yun's cunningness. Under such trick only very few people could complete! The first round everyone was annihilated when a moment ago people were full of confidence but now even the audiences were also finally anxious.
“Next to start. ”
The second batch of men rushed out and jump down the pit and the first man to climb out is someone familiar. Gu Yun squinting slightly, that is - Lou Yan! In the rainforest, he made her impressed. His bones are strong, force of the muscle is explosive muscle and the very high wall is not a problem . However, shooting the floating feather, she is not certain about it.
Luo Yan passed through the clearance all the way . Execution was all neat as Gu Yun expected. He was the first get the long arrow. Luo Yan looked at the distant feather without a hint of hesitation with the bow he released the arrow and nailed the target!
Good aim! Good eyesight! Gu Yun secretly delighted. This guy is a molded talent!
The second group performed very well. There were four men who shot the feathers.
The trial for the few remaining groups are all good. Leng Xiao and Ge Jingyun were also separately selected. But Gu Yun was with the recruits that brought these two candidates. Watching the race halfway through most of the selected men was basically from Crouching Tiger Camp. Liu Xing exclaimed in a low moan,
"The Crouching Tiger Camp too is fierce and we are batch of new recruits and have few opportunity to practice archery."
The young fellow recruit secretly moaned with him,” Yes, unless we are Leng Xiao or Ge Jingyun! ”
” No. “Liu Xing muffled in a low groan,” General Ren was the one training us and after selection there are only few of our own people, what a shame.! We cannot let the Tiger battalion looked down upon us! ”
But in a moment those men will also take the risk and challenge with the other three thousand soldiers and should they just accept the defeat !
“There is! ” In their rank there are three or four recruits who have spent time at the hands of Gu Yun and if they are not selected also and can't do nothing about it ,” nothing can be done but just accept it! "
In the eyes of Liu Xing cross a touch of cunningness, laughing twice while still in the competition at the front, bowed his head to several people around whispering a few words, people around him heard, looked at each others glances, finally pointing to Liu says,
” Okay! ” Just do it! On you! ”
Liu Xing surprised for a moment then forced to nod his head! Soon their group were following him.
” Next group get ready. ”
Han Yun gives the signal and fifty people rush en masse into the deep pit.
But like a miracle, a young figure almost fell at the same time, immediately jumped out from the pit and it is as light as a swallow.
After him and another man such as he easily got out of the pit. Everybody was dumbfounded. Inside the pit were only two people and lets their body be used for support. The men going down to the pit step on them and then step out. Those who have lost soldiers in the pit have been angered,
“How could they do this? ”
Some hearts are not satisfied. But Gu Yun just raise one eyebrow and smiling as she see it all. Su Ling just sit at the side. Both masters did not speak to stop so naturally the competition continues.
Liu Xing and the two young fellow is on the lead, but the Tiger battalion are still higher than them on the leader board. They are already had four or five more people that past. Liu Xing and two youths tried but they can only jump half way to the wall.
Shortly another people past and jumped over. Their battalion cannot lose, the two young fellows glanced at each other, clenches their teeth and then a person grips the ma bu (- a martial arts horse stance) and the other a person stepped on his shoulder, simultaneously facing Liu Xing to cried out, "Liu Xing, step on!"Mmm." Tightened fist, Liu Xing has been borrowing two human shoulders, finally he is on the high platform, jumped down from the high place, jumped over then joyfully holds the last long arrow. At the same time, Yu Shijun said to the people behind,
"Men behind withdraw."
Many men glared at Liu Xing, they were close behind him and are high profile officers who did not get helped but did not get arrows growled,
” They are tricky. That's unfair! ”
Some people began to clamor especially those who had already been under the wall. Even high profile officers and men who has not been able to climb over also called out,
"Rightly! It is unfair!"
The scene instantaneously appears somewhat chaotic. Yu Shijun looked awkwardly to Gu Yun. Liu Xing in his mind truly acted with trickery. Gu Yun has not paid attention to their clamoring with a clear and resonant voice said,
"Archery."
She gave out the order, few people dare not hesitate , got their arrows and continued to shoot.
Arrows that nailed on the target and hit the feathers were only three.
One, was Liu Xing's shot.
It is a foregone conclusion. Everyone thought Gu Yun will not reason to aggrieved person but apparently not. Gu Yun suddenly looked to him and quietly asked,
“Where is it unfair? ”
Nothing wrong with men considering themselves firm. Zhuang Han, the one that felt wronged firmly looked back at Gu Yun and replied,
“They rush to help a person of course so he can cross the barrier. He is not relying on his own ability to cross the obstacles. For a person with ability this is not fair! ”
The equally lagging behind men nodding to express their dissatisfaction.
Gu Yun is not angry and said dismissively, “I have said very clearly, as long as the men go through these obstacles then fastest ten will be qualified for the archery. Have I ever said that you can’t do it as a team? Why didn’t you ask, why do they put others willingly to give him a stepping stone? ”
Zhuan Han looked at the feathers of an arrow hit by Lou Xing and then looked at the wall and several youths who did not jump over are but with a smile on their faces. Zhuang Han didn’t answer Gu Yun's question. In silence his face calmed down slowly.
Gu Yun will not give up this opportunity and strongly intends let them understand what is called team collaboration . She pointed to the arrows still floating in feathers and explained,
“Because last obstacle needs an accurate sight and shot with precision. They selected the ten in the team with higher probability out of the fifty. After they identified the ones that have most opportunity to win then they help to make it happen! I want man that have brain besides courage, one that can comprehend, to see truly what to accept or reject and are not just the boorish fellow!
A clear voice in a large training field ring, every word was clear, not because of Gu Yun of how loud she shouted, but nobody dared to retort.
The people clamoring of fairness quietly bowed their head and became silent. Su Ling cannot help but smile. These people are with him for many years in the shape of the Han they had so many opponents frightened but today in front of her is silent to.
Gu Yun did not even look at them and to Han Shu instructed,
“Continue. ”
Han Shu regained his composure immediately cried, " Begin!"
Another row rushed into the deep pit. The test was carried out in an orderly manner until the rest of the groups had spent two more hours to finally finished.
Looking at the remaining few hundreds of people, Han Shu gave a long sigh then walked to the front of Gu Yun and whispered,
"Finished. Only three hundred twenty men got through. ”
Gu Yun nodded gently. She do not seem to feel that she will need more. She smiled and said, " Others disperse. Men that were selected stay. I have something to say."
“‘Yes!’ "
Han Shu led away. This whole night, Su Ling did not say even a word. The little girl is in command and directing everything and the striking majestic Lieutenant is also driven by her. Although he saw her performance tonight, Su Yan have some affection for her, but the heart is not ready to change yet.
"When was the General’s Office changed ownerships? "
Compared with his irritability, Su Qing only has generous praise,
"This girl's interesting. Maybe it is really what we’re looking for people. ”
” I don’t think so, her skill is only with her lips and what’s the use? Her body so weak what is the use of being wise? "
"I thought actually this little doll is good, better than a brute force, compared to one that has strength and built but does not have brain. It will be hard to bring about great talent." Su Qing all said is if one is looking for a resemblance then just look at him. Su Yan Hu ferociously roared,
"Su Qing you what you saying. Who have that brute force but not have the brain?!"
Su Qing just laughed off . Su Yan took deep breath and he was really furious but he cannot vent his rage, if he does then that will mean that he is a person "brute force without a brain".
Gu Yun together among all the black heads in ranks glanced their way, this men isn't aware that they are loud, already middle-aged and still fighting like little children. He catch a glimpse of Su Ling only to find him with a calm face smiling at her.He looked like he is accustomed to it. Gu Yun decided to completely ignore these three old men at once or else she wouldn't know if she could bear them and she might end up doing something to them.
She turned to three hundred twenty people men that have been completely lined up. Gu Yun approached them with a bright smile and said,
“Congratulations, you're through a small screening test. Now, the actual selection will begin tonight. ”
What?
Just that-a little test!
The listeners gave a stunned look at Gu Yun for at this moment knowing that smile on her face will make men have an absolutely terrified feeling, some men remembered the five miles frogs jump , some men remembered in the jungle the plump worm, more men were bewildered. They can't act recklessly or this might become a battle of life and death!
All the staring eyes at her, she saw many of them have that familiar frightened eyes. Gu Yun in a particularly good mood and said lively,
“Men don’t panic, tonight’s test is extremely simple. ”
She didn't say this one is extremely simple? Men who once work with her and got betrayed with this words "simple" all started to have cold sweats and almost discouraged. When she said more "relaxed and simple" it will be generally more miserable than death.
Han Shu was standing not far away from Gu Yun slightly raised not far away, he opened a huge piece of black linen and under the linen covers a hill of sandbags.
“Everyone bring ten sandbags. Tie four on the legs and six at the waist. “Han Shu shouted loud that even the open areas on the training field one can hear clearly.
More than three hundred troops were doubting in their hearts but then they quickly trotted to the hill to get the sandbags for their body and done it orderly without delay. Han Shu saw only thirty sandbags left on the ground . In his heart he have unstated criticism hidden, it is not surprising to have left over bags for the cunning trick is from the very beginning she will not let many people to pass through.
After waiting for them to line up then Gu Yun then said, “Jade Spring Mountain is ten miles away from the camp. This is a battle, with red ribbons in her hands distributed among them. You run and come back and there's no time limit but the last ten people who comes back can voluntarily return back to camp."
Based on previous experiences Gu Yun could not set such a simple question because soldiers will kept waiting for her to go on. But after no query for a long time, finally Gu Yun confidently raised her hand,
” Start. ”
Like this? The audiences do not have doubts in their hearts for they've practicing long-term drills, but tying up the sandbags to run twenty miles is not about the severe training but she spends that big vigor preparation sandbags just to eliminate ten individuals. This is it! Leng Xiao, Ge Jingyun and Liu Xing know that they are damned as they listen to Gu Yun as she speaks.
But either believing or not if they will still be alive when they come out from the mountain peak, the three people can only do our best to push. Soon, the huge training was left only with the torch, of officers and few people on stage.
The cool autumn air is blowing stronger especially in empty school field, the wind was more aggressive. Gu Yun was standing on the platform, clothes swaying, slender body at any time are likely to be blown away. Su Ling got up and walked on the front of her to block the oncoming night wind. Normally , he does not know how to take care of a women and he doesn't know how to show a good will to a woman. It should have been is a tender scene but Su Ling words poisoned the atmosphere,
“How long still do you have to play around? ”
Fortunately, Gu Yun never pay attention to this kind of matter. She replied flatly,
” Not so fast. ”
Feeling the night wind, she looked at the three elderly men on the side and kindly said,” Elders you must be tired, please go back and rest. ”
Unfortunately the three men did not appreciate it. Su Yan in a coarse voice cried,
” If a little girl can manage on her own then we can. We are not tired! ”
Since it will be a boring discussion, Gu Yun shrugged her shoulder and sat down on the chair, shut her eyes and didn’t speak again. Su Ling’s face though showed some concern but didn’t press her. On the high platform, a few people trying vainly to sit. Su Yan suddenly got up and carried Su Ren by the collar and pulled him back to the wall in the corner. Su Ren did not struggle and quietly let himself be carried. With a wry smile,
“Yan Hu you are doing? ”
He release holding the hand of his collar, Su Yan lowered his voice and said,
"You go get Bing Lian sword. ”
Su Ren looked with the blank eyes and pretending to ask, ” Me, to go? ”
” I told you to go! ”
Su Ren to took a step back, embarrassingly smiled then he got it!.
"Bing Lian is extremely cold and not everyone can touch it."
“Ren boy don't tell me you are pitifully small so come with wooden box here! “Su Yan whispered impatiently and scolded,” Go get it! ”
” OK, I’ll go. ” He turn around and sweep helpless abnormal glare. Su Ren with the sly smile on his lips thinking , "Eldest brother, I am just trying to help you".
Su Quan was pleased when he got back and struck a low laugh,
” Where did you send him ? ”
With the sounds he knew who was behind him and he will not conceal what is his trick. Su Yan generous answered,
” I’m going to try that girl is Bing Lian's selected hostess. ”
After not giving a smiling happy face, he is full of wonder and said,
“Why are you so impatient? ”
‘You saw it! Ling giving her all kinds of accommodations is like it is incredible! I don't want to be recipient of the news about Bing Lian that probably was deliberately put out by Ling. We do not come to this purpose is to confirm who is bullying a hit man! This will be troublesome if it drags on for a long time!" Su Family is not an easy ones to change their practice. If this little girl is not destined to the fate that of Su Ling and then they should plan what they need to do as soon as possible!
The Su Elders has been tolerating the little girl's pampering of Su Ling and nodded with a sigh and practically agreed with Su Yan. For thousands of years, Bing Lian have not chosen a wrong person and there should be no mistake !
When they arrived on the platform to sit down, two eyes unconsciously observing Gu Yun. Gu Yun sensed that she is in their line of sight but she did not open her eyes but actually she look down and continually sat on the chair. Then she realized faintly as if flushes in her the reason why the three Su family elders came was it because of her? But she is a "foreign land gift" and why they are bothering and troubled so much about her. Whatever she suspect she decided to do everything to see changes.
Before long, a neat sound of footsteps were heard coming from far and near. Gu Yun opened her eyes and saw more than three hundred men with great strength are running back. They almost arrived at same time.
The ten miles weight-distance was just a run and most people are sweating like rain, short of breath but does not look tired. The overall quality only needs small polishing. Gu Yun was secretly satisfied went to the platform and went to the front, clear resonant voice says,
“Rank and file. ”
The once scattered troops quickly lined up and last ten people removed their sandbags and were pulled out of the next race.
Gu Yun did not waste time, commanded and pointed to a slurry pit in front and said, “In order, jump into the pit below then come out. ”
Jump in the puddles? What is this test? Gloomy is certain but the soldier’s duty is to obey orders and no matter what they must jump and without hesitation a group of tall men one after another jumped into the mud.
Men just break out in a sweat and all of a sudden will dive into the cold water. This will instantaneously shrink the pores of their skin and a lot of people shivered. All the sandbags were mud-soaked and their weight is two times heavier than before. All clay blistering, night wind blowing, body trembling, let alone a mud paste on the body, that sticky feeling that one was uncomfortable.
So this group of embarrassed elite lined up again. Gu Yun clear voice without emotion commanded,
“Your next task is to get the red silk back and the difference is that twenty people will be eliminated."
Still running?! One can already hear a low murmur in the crowd but Su Ling stood behind her on her decisions has to be completely obeyed. Even if their fists are crushed, they won't dare to disobey! With upset heart and grievance, the men walk unusually fast.
Gu Yun chuckled. To undertake the second round what an ability ! Just then Su Ren came holding a wooden box back and placed it on high table. He almost loses it and after getting rid of it he throw himself down on the chair and said,
“Yan Hu that stuff here, terrible! It’s too cold"!
He was rubbing his frozen hands and withdrew behind the back of Su Yan. He estimated that his eldest brother will be angry.
Su Yan opened the wooden box and an extremely cold gas instantaneously overflow, the silver white sword blade was blooming, shiny smooth under the moon. Su Yan's face is covered with joy and delight which rarely happens. He says with a smile to Gu Yun,
"Small girl, can you pick up the sword?."
Gu Yun stood still and replied dismissively,
“Why? You want me to pick up the sword trying to do what? "
Su Ling was at Gu Yun's side but he surprisingly did not back her.
Su Yan frowned and impatiently , “You were ask to pick it up, then you pick it up. Why so much talk?!
All for no reason they asked her take the sword that have been strange. Su Ling’s also after seeing the sword his face becomes weird. He suspect that Gu Yun will become suspicious so he was thinking about how to do the call. Su Ling tall figure blocked in front of her and just listening to the cold voice to know his face is absolutely not wonderful, "’I said already do not find her trouble. Yan Hu thought I was joking?
Su Ling's face was obviously afraid and thinking his guess was right! Su Yan asked, “When did I get her in trouble? Just let her pick up the sword. Why are you so nervous? ”
Su Ling was suddenly speechless and turned to his brother,
” Send back the sword to General's Tian Yuan court . ”
Su Ren immediately shook his head,
” Who is the person I should listen to?! You find someone else to take it, I don’t want to touch it. ”
Su Yu at once exclaimed,” Don’t look at me, I’m not! Even if there is Xi millennium wood block that sword is still cold to death. No, I am not taking it! ''
Seeing the atmosphere become stiff, Su Qing stroked his long beard and proclaimed with smile, “Little girl, you feel the blade is beautiful? ”
Gu Yun went next to the wooden box, looked at Bing Lian sword and its beautiful body. Turned and she replied with a smile,
” It is very beautiful… ”
” You pick it up, it’s yours. ”
It was already mine! Gu Yun lips always delivers but in her face right now it doesn't show that she's laughing inside. Her cool voice with a touch of provocation replied,
"The threat trades inadequately tempts me with the promise of gain. What a pity it does not have any attraction to me. You might as well say the truth, perhaps I can consider to pick it up."
Bing Lian sword is so peculiar. There must be a story behind it. She even came across the same inexplicable things she had experienced. No matter how bizarre the hidden secrets behind the sword, she can bear.
“Why you are very suspicious! I called you to take it and not to harm you! ”
Though the sword chill touch did not injured her before, Su Ling's face tensed. This little girl was evasive and him knowing that Su Yan is once again trying to find if she’s the sword's selected hostess.
Gu Yun raised gently and walk slowly to the sword. Just when three people were holding their breath waiting to see if she is going to pick up the Bing Lian sword. Gu Yun’s hands playing her fingers and when she almost touching the sword she stopped,
“You said I can take it if I like it! “Talking at the same time, Gu Yun's slender fingers turned and hold down the wooden disc then snapped closed the box cover.
“Rotten girl! “Their hearts were hanging in the air and this is not a good time. This girl’s temperament is outrageous! Su Yan annoyed and almost want to come forward and break her neck.
Su Ling’s heart is panicking. Qing Mo was angry. If she knew what the old man has done so much to verify if she is indeed fit to be the Su Family daughter-in-law , she will be very furious .
“Ren, take the Bing Lian sword right away! ”
Su Ling said gnashing his teeth .
Su Ren after hearing his brother's order, the scalp of his hair tingles. Is this not to verify that Qing Mo will be the house's daughter-in-law? Why bother?! His hands were numb with cold but he can’t say no! Su Ren was resigned to the fate though unwilling when he is about to pick up the wooden box suddenly there's a fierce rumbling, and almost at the same time the woods around the training field several silvery white lights appeared directly coming towards Gu Yun.
“Watch out! “Su Ling first found the strange happening, clinging to Gu Yun's waist then he leaps. Then they heard the dull sound:
THUD…THUD… THUD..