The warhorse was strong and sturdy, with long, powerful limbs and a flowing tail that danced in the wind. Brian Thompson rode atop this warhorse, holding a precious bow in his hand, making him appear even more heroic and outstanding in bearing.

Brian Thompson's sharp gaze was fixed on his distant target. In the center of the riding and archery field, a straight horse track one zhang wide and two hundred paces long had been drawn. About one hundred and fifty paces ahead, on either side of the track, stood a straw man, each about eighty paces from the track.

In other words, he had to gallop along the track, and when he reached one hundred and fifty paces, shoot at both straw men to his left and right at the same time. Although the track was long, the archery zone was only twenty paces, leaving him just a fleeting moment to shoot. This was the highest standard for testing mounted archery.

Richard Martin sat on the viewing platform, quite admiring the courage of this seventeen-year-old youth, who actually dared to come and appeal to him. Just this boldness was something most people could not possess.

Moreover, he could draw his two-stone-five-dou bow. For someone his age, such strength was truly rare. That Dunhuang City had such talent—if he were to be buried and overlooked, it would be a real pity.

But Richard Martin was even more eager to see Brian Thompson's mounted archery skills. He decided to test him with the army's highest standard for mounted archery.

"General, he is ready."

Richard Martin nodded, "Begin!"

A soldier waved a flag and shouted, "Begin!"

Brian Thompson drew an arrow and bit it in his mouth, nocked another arrow to the string, and squeezed the warhorse with his legs. The blood-red warhorse neighed loudly and shot forward at full speed.

This warhorse was clearly faster than his White Dragon Horse, and its momentum was even more fierce. Brian Thompson only felt the wind whistling past his ears, and in an instant, the warhorse had reached the one hundred and fifty pace mark.

Richard Martin stood up nervously, his cold, sharp gaze fixed on Brian Thompson's every move. Hundreds of soldiers around the field craned their necks, waiting for the youth to shoot his two arrows.

As the warhorse leapt past the shooting line, Brian Thompson controlled the horse with his legs, steadied himself, and drew his bow like a full moon. An arrow shot out.

Without looking at the result, he immediately switched the bow to his left hand, drew the other arrow from his mouth, tilted his body at a slight angle, and shot another arrow like lightning. The warhorse galloped past, instantly crossing the twenty-pace shooting zone.

All around was dead silent, then thunderous applause and cheers erupted. Brian Thompson had shot two arrows to the left and right within just twenty paces, his movements as smooth as flowing water. Both arrows hit the bullseye, astonishing the soldiers.

Two soldiers carried the straw men and ran excitedly to the viewing platform, shouting loudly, "General, both arrows hit the center of the brow!"

Richard Martin stroked his beard in silence, moved at heart. He had never seen such a brilliant young mounted archer. That Dunhuang had such talent—how could he let him slip away?

At this moment, Brian Thompson rode over slowly, dismounted, and raised his precious bow high. "Thank you, General, for the precious bow, which allowed this student to perform at his best!"

Richard Martin nodded, "Let’s talk in the main tent!"

The two of them quickly walked to the entrance of the main tent, where they happened to run into the Doulu Army Deputy Commander Steven Bolton. Steven Bolton was from the Zhang clan, one of the four great families of Dunhuang, whose family had served as generals in Shazhou for generations and was the most powerful local force in Dunhuang.

Although this martial arts provincial exam was organized by the Shazhou Sima, Steven Bolton, as the local military commander, was also involved.

Steven Bolton knew Brian Thompson and was aware of the youth’s remarkable abilities. Just now, he had also witnessed Brian Thompson's mounted archery performance, and was full of praise for his superb archery skills.

However, he was also puzzled as to why Brian Thompson would appear in the Tang army camp, and why he was performing archery for Richard Martin. What had happened here?

Steven Bolton knelt on one knee and saluted Richard Martin with a fist, "This subordinate greets the General!"

"Commander Bolton, please rise!"

Seeing Steven Bolton, Richard Martin felt a bit troubled. Steven Bolton arriving at this critical moment made it inconvenient to confront certain matters directly.

More importantly, Richard Martin had developed an appreciation for Brian Thompson's talent. Letting this youth confront Steven Bolton would only harm him.

With a turn of thought, Richard Martin smiled gently at Brian Thompson and said, "I need to discuss military affairs with Commander Bolton. I understand what you’ve said. Go back and rest for now, and prepare well for tomorrow’s provincial exam. I hope you won’t disappoint me tomorrow."

Brian Thompson had already achieved his goal, and there was no point in saying more. He saluted the two men and took his leave. Richard Martin watched him go, then turned to Steven Bolton and said, "Let’s go inside and talk!"

Richard Martin entered the tent and ordered his personal guards to withdraw. Only then did he say to Steven Bolton, "No need to be formal, sit and let’s talk."

Richard Martin held the post of Chief Commander of Wuwei Circuit, and the Doulu Army was under his jurisdiction, making him Steven Bolton's direct superior.

Richard Martin took a sip of hot tea, pondered for a moment, and said, "This youth’s archery is truly outstanding. Are you aware of this, Commander Bolton?"

"Of course, General. Not only is his archery superb, but he is also excellent at polo. I was planning to have him join the Shazhou polo team."

"Is that so? But I know he’s going to take the martial arts provincial exam tomorrow. With his mounted archery skills, could he possibly fail to win a spot to go to the capital?"

Steven Bolton felt a bit uneasy. Having spent over twenty years in officialdom, he was sensitive enough to realize that Richard Martin might already know about the predetermined quota. He couldn’t be sure if Brian Thompson had told him, but someone must have leaked the matter to Richard Martin.