In the nick of time, Murphy didn't panic or back away. Instead, he fluidly sidestepped, dodging the blow from its front hooves.
At the same time, his left hand shot out like a bolt of lightning.
He wasn't grabbing for the reins, but gently stroking John's heaving neck.
This social gesture, similar to how horses groom one another, brought John's violent head-tossing to an abrupt halt.
Immediately after, Murphy's right hand steadily followed, accurately gripping the reins, while his body remained within John's peripheral vision.
When John struggled again, Murphy feigned a few mistakes before a combination of stroking and rein control made the horse snort and finally quiet down.
Although its hooves still pawed restlessly at the ground, it was now docilely nuzzling its head against Murphy's cheek.
This was the power of the Immortal Cultivation System.
It hadn't just branded knowledge into his mind; it had also fine-tuned his muscles and nerves.
These adjustments optimized his muscular and neural structures, increasing his strength and reflexes without adding to his overall muscle mass or nerve density.
And the increase was significant—a full thirty to forty percent.
It made his every move as skilled as those of a competent groom who had been raising horses for ten years.
If his later fumbles hadn't been intentional, he could have tamed John with just his first few moves.
This was the true meaning of Initial Glimpse, not just some theory on paper!
The boys, who had just squeezed their eyes shut in fear, were now staring dumbfounded. Some rubbed their eyes, unable to believe what they were seeing.
'That ragged Murphy, who nearly fainted from hunger, actually managed to subdue this fierce steed!'
The follower's narrowed eyes flew wide open. He'd had the clearest view. Those few moves had looked simple, but they were clearly born of experience—something no novice could possibly know.
A thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
The sneer on Carter's lips froze. He stared intently at Murphy stroking the horse's neck, his fists clenching unconsciously.
'How could this peasant have possibly done that?'
'Where did he get that knowledge?'
'And where could he have practiced such a skill?'
'That's it, it must be a Demon!'
'It has to be a Demon!'
'Just like how he managed to cross the mud pit and the log even when he was about to faint from hunger!'
Carter immediately shouted, "There must be a Demon from Hell dwelling inside your wretched body!"
The follower, however, didn't think so. He asked Murphy, "Were any of your ancestors horse breeders in the castle?"
Murphy replied respectfully, "Yes, sir. My grandfather, George, was a groom in the castle. But my father was a younger son, so he didn't inherit the family trade and became a farmer instead."
"But I have always dreamed of restoring my ancestor's glory, of entering the castle once more to serve the Lord Baron Duval. So, I often used the experience passed down from my grandfather to run through scenarios in my head."
"So even though this is my first time actually taming a horse, I've already practiced it a thousand times in my mind."
Indeed, anyone eligible to participate in the assessment, no matter how poor and especially after the border wars, had some connection to Baron Duval.
In a sense, they were born into service, just not raised within the Baron's Castle itself.
To put it more cruelly, those peasant families who never had a connection to Baron Duval's Castle would gradually see their lines die out.
Then, the descendants of servants who had been driven out of Baron Duval's Castle would take over their ecological niche within the territory.
"Good, good, good!"
The middle-aged follower said it three times, his eyes filled with admiration. "My name is Yor. Would you be willing to tend my horses?"
Unlike the jealous and prejudiced Carter, he knew full well that some people are just born with special talents.
Especially for those who wanted to go far in a particular trade; without innate talent, it was impossible to succeed.
Murphy replied without hesitation, "Sir, my name is Murphy. I am willing."
Yor nodded in satisfaction. "From now on, you can restore George's glory. Remember, these loyal companions are more important than many people."
He then turned to Carter, his tone turning severe. "Young man, watch your tongue. If I hear you spreading any more talk about demonic possession, not even your father will be able to protect you."
Although followers and the Sheriff were theoretically of equal rank, followers were considered inner attendants while the Sheriff was an outer official.
Inner attendants had the ear of Baron Duval, so their status was naturally quite different.
Carter's face turned pale. Under Yor's stern gaze, he finally lowered his head and said to Murphy, "I misspoke earlier."
Murphy just gave a faint "Mm" and paid him no further mind.
This reaction made Carter's face flush.
But in the end, there was nothing he could do.
Next, the unlucky farmer's son who had been kicked to the ground by John was carried away. Whether or not he would survive was up to the grace of the God of Stars and Truth.
Seemingly due to Murphy's calming influence, John was much quieter, and another five boys managed to pass the test.
They were all sons of ordinary farmers, better off than Murphy but nowhere near as wealthy as Carter.
The remaining eighteen who didn't pass were all assigned to work as servants.
As for Carter and the other five who passed, Carter was chosen by another follower to tend horses.
The rest were sent to the public stables.
The follower who chose Carter was, surprisingly, the same one who had scolded Murphy earlier.
The follower, who looked to be in his thirties, said, "Yor, it looks like you've found yourself a decent horseman."
Yor responded, "Tommy Han, I just got a bit lucky, that's all."
The follower called Tommy Han didn't spare Murphy a single glance, as if he had already forgotten their earlier unpleasantness, treating him as just another face in the crowd.
Afterward, three of the boys assigned to be servants approached Murphy.
One of them, a boy who stood over 1.6 meters tall—taller and stronger than the 1.5-meter Murphy—mustered the courage to speak. "Murphy, it's me, Tom. These are Jack and Will. Please look out for us from now on."
Murphy thought for a moment and recalled that this was Tom, his neighbor who had always bullied him because his family was poor. "Tom," he said, "aren't you afraid Carter will retaliate if you talk to me?"
Hearing this, Jack and Will instinctively glanced toward Carter and met his cold, sinister gaze. They immediately snapped their heads back like frightened sparrows, too dejected and scared to say another word.
Only Tom, who seemed to be the leader, forced himself to stay calm. "We're not afraid... You have Sir Yor's protection..."
Murphy shook his head gently. "Ultimately, a person has to rely on themselves. If I don't tend to the horses well, Sir Yor certainly won't go easy on me."
Afterward, Yor led Murphy from the training grounds to the stables on the east side of the castle.
He pushed open a heavy wooden door, and a smell washed over them—a mixture of fresh hay and the faint odor of horse manure.
Yor pointed inside and said, "This is where you'll be working. The stables are divided into inner and outer sections. The inner section is for the Knights' warhorses. In the outer section, the east side holds the public stables, while the west side houses the warhorses of the followers."
"The inner section is off-limits. Do not take a single step inside without permission. As for my warhorse, it's in the innermost stall on the west side of the outer section."
"You must clean the stables twice a day, and at noon, you are to lead the horse to the river for a wash. Remember, these animals are more valuable than people. If you are negligent, you understand the consequences."
"Of course, I won't make you handle this alone. I'll have an old groom named Hank show you the ropes. He's been here for over a decade, so feel free to ask him anything you don't understand."
Murphy replied respectfully, "I understand, Sir Yor."
Suddenly, however, he froze. The Immortal Cultivation System had just refreshed with new options.
[O wandering Seeker of the mortal world, fate has manifested two distinct, heavenly paths before you.]
[Option One: Under the cover of a dark and stormy night, infiltrate Lingyun Pavilion's Pill Room alone. You must evade the Guardian Elder, bypass three layers of traps and hidden locks, and retrieve the Body Tempering Treasure Pill. Consuming it will clear your meridians, invigorate your Qi and blood, forge your bones and sinews to be like iron, and grant you the strength to lift a cauldron.]
[Reward: Building Strength and Endurance: Slightly Accomplished]
[Option Two: Remain at the stables and care for the fine steeds. You must clean the stables daily, mix the feed, and observe the horses' temperaments. After a year, through all four seasons, you will be able to recognize a peerless steed from the smallest of tells and master the art of taming.]
[Reward: Horse Trainer: Slightly Accomplished]