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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nWen Ting looked forward to Fang Lang’s performance.

nThe man placed his once-shattered dreams onto Fang Lang.

nIn the year of Wen Ting’s Imperial Examination, he encountered an exceptionally strong opponent in the final section and was defeated, losing his right to become the grand champion.

nEvery cultivator only had one shot at the Imperial Examination. There were no repeats for those who missed their shot.

nThus, Wen Ting carried the regret with him.

nAlthough Wen Ting was part of The Great Four and was known to all as the Scholarly Sword Master with prodigious talent, it still could not quell his anger and discontent at losing the grand champion title.

nHolding his cup of wolfberry tea, Wen Ting gazed sternly at the three students.

n“Getting on the honor roll is truly an achievement worth celebrating. However, if you think that’s a high enough honor for you, I suggest you leave immediately. Go relax and enjoy yourself. Maybe go to the entertainment house…

n“Because from tomorrow onward, I will personally train you.

n“The final section is not as simple as you think. You will be competing beneath the feet of the Emperor himself. Be it the theory champion or the combat champion, no achievement can trump the honor of having the Emperor grant you the title of grand champion!”

nWen Ting said in a serious tone as the autumn sun fell below the horizon.

nFang Lang, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai stared silently at Wen Ting.

nChao Xiaojiang stood lazily at a spot far away from them. He did not interrupt Wen Ting’s little speech. After all, the things he said made sense.

nWen Ting took a sip of his wolfberry tea. “I must remind you all…

n“The test begins the moment you set foot in Changan.

n“As long as you’re in Changan City, any person whose name is on the honor roll can challenge you. They’ll probe you to reveal your abilities and trump card! Remember, these actions are all allowed under the Tang Code!

n“The day you enter Changan City will be the start of an endless.”

nWen Ting’s gaze fell on Fang Lang. “Especially for some of you who had made a name for himself. You’ll have to suffer the consequences.

n“Those who aren’t strong enough will be chewed up and spat out. You’ll be left on the floor like nothing but a rotting flower.”

nWhen Fang Lang, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai heard those words, they were instantly staggered.

nThey just had the chance to breathe a sigh of relief as the assessments concluded. However, Wen Ting’s words redoubled pressure on them.

nChao Xiaojian smiled from afar. “He may have exaggerated it a little, but otherwise, everything is on point. During the final section, all sect leaders of the top ten sects in Tang Dynasty will gather in Changan to witness the exam alongside the Emperor.

n“That is also when the sect leaders can take their pick at the names that appear on the honor roll.

n“Although students on the honor roll are allowed to pick their sects, if their performance falls short during the final section, the sects will have reason to deny their entrance.”

nThe setting sun was crimson red, filling the sky with a beautiful twilight.

nThe atmosphere was extremely solemn.

nOn the practice grounds, the setting sun stretched out the shadows of the three students into impressive lengths.

n…

n‘Ding!

n‘Challenge mission unlocked.

n‘Challenge mission: Cultivating is like climbing mountains. Only by ascending higher and higher peaks will one witness the breathtaking views from above. The host aspires to become the grand champion of the Imperial Examination. You will be rewarded with Supreme Cultivation Method, Volume One.”

nThe sun had vanished from the sky. Fang Lang returned to Fang Manor and heard the System’s notification ringing in his head.

nHe had a new mission—to become the grand champion.

nFang Lang remained unperturbed. He was not surprised by the appearance of the mission at all.

nCultivating was like trying to conquer the highest peak and there were innumerable mountains in the world. Every time one ascended a peak, they would realize a distance away, there laid another peak higher than the one they stood on.

nEven so, Fang Lang did not fear this journey. In fact, he was exhilarated.

nFang Manor was overflowing with the elements of a celebration. Red ribbons and lanterns hung all over the manor.

nCountless businessmen of Luojiang City had come to congratulate the family with gifts and smiles.

nOld Fang’s face was glowing red. He did not turn away a single guest. Instead, he invited all into the main hall to join the celebration banquet.

nWhen Fang Lang arrived home to the celebration party, he did not ignore the guests and selfishly return to his room like he did last time when he was the top scorer in the final internal examination. He knew doing so would put Old Fang in an awkward position.

nHe should not act so arrogant.

nThus, Fang Lang stayed at the party, greeted all the guests and drank a cup of wine. Once everyone’s faces were flushed red, Fang Lang used the final section of the Imperial Examination as a reason to politely excuse himself from the party of indulgent people. He retreated to his own little courtyard.

nFang Lang was going to deal with the rewards he just earned.

n‘Ding! Innate Sword Intent Seed is ready to be used. Would you like to plant it?’

n“Yes.”

nFang Lang did not hesitate for a second.

nThe moment he agreed, Fang Lang could feel a tiny golden blade forming in the whirlpool of energy in his energy center.

nFang Lang was already a third-grade sword master. The blade energy in his energy center began to collect at the tip of the tiny blade. The blade energy that was previously scattered all over had converged in one concentrated center!

nThe golden blade emitted a peculiar intimation.

nFang Lang lifted his head up abruptly. His hair stood up and his robe fluttered.

nHe felt a unique energy surging through every inch of his body. Deep within his eyes, the tiny blade was trembling.

nThe sound of a blade’s ring shattered the silence in the room.

nThe Blooming Lotus Sword unsheathed itself and floated beside Fang Lang.

nA peculiar intimation oozed out the Sword Intent Seed in Fang Lang’s energy center and merged with the Blooming Lotus Sword.

nAt that moment, Fang Lang felt as if the Blooming Lotus Sword was alive! It was no longer a sword, but a human!

nA short while later, the Sword Intent Seed went quiet.

nThe strange energy vanished.

nFang Lang spat out a mouthful of stale air.

nAccording to the System’s notification, Fang Lang only needed to continue condensing his blade energy and showering the seed with it. Then, one day, the Sword Intent Seed would blossom.

nOn that day, a supreme sword intent would awake.

nEven before the sword intent was awakened, the seed had already brought many benefits for Fang Lang. He could feel the massive improvement in the dense collection of blade energy that resided within his energy center.

nMoreover, there was a tremendous increase in the conversion rate of spiritual energy to blade energy. That, alone, was enough of an advantage to satisfy Fang Lang.

n“System, smash reward egg!”

nFang Lang commanded.

nA glimmering silver egg instantly appeared in front of his eyes!

nFang Lang swung the hammer at the egg.

nCrack!

nBeams of colorful light shot out!

n‘Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained two 5X Amplification Card, one Enlightenment Card, one Double Cultivation Card and one Experience Card (will be automatically activated).’

nThe light faded away and so did the shell fragments of the silver reward egg.

nFang Lang was completely dazzled by the five action cards that burst out of the reward egg. Finally, a reward egg that was thrilling!

n‘Ding! Automatically activating Experience Card. System experience bar will be filled until the next level is reached.

n‘Ding! System experience bar is full. System upgraded!’

n…

nHost: Fang Lang

nCultivation Discipline: Third-Grade Sword Master (Second Class)

nLevel: LV6

nExperience: 0

/200000

nCore: 36 (White)

nAltered Core: 66 (Purple)

nCultivation Resource: 50,000 gold coins, 500 low-grade spirit crystals, 10 mid-grade spirit crystals (usage limited to cultivation)

nItems: Grade-Rush Card (1), Grade-Rush Card Fragment (4), 5X Physical Buff Card (1), Physical Buff Card (3), 5X Amplification Card (1), Enlightenment Card (1), Double Cultivation Card (1)

nEquipment: Instant Casting Staff

nBinding Partner: Ni Wen (60%); Jiang Linglong (60%); Liu Bubai (60%); Empty slot (60%); Empty slot (60%)

nSole Passive Ability: Additional rewards may be granted when the host bonds with the binding partner over cultivation.

n…

nFang Lang grinned from ear to ear when he saw his overflowing inventory.

nAnother empty slot appeared under the binding partner section.

nCoincidentally, Fang Lang had just found out who Wei Sheng was. He was not hesitant about binding to him.

nThe final section of the Imperial Examination was drawing near. Fang Lang was aiming to become the grand champion so naturally, he had to utilize all the resources at hand. At that moment, Wei Sheng was the best choice for Fang Lang’s next binding partner.

nHe had met him, fought him and knew his name. Moreover, Wei Sheng was a genius in martial arts mastery!

n‘What am I waiting for?

n‘I’ll bind to him now!’

n“System, lock in binding partner, Wei Sheng!”

n‘Ding! Locking in target…

n‘Targeted binding partner is a second-class, ninth-grade martial arts master. Estimated binding time is three days.’

nThe System’s notification appeared.

nFang Lang had long prepared for this.

n“Exchange three Grade-Rush Card Fragments to reduce binding time.”

n‘Ding! Exchange complete. Binding complete. Binding partner: Wei Sheng.’

n…

nBinding Partner: Wei Sheng

nAge: 15

nCultivation Discipline: Ninth-Grade Martial Arts Master (Second Class)

nCore: 45 (Gold)

nCultivation Speed: 14 low-grade spirit crystals

/ two hours

nBloodline Ability: Rampage

n…

n‘Oh?’

nFang Lang took a glance at Wei Sheng’s introduction. His core was slightly weaker than Jiang Linglong’s, but one particular section of his stats stood out—the bloodline ability.

nEven Old Jiang did not possess anything like that!

n‘Ding! When binding mode is activated, you will obtain 60 percent of your binding partner’s bloodline ability.’

nFang Lang’s eyes twinkled with excitement.

n‘I can steal this ability too?

n‘Awesome!’

nFang Lang had uncovered another benefit of partner binding!

nIt was a hazy autumn night.

nDim rays of moonlight shone from above.

nFang Lang stacked three Physical Buff Cards together and used them all at one go. Every inch of his skin turned crimson red as the blood boiled within his body. An agonizing pain overwhelmed his spiritual sense.

nHe took a long hour to complete thirty breaths worth of training.

nEven so, its effect was amazing. Fang Lang felt his body tremble as the energy surged through his meridians. He had finally become a second-grade martial arts master!

nAfter resting for a short moment, Fang Lang sat cross-legged and began to absorb spirit crystals.

nSuddenly, he was reminded of an unusual card he obtained from the Silver Reward Egg.

nFang Lang rubbed his hands together excitedly.

n‘Double Cultivation Card: One-time use. After activation, a clone of one selected binding partner will form. The clone has identical cultivation inspiration and cultivation speed to the selected binding partner. All products of the clone’s cultivation will all be transferred to the host when the clone dissolves. Effect of the card lasts for six hours.’

nFang Lang’s hands froze.

nHe found the card’s effect to be dull and unimpressive.

n“Switch to Quadruple Binding Mode!

n“Activate Double Cultivation Card with the binding partner, Jiang Linglong.”

nFang Lang commanded in a composed tone.

nThe System’s notification sounded.

nFollowing that, a clone of Old Jiang gradually took shape beside Fang Lang. The clone had a veil over her face. Like a holographic image, the clone was blurry and can only be seen but not touched.

nFang Lang prepared a pile of spirit crystals for her. Then, he activated the 5X Amplification Card and started cultivating at five times the speed!

nBoom!

nThe lightning-fast cultivation speed bombarded him with spiritual energy.

nA night of double cultivation brought clarity to his mind.

nWhoosh!

nAfter days of stagnant progress, Fang Lang finally rose to become a fourth-grade sword master.

n…

nThe next day.

nAutumn rain continued to pour. The air grew more frigid by the day.

nAfter a whole night of double cultivation, Fang Lang packed up his clothes and valuables.

nHe would soon head to the Imperial City of Changan along with Wen Ting to undergo special training. Thus, Old Fang wanted to see him off personally.

nOld Fang held an oil-paper umbrella in his hand as the father and son headed to Luojiang Academy together.

nOld Fang nagged Fang Lang all the way there. He even prepared tens of thousands worth of cash and stuffed it into Fang Lang’s arms.

nThe journey to Changan was a long one. Any father would surely be worried about his child who would be a thousand miles away.

nThus, it was only natural for him to nag Fang Lang.

nEven so, he knew his son was not a child anymore and would eventually soar into the boundless skies.

nOld Fang would not stand in his way. He would merely stand at the foot of the mountain and watch as his child reached higher and higher peaks, silently applauding his achievements. If there came a day when his child was too tired to continue, he would be there to provide a cozy place for him to rest.

nFang Lang held his umbrella and slowly stepped into the academy. He looked back.

nThe autumn rain was like a veil that obscured Chang Street.

nIt cast a blur over the scene of Old Fang waving in the rain.

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