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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nNi Wen was carried out of the ring under the setting sun.

nXimen Xianxian regained his senses. In his complicated expression, there was a hint of admiration.

nPerseverance was easier said than done.

nWhat did the girl experience to have such determination?

nHe had no clue but she definitely earned his respect.

nAlthough Ni Wen triggered her bloodline abilities near the end of the battle, she was still far from his level. Despite that, Ximen Xianxian chose to release his entire righteous energy reserve to fight her as a sign of respect.

nXimen Xianxian had initially expected to tap into his reserve when he was up against Wei Sheng, Fang Lang or Jiang Linglong.

nHe dusted his crumpled robe and lifted his head to look at the setting sun. He was inspired by the beautiful view and wanted to recite a poem but the mood was lost when he noticed Fang Lang staring at him.

nThe imperial physician who was on standby for the final section of the Imperial Examination rushed over. He gave Ni Wen a pill before ordering the others to carry her down the ring.

n“The pill will heal her wounds, but she has exhausted her spiritual sense. She might not be able to join the upcoming battles,” Jiang Linglong said softly.

nFang Lang nodded. Ni Wen had given her best. It was impressive that she was able to reach this stage.

nShe gave it her best shot.

nFang Lang, Liu Bubai and Jiang Linglong left the battle ring. The first round of the Royal Battle was complete.

nAfter the first round, half of the candidates’ nameplates were covered in cracks, the other half were pristine.

nThose with pristine nameplates would enter the second round.

nAfter a short break, the nameplates were redrawn.

nThe chance of having two strong opponents fight each other was significantly increased in the second round.

nExcitement buzzed through the crowd. Everyone was eager to witness more amazing battles.

nTwo perfect nameplates collided—Jiang Linglong and Lu Ze.

nLu Ze’s expression turned dark. However, he did not panic. After all, he was mentally prepared to face Jiang Linglong and the others in the Royal Battle.

nThe battle was over very soon. Although Lu Ze practiced the Drunken Sword Style from Lu Taixuan, he was no match for Jiang Linglong’s blade.

nLu Ze accepted his fate readily. He walked down the ring with a smile as he drank the wine from the gourd canteen. At least this match was much more satisfying than the one he had with Liu Bubai.

nThe next few battles were equally as interesting.

nWei Sheng was paired up with Luo Yang. As the top student in Nanyuan Academy, Luo Yang still had a tough time battling Wei Sheng. In the end, he almost lost the lower half of his body to Wei Sheng’s blade and understandably lost the match.

nFortunately, there were imperial physicians on standby right outside the ring. Otherwise, Luo Yang would need a couple of days’ worth of cultivation to heal his wounds even with the help of pills.

nFang Lang was due next. His opponent for this round was an average candidate, ranked forty-seventh on the honor roll. He was one of the not-so-favored candidates in the second round.

nHe was an eighth-grade spell master who won the first round by sheer luck and willpower after a tenacious battle.

nThe opponent was extremely disappointed to learn that he matched with Fang Lang.

nThe outcome of the battle was as expected. Before Fang Lang took out his flight sword, the opponent immediately surrendered.

nHow could he fight Fang Lang?

nDid he wish to experience the same thing Li Yuanzhen went through? Being tossed around in the air?

nIt was best he took a step back and retained his dignity.

nHe was already content with his achievement—entering the second round as an eighth-grade spell master. After all, he was not aiming for the grand champion title.

nFang Lang bowed with a smile before stepping down from the battle ring. The crowd was quite disappointed when Fang Lang’s second battle failed to live up to their expectations.

nXimen Xianxian entered the ring after Fang Lang. He quickly ended his opponent as if he was completely unaffected by the previous battle.

nWhen all the students with the pristine nameplates were done with their battles, the candidates who lost the first round were up next. Some of the nameplates shattered into pieces and the candidate’s ranking was recorded in the final section of the Imperial Examination.

nThe first to have their nameplate shattered would be ranked as the 80th and so on.

nLi Yuanzhen performed exceptionally well in his second battle. He ended the match with accurate and precise moves.

nWith a neutral expression, he eliminated every opponent he faced.

nHowever, it was pointless as he had lost the qualification to compete for the grand champion title.

nLiu Bubai also entered the ring. He was very lucky to have an opponent who sustained severe injuries from the previous battle. The opponent was so wounded he was barely able to use a third of his power. The boy lost to Liu Bubai.

nLiu Bubai was 50th on the ranking.

nDue to the severity of Ni Wen’s injuries, she was ranked at 79th place.

nThe duo was quite pleased with the final outcome.

nWen Ting was grinning from ear to ear. Headmaster Cui was also smiling gleefully in the crowd. Luojiang Academy would rise in fame.

nFor the next intake, students from the neighboring cities would be fighting for a slot to study in Luojiang Academy.

nFurthermore, Fang Lang’s final rank would call attention from the entire Tang Dynasty. Students from all over the world would wish to study at Luojiang Academy!

nIn conclusion, Luojiang Academy would be receiving a significant boost in cultivation resources.

n…

nThe final section of the Imperial Examination carried on.

nThe moon rose to the middle of the sky and hid behind the rain clouds. The radiant moonlight seeped through the clouds and lighted the plaza beyond the Vermillion Bird Gate. The autumn winds bellowed angrily.

nThe jade white beacon towers along the imperial pathway were lit for the night. Two rows of flames burned brightly and the plaza was lit up.

nThe stubborn moon tore through the clouds and showered silver rays onto the green-tiled ring.

nJiang Linglong stood elegantly with the White Frost Blade in her hand.

nThe atmosphere was quiet as the crowd kept their voice to a minimum. The spectators were tired after a whole day of matches but they were eager for the upcoming battle.

nStanding across from Jiang Linglong was Wei Sheng with his crew-cut hair. He carried a black sword. He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

n“Who knew we’d meet so early. I thought I’ll be fighting Fang Lang first,” Wei Sheng said.

nJiang Linglong remained silent as she stared at Wei Sheng calmly with her sparkling eyes. Her veil hid the remaining features of her face.

n“Since I’ve already fought Fang Lang before, I guess it’s apt that I was matched with you. Let’s do this.”

nWei Sheng’s honest grin was rather contagious.

nJiang Linglong nodded slightly. Her cold demeanor reminded others of an iceberg that had been frozen for thousands of years.

nShe said calmly, “After you.”

nBang!

nWei Sheng’s vital energy exploded instantly, his hair standing on its ends. He unleashed all his power without any reservation against Jiang Linglong.

nHis bloodline abilities were activated, conjuring a shadow in the ring. He pulled out the black sword with such force it was as if he was slicing through giant ocean waves.

nEveryone gasped at the ongoing battle in the ring.

nThis match was as interesting as the one between Fang Lang and Li Yuanzhen!

nIt could also be coined as the battle of the grand champion.

nIn the preparation area, Fang Lang paid full attention to the battle. Both Wei Sheng and Old Jiang were very strong. The probability of either one winning was 50-50.

nThe flashing blades reflected in his eyes.

nThe green tiles of the battle ring cracked due to the blade energy and vital energy. Their battle spirits were strong enough to generate a whirlwind of rain clouds above.

nFinally, the match came to an end.

nThe clothes on Wei Sheng’s upper body were torn apart. His black sword stood in the middle of the ring riddled with holes and puddles.

nHe sat cross-legged and gasped for air. His body was covered in blade wounds.

n“I’ve lost,” Wei Sheng said as he scratched the back of his head.

nJiang Linglong still had her veil on but a corner of the fabric had been sliced off. The diaphanous material floated onto the ground.

nShe nodded lightly. “Thank you.”

nClank!

nTheir nameplates collide—Jiang Linglong’s nameplate made cracks in Wei Sheng’s.

nWhen they exited the ring, the workers immediately went to repair and replace the green tiles.

nThe candidates for the upcoming matches dwindled.

nEveryone knew which pair was next without waiting for the draw.

nThe only ones with perfect nameplates left were Fang Lang and Ximen Xianxian.

nWhen the remaining two nameplates collided in mid-air, the court eunuch announced their names as usual.

n“Next battle, Ximen Xianxian from Changan Academy against Fang Lang from Luojiang Academy.”

nThe winner of this battle would proceed to compete with Jiang Linglong for the grand champion title, the loser would battle with Wei Sheng for third place.

nThe attention this battle gained was no less than the battle between Wei Sheng and Jiang Linglong. Even Lu Taixuan—who had been dozing off—sobered up and glanced at the ring.

n…

nThe autumn moon was hidden behind the moving clouds.

nThe sky above the ring was a few shades darker. A cold wind stirred up the dust from the ground.

nFang Lang and Ximen Xianxian bowed to each other from opposite ends of the ring.

nXimen Xianxian looked very serious. Even though he invited Fang Lang to the entertainment house for a good time, he still treated him as a respectable opponent in the battle ring.

nHe wanted to win conclusively so as to not disappoint the first prince.

nHe had never underestimated Fang Lang. Although Fang Lang only had a sixth-grade sword master’s skill level, he had achieved second class in martial arts and spell mastery.

nIt was very rare for cultivators to major in all three disciplines.

nThe cultivation of a spell master and martial arts master could help Fang Lang offset his shortcomings as a sword master. Ximen Xianxian should be treating Fang Lang as a ninth-grade sword master.

nThe boy might be even more difficult to deal with—a sword master would only know how to use sword techniques, but Fang Lang… had more than just swords.

nFang Lang was also known for his extraordinary moves in battles!

nDang!

nThe sound of the gong indicated the battle had begun.

nFang Lang narrowed his eyes. He did not move immediately as he was still checking the System’s information.

n‘Ding! Update completed for binding partner, Ni Wen.’

n…

nBinding Partner: Ni Wen

nAge: 15

nCultivation: Second-Grade Spell Master (Second-Class Spell Mastery)

nCore: 80 (Gold)

nCultivation Speed: 15 low-grade spirit crystals

/every 2 hours

nBloodline Ability: Spirit Eyes

n…

nFang Lang took a deep breath when he saw the updated details of Ni Wen.

nAfter Ni Wen underwent a bloodline awakening, her core had transformed from yellow to gold! However, Wen Ting mentioned before that a core mutation originating from a bloodline awakening was a normal process.

nWhat shocked Fang Lang the most was the category of bloodline ability.

nHe mentally searched for the information for Spirit Eyes.

n‘Spirit Eyes: Special bloodline ability of the Tang Dynasty royals. Due to the low composition of royal blood, only two passive abilities of the Spirit Eyes can be activated. Firstly, Spirit Stacking can be used to increase the power of spells; Secondly, Spirit Burst can amplify the total amount of spiritual sense by ten-folds within 15 minutes.

n‘Ding! Friendly reminder: Activating bloodline abilities will drain a large amount of energy. Use in moderation.’

nFang Lang gasped.

nIncredible!

nLittle Wen had royal blood in her?

nWho was the guy that abandoned Ni Wen and her mother?

nFang Lang frowned slightly. If the man was a royal descendent, it would complicate the situation.

nHow would Ni Wen react if the man showed up to reconcile with her?

nFang Lang shook his head to stop the thoughts. At least, he knew the bloodline awakening was beneficial to Ni Wen.

n‘Ding! Mission activated: A Dream Come True.

n‘Defeating Ximen Xianxian was Ni Wen’s obsession before she lost her battle. Defeat Ximen Xianxian and make him surrender willingly to fulfill Ni Wen’s wish. You will be rewarded with Ximen Xianxian’s righteous energy (Note: the amount of righteous energy depends on Ximen Xianxian’s willingness).’

nHmm?

nAnother side mission?

nDefeat Ximen Xianxian to obtain his righteous energy?

nFang Lang smacked his lips and thought, ‘I’m liking this System.’

nXimen Xianxian was just a vessel to store righteous energy over the years—the fruit was ripe for Fang Lang’s picking.

nMission accepted!

n…

nSuddenly, Fang Lang widened his eyes. His eyes were sparkling.

nIn the distance, Ximen Xianxian shuddered as if he was being eyed by a hungry wolf. His expression darkened.

nHe pushed a palm forward and the other palm backward to form the Moving Kunlun Hands.

nA surge of energy rose and transformed into a white dragon that surrounded him, lighting up the night sky.

nXimen Xianxian treated Fang Lang as a formidable opponent and used his entire reserve of righteous energy on his first move.

n“After you, Brother Lang.”

nThere was a thunderstorm looming above them.

nAn immense pressure filled the atmosphere, crushing everyone’s chest.

nFang Lang did not draw his sword. Instead, he took a step forward—his body shot out instantly like an arrow, his green sleeves billowing in the air.

nThen, he jumped and the air currents followed his movements.

nSuddenly, the red space ring on his finger flashed and the Meteor Flight Sword appeared. Fang Lang drove it high up into the clouds.

nXimen Xianxian’s eyes flickered. What was Fang Lang doing?

nFang Lang switched into the Quadruple Binding Mode.

nHe raised his hand.

nShing.

nA frost bow appeared.

nSpell: Frost Bow (Spell Mastery Specialty).

nThe energy around Fang Lang was amplified after switching to Quadruple Binding Mode. His body was drawing the spiritual energy in the atmosphere.

nFang Lang then charged at Ximen Xianxian on his Meteor Flight Sword.

nXimen Xianxian frowned and raised his hand upwards. The white stream of energy roared at Fang Lang and halted his movements.

nThe closest distance Fang Lang could get to Ximen Xianxian was 30 meters away.

n“Spirit Eyes!” Fang Lang said softly.

nThe next moment, a golden ray flashed across his pupils.

nSpirit Stacking!

nSpirit Burst!

nInstantly, Fang Lang felt the spiritual sense of his third-grade spell mastery was magnified by ten-folds!

nA crystal arrow was forming above the frost bow as Fang Lang infused it with streams of spiritual energy.

nWhoosh!

nFang Lang released his hand and the frost bow shot out a silver ray that ripped through the dark sky, aimed directly at Ximen Xianxian.

nWhat a peculiar feeling!

nXimen Xianxian narrowed his eyes. Even the first prince who sat before the Taiji Palace was stunned by the weird sensation…

nThe eldest prince turned to look toward the Taiji Palace as if he was seeking instructions.

nThere was no reaction from deep within the courts of the Taiji Palace. The first prince let out a long sigh and wondered if he was mistaken.

nInside the ring, Ximen Xianxian lifted his hand and pushed downwards. A tornado rose from the ground and struck the crystal arrow, shattering it into pieces.

nAt the same time, Ximen Xianxian started reciting a poem out of habit.

n“Fallen leaves twirled into blue-green waters, ripples grew into raging waters…”

nHowever, before he could finish the first sentence, Fang Lang focused his eyes and interrupted him.

n“Monkeys wailed sadly in the howling winds, birds circled above the white river banks. Falling leaves rustled in the wind as endless tides course through the river!”

n…

nFang Lang recited the entire poem in one breath.

nXimen Xianxian was interrupted halfway through the poem. He was struck by the literacy conception of Fang Lang’s poem.

nHis head was filled with the imagery in Fang Lang’s poem.

nFang Lang used this narrow window of opportunity to close in by six meters with his flight sword.

nHe raised the frost bow again while standing on the flight sword.

nHe shot arrow after arrow to cripple the swirling energy around Ximen Xianxian.

nXimen Xianxian regained his senses and quickly lifted his hands to form another hurricane.

nHe clenched his jaws and started reciting once more, “Life brings more suffering than joy…”

nA poem about life?

nFang Lang raised his eyebrow and interjected. “Live life to the fullest, never leave an empty wine glass under the moon! We’re born with a purpose, not made in vain. A thousand gold coins spent, more will turn up again.”

nXimen Xianxian was left speechless.

nHe thought about it and almost vomited blood. Finish it, for goodness sake!

nF*ck!

nThis poem was incomplete!

nBang!

nThe righteous energy around him shook violently. Fang Lang closed in by another 10 meters. He shot another arrow with Spirit Stacking and destroyed the tornado.

nXimen Xianxian quickly formed another whirl of energy to stop the arrow!

nXimen Xianxian’s face turned pale. He refused to give up and recited another poem with his jaws clenched tightly, “I thrive in the boundless Heaven and Earth…”

nA poem about Heaven and Earth?

nBring it on!

nFang Lang stood on the flight sword and aimed his bow at Ximen Xianxian as he recited loudly, “The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms. Rivers and mountains on land, sun and stars in the sky!”

nXimen Xianxian felt as though he was struck by lightning when he heard Fang Lang’s words!

nThis… this poem!

nHis righteous energy went wild as the turbulent sea!

nFang Lang swerved on his flight sword and darted forward by another 10 meters.

nHe was only 3 meters away from Ximen Xianxian.

nThe entire plaza was eerily silent.

nIn the ring, the white dragon charged towards the sky, stirring up a storm with a hurricane of righteous energy.

nThe combat battle had turned into a battle of poems!

nWhenever Ximen Xianxian opened his mouth to recite a poem, Fang Lang immediately interrupted him.

nFang Lang used three poems to stun the great scholar of Changan and left him speechless!

nFang Lang leaped down from his flight sword and landed just inches away from Ximen Xianxian.

nWith a wave of his sleeve, he posed with his middle finger on his thumb like the smiling Buddha who picked a flower. He held his hand against the forehead of Ximen Xianxian.

n“Do not fret about being alone, your name has reached every corner of this world.”

nFang Lang finished the poem with a warm smile.

nXimen Xianxian looked utterly lost, trying to digest Fang Lang’s poetry.

nThen, his gaze fell on Fang Lang.

n‘Is he… is he a monster?’

nBoom!

nThe Finger flick Energy Wave exploded.

nXimen Xianxian’s head snapped backward, blood sprayed into the air. His entire body was sent flying through the ring like a shot arrow.

nXimen Xianxian had lost.

nThe storm clouds dispersed, allowing the moonlight to shine through.

nFang Lang stood upright in the ring and looked at Jiang Linglong in the preparation area.

nHe was smiling warmly under the moonlight. He looked just like the boy whom she first saw in the Jade Pavilion.

n‘Old Jiang, you’re up next.’

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