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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nThe palace roof was lined with colorful ceramic tiles. Auspicious beast statues perched atop the four black cornices, head raised at the vast galaxy.

nThe weather was colder as the empire was swept into autumn.

nVoluminous dark clouds gathered in the night sky as if the first snow of late autumn was brewing within. The clouds looked so heavy that they threatened to weigh down on Earth, suffocating the people.

nIn the green-tiled ring at the center of the White Jade Square, there was a tiny figure in a green robe. The figure was minuscule in comparison to the enormous palace.

nFang Lang held the Obsidian Sword, a warm smile on his face. His green robes fluttered, eliciting the sounds of a flag in the high winds.

nThe entire White Jade Square was silent.

nThe same silence extended to the crowd on both sides of the imperial pathway beyond the Vermillion Bird Gate.

nThe crowd stood gaping, stunned by what they had just witnessed.

nThe gamblers tightened their grip on the betting slip in their hand which was soaked in cold sweat. The dread was obvious on their faces. The moat surrounding Changan City would welcome many new bodies by dawn.

nXimen Xianxian who was one of the potential candidates to be the grand champion was defeated by Fang Lang—the dark horse who slipped past everybody’s radar.

nFang Lang was the combat and theory champion but no one thought he would stand a chance with his weak cultivation. It would hinder his performance during the final battle. Most people initially thought Fang Lang would be eliminated in the first round.

nInstead, he managed to defeat his opponents in the most ostentatious and unpredictable manner. He earned a spot in the final round—the deciding battle for the grand champion title!

nWith Ximen Xianxian defeated, the battle for the grand champion title would be between Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

nSome spectators were mentally prepared for Ximen Xianxian to lose against Fang Lang.

nAfter all, Fang Lang had destroyed the most popular candidate, Li Yuanzhen.

nHowever, they were still astounded by the lengths he went to in the battle with Ximen Xianxian.

nFlight sword, frost bow and poetry!

nThe art of poetry was Ximen Xianxian’s strongest suit. He was well-known in Changan for his reputation in the entertainment house. There was even a saying that went, ‘A poem a day keeps the courtesans at bay.’ Yet, he had lost to Fang Lang in a battle of poems!

nThis was why the people were shocked.

nIn front of the Taiji Palace, the first prince frowned with disappointment in his eyes.

nOn the other end, Lu Taixuan laughed as he rubbed his palms together. “This battle is worth losing sleep for. A duel between two geniuses with great poetry skills in Changan, what a feast! ‘Live life to the fullest, never leave an empty wine glass under the moon.’ Amazing! This, in particular, perfectly describes our passion for wine!”

nGrand Chancellor Lu Taixuan burst out in laughter. Usually, he would control himself within the palace grounds and not indulge in drinking.

nHowever…

nThis beautiful passage would be meaningless without alcohol.

nHe uncorked his canteen with a pop and started gulping!

nWhile he was drinking, he laughed and recited, “Ceaseless mellow autumns passed, I’m a rolling stone; ailing, at my life’s end, I climb this tower alone…

n“Interesting, very interesting. ‘Do not fret about being alone, your name has reached every corner of this world…’ After tonight, who wouldn’t know about Fang Lang!”

nLi Puyi glanced briefly toward Lu Taixuan, emotionless.

n‘This old rag, he’s using his compliments as an excuse to drink.’

n“Ximen Xianxian shouldn’t be defeated so easily with the amount of righteous energy he gathered over the years, but Fang Lang’s poems are truly out of this world… ‘The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms’ had the strongest impact on Ximen Xianxian. It seemed like an absurd battle, but it was a mental exchange of Ruism. Ximen Xianxian didn’t lose because his cultivation was weaker, he lost in the art of poetry,” Li Puyi said calmly.

nThe other officials nodded their heads. Most of them were still immersed in the poems Fang Lang recited which rendered Ximen Xianxian speechless.

nThe first prince chuckled. His eyes glistened.

n“Xianxian still lost, looks like he wasn’t ready to be a champion. The battle for the grand champion title will be the highlight of this Imperial Examination,” the first prince stated.

nThe officials quietened down and nodded.

n…

nXimen Xianxian laid on the cold hard floor of the White Jade Square, staring blankly at the layers of dark clouds looming above him.

nFang Lang’s powerful words kept ringing in his head like thunder.

nThe imperial physicians rushed to his side to assess his wounds. He did not have any serious injuries, it was his heart that hurt badly.

nFang Lang had defeated him in his own area of expertise—this left a great impact on him.

nXimen Xianxian stood up shakily and wiped the blood off his forehead.

n‘The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms.’

nHe was astounded by these words.

nHis eyes sparkled and grew brighter.

nHe put his hands together and gestured at Fang Lang who was still in the ring. Even though Fang Lang did not see him, Ximen Xianxian started to feel enlightened.

nFang Lang’s three poems broke through his righteous energy and his state of mind.

nHe was enlightened by the three poems.

n“Brother Lang, I’m aware of my shortcomings. Let’s have a long conversation after the final battle. I hope you’ll grant my wish and finish the poems you started,” Ximen Xianxian said with a smile.

nThen, he turned around without hesitation and strode off. His figure was accentuated by his billowing robe in the wind.

nXimen Xianxian accepted his defeat willingly. The only regret was that he could not fulfill the orders of the eldest prince to win the grand championship.

nHe had been harboring the righteous energy for years but he still lost.

nIt was disappointing.

n…

nJiang Linglong watched Fang Lang quietly from afar. He stood erect under the moonlight as his green robe billowed in the air.

nHer gorgeous eyes sparkled faintly.

nManager Yu was in the crowd beside the imperial pathway. She stared at the ring. She was still overwhelmed after seeing Fang Lang’s display of power.

nHis first visit to the Jade Pavilion felt like yesterday—the young boy had asked for the name of the mysterious lady.

nNow, he was standing here as her equal.

nThe universe worked in mysterious ways. Who would ever think that the boy could grow at such an astonishing rate!

nThe court eunuch stood before the last two nameplates. He waved his hand and the nameplates in the air collided against each other.

n“The final Royal Battle, the battle for the grand champion title.”

nImmediately after the announcement, cheers and screams filled the White Jade Square. The commotion from the crowd tore through the dark clouds!

nJiang Linglong stood up from the preparation area. Her white dress made her stand out from the crowd. She was holding the White Frost Blade. Her face remained veiled while loose locks fell smoothly around her shoulders.

nShe slowly walked up to the ring, starry-eyed.

nShe had been looking forward to this battle.

n“Let me see how strong you’ve become.”

nThe cherry lips under her veil curved slightly.

nFang Lang and Jiang Linglong stood on opposite sides of the green-tiled battle ring. It was as though the entire world fell into utter silence.

nThe moonlight shone through the thick clouds. The beam acted as a natural spotlight for the battle ring.

nIn the corner of the White Jade Square, Princess Pei Shi pointed excitedly at the ring and told Pei Liao, “They’re about to fight! Ling’er and Little Fang are fighting! Little Fang’s poems were amazing. Do you think Ling’er will accidentally stab Little Fang to death? Ling’er takes after her father, they never hold back in a fight.”

nPei Liao remained expressionless, refusing to entertain his talkative sister.

nHowever, his nonchalant demeanor held for less than three seconds. His face twisted in annoyance when Princess Pei Shi began pinching his ear. “Why aren’t you speaking!”

nPei Liao wanted to cry inside.

nIf possible, he would not want her as his sister.

n…

nThe late autumn weather was chilling to the bone. The cold winds howled through the ancient city of Changan.

nAfter a few showers of autumn rain, the temperature that night dropped to an extreme low. The crowd on the White Jade Square were rubbing their hands together even though they had on thick coats. The weather made their breaths visible.

nThe crisp sound of the gong resonated loudly.

nThe highly anticipated battle for the grand champion title was unfolding.

nCountless tip-toed and craned their necks to get a clearer look.

nHundreds of officials before the Taiji Palace had their eyes glued to the match.

nIn the ring, Fang Lang wore the sword box on his back. He was smiling warmly and his smile grew wider when he crossed eyes with Old Jiang.

nTonight would be the night he milked Old Jiang dry.

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nTheir battle would be a meaningful exchange.

nFang Lang was very pleased.

n“If you’re going to use those tricks as you did with Li Yuanzhen and Ximen Xianxian, you should just surrender. I’ll destroy you.” Jiang Linglong had a brilliant smile as she spoke. Her eyes sparkled like galaxies.

nFang Lang grinned and raised his hand to reach for the hilt of the Obsidian Sword. He slowly pulled it out and pointed the ink-black tip at the green tiles.

n“Fang Lang of Luojiang Academy.”

nJiang Linglong shivered.

n“Jiang Linglong of the Imperial Academy.”

n“Please begin.”

n…

nBzzzt!

nThe vibrations of the blade exploded above the ring, stirring up tiny energy waves that were not visible to the naked eye.

nFang Lang stepped forward with the Obsidian Sword, Spirit Step!

nHis spiritual energy and blade energy started rising the moment he took the first step. There was no need to play tricks with Old Jiang.

nHe would not waste the hard-earned opportunity to fight Jiang Linglong. It would be a battle of swords!

nSuddenly, there were dozens of green shadows appearing in the ring. Fang Lang had the cultivation of a sixth-grade sword master. With the blade energy in his body, his movements were so swift it made him look like a specter.

nHe reached Jiang Linglong’s side in one breath.

nHowever, Fang Lang lowered his body and stabbed the Obsidian Sword onto the floor. The sword pierced through the green tiles as if it was slicing bean curd.

nThen, all of a sudden, he withdrew the sword!

nA surge of blade energy erupted from the tiles!

nSword Draw Technique!

nThe energy was like black thunder tearing through the earth in a deafening roar!

nHe swung the sword and sliced through the storm!

nJiang Linglong focused her eyes, her senses heightened. She exhibited her ninth-grade sword master skills as her snowy white fingers pointed on the White Frost Blade sheath and a sudden surge of blade energy burst out.

nIt was like a spring breeze!

nThe boy’s sword hit against her mellow spring breeze.

nDing!

nA crisp metallic sound was heard, sparks flew everywhere!

nTwo strong forces collided. The Quadruple Binding Mode combined with the strength of a third-grade martial arts master had put Fang Lang on par with Jiang Linglong’s ninth-grade sword master’s cultivation.

nJing Linglong’s body started to sway. Blade energy churned inside her energy center!

nThen, with a flick of her sword, she triggered the Four Seasons Form—Spring Rain!

nCountless sword rays turned into showers of spring rain and covered Fang Lang’s Obsidian Sword. Fang Lang could not shake them off his sword no matter how hard he tried.

nThis was a powerful deflecting sword style!

nFang Lang was able to grasp part of Old Jiang’s Four Seasons Form back when he activated the Power Loan card. However, Fang Lang would never retain any trace of it in his sword style when he fought Old Jiang. He would be digging his own grave if he did.

nThe Sword Draw Technique was very destructive and the Spring Rain was the best form to resolve it.

nFang Lang remained calm and collected. He knew that it would be very difficult to beat Old Jiang, but he would not give up so easily. He was well-prepared.

nHe lifted his left hand and gestured like a Buddha plucking a flower. Then, he pushed forward and let loose a Finger Flick Energy Wave.

nBoom!

nAn explosion ripped through the quiet atmosphere. Jiang Linglong frowned slightly. Suddenly, the Obsidian Sword that had been pushing against the White Frost Blade retreated. Something reached for the space between Jiang Linglong’s eyes!

nThe White Frost Blade sliced through the energy wave, splitting it into halves. The energy wave was directed to the ground, damaging the green tiles to her sides.

nFang Lang used this window of opportunity to release the Obsidian Sword. With the tip of the blade embedded in the ground, he bent the sword into a wicked angle. Then, he released the stored potential and charged towards Jiang Linglong as the sword cried.

nThis was Liu Bubai’s signature move but Fang Lang had taken it to a whole new level!

nJiang Linglong seemed to notice something and frowned.

n“Show-off,” Jiang Linglong chided.

nNonetheless, she hurled her sword forward and shot out a whirl of blade energy. Instantly, the blade beams charged forward like a rainstorm!

nFang Lang was in a daze as if he was facing a torrential downpour.

nHe had nowhere to hide!

nThis was different from the Four Seasons Form she used in the Gathering of Swords. She had significantly improved the technique!

nIf Li Yuanzhen was the top spell master in this cohort, Jiang Linglong would be the top sword master!

nFang Lang narrowed his eyes. His body started spinning rapidly in the air. As he was spinning, the Blooming Lotus Sword darted out of the sword box and collided with Jiang Linglong’s Summer Rain Style and ricocheted.

nFang Lang wielded both swords and moved fluidly. His swift movements were impenetrable, surrounding him were streams of currents formed by blade energy.

nJiang Linglong kept pressuring him with her ninth-grade sword master’s cultivation!

nThe immense pressure was purely from her cultivation!

nFang Lang swung both swords rapidly and knitted a dense web of blades to shield himself.

nDing! Ding! Ding!

nFang Lang tried to use the Dual Sword technique but Jiang Linglong kept pushing him backward!

nEveryone was entranced by the brilliant exchange of swords between two geniuses!

nThe two candidates flew from one end of the battle ring to the other as if they were dancing.

nOne demonstrated power and strength while the other was graceful and elegant.

nThe reflection of the blades shone at every corner of the ring.

nThe blade energy resonated everywhere, the crisp tone of metal clashing formed a melodious symphony.

n…

nThe crowd around them was exhilarated.

nThere were no murderous or vengeful intentions. The match was like listening to the rain on a serene day in a peaceful mood.

n“What an ideal match,” Wen Ting muttered among the crowd as he hugged his sword.

nSuddenly, his eyes glistened as he recalled the days when he practiced sword fights with a woman under the peach blossom tree.

nHeadmaster Cui stroked his beard and smiled warmly. These two kids…

nHis cloudy eyes glazed over as he went down memory lane.

n‘Time waits for no man, half of your life’s gone before you even notice it.’

nAmong the ten great sect leaders, Chao Xiaojian scoffed, “Show-off.”

nSu Yunyu beside him chuckled. “It’s a visual feast.”

n…

n“Fang Lang, if this is what you’ve got, you’ll definitely lose,” Jiang Linglong said.

nThere was a hint of mockery and satisfaction in her tone.

nShe was slightly pleased to see Fang Lang struggle to perform his tricks.

n“I’ll go in full force then!”

nFang Lang’s double swords were like two intertwining snakes, stirring up a blade of wind in the cold night. Then, he backed away and ripped through Jiang Linglong’s Summer Rain Style!

nHe stomped his foot on the ground and his body was instantly covered in blood armor that burned in the dark sky.

nThird-grade martial arts master!

nFang Lang bellowed like a roaring thunder in the storm, his green robe flapping fiercely in the winds.

nFang Lang wielded both the Blooming Lotus Sword and the Obsidian Sword. With immense strength, he charged at Jiang Linglong, swords raised like two ferocious dragons.

nJiang Linglong’s expression turned serious. Her face behind the veil remained calm as the autumn waters.

nShe thrust the White Frost blade forward and twirled her body, her white dress bloomed in the dark night like a white rose.

nRipples coursed through the autumn waters.

nHer blade energy was like the neverending autumn rain.

nThe Blooming Sword and Obsidian Sword hovered in mid-air as if they were stuck in a swamp.

nFang Lang stopped and landed on his feet.

nHis eyes turned blood red!

nBinding partner, Wei Sheng bloodline ability: Rampage!

nThe shadows of Fang Lang’s silhouette converged into one. His fists were charged with rampant vital energy as he punched the hilts of the hovering Blooming Lotus Sword and Obsidian Sword!

nWith the enhancement of Rampage, the power of his attack was equivalent to a sixth-grade martial arts master!

nAs his firsts struck the swords, they ripped apart Jiang Linglong’s autumn waters!

nPanic flashed across her eyes!

nWhat was that?

nIt was similar to Wei Sheng’s bloodline ability.

nAs expected, Fang Lang still had tricks up his sleeve.

nDing! Ding!

nJiang Linglong twisted her body and instantly, the Blooming Lotus Sword and the Obsidian Sword were sent flying across the ring. They landed on the ground, drilling two holes onto the tiles as the hilts continued vibrating.

nFang Lang was inches away from where Jiang Linglong landed.

nMartial arts mastery, Splitting Punch!

nBeing too close to a powerful martial arts master would always end terribly, even for a sword master.

nJiang Linglong found herself in that exact situation. Although Fang Lang was just a third-grade martial arts master, she felt threatened by the power he wielded with Rampage.

nShe harnessed an enormous surge of blade energy from within her core and slashed at him with her sword.

nFang Lang used the Splitting Punch to defend against Jiang Linglong’s sword with much difficulty.

nThis was due to the difference in their cultivation grades.

nHowever, Fang Lang still had a smile on his face. It was far from over!

nA golden ray flashed beneath his eyes, Spirit Eyes!

nInstant Casting Spell: Spirit Awl!

nJiang Linglong felt a stabbing pain that caused her to lose focus for a split second. The timing of her attack was off!

nFang Lang kept casting Spirit Awl.

nThis was a spiritual sense attack at a near distance. However, Fang Lang was shocked to find it caused no damage to Jiang Linglong! A white beam flashed in her eyes.

n“Gaudy!” Jiang Linglong chided.

nShe whirled her sword once more but this time it brought forth a snowstorm!

nA snowstorm that threatened to freeze the Earth.

nFour Seasons Form—Winter Snow!

nFang Lang was speechless. He failed to defeat her with both bloodline abilities!

nNevertheless, he still had one last move.

nHe raised both hands and crossed them together as if he was drawing a circle. Immense righteous energy started to exude from his body!

nThen, he pushed upwards and created a tornado from the ground right beside their legs!

nJiang Linglong’s expression changed.

n‘What are you?’

nSwords, martial arts, spells, Ruism…

n‘How does he know every discipline?’

nBoom!

nThe Winter Snow form was obliterated.

nEveryone watched in astonishment as Jiang Linglong was pulled into the tornado and spun upwards into the sky. Ximen Xianxian gaped in shock.

nThis triggered Jiang Linglong and she started changing forms in anger—a terrifying sword intent spread from within her body!

nShe had mastered the sword intent of the Four Seasons Form!

nIncredible!

n“Four Seasons In One!”

nJiang Linglong shouted anxiously with her jaws clenched.

nHowever, when her sword intent was just materializing, Fang Lang activated the sword intent seed inside his energy center. Jiang Linglong’s sword intent immediately retreated.

nFang Lang attacked with the Splitting Punch. With one hand, he immobilized Jiang Linglong’s sword hand and used his other hand to flick her face.

nThe energy wave exploded like a gust of strong wind!

nJiang Linglong’s veil was torn into pieces.

nA gorgeous face was revealed under the night sky.

nThe heavy clouds above them could no longer hold their weights—specks of white snow gently fell onto the ground.

nJiang Linglong, who was suppressed by Fang Lang’s Splitting Punch, crashed through the layers of clouds.

nWhite dress and green robe in the falling snow.

nThe righteous energy transformed into a white python that cushioned Jiang Linglong’s fall.

nFang Lang’s eyes shimmered as he tore his gaze away from Jiang Linglong’s exposed face. She was incredibly beautiful.

nHe raised his hand and gently flicked the fair skin between her eyes.

nJiang Linglong stared at him in a daze. Their clothes tangled together as they fell like petals covering the ground.

nFang Lang stood up and brushed off the dust from his green robe. Then, he looked up and chuckled.

n“Old Jiang, you’ve lost.”

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