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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nFang Lang’s words lingered within the ministry’s palace.

nDrowning out the sound of wind and snow outside the palace.

nThe flames of the candles flickered. Many were perplexed by Fang Lang’s choice. Looks of astonishment appeared on everyone’s faces.

nFang Lang’s choice could be clearly interpreted from his words—he had chosen the Sword Guild.

nThe Blooming Lotus Sword he obtained had apparently altered his fate and he chose the Sword Guild as a sign of gratitude.

nHe gave up on all the enticing resources that would make any student drool and chose the relatively unalluring Sword Guild.

nAs for Chao Xiaojian’s promise to bring Fang Lang into the demon world to bathe in the Devil’s Pond, everyone saw it as nothing but a joke.

nChao Xiaojian was a powerful man, yet it was not an easy task to bring Fang Lang into the demon world and escape in one piece. Thus, no one believed his promise.

n“What a shame. You are a master of all three disciplines and possess incredible talent. Moreover, you have a core that appears only once in a thousand years. You have now attained the glory of ranking first in the Imperial Examination. It’s quite regretful that I am unable to recruit you into the All-Seeing Buddha Sect.

n“The next time we meet, Champion, we shall be rivals. Amitabha.”

nThe old monk from the All-Seeing Buddha Sect sighed and broke the silence in the hall.

nThe other sect leaders of the ten great sects also let out lamentable sighs.

nSince Fang Lang had already made his choice clear, the sect leaders did not insist on recruiting him anymore. After all, they had already made their offers—the fact that Fang Lang did not choose them meant they were not fated to have him.

nBesides, the top ten sects had pride. They were in no shortage of such geniuses. Moreover, the Imperial Examination was just the first step in a person’s cultivation. Fang Lang might be the champion, but in two or three years… the champion might lose his edge; of course, there was also a chance he would soar to impressive heights.

nNonetheless, the Sword Guild did not possess abundant resources, so who knew what would become of the champion?

nThe party continued.

nAfter Fang Lang had chosen the Sword Guild, Jiang Linglong became the next target of the sect leaders.

nJiang Linglong was the daughter of the great Martial Arts King Jiang and possessed otherworldly talents. Naturally, the great sects had a keen interest in her.

nHowever, before hearing any offers from the top ten sects, Jiang Lianglong stood up and smiled under her fluttering veil. “The Sword Guild has been my target from the very beginning. I aspire to be a woman standing at the peak of sword mastery, just like Sect Leader Taihua…”

nJiang Linglong’s message was clear—she was not joining any sect but the Sword Guild.

nChao Xiaojian grinned from ear to ear.

nThe first- and second-ranked students had chosen the Sword Guild! What a fruitful night for the Sword Guild!

n“V-v-vice Leader Chao… I’d like to join the Sword Guild too.”

nNi Wen, who drank too much fruit wine, said. Her eyes were blurry yet her voice harbored determination.

nChao Xiaojian was stunned. He grinned even wider. “No problem. Welcome to the Sword Guild.”

nA look of disappointment instantly appeared on Yan Keqing’s face. “You shouldn’t! The Sword Guild’s research on fusing spell mastery with sword mastery is nothing but a hoax! The chance of success is too low. You’re being reckless, girl!”

nHowever, when she saw the spark in the little lady’s hazy eyes, she backed down.

n“Chao Xiaojian, if the spell mastery division in your sect doesn’t succeed, don’t ruin Ni Wen’s future. Take her to the Meridian Guild!”

nYan Keqing turned to Chao Xiaojian and said in a serious tone.

nChao Xiaojian did not talk back. He stood up and cupped his fist with his palm respectfully.

n“Naturally.”

nIn truth, Chao Xiaojian did not trick Ni Wen. The Sword Guild was indeed working on a way to fuse spell mastery with sword mastery to create highly-destructive sword mastery techniques.

nGeniuses enrolled in their chosen sects one after another.

nMost geniuses present had sects casting out bait for them.

nMeanwhile, Liu Bubai sat on his seat with a semi-dark expression. He felt as if he was being ignored.

n‘I rank fiftieth in the final section!

n‘Why aren’t any sect representatives approaching me?

n‘Do they think I, Liu Bubai, am not worthy?’

nIn truth, most of the great sects had never thought about recruiting Liu Bubai—mainly because they thought Liu Bubai and Fang Lang would always choose the same path as they seemed to be good friends. Since Fang Lang had chosen to enter the Sword Guild and Liu Bubai was coincidentally a sword mastery practitioner, the sect leaders all assumed Liu Bubai would naturally join the Sword Guild.

nThus, they did not waste their time trying to win him over.

nAs a result, Liu Bubai was in this predicament.

nChao Xiaojian noticed Liu Bubai’s situation. He smiled and said, “Come on, you should join the Sword Guild too.”

nLiu Bubai was speechless.

nHe felt as if he had once again been carried to victory—this time, he was carried into the top ten sects.

n

n…

nSoon, the party came to an end.

nGeniuses chose their sects and sects recruited their geniuses—overall, it was a joyous event indeed.

nSoon, the people at the party began to disperse. They exited the ministry’s palace and handed out tokens to their new recruits. The students had to show up at their respective sects with their tokens in hand within five days.

nFang Lang received a token for the Sword Guild from Chao Xiaojian. It was a bronze token carved into the shape of a lotus.

n“There’s no need to hurry. When I’m done with the stuff in Changan, I’ll accompany you guys back to Luojiang City. After that, we can head to the Sword Guild together,” Chao Xiaojian said.

nFang Lang kept the token aside and nodded.

nHaving said that, Chao Xiaojian reported back to the Ministry of Rites. He had to register the names, academies and other information of the candidates he recruited with the ministry.

nAll sects, whether the top ten sects, first-class sects or second-class sects, had to register their recruited inner sect disciples’ names with the Ministry of Rites. The ministry had to govern all the big and small matters pertaining to the academies and the sects.

nOn the other hand, the sects had much more freedom when it came to recruiting outer sect disciples. They could recruit outer sect disciples whenever they wanted and did not have to register their names. That was because outer sect disciples had less access to resources provided by the imperial court.

nChao Xiaojian left. Fang Lang, Liu Bubai, Ni Wen and Jiang Linglong were about to return to the Martial Arts King’s manor.

nJust then, the first prince called out to them. He approached from afar in the light snow.

nSnow continued to fall on the promenade within the ministry’s palace.

nFang Lang walked side by side with the first prince. The first prince was dressed in a dragon robe, full of vigor. His lips were curled into an elegant yet profound smile.

n“Are you interested in joining my faction? I know you’re already a disciple of the Sword Guild, but many disciples within the ten great guilds will join factions early on.

n“After all, the purpose of cultivating within a sect is to one day become an official in the imperial court. Thus, holding a part-time position in the court will be beneficial for your future.”

nThe first prince explained with a warm smile.

n“You don’t see eye to eye with my little brother, the third prince. His situation is a little complex. He was raised by a foreign concubine, making him biased toward foreigners. He has the support of many foreign generals and thus, things have always been smooth sailing for him. That’s what made him so arrogant and impulsive.

n“Nonetheless, I have influence in the court. If you join my faction, I’ll help you put out my brother’s flames of fury. That way, you can have a smooth journey whether in the Sword Guild or when you join the court in the future.”

nThe first prince proposed his offer.

nSince Fang Lang was the grand champion, the first prince’s decision was ideal.

nWhen Fang Lang was just the champion of the theory and combat assessments, the first prince did not bat an eye at him. After all, it was not uncommon for theory and combat champions to fall short during the final section.

nHowever, Fang Lang had established himself as the grand champion. The eldest prince had to quickly make peace with him.

nHe believed Fang Lang’s entry into his faction was inevitable. After all, Fang Lang did not see eye to eye with the third prince and the enemy of an enemy was a friend.

n“I know you have good relations with the Jiang family, but at the end of the day, it’s best to have multiple backup plans.

n“Besides, I’m not on bad terms with the Jiang family.”

nBoth of them stopped in their steps. Snow fell on the first prince’s head and his dragon robe. He had on a warm smile.

nFang Lang glanced at the first prince and smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but… joining the court is still something far off in the future. My purpose in joining the Sword Guild is simply to improve my cultivation. I don’t want to think about the court yet.

n“As for the third prince… I’ll take appropriate action when needed.”

nFang Lang replied.

n“Are you rejecting my offer?”

nThe first prince flashed him with a smirk as snow fell.

nFang Lang gazed at the first prince composedly. After a while, the first prince chuckled and patted Fang Lang’s shoulders. “Work hard cultivating. The Tang Dynasty needs talented cultivators like you to conquer the demon world.”

nFang Lang cupped his fist with his palm respectfully. As his green robe fluttered in the snowy wind, Fang Lang turned to leave.

nThe first prince stood in the light snow and smiled as Fang Lang walked away. Soon, his smile disappeared.

nA complex expression appeared on his face. No one could tell what he was hiding behind that complicated face.

n…

nFang Lang returned to the Martial Arts King Manor. The incident with the first prince disturbed him.

nPerhaps the first prince was genuinely looking out for him. Nonetheless, Fang Lang had no intention of being dragged into the complicated battle between the princes. At that moment, he was too weak for that.

nWhen he arrived at the manor, Fang Lang was met with Zhao Wuji and a graceful woman with a red cloak over her shoulders.

n“Mother.”

nJiang Linglong greeted Princess Pei Shi.

nFang Lang, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai quickly bowed. “Greetings, Princess.”

nIn the eyes of ordinary men, Princess Pei Shi was a noble and unattainable woman. She smiled warmly and said, “No need to be so polite. You’re all Ling’er’s friends after all.

n“I heard that all of you entered the same sect as Ling’er? How wonderful! You’ll be able to look out for each other in the Sword Guild.”

nThe princess smiled and said.

nFang Lang and the others were relieved to find out the princess was not a haughty woman on a high horse.

nIt was their first time entering the Martial Arts King’s private manor and meeting his wife.

nAfter a while, they started to notice something strange about the atmosphere.

nThe princess sat close to Fang Lang and shifted the topic of conversation to his poetry. She started interviewing him about the thoughts that ran through his head when he composed those poems, the emotions he felt and the reason behind his choice of words and phrases…

nShe did not possess a hint of pretentiousness or grandeur befitting a princess.

n“Ahem.”

nJiang Linglong coughed softly.

nThe princess ignored her and asked Fang Lang to compose a poem for her.

n“Mother!”

nJiang Linglong increased her volume.

nIt was the first time the aloof girl had lost her composure. How could a girl as cold and distant as Jiang Linglong have a mother of such personality?

nSuddenly, the wind and snow outside came to a halt. A dark silhouette appeared behind the princess.

n“Shi’er, it’s cold outside. You should rest early.”

nThe voice was calm yet authoritative. Princess Pei Shi froze.

n“Little Fang, do come to visit Ling’er more often.”

nThe princess said.

nHaving said that, she hastily scurried away and vanished from their sight.

nMartial Arts King Jiang’s hair was loose. He stood tall, exuding a reserved and enigmatic aura. His gaze alone filled the entire room with tension.

nHe did not turn to Fang Lang. Instead, he glanced at Ni Wen.

n“Are you Ni Wen?”

nNi Wen nodded.

n“Old Man Gao, I’ve brought you the girl. Make sure you bring her back soon.”

nMartial Arts King Jiang turned to his side, revealing the white-haired old man.

nOld Man Gao smiled and said to Ni Wen, “After you.”

nFang Lang realized what was going on. On the other hand, Jiang Linglong had confusion written all over her face. After Ni Wen and Old Man Gao disappeared into the snowy night, Martial Arts King Jiang shifted his gaze to Fang Lang.

n“You retrieved Taihua’s Blooming Lotus Sword?” Martial Arts King Jiang questioned.

nFang Lang nodded.

n“Can I have a look?”

nMartial Arts King Jiang asked in a humble tone.

nFang Lang glanced at Jiang Linglong. He had made a promise to her—it was time to fulfill that promise.

nWithout hesitation, Fang Lang took out the Blooming Lotus Sword from his sword box and presented it to Martial Arts King Jiang.

nHe calmly took the sword. Immediately, a strong wave of spiritual sense poured out from his body. Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong felt as if they had just seen an ocean of blood and a mountain of corpses. A crimson land descended upon them.

n“Alright.”

nA look of disappointment appeared in Martial Arts King Jiang’s eyes as he returned the blade to Fang Lang.

n“Thank you, boy. I owe you one,” Martial Arts King Jiang said.

nHaving said that, he disappeared into the wind and snow.

nFang Lang returned the Blooming Lotus Sword back into its box and turned to Old Jiang with perplexed eyes, as if asking, ‘That’s it?’

nFang Lang wondered what the Martial Arts King saw in the blade.

n…

nThe night grew darker. Light snow fell silently outside the window.

nThe world was silent. The cheers and applause for the famous and the powerful faded out into the night.

nIn the guest wing of the Martial Art King Manor.

nFang Lang sat cross-legged on his bed with spirit crystals in his hand, resuming his daily cultivation.

nHe checked his stats in the System on a whim.

n…

nHost: Fang Lang

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

nLevel: LV6

nExperience: 30000

/200000

nCore: 36 (White)

nAltered Core: 66 (Purple)

nCultivation Resources: 50,000 gold coins, 400 low-grade spirit crystals, 8 mid-grade spirit crystals (usage limited to cultivation)

nItems: Grade-Rush Card Fragment (1), 5X Physical Buff Card (1), Enlightenment Card (1), Meditation Card (3)

nEquipment: Instant Casting Staff

nBinding Partner: Ni Wen (60%), Jiang Linglong (60%), Liu Bubai (60%), Wei Sheng (60%), Empty slot (60%)

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

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n…

nFang Lang still had an empty slot for a new binding partner. He had not used his cultivation resources.

nThe next day, he would obtain his grand champion rewards and gain another pile of cultivation resources…

nFang Lang’s head ached. Time was required to use up those cultivation resources.

nThe abundance of cultivation resources was a source of headache.

nHe stared at the cultivation resources that sat quietly in his inventory. Fang Lang shook his head. The Imperial Examination had ended—it was time for him to work hard on cultivating.

nHe needed to level up the System as soon as possible to obtain another binding partner slot.

nIn the Sword Guild, he would have many chances to meet geniuses who might be suitable binding partners.

nAs for geniuses like Li Yuanzhen and Ximen Xianxian, Fang Lang did not bother binding them, mainly because he would have no chance to interact with them. It would be an unproductive binding.

nLuckily, Little Wen, Old Jiang and Old Liu had all joined the Sword Guild. Only Wei Sheng had gone on a separate path to join the Immortal Martial Association, leaving Fang Lang with little chance to milk him for rewards.

nFang Lang cleared his mind of those thoughts and regained his focus.

nHe was thrilled when he remembered the practice method reward he obtained after completing the champion mission.

nFinally, he could test the practice method and hopefully increase his cultivation speed!

n“Read Ten Thousand Blade Scripture (Part One)!”

nWhoosh…

nThe contents of the scripture burst open in Fang Lang’s mind, filling his head with countless words and immense delight.

nFang Lang hurriedly activated Quadruple Binding Mode and organized the contents of the scripture.

n‘Ten Thousand Blade Scripture (Part One). Earth-level high-grade practice method. One will obtain the sword intent of a thousand blades and can control the blade energy of a million after thoroughly understanding this scripture. Fill the skies with ten thousand swords just by uttering a single command. Become a master of blades and a god of sword mastery!

n‘Ten Thousand Blade Scripture grade of sword intent: body sword, heart sword and human sword when combined would grant ten thousand blades. Part one only contains the practice method of body sword and heart sword.’

nA copious amount of information filled Fang Lang’s mind.

nFang Lang calmed down and took out his spirit crystals. He absorbed and channeled the spiritual energy within according to the meridian pathways depicted in the Ten Thousand Blade Scripture.

nThe rate at which the spiritual energy was converted into blade energy increased significantly! Nonetheless, it was a taxing process even in Quadruple Binding Mode. Fang Lang still needed lots of training before he could master the practice method.

nFang Lang cleared his head and started cultivating, turning a deaf ear to the outside world.

nThe night was cold and silent.

nNot a word was spoken.

n…

nThe next day.

nFang Lang ended a long night of cultivation. Approximately ten percent of the ninth-grade sword master spiritual energy in his body was converted into blade energy.

nHe ate the breakfast the princess had prepared for them.

nAfter that, an official from the Ministry of Rites personally came to deliver Fang Lang’s rewards.

nThe Champion’s Blade was a sword of superb quality—one even greater than his Obsidian Sword.

nAs for the Blade Energy Accumulation Herb and Bone Lubricant, Fang Lang did some rough research on their price and value.

nThe Golden Dragon Armor was built for defense. Fang Lang put it on immediately.

nHe did not stay in Changan for long. When everything in Changan was dealt with, Fang Lang was in a hurry to go home.

nAfter all, it was only appropriate for him to return to his hometown in glory after becoming the grand champion.

nThe princess came to bid them farewell. Jiang Linglong did not follow them back to Luojiang City—she decided to head to the Sword Guild by herself.

nNi Wen returned to the manor late at night a day before their departure. She was silent ever since her return, but a determination shone in her eyes.

nChao Xiaojian waited for them at the edge of Changan City. They did not depart on a flight sword. Instead, Chao Xiaojian carried them and departed from Changan by the way of his sword.

n…

nA beam of light tore through the autumn rain that encapsulated Luojiang City.

nOld Fang had long been waiting in the Fang Manor. He had heard news that Fang Lang was returning that day.

nThe beam of light that enveloped the quartet landed in front of the Fang Manor. Old Fang could finally set eyes on his boy in his green academy robe. Old Fang could tell Fang Lang had become stronger and more spirited. Even the aura he emitted was more potent.

nLiu Bubai and Ni Wen returned to their own homes. Meanwhile, Chao Xiaojian was dragged into the Fang Manor by Old Fang.

nOld Fang had hosted a banquet at his manor and invited the neighbors over to enjoy a wonderful feast.

nOld Fang had gotten drunk at the banquet and thus, forgotten about the difference in status between him and Chao Xiaojian. He clung onto Chao Xiaojian and showered him with compliments. He told Chao Xiaojian to take good care of Fang Lang in the Sword Guild and even tried to give him cash. Of course, Chao Xiaojian rejected the money.

nLate at night, Fang Lang arranged for the drunk old man to be brought to bed.

nAfter that, he came to the guest wing of the Fang Manor.

nChao Xiaojian was lying on the roof with his head resting on one hand. He gazed into the night sky where the rain had finally cleared away.

n“I envy you for having such a good father,” Chao Xiaojian said.

nFang Lang smiled. He could not agree more. That was why he had worked so hard in cultivating—to protect his family and make sure they could live a peaceful life.

nOld Fang wished for Fang Lang to have a safe and quiet life, and Fang Lang wished the same for him.

nThe next day.

nOld Fang had finally sobered up. He woke up early to help Fang Lang pack his bags. Old Fang could not stop nagging as he helped Fang Lang pack up his clothes.

n“You must establish good relations with fellow disciples in the sect.

n“Don’t only have victory in your head; staying alive is what matters the most. If you can’t take it there, just come home. I have enough to support you.

n“Don’t wrong anyone in the sect. Don’t be frugal. If you run out of money, just tell me. I’ll send you more.”

nThen, Old Fang paused for a long while.

n“Remember to visit home often.”

n…

nAt the edge of Luojiang City.

nOld Fang was there, and so were Liu Bubai’s parents. Ni Wen’s mother, who had been through many hardships, was also present.

nThey waved and waved and never stopped waving.

nThey bid farewell to their daughter and sons.

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