All of the officials looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Nangong Mu in disbelief.
After all, Nangong Mu was at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Reflection State. His technique was at the same level as the Million Sword Illustration. Furthermore, his weapon of choice was the best for his technique. On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi had nothing.
In the end...
Nangong Mu still got the shorter end of the stick.
Fang Zhengzhi had just broken through to the Heavenly Reflection State six months ago. To be even more powerful than the pinnacle Heavenly Reflection Nangong Mu was terrifying progress.
King Duan clenched his fists. Fang Zhengzhi’s abilities were too shocking. If this continued, he may actually...
King Duan felt a chill down his spine when he thought of Chi Guyan’s words in the Heaven Dao Pavilion.
What if Fang Zhengzhi really defeated Chi Guyan?
Then his animosity with Fang Zhengzhi...
"No, that cannot happen!"
All of the officials worried about the same thing. The events of the Northern Mountain Village were still fresh in their mind. They were also reminded of Yu Yiping’s words. This man was a rebel. If he continued to progress and develop, what would the courts look like in the future?
Ping Yang was not concerned about the courts.
She was more concerned about how Fang Zhengzhi learnt the Million Sword Illustration. This was a top secret Divine Constabulary technique. Did Sister Yan really teach him?
The only person who was not surprised was Yan Xiu.
During the River of Trust Provincial Examinations, he was once equally shocked. However, now, he was not taken aback at all. The Divine Constabulary’s Million Sword Illustration?
Even though the Yan Wind Shadow Technique and the Asura Sword Technique were not nearly as powerful as the Million Sword Illustration and the Green and Blue Secret Art, they were not that far off? Anyone who could understand the Asura Sword Technique and the Wind Shadow Technique would figure out the other two with time.
Xing Qingsui was the only other calm person other than Yan Xiu. All he thought about was battle. The stronger his opponent, the more powerful his battle spirit.
...
On stage.
Nangong Mu’s chest heaved as he gripped the Green and Blue Dual Blades. He knew that he had already lost, but he was not willing to accept this fact.
He was not going to be stopped here. He had to advance. He had to defeat Nangong Hao.
Four years ago, Nangong Hao had topped the imperial examination.
Two years ago, he had the chance to participate. However, the top talent, Chi Guyan, was in that edition. As such, he had no choice but to give up. He had to take home the top spot.
He was in the pinnacle Heavenly Reflection State. Coupled with the Green and Blue Secret Art, the coveted top spot was not out of his reach.
However...
He met Fang Zhengzhi.
This man was destined to come in his way.
"I cannot lose!" Nangong Mu stepped forward determinedly. He caused the crack to shatter completely as a powerful aura rushed out from his body.
Nangong Mu’s expression was ferocious and beastlike.
"Why can’t you lose?" Fang Zhengzhi ignored the ferocity on Nangong Mu’s face.
Nangong Mu did not say he didn’t want to lose, or that he wouldn’t lose. He said he could not lose!
"None of your business!"
"Aren’t we friends?"
"Friends?! I do not have any friends!"
"Then why did you plead my case the last time?"
"To repay you! To repay you for saving my life!"
"I see. However, you should always repay someone with more than what you received. Even though you helped me plead my case, you didn’t really help me did you?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
"What do you want?" Nangong Mu was stunned.
"Tell me why you cannot lose and I will take it as you’ve repaid me." Fang Zhengzhi replied.
"Why do you want to know the answer?"
"If I told you I was just curious, would you believe me?"
"Okay then, it is because I want to rank first for this imperial examinations."
"Why must you get the top spot?" Fang Zhengzhi asked again. Even though his interactions with Nangong Mu were little and short, he did not think Nangong Mu was someone who chased after accolades.
"Because I cannot lose to one person."
"Who?"
"My brother!" Nangong Mu’s tone was slightly agitated.
"Your brother? Who is he? Is he very powerful?" Fang Zhengzhi asked curiously. He really had no idea who Nangong Mu’s brother was. After all, he was only 11 and roaming Cang Ling Mountain four years ago.
The villagers rarely talked about life outside the village.
The only things they really cared about were matters with direct impact to their lives. For example, they were concerned with the prices of meat in Huai An County, the kind of hide the rich people liked, or recent happenings in the River of Trust Province.
At the very most, they would just find out about the new policies from the Divine Constabulary.
As for Fang Zhengzhi, apart from finding out about Chi Guyan from the waiters, he did not care about much else.
"You don’t know who my brother is?" Nangong Mu was surprised.
"Should I know him?" Fang Zhengzhi waved.
"You really don’t know?"
"Yup."
"Okay then, my brother is Nangong Hao!"
"Oh."
"Aren’t you shocked?"
"Why should I be shocked?"
"My brother is Nangong Hao! Everyone in the Great Xia Dynasty knows him!"
"But I really don’t know him. I am not familiar with him either. This is the first time I have heard Nangong Hao’s name. However, I hear Nangong Mu’s name a lot! Don’t you agree? Haha..." Fang Zhengzhi joked and beamed.
All of the officials looked on in confusion when they heard Fang Zhengzhi chuckle.
They could tell that Fang Zhengzhi was mocking Nangong Hao.
Who is Nangong Hao?
Nangong Hao was the pride and joy of the Nangong Family.
More importantly...
Nangong Hao was Nangong Mu’s brother!
How could Fang Zhengzhi tell Nangong Mu that he did not know his brother? Wasn’t this akin to saying he didn’t respect Nangong Mu and the Nangong Family?
Everyone thought Nangong Mu would be infuriated.
However, in fact...
When Nangong Mu heard that, he stood rooted to his spot.
"This is the first time I have heard Nangong Hao’s name. However, I hear Nangong Mu’s name a lot!"
"A lot!"
Nangong Mu kept repeating this in his head. He did not know if Fang Zhengzhi was telling the truth. However, this was the first time he had heard of someone who knew Nangong Mu but not Nangong Hao.
How could someone know Nangong Mu and not Nangong Hao?!
Nangong Mu gripped his Green and Blue Dual Blades tightly. This was an emotional reaction which resulted from decades of suppressed emotion.
After some time, Nangong Mu’s expression returned to normal.
The ferocity disappeared from his face, replaced by a familiar calm.
"Can you do me a favor?" Nangong Mu stared at Fang Zhengzhi, his mind made up.
"Sure thing!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
"Aren’t you going to ask me what is it?"
"Do I need to? I just told you, we are friends."
"Friends? Yes... we are indeed friends!" Nangong Mu muttered to himself. Then, his grip on the Green and Blue Dual Blades loosened. "I want you to defeat Nangong Hao for me!"
"Can, get him to come. I will definitely cave his head in! Even his mother wouldn’t recognize him!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded, then realized something was amiss.
Isn’t Nangong Hao Nangong Mu’s brother? Why did Nangong Mu want him beaten?
Just as he was about to ask, Nangong Mu walked off the stage.
"Thank you! I have lost!" Nangong Mu’s eyes were calm, almost as if he was relieved of a huge burden.
"Oh? Didn’t you say you cannot lose?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Nangong Mu doubtfully.
"I can lose now!" Nangong Mu looked into the distance, in the direction of the Nangong Family. He had just set out from there recently.
At that time, he only had one aim, defeat everyone and take the top spot.
But now, he did not regret making this decision.
"You can lose now?" Fang Zhengzhi did not understand what Nangong Mu meant.
All of the officials were confused by what was happening. What’s going on? Why did Nangong Mu suddenly concede? What did Fang Zhengzhi do to him?
It sounded like...
Hang on, Fang Zhengzhi said that he was going to defeat Nangong Hao!
"Did I hear that correctly? Fang Zhengzhi had openly challenged Nangong Hao?!"
"I think so. He even said he was going to cave his head in?"
"What are callous man! But... what is he thinking? That is Nangong Hao of the Nangong Family. How does he have that much courage?"
All of the officials stared at the fearless Fang Zhengzhi. They could not guess what he was thinking.
He actually challenged Nangong Hao? He even issued the challenge in front of the Emperor. This shameless b*stard is getting more audacious by the day!" Ping Yang muttered excitedly.
"Challenge Nangong Hao?" Xing Qingsui looked at Yan Xiu. Yan Xiu was calm, not surprised by Fang Zhengzhi’s words at all.
King Duan’s solemn expression was replaced by a radiant smile. "A villager who doesn’t know his own place! I guess Nangong Hao will have to participate in the court examinations."
Everyone had their own ideas of what was going to happen. However, Emperor Lin Mubai was expressionless throughout. As the Emperor, he did not need to guess what was going to happen.
All he needed to do was observe the developments and wait for the result.
...
After announcing the results for Fang Zhengzhi vs Nangong Mu, the bracket for the semifinals was drawn.
Fang Zhengzhi was in luck and drew a heavily injured candidate.
Yan Xiu drew Xing Qingsui.
Yan Xiu was not a man of many words and neither was Xing Qingsui. Without much words, the battle started.
Xing Qingsui launched the first attack. This was no surprise, after all, the Stabilisation Constabulary believed in offense, offense, and more offense...
Yan Xiu charged as well.
This was a battle between the offenses.
This was a much more intense and exciting battle. It was a battle that far superseded Fang Zhengzhi’s one in terms of entertainment value.
After almost five minutes of intense combat, both of them slowed down.
Yan Xiu was still calm and icy as before
Xing Qingsui was pale. Sweat stains could be seen seeping through his black shirt.
"It looks like Xing Qingsui has not fully recovered!"
"He broke his bones and suffered some serious internal injuries. I don’t think he can make a full recovery in less than six months."
"Yes, Xing Qingsui suffered some of the most severe injuries during the incident at the World of the Sage. It is a miracle that he survived. I think this battle is pretty much over."
"That being said, I didn’t expect Yan Xiu to become just as powerful as Xing Qingsui. He is indeed a talent!"
All of the officials were engrossed in discussion as they spectated the battle.
Fang Zhengzhi cheered Yan Xiu on from below the stage. He constantly drew the ire of the surrounding spectators.
"Is this guy really the top student in the theory examinations?!"
"How could this person possibly have produced those six flawless scripts?"
"It is an insult for someone as cultured as Yan Xiu to befriend such a person!"
Many of the youths standing behind the guards chided when they heard Fang Zhengzhi’s shouts.
Only Ping Yang was unsurprised by Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. She too was chanting, "come on, give it to him, give it to him... come on!"
...
The battle on stage was almost white hot.
Up till now, Xing Qingsui and Yan Xiu had not spoken a single word to each other.
Xing Qingsui held a huge black sword in his hand, his battle spirit getting stronger by the second. Yan Xiu stood in place, his Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan glimmering in the sun.
"Fight!" Xing Qingsui muttered to himself as he lunged. He lowered his sword and his battle spirit became as sharp as a blade
However, in the moment he charged, Yan Xiu disappeared.
He disappeared from where he stood.
In fact, the entire world seem to vanish. It was replaced by a white light. There was no other color.
All of the spectators felt like they had just been stung in the eye. All of them cursed and swore in their hearts.
"How can we be stabbed by white light twice in a day? Must they do that?! This... isn’t this that b*stard Fang Zhengzhi’s technique?!"
All of the officials looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Nangong Mu in disbelief.
After all, Nangong Mu was at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Reflection State. His technique was at the same level as the Million Sword Illustration. Furthermore, his weapon of choice was the best for his technique. On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi had nothing.
In the end...
Nangong Mu still got the shorter end of the stick.
Fang Zhengzhi had just broken through to the Heavenly Reflection State six months ago. To be even more powerful than the pinnacle Heavenly Reflection Nangong Mu was terrifying progress.
King Duan clenched his fists. Fang Zhengzhi’s abilities were too shocking. If this continued, he may actually...
King Duan felt a chill down his spine when he thought of Chi Guyan’s words in the Heaven Dao Pavilion.
What if Fang Zhengzhi really defeated Chi Guyan?
Then his animosity with Fang Zhengzhi...
"No, that cannot happen!"
All of the officials worried about the same thing. The events of the Northern Mountain Village were still fresh in their mind. They were also reminded of Yu Yiping’s words. This man was a rebel. If he continued to progress and develop, what would the courts look like in the future?
Ping Yang was not concerned about the courts.
She was more concerned about how Fang Zhengzhi learnt the Million Sword Illustration. This was a top secret Divine Constabulary technique. Did Sister Yan really teach him?
The only person who was not surprised was Yan Xiu.
During the River of Trust Provincial Examinations, he was once equally shocked. However, now, he was not taken aback at all. The Divine Constabulary’s Million Sword Illustration?
Even though the Yan Wind Shadow Technique and the Asura Sword Technique were not nearly as powerful as the Million Sword Illustration and the Green and Blue Secret Art, they were not that far off? Anyone who could understand the Asura Sword Technique and the Wind Shadow Technique would figure out the other two with time.
Xing Qingsui was the only other calm person other than Yan Xiu. All he thought about was battle. The stronger his opponent, the more powerful his battle spirit.
...
On stage.
Nangong Mu’s chest heaved as he gripped the Green and Blue Dual Blades. He knew that he had already lost, but he was not willing to accept this fact.
He was not going to be stopped here. He had to advance. He had to defeat Nangong Hao.
Four years ago, Nangong Hao had topped the imperial examination.
Two years ago, he had the chance to participate. However, the top talent, Chi Guyan, was in that edition. As such, he had no choice but to give up. He had to take home the top spot.
He was in the pinnacle Heavenly Reflection State. Coupled with the Green and Blue Secret Art, the coveted top spot was not out of his reach.
However...
He met Fang Zhengzhi.
This man was destined to come in his way.
"I cannot lose!" Nangong Mu stepped forward determinedly. He caused the crack to shatter completely as a powerful aura rushed out from his body.
Nangong Mu’s expression was ferocious and beastlike.
"Why can’t you lose?" Fang Zhengzhi ignored the ferocity on Nangong Mu’s face.
Nangong Mu did not say he didn’t want to lose, or that he wouldn’t lose. He said he could not lose!
"None of your business!"
"Aren’t we friends?"
"Friends?! I do not have any friends!"
"Then why did you plead my case the last time?"
"To repay you! To repay you for saving my life!"
"I see. However, you should always repay someone with more than what you received. Even though you helped me plead my case, you didn’t really help me did you?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
"What do you want?" Nangong Mu was stunned.
"Tell me why you cannot lose and I will take it as you’ve repaid me." Fang Zhengzhi replied.
"Why do you want to know the answer?"
"If I told you I was just curious, would you believe me?"
"Okay then, it is because I want to rank first for this imperial examinations."
"Why must you get the top spot?" Fang Zhengzhi asked again. Even though his interactions with Nangong Mu were little and short, he did not think Nangong Mu was someone who chased after accolades.
"Because I cannot lose to one person."
"Who?"
"My brother!" Nangong Mu’s tone was slightly agitated.
"Your brother? Who is he? Is he very powerful?" Fang Zhengzhi asked curiously. He really had no idea who Nangong Mu’s brother was. After all, he was only 11 and roaming Cang Ling Mountain four years ago.
The villagers rarely talked about life outside the village.
The only things they really cared about were matters with direct impact to their lives. For example, they were concerned with the prices of meat in Huai An County, the kind of hide the rich people liked, or recent happenings in the River of Trust Province.
At the very most, they would just find out about the new policies from the Divine Constabulary.
As for Fang Zhengzhi, apart from finding out about Chi Guyan from the waiters, he did not care about much else.
"You don’t know who my brother is?" Nangong Mu was surprised.
"Should I know him?" Fang Zhengzhi waved.
"You really don’t know?"
"Yup."
"Okay then, my brother is Nangong Hao!"
"Oh."
"Aren’t you shocked?"
"Why should I be shocked?"
"My brother is Nangong Hao! Everyone in the Great Xia Dynasty knows him!"
"But I really don’t know him. I am not familiar with him either. This is the first time I have heard Nangong Hao’s name. However, I hear Nangong Mu’s name a lot! Don’t you agree? Haha..." Fang Zhengzhi joked and beamed.
All of the officials looked on in confusion when they heard Fang Zhengzhi chuckle.
They could tell that Fang Zhengzhi was mocking Nangong Hao.
Who is Nangong Hao?
Nangong Hao was the pride and joy of the Nangong Family.
More importantly...
Nangong Hao was Nangong Mu’s brother!
How could Fang Zhengzhi tell Nangong Mu that he did not know his brother? Wasn’t this akin to saying he didn’t respect Nangong Mu and the Nangong Family?
Everyone thought Nangong Mu would be infuriated.
However, in fact...
When Nangong Mu heard that, he stood rooted to his spot.
"This is the first time I have heard Nangong Hao’s name. However, I hear Nangong Mu’s name a lot!"
"A lot!"
Nangong Mu kept repeating this in his head. He did not know if Fang Zhengzhi was telling the truth. However, this was the first time he had heard of someone who knew Nangong Mu but not Nangong Hao.
How could someone know Nangong Mu and not Nangong Hao?!
Nangong Mu gripped his Green and Blue Dual Blades tightly. This was an emotional reaction which resulted from decades of suppressed emotion.
After some time, Nangong Mu’s expression returned to normal.
The ferocity disappeared from his face, replaced by a familiar calm.
"Can you do me a favor?" Nangong Mu stared at Fang Zhengzhi, his mind made up.
"Sure thing!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
"Aren’t you going to ask me what is it?"
"Do I need to? I just told you, we are friends."
"Friends? Yes... we are indeed friends!" Nangong Mu muttered to himself. Then, his grip on the Green and Blue Dual Blades loosened. "I want you to defeat Nangong Hao for me!"
"Can, get him to come. I will definitely cave his head in! Even his mother wouldn’t recognize him!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded, then realized something was amiss.
Isn’t Nangong Hao Nangong Mu’s brother? Why did Nangong Mu want him beaten?
Just as he was about to ask, Nangong Mu walked off the stage.
"Thank you! I have lost!" Nangong Mu’s eyes were calm, almost as if he was relieved of a huge burden.
"Oh? Didn’t you say you cannot lose?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Nangong Mu doubtfully.
"I can lose now!" Nangong Mu looked into the distance, in the direction of the Nangong Family. He had just set out from there recently.
At that time, he only had one aim, defeat everyone and take the top spot.
But now, he did not regret making this decision.
"You can lose now?" Fang Zhengzhi did not understand what Nangong Mu meant.
All of the officials were confused by what was happening. What’s going on? Why did Nangong Mu suddenly concede? What did Fang Zhengzhi do to him?
It sounded like...
Hang on, Fang Zhengzhi said that he was going to defeat Nangong Hao!
"Did I hear that correctly? Fang Zhengzhi had openly challenged Nangong Hao?!"
"I think so. He even said he was going to cave his head in?"
"What are callous man! But... what is he thinking? That is Nangong Hao of the Nangong Family. How does he have that much courage?"
All of the officials stared at the fearless Fang Zhengzhi. They could not guess what he was thinking.
He actually challenged Nangong Hao? He even issued the challenge in front of the Emperor. This shameless b*stard is getting more audacious by the day!" Ping Yang muttered excitedly.
"Challenge Nangong Hao?" Xing Qingsui looked at Yan Xiu. Yan Xiu was calm, not surprised by Fang Zhengzhi’s words at all.
King Duan’s solemn expression was replaced by a radiant smile. "A villager who doesn’t know his own place! I guess Nangong Hao will have to participate in the court examinations."
Everyone had their own ideas of what was going to happen. However, Emperor Lin Mubai was expressionless throughout. As the Emperor, he did not need to guess what was going to happen.
All he needed to do was observe the developments and wait for the result.
...
After announcing the results for Fang Zhengzhi vs Nangong Mu, the bracket for the semifinals was drawn.
Fang Zhengzhi was in luck and drew a heavily injured candidate.
Yan Xiu drew Xing Qingsui.
Yan Xiu was not a man of many words and neither was Xing Qingsui. Without much words, the battle started.
Xing Qingsui launched the first attack. This was no surprise, after all, the Stabilisation Constabulary believed in offense, offense, and more offense...
Yan Xiu charged as well.
This was a battle between the offenses.
This was a much more intense and exciting battle. It was a battle that far superseded Fang Zhengzhi’s one in terms of entertainment value.
After almost five minutes of intense combat, both of them slowed down.
Yan Xiu was still calm and icy as before
Xing Qingsui was pale. Sweat stains could be seen seeping through his black shirt.
"It looks like Xing Qingsui has not fully recovered!"
"He broke his bones and suffered some serious internal injuries. I don’t think he can make a full recovery in less than six months."
"Yes, Xing Qingsui suffered some of the most severe injuries during the incident at the World of the Sage. It is a miracle that he survived. I think this battle is pretty much over."
"That being said, I didn’t expect Yan Xiu to become just as powerful as Xing Qingsui. He is indeed a talent!"
All of the officials were engrossed in discussion as they spectated the battle.
Fang Zhengzhi cheered Yan Xiu on from below the stage. He constantly drew the ire of the surrounding spectators.
"Is this guy really the top student in the theory examinations?!"
"How could this person possibly have produced those six flawless scripts?"
"It is an insult for someone as cultured as Yan Xiu to befriend such a person!"
Many of the youths standing behind the guards chided when they heard Fang Zhengzhi’s shouts.
Only Ping Yang was unsurprised by Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. She too was chanting, "come on, give it to him, give it to him... come on!"
...
The battle on stage was almost white hot.
Up till now, Xing Qingsui and Yan Xiu had not spoken a single word to each other.
Xing Qingsui held a huge black sword in his hand, his battle spirit getting stronger by the second. Yan Xiu stood in place, his Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan glimmering in the sun.
"Fight!" Xing Qingsui muttered to himself as he lunged. He lowered his sword and his battle spirit became as sharp as a blade
However, in the moment he charged, Yan Xiu disappeared.
He disappeared from where he stood.
In fact, the entire world seem to vanish. It was replaced by a white light. There was no other color.
All of the spectators felt like they had just been stung in the eye. All of them cursed and swore in their hearts.
"How can we be stabbed by white light twice in a day? Must they do that?! This... isn’t this that b*stard Fang Zhengzhi’s technique?!"
