Two middle aged men stepped forward.
One was a heavily bearded man wearing heavy armor. He held a black axe in his hand. The second one was a dark skinned bald man. He had two wolf fang like weapons on his back.
They looked at each other, unspeaking, when they heard the princess's orders.
With the silver horned wolf squad and 20,000 soldiers surrounding the area, he would not be able to escape even if he had wings. Furthermore, there were two generals escorting him.
This was quite the flawless plan.
Even though everyone felt that there was still an inherent risk in this plan, they knew that it would be impossible to change her mind.
All they could do was increase the security. How powerful can a 'scout' be?
Fang Zhengzhi wanted to fly. He even wanted to drag this princess into the sky with him. He wanted to get out of this god forsaken place.
"Then... can I ask another question?" Fang Zhengzhi said weakly.
"Speak!" The lady was visibly exasperated.
"If, and just if, I win, what happens?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the princess excitedly.
All of the generals were stunned when they heard this. Then, they all burst out laughing.
"This guys wants to win? Hahaha... does he not know that the "Mountain Rain" princess is the best female warrior in the land?"
"He must be day dreaming."
"He doesn't even know where he stands. He really is very thick skinned."
All of the generals could not help but laugh at Fang Zhengzhi's shamelessness.
Princess Shan Yu also began laughing. A tear rolled down her cheek. No one had ever dared say something like that in front of her.
"Okay, if you win, I will spare your life!" Princess Shan Yu could not even sit upright. She chuckled as she laid out the conditions.
"Will you release me?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.
"Release you? Hahaha... what do you think?" Princess Shan Yu looked at Fang Zhengzhi with condescension.
"I guess not." Fang Zhengzhi nodded lightly.
"From the moment you stepped into this camp, you were never meant to walk out. Do you understand? Don't bother daydreaming anymore. Just be a good clown." Princess Shan Yu comforted.
"Rest assured, I will make you very happy." Fang Zhengzhi assured.
"Hahaha... good, very good! Because of what you said, even if you lose, I will not kill you! I will just chop off your fingers and toes and hang you by a string. You will tell me a joke whenever I feel like it." Princess Shan Yu laughed.
"Thank you your highness!" Fang Zhengzhi replied 'gratefully'.
"Mm, that's a good boy!" Princess Shan Yu chuckled and left the tent.
All of the generals surrounded Fang Zhengzhi, staring at him coldly. They prepared to lunge at Fang Zhengzhi should he try anything funny,
Fang Zhengzhi moved.
He leisurely placed his hands behind his back and began to saunter out of the tent, humming a tune as he did so.
He stopped briefly when he reached the entrance of the tent. He turned to look at the two generals following closely behind.
The two generals were taken aback when they saw this. They had no idea why someone who was about to die was so relaxed.
"Open the flaps? Are you two blind?" Fang Zhengzhi chided as he looked at the two generals.
"You, you rascal, you must be tired of living! I am a general! Why would I open the flaps for someone like you?" The bearded General Tai raged when he heard Fang Zhengzhi. His domineering aura was released instantly.
"Just open it! Enough with your nagging. Do you not see the princess waiting for me outside? Are you going to take responsibility for delaying the competition?" Fang Zhengzhi continued.
"I will kill you!"
"Brother Tai, don't be rash, he is just agitating us. The people of the Great Xia Dynasty are cunning. We need to keep our calm and ensure the princess is safe." General My advised.
"Then do you really want me to open the flap for him?" General Tai was not happy about this.
"You, open the flap!" General Mu glanced at one of the other deputies.
"Yes, sir!" The deputy did not want to do it, but the two generals outranked him by many times.
He had no other choice but to follow orders.
"Why take so long to open the flap? You speak too much rubbish." Fang Zhengzhi glanced at the two generals in scorn. Then, he walked out confidently.
The two generals tightened their grip on their weapons as they watched Fang Zhengzhi walk out. If not for the fact that he was to compete against the princess...
They would slice him in half where he stood.
...
The sun shone brightly.
The valley of the Southern Mountain Range was blooming. A huge army surrounded it. There was an exquisite tent in the middle.
Pots of fresh flowers lined the insides of the tent.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted as he laid down on the chair. He sniffed the aroma of the various flowers, intoxicated by them.
"Your highness." At this moment an official in a black robe walked in. He looked at the Crown Prince and bowed respectfully.
"Mm, Official Su is here? Tell me how the combat examinations are going." The Crown Prince slowly opened his eyes and looked at the youth in front of him.
"Your highness, Wu Feng is currently in the lead. He has controlled 20 settlements and is using the Yan Ya Settlement as his base. He has almost 10,000 men under him." Su Qing reported.
"Almost 10,000 men? He has already eliminated four people?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was slightly taken aback.
"That is correct." Su Qing nodded.
"What about Nangong Hao?"
"He has not moved much. He still has the original 2000 men and he is using the Icy Monkey Settlement as his base."
"Mm, the Icy Monkey Settlement is the one closest to the Sagely Mountain City. It is good that Nangong Hao has based himself there. Oh yes... how is Yan Xiu?"
"Yan Xiu did not try to control any particular settlement. He is roaming between various settlements. However, he has eliminated one person and has 4000 soldiers under him."
"I understand. How many candidates are left?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded.
"About 20 candidates."
"Noted. Did Fang Zhengzhi appear?"
"No, but..."
"But what?"
"I received news that Fang Zhengzhi appeared in the Stable Mountain Gate. He even tried to borrow troops from the garrison there in hopes of joining the combat examination. However, he was rejected. The people report that he may have gone back to the capital to levy troops."
"Back to capital to levy troops? Haha... if you were Fang Zhengzhi, what would you do?"
"If I was Fang Zhengzhi, I would also show my face in the Stable Mountain Gate. Then, I would fool people into thinking that I was returning to the capital to levy troops. I would then use that opportunity to enter the Southern Mountain Range and defeat a candidate and take his identity. Then, I will grow slowly from there.
"That makes sense. That would mean that Fang Zhengzhi is hidden amongst the candidates?"
"Yes."
"Then let's wait patiently for him to show himself. However, don't let him grow too fast. Keep a close watch. If any other candidates are doing too well, report back to me."
"I understand."
...
In the imperial academy back in the capital.
Xing Yuanguo of the Stabilization Constabulary stood respectfully below. He emanated a steely aura.
"Official Xing, how are Qingmu's injuries?" Emperor Lin Mubai's eyes glimmered as he asked.
"Your highness, he has recovered and is awaiting your orders at any time."
"Mm, there is movement in the Southern Mountain Range. I believe that the demons have already smuggled themselves into our ranks. We will continue to act based on your plan."
"Yes, your highness."
"Oh yes, there has been news from the Stable Mountain Gate. Fang Zhengzhi has gone to the Southern Mountain Range. Even though I did not give him any soldiers, I believe that he will be able to make his way into the army. However... to be honest, I am quite worried. Fang Zhengzhi is talented, but he is a maverick. Will he impede our plan?"
"Your highness, even though I have had very little dealings with Fang Zhengzhi, he is a man of good heart. Even though he is shameless, he is very clear when it comes to the important things. I feel that he may even help advance your plan!"
"Advance? Haha... how can he possibly guess my plan? Forget it, let's not talk about him. I shan't hold you back any longer, go make the preparations." Emperor Lin Mubai smiled as he shook his head lightly. He did not believe what Xing Yuanguo had said.
"Yes your highness, I will take my leave!" Xing Yuanguo left.
...
Fang Zhengzhi basked in the warm sun of late autumn. The wind was slightly chilly, but it was not unbearable.
Sunlight shone on the trees and leaves, leaving glimmering spots of light on the ground.
"This horse... will not throw me off on purpose right?" Fang Zhengzhi was slightly afraid when he looked at the two meter high, black armored stallion. He kept his distance.
"Hmph! We are great with horses. Even though this Black Armored Stallion is ferocious, we have managed to tame it enough to be ridden!" Princess Shan Yu snorted when she heard what Fang Zhengzhi said. Then, she began to feel a tinge of regret. Competing with this man was unbefitting of her position.
Fang Zhengzhi did not say anything more. He neared the stallion carefully, his eyes filled with fear. He would turn to look at Princess Shan Yu periodically.
Princess Shan Yu rode a crimson beast. It's domineering stature and demeanor warranted its description as a beast.
It was fiery red from head to tail. Even its hooves looked like they were lit on fire. It even had two sharp horns on its head.
Dragon?
Or Qilin?
Fang Zhengzhi could not determine what it was, but he was sure that it was very powerful. He had no idea how Princess Shan Yu had managed to tame it.
"Oi, get on the horse quickly! Do you need me to help you up?" General Tai mocked as he snorted, his axe on his shoulder.
"No need. I can do it myself." Fang Zhengzhi replied innocently.
General Tai's face turned red instantly.
If this was said by anyone else, he would have praised them for their independence. However, Fang Zhengzhi had just asked him to pull open the curtain to the tent.
Fang Zhengzhi was the last person he expected to say something like that.
However, after Fang Zhengzhi finished, he mounted the horse. Even though he struggled a little, he managed to 'crawl' onto its back.
General Tai had no choice but to swallow his words. He snorted to himself, "I will have your head after the competition is over!"
Naturally, Fang Zhengzhi did not know what General Tai was thinking.
After he mounted his horse, he looked out into the distance. He saw that he was surrounded by soldiers. In the far distance, growls could be heard intermittently.
This was the silver horned wolf.
"Mm... I'll wait for my chance!" Fang Zhengzhi comforted himself. Everything was progressing well. All he had to do was wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Then...
Just as Fang Zhengzhi was thinking about this, he heard a loud roar right next to him. He turned to look at it.
His eyes widened instantly.
"Cloud... cloud pattern?!" The phrase flew through Fang Zhengzhi's brain. This phrase was enough to unsettle him.
Why would there be cloud patterns here?
Two middle aged men stepped forward.
One was a heavily bearded man wearing heavy armor. He held a black axe in his hand. The second one was a dark skinned bald man. He had two wolf fang like weapons on his back.
They looked at each other, unspeaking, when they heard the princess's orders.
With the silver horned wolf squad and 20,000 soldiers surrounding the area, he would not be able to escape even if he had wings. Furthermore, there were two generals escorting him.
This was quite the flawless plan.
Even though everyone felt that there was still an inherent risk in this plan, they knew that it would be impossible to change her mind.
All they could do was increase the security. How powerful can a 'scout' be?
Fang Zhengzhi wanted to fly. He even wanted to drag this princess into the sky with him. He wanted to get out of this god forsaken place.
"Then... can I ask another question?" Fang Zhengzhi said weakly.
"Speak!" The lady was visibly exasperated.
"If, and just if, I win, what happens?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the princess excitedly.
All of the generals were stunned when they heard this. Then, they all burst out laughing.
"This guys wants to win? Hahaha... does he not know that the "Mountain Rain" princess is the best female warrior in the land?"
"He must be day dreaming."
"He doesn't even know where he stands. He really is very thick skinned."
All of the generals could not help but laugh at Fang Zhengzhi's shamelessness.
Princess Shan Yu also began laughing. A tear rolled down her cheek. No one had ever dared say something like that in front of her.
"Okay, if you win, I will spare your life!" Princess Shan Yu could not even sit upright. She chuckled as she laid out the conditions.
"Will you release me?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.
"Release you? Hahaha... what do you think?" Princess Shan Yu looked at Fang Zhengzhi with condescension.
"I guess not." Fang Zhengzhi nodded lightly.
"From the moment you stepped into this camp, you were never meant to walk out. Do you understand? Don't bother daydreaming anymore. Just be a good clown." Princess Shan Yu comforted.
"Rest assured, I will make you very happy." Fang Zhengzhi assured.
"Hahaha... good, very good! Because of what you said, even if you lose, I will not kill you! I will just chop off your fingers and toes and hang you by a string. You will tell me a joke whenever I feel like it." Princess Shan Yu laughed.
"Thank you your highness!" Fang Zhengzhi replied 'gratefully'.
"Mm, that's a good boy!" Princess Shan Yu chuckled and left the tent.
All of the generals surrounded Fang Zhengzhi, staring at him coldly. They prepared to lunge at Fang Zhengzhi should he try anything funny,
Fang Zhengzhi moved.
He leisurely placed his hands behind his back and began to saunter out of the tent, humming a tune as he did so.
He stopped briefly when he reached the entrance of the tent. He turned to look at the two generals following closely behind.
The two generals were taken aback when they saw this. They had no idea why someone who was about to die was so relaxed.
"Open the flaps? Are you two blind?" Fang Zhengzhi chided as he looked at the two generals.
"You, you rascal, you must be tired of living! I am a general! Why would I open the flaps for someone like you?" The bearded General Tai raged when he heard Fang Zhengzhi. His domineering aura was released instantly.
"Just open it! Enough with your nagging. Do you not see the princess waiting for me outside? Are you going to take responsibility for delaying the competition?" Fang Zhengzhi continued.
"I will kill you!"
"Brother Tai, don't be rash, he is just agitating us. The people of the Great Xia Dynasty are cunning. We need to keep our calm and ensure the princess is safe." General My advised.
"Then do you really want me to open the flap for him?" General Tai was not happy about this.
"You, open the flap!" General Mu glanced at one of the other deputies.
"Yes, sir!" The deputy did not want to do it, but the two generals outranked him by many times.
He had no other choice but to follow orders.
"Why take so long to open the flap? You speak too much rubbish." Fang Zhengzhi glanced at the two generals in scorn. Then, he walked out confidently.
The two generals tightened their grip on their weapons as they watched Fang Zhengzhi walk out. If not for the fact that he was to compete against the princess...
They would slice him in half where he stood.
...
The sun shone brightly.
The valley of the Southern Mountain Range was blooming. A huge army surrounded it. There was an exquisite tent in the middle.
Pots of fresh flowers lined the insides of the tent.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted as he laid down on the chair. He sniffed the aroma of the various flowers, intoxicated by them.
"Your highness." At this moment an official in a black robe walked in. He looked at the Crown Prince and bowed respectfully.
"Mm, Official Su is here? Tell me how the combat examinations are going." The Crown Prince slowly opened his eyes and looked at the youth in front of him.
"Your highness, Wu Feng is currently in the lead. He has controlled 20 settlements and is using the Yan Ya Settlement as his base. He has almost 10,000 men under him." Su Qing reported.
"Almost 10,000 men? He has already eliminated four people?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was slightly taken aback.
"That is correct." Su Qing nodded.
"What about Nangong Hao?"
"He has not moved much. He still has the original 2000 men and he is using the Icy Monkey Settlement as his base."
"Mm, the Icy Monkey Settlement is the one closest to the Sagely Mountain City. It is good that Nangong Hao has based himself there. Oh yes... how is Yan Xiu?"
"Yan Xiu did not try to control any particular settlement. He is roaming between various settlements. However, he has eliminated one person and has 4000 soldiers under him."
"I understand. How many candidates are left?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded.
"About 20 candidates."
"Noted. Did Fang Zhengzhi appear?"
"No, but..."
"But what?"
"I received news that Fang Zhengzhi appeared in the Stable Mountain Gate. He even tried to borrow troops from the garrison there in hopes of joining the combat examination. However, he was rejected. The people report that he may have gone back to the capital to levy troops."
"Back to capital to levy troops? Haha... if you were Fang Zhengzhi, what would you do?"
"If I was Fang Zhengzhi, I would also show my face in the Stable Mountain Gate. Then, I would fool people into thinking that I was returning to the capital to levy troops. I would then use that opportunity to enter the Southern Mountain Range and defeat a candidate and take his identity. Then, I will grow slowly from there.
"That makes sense. That would mean that Fang Zhengzhi is hidden amongst the candidates?"
"Yes."
"Then let's wait patiently for him to show himself. However, don't let him grow too fast. Keep a close watch. If any other candidates are doing too well, report back to me."
"I understand."
...
In the imperial academy back in the capital.
Xing Yuanguo of the Stabilization Constabulary stood respectfully below. He emanated a steely aura.
"Official Xing, how are Qingmu's injuries?" Emperor Lin Mubai's eyes glimmered as he asked.
"Your highness, he has recovered and is awaiting your orders at any time."
"Mm, there is movement in the Southern Mountain Range. I believe that the demons have already smuggled themselves into our ranks. We will continue to act based on your plan."
"Yes, your highness."
"Oh yes, there has been news from the Stable Mountain Gate. Fang Zhengzhi has gone to the Southern Mountain Range. Even though I did not give him any soldiers, I believe that he will be able to make his way into the army. However... to be honest, I am quite worried. Fang Zhengzhi is talented, but he is a maverick. Will he impede our plan?"
"Your highness, even though I have had very little dealings with Fang Zhengzhi, he is a man of good heart. Even though he is shameless, he is very clear when it comes to the important things. I feel that he may even help advance your plan!"
"Advance? Haha... how can he possibly guess my plan? Forget it, let's not talk about him. I shan't hold you back any longer, go make the preparations." Emperor Lin Mubai smiled as he shook his head lightly. He did not believe what Xing Yuanguo had said.
"Yes your highness, I will take my leave!" Xing Yuanguo left.
...
Fang Zhengzhi basked in the warm sun of late autumn. The wind was slightly chilly, but it was not unbearable.
Sunlight shone on the trees and leaves, leaving glimmering spots of light on the ground.
"This horse... will not throw me off on purpose right?" Fang Zhengzhi was slightly afraid when he looked at the two meter high, black armored stallion. He kept his distance.
"Hmph! We are great with horses. Even though this Black Armored Stallion is ferocious, we have managed to tame it enough to be ridden!" Princess Shan Yu snorted when she heard what Fang Zhengzhi said. Then, she began to feel a tinge of regret. Competing with this man was unbefitting of her position.
Fang Zhengzhi did not say anything more. He neared the stallion carefully, his eyes filled with fear. He would turn to look at Princess Shan Yu periodically.
Princess Shan Yu rode a crimson beast. It's domineering stature and demeanor warranted its description as a beast.
It was fiery red from head to tail. Even its hooves looked like they were lit on fire. It even had two sharp horns on its head.
Dragon?
Or Qilin?
Fang Zhengzhi could not determine what it was, but he was sure that it was very powerful. He had no idea how Princess Shan Yu had managed to tame it.
"Oi, get on the horse quickly! Do you need me to help you up?" General Tai mocked as he snorted, his axe on his shoulder.
"No need. I can do it myself." Fang Zhengzhi replied innocently.
General Tai's face turned red instantly.
If this was said by anyone else, he would have praised them for their independence. However, Fang Zhengzhi had just asked him to pull open the curtain to the tent.
Fang Zhengzhi was the last person he expected to say something like that.
However, after Fang Zhengzhi finished, he mounted the horse. Even though he struggled a little, he managed to 'crawl' onto its back.
General Tai had no choice but to swallow his words. He snorted to himself, "I will have your head after the competition is over!"
Naturally, Fang Zhengzhi did not know what General Tai was thinking.
After he mounted his horse, he looked out into the distance. He saw that he was surrounded by soldiers. In the far distance, growls could be heard intermittently.
This was the silver horned wolf.
"Mm... I'll wait for my chance!" Fang Zhengzhi comforted himself. Everything was progressing well. All he had to do was wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Then...
Just as Fang Zhengzhi was thinking about this, he heard a loud roar right next to him. He turned to look at it.
His eyes widened instantly.
"Cloud... cloud pattern?!" The phrase flew through Fang Zhengzhi's brain. This phrase was enough to unsettle him.
Why would there be cloud patterns here?
