Luojiang Academy.

The autumn rain was fine as silk, making the academy appear like a scene from a poem.

Wen Ting was dressed in a plain blue robe. He carried his sheathed sword at his waist with its tassel hanging at the edge. His get-up made him appear somewhat cool and unruly.

Tucking away his mentor persona, Wen Ting appeared as if he had returned to his youthful days when he took Changan City by storm as the Scholarly Sword Master.

"Have you all said your goodbyes to your family?"

Wen Ting had a gourd canteen in his hand but it did not contain any wine. Instead, it was filled with warm wolfberry tea.

Fang Lang was rendered speechless when he saw Wen Ting spit out some wolfberry seeds.

It seemed like Mentor Wen's life was not all about swords and travelit was also about wolfberries.

Ni Wen was carrying a notable amount of non-perishable food in a thick cloth that was tied into a bag. She shyly hung her head low as she held her umbrella under the rain.

Fang Lang had to persuade her for a long while before she finally agreed to let him carry her bag in his space ring.

Liu Bubai had arrived too. He strode proudly toward them, radiating the confidence of a self-proclaimed genius.

Seeing that everyone was here, Wen Ting whipped out his extravagant flight sword.

Once Fang Lang and the others had climbed onto the flight sword, Wen Ting took out his Flight Sword Examination pass. The flight sword burst through the autumn rain, slicing through the curtains of rain that engulfed the whole city as it flew toward Changan.

"Sir, are we heading straight to Changan?"

Liu Bubai inquired curiously.

Mentor Wen shook his head as he maneuvered the flight sword. "Yes, but technically no.

"I'm bringing you guys to a place where you can level up your abilities in a short amount of time," Wen Ting answered with a smile.

It piqued Fang Lang's curiosity too. "The Spirit Pagoda?"

Wen Ting chuckled. "Of course not! The Spirit Pagoda is under the Ministry of Rites's jurisdiction. It is not open to the public."

"Then where are we going?"

"A demon portal."

Wen Ting's reply stunned not only Fang Lang, but Ni Wen and Liu Bubai as well.

They already knew the terrors of demon portals from their textbooks.

After all, they were key barriers that stood between the two worlds! With their current abilities, going to the demon portal would be suicide!

"Of course, I won't be bringing you to a real demon portal. This particular portal has been abandoned after suffering many rounds of rigorous attacks from our world. The demons have surrendered this portal and sealed up their side. They left behind many other-worldly items in the portal. Moreover, the unique pressure of a demon portal still remains. Thus, after the Tang Dynasty conquered the portal, it was turned into a training ground for disciples of sects from all over the empire. There are even some powerful men who go hunting there as a pastime.

"With your current abilities, you can only practice cultivation at the outermost area of the hunting ground.

"If you're lucky enough, you might even run into creatures that carry tiny amounts of demon energy. It'll be good combat training."

Wen Ting smiled as he explained.

His words brought some excitement and motivation to Fang Lang and the others.

An abandoned demon portal was still a demon portal nonetheless!

"The academy has rewarded you with ten low-grade spirit crystals each to congratulate you for your achievement in the honor roll."

Having said that, Wen Ting took out 30 spirit crystals from his space ring.

It was not a big deal for Fang Lang. After all, with his net-worth, ten low-grade spirit crystals were nothing to him.

On the other hand, it was a pleasant surprise for Ni Wen and Liu Bubai.

"Also, you guys can only cultivate at the demon portal's hunting ground for three days. Even if you haven't finished absorbing your spirit crystals by then, we'll still have to leave for Changan. The final section of the Imperial Examination requires all participants to report to the Ministry of Rites in Changan five days prior to the exam. This is an ironclad rule that cannot be broken.

"With the help of the demon portal's pressure, three days should be enough for you to absorb ten spirit crystals. This will help you become a little more powerful and perhaps help you reach a few ranks higher in the final section," said Wen Ting.

The flight sword soared above the clouds for a long while before finally reaching the demon portal's hunting ground, which was located 300 miles away from Changan City.

Fang Lang sat upright on the flight sword with his sword box placed on his knees. His palm was gently wrapped around the hilt of his Blooming Lotus Sword. He felt as if the Sword Intent Seed that resided within his energy center had an inextricable link with his blade.

It gave Fang Lang an odd feeling as if the sword was alive.

Fang Lang squinted his eyes and gazed into the horizon. From there, he could see the ancient Changan City encapsulated by rain and mist.

However, he quickly shifted his gaze away from the city and turned to the palace that was growing bigger and bigger before his eyes. It sat among the clouds, suspended in mid-air.

An abandoned demon portal.

The Imperial City of Changan was ancient yet magnificent.

It was worthy of its position at the very center of the Tang Dynasty. The ancient city was filled with artistic inspiration coveted by countless poets. Its regality was enough to bring anyone to its knees.

A bell rang in the archaic temple situated outside the city. Its ring reverberated through every street in the city.

It traveled along the streets and entered the Royal City which was located at the heart of Changan. Countless palaces stood within the Royal City, making it appear like a field of blooming flowers.

The yellow glazed tiles of the palaces' roofs emitted a majestic golden glow as sunlight shone upon them. High vermilion walls surrounded the palace, isolating it from the rest of the city. The palace exuded a sense of pressure unique to itself.

On the promenade of the Aqua Pavilion, within the palace garden.

The third prince, Li Liancheng, was walking leisurely along the quiet promenade. Beside him was an extraordinarily handsome man dressed in white. He exuded an air of elegance as he strolled alongside the third prince.

The third prince stopped in his tracks. He gazed at the wonderful tranquility of autumn that filled the courtyard. With his hands behind his back, he uttered calmly, "You did not top the honor roll this year.

"Yuanzhen, I'm a little disappointed."

An apologetic expression appeared on the elegant man's face. "Your Highness, I've disappointed you.

"Fang Lang's talent in poetry is comparable to Ximen Xianxian's. I definitely fall short in that aspect.

"As for the combat exam's written assessment, I did not anticipate him to answer every question in all three disciplines."

Li Yuanzhen admitted, "I was careless."

The third prince turned to Li Yuanzhen with a cold expression. After a long while, a smile appeared on his noble face. "You're still as carefree as before. You should really learn to be more scrupulous like your father. You must always have a thorough plan. And never underestimate anyone."

"Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness," Li Yuanzhen smiled and replied.

The third prince nodded. "I never have to worry about you. Nonetheless, you have brought shame upon me for failing to top the honor roll this year. You have to work hard for the upcoming final section. Don't mess up again."

"Understood."

Li Yuanzhen cupped his fist in his palm and bowed.

The third prince extended his arm and caught a withered leaf that was blown away by the wind between his slender fingers.

"Fang Lang He has a purple core. Mutated cores are hard to come by. Even I did not anticipate this turn of events.

"It's no wonder the boy could emerge at the top almost overnight. Jiang Linglong has a good eye.

"Yuanzhen, you must prepare yourself well. His cultivation skills may be far behind yours, but you mustn't take him lightly."

The third prince advised as he narrowed his eyes and gazed at the withered leaf in his hand.

The corners of the elegant man's lips curled, flashing a noble smile that reminded one of plum blossoms that bloom proudly despite the winter cold.

He did not speak; he did not feel there was a need to. He simply replied by cupping his fist with his palm and bowing.

"I'm guessing Fang Lang's skill is still lacking. He'll have to make last-minute grinds to stand a chance in the final battle. Hence, Wen Ting will bring him to the hunting grounds of the abandoned demon portal to improve his cultivation.

"I think we should give the boy more pressure. Pass my order along to the students of Changan Academy and the Imperial Academy who didn't get into the top five hundred honor roll to take a trip to the hunting grounds. Whoever can defeat Fang Lang in a duel will be granted a spot in any of the top ten sects.

"Let's make it a 'special training' for him."

The third prince smirked.

"You should go too. It'll be a good chance to meet the first-ranked whose poem took half the empire by surprise."

Having said that, the third prince flicked his finger.

The withered leaf in his hand was instantly turned to dust.

The gates of ancient Changan City opened slowly.

Dozens of figures exited the gate with umbrellas in hand. They were students from Changan Academy and the Imperial Academy who did not get into the top 500 honor roll. For them, getting any rank below 500 was considered a failure.

Their future was uncertain after losing the chance to pick their own sects.

The third prince's promise had rekindled their lost hope.

They wanted to give it a shot.

They wanted to challenge the combat and theory champion of that year's Imperial Examination.

They acknowledged Fang Lang's talent in poetry writing, but they had not recognized his strength in combat.

Those who did not make the honor roll had no right to challenge him in Changan City. Nonetheless, the same rule did not necessarily apply to the demon portal's hunting ground.

If they could defeat Fang Lang, not only would their victory become the talk of the town, they would also have the third prince's support, so why not give it a shot?

No matter how strong Fang Lang was, they still had to try. After all, students who did not make the honor roll had little chance of altering their fate. They had nothing to lose.

Their hopes were reignited. They would not let it be extinguished so easily.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The students took off into the sky in twos and threes, on flight swords driven by their mentors. The mass travel stirred up the air currents as they soared toward the demon portal hunting grounds located 300 miles away from the city.

The students vanished into the horizon.

When they were gone, an over-the-top luxury carriage slowly approached the gates. Inside the carriage sat a figure dressed in a red hooded robe. The carriage wheels crushed the withered leaves on the ground, mixing it with the autumn rain. The carriage advanced toward the gates of Changan City.

The soldiers of the gates bowed as the carriage passed by.

It exited the gates to the sound of trampling hoofbeats. Then, the carriage took flight and soared toward the hunting grounds 300 miles away from Changan, slicing through the curtains of rain. It looked as if the person inside had plans for a day of sport hunting.

However

No one knew if he was off to hunt man or beast.

Changan, the manor of the Martial Arts King.

In a little courtyard deep within the manor.

Zhao Wuji stood outside the courtyard respectfully, emitting an impressive aura.

Even the pouring rain was intimidated and curved around his body as they fell.

Within the courtyard, Princess Pei Shi and Jiang Linglong sat where the fragrance of tea and sandalwood permeated.

Jiang Linglong was dressed in bright clothes. She prepared a cup of tea for Pei Shi.

Pei Shi held the tea in both hands, taking tiny sips from the cup while stealing glances at her daughter. Her long lashes trembled a little as the refreshing tea soothed her throat.

Pei Shi felt as if she was losing touch with her daughter. As the girl grew older, she became more and more like her fatherstately and impressive.

On the other hand, Pei Shi always saw herself as a little doll who had never truly grown up. She was still timid when faced with her parents.

"Ling'er, I heard from Old Chao you're familiar with Fang Langthe boy at the top of the honor roll. Is that true?"

The princess cleared her throat and asked in a low voice.

Jiang Linglong had a faint smile on her beautiful face. She shot a glance at the man looking around suspiciously outside the courtyard. Her glance made Old Zhao tremble in fear.

The corner of her lips curled up slightly. "Mother, Fang Lang has retrieved Sect Leader Taihua's Blooming Lotus Sword. Do you think I should establish a connection with him? Should I protect him?"

Princess Pei Shi covered her mouth and gasped after hearing Jiang Linglong's words. "Taihua's Blooming Lotus?

"Wow, the boy must be amazing then!

"You should introduce him to me someday."

Jiang Linglong could not help but press her hand on her forehead. She lamented silently, 'Mother, how old are you? How can you be so innocent and naive?'

"Alright."

Hearing that, the princess's eyes curved into little crescents. She was excited for that day to come. "Ling'er, let me recite Little Fang's poem to you. This is the poem that won him first place in the theory exam! It triumphs even the poem of Ximen Xianxian that impressed the entire entertainment house!"

Jiang Linglong smiled with her lips pressed tightly together. The princess began to recite the poem. Jiang Linglong listened silently.

The scent of sandalwood filled the autumn air.

Jiang Linglong gazed at the clouds that hung peacefully in the skies outside the courtyard.

There was a girl in Changan waiting for her soldier's return.

It was almost time for Fang Lang to enter the city; it was almost time for him to fulfill the promise they made to each other.

Jiang Linglong wondered what kind of entrance the sword-wielding teen from Luojiang City would make when he set foot into Changan.

She was a little excited.