Fang Lang always knew this world worshipped power. However, this was the first time he experienced the helplessness of the powerless.

He used the Grade-Rush Card from Ni Wen in hopes to break into the sixth-grade sword mastery.

At the hunting grounds of Qiuling Demon Portal, Fang Lang gained a significant amount of spiritual energy from the System's mission and ascended into the fifth-grade sword mastery. The excess energy filled him to the brim of the fifth grade.

Fang Lang decided to try using the Grade-Rush Card to break the shackles of the sixth grade.

In this experiment, Fang Lang wanted to see if the Grade-Rush Card was able to bypass the conversion of spiritual energy into blade energy for the breakthrough.

He entered the Quadruple Binding Mode and absorbed a few more spirit crystals. When his energy center was at maximum capacity, he activated the Grade-Rush Card.

'Ding! Grade-Rush Card activated. Happy cultivating!'

The System notification popped up.

Then, Fang Lang felt the swell of spiritual energy pop in his energy center. A warmth spread from his core.

The roiling spiritual energy in his core was being condensed. It formed a mass of pure blade energy that hovered around the Sword Intent Seed.

Suddenly, the metaphorical gates to the sixth grade opened and Fang Lang was through!

He breathed out the stale air and in return, all the spiritual energy in the room rushed into his body.

A smile graced his features.

The magnificent Grade-Rush Card!

Fang Lang was a third-grade spell master, second-grade martial arts master and sixth-grade sword master

His multidisciplinary cultivation would be functional in a fight, though the individual disciplines fell short when compared to the likes of Old Jiang and Wei Shengit was an acceptable difference.

He could fight them but winning was a different story.

The remaining days would be spent on hardcore cultivation in hopes to increase his battle capabilities.

"Activate 5X Physical Buff Card," Fang Lang said through gritted teeth.

He utilized the item obtained from interacting with Liu Bubai.

Having a full inventory was useless if the items were not used.

With the 5X Physical Buff Card, Fang Lang was confident he could advance into the third grade for martial arts mastery.

Whoosh!

Fang Lang felt every muscle contract. His body was curled into a tight circle as pain tore through every fiber of his being. He felt as if he was continuously being struck by lightning.

A low groan sounded from the room, like a wounded tiger licking its wounds.

After a night of rain, the morning began with clear skies.

Sunlight filtered down onto the fallen leaves. The dewdrops on the leaves refracted the light, creating a multitude of tiny rainbows.

While Changan in spring was beautiful, Changan in autumn was beyond words. The trees were decorated with golden leaves, complimenting the palaces' glazed roof tiles. Along the main street, golden leaves fluttered in the windthe scene was poetic and evocative.

Taiji Palace in the Royal City.

Many officials gathered for the morning assembly at the imperial court. The Emperor who had not hosted a morning assembly for the longest time was present in the day's meeting. He sat upon the dragon throne and listened to the reports.

The grand chancellor, Lu Taixuan, was dozing off while Li Puyi was detailing the arrangements for the upcoming section of the Imperial Examination.

The eldest prince and the third prince were dressed in neatly-ironed dragon robes and stood opposite one another. The eldest prince wore a peaceful expression and a courteous smile.

In contrast, the third prince's face lacked color. His mind seemed to be elsewhere.

"Liancheng."

All of a sudden, a voice rang out within the hall.

The speaker, Li Puyi, held his tonguehis ongoing speech was interrupted. The third prince's head swiveled and he stepped forward.

Head bowed and hands cupped, Li Liancheng said, "Here."

The imperial court was filled with a deadly silence. Every official's eyes were on the third prince.

Many had heard about the incident that happened a day ago.

How would the Emperor react?

"From today onwards, you are forbidden from leaving your residence. The Ministry of Revenue will cut your cultivation resource by half. Before the end of the Imperial Examination, you are not to step out of your confines."

The calm voice echoed throughout the hall, emotionless.

The Emperor had spoken.

Silence reigned after the command was made.

The submissive third prince looked up with disbelief in his eyes. The order struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Was this his punishment?

Why did the Emperor punish him? Was it because of the incident yesterday?

Did the Emperor know Fang Lang?

At that moment, even the mature eldest prince turned to squint at the figure seated high above.

Lu Taixuan startled awake and rubbed his nose. A curious glint shone in his eyes.

Li Puyi's jaw was open but he did not know what to say.

"As a prince, you should do what is necessary, not as you please. Please show some decorum. Is there anyone who wishes to plead his case?" The voice echoed from the elevated platform.

After hearing the Emperor's words, fear gripped the few officials who were in the third prince's camp and they failed to speak up. They remained silent and wondered about the hidden message behind the Emperor's comment.

Fang Lang was clearly involved with the Jiang family. Did the Emperor side with the Martial Arts King instead of his own son?

The Emperor was not one for doublespeak.

The third prince chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. Then, he knelt before the dragon throne and said, "I understand."

The eldest prince was deep in thought. He was reminded of a passing piece of news he heard about Luojiang Academy and the Spirit Pagoda. Rumor had it Fang Lang managed to leave his name on the seventh floor and received a congratulatory message from the Spirit Pagoda.

Perhaps that was why the Emperor was punishing Li Liancheng.

Li Tianlin's eyes shimmered. Although not a grand champion, Fang Lang was worth looking into.

The imperial court was silent for a long while.

Then, Li Puyi shuffled forward with his head bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, regarding the individual border regiment policy"

The Emperor interrupted without hesitation. "The policy essay submitted by the Imperial Examination candidate makes a good point. Let us wait until the final section is over before deciding."

The decision silenced the whole court of high-ranking officials. The atmosphere within the room was intense.

Li Puyi's pupils constricted as he breathed out slowly. "Understood."

The morning assembly was the most tumultuous in years.

There was no mention of the person's name but everyone knew the main reason behind the commotionit was the green-robed teen from Luojiang City who was not even a grand champion.

Fang Lang was unaware of the happenings within the imperial court, and even if he knew about the Emperor's judgment, he would not complain.

Fang Lang exited his room and enjoyed the autumn landscape in the courtyard of the Martial Arts King Manor. The fresh air swept away the fatigue he felt after a whole night of cultivation.

The 5X Physical Buff Card felt awful but the effects were imminent. He was satisfied with the end resulthis physical body was strong and powerful.

The gradual improvement was addicting and perhaps that was why people got into cultivation.

Soon, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai joined him outside. A servant girl came to escort them to the main hall for breakfast.

When they were done with breakfast, a veiled Jiang Linglong ordered Old Zhao to prepare the carriage. They were bound for the Ministry of Rites.

The top 500 honor roll candidates had to report to the Ministry of Rites in order to be qualified for the final section of the Imperial Examination.

Hence, they set out as soon as possible.

As the number of candidates for this section shrank to 500, the entrance of the Ministry of Rites was not as crowded as the examination towers had been.

Passersby were sparse and the area was spacious.

The carriage stopped at the palace entrance. After an identification check, one of the ministry officials led them into the palace to perform their registration.

A Ministry of Rites official was dressed in his official robe. His head was lowered as he held a brush.

"Which academy are you from?"

"Luojiang Academy."

"What is your name?"

"Fang Lang."

Huh?

The official paused when he heard the name. He lifted his head and met Fang Lang's eyes. There was a glimmer of joy in the official's eyeshe was the one who marked Fang Lang's theory assessment!

"Your poem was well-written and that policy essay, impeccable!"

The official gave Fang Lang a smile of admiration.

He carried out the remaining registration process in a friendly fashionhe was not even that hospitable when serving Jiang Linglong.

When the group was done, the official even personally escorted them to the gates of the Ministry of Rites.

The official watched with an approving smile as Fang Lang's silhouette disappeared into the distance.

"The boy who wrote, 'If Loulan is not taken, we shan't find respite.' He truly has the face of a champion!"

A sense of satisfaction filled the official's heart.

"The major betting houses have set up the betting rounds in anticipation of the final section. This year's Imperial Examination is an exciting one!

"Jiang Linglong, Li Yuanzhen, Lu Ze, Luo Yang, Wei Sheng All geniuses with outstanding cores! Although Fang Lang has taken first place in the theory and combat assessments, the betting houses rank him way below the other geniuses. According to their calculations, the probability of him winning is slim, hence the payout is significantly higher.

"But you know what, I believe Fang Lang will win the grand champion title!"

The official smiled at the diminishing silhouette. He placed his bet on Fang Lang, not because of the high returnshe simply admired the small-town boy.

Autumn was in full swing and so were activities in Changan.

The final section of the Imperial Examination was beginning and the powerful cultivators of major sects rushed to the Imperial City to bear witness.

The elusive cultivators could be seen on the streets of Changan, including powerful cultivators from the top-tier sects such as the Karma Society, the All-Seeing Buddha Sect, the Immortal Martial Association and the Sword Guild.

Many second-class sects would also be in attendance to handpick talents from the final section candidates.

It was like the great migration of cultivatorsmany visited Changan for the seasonal entertainment and betting pools.

The offered cash prizes could secure abundant cultivation resources so one would never have to worry about the future.

Hence, Changan was bustling with activityevery inn, tavern and rest stop was packed.

Business was great for the accommodation and entertainment houses. Lights burned brightly and nightly at the entertainment houses.

Everyone was eager for the final section to begin. Who would win the grand champion title this year?

In the Martial Arts King Manor.

Fang Lang did not leave the manor for the past few days.

After the incident in the Qiuling Demon Portal, many candidates avoided challenging Fang Lang. There were a few stubborn mules who wanted to try their luck and visited the Jiang Manor. Needless to say, they were taken care of by Jiang Linglong.

They had the right to challenge and Fang Lang had the right to refuse.

Old Jiang stood at the entrance with her veil. Her cold stare was enough to scare the challengers away. Their scalps tingled when the candidates met her eyes.

All who came were swiftly turned away and Fang Lang found a rare moment of respite in the Martial Arts King Manor.

During this period, Fang Lang had wanted to engage in some meaningful interaction with Old Jiang but the girl was rarely around. He only saw her during mealtimes but mealtimes were a tad inappropriate for any sort of interactions.

Ni Wen and Liu Bubai kept to themselvesthey were focused on their individual training.

Oddly, Fang Lang was plagued with a sense of loneliness.

He missed Old Fang and home. His father would be bringing him a comforting bowl of wontons at that time if he was here.

'Oh well, back to cultivating.'

He entered the Quadruple Binding Mode and started absorbing spirit crystals.

A day before the commencement of the final section, Fang Lang ended his isolation. He came out to find a letter from his father in Luojiang.

Old Fang wanted him to take it easy and prepare well for the final leg of the Imperial Examination. He nagged Fang Lang about the trivial things: wearing thicker clothes, remembering to eat and relax. The old man reiterated that if Fang Lang was unsuccessful, the family still had farmlands, inns and market streets that could sustain him.

Fang Lang's buildup pressure was nearly popped by Old Fang's letter.

The old man was constantly trying to weaken his resolve.

After some thought, Fang Lang decided not to reply. Winning the grand champion title would be an adequate reply to Old Fang.

During that period, Wen Ting also sent him a handbook containing the information of the top three contenders in the final section. Their cultivation disciplines, age and hobbies were recorded in detail.

The skies were clear the next day.

The autumn breeze was cooling.

Dang!

A bell in the old Buddhist temple outside Changan City rang.

Two horse carriages were at the ready in the Martial Arts King Manor. Jiang Linglong and Ni Wen boarded one while Fang Lang and Liu Bubai took the other. The two carriages traveled through the limestone path of Vermillion Street, heading toward the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty.

The autumn sunlight spilled onto the city, rolling out a carpet of gold in the direction of the imperial palace.

Spectators lined two sides of the street, several had betting slips in their hands. The city was bustling with activity as people shuffled from place to place.

Inside the carriage, the veiled Jiang Linglong was calm as still water. On the other hand, Ni Wen was filled with anxietyher fists were clenched as she recited words of motivation in her head.

Fang Lang lifted the blinds and stared at the rising sun on the horizon. His eyes were ablaze.

Liu Bubai rested his head on his palm while his other hand stroked his blade. Deep in thought, he naturally exuded confidence.

He would rely on no one in the upcoming examination!

Dang!

The ancient bell within the Royal City rang.

The candidates disembarked from their respective carriages. Facing the morning sun, they marched toward the lofty Royal City.

At the Emperor's feet, the final section of the Imperial Examination began!