Ni Wen was carried out of the ring under the setting sun.

Ximen Xianxian regained his senses. In his complicated expression, there was a hint of admiration.

Perseverance was easier said than done.

What did the girl experience to have such determination?

He had no clue but she definitely earned his respect.

Although Ni Wen triggered her bloodline abilities near the end of the battle, she was still far from his level. Despite that, Ximen Xianxian chose to release his entire righteous energy reserve to fight her as a sign of respect.

Ximen Xianxian had initially expected to tap into his reserve when he was up against Wei Sheng, Fang Lang or Jiang Linglong.

He dusted his crumpled robe and lifted his head to look at the setting sun. He was inspired by the beautiful view and wanted to recite a poem but the mood was lost when he noticed Fang Lang staring at him.

The imperial physician who was on standby for the final section of the Imperial Examination rushed over. He gave Ni Wen a pill before ordering the others to carry her down the ring.

"The pill will heal her wounds, but she has exhausted her spiritual sense. She might not be able to join the upcoming battles," Jiang Linglong said softly.

Fang Lang nodded. Ni Wen had given her best. It was impressive that she was able to reach this stage.

She gave it her best shot.

Fang Lang, Liu Bubai and Jiang Linglong left the battle ring. The first round of the Royal Battle was complete.

After the first round, half of the candidates' nameplates were covered in cracks, the other half were pristine.

Those with pristine nameplates would enter the second round.

After a short break, the nameplates were redrawn.

The chance of having two strong opponents fight each other was significantly increased in the second round.

Excitement buzzed through the crowd. Everyone was eager to witness more amazing battles.

Two perfect nameplates collidedJiang Linglong and Lu Ze.

Lu Ze's expression turned dark. However, he did not panic. After all, he was mentally prepared to face Jiang Linglong and the others in the Royal Battle.

The battle was over very soon. Although Lu Ze practiced the Drunken Sword Style from Lu Taixuan, he was no match for Jiang Linglong's blade.

Lu Ze accepted his fate readily. He walked down the ring with a smile as he drank the wine from the gourd canteen. At least this match was much more satisfying than the one he had with Liu Bubai.

The next few battles were equally as interesting.

Wei Sheng was paired up with Luo Yang. As the top student in Nanyuan Academy, Luo Yang still had a tough time battling Wei Sheng. In the end, he almost lost the lower half of his body to Wei Sheng's blade and understandably lost the match.

Fortunately, there were imperial physicians on standby right outside the ring. Otherwise, Luo Yang would need a couple of days' worth of cultivation to heal his wounds even with the help of pills.

Fang Lang was due next. His opponent for this round was an average candidate, ranked forty-seventh on the honor roll. He was one of the not-so-favored candidates in the second round.

He was an eighth-grade spell master who won the first round by sheer luck and willpower after a tenacious battle.

The opponent was extremely disappointed to learn that he matched with Fang Lang.

The outcome of the battle was as expected. Before Fang Lang took out his flight sword, the opponent immediately surrendered.

How could he fight Fang Lang?

Did he wish to experience the same thing Li Yuanzhen went through? Being tossed around in the air?

It was best he took a step back and retained his dignity.

He was already content with his achievemententering the second round as an eighth-grade spell master. After all, he was not aiming for the grand champion title.

Fang Lang bowed with a smile before stepping down from the battle ring. The crowd was quite disappointed when Fang Lang's second battle failed to live up to their expectations.

Ximen Xianxian entered the ring after Fang Lang. He quickly ended his opponent as if he was completely unaffected by the previous battle.

When all the students with the pristine nameplates were done with their battles, the candidates who lost the first round were up next. Some of the nameplates shattered into pieces and the candidate's ranking was recorded in the final section of the Imperial Examination.

The first to have their nameplate shattered would be ranked as the 80th and so on.

Li Yuanzhen performed exceptionally well in his second battle. He ended the match with accurate and precise moves.

With a neutral expression, he eliminated every opponent he faced.

However, it was pointless as he had lost the qualification to compete for the grand champion title.

Liu Bubai also entered the ring. He was very lucky to have an opponent who sustained severe injuries from the previous battle. The opponent was so wounded he was barely able to use a third of his power. The boy lost to Liu Bubai.

Liu Bubai was 50th on the ranking.

Due to the severity of Ni Wen's injuries, she was ranked at 79th place.

The duo was quite pleased with the final outcome.

Wen Ting was grinning from ear to ear. Headmaster Cui was also smiling gleefully in the crowd. Luojiang Academy would rise in fame.

For the next intake, students from the neighboring cities would be fighting for a slot to study in Luojiang Academy.

Furthermore, Fang Lang's final rank would call attention from the entire Tang Dynasty. Students from all over the world would wish to study at Luojiang Academy!

In conclusion, Luojiang Academy would be receiving a significant boost in cultivation resources.

The final section of the Imperial Examination carried on.

The moon rose to the middle of the sky and hid behind the rain clouds. The radiant moonlight seeped through the clouds and lighted the plaza beyond the Vermillion Bird Gate. The autumn winds bellowed angrily.

The jade white beacon towers along the imperial pathway were lit for the night. Two rows of flames burned brightly and the plaza was lit up.

The stubborn moon tore through the clouds and showered silver rays onto the green-tiled ring.

Jiang Linglong stood elegantly with the White Frost Blade in her hand.

The atmosphere was quiet as the crowd kept their voice to a minimum. The spectators were tired after a whole day of matches but they were eager for the upcoming battle.

Standing across from Jiang Linglong was Wei Sheng with his crew-cut hair. He carried a black sword. He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

"Who knew we'd meet so early. I thought I'll be fighting Fang Lang first," Wei Sheng said.

Jiang Linglong remained silent as she stared at Wei Sheng calmly with her sparkling eyes. Her veil hid the remaining features of her face.

"Since I've already fought Fang Lang before, I guess it's apt that I was matched with you. Let's do this."

Wei Sheng's honest grin was rather contagious.

Jiang Linglong nodded slightly. Her cold demeanor reminded others of an iceberg that had been frozen for thousands of years.

She said calmly, "After you."

Bang!

Wei Sheng's vital energy exploded instantly, his hair standing on its ends. He unleashed all his power without any reservation against Jiang Linglong.

His bloodline abilities were activated, conjuring a shadow in the ring. He pulled out the black sword with such force it was as if he was slicing through giant ocean waves.

Everyone gasped at the ongoing battle in the ring.

This match was as interesting as the one between Fang Lang and Li Yuanzhen!

It could also be coined as the battle of the grand champion.

In the preparation area, Fang Lang paid full attention to the battle. Both Wei Sheng and Old Jiang were very strong. The probability of either one winning was 50-50.

The flashing blades reflected in his eyes.

The green tiles of the battle ring cracked due to the blade energy and vital energy. Their battle spirits were strong enough to generate a whirlwind of rain clouds above.

Finally, the match came to an end.

The clothes on Wei Sheng's upper body were torn apart. His black sword stood in the middle of the ring riddled with holes and puddles.

He sat cross-legged and gasped for air. His body was covered in blade wounds.

"I've lost," Wei Sheng said as he scratched the back of his head.

Jiang Linglong still had her veil on but a corner of the fabric had been sliced off. The diaphanous material floated onto the ground.

She nodded lightly. "Thank you."

Clank!

Their nameplates collideJiang Linglong's nameplate made cracks in Wei Sheng's.

When they exited the ring, the workers immediately went to repair and replace the green tiles.

The candidates for the upcoming matches dwindled.

Everyone knew which pair was next without waiting for the draw.

The only ones with perfect nameplates left were Fang Lang and Ximen Xianxian.

When the remaining two nameplates collided in mid-air, the court eunuch announced their names as usual.

"Next battle, Ximen Xianxian from Changan Academy against Fang Lang from Luojiang Academy."

The winner of this battle would proceed to compete with Jiang Linglong for the grand champion title, the loser would battle with Wei Sheng for third place.

The attention this battle gained was no less than the battle between Wei Sheng and Jiang Linglong. Even Lu Taixuanwho had been dozing offsobered up and glanced at the ring.

The autumn moon was hidden behind the moving clouds.

The sky above the ring was a few shades darker. A cold wind stirred up the dust from the ground.

Fang Lang and Ximen Xianxian bowed to each other from opposite ends of the ring.

Ximen Xianxian looked very serious. Even though he invited Fang Lang to the entertainment house for a good time, he still treated him as a respectable opponent in the battle ring.

He wanted to win conclusively so as to not disappoint the first prince.

He had never underestimated Fang Lang. Although Fang Lang only had a sixth-grade sword master's skill level, he had achieved second class in martial arts and spell mastery.

It was very rare for cultivators to major in all three disciplines.

The cultivation of a spell master and martial arts master could help Fang Lang offset his shortcomings as a sword master. Ximen Xianxian should be treating Fang Lang as a ninth-grade sword master.

The boy might be even more difficult to deal witha sword master would only know how to use sword techniques, but Fang Lang had more than just swords.

Fang Lang was also known for his extraordinary moves in battles!

Dang!

The sound of the gong indicated the battle had begun.

Fang Lang narrowed his eyes. He did not move immediately as he was still checking the System's information.

'Ding! Update completed for binding partner, Ni Wen.'

Binding Partner: Ni Wen

Age: 15

Cultivation: Second-Grade Spell Master (Second-Class Spell Mastery)

Core: 80 (Gold)

Cultivation Speed: 15 low-grade spirit crystals/every 2 hours

Bloodline Ability: Spirit Eyes

Fang Lang took a deep breath when he saw the updated details of Ni Wen.

After Ni Wen underwent a bloodline awakening, her core had transformed from yellow to gold! However, Wen Ting mentioned before that a core mutation originating from a bloodline awakening was a normal process.

What shocked Fang Lang the most was the category of bloodline ability.

He mentally searched for the information for Spirit Eyes.

'Spirit Eyes: Special bloodline ability of the Tang Dynasty royals. Due to the low composition of royal blood, only two passive abilities of the Spirit Eyes can be activated. Firstly, Spirit Stacking can be used to increase the power of spells; Secondly, Spirit Burst can amplify the total amount of spiritual sense by ten-folds within 15 minutes.

'Ding! Friendly reminder: Activating bloodline abilities will drain a large amount of energy. Use in moderation.'

Fang Lang gasped.

Incredible!

Little Wen had royal blood in her?

Who was the guy that abandoned Ni Wen and her mother?

Fang Lang frowned slightly. If the man was a royal descendent, it would complicate the situation.

How would Ni Wen react if the man showed up to reconcile with her?

Fang Lang shook his head to stop the thoughts. At least, he knew the bloodline awakening was beneficial to Ni Wen.

'Ding! Mission activated: A Dream Come True.

'Defeating Ximen Xianxian was Ni Wen's obsession before she lost her battle. Defeat Ximen Xianxian and make him surrender willingly to fulfill Ni Wen's wish. You will be rewarded with Ximen Xianxian's righteous energy (Note: the amount of righteous energy depends on Ximen Xianxian's willingness).'

Hmm?

Another side mission?

Defeat Ximen Xianxian to obtain his righteous energy?

Fang Lang smacked his lips and thought, 'I'm liking this System.'

Ximen Xianxian was just a vessel to store righteous energy over the yearsthe fruit was ripe for Fang Lang's picking.

Mission accepted!

Suddenly, Fang Lang widened his eyes. His eyes were sparkling.

In the distance, Ximen Xianxian shuddered as if he was being eyed by a hungry wolf. His expression darkened.

He pushed a palm forward and the other palm backward to form the Moving Kunlun Hands.

A surge of energy rose and transformed into a white dragon that surrounded him, lighting up the night sky.

Ximen Xianxian treated Fang Lang as a formidable opponent and used his entire reserve of righteous energy on his first move.

"After you, Brother Lang."

There was a thunderstorm looming above them.

An immense pressure filled the atmosphere, crushing everyone's chest.

Fang Lang did not draw his sword. Instead, he took a step forwardhis body shot out instantly like an arrow, his green sleeves billowing in the air.

Then, he jumped and the air currents followed his movements.

Suddenly, the red space ring on his finger flashed and the Meteor Flight Sword appeared. Fang Lang drove it high up into the clouds.

Ximen Xianxian's eyes flickered. What was Fang Lang doing?

Fang Lang switched into the Quadruple Binding Mode.

He raised his hand.

Shing.

A frost bow appeared.

Spell: Frost Bow (Spell Mastery Specialty).

The energy around Fang Lang was amplified after switching to Quadruple Binding Mode. His body was drawing the spiritual energy in the atmosphere.

Fang Lang then charged at Ximen Xianxian on his Meteor Flight Sword.

Ximen Xianxian frowned and raised his hand upwards. The white stream of energy roared at Fang Lang and halted his movements.

The closest distance Fang Lang could get to Ximen Xianxian was 30 meters away.

"Spirit Eyes!" Fang Lang said softly.

The next moment, a golden ray flashed across his pupils.

Spirit Stacking!

Spirit Burst!

Instantly, Fang Lang felt the spiritual sense of his third-grade spell mastery was magnified by ten-folds!

A crystal arrow was forming above the frost bow as Fang Lang infused it with streams of spiritual energy.

Whoosh!

Fang Lang released his hand and the frost bow shot out a silver ray that ripped through the dark sky, aimed directly at Ximen Xianxian.

What a peculiar feeling!

Ximen Xianxian narrowed his eyes. Even the first prince who sat before the Taiji Palace was stunned by the weird sensation

The eldest prince turned to look toward the Taiji Palace as if he was seeking instructions.

There was no reaction from deep within the courts of the Taiji Palace. The first prince let out a long sigh and wondered if he was mistaken.

Inside the ring, Ximen Xianxian lifted his hand and pushed downwards. A tornado rose from the ground and struck the crystal arrow, shattering it into pieces.

At the same time, Ximen Xianxian started reciting a poem out of habit.

"Fallen leaves twirled into blue-green waters, ripples grew into raging waters"

However, before he could finish the first sentence, Fang Lang focused his eyes and interrupted him.

"Monkeys wailed sadly in the howling winds, birds circled above the white river banks. Falling leaves rustled in the wind as endless tides course through the river!"

Fang Lang recited the entire poem in one breath.

Ximen Xianxian was interrupted halfway through the poem. He was struck by the literacy conception of Fang Lang's poem.

His head was filled with the imagery in Fang Lang's poem.

Fang Lang used this narrow window of opportunity to close in by six meters with his flight sword.

He raised the frost bow again while standing on the flight sword.

He shot arrow after arrow to cripple the swirling energy around Ximen Xianxian.

Ximen Xianxian regained his senses and quickly lifted his hands to form another hurricane.

He clenched his jaws and started reciting once more, "Life brings more suffering than joy"

A poem about life?

Fang Lang raised his eyebrow and interjected. "Live life to the fullest, never leave an empty wine glass under the moon! We're born with a purpose, not made in vain. A thousand gold coins spent, more will turn up again."

Ximen Xianxian was left speechless.

He thought about it and almost vomited blood. Finish it, for goodness sake!

F*ck!

This poem was incomplete!

Bang!

The righteous energy around him shook violently. Fang Lang closed in by another 10 meters. He shot another arrow with Spirit Stacking and destroyed the tornado.

Ximen Xianxian quickly formed another whirl of energy to stop the arrow!

Ximen Xianxian's face turned pale. He refused to give up and recited another poem with his jaws clenched tightly, "I thrive in the boundless Heaven and Earth"

A poem about Heaven and Earth?

Bring it on!

Fang Lang stood on the flight sword and aimed his bow at Ximen Xianxian as he recited loudly, "The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms. Rivers and mountains on land, sun and stars in the sky!"

Ximen Xianxian felt as though he was struck by lightning when he heard Fang Lang's words!

This this poem!

His righteous energy went wild as the turbulent sea!

Fang Lang swerved on his flight sword and darted forward by another 10 meters.

He was only 3 meters away from Ximen Xianxian.

The entire plaza was eerily silent.

In the ring, the white dragon charged towards the sky, stirring up a storm with a hurricane of righteous energy.

The combat battle had turned into a battle of poems!

Whenever Ximen Xianxian opened his mouth to recite a poem, Fang Lang immediately interrupted him.

Fang Lang used three poems to stun the great scholar of Changan and left him speechless!

Fang Lang leaped down from his flight sword and landed just inches away from Ximen Xianxian.

With a wave of his sleeve, he posed with his middle finger on his thumb like the smiling Buddha who picked a flower. He held his hand against the forehead of Ximen Xianxian.

"Do not fret about being alone, your name has reached every corner of this world."

Fang Lang finished the poem with a warm smile.

Ximen Xianxian looked utterly lost, trying to digest Fang Lang's poetry.

Then, his gaze fell on Fang Lang.

'Is he is he a monster?'

Boom!

The Finger flick Energy Wave exploded.

Ximen Xianxian's head snapped backward, blood sprayed into the air. His entire body was sent flying through the ring like a shot arrow.

Ximen Xianxian had lost.

The storm clouds dispersed, allowing the moonlight to shine through.

Fang Lang stood upright in the ring and looked at Jiang Linglong in the preparation area.

He was smiling warmly under the moonlight. He looked just like the boy whom she first saw in the Jade Pavilion.

'Old Jiang, you're up next.'