Chapter 93: The Grand Champion!

The palace roof was lined with colorful ceramic tiles. Auspicious beast statues perched atop the four black cornices, head raised at the vast galaxy.

The weather was colder as the empire was swept into autumn.

Voluminous dark clouds gathered in the night sky as if the first snow of late autumn was brewing within. The clouds looked so heavy that they threatened to weigh down on Earth, suffocating the people.

In the green-tiled ring at the center of the White Jade Square, there was a tiny figure in a green robe. The figure was minuscule in comparison to the enormous palace.

Fang Lang held the Obsidian Sword, a warm smile on his face. His green robes fluttered, eliciting the sounds of a flag in the high winds.

The entire White Jade Square was silent.

The same silence extended to the crowd on both sides of the imperial pathway beyond the Vermillion Bird Gate.

The crowd stood gaping, stunned by what they had just witnessed.

The gamblers tightened their grip on the betting slip in their hand which was soaked in cold sweat. The dread was obvious on their faces. The moat surrounding Changan City would welcome many new bodies by dawn.

Ximen Xianxian who was one of the potential candidates to be the grand champion was defeated by Fang Lang—the dark horse who slipped past everybody's radar.

Fang Lang was the combat and theory champion but no one thought he would stand a chance with his weak cultivation. It would hinder his performance during the final battle. Most people initially thought Fang Lang would be eliminated in the first round.

Instead, he managed to defeat his opponents in the most ostentatious and unpredictable manner. He earned a spot in the final round—the deciding battle for the grand champion title!

With Ximen Xianxian defeated, the battle for the grand champion title would be between Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

Some spectators were mentally prepared for Ximen Xianxian to lose against Fang Lang.

After all, Fang Lang had destroyed the most popular candidate, Li Yuanzhen.

However, they were still astounded by the lengths he went to in the battle with Ximen Xianxian.

Flight sword, frost bow and poetry!

The art of poetry was Ximen Xianxian's strongest suit. He was well-known in Changan for his reputation in the entertainment house. There was even a saying that went, 'A poem a day keeps the courtesans at bay.' Yet, he had lost to Fang Lang in a battle of poems!

This was why the people were shocked.

In front of the Taiji Palace, the first prince frowned with disappointment in his eyes.

On the other end, Lu Taixuan laughed as he rubbed his palms together. "This battle is worth losing sleep for. A duel between two geniuses with great poetry skills in Changan, what a feast! 'Live life to the fullest, never leave an empty wine glass under the moon.' Amazing! This, in particular, perfectly describes our passion for wine!"

Grand Chancellor Lu Taixuan burst out in laughter. Usually, he would control himself within the palace grounds and not indulge in drinking.

However…

This beautiful passage would be meaningless without alcohol.

He uncorked his canteen with a pop and started gulping!

While he was drinking, he laughed and recited, "Ceaseless mellow autumns passed, I'm a rolling stone; ailing, at my life's end, I climb this tower alone…

"Interesting, very interesting. 'Do not fret about being alone, your name has reached every corner of this world…' After tonight, who wouldn't know about Fang Lang!"

Li Puyi glanced briefly toward Lu Taixuan, emotionless.

'This old rag, he's using his compliments as an excuse to drink.'

"Ximen Xianxian shouldn't be defeated so easily with the amount of righteous energy he gathered over the years, but Fang Lang's poems are truly out of this world… 'The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms' had the strongest impact on Ximen Xianxian. It seemed like an absurd battle, but it was a mental exchange of Ruism. Ximen Xianxian didn't lose because his cultivation was weaker, he lost in the art of poetry," Li Puyi said calmly.

The other officials nodded their heads. Most of them were still immersed in the poems Fang Lang recited which rendered Ximen Xianxian speechless.

The first prince chuckled. His eyes glistened.

"Xianxian still lost, looks like he wasn't ready to be a champion. The battle for the grand champion title will be the highlight of this Imperial Examination," the first prince stated.

The officials quietened down and nodded.

…

Ximen Xianxian laid on the cold hard floor of the White Jade Square, staring blankly at the layers of dark clouds looming above him.

Fang Lang's powerful words kept ringing in his head like thunder.

The imperial physicians rushed to his side to assess his wounds. He did not have any serious injuries, it was his heart that hurt badly.

Fang Lang had defeated him in his own area of expertise—this left a great impact on him.

Ximen Xianxian stood up shakily and wiped the blood off his forehead.

'The righteous spirit that pervades Heaven and Earth manifests in various forms.'

He was astounded by these words.

His eyes sparkled and grew brighter.

He put his hands together and gestured at Fang Lang who was still in the ring. Even though Fang Lang did not see him, Ximen Xianxian started to feel enlightened.

Fang Lang's three poems broke through his righteous energy and his state of mind.

He was enlightened by the three poems.

"Brother Lang, I'm aware of my shortcomings. Let's have a long conversation after the final battle. I hope you'll grant my wish and finish the poems you started," Ximen Xianxian said with a smile.

Then, he turned around without hesitation and strode off. His figure was accentuated by his billowing robe in the wind.

Ximen Xianxian accepted his defeat willingly. The only regret was that he could not fulfill the orders of the eldest prince to win the grand championship.

He had been harboring the righteous energy for years but he still lost.

It was disappointing.

…

Jiang Linglong watched Fang Lang quietly from afar. He stood erect under the moonlight as his green robe billowed in the air.

Her gorgeous eyes sparkled faintly.

Manager Yu was in the crowd beside the imperial pathway. She stared at the ring. She was still overwhelmed after seeing Fang Lang's display of power.

His first visit to the Jade Pavilion felt like yesterday—the young boy had asked for the name of the mysterious lady.

Now, he was standing here as her equal.

The universe worked in mysterious ways. Who would ever think that the boy could grow at such an astonishing rate!

The court eunuch stood before the last two nameplates. He waved his hand and the nameplates in the air collided against each other.

"The final Royal Battle, the battle for the grand champion title."

Immediately after the announcement, cheers and screams filled the White Jade Square. The commotion from the crowd tore through the dark clouds!

Jiang Linglong stood up from the preparation area. Her white dress made her stand out from the crowd. She was holding the White Frost Blade. Her face remained veiled while loose locks fell smoothly around her shoulders.

She slowly walked up to the ring, starry-eyed.

She had been looking forward to this battle.

"Let me see how strong you've become."

The cherry lips under her veil curved slightly.

Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong stood on opposite sides of the green-tiled battle ring. It was as though the entire world fell into utter silence.

The moonlight shone through the thick clouds. The beam acted as a natural spotlight for the battle ring.

In the corner of the White Jade Square, Princess Pei Shi pointed excitedly at the ring and told Pei Liao, "They're about to fight! Ling'er and Little Fang are fighting! Little Fang's poems were amazing. Do you think Ling'er will accidentally stab Little Fang to death? Ling'er takes after her father, they never hold back in a fight."

Pei Liao remained expressionless, refusing to entertain his talkative sister.

However, his nonchalant demeanor held for less than three seconds. His face twisted in annoyance when Princess Pei Shi began pinching his ear. "Why aren't you speaking!"

Pei Liao wanted to cry inside.

If possible, he would not want her as his sister.

…

The late autumn weather was chilling to the bone. The cold winds howled through the ancient city of Changan.

After a few showers of autumn rain, the temperature that night dropped to an extreme low. The crowd on the White Jade Square were rubbing their hands together even though they had on thick coats. The weather made their breaths visible.

The crisp sound of the gong resonated loudly.

The highly anticipated battle for the grand champion title was unfolding.

Countless tip-toed and craned their necks to get a clearer look.

Hundreds of officials before the Taiji Palace had their eyes glued to the match.

In the ring, Fang Lang wore the sword box on his back. He was smiling warmly and his smile grew wider when he crossed eyes with Old Jiang.

Tonight would be the night he milked Old Jiang dry.

Their battle would be a meaningful exchange.

Fang Lang was very pleased.

"If you're going to use those tricks as you did with Li Yuanzhen and Ximen Xianxian, you should just surrender. I'll destroy you." Jiang Linglong had a brilliant smile as she spoke. Her eyes sparkled like galaxies.

Fang Lang grinned and raised his hand to reach for the hilt of the Obsidian Sword. He slowly pulled it out and pointed the ink-black tip at the green tiles.

"Fang Lang of Luojiang Academy."

Jiang Linglong shivered.

"Jiang Linglong of the Imperial Academy."

"Please begin."

…

Bzzzt!

The vibrations of the blade exploded above the ring, stirring up tiny energy waves that were not visible to the naked eye.

Fang Lang stepped forward with the Obsidian Sword, Spirit Step!

His spiritual energy and blade energy started rising the moment he took the first step. There was no need to play tricks with Old Jiang.

He would not waste the hard-earned opportunity to fight Jiang Linglong. It would be a battle of swords!

Suddenly, there were dozens of green shadows appearing in the ring. Fang Lang had the cultivation of a sixth-grade sword master. With the blade energy in his body, his movements were so swift it made him look like a specter.

He reached Jiang Linglong's side in one breath.

However, Fang Lang lowered his body and stabbed the Obsidian Sword onto the floor. The sword pierced through the green tiles as if it was slicing bean curd.

Then, all of a sudden, he withdrew the sword!

A surge of blade energy erupted from the tiles!

Sword Draw Technique!

The energy was like black thunder tearing through the earth in a deafening roar!

He swung the sword and sliced through the storm!

Jiang Linglong focused her eyes, her senses heightened. She exhibited her ninth-grade sword master skills as her snowy white fingers pointed on the White Frost Blade sheath and a sudden surge of blade energy burst out.

It was like a spring breeze!

The boy's sword hit against her mellow spring breeze.

Ding!

A crisp metallic sound was heard, sparks flew everywhere!

Two strong forces collided. The Quadruple Binding Mode combined with the strength of a third-grade martial arts master had put Fang Lang on par with Jiang Linglong's ninth-grade sword master's cultivation.

Jing Linglong's body started to sway. Blade energy churned inside her energy center!

Then, with a flick of her sword, she triggered the Four Seasons Form—Spring Rain!

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Countless sword rays turned into showers of spring rain and covered Fang Lang's Obsidian Sword. Fang Lang could not shake them off his sword no matter how hard he tried.

This was a powerful deflecting sword style!

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Fang Lang was able to grasp part of Old Jiang's Four Seasons Form back when he activated the Power Loan card. However, Fang Lang would never retain any trace of it in his sword style when he fought Old Jiang. He would be digging his own grave if he did.

The Sword Draw Technique was very destructive and the Spring Rain was the best form to resolve it.

Fang Lang remained calm and collected. He knew that it would be very difficult to beat Old Jiang, but he would not give up so easily. He was well-prepared.

He lifted his left hand and gestured like a Buddha plucking a flower. Then, he pushed forward and let loose a Finger Flick Energy Wave.

Boom!

An explosion ripped through the quiet atmosphere. Jiang Linglong frowned slightly. Suddenly, the Obsidian Sword that had been pushing against the White Frost Blade retreated. Something reached for the space between Jiang Linglong's eyes!

The White Frost Blade sliced through the energy wave, splitting it into halves. The energy wave was directed to the ground, damaging the green tiles to her sides.

Fang Lang used this window of opportunity to release the Obsidian Sword. With the tip of the blade embedded in the ground, he bent the sword into a wicked angle. Then, he released the stored potential and charged towards Jiang Linglong as the sword cried.

This was Liu Bubai's signature move but Fang Lang had taken it to a whole new level!

Jiang Linglong seemed to notice something and frowned.

"Show-off," Jiang Linglong chided.

Nonetheless, she hurled her sword forward and shot out a whirl of blade energy. Instantly, the blade beams charged forward like a rainstorm!

Fang Lang was in a daze as if he was facing a torrential downpour.

He had nowhere to hide!

This was different from the Four Seasons Form she used in the Gathering of Swords. She had significantly improved the technique!

If Li Yuanzhen was the top spell master in this cohort, Jiang Linglong would be the top sword master!

Fang Lang narrowed his eyes. His body started spinning rapidly in the air. As he was spinning, the Blooming Lotus Sword darted out of the sword box and collided with Jiang Linglong's Summer Rain Style and ricocheted.

Fang Lang wielded both swords and moved fluidly. His swift movements were impenetrable, surrounding him were streams of currents formed by blade energy.

Jiang Linglong kept pressuring him with her ninth-grade sword master's cultivation!

The immense pressure was purely from her cultivation!

Fang Lang swung both swords rapidly and knitted a dense web of blades to shield himself.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Fang Lang tried to use the Dual Sword technique but Jiang Linglong kept pushing him backward!

Everyone was entranced by the brilliant exchange of swords between two geniuses!

The two candidates flew from one end of the battle ring to the other as if they were dancing.

One demonstrated power and strength while the other was graceful and elegant.

The reflection of the blades shone at every corner of the ring.

The blade energy resonated everywhere, the crisp tone of metal clashing formed a melodious symphony.

…

The crowd around them was exhilarated.

There were no murderous or vengeful intentions. The match was like listening to the rain on a serene day in a peaceful mood.

"What an ideal match," Wen Ting muttered among the crowd as he hugged his sword.

Suddenly, his eyes glistened as he recalled the days when he practiced sword fights with a woman under the peach blossom tree.

Headmaster Cui stroked his beard and smiled warmly. These two kids…

His cloudy eyes glazed over as he went down memory lane.

'Time waits for no man, half of your life's gone before you even notice it.'

Among the ten great sect leaders, Chao Xiaojian scoffed, "Show-off."

Su Yunyu beside him chuckled. "It's a visual feast."

…

"Fang Lang, if this is what you've got, you'll definitely lose," Jiang Linglong said.

There was a hint of mockery and satisfaction in her tone.

She was slightly pleased to see Fang Lang struggle to perform his tricks.

"I'll go in full force then!"

Fang Lang's double swords were like two intertwining snakes, stirring up a blade of wind in the cold night. Then, he backed away and ripped through Jiang Linglong's Summer Rain Style!

He stomped his foot on the ground and his body was instantly covered in blood armor that burned in the dark sky.

Third-grade martial arts master!

Fang Lang bellowed like a roaring thunder in the storm, his green robe flapping fiercely in the winds.

Fang Lang wielded both the Blooming Lotus Sword and the Obsidian Sword. With immense strength, he charged at Jiang Linglong, swords raised like two ferocious dragons.

Jiang Linglong's expression turned serious. Her face behind the veil remained calm as the autumn waters.

She thrust the White Frost blade forward and twirled her body, her white dress bloomed in the dark night like a white rose.

Ripples coursed through the autumn waters.

Her blade energy was like the neverending autumn rain.

The Blooming Sword and Obsidian Sword hovered in mid-air as if they were stuck in a swamp.

Fang Lang stopped and landed on his feet.

His eyes turned blood red!

Binding partner, Wei Sheng bloodline ability: Rampage!

The shadows of Fang Lang's silhouette converged into one. His fists were charged with rampant vital energy as he punched the hilts of the hovering Blooming Lotus Sword and Obsidian Sword!

With the enhancement of Rampage, the power of his attack was equivalent to a sixth-grade martial arts master!

As his firsts struck the swords, they ripped apart Jiang Linglong's autumn waters!

Panic flashed across her eyes!

What was that?

It was similar to Wei Sheng's bloodline ability.

As expected, Fang Lang still had tricks up his sleeve.

Ding! Ding!

Jiang Linglong twisted her body and instantly, the Blooming Lotus Sword and the Obsidian Sword were sent flying across the ring. They landed on the ground, drilling two holes onto the tiles as the hilts continued vibrating.

Fang Lang was inches away from where Jiang Linglong landed.

Martial arts mastery, Splitting Punch!

Being too close to a powerful martial arts master would always end terribly, even for a sword master.

Jiang Linglong found herself in that exact situation. Although Fang Lang was just a third-grade martial arts master, she felt threatened by the power he wielded with Rampage.

She harnessed an enormous surge of blade energy from within her core and slashed at him with her sword.

Fang Lang used the Splitting Punch to defend against Jiang Linglong's sword with much difficulty.

This was due to the difference in their cultivation grades.

However, Fang Lang still had a smile on his face. It was far from over!

A golden ray flashed beneath his eyes, Spirit Eyes!

Instant Casting Spell: Spirit Awl!

Jiang Linglong felt a stabbing pain that caused her to lose focus for a split second. The timing of her attack was off!

Fang Lang kept casting Spirit Awl.

This was a spiritual sense attack at a near distance. However, Fang Lang was shocked to find it caused no damage to Jiang Linglong! A white beam flashed in her eyes.

"Gaudy!" Jiang Linglong chided.

She whirled her sword once more but this time it brought forth a snowstorm!

A snowstorm that threatened to freeze the Earth.

Four Seasons Form—Winter Snow!

Fang Lang was speechless. He failed to defeat her with both bloodline abilities!

Nevertheless, he still had one last move.

He raised both hands and crossed them together as if he was drawing a circle. Immense righteous energy started to exude from his body!

Then, he pushed upwards and created a tornado from the ground right beside their legs!

Jiang Linglong's expression changed.

'What are you?'

Swords, martial arts, spells, Ruism…

'How does he know every discipline?'

Boom!

The Winter Snow form was obliterated.

Everyone watched in astonishment as Jiang Linglong was pulled into the tornado and spun upwards into the sky. Ximen Xianxian gaped in shock.

This triggered Jiang Linglong and she started changing forms in anger—a terrifying sword intent spread from within her body!

She had mastered the sword intent of the Four Seasons Form!

Incredible!

"Four Seasons In One!"

Jiang Linglong shouted anxiously with her jaws clenched.

However, when her sword intent was just materializing, Fang Lang activated the sword intent seed inside his energy center. Jiang Linglong's sword intent immediately retreated.

Fang Lang attacked with the Splitting Punch. With one hand, he immobilized Jiang Linglong's sword hand and used his other hand to flick her face.

The energy wave exploded like a gust of strong wind!

Jiang Linglong's veil was torn into pieces.

A gorgeous face was revealed under the night sky.

The heavy clouds above them could no longer hold their weights—specks of white snow gently fell onto the ground.

Jiang Linglong, who was suppressed by Fang Lang's Splitting Punch, crashed through the layers of clouds.

White dress and green robe in the falling snow.

The righteous energy transformed into a white python that cushioned Jiang Linglong's fall.

Fang Lang's eyes shimmered as he tore his gaze away from Jiang Linglong's exposed face. She was incredibly beautiful.

He raised his hand and gently flicked the fair skin between her eyes.

Jiang Linglong stared at him in a daze. Their clothes tangled together as they fell like petals covering the ground.

Fang Lang stood up and brushed off the dust from his green robe. Then, he looked up and chuckled.

"Old Jiang, you've lost."

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