Gate of God

by Stayrr

This is a strange and inexplicable world…Mountains, water, stones, flowers, grass, trees, wood, the Sun, moonlight, stars… All creation under the Heavens and Earths are sources of energy. In this world, there are all the classics from his previous world, but there is a new addition: The Law of Dao. Fang Zhengzhi was conflicted. I can obtain power from reading books? Should I read T

2. 33

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Chapter 33: Returning to the Village

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

A short while later, news of the hunting squad catching a Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog had spread across the entire Southern Mountain Village. Everybody, old and young, was in a delighted mood. One after another, they ran to the back of the village and prepared to welcome the hunting squad.

Village Chief Meng Bai stood right at the front of the crowd, his cigar in his hands shaking slightly.

A moment ago he was still thinking of making a deal with the Northern Mountain Village people, but now it seemed that this was completely unnecessary. After all, in making a deal, if the terms were not good enough, nobody would agree to it.

Qin Xuelian stood in the middle of the crowd, her thoughts weren't quite the same as the everyone else. All she wished for was that Fang Zhengzhi would be able to return safely...

Time went by slowly. The hunting squad still hadn't appeared. But, nobody left, and nobody was anxious. Instead, they were filled with excitement and anticipation.

Because, the slower they walked, the more prey they carried.

Finally…

From the depths of the dense forest, a figure appeared.

"It's the hunting squad!"

"They are back, they are finally back!"

The villagers' excitement instantly rose, it was as if they were celebrating the new year.

"Qingshan, how is it, how much is the yield?" Village Chief Meng Bai spotted Ding Qingshan among the group, and immediately walked over to him, holding his cigar. That stride didn't seem old at all.

"Village Chief look, everything behind is our yield!" Ding Qingshan pointed at the prey hanging off the hunting squad members, and the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog that was being carried in the middle of the group, his face beaming with happiness.

When Village Chief Meng Bai saw these, he couldn't contain his happiness anymore. This was because on all of the hunting squad members, apart from the Fang Zhengzhi walking at the front, there were at least two animals hanging from almost everybody's waist, some even had three or four.

"Woah…"

"What a beast, this is such a big Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog!"

"My God, there are at least a dozen animals, their bodies are filled to the maximum!"

The villagers were all extremely happy. Immediately, some of the villagers volunteered to help carry the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog, and some helped to detach the animals hanging off the hunting squad members.

Qin Xuelian also rushed out of the crowd and gave Fang Zhengzhi a huge embrace.

"Are you injured? When they took down the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog, did you participate?" Qin Xuelian's biggest concern was whether Fang Zhengzhi got injured when the hunting squad took down the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog.

Fang Zhengzhi's heart was filled with warmth. Family love would always be the most precious thing in the world.

"I didn't participate!", Fang Zhengzhi replied immediately. In reality, he indeed didn't participate. This Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog was hunted down by the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, all he did was carry it away from them.

"That's good, that's good…" Qin Xuelian finally relaxed after hearing this.

"Of course he won't participate. This useless kid only knows how to hide on the mountain and sleep. It would be incredible if he could even get hurt!" Mrs Li stood within the crowd, after hearing Qin Xuelian and Fang Zhengzhi's conversation, she couldn't resist commenting coldly.

The rest of the villagers also smiled. After all, Fang Zhengzhi not catching a single animal in many days was the reality. Furthermore, they also saw, Fang Zhengzhi's body was indeed empty.

Not even a green furred rabbit was hanging from it.

"That's because Zhengzhi is still small!"

"That's right, he's just a seven year old boy, how much can you expect?"

"He might be small, but, by always following the hunting squad into the mountain, not being able to catch anything wouldn't be a problem in the long term. He just has to work harder!"

The villagers discussed, all of them smiling. This time the yield of the hunting squad was huge, but nothing hanged off Fang Zhengzhi's body, making the villagers feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Ding Qingshan was conversing with the village chief at this moment. When he heard the commotion, he instantly frowned.

"All of you shut your mouths. This time the hunting squad was able to catch so many animals, it is all due to this child Zhengzhi, if not for Zhengzhi… how would we have caught anything at all!" Ding Qingshan's tone seemed serious. As the deputy captain of the hunting squad, his words indeed beared some weight in the Southern Mountain Village.

"What?! All because of Zhengzhi?'

"What's this all about?"

"What did Zhengzhi do? Don't tell me he was able to catch something?'

When the villagers heard Ding Qingshan's words, all of their faces were filled with disbelief. They couldn't understand, how could Fang Zhengzhi, with his tiny arms and short legs, who didn't even bring a blade up the mountain, be of any use in the hunting squad?

Most importantly, Ding Qingshan said, it was all because of Fang Zhengzhi!

What is happening?

It wasn't just the villagers. Even Village Chief Meng Bai's face was filled with suspicion as he looked at Ding Qingshan.

"It was Zhengzhi who robbed the entire Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, that is why, the yield this time was all due to Zhengzhi's efforts alone!" Gazing at the looks of suspicion on everybody's faces, then shifting his gaze over to Mrs Li, gave a spiteful huff, then explained loudly.

"Robbery?!"

"What did he say? Fang Zhengzhi robbed the entire Northern Mountain Village hunting squad?!"

"How is this possible?"

After hearing Ding Qingshan's words, the villagers' expressions turned into that of disbelief.

They indeed remembered, the past seven or eight times Fang Zhengzhi entered the mountain, didn't he not even manage to catch a green furred rabbit? How could he suddenly have robbed the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad?

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad! Over twenty strong men, each of them armed with bows. How can a child who didn't even bring along a blade rob the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad?

No matter how they thought, they still felt that…

This was all a fantasy!

"Fang Zhengzhi robbed the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad?!" Mrs Li's expression darkened. No matter how much she thought, she couldn't understand how Fang Zhengzhi could rob the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad!

When Qin Xuelian heard about the robbery, she was instantly taken aback. Looking at Fang Zhengzhi standing beside her, she absolutely didn't dare to believe that her own son had actually robbed the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad!

"Zhengzhi… how could you do such a stupid thing? Did you get hurt, did you get hurt?"

"I didn't, I didn't, mum… don't touch me, don't take off my clothes, I already said I didn't!" Qin Xuelian's probing instantly made Fang Zhengzhi somewhat anxious. Don't tell me I have to be stripped in front of so many people!

Village Chief Meng Bai's face immediately changed, gazing across at the surrounding villagers, their faces deep in shock, then looking at Ding Qingshan's serious expression.

Likewise, he didn't dare to believe it. But, Ding Qingshan couldn't possibly be lying.

Moreover…

Most importantly, when Ding Qingshan spoke, among all the hunting squad members, none of them stood out to oppose. This could only mean one thing - what Ding Qingshan said was true.

"This is really all Zhengzhi's doing?' Village Chief Meng Bai walked over to Ding Qingshan's side and asked softly.

"Yes of course, this is all Zhengzhi's doing! It was impressive. He actually dug out a large trap in the Northern Mountain Village's hunting territory, not only did the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad land into trouble, even the entire group of us fell inside!"

Even though Ding Qingshan knew that admitting this would be rather embarrassing, but reality was reality. This was something everybody managed to see, hence naturally, he didn't dare to hide it.

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Chapter 34: Genius

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"A huge trap? He dug it by himself? How did he even do that!" Village Chief Meng Bai felt that things were becoming increasingly mysterious. Recalling what he recently thought of Fang Zhengzhi, his wrinkled face instantly flushed red.

"It's really Fang Zhengzhi's doing?"

When the villagers heard Ding Qingshan and Village Chief Meng Bai's conversation, one after another their jaws began to drop in shock. This kind of news indeed had too much of an impact on them.

"That can't be? This child Zhengzhi is so strong that he can actually rob the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad? Ha ha ha…"

"What I saw was true, previously at the parade square I had already realised how impressive Zhengzhi was, he definitely had huge potential. This incident has exacted revenge for the Southern Mountain Village!"

"Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog, this is really an amazing feat!"

Even though the villagers were making fun of Fang Zhengzhi not too long ago, but, when the truth was confirmed, their attitudes changed instantly and their faces not even the slightest bit reddened from their previous laughter.

No matter what, Fang Zhengzhi did exact revenge for the Southern Mountain Village this time.

When Village Chief Meng Bai heard Ding Qingshan's reply, he had also accepted the truth.

"Good… good boy! Quick, carry all the animals to the village square!' Village Chief Meng Bai fished out his cigar, took a deep breath, then began to give orders for the villagers to move the animals to the village square.

There was indeed strength in numbers. A short moment later, all of the prey had been neatly placed in the middle of the village square. The Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog on the other hand was hung up high.

The festive air of the Southern Mountain Village was similar to that of during the new year. The only person whose face was black as night was Mrs Li. Gazing at the animals on the village square, she refused to believe her eyes.

"Zhengzhi, come over quick!" After all the animals had been placed neatly, Village Chief Meng Bai waved to Fang Zhengzhi, who was currently being surrounded by a group of people.

"Village Chief." Fang Zhengzhi walked over to Village Chief Meng Bai's side.

"Tell everybody, what method did you use to rob the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad?" Village Chief Meng Bai still found it rather unbelievable.

After all, Fang Zhengzhi had only just turned seven.

Hearing Village Chief Meng Bai's words, they also quieted down, one by one stopped chattering. They all waited expectantly for Fang Zhengzhi to share his robbery experience.

Qin Xuelian had already finished inspecting Fang Zhengzhi's body a long time ago, and was assured that Fang Zhengzhi's body was indeed free from injuries, hence she also stood smiling among the crowd and looked on.

Even Fang Houde was supported by a few people to the village square, something that didn't happen very often. Still disabled, he was sitting on a chair at this moment, holding a walking stick in his hands. However, the smile on his face couldn't be missed.

"Good boy, you finally realised your potential. You have even surpassed your own dad!"

Gazing at the expectant faces of the villagers, he knew it was time for him stay "low profile".

Feeling around in his pockets, he took out the illustration he prepared. The source of the "Rock Formation Illustration" posed as a problem. Naturally, he definitely could not claim that he was the one who came up with it. Indeed, if he admitted that he had studied the Eight Diagrams Tactics before, that would be a little too shocking.

Hence…

After some pondering, Fang Zhengzhi could only pin the source of these ideas on, and credit it entirely to, Lolita.

"Did you say… after you had previously seen the question the Missus from the Divine Constabulary asked Lihuer… you then thought of this drawing based on that?" After Fang Zhengzhi explained, Village Chief Meng Bai looked at the drawing on his hands and was absolutely shocked.

Genius! What is a genius?

Having the memory of an elephant… no, this was called being able to deducing multiple things from just one event!

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi replied confidently.

"Good boy, what a good boy…" Village Chief Meng Bai welled up with emotions. He was almost unable to speak, and could only mutter incessantly.

The other villagers were also completely stunned. After seeing that one question, he was able to think of and apply methods inspired from the question to deploy traps. This was really too extreme.

"Zhengzhi is amazing, he was actually able to draw something like this just by taking a look at the question. This is really too smart!"

"Yes, Mrs Fang had given birth to a great son!"

"Houde, you are going to live such a comfortable life now. I bet even if you were dreaming you would have smiled yourself awake!"

The villagers showered praises without any form of holding back. A few women quickly surrounded Qin Xuelian, and profusely offered to marry off their daughters to Fang Zhengzhi to become his wife.

Among them, there were even women who scrambled over trying to curry favor with Mrs Li the previous time in the village square to marry off their daughters to Li Huer. In a blink of an eye, these people began to say the same thing to Qin Xuelian.

Mrs Li's expression instantly turned even uglier.

Fang Zhengzhi, listening to these spirited discussions from the side, felt that these matters had to be considered at length. After all, these so-called "daughters" were really too small.

Most of them were two or three years of old, and among them there was even one who was only given birth to two months!

How could he possibly know what they would look like in the future?

Fang Zhengzhi wasn't really someone who judged based on people's looks, but, if he really had to marry a fat woman like Mrs Li… that was definitely going to be quite brutal.

Nobody came over to ask Fang Zhengzhi's opinion, these made him somewhat gloomy.

As the women argued intensely about how good their daughter was, the men were still in deep shock.

Even though Fang Zhengzhi attributed his thinking to Lolita, it still stirred up a rather large commotion. To be able to imprint in memory and copy out the illustration just by taking one look at it was already an amazing feat, yet he was still able to alter it further.

Wang Anhua, who was among the crowd, looked at the trap formation Fang Zhengzhi drew and his eyes instantly lit up brightly. Taking a few steps out of the crowd, Village Chief took over the illustration from Village Chief Meng Bai and studied it carefully.

Then, his initial shock grew bigger and bigger. Even though he didn't completely understand what was illustrated on it, but looking at the formation, it seemed contain some incredibly amazing patterns.

Could it have originated from the Eight Diagrams Tactics?

That was an extremely profound knowledge found within the Law of Dao, even those great people who accessed Dao might not be able to comprehend this. A seven year old child, really could reach such a level just from reading?

"Sir, what do you think?" Village Chief Meng Bai looked at Wang Anhua expectantly. In this Southern Mountain Village, Wang Anhua represented knowledge and learning.

"I can't really understand…" Wang Anhua answered honestly.

"Can't understand?! Do your words refer to…" Village Chief Meng Bai wasn't quite able to understand what Wang Anhua said.

"Do you think it would be possible to let me bring this back and study it in more detail over the night? I'll get back to you after a few days!" Wang Anhua didn't speak further. He had thought of Lolita's instructions for him.

"Zhengzhi, what do you think?" Village Chief Meng Bai turned over his head and seeked Fang Zhengzhi's opinion.

At this time, in Village Chief Meng Bai's heart, he had already treated Fang Zhengzhi as a member of the hunting squad, this was the due respect he had to show to an "adult".

"Alright! But, I have a request." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

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Chapter 35: Shameless greed

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"What request?" Wang Anhua wasn't surprised that Fang Zhengzhi would make a request, after all, he had already experienced Fang Zhengzhi's shamelessness first-hand.

Village Chief Meng Bai frowned. He felt that it was inappropriate for Fang Zhengzhi to make such a request. After all, Wang Anhua was a Sir from the Hall of Dao. However, the illustration belonged to Fang Zhengzhi, hence he didn't attempt to vocalize his thoughts.

"I would like to request Sir to copy out the illustration and give one to each member of the hunting squad" Fang Zhengzhi spoke his mind.

"Oh? What for?" Wang Anhua asked questioningly.

He had initially thought that Fang Zhengzhi would request for this to remain a secret or ask for some other benefits, but never did he think that Fang Zhengzhi would only request for him to copy it out a few times.

"Because, I'm thinking that... if we make use of this illustration to set up the same trap at multiple locations within the Cang Ling Mountain, then, we can link up all these areas so that in the future, the prey would fall into the trap by themselves. All the hunting squad would have to do is to kill off the entrapped prey."

Fang Zhengzhi expressed his plans. He had wanted to copy the illustration by himself initially but having bumped into Wang Anhua, he decided to let him exhibit his generosity.

Saving more time to read books, what a noble and thoughtful idea! Thumbs up for myself!

In fact, he had already prepared to give the illustration to the village from the moment he took it out.

The Southern Mountain Village hunting squad had played a huge role in the result of today's yield. It would had been difficult to subdue all of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad without getting injured, even if he had managed to trap all of them by himself.

That aside, what if he was the only person who could catch a single prey? That would indeed be very tiring.

Hunting...

It's just a mean of survival. Fang Zhengzhi wanted to invest more effort into his studies and training.

Thus, giving out the rock formation illustration and hence bringing out its greatest potential, was the best way to go.

"Can... can this method really work?" Village Chief Meng Bai grew excited even before Wang Anhua could reply. If this method was carried out, it would have solved one of the greatest problem that had been pestering the Southern Mountain Village.

It didn't just mean that the hunting squad would bring in more food, the greater benefit was that the safety of the hunting squad would increase substantially.

" Yes, I think this is doable!" Wang Anhua nodded his head as he looked at the illustration.

The villagers that heard this revealed an expression filled with shock and happiness. This was a great accomplishment that would prevent the Southern Mountain Village villagers from going hungry.

"If it was possible, it would be great!"

"Yes! It would be like having a hunting farm on top of Cang Ling mountain!"

"Village Chef, I think we can give it a try. Since the hunting squad would still continue to enter the mountain as per normal, all they have to do is to bring along an additional shovel. There wouldn't be any harm in it!" Ding Qingshan, who had personally experienced the sheer potential of the trap, replied enthusiastically.

"Alright, alright ... we will give it a try! Hahaha..." Village Chief Meng Bai nodded. Thinking about what would happen once this plan was carried out to its completion, he envisioned piles and piles of prey stacked up highly.

Mrs Li's face darkened. Darting her eyes back and forth between Fang Zhengzhi and the smiling Village Chief Meng Bai, she felt a sense of unease.

After the joy of a good yield gradually disappeared, Village Chief Meng Bai frowned again.

Because, he now faced a greater problem. It was something he had never even taken into consideration before, but in accordance to his promise to Fang Zhengzhi...

Every animal that Fang Zhengzhi caught belonged entirely to him.

Village Chief Meng Bai's face alternated between red and white as he looked at the pile of animal, at a loss of what to do.

"Zhengzhi ... can I discuss something with you?" Village Chief Meng Bai put aside his cigar and quietly pulled Fang Zhengzhi to the side.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally knew what the village chief was about to say. He had robbed the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, and now, the Southern Mountain village chief was about to rob him.

"Say what you wish village chief, I'm very easy to talk to! Moreover, I'm a person of great virtue, I'll keep to my words, even if it means... death!" Fang Zhengzhi replied with an innocent expression.

Village Chief Meng Bai's face instantly turned red.

Even a seven year old kid was able to keep his words. As a village chief, am I going to go back on them?

"This...this, haha..." Village Chief Meng Bai laugh dryly as he looked towards the pile of animals stacked up in the village square, then looked at Fang Zhengzhi's tender face. It was hard for him to speak.

Fang Zhengzhi sighed silently to himself. He knew very clearly that his small arms could not save him. If he really wanted to take everything away, he was sure that the villagers would have some things to say.

Or,the villagers would not discuss about him. However, behind his back, they would criticize his parents for being unwilling to contribute to the village, and being unable to uphold the virtues that made one human.

Man can be greedy, however...

One cannot be shamelessly greedy.

If it was not for the help of the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad, the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad would not have surrendered so easily. Furthermore, it would had been impossible for him to carry all the animals down by himself.

"The amount of game is plentiful today, I believe they would take some time to finish by myself. Village Chief, please distribute some of it out. But, the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog..." Fang Zhengzhi stopped speaking without saying anything further.

"Yes...yes! I understand what you mean!" Village Chief Meng Bai instantly began to smile. Fang Zhengzhi's intentions were clear, other than the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog, the rest were to be distributed out.

Although the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog had been taken away, there were still a lot of animals leftover. This left Village Chief Meng Bai extremely satisfied with this outcome.

However...

Even though Village Chief Meng Bai was satisfied, that didn't mean that everyone else was as well.

The moment Mrs Li heard Village Chief Meng Bai announce that the entire Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog was to be distributed to Fang Zhengzhi, her face flushed red as if she had swallowed a fly.

She instantly couldn't hold back any longer.

The Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog was a treasure. Not only was its meat more plentiful compared to that of other animals, its metal tusks were especially sharp. Being harder than raw metal, it could be used to make valuable tools that were worth silvers.

Usually, Village Chief Meng Bai would take one metal tusk for himself, and the other one would definitely fall into the hands of Li family.

But now, not only was she not given the metal tusk, she didn't even manage secure a strand of hog hair...

How could Mrs Li bear with this?

"How can village chief be so biased? According to usual practices, how can the rules be changed just because the yield is higher this time? Old Li from our family had led the hunting squad for the past few years and had also suffered his fair share up in the Cang Ling Mountain. Now that he entered the Hall of Dao, he has to study every single day. This is all for the village's future! But now, we are getting bullied! I don't accept this method of distribution!"

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Chapter 36: A Tuft of Fur

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

When Village Chief Meng Bai heard Mrs Li's incessant nagging, he instantly began to frown.

Usually, he could easily turn a deaf ear to Mrs Li's words, but today wasn't quite the same. This pile of animals by right belonged entirely to Fang Zhengzhi himself.

He had already, with great difficulty, persuaded Fang Zhengzhi to change his mind, if any further changes occurred, the conclusion wouldn't be as simple anymore.

When the other villagers heard Mrs Li's complaints, they also became rather unhappy. Village Chief Meng Bai declaration to distribute the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog to the Fang family was something everybody had already expected and had no complaints about.

After all, when Fang Zhengzhi entered the hunting squad, all the prey he hunted belonged to him. These words were announced by the village chief in front of everybody.

Furthermore, the Southern Mountain Village had barely any yield after being in the mountains for such a long time. If it weren't for Fang Zhengzhi, the other animals wouldn't have been caught, not even mentioning the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog.

"Mrs Li, all these hunted prey today actually belongs to Zhengzhi!"

"Indeed, it is already very kind of Zhengzhi to offer to split these animals with everyone."

A few of the villagers standing beside Mrs Li quietly began to remind her.

"Since Mrs Li doesn't exactly agree with this distribution method, I think I can make some changes!" Fang Zhengzhi stepped out of the crowd at this moment.

Village Chief Meng Bai was taken aback, but he didn't attempt to stop him. Because, Fang Zhengzhi was now qualified to speak in the Southern Mountain Village.

The other villagers, seeing that Fang Zhengzhi had spoken, also looked on curiously.

"Ah, at least Zhengzhi can reason properly. Luckily auntie didn't take care of you for nothing. Quick, tell everybody, what changes should be made!" Mrs Li was overjoyed when she saw Fang Zhengzhi step out. When she heard the villagers' discussions, she had also thought of giving up. But now it seemed that Zhengzhi was still a kid after all, how could he actually contend against adults?

"I think we should distribute the other animals to the rest, then my family and the Li family will share this Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog together. What do you think auntie Li?" Fang Zhengzhi winked a few times at Mrs Li.

"Sharing the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog among my family and your family?" Mrs Li never imagined that Fang Zhengzhi would actually be so generous. She immediately grinned delightedly, "That makes sense, I agree with this form of distribution!"

The rest of the villagers also heard what Fang Zhengzhi had said. Their eyes widened. I completely don't understand this. Wasn't he highly intelligent just now, how did he suddenly become so dumb?

Qin Xuelian also became quite worried, and wanted to step out to prevent this.

Unfortunately, she was held back by Fang Houde.

"Don't worry!" Even though Fang Houde was simple and down-to-earth, he knew that his son was indeed not stupid. Since Fang Zhengzhi had said these, he definitely had his reasons.

Even if they really had to share half of the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog with Mrs Li, as long as it was reasonable, Fang Zhengzhi would also approve of it.

"That means, Auntie Li has agreed to it?" Fang Zhengzhi continued to ask.

"I agree, of course I agree!" Mrs Li nodded, her head bobbing like a chicken pecking on its feed.

"Sure! Then let's invite village chief and everyone else to bear witness to this moment. Today, the prey over here won't be distributed to Auntie Li, then, I'll share a portion of the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog with Auntie Li!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and looked towards Village Chief Meng Bai.

"Ok!" Village Chief Meng Bai nodded. Since Fang Zhengzhi himself volunteered to distribute the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog, he didn't bother to unnecessarily involve himself any further.

The rest of the villagers also began to nod their heads one by one, looking at Fang Zhengzhi with an expression of someone looking at a fool.

Mrs Li naturally didn't have any further comments and instantly accepted.

Then…

Fang Zhengzhi cleared his throat, and began to speak once again.

"Then… may I invite Uncle Qingshan, to distribute the tuft of fur on top of the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog's head to Auntie Li!"

"Pff!" Ding Qingshan was drinking his water at this moment, and abruptly spat it out.

The other villagers were also taken aback. When they managed to react, their looks that bore the expression of one looking at a fool instantly shifted onto Mrs Li.

"A tuft of fur?!"

"This… Ha ha ha, he distributed a tuft of fur!"

"This kid Zhengzhi, I already said that he had potential, looks like I wasn't wrong!"

The villagers all began to laugh. Nobody criticised Fang Zhengzhi's idea. Because, if it were them, they would have done the same. Except…

This idea, how did he even think of it?

Mrs Li's face was black as night, her thick, muscular arms began to quiver. She finally understood the meaning behind Fang Zhengzhi's words just now.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" Mrs Li's fist tightened furiously. She was defeated by a seven year old kid, moreover, it was a very obvious display of intellectual defeat. Her anger almost caused blood to spurt out of her mouth.

She hated, hated herself for her impulsive actions just now. How could she have not stated clearly before, the hog had to be split equally into half? At the very least, receiving one metal tooth was also not too bad either!

But it was already too late.

The words had already left her mouth. She wanted to shamelessly go back on her words, start bawling, "Bully!"... But, going back on her words to a seven year old kid , shouting that she was bullied by a seven year old kid?

No matter how thick her skin was, she really couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Hmph!" Mrs Li snorted coldly, forcefully stomped her feet, turned around and dashed into the crowd. In a flash, not even a shadow of her could be seen. She really didn't have the face to stay here anymore.

"Mrs Li, this tuft of fur, do you still want it? Looks like she doesn't want it anymore, just right… make this into an ink brush!" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the rapidly disappearing Mrs Li, stroking the tuft of fur on the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog as if it was a piece of treasure.

Deep into the night, a bird, its body white as snow and its claws sharp as a knife, once again shot out from the Southern Mountain Village's Hall of Dao and instantly disappeared into the night sky. Its speed was amazingly fast…

The morning after, within the Northern Lands Divine Constabulary, in a beautiful antique-styled study room, Lolita peered at the illustration in front of her, slightly lost in thought.

"This formation isn't complicated, but it blends in knowledge from the Eight Diagrams Tactics… if it was really drawn by that little bastard, then… the previous case of solving the Illustration of All Creation can now be confirmed!"

Lolita took another look at the illustration. Light flashed within her bright pupils.

"Come!"

"Missus, what do you need?" A soldier instantly walked in from outside the study and knelt down on one knee.

"Make preparations. There's somewhere I want to go."

"Yes Missus! But… the Lord is now in the capital city, I fear that there are still ten days before he would be able to return. Should we wait for the Lord before setting off?" The soldier instantly complied with her order, then gingerly asked.

"Ten days? Ok, I understand!" Lolita nodded. Looking out at the rays of light from the rising sun, the edges of her mouth curved into a slight smile.

Fang Zhengzhi? Let me see where else you can run to this time little bastard!

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Chapter 37: Killing with another's blade

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

More than ten days passed in a flash.

These days, Fang Zhengzhi lived a comfortable life. Working together, the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad's efficiency was much higher than him alone. Their shovels moved rapidly, digging pitfalls that were big and round.

Fang Zhengzhi on the other hand took up the role of an overseer. Here… Here needs to be dug a little towards that direction, this rock should be slightly higher, this piece is too small…

Other that that, he stood guard at the tiny piece of land he dug himself and lived a free and leisurely life of reading books and waiting for prey.

"This mountain is opened by me, this tree is planted by me, if you wish to pass… you must lay down your life."

The ancestors usually likened guarding a tree and waiting for rabbits to knock into it [1] to reaping without sowing. But now, Fang Zhengzhi was evidently living such a life.

Except, what he guarded wasn't a tree, but instead was a piece of land.

The results were also entirely different. They weren't even able to finish collecting the prey they caught each day. Considering solely green furred rabbits, they could already collect at least two each day. Along with a few other animals, Fang Zhengzhi even thought of gathering some feed and turning this into a natural farmland...

The booming success of the Southern Mountain Village naturally attracted the envy and jealous hatred of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad.

Further considering the leftover anger from being robbed by Fang Zhengzhi…

Raid, raid, another raid!

Three times in a row.

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad over and over again learnt their lesson, improvising on their raiding tactics. Direct raiding, surrounding them, groups of three and groups of two…

Zhang Yangping had to invest a lot of effort and racked his brains.

But ultimately…

They were completely useless!

Under the assistance of the rock formation, the Southern Mountain Village villagers were as sly as black foxes hiding in the shadows, each of them appearing and then disappearing unpredictably. When attacks came from one direction, defences came from all four directions.

After three attempts, it could be said that the Northern Mountain Village had suffered a double loss trying to trick the enemy.

Not only did they not manage to snatch the animals, their weapons were seized in each attempt. The originally razor-sharp spears and scimitars now mostly became huge worn-out metal swords.

Without weapons, the animals they killed became lesser and lesser.

It could be said that their lives were quite miserable.

In comparison, the Southern Mountain Village lived each day as if they were celebrating the new year. Everyone was happy and joyful, the hunting squad came back with more and more game, and every single household was able to enjoy meat, how could one not be happy?

The night was calm as water.

Fang Zhengzhi sensed within his body which he could control more and more freely everyday, there was a faint yet mysterious sensation. It felt as if there were some schools of thinking, or something else, which were about to conflict. The control he had over his body's flesh also seemed to had become finer.

Or…

Could it be that the way he thought previously was wrong? What he controlled wasn't at all flesh? Was it blood? That was unlikely… what was it?

Hence, unable to understand, he could only employ the most primitive of methods - accumulating vast amounts of knowledge! Continuing with his reading and memorising, increasing his powers. Once he reached a certain level, when a breakthrough was supposed to happen, wouldn't a breakthrough naturally occur?

While Fang Zhengzhi was reading his books at ease, within the neighbouring courtyard, Mrs Li was pacing around continuously in her room, restless and agitated.

And beside Mrs Li, Li Zhuangzhi's expression also seemed to be somewhat dark.

"Can you go think of something? You have been studying in the Hall of Dao everyday, you haven't seen… the gaze in the village chief's eyes whenever he looks at Fang Zhengzhi, are always glinting with light!"

"That nonsense trap he drew, who knows what divine assistance shone on it. It was really able to divert the animals to run along the pathways he formulated, and one by one jumped into the trap as if they were queuing up to do so!" Mrs Li's saliva flew all over the place.

"No matter what, this is a good thing!" Li Zhuangzhi folded his legs and sat on the bed.

"A good thing? Don't forget, when the Divine Constabulary gave the Southern Mountain Village an extra entrant spot, that spot was snatched right from the hands of Fang Zhengzhi. Even though it had already been reported up, but, does this mean it can't change? Even though village chief indeed has no plans to do so, but, how about a month later? A year later? Who can ensure that the village chief wouldn't think of a way to swap Li Huer!" Mrs Li became rather anxious.

Li Zhuangshi's face instantly sunk. After staying in the Hall of Dao for such long periods of time, he had begun to understand the outside world even more. One just had to pass the Law of Dao examinations to enjoy a good deal of favour from the royalties.

This tiny Southern Mountain Village is simply not somewhere people could remain for long.

Walking out, entering the county, or even the capital… this was the future Li Zhuangshi planned for himself.

"We cannot lose the spot in the Hall of Dao, Li Huer's improvement within this period is still quite large. As long as he can continue studying in the Hall of Dao, he would definitely be able to pass the Law of Dao examinations in the future!" Li Zhaungshi's gaze moved to Li Huer who was sleeping soundly in the next room.

"Then why don't you think of an idea? Fang Zhengzhi's position in the Southern Mountain Village is rising higher and higher, very soon he will be able to rise over our family. If it continues like this, this spot will definitely be snatched away by him!" Mrs Li was impatient.

"If I have to think of an idea… This kid Fang Zhengzhi is quite smart, furthermore, he did indeed contribute to the village. Our actions cannot be too obvious… Oh, I have an idea!" Li Zhuangshi's eyes lit up.

"What idea?" Mrs Li immediately moved in closer.

"We will get somebody else to kill him!"

"What?" Mrs Li was taken aback.

"Stop shouting! You are indeed unnecessarily soft-hearted!" Li Zhuangshi was now educated, and began to learn from the words of his Sir. Invoking these words, then looking at Mrs Li's shocked expression, began to explain in a low voice.

"I'm not planning to really kill him. Think about it, the Northern Mountain Village people definitely hate Fang Zhengzhi to the core. We will secretly give them the illustration he drew, the consequences will naturally be obvious. I wish to… kill him, but the Northern Mountain Village people will definitely not sink to such standards. After all, the mutual dependence between the two villages are quite strong. But, breaking an arm or a leg will definitely happen!"

"You mean?" Mrs Li became interested.

"All we need is for Fang Zhengzhi to have his limbs broken, then he will become just like Fang Houde. No matter how large his contributions are, village chief would still not pin the hopes and future of the village on him. Law of Dao examinations, the namelist of the Hall of Dao, would naturally not concern Fang Zhengzhi anymore. As for what else he can do, it would be continuously helping us to hunt animals, ha ha ha…"

Fang Zhengzhi's plan for setting up a natural farmland was smoothly carried out. In order to save time, and at the same time minimise the killings between different species, he intentionally split the trapped animals into different groups.

A few days later, as per his usual routine, he carried his basket of already-prepared feed up the mountain alone.

With the protection of the rock formation, the outskirts of the mountain was typically very safe. Furthermore, there was also improvement to his abilities. The stronger one was, the more guts he had. Hence, he didn't worry much.

After entering the mountain, he directly made his way over to his personal spot. Checking on the hungry animals stuck within the traps, Fang Zhengzhi threw down the feed.

Then, finding a large rock facing the sun, he took out his books and began to recite softly.

"T'ai Kung: "As for the 'six thieves':

"First, if your subordinates build large palaces and mansions, pools and terraces, and amble about enjoying the pleasures of scenery and female musicians, it will injure the king's Virtue.

Second, when the people are not engaged in agriculture and sericulture but instead give rein to their tempers and travel about as bravados, disdain-ing and transgressing the laws and prohibitions, not following the instructions of the officials, it harms the king's transforming influence..."

This was the chapter on Honouring the Worthy in the Six Secret Teachings, which mainly discussed the Six Thieves and Seven Harms.

Fang Zhengzhi was deeply engrossed in his book. He had no idea that all around him, there were currently over twenty people, wielding long blades and with wooden bows slung around their backs, lying in ambush, They were the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad.

"Deputy captain, the intelligence is accurate. The person has indeed arrived, and there is nobody from the Southern Mountain Village following him!"

[1] This is a Chinese idiom that describes a person who witnessed a rabbit running into a tree, then thereafter began to guard the tree daily waiting for rabbits to knock into it again. This is used to imply waiting idly for opportunities and hoping for things to happen without any practical course of action, rather than showing initiative.

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Chapter 38: Fire

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Ok, everybody make the necessary preparations. We have to be careful, we can't let this guy escape. When I count to three, everyone will rush out together, destroy his arms but make sure you don't harm his life."

Looking at the wooden bow behind his back, an icy glow appeared in his eyes. A few days ago, his metal bow had been taken away by the Southern Mountain Village people, and the cause of all of this, was Fang Zhengzhi. This vengeance was something he couldn't swallow.

"Understood. Deputy captain don't worry, we will act appropriately!" The hunting squad members nodded. The Northern and Southern villagers were mutually dependent. Appropriate forms of revenge and conflicts were always present, but if killing occurred, this relationship would be destroyed completely.

"One"

"Two"

"Awoo!"

Just when Zhang Yangping was about to count to three, the howling sound of a huge beast suddenly resonated throughout the entire Cang Ling Mountain.

This stunned all of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad members, who were already prepared to act. This sound… was too near, as if it sounded out from right beside their ears.

"This…" A hunting squad member was somewhat puzzled.

Fang Zhengzhi was similarly rather puzzled. He was just reading his book, where did such a loud howl even come from? He had stayed in the Cang Ling Mountain for some time, and had encountered a countless number of animals.

But...

This sound definitely couldn't have come from just any ordinary beast.

"Awoo!"

As he pondered, a humongous shadow shot out with lightning speed from the dense forests, and ended up less than hundred metres away from Fang Zhengzhi.

"What the… f*ck! It's humongous!" Fang Zhengzhi was truly shocked this time. The beast in front of him was really too big. It was at least twice the size of the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog.

Its navy blue fur were like metal needles enveloping its body. Its razor-sharp front claws were perched on a piece of stone, and those black claws emanated the cold air of the forest. They looked even sharper than the two metal fangs on the Metal-Toothed Thorn Hog.

Most uniquely, on the forehead of this wild beast, there was a line of fire-red fur. That fur was like a blazing trail, leading all the way from its forehead to its tail...

"Blue… Blue Fire Wolf!"

"Deputy captain, it's… it's the Blue Fire Wolf!"

When the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad saw the beast that shot out, they trembled uncontrollably, the weapons in their hands almost dropping to the ground in fear.

Zhang Yangping shook uncontrollably with shock.

Blue Fire Wolf, this was the real king of the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts.

It couldn't even be classified as a beast anymore, it was a truly fearsome monster!

"Deputy captain, what should we do?" A hunter's legs trembled in fear. Faced with the monster Blue Fire Wolf, there was only one way. That was to run, run as far as they possibly could.

The Blue Fire Wolf was too strong, even adding a few people to their group, they were nothing compared to the Blue Fire Wolf, much less their strength of twenty over people.

Shoot arrows?

I'm afraid that before you even manage to pull your bow, the Blue Fire Wolf would have already pounced right in front of you.

Moreover, even if you somehow managed to shoot a few, that wasn't sufficient to injure the Blue Fire Wolf. Because, the skin and fur on the Blue Fire Wolf was too thick. An average arrow could only at most scrape the surface of its skin, if one really intended to kill the Blue Fire Wolf with arrows, that was downright impossible.

"Run!" Zhang Yangping ordered, barely hesitating at all.

"How about the kid?

"Leave him, hurry up and run!"

Fang Zhengzhi also prepared to run. He didn't even bother taking along his basket, among other personal items. This thing in front of him was obviously very terrifying. Even though he didn't know what it was, but one look at its head told him that it was even bigger than the lion he knew from his previous world.

The reason he entered the mountain today was only to feed the animals, he didn't even have a friend beside him.

Fight one to one?

Fang Zhengzhi wasn't dumb.

But at the second he turned his body.

The Blue Fire Wolf also began to move, an icy yet blood-thirsty glint shining in its faint blue pupils. Slightly curving its front claws, its gigantic body shot towards Fang Zhengzhi like a streak of lightning.

"Snap!"

The sound of stepping on broken wood rang out and immediately after, the gigantic Blue Fire Wolf disappeared.

"Huh?" Looking back, Fang Zhengzhi instantly stopped running. In his sudden burst of panic, he had forgotten that he was surrounded by pitfalls.

No matter how deadly a beast was, as long as it stepped on the trap, it would definitely fall in!

"Deputy captain, quick, look! The Blue Fire Wolf seemed to have fallen into the trap!" A Northern Mountain Village hunting squad member who was preparing to run had just realised what was happening.

"Fell into the trap?" Zhang Yangping was similarly taken aback. He knew Fang Zhengzhi was surrounded by pitfalls, but, the Blue Fire Wolf was an extremely sly beast, it would never fall into just any ordinary trap.

But now…

"It really fell inside the trap, quick look, it's just over there!" Another hunter shouted out.

"This kid's traps are indeed amazing, don't tell me even the Blue Fire Wolf had been tricked?" Zhang Yangping didn't dare to believe, but this reality was unfolding right before his eyes.

"Deputy captain look, that kid is going over!

"Deputy captain, that is the Blue Fire Wolf, if it had really fallen into the trap, it's definitely worth a huge amount of silver! I heard that the worth of the Blue Fire Wolf's skin is even calculated in gold!"

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad members were excited. Even though they deeply feared the Blue Fire Wolf, but after so many years of hunting on the mountain, how could they not have developed even a slightest blood-thirsty personality?

Right in front of their eyes, the Blue Fire Wolf had fallen into the trap. Their bad luck instantly turned into an opportunity.

The Blue Fire Wolf was indeed worth a lot of money, but just the thought of being able to remove such a huge hidden danger in the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts was definitely something worth risking

"Prepare to act, today we will snatch this Blue Fire Wolf first! This will make up for our losses these few days!" Zhang Yangping pondered for a short moment, then biting his teeth, gave his orders.

"Roger that!" The Northern Mountain Village hunting square began to shout out one by one.

While they shouted, they also didn't dare to let down their guard. Each of them drew their bows and prepared to kill the Blue Fire Wolf together.

Fang Zhengzhi at this moment was walking unhurriedly towards the pitfall containing the Blue Fire Wolf. All of a sudden, he heard a wave of shouting around him, then, saw a few men wielding long blades and bows scuttling out from the bushes.

"You want to snatch my prey? This place is filled with traps!" Fang Zhengzhi immediately recognised that these people were the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad.

But, he wasn't worried at all. Because, with the presence of these traps, they had absolutely no way of snatching.

Ideals are perfect, but reality is cruel.

Very quickly, Fang Zhengzhi began to realise something was amiss. All of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad members seemed to have grown a pair of divine eyes, even though they ran as fast as rabbits, but all of them skidded around the traps skillfully.

What was happening?

Fang Zhengzhi felt that this was downright impossible.

Then…

Something even more impossible thing happened.

"Awoo!"

With an infuriated howl, the Blue Fire Wolf which had fallen into the trap suddenly jumped right out.

"..." Fang Zhengzhi was stunned.

The twenty over shouting hunting squad members were also similarly stunned.

All of them stared at this fearsome beast, their faces convulsed with pure fear. From those faint blue pupils, everyone had managed to infer one emotion...

Fury!

"The Blue Fire Wolf has jumped out, run away quick!"

"Run!"

After a moment of shock, the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad members immediately regained their senses and one following another, instantly began to run.

"Blue Fire Wolf? This is the Blue Fire Wolf?! But… why is there no fire?" Hearing the cries of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, a wave of suspicion swept over him.

Then, he suddenly regained his senses.

"What the f*ck, Blue Fire Wolf!"

His stumpy legs could instantly turn into wheels of fire, Fang Zhengzhi's running speed was definitely not slow. But, compared to the Blue Fire Wolf, it was still slightly inferior.

With a "swoosh!", the Blue Fire Wolf leapt, and blocked off Fang Zhengzhi's escape path.

Most importantly…

This time, Fang Zhengzhi had really managed to see fire.

At the instant the Blue Fire Wolf leapt, he saw with unmistakable clarity, a ball of bright-red flame engulfed its razor-sharp claws, and once the Blue Fire Wolf landed, that ball of flame once again mysteriously disappeared.

"There is really fire!"

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Chapter 39: Its name was Blue Fire

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi felt that his knowledge of this world was indeed too shallow. But, what was with that ball of fire? That was too mysterious indeed.

It felt as if it appeared out of thin air.

You mean fire can appear out of thin air, and disappear into thin air? This completely exceeded his imaginations, fire from friction? Or what else was it due to?

Was it the Dao of All Creations?

The Blue Fire Wolf didn't read books, how could it master the Dao of All Creations?

Fang Zhengzhi suddenly felt lost and bewildered. This world seemed to be completely different from what he imagined. He thought that he had managed to understand this world very well, but after turning around, he realised that as before, he was still standing outside the door of understanding.

He couldn't understand this at all!

After a flash of bewilderment, Fang Zhengzhi understood one thing...

Now, he should run!

"Awoo!" Ideals will always be perfect, but reality is always cruel.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't even managed to turn his body. The Blue Fire Wolf had already turned into a stream of light and dove towards him, those faint blue pupils completely fixated on the 'prey' in front of it.

Its razor-sharp claws slashed in a beautiful arc mid-air, a bright-red flame burning on its claws.

Like fireworks in the night sky.

Even though Zhang Yangping and the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad bore some hatred towards Fang Zhengzhi, but as they witnessed the Blue Fire Wolf hunting down Fang Zhengzhi, they still couldn't bear for this to happen.

"This kid… what a pity!" Zhang Yangping sighed as he ran. He was powerless. Because, even if he stopped to shoot an arrow, he still wouldn't be able match the Blue Fire Wolf's speed to save Fang Zhengzhi.

"Let's run!"

"Sigh… we actually allowed a kid to defend us!"

"We have no choice, he is really too close to the Blue Fire Wolf, there is no way to save him!"

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad stared at the Blue Fire Wolf, which had already pounced in the air right on top of Fang Zhengzhi's head. All of them felt somewhat helpless. They wanted to save him, but at death's door, who would even be willing to stop their footsteps.

Fang Zhengzhi was scared.

Met with the Blue Fire Wolf's pounce, the inexperienced Fang Zhengzhi mind almost blanked out, unable to think.

But evidently the Blue Fire Wolf didn't bother to take that into consideration. In its eyes, the child of a human undoubtedly had the most delicious and tender meat. Furthermore, the reason that prompted it to ignore the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad to focus on killing Fang Zhengzhi was none other than that this kid actually dug a trap for it!

As the king of the outskirts of Cang Ling Mountain, how could it accept this?

Sensing Fang Zhengzhi's fear, the Blue Fire Wolf could confirm, the delectable flavour that would dissipate its rage was about to enter its mouth a second later.

"Bam!"

The Blue Fire Wolf's claws reached the ground first. There was no sound of bone breaking.

But, it didn't feel disappointed at all. Because, Fang Zhengzhi was right in front of its eyes, it could already even smell his delicious meat.

Fang Zhengzhi was indeed too near to the Blue Fire Wolf. Too near, so near that he was almost unable to breathe.

At the crucial moment just now, he didn't manage to react much, forgetting every single defense techniques and only very instinctive fell back in fear…

But, falling back, coupled with a roll, gave him the extreme luck to have avoided the killing blow of the Blue Fire Wolf.

Even though he managed to avoid one blow, he had ultimately still fallen on the ground, facing the sky. Moreover, the Blue Fire Wolf's razor-sharp claws, which seemed to be made from mythical metal, was placed right in between his two stumpy legs.

The distance from his vital parts was only the length of a first.

Dead!

This time, Fang Zhengzhi was really dead!

For the first time, he felt the terrifying wave of a death threat sweeping over him. As the saying goes, an anxious dog can jump over a wall. Let alone a human who was about to be killed.

Fang Zhengzhi retaliated.

There wasn't any form of technique, acting on pure instinct to kick away this threat in front of him.

The two stumpy legs at this instant turned into two rapidly kicking mini motors. That speed could definitely invoke a gale of wind.

"Ahhhhh… go away, go away…"

As he shrieked, Fang Zhengzhi concentrated all the strength in his body to kick at the Blue Fire Wolf's approaching head and claws.

The Blue Fire Wolf was delightedly preparing to enjoy the delicious meal in front of it at this moment. When it suddenly saw the barrage of kicks coming towards it, it was almost unable to react and a few kicks landed on its nose and eyes.

But, it wasn't too worried.

Because that power was indeed too weak. It was just the struggles of a human child faced with death, what use could it have? With its strength, even if it stood still to take a few kicks from this kid, it wouldn't even budge an inch.

Completely inconsequential.

Feeling the powerless kicks that posed as nothing more than a form of irritation, the Blue Fire Wolf laughed coldly and cruelly inside. The delicious meat was right in front of its eyes, and it advanced. It's huge mouth suddenly widened, and prepared to bite down on Fang Zhengzhi's tiny legs.

Then…

Right at this moment, a huge wave of strength and power washed over the Blue Fire Wolf.

"Grr, grr grrr…."

From the originally powerless stumpy legs, a terrifying power emerged. Every kick that landed on its face felt like a huge hammer smashing down on it.

"Awoo!"

The Blue Fire Wolf unleashed a blood-curdling howl. Its gigantic body was flown upwards, then, along the same arc projectile path, it came back down and slammed into the ground, returning back at the same spot it leapt from.

All of these happenings, from the moment the Blue Fire Wolf pounced towards Fang Zhengzhi, to it being kicked back wildly by Fang Zhengzhi, all occurred in a blink of an eye.

Zhang Yangping and the rest of the hunting squad, situated not too far away, were completely stunned.

All they saw was the Blue Fire Wolf pouncing, Fang Zhengzhi falling to the ground, then the Blue Fire Wolf being kicked away by Fang Zhengzhi.

"How is this possible?"

"This is supposed to be… the Blue Fire Wolf!"

"It was actually sent flying by a kick?"

Zhang Yangping and the rest of the hunting squad stared at Fang Zhengzhi as if they had seen a ghost. They were completely unable to believe that under these circumstances, Fang Zhengzhi actually didn't die!

"Deputy… Deputy captain, look… look at the Blue Fire Wolf's nose!"

"It's bleeding! The Blue Fire Wolf is injured!"

A few observant hunters quickly noticed that on the edges of the Blue Fire Wolf's mouth and on its nose, a few drops of bright-red blood trickled down.

"Drip, drip…"

The blood dripped onto the floor, and soaked into the ground.

"Awoo!"

The Blue Fire Wolf reared its head and unleashed a mad, infuriated howl. That sound, other than anger, was filled with solitary and arrogance.

Its name, was Blue Fire.

It was a lone wolf. In the outskirts of this Cang Ling Mountain, it was the real king.

Regardless of when and where, any animal or human that encountered it only had one thought. That was to run. Having ruled this land for the past years, it had never been wounded in a manner such as today.

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Chapter 40: Speed

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi's madly kicking legs stopped, sweat dripping like rain from his forehead.

What was terror, what was a narrow escape? He felt that at this moment, no one would be able to understand this feeling better than him.

It was too frightening.

A moment ago, when his short legs came into contact with the Blue Fire Wolf's forehead, it felt as if the kick landed on a metal board.

The immense strength and resistance sent his heart to his throat. When he saw the Blue Fire Wolf's salivating mouth biting down on him…

At the instant, Fang Zhengzhi felt as if he had stepped into the door of death.

Every single pore on his body leaked profusely with sweat. Fortunately, at this crucial period, his blanked-out mind finally unleashed its abilities. That feeling of desperation had pushed him to move everything he could control in his body onto his stumpy legs.

His heart only contained three words...

Give everything possible!

Then, the results seemed very remarkable. The Blue Fire Wolf was finally kicked away by him, at the same time, he felt a unique sensation. At that moment, he felt his stumpy legs fill up with power.

As if it was about to explode.

Wait a minute, just now, he seemed to be…

Controlling?!

That's right, it was control. When the word control flashed in Fang Zhengzhi's mind, he finally came to realisation. Running away now was downright impossible, the Blue Fire Wolf was too fast. If he dared to turn his body, his back would definitely get attacked.

That means he could only try to control his body.

I am now someone who can shatter a stone with one fist, I can't be scared, I am very strong! Fang Zhengzhi reassured himself while trying to gain control over the flow of things in his body.

Thinking of that rejuvenating feeling of kicking away the Blue Fire Wolf, then looking at the Blue Fire Wolf staring at the ground, its nose and mouth dripping with blood.

His confidence instantly grew.

"That's right, I am very strong!" Fang Zhengzhi bellowed, doing so to bolster his confidence further.

Some distance away, the already completely stunned Zhang Yangping and the rest of the hunting squad were instantly jolted back to their senses by these words.

"What is he saying?"

"He seems to have said… he is very strong?!"

"He's indeed very strong!"

That last sentence came out from Zhang Yangping's mouth. Even though he didn't really understand what was going on, but, to be able to kick the Blue Fire Wolf away definitely wasn't something luck could achieve.

"Deputy captain, now that the kid and the Blue Fire Wolf are confronting one another, let's escape quickly!" A hunting squad member reminded in a soft voice.

"No!" Zhang Yangping suddenly bit down on his teeth. "This Blue Fire Wolf has been wreaking havoc in the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts for so many years, who knows how many villagers it had killed. Now… there's an opportunity!"

"Opportunity?!" The hunting squad members couldn't really understand his intentions.

"That's right, an opportunity which we never had for so many years! All of you look, now that the Blue Fire Wolf is deep inside the trap formation area with that kid, it can drop down anytime. Furthermore, that kid has the ability to hold off the Blue Fire Wolf for a short time. This kind of opportunity, did we ever have it?" Zhang Yangping calmly analysed the situation.

As the deputy captain of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, he had the responsibility of ensuring the hunting squad members' safety. But, as long as the threat of the Blue Fire Wolf remained, that safety would forever only be temporary.

"I will follow Deputy Captain!" A hunting squad member very quickly responded. His eyes were fixated on the Blue Fire Wolf not too far away with an icy glint in his eyes.

His own older brother, had died under the claws of the Blue Fire Wolf. At that time, he was only seventeen!

"I will also follow Deputy Captain!" Another member similarly stood out. There was an almost three inches long wound on his calf that extended into the bones. As long as it was a rainy day, it would become exceptionally painful.

This was due to running away too slowly during his previous encounter with the Blue Fire Wolf. In the end, he was slashed by the Blue Fire Wolf's claws.

And that was the same time he personally witnessed his buddy, who stuck with him all the way since childhood, dying in the mouth of the Blue Fire Wolf. That brutal scene appeared even in his dreams.

"Deputy Captain, let's do it!" All of the hunting squad members drew their wooden bows, each of their faces revealing a look of pure conviction.

"Good, that's the way! Everybody, follow my orders!" Zhang Yangping gazed at the vigour and determination that radiated out from each of the men's bodies. Traces of tears entered his eyes.

The wickedness of the Blue Fire Wolf had caused a lifetime of pain for all the villages within miles of the mountain.

On the outside, Fang Zhengzhi's current state still seemed very brave and powerful. At least, Zhang Yangping and the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad had already pinned their hopes on him.

But in reality, inside his heart, Fang Zhengzhi was deeply agonized.

What, I am very strong? That was just words to reassure himself. Compared to the Blue Fire Wolf…

"Snap!"

The shattering sound of rocks sounded out. The gigantic body of the Blue Fire Wolf crawled up. Faced with such immense strength, the broken pieces of rocks on the ground immediately exploded into powder.

How powerful the Blue Fire Wolf was can be seen from this.

"Awoo!"

Howling, the Blue Fire Wolf wildly rushed towards Fang Zhengzhi. It actually wasn't too far off the ground, its entire body keeping close to the ground. It was just like a ray of blue light.

Fang Zhengzhi had never before seen such an offensive tactic.

Don't tell me the offensive strategy of wolves aren't all about head-on pounces and going around in circles? Then, what's the meaning of this strange gliding scene in front of me?

Indeed, I can't try to understand this world based on my past thinking!

"I'll dodge!"

Oh, terrain!

His eyes suddenly lit up. Fang Zhengzhi, evidently not bothering to be graceful, rolled on the ground towards his right, ending up behind a rock.

Having pounced at thin air, the Blue Fire Wolf didn't stop at all. Its humongous body twisted around, and two balls of fire suddenly erupted from its two hind claws.

It was like stepping on two balls of fire.

Then, initially pouncing towards the front, its entire body forcefully changed direction and was instantly pouncing towards Fang Zhengzhi's back.

Nearer, nearer…

At this moment, the two front claws of the Blue Fire Wolf also burst into two bright-red balls of flame. There was even a small flame dancing in its faint blue pupils.

A wave of scorching smell spread out, a smell so provoking that it even numbed the scalp of Fang Zhengzhi.

Experience, was what he lacked the most. Real hunters would never turn their heads at such moments.

But, Fang Zhengzhi wasn't aware of this. He turned his head, and saw that the Blue Fire Wolf was already less than one meter from his back, those razor-sharp fangs dripping with a faint trace of blood…

"Am I going to die?!" Fang Zhengzhi wasn't godlike, at this instant, he had no way of retaliating. He rolled on the floor, wanting to run…

He couldn't even stand up.

The huge stone was right in front of his eyes, but this single step was so far away. Like a huge ravine, there was simply no way of stepping across.

"Why is this Blue Fire Wolf's speed so fast?!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't give up, but he had no alternatives. The disparity in strength was too large, he simply couldn't dodge this strike.

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Chapter 41: The Disappearing World

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Swoosh!"

Right at this moment, the sound of an arrow splitting the air rang out. Immediately after, a metal arrow filled with anger and infuriation appeared like a meteor right in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

From its path, its target was aimed right at the Blue Fire Wolf's eye.

Anger radiated from the faint blue pupils of the Blue Fire Wolf. Once again, its body twisted around, snapping open its two flaming front claws. Its charging body quickly halted to a standstill.

Just a short standstill.

The metal arrow with uncanny accuracy shot past the tip of its nose, carrying along with it the sound of the wind.

Fang Zhengzhi was completely stunned. He didn't know who shot the arrow, but that arrow, from both its timing and its accuracy, was extremely incredible. Under normal circumstances, it should have pinned itself right inside the left eye of the Blue Fire Wolf, then, blood spurting out into the air.

But...

The Blue Fire Wolf had actually managed to avoid it? This was too extreme! It was actually able to stop?

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi finally understood, why when twenty-over weapon and bow-wielding villagers encountered the Blue Fire Wolf, they could only run.

Not only was the Blue Fire Wolf's speed very fast, its flexibility and agility were also incredible.

No matter how proficient one's archery skills are, one might still not be able to hit it. To be able to continuously change directions up in the air, it meant that it could, at the most crucial moment, avoid any shots to its vital organs.

It was different, compared to those beasts in the previous which had a range of abilities limited to pouncing, biting or sweeping related tactics, it was completely different. Within the pupils of the Blue Fire Wolf, Fang Zhengzhi could sense the presence of wisdom.

"Did you have to…" Fang Zhengzhi was indeed intimidated by the Blue Fire Wolf, but, his instinct to run was still there. Once he saw the Blue Fire Wolf's astonishing halt, he once again rolled and smoothly hid himself behind a huge stone.

Then, without even having time to catch his breath, a flaming, sharp claw began to reach over.

"Snap!" The huge stone, like a beancurd, quickly shattered.

A huge wolf head, its mouth filled with blood, peeked out from above the stone, its faint blue pupils that stared down at Fang Zhengzhi boiled with rage.

Under normal judgement, Fang Zhengzhi should be running away now.

The Blue Fire Wolf could also somewhat judge that this human kid in front of it would choose to roll backwards once again. Then, at this time, all it needed to do was to leap up towards the location this kid would roll to, and deal the fatal blow.

Yet...

Mysteriously, this time, Fang Zhengzhi didn't have the intention to roll.

Not only didn't he roll, he didn't even bother to run. Staring silently at the Blue Fire Wolf, his eyes were somewhat fearful, but, strangely, it also radiated an air of self-confidence.

"Boom!"

Just when the Blue Fire Wolf became somewhat suspicious, the ground on which its hind claws stepped on melted like snow, then, its humongous body directly fell through the ground...

"An opportunity!" At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi set aside his fears. With a roar, he pushed the entire pile of broken stones in front of him into the pitfall.

"Smash you to death!" Even though he was unsure whether his actions would be consequential, but shouldn't it at least give him more time? He couldn't run, what else could he do? He could only force himself to fight.

"It fell in again!" A Northern Mountain Village hunting squad member widened his eyes.

"Shoot!" Zhang Yangping once again drew his bow. The bow in his hands faced the skies. That previous arrow was shot by him, just that it was a direct shot. Now, he prepared to do a projectile shot.

The other villagers were also mostly experienced, even though their archery skills couldn't compare to Zhang Yangping, their cooperated shots were still very proficient.

Instantly, over twenty hunting squad members raised their bows together and shot towards the skies. Over twenty metal arrows rained down into the pitfall where the Blue Fire Wolf lay.

Looking at the rain of arrows, he involuntarily took a step back. The Northern Mountain Village people were… actually helping him?

Recalling the arrow that stopped the Blue Fire Wolf, he quickly confirmed this fact.

Without further hesitation, he rapidly carried up stones, using up all the strength in his body to slam it down into the pitfall. Each broken stone fell with an air-piercing sound, each stone was like a cannon, producing a loud "Boom!" after falling into the pitfall.

"Awoo!" From within the trap, the infuriated howl of the Blue Fire Wolf sounded out once again.

Holed up in such a pitfall, it completely couldn't leverage on its speed advantage. Every single arrow that fell from the skies landed with uncanny precision and accuracy on its body. Moreover, the impact of those stones was also unusually powerful.

"Boom boom boom…"

The stones and arrows turned into raindrops, continuous and never-ending.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't hold back. Zhang Yangping and the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad naturally also didn't hold back. Pulling back the bow, releasing an arrow, once again pulling back the bow, then releasing another arrow, until all the arrows in the quiver behind their backs were expended.

"It should be dead." Fang Zhengzhi carefully reached his head into the pitfall. He had already thrown down every single stone he could find around him.

Looking into the trap, all he could see was stones and metal arrows.

Some arrows were even smashed by Fang Zhengzhi, but, those arrowheads were securely impaled on a huge body enveloped in blue fur.

The faint blue pupils snapped open.

"Awoo!" Even when it was expelled by the wolf pack a few years ago, the Blue Fire Wolf had never felt such rage.

It was actually injured by a human child, again and again? Furthermore, he even felt a hint of a death threat. This was the biggest insult to the King's pride.

"Boom!" A loud sound rang out. The Blue Fire Wolf, trapped by stones and arrows, suddenly moved. It leapt, completely dislodging all those stones and arrows.

At the same time, Fang Zhengzhi suddenly flinched.

Because, at the moment the Blue Fire Wolf shot out, he realised… the bright-red patch of fur that extended from its forehead all the way to its tail started to radiate a ray of blood-red light.

Changed form?

Or was it evolution?

Could it be so exaggerated, were the beasts of this world terrifying to such extremes?!

Fang Zhengzhi didn't think for too long, and instant broke into a sprint. All the ideas he could think of had already been thought of, all he could do had also been done. Even the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad's arrows had been completely used up.

Now…

Other than running, what else could he do?

"Awoo!" The Blue Fire Wolf howled deeply. Its humongous body sprang into the air. It absolutely left no chance of escape for Fang Zhengzhi. A front claw, engulfed in flames, slashed towards him.

At this time, would there still be arrows?

The answer was obvious…

Lead it inside another trap and smash it again? That would probably be a waste of energy.

Then, the only choice, was a reckless confrontation!

Staring at the flaming razor-sharp claws in front of him, Fang Zhengzhi's face turned white as paper with fear. But, he still gritted his teeth, stood his ground, controlling every single movable substance in his body and concentrating them onto his small arm. Once again, he felt that explosive sensation.

"Fire? To hell with the fire!"

There was nothing fanciful about this punch, it was very direct. It didn't even bring along the sound of wind. In a flash, it came into contact with the sharp claws of the Blue Fire Wolf.

But...

This punch produced a mysterious sensation inside Fang Zhengzhi.

It was too quiet. So quiet that he couldn't hear anything at all, as if the entire world didn't exist anymore. All of the flowers, grasses, trees, wood, wind, fire, completely disappeared…

"Boom!"

Between the fist and the claw, a powerful impact caused Fang Zhengzhi's chest to feel as if it had been smashed, his entire body naturally flew and rolled backwards.

On the other hand, the advancing Blue Fire Wolf, at this moment, also rolled backwards from the same powerful impact.

"Plop!"

Both man and wolf, toppled down at almost the same time.

At this moment, the entire world became quiet beyond imagination. Not too far away, Zhang Yangping and the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad were completely stunned. They simply couldn't believe.

What happened just now?

It seemed as if the kid and the Blue Fire Wolf met force to force! Then… he and the Blue Fire Wolf actually… actually fell backwards at the same time? Were they… evenly matched?

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Chapter 42: Opened

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

A seven-year-old child and the king of the outskirts of Cang Ling Mountain were evenly matched?!

If they hadn't seen this for themselves, nobody would even have such thoughts, much less believing this incident really happened.

At this moment, Zhang Yangping and the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad stared till their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"The Blue Fire Wolf was fended off by one punch?!"

"Furthermore, it seems to have fallen hard to the ground…"

"How can this be possible?!"

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad one by one began to mutter, as if they were on a dream journey. They completely couldn't regain their senses after such a powerful shock.

"Shoot, quickly shoot!" Zhang Yangping suddenly shouted out, his face filled with delight. A child who can match up to the Blue Fire Wolf… no matter how he did it, this was an opportunity, a real opportunity!

"Deputy captain, I don't have… don't have arrows?" A Northern Mountain Village hunting squad member dug about in his quiver. It was empty.

"Oh!" Zhang Yangping managed to come to his senses. All the metal arrows seemed to have been expended, what were they supposed to do now? Don't tell me they were supposed to helplessly let such a good opportunity go to waste?

"Deputy captain, we are willing!" A hunter pulled out a long blade and stepped out.

"I am also willing!" Another hunter pulled out a black spear.

"Excellent! You are all indeed worthy of being men from the Northern Mountain Village! Charge… everybody, charge!" Zhang Yangping naturally understood everybody's determination. To be able to take advantage of this opportunity to remove the biggest danger in the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts, on top of taking a risk, even if they had to lose a few lives, it was still worth it.

"Awoo!" The Blue Fire Wolf who had fallen onto the ground rolled over, disbelief similarly evident in its faint blue pupils. All the blue fur enveloping its body instantly stood up, a thick smell of blood emanating from the fur that extended from its forehead to its tail.

It seemed to be undergoing some sort of change...

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi was also currently taken aback. I didn't die? And, it seemed like I even fended off the Blue Fire Wolf? What was that sensation just now?

The entire whole seemed to have disappeared, I completely wasn't able to sense anything…

Or could it be said that, everything was within my senses?

What was that all about? Why did it feel like I was perched on the origins of the universe?

The Dao of All Creations, the disappearing world, origins…

Fang Zhengzhi's eyes suddenly lit up. The huge sealed door within his heart seemed to have been truly opened at this very moment. The Dao of All Creations, originates from Man himself, understanding All Creations, in control of All Creations.

In control? Control… first and foremost, was control! Control oneself, then, let one's body sense, let one and All Creation come together in some sort of harmony.

I understand, I finally understand!

What he controlled was definitely not any flesh nor blood, but it was his entire self. Man's body, similarly, belonged to All Creations. Regardless of whether it's flesh, blood, or bones, they were all made up of some substance.

In his past world, this substance was called "particles"! The smallest substance that can exist independently.

Mountains, rivers, flowers, grasses, trees, wood, stone, the existence of everything came about from particles. And what he needed to do was start from controlling his body, to controlling All Creations!

The "door" had now been truly opened!

That means, next…

Fang Zhengzhi ran. Scampering off and taking to his heels, he fled in a flash into the distance.

The door was indeed opened, but still, the Blue Fire Wolf seemed to have opened it earlier than him. After truly understanding, Fang Zhengzhi now had a more accurate judgement of the Blue Fire Wolf's powers.

The Blue Fire Wolf definitely controlled the Dao of All Creations, else, it simply couldn't just control its body to such an extent. Most importantly, that fire...

Was a level he definitely currently couldn't compare to.

Having accumulated its energy and waiting to strike, the Blue Fire Wolf's eyes instantly turned blank. When it previously thought that Fang Zhengzhi would definitely run, he instead stood still. Now, when it thought that Fang Zhengzhi wouldn't run anymore, he instead started to run again?!

Zhang Yangping and the hunting squad were similarly taken aback. At this moment, raising their long blades and spears, they were rushing wildly towards the Blue Fire Wolf, but halfway,

They realised...

The child who was able to match up to the Blue Fire Wolf ran away?!

What was the meaning of this? Could they even work together anymore? Was there still even a tiny bit of rapport between them?

The instant Zhang Yangping saw Fang Zhengzhi fleeing, he had also thought of retreat. But thinking of the injuries the Blue Fire Wolf had suffered, he definitely couldn't give up this opportunity easily.

"Charge!" Using his voice and through his actions, Zhang Yangping took the lead and sent a message to all the hunting squad members. He was determined to kill the Blue Fire Wolf.

"Charge!" The rest of the hunting squad members, seeing that even their deputy captain didn't retreat, naturally also lost any intention of retreating.

Under the charge of Zhang Yangping, the twenty over hunting squad members quickly surrounded the Blue Fire Wolf, then, things became much simpler. Long blades hacked down, the spears thrusted forwards…

This kind of coordination was something they had already done countless times.

The only thing different this time was that this time, their foe was a king, the Blue Fire Wolf, the lone wolf that ruled the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts, a real monster.

The consequences were obvious.

How could twenty over hunting squad members defeat the infuriated Blue Fire Wolf?

The Blue Fire Wolf's speed, coupled with its unparalleled agility and control over its body, and in addition to its thick and solid coat of fur, left the twenty over hunting squad members simply unable to significantly harm it at all.

After merely a few moves, several hunting squad members were injured. Moreover, there was even a hunting squad member who was slashed by the Blue Fire Wolf's claws, tearing out a large piece of flesh…

Zhang Yangping instantly panicked.

Under normal circumstances, they would run once they encountered the Blue Fire Wolf. They had never truly fought with the Blue Fire Wolf, but seeing the fight between Fang Zhengzhi and the Blue Fire Wolf outside just now…

It had been sent flying by a kick, and stumbled backwards after a punch.

This insinuated some assumptions in Zhang Yangping's mind.

If it wasn't for this reason, he wouldn't even have had taken such a huge risk, bringing the entire hunting squad under the tooth and claws of the Blue Fire Wolf.

"It's over, it's over…" Zhang Yangping hands trembled slightly. He never expected such a huge change of events. Even if he wanted to retreat now, it would simply be impossible.

Once they ran, the Blue Fire Wolf would definitely seize the opportunity and pounce over. Even under the most conservative of estimates, there would definitely not be less than five lives lost.

But, if they were to fight on like this, how many more people would die?

Dreadfully...

The entire hunting square would die here?

What to do?

What was he supposed to do now?

Distracted by his thoughts, Zhang Yangping's movement strayed. The blade that initially hacked towards the Blue Fire Wolf's head strayed from its line of movement and directly hacked onto a piece of stone below the Blue Fire Wolf's feet.

Not needing to dodge, the Blue Fire Wolf instantly seized this opportunity.

An icy glint of death radiated from its faint blue pupils, shooting out, it had already pounced right in front of Zhang Yangping. Its two sharp claws grabbed onto Zhang Yangping's raised arms, then opening its ferocious mouth, it bit down towards Zhang Yangping's throat…

"Deputy captain!"

"Deputy captain?!"

When the hunting members witnessed this scene, a wave of alarmed cries resounded. But, the Blue Fire Wolf was too fast, even if they wished to save him, they would still have absolutely no way to stop the bite of the Blue Fire Wolf.

Its razor-sharp teeth emanated a bloody yet icy smell.

Zhang Yangping's eyes widened. Even the usually calm him completely lost all forms of resistance faced with this sudden change of events.

All he could do… was to stand still and wait for the impending kiss of death!

The air, at this moment seemed to congeal and thicken.

The world…

Was so quiet that he could hear the sound of his heart beat.

"Psssh!"

Bright-red blood spurt out like a fountain, forming a beautiful lotus-like flower in mid-air.

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Chapter 43: Due Respect to a King

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The entire Northern Mountain Village hunting squad held their breath. Everyone stared, petrified, at the scene occurring right in front of their eyes, look at the kid who had suddenly appeared in front of Zhang Yangping, with one hand impaled into the Blue Fire Wolf's throat…

It was too fast!

Just like a shooting star across the night sky, resplendent yet momentary, nobody had seen clearly how did this kid suddenly appear.

Blood continued to gush from the back of the Blue Fire Wolf's neck into the sky, like a fountain. Where the blood sprayed, there were even fairly discernible glints of silver light...

Did Fang Zhengzhi run?

Under that kind of situation, naturally he ran. Taking the Blue Fire Wolf head-on? He wasn't stupid! But, after seeing the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad rush in, he returned.

Fighting head-on wasn't plausible…

A sneak attack was still a very pleasant move! If it was successful, revenge would be taken! If it was unsuccessful, leaving the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad as sacrificial victims, then run away again?

With his life guaranteed, Fang Zhengzhi, who had decided on a sneak attack, stealthily hid behind the sea of people.

The minds of all twenty over hunting squad members at this instant were focused entirely on one thing, that was surrounding and attacking the Blue Fire Wolf. Who would even randomly decide to take a few looks behind his back?

Of course, Fang Zhengzhi was also very cautious. Rather than making a commotion by shouting and screaming, he carefully made use of the villagers' bodies to block the Blue Fire Wolf's vision.

A sneak attack was a skill-based move, emphasising on avoiding the enemy and constantly changing positions.

In order to achieve this, one must first choose the best "shield". Hence, as the deputy captain of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, Zhang Yangping was naturally the best choice.

Initially, Fang Zhengzhi wanted to add in a stab or something after Zhang Yangping managed to hit and injure the Blue Fire Wolf.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yangping and his squad failed badly in living up to his expectations, causing him to be very disappointed. Not only did they not create any good opportunities for him to stab the Blue Fire Wolf, now he even landed himself into great danger.

Then…

The Blue Fire Wolf pounced, its two large claws perched firmly on the two raised hands of Zhang Yangping, its huge mouth already one inch away from Zhang Yangping's throat.

Right at this life-threatening moment, Fang Zhengzhi's eyes lit up.

An opportunity!

It was really a God given opportunity!

The Blue Fire Wolf's toughest parts were naturally its back and the fur enveloping its body. On the other hand, its most vulnerable part was definitely its neck. That was a fatal part, and was also where the fur was the softest.

Save Zhang Yangping? He actually didn't really consider this.

But, forgoing such a good opportunity was definitely punishable by Heaven.

Hence, Fang Zhengzhi acted.

Even though Zhang Yangping's hands were raised, it didn't hinder the movement of his small body at all.

In a flash, he shot out from behind Zhang Yangping's arms to his front, then, forcefully stabbed forward with the dagger he had been hiding inside his shoe.

He had to kill in one blow, how could Fang Zhengzhi hold back? Strength, speed, were at its maximum. These wasn't even the slightest sound of wind, and the dagger immediately impaled its way through Blue Fire Wolf's throat. The extra strength even pierced a hole through the back of the Blue Fire Wolf's neck.

Then, blood spurted out from the hole, forming a beautiful flower of blood…

The Blue Fire Wolf's faint blue pupils stared motionlessly at Fang Zhengzhi beneath its body. Even at death, it couldn't believe that it had actually died under the hands of a human child.

But, with its throat pierced, and having lost a huge amount of blood, it felt its strength disappear rapidly.

The two claws perched on Zhang Yangping's shoulders became weak and powerless.

"Guuu…"

The Blue Fire Wolf wanted to howl, but, as blood spurted out from its throat, blood also flowed out from its mouth. All it could manage was a gargling sound.

"Swoosh!"

Fang Zhengzhi pulled back. After hitting the target, he had to be careful of the Blue Fire Wolf's last struggle.

The dagger extracted itself from the Blue Fire Wolf's neck…

Blood once again spurted out. Regardless of whether it was the neck, or the throat, huge amounts of blood flowed out uncontrollably.

The Blue Fire Wolf was filled with hate and anger. It wanted to kill all of the cruel human race. Hence, in the end, it still lifted up its claws and slammed down with all its remaining strength.

What a pity…

Fang Zhengzhi had already slipped behind the back of Zhang Yangping.

Then, the stunned Zhang Yangping once again became the avenue for the Blue Fire Wolf to vent its rage.

Even though the Blue Fire Wolf's last remaining strengthen wasn't enough to deal a fatal blow, but it still managed to rip apart the leather hide on his body, slashing two bloody wounds on his arm.

The impact sent him flying.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Two sounds rang out almost at the same time. One was the sound of Zhang Yangping falling the ground, the other was the powerless Blue Fire Wolf slamming into the ground.

Its faint blue pupils stared fixated on Fang Zhengzhi's body. It couldn't accept this, it really couldn't accept this. Because, even at the last moment, it didn't even manage to hit Fang Zhengzhi once…

Fang Zhengzhi was also looking at the Blue Fire Wolf. He read the dissatisfaction in the Blue Fire Wolf's eyes. Then, he slowly made his way towards the Blue Fire Wolf, lifting up its claw with his small arm, and, softly and briefly, placed it on his body.

This was the due respect shown to the king.

A trace of surprise flashed in the pupils of the Blue Fire Wolf, then, its huge mouth seemed to show a hint of a satisfied smile, and then slowly closed its eyes.

"Deputy captain!"

"Deputy captain, are you alright?!"

At this moment, the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad had managed to regain their senses. All of them rushed towards Zhang Yangping's side.

"No problem, no problem…" Zhang Yangping patted off the dirt from his body, then looked at the wound on his arm and shook his head. Having escaped from right under the kiss of death, this small injury was nothing.

Seeing Zhang Yangping's injury, all the hunting squad members began to worry. One after another, they took out their herbs and rapidly bandaged up Zhang Yangping's injury.

A moment later, Zhang Yangping led the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad to Fang Zhengzhi's side.

"Zhang Yangping expresses my gratitude towards little brother for saving my life, at the same time, representing all the villages within the area, expresses my gratitude towards little brother for helping Cang Ling Mountain to eliminate this Blue Fire Wolf!"

"So, this Blue Fire Wolf is now my prey?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the Blue Fire Wolf in front of him. Having known the ropes, he saw that the skin of the Blue Fire Wolf was definitely worth quite some silver.

"Ha ha… of course!" Zhang Yangping nodded.

"Alright, the wolf skin belongs to me, you all can have the rest!" Fang Zhengzhi waved his hand, seeming extremely "generous". But in reality, the fundamental reason was, if he really were to carry such a big Blue Fire Wolf back to the village, it would be extremely tiring.

"This… thank you so much!" Zhang Yangping became truly touched. The Blue Fire Wolf's meat wasn't worth much silver, but, if he brought this Blue Fire Wolf back to the village, it could resolve the pent-up worries and frustrations of the villagers.

Those villagers whose lives were ruined by the Blue Fire Wolf would definitely be very moved.

"There is one thing I want to ask, how… did you all know the pitfall locations within the rock formation?" Fang Zhengzhi expressed the greatest suspicion in his heart.

From the second the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad appeared, to the moment the twenty over people surrounded and fought the Blue Fire Wolf, during the entire process not a single person stepped into the trap…

Was that possible?

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Chapter 44: Solving the Mystery

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Once Fang Zhengzhi's question came, Zhang Yangping and the rest of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad suddenly quietened down. Looking around, their gaze fleeted among one another.

Zhang Yangping looked at Fang Zhengzhi, his mouth moved. A few times, he wanted to speak, but yet swallowed his words.

Fang Zhengzhi knew that this question would be tough to answer, but if he didn't understand the truth, he would definitely be unsatisfied.

But, he didn't rush them. Because, he knew that if he forced Zhang Yangping and the hunting squad, the answer he received would probably not be true.

They had to be truly willing to do it.

A few of the Northern Mountain Village, seeing that both Zhang Yangping and Fang Zhengzhi remained silent, began to peel off the Blue Fire Wolf's skin. Witnessing this scene, Fang Zhengzhi mind wavered, and finally made a firm resolution.

"Little brother, what is your name?"

"Fang Zhengzhi."

"Oh, Fang Zhengzhi, honest and upright in your conduct [1] … a good name indeed! Previously, I only knew little brother Zhengzhi as a sneak attacker, who knew that you would be such a truly brave and intelligent person!" Zhang Yangping praised Fang Zhengzhi. Then, he paused and sighed. "Not only did little brother Zhengzhi save my life, you saved the lives of the entire Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, and even eliminated the Blue Fire Wolf for all the villages within the area. I won't hide anymore, but I indeed feel rather guilty!"

"The reason is… we had already acquired your Southern Mountain Village pitfall location map." As he spoke, Zhang Yangping retrieved a yellowish hand-drawn illustration from his pocket and passed it over to Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi saw at the yellow illustration Zhang Yangping handed over.

He became really infuriated.

All the effort and time he had spent was actually taken away by other people just like this?

This was an act of piracy!

Shameless!

Who did this?! Only the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad possessed the Rock Formation Illustration, it simply couldn't have spread!

Was it Wang Anhua?! Fang Zhengzhi thought of a person, but quickly dismissed that thought. As a Sir from the Hall of Dao, receiving the most honourable treatment possible from the Southern Mountain Village, and also having no conflict of interest at all with him, there was simply no need to do such a thing!

Conflict of interest…

Pondering carefully, the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad seemed to have long been hiding in ambush. Furthermore, when they appeared, they evidently didn't know about the presence of the Blue Fire Wolf.

Else, they couldn't have run away immediately after seeing the Blue Fire Wolf leap out from the pitfall.

That means, everything that happened was directed at him.

"It's Li Zhuangshi!" In a flash, Fang Zhengzhi was certain. It was definitely Li Zhuangshi's doing. Because, only as the previous deputy captain of the hunting squad could he had acquired the Rock Formation Illustration.

"I… I never thought that little brother Zhengzhi actually guessed it so quickly. It is indeed Li Zhuangshi who gave us the illustration!" After hearing Fang Zhengzhi utter the two words Li Zhuangshi, he was instantly taken aback.

He had guessed who the betrayer was based on one sentence. Wasn't this a little too smart?

A shiver went down Zhang Yangping's back. He was only seven? Such great wisdom and such great strength, this was simply something that came out of a nightmare!

As the previous deputy captain of the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad, Li Zhuangshi had naturally met with Zhang Yangping before.

Although Zhang Yangping didn't understand Li Zhuangshi's intentions, but one thing was for sure. Being in possession of that pitfall location map could only benefit the Northern Mountain Village. There was no harm.

But…

The current circumstances seemed to have went beyond expectations.

After witnessing first-hand Fang Zhengzhi's intense battle with the Blue Fire Wolf, he had already lost any intention of confronting Fang Zhengzhi. All he wished was for Fang Zhengzhi to spare the lives of the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad, so much so that he was even willing to convince the Northern Mountain Village village chief to give a sum of money every month to the Southern Mountain Village.

There was only one goal.

Peace!

"I need you to do something for me!" Fang Zhengzhi finally confirmed his thoughts after listening to Zhang Yangping's confession.

"Little brother Zhengzhi, please say!" Zhang Yangping nodded.

"Follow me to the Southern Mountain Village and personally testify that it was Li Zhuangshi who gave the Northern Mountain Village this illustration!" Fang Zhengzhi knew that based on Li Zhuangshi's position in the Southern Mountain Village, if there was only the illustration as evidence, and not a personal testification, Village Chief Meng Bai would likely not believe this.

"Alright!" At this moment, Zhang Yangping had already decided to make peace with the Southern Mountain Village and hence naturally didn't dare to offend Fang Zhengzhi. At the same time, he could discuss with the Southern Mountain Village village chief about his future plans of making peace.

The Northern Mountain Village hunting squad were indeed proficient. Within a short amount of time, the skin of the Blue Fire Wolf had been completely peeled.

Removing his large basket, Fang Zhengzhi placed the Blue Fire Wolf skin inside it, and walked with Zhang Yangping towards the Southern Mountain Village.

Very quickly, they reached the Southern Mountain Village.

Today, Fang Zhengzhi had secretly went up the mountain, hence there was nobody to welcome him. Hence, he led Zhang Yangping directly to Village Chief Meng Bai's house.

Village Chief Meng Bai was currently lying on a wooden chair, smoking his cigar. When he suddenly saw Fang Zhengzhi and Zhang Yangping walk in, he was instantly taken aback.

"Oh, isn't this Yangping from the Northern Mountain Village? Why would you have come to our Southern Mountain Village! Wife… pour a cup of good tea!" Village Chief Meng Bai was rather familiar with this key figure in the Northern Mountain Village.

He was calm, and was able to look at the big picture. If things went smoothly, he would definitely be the next village chief of the Northern Mountain Village. Hence, Village Chief Meng Bai was more courteous towards him.

On the other hand, his treatment of Fang Zhengzhi naturally differed greatly.

Very quickly, a cup of tea was served.

Zhang Yangping didn't dare to drink, and instead stared strangely at the empty table in front of Fang Zhengzhi. He really couldn't understand, based on Fang Zhengzhi's abilities, he should be extremely well respected in the village. Why did it seem that Village Chief Meng Bai treated Fang Zhengzhi as just an ordinary villager?

"Little brother Zhengzhi, please drink!" With two hands, Zhang Yangping brought the cup of tea in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

A hint of suspicion instantly appeared in Village Chief Meng Bai's eyes. Only at this moment did he realise that Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have arrived with Zhang Yangping.

"Did this child Zhengzhi bring Yangping over? Don't worry, just ignore him, this tea is for guests!" Village Chief Meng Bai waved, his expression unconcerned.

Zhang Yangping was taken aback once again.

In his heart, he respected people based on their strength, not their positions! If even Fang Zhengzhi wasn't qualified to drink this cup of tea, then as a "guest", how could he bring himself to drink it?

"Since little brother Zhengzhi didn't drink, then this tea… I won't drink it!" When Zhang Yangping finished his sentence, he immediately turned over the cup, and directly poured the tea onto the floor.

Village Chief Meng Bai was now truly somewhat stunned.

He had treated Zhang Yangping well with a good gift, yet he poured this cup of tea away? Don't tell me he came here today to cause trouble? As he thought, Village Chief Meng Bai sort of understood, he definitely came to fight for territory in the Cang Ling Mountain.

"Since you have already came over, tell me what you want to say!" Village Chief Meng Bai slowly picked up his cigar, pretending to be calm, took a puff, then secretly looked towards Zhang Yangping.

He knew very clearly that based on strength alone, the Northern Mountain Village had an advantage over the Southern Mountain Village. Hence, he had decided, as long as the Northern Mountain Village promised to not cross the line in the future, this problem could be resolved satisfactorily.

"Alright! The main reason I am here in the Southern Mountain Village today is to help little brother Zhengzhi testify the fact that Li Zhuangshi had secretly passed this pitfall location map to us, the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad!" Zhang Yangping didn't say anything further, handing over the yellowish paper map on his hand to Village Chief Meng Bai.

[1] Zhengzhi in Chinese is 正直, which means upright and honest.

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Chapter 45: Personal Testification

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

This time, Village Chief Meng Bai was truly stunned. No matter how he tried to think, he couldn't understand why would Li Zhuangshi give the Rock Formation Illustration to the Northern Mountain Village hunting squad.

The Rock Formation Illustration was the biggest advantage of the Southern Mountain Village.

After Ding Qingshan and the rest's experiments, their hunting yield was indeed much greater than before. Li Zhuangshi giving the Rock Formation Illustration to the Northern Mountain Village… what was his purpose?

For money?

That's not possible. If Li Zhuangshi and the Northern Mountain Village really underwent this trade, why would Zhang Yangping expose him?

Furthermore, why are Zhang Yangping and Fang Zhengzhi together? Furthermore, he even said that he was here to help Fang Zhengzhi testify. What was this all about?

A never-ending stream of questions caused Village Chief Meng Bai to have completely no idea what was going on.

"Yangping, please clarify what you had just said!" Village Chief Meng Bai picked up the illustration Zhang Yangping handed over. Looking at it, his face changed again. Because, this illustration was real.

Zhang Yangping knew that Village Chief Meng Bai would ask, hence already prepared his answer.

Thus, without missing out anything, he narrated how Li Zhuangshi secretly passed him the map, and then provided him information about Fang Zhengzhi's whereabouts.

"So, you actually intended to ambush Fang Zhengzhi?" Village Chief Meng Bai almost didn't dare to believe it.

"Yes!" Zhang Yangping nodded. Looking at Fang Zhengzhi who was at his side, his expression revealed a trace of guilt.

Village Chief didn't say anything further. He grasped the cigar on his hand tightly, his withered palms even turning white from using too much strength.

Li Zhuangshi…

Why would you do this?

"Wife… get Li Zhuangshi and the Mrs Li over, and, at the same time call Fang Houde and Mrs Fang over as well. Don't let anyone know about this!"

After giving his instructions, Village Chief Meng Bai once again moodily smoked his cigar. Pacing around in his small room, his expression was extremely anxious and he didn't pay any further attention to Zhang Yangping and Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi thought, since village chief had already called over his own parents, then there shouldn't be much of a problem. Hence, he relaxed and smiled cheerfully, then leaned comfortably on the chair.

Zhang Yangping came today to testify, hence naturally he had already prepared to confront Li Zhuangshi personally. Thus, he also waited quietly for Li Zhuangshi to arrive.

Not too long later, Fang Houde, holding his walking stick and supported by Qin Xuelian, walked in.

Once Qin Xuelian saw Fang Zhengzhi lying on the chair, and Zhang Yangping sited beside him, then Village Chief Meng Bai anxiously pacing around, she was startled. Did Zhengzhi cause a trouble?

"Village chief, Zhengzhi is still young… if he caused any trouble, we are willing to assume responsibility!" Qin Xuelian immediately shouted out.

When Village Chief Meng Bai, who was smoking his cigar gloomily, heard this, he became even more anxious and waved his hand furiously. "Mrs Fang, please take a seat first…"

"Brother Yangping, did my son offend you in any way?" Fang Houde recognised Zhang Yangping and asked worriedly

"Oh, little brother Zhengzhi is your son?" When Zhang Yangping saw Fang Houde, he was similarly taken aback. He was quite familiar with Fang Houde's personality, simple and kind, during every hunt he would definitely be at the front. He used to be a strong member of the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad, unfortunately, a few years ago, the Blue Fire Wolf…

Once he thought of the Blue Fire Wolf, Zhang Yangping's eyes gazed at Fang Zhengzhi, who was sitting at the side.

"Houde… you have nurtured a great son!"

Very quickly, Zhang Yangping explained the reason for his arrival. But, he didn't mention the Blue Fire Wolf incident. After all, things should be settled systematically.

Most importantly, in Zhang Yangping's heart, he Southern Mountain Village people definitely knew Fang Zhengzhi's abilities. As a stranger, praising Fang Zhengzhi would seem unnecessary. Furthermore, it could easily be misunderstood that Fang Zhengzhi was in cahoots with other villages.

After listening to Zhang Yangping's words, Fang Houde's and Qin Xuelian's expressions immediately changed.

"The Li family wants to sabotage my son!" Qin Xuelian had been constantly concerned about Fang Zhengzhi, and was the first to react. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes. Her own husband had contributed so much to the Southern Mountain Village, yet they didn't even a single benefit. Now when her own son had contributed the Rock Formation Illustration, he was plotted against!

"Mrs Fang, please mind your words, why would Li Zhuangshi sabotage his own people? Let's wait until Zhuangshi comes before discussing this further!" Upon hearing, Village Chief Meng Bai became even moodier.

Li Zhuangshi was the hope of the Southern Mountain Village.

Furthermore, he was the only person in the Southern Mountain Village who was personally praised by General Li from the Divine Constabulary. As long as he passed the Law of Dao examinations, he had a high chance of entering the Divine Constabulary.

Colluding with other villages to sabotage Fang Zhengzhi?

If other villagers got to know about this, things would definitely go out of hand!

After a quarter of an hour, Li Zhuangshi and Mrs Li finally arrived, one followed by another.

Mrs Li's expression was that of irritation. Li Zhuangshi was currently studying in the Hall of Dao, yet he was called out. This would affect his studies, who was to bear responsibility for that?

As she prepared to lash out, she saw Zhang Yangping and the yellowish paper illustration on Village Chief Meng Bai's hands. Then, looking at Fang Zhengzhi and his family, the look on her face instantly changed.

"Village chief, the reason we did this, was for peace between the two villages, think about it… if we really had to fight on like this, the Southern Mountain Village would definitely suffer in the long term!"

"Shut up!" When Li Zhuangshi heard Mrs Li's words, his initially somewhat calm expression completely changed. Naturally, he understood that they had been exposed.

But, as long as he didn't admit it, what could these Southern Mountain Village people do to him?

But now, after Mrs Li's words left her mouth, he had to act.

"You really… sigh…" In reality, when Village Chief Meng Bai saw that illustration, he had already understood. After hearing Li Zhuangshi's and Mrs Li's words, he confirmed his thoughts.

He sighed heavily, but in his mind, he was calculating quickly how best to settle this problem.

Under normal circumstances, the way to settle it would definitely be announcing it to the entire village, punish Li Zhuangshi in public and chase him out of the Southern Mountain Village...

But, could he really chase Li Zhuangshi out of the Southern Mountain Village?

Li Zhuangshi was the hope of the Southern Mountain Village, and most importantly, was the person noticed by General Li of the Divine Constabulary!

Village chief Meng Bai had completely no idea what to do.

On one side was hope, and the other side was reason...

Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian naturally also heard Mrs Li's words. Fang Houde could temporarily restrain himself and waited for Village Chief Meng Bai's decision.

Qin Xuelian on the other hand couldn't endure it anymore.

Fang Zhengzhi was her own son, Mrs Li might be able to deceive others, but deceiving her? How could she even be deceived? Furthermore, Zhang Yangping had also claimed that Li Zhuangshi was the one who had provided information to Zhang Yangping about Fang Zhengzhi's whereabouts.

The intention was too clear.

"Li Zhuangshi, you purposely gave the illustration to the Northern Mountain Village, then provided information about Zhengzhi's whereabouts. Evidently, you intend to sabotage Zhengzhi. I'll definitely not endure this, I will report it to the entire village, and let the entire village bring justice to our Fang family!" Qin Xuelian's tone didn't contain even the slightest intention to concede.

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Chapter 46: Father

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Li Zhuangshi's face changed once again. He knew very clearly that if Qin Xuelian announced this incident, he would definitely be denounced by the entire village, and even exiled from the village.

"Village chief! I didn't reveal Fang Zhengzhi's whereabouts to Zhang Yangping. The illustration was indeed given by me, but that was because I have my own sorrows. Firstly, it is for the peace between the two villages. Secondly, it is about the money Zhang Yangping promised to give me. I did something silly for the sake of my studies, but now, Zhang Yangping evidently regretted, and ganged up with Fang Zhengzhi to sabotage me!"

Li Zhuangshi could only refuse to admit, and made use of the situation to put forth his own ideas, pushing all the blame onto Fang Zhengzhi and Zhang Yangping.

"Hmph! You say my Zhengzhi and Zhang Yangping ganged up to sabotage you? If you can say this, where's your evidence?" Qin Xuelian instantly stood up.

She never realised that a person's skin could be thick to such an extent.

Li Zhuangshi didn't rush to retort, and instead, stealthily observed the change in expression on Village Chief Meng Bai's face. He knew very clearly that even he himself didn't believe what he had just said. But, if there was one person who believed, or if there was one person who was willing to believe, then things would be easier…

There's hope!

Village Chief Meng Bai actually didn't speak?

Yes, if Village Chief Meng Bai didn't speak, that means that there is hope!

"Village Chief Meng Bai, I was wrong! I shouldn't have believed the Northern Mountain Village and eyed that bit of silver. But I was thinking for the future of the Southern Mountain Village. Studying is expensive, I am sure you know how hard the Law of Dao examinations is. But, I have confidence! General Li of the Divine Constabulary even praised me personally. As long as I work hard, I would definitely be able to pass the Law of Dao examinations. Then, the Southern Mountain Village would become prosperous! These people here are afraid… they are jealous!"

Li Zhuangshi immediately struck while the iron is hot. Disregarding everything else, he could only stake his chances on the Law of Dao examinations and on Village Chief Meng Bai. Furthermore, he also skilfully portrayed his own importance in the village.

He was betting, betting that Village Chief Meng Bai would not exile him from the Southern Mountain Village.

"All of you shut up! Wife… close the door!" Village Chief Meng Bai couldn't take it anymore, and glared fiercely at Li Zhuangshi. The hand holding his cigar trembled slightly, and a heavy sigh came out of his mouth.

The room wasn't very big. The atmosphere was fairly strange, everybody sat silently on their chairs, all their expressions different from one another. Village Chief Meng Bai pondered intensely.

Convince the Fang family?

Ask the Fang family to keep this secret?

Firstly, seeing Qin Xuelian's attitude, he was no idea if they would agree. Secondly, paper cannot contain a fire, the truth would eventually spread. Even if the Fang family remained silent, who was to say that the Northern Mountain Village people won't speak about this?

Problems would definitely arise sooner or later once it was known that Li Zhuangshi had sabotaged Fang Zhengzhi.

No, this cannot happen. Li Zhuangshi was the hope of the Southern Mountain Village, the person which the Divine Constabulary had praised.

Furthermore, his family occupies two slots in the Hall of Dao, that was something that had to be reported up to the Divine Constabulary. The previous time, the Divine Constabulary's Missus had even personally tested Li Huer.

This meant that the Divine Constabulary had pinned their hopes on the Li family.

If the Fang family's actions were made known to the Divine Constabulary, would they be disappointed in the Fang family, or even because of this, be disappointed at the Southern Mountain Village?

Village Chief Meng Bai frowned deeper, habitually placing the cigar in his mouth, yet realising that the cigar had already finished burning. This made him even moodier.

Sacrifice the Fang family?

When this thought crossed Village Chief Meng Bai's head, he felt a bleeding sensation in his heart. Fang Houde is also someone who had contributed to the village.

Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi's performance in the hunting squad was excellent, and even drawn the Rock Formation Illustration for the Southern Mountain Village hunting squad. How could he bring himself to let the Fang family to be mistakenly accused?

"Sigh…"

Village Chief Meng Bai sighed deeply, feeling as if he had aged another ten years. At this moment, he felt a huge mountain pressing down heavily on his body, pressing so hard that he couldn't even straighten his back.

"Village chief, it's obvious. Li Zhuangshi wants to use the Northern Mountain Village to harm my son. If this incident isn't properly dealt with, we refuse to accept it!"

"Refuse to accept it!"

"Refuse to accept it!"

Qin Xuelian's voice echoed around the small room, causing Village Chief Meng Bai to feel as if he had been hammered in his heart.

Mrs Li's mouth twitched, wanting to speak, but was slapped across the face by Li Zhuangshi. "It's all your fault, asking me to participate in the Law of Dao examinations, look what happened now? People are offended! People are jealous! No matter how hard I work in the future, there would be no rewards. The Southern Mountain Village can only remain poor forever!"

Slapped in the face by Li Zhuangshi, Mrs Li was indeed taken aback. Just as she prepared to start a fight with him, she quickly realised what was happening.

"It's my fault, I shouldn't have allowed Zhuangshi to enter that Hall of Dao. Our Li family used to be reputable in the Southern Mountain Village, but ever since he entered the Hall of Dao, our portion of meat had decreased, and the cost of studying for the two people in our family had increased so much. All those paper, ink, they are all money, we can't be carrying on living like this…"

Mrs Li used the tantrum-throwing technique. Village Chief Meng Bai's expression instantly changed again. He knew it was time for him to make the decision.

On one side was the future of the Southern Mountain Village, on the other was the Fang family which had contributed to the Southern Mountain Village.

"Old Fang family, I'm sorry! I represent all the villagers in the Southern Mountain Village and hereby kneel down to you. The Southern Mountain Village can't lose its hope…" Once Village Chief Meng Bai finished his sentence, he instantly slammed to the ground on both knees. His entire body started to tremble.

Fang Houde was stunned.

Qin Xuelian was also stunned.

A cold glint shone in Li Zhuangshi's eyes. He knew that he won the bet.

Mrs Li covered her face and stopped her bawling. She paused her act, her eyes filled with satisfaction as she looked at Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian.

Fang Zhengzhi stared at Village Chief Meng Bai kneeling on the ground, then looked at Qin Xuelian and Fang Houde, their faces filled with disbelief, and didn't say a word.

He knew that since this village chief in front of him had made a decision, then any further arguments would only contribute to making them a laughing stock.

"Dad, mom, let's leave!"

"Yes… Zhengzhi, let's leave!" Qin Xuelian instantly recovered from her shocked state after hearing Fang Zhengzhi's words. There were no tears in her eyes, she only wanted to leave this place as soon as possible, and not expose Fang Zhengzhi to such personalities. Because, Fang Zhengzhi was only seven.

"Village chief!" Fang Houde still didn't dare to belief. He had done so much for the Southern Mountain Village, yet he didn't even have the ability to acquit his own son. How could he accept this?

"Fang Zhengzhi and Zhang Yangping of the Northern Mountain Village had conspired together to sabotage Li Zhuangshi, now as the Southern Mountain Village village chief, I declare that the Fang family is now exiled from the Southern Mountain Village!"

"Exiled from the Southern Mountain Village!"

"Exiled from the Southern Mountain Village!"

The voice of Village Chief Meng Bai rang out like thunder in Fang Houde's heart, causing the walking stick on his hands to tremble.

"Ha ha ha… alright, alright! Li Zhuangshi, today the Southern Mountain Village has protected you. But, I, Fang Houde, will definitely avenge for my son!" Fang Houde's laughter suddenly rang out.

Then, his gaze turned cold, and the walking stick on his hands instantly swung towards Li Zhuangshi.

So what if he was simple? So what if he was kind and sincere? As a father, he only had one wish, that was to protect his one and only son as well as he could.

What to do if his own son was wronged?

Then he must fight, even if he cannot win, he still must fight!

Because…

He was a father!

"Hmph, overestimating yourself!"

Li Zhuangshi saw the walking stick smashing towards him and was completely unconcerned.

Even when Fang Houde was at his peak, he still couldn't compare to Li Zhuangshi. Moreover, now Fang Houde had a broken arm, and his leg was heavily injured as well.

A fist punched out. Li Zhuangshi wanted to use reality to let Village Chief Meng Bai understand, his decision… was absolutely right!

"Hmph, overestimating yourself!"

Right at this moment, another huff rang out coldly. Then, a figure flashed past Village Chief Meng Bai, and stood in front of Fang Houde.

"Boom!" One small fist and one large fist smashed into each other.

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Chapter 47: The Dumbest Decision

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was too fast, so fast that people were simply unable to react.

Even Li Zhuangshi was only able to recognise the other person after the two fists connected. A glimmer of shock flashed across his eyes, but, the shock quickly turned into a cold smile.

But…

The cold smile didn't last for long before it completely vanished.

Because, he felt, from that seemingly weak fist, the power of the violent surge of a mountain torrent erupted. Resist? He didn't even manage to consider this before the huge strength swept him off his feet, his body smashing onto the stone walls of the small house like a kite with a broken string.

"Snap!" On the thick stone walls, due to the huge impact force, a web-like crack began to emerge.

Li Zhuangshi's face instantly turned a deathly shade of white. His chest rumbled, opening his mouth, he suddenly vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. Gazing at Fang Zhengzhi, whose face was filled with calm, he didn't dare to believe no matter what that this was real.

What was that humongous strength all about?

Was it strength that man could control? How did he achieve this? He is just a seven-year-old kid!

"This…"

Village Chief Meng Bai was completely stunned. Similarly, he didn't dare to believe this scene that unfolded in front of his eyes. From the second Fang Houde attacked, to Li Zhuangshi's countermove, then the sudden appearance of a figure.

All these happened too fast.

He didn't even understand at all what has transpired. Why did Li Zhuangshi suddenly fly back? Why is there a crack in the stone wall? This is not possible; how can this be possible?

Li Zhuangshi… was sent flying by Fang Zhengzhi's single punch?!

"How can this be possible?!" When Mrs Li initially saw Fang Houde lash out with the walking stick, her heart was filled with ridicule. She knew her own husband's strength, in a contest of strength, Fang Houde's actions were simply asking for trouble.

But, she didn't understand, how did the contest of strength… turn into Fang Zhengzhi?!

Fang Houde's walking stick forcibly stopped in mid-air, his gaze tightly fixated on this seemingly weak figure. But it was this very figure who had done what he had wanted to but couldn't do most!

Furthermore, he did it so directly and efficiently, who would dare believe this?

Fang Houde's mouth twitched slightly, scenes reconstructing themselves in his mind.

"I! Want! To! Enter! The! Hunting! Squad!"

"Mum, leave that gold to take care of dad!"

"He is my son? He is my, Fang Houde's, son!"

Qin Xuelian mouth was also agape at this moment. When she saw Fang Houde lash out, she wanted to hold him back. Because, she knew that Fang Houde would definitely suffer.

But, she didn't do that.

As a father, he should stand out like a man. Even if he obviously knew he was going to suffer, but for his own son, what was he to be scared of?

But...

The sudden change in situation indeed was something she simply couldn't believe.

"Zhengzhi… my Zhengzhi… sent Li Zhuangshi flying?! One fist? Using only one first?!" Qin Xuelian felt the scene in front of her suddenly become blurry. A teardrop rolled down.

"My Zhengzhi, really can now support this family!"

The atmosphere in the room once again became mysterious. Nobody opened their mouth to speak, all their gazes ending up on Li Zhuangshi. That was a person who lifted five hundred pounds of black cauldron? What happened? He flew?!

"Those who humiliates others, will definitely be humiliated!" Fang Zhengzhi insipidly took a look at Li Zhuangshi, then trained his gaze onto Mrs Li at the side.

Mrs Li was instantly taken aback, a gust of cold air rushed from below her feet to her back.

She instinctively took a step back, then, just happened to knock into the chair behind her. Her entire body instantly toppled backwards, and sat down onto the floor with a "plop".

This sound finally snapped the crowd in the room back into reality.

"Ha ha ha… Well said little brother Zhengzhi! Those who humiliates others, will definitely be humiliated! Even though I am a crude man, but I still can discern that this sentence contains deep wisdom!"

At this moment, Zhang Yangping, sitting by the side, suddenly stood up. His gaze swept across Li Zhuangshi, who was leaning against the wall, then finally ended up onto Village Chief Meng Bai, whose face was filled with shock.

"Village chief, your Southern Mountain Village has indeed opened up my eyes today!"

"I seemed to have heard that you claimed that Li Zhuangshi is the hope of the Southern Mountain Village, is that correct? Did you know, this is the biggest joke I, Zhang Yangping, have ever heard in my entire life!"

"Ha ha ha…"

"I, Zhang Yangping, have never been scared of anybody in any village in this area, but my objective for coming to the Southern Mountain Village today is to achieve two things. Firstly, to attest for Fang Zhengzhi about the trap illustration incident. Secondly, I wish to discuss a peace treaty with the Southern Mountain Village!"

"The Northern Mountain Village is even willing to pay money each month to the Southern Mountain Village in order to achieve this peace, do you know the reason why? Because of one person, Fang Zhengzhi! But, we don't need to beg for peace anymore, because, Fang Zhengzhi is no longer a person from your Southern Mountain Village! Hence, I have to tell you this…"

"Today, village chief! You have made the dumbest decision ever!"

"The dumbest decision ever!"

"The dumbest decision ever!"

Zhang Yangping's voice reverberated throughout the small house, then, he strode behind Fang Zhengzhi and reached into the huge basket behind his back.

"Village chief, do you think this hope of the Southern Mountain Village… can kill this?!"

"Woosh!"

A humongous bloodstained fur coat instantly unrolled itself in front of everybody's eyes. Long strands of blue fur stood upright, as hard as needles. On its back, the fire-red fur that extended from the forehead all the way to the tail emitted an air of blood. Even though it was only a coat of fur, but the air of a savage beast still remained incredibly powerful, filling the entire room.

Everybody's gaze was completely fixed.

Li Zhuangshi finally started to feel a hint of terror. How could he not know what this fur coat represented? But, he didn't dare to believe. Or it could be said, no matter what, he didn't want to believe.

Mrs Li, who had already crawled back up, after suddenly seeing this fur coat, her legs instantly gave way and was so frightened that she immediately sat back down.

A complicated glint shone in Fang Houde's eyes. In them, there was agitation, there was anger, there was hate, there was relief… but, in the end, all these emotions turned into a drop of hot tears.

It wasn't easy for a man to shed tears.

"Arm… my arm!"

"Houde, Houde, do you see this? Do you see this? Zhengzhi, our Zhengzhi, has taken revenge for you!" Qin Xuelian couldn't control her tears anymore, grabbing tightly, she shook Fang Houde's empty sleeve.

Village chief Meng Bai's initial expression of shock instantly turned into a dark reddish-purple shade. He didn't dare to believe, Fang Zhengzhi previously sending Li Zhuangshi flying was already something so shocking that nobody would dare to believe.

That meant that the scene unfolding in front of him, was simply terrifying! Terror that comes from the depth of the soul!

"Blue… Blue Fire Wolf?!"

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Chapter 48: Scenery

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Village Chief Meng Bai had difficulties even opening this mouth. The air of savageness emitted by the Blue Fire Wolf's body had even caused his body to tremble.

Blue Fire Wolf, the real Blue Fire Wolf skin, there is no second one in the entire Cang Ling Mountain outskirt!

Why did it suddenly appear in Fang Zhengzhi's basket? Zhang Yangping just said that, said that Fang Zhengzhi… Fang Zhengzhi killed the Blue Fire Wolf?!

"This, this… how can it be possible?!" Village Chief Meng Bai thought of the predicament of the Southern Mountain Village these few years, and thought of all the fateful occasions when the hunting squad encountered the Blue Fire Wolf.

Yet today, the King of the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts, had quietly appeared right in front of him. Except, he had just exiled the person who killed it from the Southern Mountain Village?!

"Today, village chief! You have made the dumbest decision ever!"

"The dumbest decision ever!"

"The dumbest decision ever!"

Zhang Yangping's words echoed about his ears. Village Chief Meng Bai sat, completely unable to move, on the floor, the cigar on his hands had already fallen somewhere far away….

Once they have walked out from Village Chief Meng Bai's house, Zhang Yangping had followed tightly behind Fang Zhengzhi.

"Little brother Zhengzhi, the Southern Mountain Village exiling you, that is a good thing!"

"Oh… sorry, I didn't mean that. What I meant was, the Southern Mountain Village might not be the best place, why not you consider our Northern Mountain Village?"

"Our Northern Mountain Village has verdant hills and limpid waters, as long as you are willing to come to the Northern Mountain Village, I promise I will give… Hey, hey, little brother Zhengzhi, don't go away…"

Fang Zhengzhi didn't reply Zhang Yangping, and quietly followed beside Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian.

The family of three returned to their door of their small mud house in silence. Qin Xuelian patted Fang Zhengzhi's hair, the expression in her eyes was somewhat complicated. "Zhengzhi, did you really kill the Blue Fire Wolf?"

"Yes." Zhengzhi nodded.

"Good, very good!" I, Fang Houde, am truly satisfied to have a son like you! But, sigh…" Fang Houde looked at Fang Zhengzhi, then looked at the rising chimney smoke around him with a desolate look in his eyes.

Qin Xuelian's gaze swept across the mud house, and discretely wiped away the moisture at her eyes with a handkerchief, then, quickly began to pack.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't say anything further, and only quietly observed. He understood very clearly his Dad's current feelings. Growing up in the Southern Mountain Village since young, his dad had contributed and sacrificed everything for this Southern Mountain Village.

Even after losing an arm, he still continued to participate in the hunting squad's mountain expeditions.

But in the end…

He was chased out of the village.

Even though Qin Xuelian didn't grow up in the Southern Mountain Village, but, in this era, women that were married out were like water that was thrown out, who would have the face to return back to their mother's house?

In reality, Fang Zhengzhi knew, after Zhang Yangping took out the Blue Fire Wolf skin, the situation could still be salvaged. As long as his dad opened his mouth, everything would return back to normal.

But, once a person's heart had been broken to such an extent, could it still return back to normal?

"Mum, dad… let's leave!" Looking at the setting sun, Fang Zhengzhi shot a meaningful glance towards Zhang Yangping, and walked to Qin Xuelian and Fang Houde's side.

"Let's leave!" Fang Houde once again looked back, and sighed.

"Actually, we indeed haven't returned home in some time!" Qin Xuelian tried to make herself happier as she packed her luggage.

"Dad, mum, do you wish to learn the Law of Dao?"

"Good son… The Law of Dao can't be learnt so easily, normal people like us wouldn't be so fortunate!" Fang Houde looked at his arm, and shook his head.

"What are you saying? Isn't our son already reading the Law of Dao? Isn't that right, Zhengzhi?" Qin Xuelian instantly became somewhat unhappy.

"Yes, mum is right! Not only am I reading the Law of Dao, I can even understand everything that is written on it. I can even memorise an entire portion the Law of Dao. Dad, mum, I can really teach you to learn the Law of Dao!" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian with an earnest look on his young face.

The expression on Fang Houde's face instantly froze.

Qin Xuelian also looked at Fang Zhengzhi, her face filled with shock. She absolutely couldn't believe it, but they were words that came from her own son. But, as his mother, how could she doubt them?

Fang Zhengzhi began to recite.

"This, is the Six Combinations Travel Tactics from Law of Dao and The Art of Becoming Invisible Chapter!" When Fang Houde finished reciting, he patiently explained it to Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian.

"My son… had successfully self-studied?!" The bag Qin Xuelian held in her hands instantly fell to the ground.

"I never expected sister Xuelian's hometown was actually the Northern Mountain Village?! Ha ha ha… this is excellent!" Zhang Yangping exclaimed happily as he helped to pack the luggage.

"Going to the Northern Mountain Village, I have one request!" As Fang Zhengzhi looked at Zhang Yangping laugh delightedly, he couldn't resist dampening his enthusiasm.

"Little brother Zhengzhi, if you have any request, please say it. As long as the Northern Mountain Village can do it, we will definitely accept!" When Zhang Yangping heard this, he instantly thumped his chest, expressing that he would guarantee it.

"I want to have the entire Law of Dao!"

"The entire Law of Dao?!" Zhang Yangping was taken aback. Collecting and amassing the entire Law of Dao wasn't a small sum of money. It required the effort of the entire village to achieve that.

"As a form of repayment, I am willing to make an edit to the Rock Formation Illustration that Li Zhuangshi gave to you!" Fang Zhengzhi knew that collecting the entire Law of Dao was indeed rather difficult, hence decided to make an exchange.

"That illustration can still be further edited?!" Zhang Yangping asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I just have to add something on top of it, make some changes, then… all the rock formations the Southern Mountain Village created on the Cang Ling Mountain will belong entirely to the Northern Mountain Village!" Fang Zhengzhi explained.

"Really?!" Zhang Yangping instantly became excited.

"Yes!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Good, good good… this is great! If this was really possible, I will definitely convince the entire village to work together and put together the entire Law of Dao for little brother Zhengzhi!" When he thought of the expressions of the Southern Mountain Village people when all the rock formations they had put in so much effort to set up turned into the Northern Mountain Village's overnight, Zhang Yangping felt a wave of delight.

This period of time, because of the rock formations, the Northern Mountain Village had suffered quite a lot, even their weapons were almost entirely gone.

"Thank you!" Fang Zhengzhi was willing to believe Zhang Yangping's promise.

"Right, little brother Zhengzhi, what do you want the Law of Dao for?" After the terms were settled, Zhang Yangping became slightly curious.

"Of course, it is to participate in the Law of Dao examinations."

"Law of Dao examinations?! Then I suggest you give up, the Law of Dao examinations is too hard. Furthermore, there is still a theory exam, and there is no Hall of Dao in our Northern Mountain Village. You can't possibly self-study, can you?"

"Yes."

"Yes… wait a minute, what is yes supposed to mean? You really intend to… self-study?!"

"That's right!"

"..." Zhang Yangping stared at Fang Zhengzhi's expression of calm, and suddenly was at a loss for words. Self-study? Participate in the Law of Dao examinations?

Can he not make such a humorous joke?

Fang Zhengzhi didn't explain further, and looked back at the already faraway village behind him. "Southern Mountain Village, the next time I see you, I wonder what kind of scenery I will see?"

Not too long after Fang Zhengzhi and the rest left the Southern Mountain Village, a squad of soldiers clad in bright, shining armour guarding a huge sedan quickly marched in.

Village chief Meng Bai was sitting within the courtyard, holding the cigar in his hands, sighing in despair as he stared at the setting sun.

"Fang Zhengzhi, Fang Zhengzhi… what a good child, if this didn't happen, what would happen if he could enter the Hall of Dao?! In the future… sigh..."

Village Chief Meng Bai understood that it was already too late to regret. He could only hope that the choice he made was a right one. After all, the Hall of Dao and the Law of Dao examinations, were what really changed a person's destiny.

"Village chief, village chief… quick, quick! The Divine Constabulary people are here, and … the Missus from the Divine Constabulary, has also… also come personally!" Right at this moment, a village hurriedly ran over and shouted, panting heavily.

Village Chief Meng Bai was stunned, Divine Constabulary? The Missus from the Divine Constabulary came personally?! Bless the Heavens, hopefully great fortune would come this time!

He prayed silently in his heart, then recalled the previous incident when the Divine Constabulary's Missus tested Li Huer.

"Go, call along the Old Li family, ask them to bring along Huer and welcome the Divine Constabulary's Missus together!" Village Chief Meng Bai kept his cigar, as if having found the last glimmer of light in the abyss of darkness.

"Okay!"

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Chapter 49: Divine Constabulary Orders

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

News of the Divine Constabulary's Missus visiting the Southern Mountain Village once again spread in a flash throughout the entire village.

Once they heard this news, the villagers instantly became very excited. This was a fortune from heaven! Nobody important ever visited the Southern Mountain Village of before.

But now? Within the span of less than two months, people from the Divine Constabulary arrived and again. Moreover, the Divine Constabulary's Missus even personally arrived the second time. What did this represent?

This represented that the Divine Constabulary's Missus remembered the Southern Mountain Village.

As long as the Divine Constabulary's Missus remembered the Southern Mountain, that was an opportunity, a huge opportunity that meant great fortune and hope!

Village Chief Meng Bai anxiously dragged Li Huer on one hand, holding a cigar in another, and hurriedly brought along Li Zhuangshi and Mrs Li along with the rest of the villagers to the village entrance.

"Yuuu…"

After a wave of braying coming from the Snow Tredding Dragon Stallions, few hundred-people strong army finally stopped.

Leading the army, General Li didn't hurry to dismount after seeing the crowd, and instead turned his head to look at the large sedan adorned with jade coloured pearls.

The curtains of the large sedan opened from inside, Lady Yuer, wearing a beautiful dress, raised her small head arrogantly and walked out. Her hands even held a roll of white cloth.

Looking at the crowd of villagers in front of her, Lady Yuer huffed softly and then bowed her body and pulled open the sedan curtains from the outside.

Then...

Wearing a sky-blue dress, with a jade-green flower in her hair, wearing her gold-threaded red shoes, Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan slowly emerged from within the sedan.

"Southern Mountain Village Village Chief, along with the rest of the villagers, welcomes Missus!"

Once he saw runaway Lolita Chi Guyan, Village Chief Meng Bai instantly became delighted and knelt down, pulling Li Huer down with him.

When the rest of the villagers witnessed this, they also knelt down immediately.

The Divine Constabulary controlled the desert. Not even mentioning the Southern Mountain Village, even officials from the county and capital had to pay respects when they saw the Divine Constabulary's Missus.

"Rise!" Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan's jet-black eyes swept across the villagers. Realising that Fang Zhengzhi wasn't among them, she laughed coldly to herself.

You indeed went into hiding? But, you can't run away today.

"Yuer, reveal it!"

"Yes, Missus!" Lady Yuer immediately leapt down from the sedan and walked to the front of the crowd when she heard Lolita Chi Guyan's orders.

Then, she slowly unrolled the white cloth on her hands.

Eyeing the white cloth, excitement instantly began to rise in his heart.

He initially believed the main purpose of the Divine Constabulary's Missus visiting the Southern Mountain Village was to take a break from her journey, but now it seemed that she was here to convey orders from the Divine Constabulary.

Furthermore, looking at the rather gentle expressions of General Li and Lady Yuer, it meant that the Divine Constabulary's visit to the Southern Mountain Village bore no ill intent!

"An order that involved so many people, yet not bearing any ill intent? Could it be that a great opportunity is about to befall on us? But, I wonder whose family would have this fortune!"

As Village Chief Meng Bai thought, he gazed at Li Huer who was standing by his side, and instinctively tightened his grip.

He had to seem as if he was extremely close to the Li family. Only through this could he convince the Divine Constabulary's Missus that she had great insight and knew how to identify talents.

Li Zhuangshi and the rest of the villagers' eyes also lit up when they saw Lady Yuer pull out the roll of white cloth. Even the injury on his chest didn't feel painful anymore.

"The Divine Constabulary's Missus has arrived personally, could it be that great fortune is about to befall on us? I wonder whether it would befall on me, or on Huer?" Li Zhuangshi was so agitated that he didn't even know where to put his hands.

Lady Yuer finally completely revealed the roll of cloth, looking at the crowd of villagers in front of her, she coughed softly. Her expression remained haughty.

"The Divine Constabulary, brings about good fortune everywhere, controlling the five capitals and twenty-seven counties in the Northern Desert… has specially given this great fortune today, welcoming Southern Mountain Village villager, Fang Zhengzhi, into the Divine Constabulary!" When Lady Yuer had finished reading, she rolled back the white cloth, shifted her gaze towards Village Chief Meng Bai and waited for him to receive the orders.

Yet...

Village Chief Meng Bai was completely stunned. Hearing this, his initial joyful expression instantly changed into a deathly shade of white.

"Welcome… welcome Fang Zhengzhi into the Divine Constabulary?!"

Village Chief Meng Bai raised his head, gazing at the darkening sky that now only contained rays from the setting sun. His entire body felt as if he was hit a million times and fell to the ground.

"Fang… Fang Zhengzhi?!" A shiver also went down Li Zhuangshi's spine.

Fang Zhengzhi was about to enter the Divine Constabulary? How… how could this be true! Wait, no, how could this be possible? He… he had made the Fang family… no, Fang Zhengzhi must not enter the Divine Constabulary!

"Village Chief!" Li Zhuangshi didn't wait for the rest of the villagers to speak, and instantly rushed to Village Chief Meng Bai's side.

Then, he vigorously gave Village Chief Meng Bai a meaningful look, his expression terrified. If Fang Zhengzhi had really entered the Divine Constabulary, it would be a huge disaster to both the Li family and the entire Southern Mountain Village.

Shaken by Li Zhuangshi, Village Chief Meng Bai instantly regained his senses. How could he not understand what Li Zhuangshi was trying to convey? But… he regretted! He really regretted!

If he hadn't made that decision today, then this piece of news in front of him would definitely be the happiest occasion that had ever befell on the Southern Mountain Village since its inception.

"Fang Zhengzhi is going to enter the Divine Constabulary?!"

"Why isn't the old Fang family here? Quick, go and notify them!"

"What a happy occasion, the happiest occasion ever!"

A few of the villagers who didn't know that Fang Zhengzhi had been exiled welled up with excitement when they heard Lady Yuer's words. Even though they didn't know why was Fang Zhengzhi invited into the Divine Constabulary, but it was still an extremely happy occasion.

"Why have you not received the orders?" Lady Yuer, holding the white cloth in her hands, waited for a while, yet nobody went up to receive the orders. She instantly became somewhat unhappy.

"Replying… replying the Constabulary's question! I… I am guilty!" Village Chief Meng Bai suddenly crawled up, then once again knelt down on the ground after hearing Lady Yuer's words.

A faint ray of light flashed within Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan's jet-black eyes when she witnessed this scene. She was somewhat confused, she had personally invited that little bastard Fang Zhengzhi into the Divine Constabulary, the Southern Mountain Village should be grateful. Why did he suddenly say that he was guilty?

When Li Zhuangshi and Mrs Li heard Village Chief Meng Bai plead guilty, they instantly became alerted. This village chief better not be stupid.

Now Fang Zhengzhi already didn't belong to the Southern Mountain Village, if the Divine Constabulary had managed to locate Fang Zhengzhi, the Southern Mountain Village would definitely land into big trouble as well.

"Reporting… reporting to Missus, Fang Zhengzhi has already left the village, including his parents, they have all left the Southern Mountain Village. I… I wasn't able to keep them, I… I am guilty!" Tears rolled down Village Chief Meng Bai's eyes. He really regretted, regretted so much that he wasn't even able to stop his tears.

Left the village?! Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan was slightly taken aback. She would never have thought that such a thing would happen. Left the village? Why must he leave the village?

"What is the reason Fang Zhengzhi left the village?" Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan looked at Village Chief Meng Bai.

"This, this…" A wave of hesitation rose inside Village Chief Meng Bai. Gazing at Li Zhuangshi, he finally gritted his teeth. "It's my fault, previous Fang Zhengzhi's dad Fang Houde encountered the Blue Fire Wolf on the Cang Ling Mountain and was attacked. When he returned, he couldn't recover properly. Hence, in order to… in order to seek better treatment, they… they left the Southern Mountain Village!"

Village Chief Meng Bai had also considered pinning the crime on Fang Zhengzhi for sabotaging Li Zhuangshi, but he didn't do so. Because, sabotaging a person regarded as important by the Divine Constabulary was the dumbest of actions.

Furthermore…

More importantly, Village Chief Meng Bai felt a sense of guilt towards the Fang family. He didn't want Fang Zhengzhi to enter the Divine Constabulary, but at the same time, he also wished that Fang Zhengzhi was able to enter the Divine Constabulary.

This was a very complicated feeling.

"Audacious Meng Bai, do you know what is the punishment for lying to the Divine Constabulary!"

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Chapter 50: Eight Years

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As a powerful general in the fierce battlefields, the amount of people General Li led was over a hundred thousand. Not even mentioning the strange tone of Village Chief Meng Bai's words, just his stammering alone was enough for him to confirm that the other person was lying.

After a roar, he leapt down from the Snow Tredding Dragon Stallion and arrived in front of Village Chief Meng Bai. A sword glowing with an icy glint instantly pressed itself against Village Chief Meng Bai's neck.

"Ah!"

The sudden change in situation caused the entire Southern Mountain Village villagers' eyes to widen, crying out sharply. But, nobody dared to move.

"General… General Li please spare my life!"

Village Chief Meng Bai's entire body trembled with fear. Feeling the chilling air around his neck, he instinctively wanted to dodge, but the strong air of death that emanated from General Li caused him to remain rooted to the ground.

"Speak, why did Fang Zhengzhi leave the village?" General Li completely ignored Village Chief Meng Bai's pleas, pulling his sword, a trickle of blood flowed down its tip.

Instantly, Village Chief Meng Bai's entire back was soaked with sweat. Without even being concerned about the sharp pain in his neck, his entire body began to tremble violently.

He knew very clearly the methods of the Divine Constabulary. If they really wanted to investigate, there was simply no way to hide.

Li Zhuangshi and Mrs Li were similarly taken aback. Looking at the sword placed on Village Chief Meng Bai's neck, they knew that they could no longer avoid the inevitable.

"Meng Bai, I will give you one more chance to speak the truth. A few days later would be my father's birthday, hence, I can promise that I won't kill today!" At this moment, runaway Lolita Chi Guyan spoke.

Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan's tone was calm, but Village Chief Meng Bai knew that this was the last opportunity that the Divine Constabulary would give to the Southern Mountain Village.

Village Chief Meng Bai regretted, this was obviously a happy occasion, yet, things had to become like this. He had personally destroyed the Southern Mountain Village's greatest hope.

"It is me, it is me who exiled Fang Zhengzhi from the Southern Mountain Village!" Village Chief Meng Bai knelt down onto the ground. He knew, once these words left his mouth, that there was no turning back.

"Village Chief has exiled Fang Zhengzhi from the Southern Mountain Village?!"

"What is going on?"

"Why did he exile Fang Zhengzhi and his family from the Southern Mountain Village? The old Fang family had contributed so much to the village!"

The villagers instantly became agitated when they heard these words. Fang Houde lost his arm for the Southern Mountain Village, and furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi had even contributed the Rock Formation Illustration to the Southern Mountain Village. These were great contributions.

When Li Zhuangshi and Mrs Li heard these words, their legs also weakened, and fell onto the ground. It's over, now, everything will be over.

Village Chief Meng Bai didn't dare to conceal anything further, because it was simply impossible to do so. Even if he didn't admit it, the Northern Mountain Village people would also know about this incident.

Hence, he revealed everything from the moment Fang Zhengzhi drew the Rock Formation Illustration, to when Fang Zhengzhi killed the Blue Fire Wolf.

"What?! Fang Zhengzhi killed the Blue Fire Wolf?!"

"My God, the Blue Fire Wolf was killed by Fang Zhengzhi? How is this possible!"

"The Blue Fire Wolf!"

When the villagers heard the last few sentences, they were completely stunned. The king of the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts, the Blue Fire Wolf, had actually been killed by Fang Zhengzhi? This… was something people simply couldn't believe. Fang Zhengzhi was still a seven-year-old kid!

A talent, a real talent!

"That little bastard killed the Blue Fire Wolf?!" Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan was truly taken aback this time. The Blue Fire Wolf's power wasn't very strong, but its speed was too fast. Even if she had encountered it, she couldn't guarantee that she would be able to kill it.

Similarly, shock was written all over General Li's face. This time when he followed his Missus to invite Fang Zhengzhi, he was still rather dubious of her intent.

It was only a seven-year-old kid, what could be so special about him?

But, after hearing Village Chief Meng Bai's words, all his suspicion instantly vanished. A seven-year-old kid killing the Blue Fire Wolf? His Missus's foresight was indeed something he, and the rest of the people, couldn't compare with.

"Missus, the Southern Mountain Village is so inflexible in their actions, furthermore they are simply selfish in the way they carry out their decisions. Why not we simply dismantle the Southern Mountain Village's Hall of Dao?" Lady Yuer seemed somewhat infuriated.

"Please don't! I beg Missus, please don't dismantle the Hall of Dao! Meng Bai is willing to take responsibility for everything!" When Village Chief Meng Bai heard, he lay down on the ground. He knew very clearly that if the Hall of Dao was to be dismantled, that meant the last glimmer of hope for the Southern Mountain Village would be completely gone.

"Missus please don't dismantle the Hall of Dao!"

"Missus please don't dismantle the Hall of Dao!"

"Missus please…"

One followed by another, the rest of the villagers also began to kneel down. No matter how big a mistake Village Chief Meng Bai made, the Hall of Dao was ultimately still the hope of the entire Southern Mountain Village.

"Missus, I… I know that Missus is kind and merciful, please don't take away the last hope of the Southern Mountain Village. I am willing to use my life to guarantee that within ten years… no, eight years, within eight years, the Southern Mountain Village Hall of Dao will definitely produce someone who can enter the First-Level Roll in the County Law of Dao examinations!" Village Chief Meng Bai furiously pounded the ground with his head, until blood began to flow.

"Please Missus!"

"Please Missus!"

The rest of the villagers also began to kowtow.

"I understand, since the truth has been revealed, I will keep my promise just now! Village Chief Meng Bai is old and muddled. Thirty strokes of the cane and remove him from the position of Village Chief! The Li family… Li Zhuangshi will be caned a hundred strokes, the rest, twenty strokes!" Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan waved her hands and didn't speak further.

"Thank you Missus! Thank you Missus for sparing our lives!" Village Chief Meng Bai instantly lay on the ground, his entire back soaked with sweat.

"Thank you Missus!" Li Zhuangshi instantly pulled Mrs Li down and lay on the ground as well.

"Within eight years, if nobody from the Southern Mountain Village manages to enter the County Law of Dao examinations First-Class Roll, I will deal out punishment regarding today's crimes as well as for attempting to lie, at the same time, demolish the Southern Mountain Village Hall of Dao!" Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan looked at the crowd kneeling down on the ground and spoke once again.

"Thank you Missus, Missus is kind and merciful!"

"Woosh woosh woosh…"

Military canes struck the bodies of Village Chief Meng Bai and the three members of the Li family. But, among the surrounding villagers, nobody was unhappy with the outcome. Because, just like Village Chief Meng Bai said, the Divine Constabulary being merciful and not killing them was already a gift from Heavens.

"From today onwards, the Southern Mountain Village Village Chief will now be held by Ding Qingshan!" General Li announced after familiarising himself with the situation.

"Roger!" Ding Qingshan walked out of the crowd and knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Do you know where Fang Zhengzhi has headed off to?"

"This… replying General Li, I don't know…" Ding Qingshan shook his head. He indeed didn't know where Fang Zhengzhi went.

"Alright!" General Li nodded, then walked to Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan's side. "Missus, should we send some people to search in the surrounding villages?"

At this moment, runaway Lolita Chi Guyan was mesmerised by the last streak of colour from the setting sun. After hearing General Li's words, she pondered slightly and shook her head.

"There is no need. The Dao of All Creations emphasises nature. Everything is determined by the Will of Heaven, since we missed this current opportunity, it would be meaningless to force it again. This order… burn it!"

Lolita looked at the white roll of cloth on Lady Yuer's hands and waved her hands. Nobody knew her true intent of inviting Fang Zhengzhi into the Divine Constabulary. It was only to add some joy to her life and to be able to torture him every day.

Recruit talents? With the reputation of the Divine Constabulary, there were so many people who could only dream of entering it. No matter how talented he was, he was ultimately still a kid who hadn't even Accessed Dao.

Talent?

Indeed, it was said, one's gains are worth celebrating, losses shouldn't be regretted. If one really had the ability, wasn't there indeed no harm in waiting a few more years?

"Return to the constabulary!"

"Return to the constabulary!"

Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan didn't bother staying at the Southern Mountain Village any further, and returned into her big sedan. Pouting slightly, Lady Yuer sat down at one side.

"Missus, Yuer doesn't understand, why didn't you dismantle the Hall of Dao?" Until now, Lady Yuer still couldn't comprehend why was her Missus's temper so good today.

"The objective of the Hall of Dao is to spread Dao. Even though the Southern Mountain Village Chief is unwise, it is not representation of everybody. If we dismantled the Hall of Dao just like that, it would harm the hearts of the people"

"No wonder, Yuer understands now. Missus is thinking about the entire Northern Lands!"

"Northern Lands? Ha ha…"

Runaway Lolita Chi Guyan shook her head, smiled slightly and didn't speak any further. She stared out silently at the shrinking sight of the village outside, her lips curved into a smile.

"Little bastard, since you have been humiliated today, I, Chi Guyan, will temporary let you off. But, since you were able to solve the Illustration of All Creation, and killed the Blue Fire Wolf, then, I believe one day, we will meet again. When the time comes, I can only hope that you won't be too weak!"

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Chapter 51: Beside the River of Trust

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Beside the River of Trust

Time flies, and years flow. This year, Fang Zhengzhi is now fifteen!

In the Huai An County, in the Northern River of Trust Province, a stream of river flowed through the county, splitting this ancient city into its North and South, and at the same time creating a water traffic path, causing this city to become an important business and commerce district in the Northern Desert.

The sun shone brightly, and a cool breeze was blowing.

On the River on Trust, a few pleasure boats sailed along in the direction of the wind, sending silky ripples spreading across the river surface.

The biennial Law of Dao examinations was only three days away. The River of Trust Province had set the examination location at the Huai An County, and attracted gifted scholars and beautiful ladies from all around, one after another gathering at the riverside of the River of Trust.

The green willows swayed gently in the breeze, and a tall rectangular stage adorned with red carpets elegantly occupied the best sightseeing spot in the River of Trust. The stage was decorated with lanterns and coloured banners, and below the stage, brocade clothes and flowery robes decorated its surroundings, which were covered densely by fresh flowers.

In the March Spring, a hundred flowers bloomed.

According to rules set in the previous years, a gathering of scholars would be organised before the start of the Law of Dao examinations, inviting famous people from all parts of the area to gather and watch.

It was called, the Hundred Flower Gathering!

"Grr!"

A low beastly growl was heard, but not many people paid attention to it. After all, beast rearing techniques had already become commonplace in some bigger families within these years.

"Young Master, over here, there is a mix of good people and scumbags, and even consist of people who dally with women and have affairs. Considering your reputation, there is absolutely no need for you to attend this gathering!"

A strong, sturdy man with a bearded face sat on a "Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger", which was enveloped in red and white fur, with a thin opening on its forehead and a red ball of flame blazing on its tail. He was asking a youth dressed in a blueish-white fine robe and his attitude was unusually respectful.

The finely-clothed youth slowly raised his head, looked at the tablet adorned with three big words - Hundred Flower Gathering, and slightly paused his steps. His expression was exceedingly cold.

"When I left, grandfather instructed me to act with courtesy!" The finely-clothed youth replied indifferently, then continued to walk towards the front.

The strong man didn't dare to speak any further. He quickly jumped off the Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger and followed behind the finely-clothed youth, walking towards the Jade Square.

The Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger growled in a low voice, then in one leap, jumped on the beast stand at the entrance and lay down softly. Around the Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger, many different kinds of fearsome beasts also lay.

The finely-clothed youth didn't walk very quickly, and walked directly towards the high stage of the Hundred Flower Gathering. As he walked, he slowly took out a Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan from his pocket. Tossing it lightly, an ink painting of a Mountain River Illustration revealed itself.

When a few scholars dressed in brocade robes who were chatting animatedly saw the finely-clothed youth, they were instantly taken aback, then fixing their gaze upon the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan, a horrified expression appeared on their faces.

They quickly moved away and gave up their spots.

On the other hand, the finely-clothed youth's expression remained the same, neither angry not happy, neither downcast nor delighted. Walking towards the centre seat in front, he gradually sat down.

A plump man dressed in brocade clothes at this moment was chatting loudly with another man dressed in brocade clothes beside him, while holding a handful of fruits. Laughing animatedly, he suddenly saw the finely-clothed youth and his face instantly turned a deathly shade of white, as if he had seen a ghost. He hurriedly shot up and quickly grabbed the man beside him and ran off.

In a blink of an eye, the surroundings of the finely-clothed youth seemed to have vanished like smoke in thin air, leaving only the strong bearded man.

"Back off!"

"But, this place…"

"Back off!"

"Yes, young master!"

The strong bearded man's gaze swept across his surroundings once more, and backed off. But, none of the rest of the scholars surrounding him was willing to return back to their seats.

"Yan Xiu actually participated in the Hundred Flower Gathering? Isn't this too unthinkable?"

"With some calculation, it seems that Yan Xiu had reached the age of sixteen this year."

"No wonder!"

After a few sentences of debate, the scholars sitting a distance away didn't speak further and continued to admire the flowers and taste the wine.

Right at this moment, a youth whose face was fair and clear, dressed in a yellow brocade robe, with a long blue sword at his waist walked smilingly up the tall stage, accompanied by a few armoured bodyguards.

"Quick, look, Meng Yushu is here!"

"I heard that this Meng Yushu had accessed Dao since a year ago. I fear that his participation in the Law of Dao examinations this time would definitely gain him the Double Roll Champion!"

The scholars discussed softly among one another, an envious look appearing on each of their faces.

The youth dressed in a yellow brocade robe, Meng Yushu, heard the discussion around him, and a somewhat delighted expression appeared on his face. Following which, he directly made his way over beside Yan Xiu and lightly cupped his fist with his other hand as a sign of greeting.

"Huai An Meng Residence, Meng Yushu, expresses his fortune in meeting Young Master Yan Xiu!"

Yan Xiu's expression was ice cold. Without even taking a look at Meng Yushu, he remained seated on his chair and lightly swayed the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan on his hands.

A light gust of wind blew across. Meng Yushu felt a desolate sense of chilliness. Considering the Meng Residence's prestige in the Huai An County, and his abilities of having accessed Dao, there wasn't much people he had taken the initiative to greet.

But, this Yan Xiu in front of him didn't even bother to look at him.

This was an indifferent form of disregard, and furthermore, it was in front of so many scholars. Meng Yushu's expression changed slightly, and gripped the sword on his hand. His chest rose a few times, but, ultimately restored the smile on his face.

"Since Young Master Yan Xiu loves peace and quiet, then Meng Yushu shall take his leave!" Meng Yushu once again cupped his hands, finding a way out of the situation.

"Aiyo, Heaven has opened his eyes! Such a good seat with nobody sitting on it? This is really my blessing!" Right at this moment, a clear voice suddenly rang out from behind Meng Yushu.

Meng Yushu frowned.

He had just found an excuse that Meng Yushu loved peace and quiet, but never thought that somebody would come and make noise. If he really allowed him to sit here, then weren't his words just now slapping his own mouth?

Just as he prepared to act to prevent this, he suddenly realised that there seemed to be no need to do so.

Considering Yan Xiu's personality, don't tell me he would really allow somebody to sit calmly beside him?

The edges of his mouth curved into a smile. Thinking of Yan Xiu's coldness a moment ago, and thinking that the new person had overestimated his own capabilities, he suddenly felt that watching the tigers fight from the side-lines wasn't actually a bad choice.

Even though he didn't know whether the new person would be a tiger.

But ultimately, he could still take the opportunity to find out, how much patience this Yan Xiu, known as the cold Asura among the youths in the Great Xia Dynasty, actually had.

"Hey, are you sitting or not? If you are not, please make way!"

Just as Meng Yushu became secretly delighted with his thoughts, he felt a burst of strength on his shoulder, then, his entire body was pulled up by this strength and his body leaned back.

"Plop!" He fell on his buttocks.

"People these days have such poor inner quality! Good dogs don't block the way, doesn't anybody know this?" A voice filled with disdain rang out once again. Then, a lanky youth dressed in a blue coarse robe, wearing a blue cloth on his head effortlessly bypassed Meng Yushu, walked towards a seat beside Yan Xiu and sat down.

"Ah, this Hundred Flower Gathering is indeed not too shabby, they even provide a fruit platter!" Seeming as if he had discovered a new continent, the youth picked up the fruits placed in front of him and bit down. The sweetness was unparalleled.

As the youth's voice sounded out, the initially bustling Hundred Flower Gathering instantly became extremely silent. Only the sound of the willows dancing in the breeze along the riverside was left, giving off a gentle rustling sound.

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Chapter 52: Yun Qingwu

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The scholars stared, their mouths agape with shock. Nobody dared to believe what was happening.

Did he want to live anymore?

He actually provoked Meng Yushu? Not only did he provoke Meng Yushu, he even took away the fruits placed in front of Yan Xiu? What an act of killing two birds with one stone!

Most importantly, this youth seemed to be savouring it without a care for the world.

Isn't this too cocky?

Meng Yushu's expression turned black. When he saw clearly the youth sitting beside Yan Xiu, his face was so black that water could drip out of it.

That blue robe made with coarse cloth, the coarse cloth worn on his head, and the boots he wore on his feet that were polished so brightly it could almost give off light, was clear evidence that he was a country bumpkin from the village.

A country bumpkin, actually standing on his territory, under the gaze of everybody, causing him to fall to the ground?

He absolutely couldn't stand this!

As he prepared to explode with rage, a soft wave of recitation sounded out at his ear.

"Act with courtesy, act with courtesy…"

Meng Yushu was taken aback, then realised that this sound came from Yan Xiu, who was sited beside the youth. At this moment, Yan Xiu's expression was cold as ice, his two lips opening and closing continuously.

He was reciting that phrase "act with courtesy".

"Act with courtesy?" Meng Yushu frowned deeply. The hand gripping onto the sword at his waist almost turned white. What did Yan Xiu's words mean? Is he asking him to act with courtesy?

But this person had stepped on his head, was he still supposed to be courteous?

All of a sudden, Meng Yushu thought of the main event of this Hundred Flower Gathering and his eyes instantly lit up as if he suddenly understood something. This is what he meant…

Once he thought of this, Meng Yushu stood up from the floor, lightly patted away the dirt from his buttocks and took a slight bow towards Yan Xiu and the youth.

"I am Meng Yushu, how can I address you?"

These words were naturally directed towards the youth, but when this scene reached the eyes of the surrounding scholars…

They were instantly baffled.

What was happening? He actually didn't retaliate and unsheathe his sword? How can he stand this? Furthermore, he even asked for his name? Since when did Meng Yushu have such good temper?

They absolutely didn't dare to believe.

At this moment, the youth was still chewing on the fruits, when he heard Meng Yushu's question, he waved his hands and with a look of disdain, replied, "If you don't have anything to say, leave. I am waiting to see the performance."

The surrounding scholars instantly felt as if someone had stuffed an egg in their mouths. They were completely lost for words. Who was this person dressed in a coarse robe? He actually didn't even bother to reply Meng Yushu and instead asked him to leave?

This attitude, indeed… caused people to be unable to reply.

Meng Yushu was similarly stunned. Carefully sizing up this youth, he thought for a while and realised, there didn't seem to be such a person in the Huai An County!

Just as he prepared to rage, he heard Yan Xiu begin to recite once again.

"Act with courtesy, act with courtesy…"

Meng Yushu's expression changed again and again, his chest rising and falling furiously. After exactly fifteen minutes of restraint did he manage to hold back the anger rising inside him.

"Since young master have come to this Hundred Flower Gathering, you would definitely know that the main event of this gathering is centred around this word "Flower". How about we make a bet today?" Meng Yushu tried his best to keep his voice calm, but he still involuntarily gritted his teeth.

"Bet? Hmm… tell me more!" The youth's expression seemed interested.

"Let's compete who can unveil the veil of the beauty, shall we?" Meng Yushu twitched his mouth towards the high stage behind him with a challenging look.

"Beauty? There are beauties today?" The youth's expression seemed slightly taken aback.

Meng Yushu instantly laughed coldly to himself. He was indeed a country bumpkin, he didn't even know that the main event of the Hundred Flower Gathering was "Compete for Beauties"?

Betting with such a person, would it be losing his dignity?

But, since Yan Xiu continuously spoke of acting with courtesy, he would carry out matters according to the rules of the Hundred Flower Gathering, hopefully this Yan Xiu wouldn't have any further opinions?

"How about it, does young master dare to accept this?"

"The winner is whoever unveils the beauty's veil first?" The youth continued.

"Naturally!" Meng Yushu nodded.

Even though main competition of the Hundred Flower Gathering was for the beauties, but, it is centred about competing through language arts. If one wished to unveil the beauty, they had to display sufficient linguistic ability and win the hearts of the beauty in front of the crowd in order for her to unveil.

Meng Yushu didn't believe that this country bumpkin in front of him would have any linguistic ability.

Furthermore, even if this country bumpkin really had some outstanding work of art, just based on his attire alone, it wouldn't be possible at all to win the beauty's heart.

Hence, this round of betting was a sure-win. Ever since the rules of the bet had been agreed upon, the results were already set.

"Sure!" The youth seemed to have not hesitated at all and nodded agreeably.

Meng Yushu was instantly delighted. This country bumpkin was indeed brave, he actually dared to bet with him? He couldn't blame himself then.

"Since we made a bet, there should be a stake!" Meng Yushu patiently guided.

"Yes, you are right!" The youth nodded once again. He didn't feel that there was a problem at all.

Meng Yushu felt that this was enough. Looking at the youth in front of him, he dug into his pockets and finally hesitated a little.

If he betted too much, it wouldn't be good if this person decided to shrink away.

"How about we just bet a hundred taels of silver?" Meng Yushu probed.

"Sure!" The youth instantly smiled when he heard this.

"Alright, let's invite Yan Xiu to be our witness, we will put out a hundred taels of silver each, and bet who can unveil the beauty's veil first!" When Meng Yushu finished his sentence, he fished out a piece of hundred tael silver banknote and placed it in front of Yan Xiu.

Yan Xiu glanced, and his expression instantly became even colder, continuing to mumble, "Act with courtesy, act with courtesy…"

On the other hand, the youth took up the silver note with a delighted look.

"Can I invite young master to place down his silver note as well?" When Meng Yushu saw the youth take a look, but didn't act, he became somewhat suspicious.

"Silver note? Oh… this isn't a problem, just relax, anyway, I won't lose!" When the youth heard, he waved his hands towards Meng Yushu, his face unconcerned.

Meng Yushu's expression instantly darkened further.

What was the meaning of this? Betting without taking out the money? Cheat!

Just as he prepared to argue, he looked at Yan Xiu and instantly swallowed his words. He completely believed that with Yan Xiu as the witness, this person would definitely not play cheat.

Furthermore, in the Huai An County, there were indeed not many people who dared to play cheat against Meng Yushu.

"Hmph!" Meng Yushu huffed. Since the bet had already been confirmed, he didn't bother quarrelling with the youth further and sat down alone a distance away.

"Meng Yushu actually made a bet with that person about who will unveil the beauty first?"

"This seems interesting, don't tell me Meng Yushu didn't notice the namelist of the Beauty competition today, and doesn't know who today's beauty is?"

When the scholars heard Meng Yushu and the youth's conversation, they instantly began to discuss spiritedly.

At this very moment, on the River of Trust, a humongous three-story high decorated pleasure boat adorned with golden silk gradually cruised down the surface of the River of Trust. On the tip of the decorated pleasure boat, a golden flag printed with the words "Yun" danced in the wind.

Ripples spread across the water surface. This pleasure boat sailed between many other boats, yet, nobody would compare this to the rest of the boats.

Because, the owner of this pleasure boat, represented the highest of mountains, a mountain that simply nobody could summit.

"She… why would she come to the Huai An County?" Meng Yushu's face, initially filled with confidence, instantly turned ugly when he saw this boat.

Similarly, he clearly knew who this pleasure boat represented. A woman of wonder that caused an infinite number of scholars in the Great Xia Dynasty to fall heads over tails for her. Violin, chess, reading, drawing, poetry, phrases, songs, essays, there was nothing she wasn't proficient in. Most importantly, nobody had ever unveiled Yun Qingwu's veil.

Furthermore, there was never a person who managed to set foot upon Yun Qingwu's boat!

Of course, this 'person'... referred to men!

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Chapter 53: Inner Quality

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Meng Yushu felt that this bet can be nullified. Because, it simply wasn't possible for a person to unveil Yun Qingwu's veil. But, as he thought of his previous anger, he was still rather unsatisfied.

No matter what, he still had to try. If that really wasn't possible, then he had to think of another method.

Who would have known that the Hundred Flower Gathering in the Huai An County would actually attract Yun Qingwu to participate in it?

This was simply unthinkable...

What was the reason?

Yan Xiu's gaze shifted to the gradually approaching pleasure boat, his expression didn't change a single bit, as if he had seen yet, yet as if he hadn't see it.

Only when the boat reached the riverside did he adjust his posture, as if he had suddenly thought of something.

On the other hand, the youth sitting beside him was still the same as before.

So much so that he even leaned back slowly, and slightly closed his eyes, as if enjoying the crisp wind from the riverside and the flowers blooming around him.

Yan Xiu didn't speak. The youth also didn't speak.

Except that after Yan Xiu's behaviour became too proper, the youth's appeared even more unglamorous. Sitting together with such differing postures, it appeared extremely awkward.

When the surrounding scholars saw this, they didn't know what to say.

These two people sitting together was absolutely too uncoordinated, but they just had to sit together like this. Furthermore, they even seemed to be harmonious and in peace.

Weird, too weird!

The scholars at the Hundred Flower Gathering naturally set their aims on the flowers, even though Yan Xiu and the youth could attract their attention for a while, but it was indeed not possible for all these scholars to keep on staring at these two men?

Furthermore, the pleasure boat adorned with golden silk had finally come to a halt.

Except, the people on the boat didn't have any intention of coming down. But, despite this, the atmosphere in the Hundred Flower Gathering had evidently become livelier.

The scholars cheered and jumped, loudly shouting Yun Qingwu's name. There were even a few who actually brought over their brushes and desks, and began to write there and then.

Drawing pictures, writing poems, creating inscriptions, the atmosphere was lively indeed.

The Hundred Flower Gathering was a gathering for scholars to socialise before the Law of Dao examinations, hence there was no specially appointed judge. The rules were simple, after the talented girls displayed their skills, the scholars would place flowers inside the baskets in front of the girls, which counted as choosing a beauty.

Even though it was simple, it was very fair.

"Boom!"

A gong sounded. The Hundred Flower Gathering had officially begun.

Then, the talented girls began to mount the stage and display their skills, each of them wearing colourful long dresses, playing musical instruments, dancing, some even made a few poems on stage, encouraging scholars to compose poems to pair with theirs.

Yan Xiu's gaze remained calm as water.

On the other hand, the youth was full of interest, watching eagerly, he even shouted out phrases such as "not bad" or "beautiful" from time to time, attracting silent criticisms from the surrounding scholars.

"Country bumpkin!"

"Inner quality!"

"I am embarrassed to be seen with such a person!"

In actual fact, the scholars were also deep in discussion, most of their voices even louder than the youth. But, a youth wearing a coarse blue robe sitting in the middle of scholars dressed in embroidered clothes and fanciful garments naturally caused people to feel strange.

The youth lightly patted away the dust on the cleanly washed robe he wore on his body. He naturally wasn't able to hear other people scolding him in their hearts. With a leisurely and carefree expression, he continued to listen to the songs, eating and drinking to his heart's content.

Or it could also be said, even if he was able to hear, he wouldn't pay any attention to them. Because, from where he was from, that was how everybody dressed. If he really had to dress like these scholars every day, time will definitely hang very heavily.

Finally, the singing had more or less stopped, and movement appeared within the pleasure boat that stopped by the riverside.

The boat doors opened gradually. Two rows of ladies dressed in standardised jade-green dresses neatly walked out, and behind them, two ladies dressed in gold-threaded long skirts followed.

When everyone had neatly arranged themselves below the boat, an graceful figure finally walked out slowly from within the boat.

Wearing an elegant sky-blue long skirt imprinted with a few snow-white tree peonies, and with a mirror-shaped pearl flower with the appearance of a golden moon on her head, her jet black long hair fell all the way to her waist, ending right at the golden purple belt at the waist. It was a female figure of absolute beauty.

Unfortunately, a black cloth blocked the woman's facial features. Yet, this brought out the woman skin, which was as white and beautiful as snow…

Stepping lightly on the ground, a pair of boots embroidered with flowers sewn from golden threads wrapped around the woman's feet and slowly walked up the riverside.

Then, directly up the stage.

Up until now...

The scholars below the stage were already completely silent, staring paralysed at woman on the stage, a blazing ray of light shining their eyes.

Of course, there were also exceptions.

For example, Yan Xiu, who was sitting right at the front, continued to wear his usual ice-cold expression, and the youth sitting by his side continued to leisurely munch on his fruits.

"Young lady Yun Qingwu, please excuse my ugly display!" A voice crisp as a nightingale sounded out, Yun Qingwu lowered her head slightly, bowing. Her posture was elegant and her temperament was outstanding.

"Great!" Below the stage, the youth clapped cheerfully, instantly pulling the stunned scholars back to reality.

Good things have always been wildly pursued by people.

Those who destroyed their beautiful dreamlands naturally wouldn't be treated well.

All the scholars stared at the youth, their faces filled with anger. A few even began to crack their fists, if Yan Xiu wasn't by his side, the situation would definitely not have been dealt with as courteously.

Yun Qingwu gazed at the youth. She didn't even seem to have flinched, instead, she gradually turned her body around and gave another bow to the youth.

"Yun Qingwu expresses her thanks to young master!" Her manner was extraordinary composed.

"You're welcome, I wonder what song is sister Qingwu going to play today?" The youth's jet-black eyes looked at Yun Qingwu, felt the anxious atmosphere around him, and smiled lightly.

Naturally, he understood why the surrounding people were enraged, but, people should be treated similarly. When other women mounted the stage, there were many cheers. If there wasn't any when Yun Qingwu went up, wouldn't it be strange!

"Who would have thought that young master also understands music. Today, young lady wishes to perform a song called The Reeds and Rushes." Yun Qingwu replied softly, not a single glimmer of disdain in her eyes. Instead, she was extremely respectful.

"The Reeds and Rushes?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded, and didn't speak any further.

Yet, this caused the surrounding scholars to reveal an expression of disdain.

When they saw the youth inquire Yun Qingwu, they expected a deep discussion, yet all he did was nod, without expressing a single opinion!

But, after despising the youth, the scholars once again began to burn with passion. Yun Qingwu's choice of The Reed and Rushes, represented exactly the melancholy and dejection of pursuing one's love, yet falling short.

Such a lady of wonder, yet despairing over not being able to pursue her love, indeed instilled a sense of pity in their hearts.

"This round of beauty, I will choose Yun Qingwu!" A scholar sitting in the front row instantly walked out. Going in front of the flower basket with Yun Qingwu's name inscribed on it, he prepared to place the fresh flower on his hands inside.

Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough. Because, another scholar was able to run faster than him.

In a flash, he ended up in front of the flower basket. The fresh flowers in his hands reached the flower basket before the other scholar. When the flower entered the basket, his face flushed with red, a wild look on his face, "Ha ha ha… I am the first!"

When the other scholars saw this, they immediately began to panic, one by one they stood up from their chairs and rushed madly to the bottom of the stage, each of them competing to place their flowers in the basket, afraid of being too slow.

Hence, all the suspense in the Hundred Flower Gathering's beauty instantly disappeared…

"Do you even have the slightest bit of inner quality? She hadn't even performed, why are all of you rushing to court her favour and choose the beauty, rush your balls… balls!" The youth sitting right at the front gazed at the sea of scholars blocking his field of vision, and finally lost his patience and huffed.

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Chapter 54: Simple and Direct

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The youth's voice wasn't loud, but, the scholars that were pushing and shoving were instantly taken aback. They felt as if they had suddenly choked on a mouthful of chilli water. Their throats and hearts burned like fire.

"Inner quality?!"

"Court her favour?"

Their intentions were pointed out in front of everybody, furthermore, it was in the face of a beautiful woman that could collapse an entire nation. All of the scholars felt as if their tails had been stepped on!

Then, the youth's behaviour diverted the awkwardness in their hearts, because, if they really had to choose who truly lacked inner quality, this youth would definitely get all the votes.

Furthermore…

Most importantly, that "balls… balls!", what was the meaning of that?

Could he at least quote some classics? Or stop the crowd with his strength and powers? As a scholar, how could he actually say such vulgar words, furthermore, it was right in front of such a beautiful woman. This brought absolute disgrace to education.

Ashamed to be associated with him!

The awkwardness within the hearts of the scholars turned into anger flowing out of their bodies. But, today was the Hundred Flower Gathering, emphasising on art, not combat. Moreover, if they really fought, it would only serve to confirm the youth's words.

"Hmph!"

A few of the scholars who had already reached the stage placed the flowers in their hands into the basket and quickly returned to their original seats. Except, when they walked past the youth, they couldn't help but to huff coldly.

"Thank you young masters for your affection. Yun Qingwu will now perform The Reeds and Rushes." Yun Qingwu bowed once again towards the scholars, her expression seemed to not have changed a lot.

Hearing Yun Qingwu's words, the crowd of scholars instantly began to quieten.

The youth's eyes closed slightly, a hint of a smile appearing once again at the edges of his mouth. Looking at Yun Qingwu's gaze that was calm as the autumn's water, he seemed to be pondering over something.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu's expression was still ice-cold as before, except the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan on his hands began to fan a little more anxiously.

A guqin was carried out by the two ladies behind her dressed in golden long skirts. They lifted it to the back of the high stage, and Yun Qingwu slowly sat down behind the guqin.

Her slim, pale fingers plucked the guqin lightly.

Music that was as beautiful as flowing water begin to sound out. The entire Hundred Flower Gathering had become completely silent. Everybody stared intently at Yun Qingwu's movements.

"Thick grow the rush leaves;

Their white dew turns to frost.

He whom I love

Must be somewhere along this stream. "

"I went up the river to look for him,

But the way was difficult and long.

I went down the stream to look for him,

And there in mid-water

Sure enough, it's he…"

The sound of the guqin was like water, both music and song were beautiful. To be able to be described as a woman of wonder in this era, not only did she have to possess an amiable personality, but more important, required great musical talents.

Every single word was absolutely crisp, every tone was sweet-sounding to the ears.

As the sound of Yun Qingwu's guqin began to play, the ladies in green dresses also began to dance, occasionally coming together to form a blooming flower, and occasionally coming together to form the ripples of flowing water…

Every scholar was mesmerised by the scene in front of them, completely intoxicated by this incomparable music and dance. All of their eyes were filled with enchantment, indulging themselves in the most beautiful sounds of the world.

The youth also quieted down, carefully listening to Yun Qingwu's voices, and didn't make a further sound.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu remained seated on his chair as usual, his expression calm, lightly fanning himself. It seemed as if he was listening, and at the same time also seemed like he wasn't.

The song ended. The guqin stopped.

Yet, the lingering sound continued to echo throughout the air.

Nobody knew how much time had passed before the scholars finally snapped out of their mesmer.

"What a beautiful piece!"

"The piece was beautiful, the person even more so!"

"To have listened to Yun Qingwu's piece, I am willing to live ten years less…"

The crowd of scholars began to use the best praises they could think of to express their deep emotions. There were even scholars who began to stir, preparing to hand over the poems that they had already written to win a smile from the beautiful lady.

"Huai An Meng Residence, Meng Yushu. Having heard such divine music, I am extremely grateful. I wish to leverage on this opportunity to play a piece together with lady Qingwu, what do you think?"

At this moment, wearing a yellow embroidered robe, Meng Yushu finally walked out from the crowd. Accompanied by a few bodyguards, he arrived below the stage.

When the scholars heard Meng Yushu's words, they instantly began to swear silently.

Meng Yushu didn't offer pearls, nor offer jades, nor offer poems, yet he wanted to play a duet with Yun Qingwu. It was obviously to win her heart, what a brilliant move.

But, this move was still rather despicable.

Considering Yun Qingwu's temperament, it was naturally hard to decline in front of everybody.

This way, he would have a huge advantage. To be able to play a piece with Yun Qingwu, this honour and glory would definitely give him something to talk about next time.

As the scholars thought about this, Yun Qingwu stood up slowly, her expression calm as water.

"Since Young Master Meng is so defined, Yun Qingwu won't refuse. But, I had already played the piece The Reeds and Rushes, if I played the same genre of songs, I am afraid the rest of the scholars might lose their interest. But, I have an ancient piece Surrounded on All Sides here, if young master can play it together with these two maids by my side, Qingwu would naturally play a piece together with young master."

Yun Qingwu's voice was crisp and clear, neither harsh nor vulgar, neither advancing nor retreating, yet, when her voice landed, Meng Yushu's face instantly changed.

He only wished to leverage on this advantage today to ensure that Yun Qingwu wouldn't be able to object. If he really had to play a piece on the stage, it would only be playing for fun, even though it wasn't as if he completely didn't know how to play, but if it was an ancient piece...

He would definitely be a huge disgrace.

Meng Yushu instantly felt an urge to jump into the River of Trust.

He couldn't advance, but he also couldn't retreat.

Agree?

The other party would only let her two maids play the guqin with him, if he really could play the piece, Yun Qingwu would perform a duet with him. But what if he couldn't play it?

Then he would be a big joke in the Hundred Flower Gathering.

Meng Yushu didn't speak, but the scholars who had cursed silently at him had guessed what he was thinking as well, and began to snicker.

"Young Master Meng, play a piece!"

"Yeah, Young Master Meng!"

"Let me see how good Young Master Meng's guqin skills are!"

In front of beautiful women, there would definitely be a mysterious force that made some scholars who originally wouldn't dare to open their mouths muster their courage, even if it was only to be noticed by the beautiful woman, or, even just glanced at.

Meng Yushu's expression changed from red to white, then back to red. His legs moved. He wanted to walk forwards, but ultimately resisted the temptation. Finally gritting his teeth, he waved at Yun Qingwu.

"Even if they are only Lady Qingwu's maids, I believe they had the fortune to be infected with Lady Qingwu's divine voice. If I managed to match their standards today, I believe it wouldn't be good! Let's leave it at that then!" Meng Yushu didn't wait for Yun Qingwu to speak and instantly returned back to his seat like he was escaping.

Just like a gust of wind.

"Thank you, Young Master Meng, for your modest decline! Yun Qingwu represents my two maids to express my gratitude!" Yun Qingwu seemed to have felt everything was expected, and instead, holding on to the two maids beside her, bowed slightly towards Meng Yushu.

When the scholars witnessed this scene, they once again swore silently at Meng Yushu for being able to escape so fast. He ran once he realised things weren't going well, yet he still sounded so dignified and pompous. He was indeed a scoundrel!

But, after Meng Yushu's experience, those scholars who stubbornly wished to try to win this beautiful woman's heart and unveil her veil began to worry.

Even Meng Yushu was defeated. Who else in this place would be able to unveil Yun Qingwu's veil?

All of them were hesitant, looking around at each other.

Right at this time, a rather indolent voice suddenly sounded out.

"Beauty Yun Qingwu?"

The scholars were taken aback, thinking who else had decided to bring shame to himself. Then, they realised where the sound came from. It was the youth sitting beside Yan Xiu.

"Country bumpkin!"

"He really wishes to unveil Yun Qingwu's veil?"

"With his capabilities?"

The scholars felt that he was simply despicable. Yun Qingwu had traversed the Great Xia Dynasty and experienced God knew how many storms. The Northern Desert, the Southern Nation, the Western Liang and the Eastern Metropolis, yet, not a single scholar had ever caused her heart to waver.

A country bumpkin, what abilities could he have?

At this moment, Yan Xiu's gaze shifted to the youth beside him, the look in his eyes having a hint of change for the first time. But it was only change, very quickly, it disappeared and returned back to normal.

The youth on the other hand seemed to have simply not heard the discussion going on around him. Standing up from his seat, he casually walked towards the stage.

The blue coarse robe flapped slightly in the gentle wind.

"Turns out that it's young master, Yun Qingwu greets young master once again!" Watching the slowly approaching youth, Yun Qingwu's expression seemed to have not changed much. Lowering her head slightly, she gave a gentle bow.

"Today, I made a bet with the person just now whose name was Meng Yushu!" The youth walked in front of Yun Qingwu, his jet-black eyes silently staring at the beautiful woman in front of him.

"This bet that young master made, is related to Yun Qingwu?" Yun Qingwu didn't seem surprised at all.

"Exactly!" The youth nodded.

"Yun Qingwu brazenly takes a guess, this bet young master made with Young Master Meng, is about who can unveil this veil from Yun Qingwu's face?" Yun Qingwu's expression was calm as water.

"Smart!" The youth nodded again.

"Since this is the case, young master must definitely be an outstanding person. Even though Yun Qingwu is untalented, I still wish to invite young master to teach me!" Yun Qingwu bowed once again.

"Alright!" The youth experienced the faint yet delicate fragrance emanated by Yun Qingwu's body, and similar took a bow towards Yun Qingwu.

Then…

Extending his hand, a piece of black cloth ended up on his right hand.

"Actually, I prefer things to be a little simpler, a little more direct!" The youth looked at the cloth on his hands that was still slightly warm, and then gave a radiant smile towards Yun Qingwu whose expression was completely stunned.

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Chapter 55: Not Good at Socialising

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The entire world was completely silent at this moment, as if time had stopped. Only the gentle wind at the riverside of the River of Trust continued to blow lightly.

At the same time, a face of absolute beauty appeared in front of the youth's eyes.

In the ancient times, there were beauties that hid the moon and shamed the flowers, sunk the fishes and alighted the birds. Yet, Yun Qingwu didn't fall behind them. With her long, curved eyebrows, bright pupils, snow-white skin, her lips fainting showing a shade of red, like the most breath-taking stroke of brush in a vast snowy landscape.

Except at this moment, this face of absolutely beauty, was in a state of complete shock. Her delicate lips were slightly agape, and disbelief filled her bright pupils.

Not only did Yun Qingwu not dare to believe, the maids beside her at this moment also stood with their mouths agape and their eyes wide-open. Staring at this youth in front of them, they were simply unable to react.

Too fast!

In a flash, the veil on Yun Qingwu's face had appeared in the hands of this youth. It felt as if that piece of cloth had never even left the youth's hands.

Below the stage, even Yan Xiu's constant ice-cold expression also seemed incredible at this moment. His thin lips opened and shut, shut and opened, his eyes filled with a look of disbelief.

Most exaggerated of all was Meng Yushu. His eyes were round and wide-opened, a fist instinctively stuffed into his mouth. His two cheeks were so stuffed that it even reddened, yet he didn't realise.

The expressions of the scholars that were previously jeering were now completely frozen at this moment.

Silence. Nobody made a sound.

Because...

Nobody could ever imagine that something like that had just happened.

"Hmm, not too bad! The Reeds and the Rushes… how could you not be able to pursue that man? Looks like lady is burdened with a worry!" The youth looked at Yun Qingwu, and sighed unexpectedly.

Then, he turned around and walked down the stage. Walking directly to Yan Xiu's side, he picked up the hundred taels silver note beside Yan Xiu's hand and caressed it, his face beaming delightedly.

"Everybody has seen it, I have already unveiled the veil, this silver note naturally belongs to me!" After finishing his sentence, the youth kept the hundred taels silver note into his pocket and strolled away into the distance, perfectly contented...

"Yun Qingwu's… veil has been removed?!"

"Unveiled just like that?"

"This is too beautiful! She can collapse a city with one look, then collapse a country!"

"Wait a minute… did he say silver note?!"

Even though the scholars' hearts were shocked upon facing such a situation, but after seeing Yun Qingwu's absolute beauty, they were completely mesmerised. After a long time, somebody finally managed to react.

"Catch him!"

Quick, catch that lecher!"

After their initial, what erupted was fury that filled the Heaven. At this moment, the hearts of the scholars were completely ignited, nobody bothered about the rules of the Hundred Flower Gathering anymore.

In broad daylight, within the Heaven and Earth, he had actually dared to commit such an errant act.

Furthermore, he had even blasphemed the purest goddess in their hearts, if this could be tolerated, what could not?

"Where is he?"

"Where did he run to?"

The scholars began to search everywhere, yet unfortunately, the youth had already disappeared without a trace. Not even his shadow could be seen in the scene of the Hundred Flower Gathering.

"How could you not be able to pursue that man?" Yun Qingwu managed to regain her composure at this moment. Looking at the direction the youth had disappeared into, her lips parted slightly. Nobody knew whether it was due to anger, or something she had suddenly thought of, but her face actually revealed a faint smile.

This scene instantly stunned the angry scholars once again. She was indeed endowed with a natural beauty that was impossible to hide.

"Pack up, let's leave!" The smile of Yun Qingwu's face disappeared in a flash. Instead of covering her face with the veil again, she walked back slowly towards the pleasure boat at the riverside, her expression completely calm.

"Yes, Lady!"

As Yun Qingwu left, the Hundred Flower Gathering came to a close, leaving a bunch of scholars cracking their fists, swearing that they would find that lecher and take revenge for shaming Yun Qingwu.

"What a lad, I, Meng Yushu, will definitely not let you off!" Meng Yushu felt his slightly painful face. Gripping the sword on his hand tightly, an icy glint glowed in his eyes.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu was also nowhere to be seen, as if he had vanished in thin air.

On the pleasure boat, Yun Qingwu sat quietly on a red sandalwood crafted chair, with a red desk in front of her. A guqin lay on the desk in front of her and beside the guqin, a bronze, animal-shaped censer emanated a faint floral aroma.

"Lady, servant is curious about one thing!" A maid dressed in a golden long skirt standing beside Yun Qingwu looked at her and asked softly.

"You want to ask me why didn't I dodge?"

"Yes, given Lady's enlightenment state, if you didn't wish to… who would be able to unveil your veil?"

"What if I said I dodged?"

"This… he looks like he's only around fifteen or sixteen years of age?"

"That's right, only fifteen or sixteen years of age!"

The maid didn't speak any further, but her expression was truly horrified. Yun Qingwu similarly didn't speak, her bright pupils silently gazing at the ripples on the river surface.

Within the Huai An County, in an alley a hundred meters away from the Western city gate.

A youth wearing a coarse blue robe was stopped in his tracks by a youth wearing a fine robe. Behind the finely clothed youth, a strong bearded man followed riding on a Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger.

"Robbery?" The youth looked at the strong bearded man behind the finely clothed youth, then looked at the Three-Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger he sat on. The edges of his mouth curved into something that seemed like a smile, his expression remaining calm and composed.

"No!" The finely clothed youth shook his head.

"Then, can you let me pass?" The youth continued to ask patiently.

"No!" The finely clothed youth was just as patient.

The youth didn't say anything further, and silently eyed the two people in front of him. The edges of his mouth all along curved into a smile, and stood just like that on the spot.

"Yan Xiu!" The finely clothed youth waited for a while, then finally spoke again.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" When the youth heard Yan Xiu speak, he wiped the smile off his face for the first time, appearing somewhat serious.

"I'm not good at socialising, but, I am quite curious about you." When Yan Xiu finished his sentence, it seemed rather challenging for him, as if it was the first time he had said so many words in one breathe.

"Unfortunately, I am not interested in men." Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth.

Blocked by a stranger youth, who then shouted that he was very interested in him. No matter how he looked at the situation, it didn't seem very normal. Or, this person called Yan Xiu in front of him, like he said, really wasn't good at socialising.

Yan Xiu's expression changed, as if he was somewhat disappointed at Fang Zhengzhi's words. This was this first time he had taken the initiative to interact with a stranger, yet he was rejected.

Give up?

This thought instantly disappeared. Because, in Yan Xiu's dictionary, these two words, give up, didn't exist.

Then, he thought of the advice his grandfather gave to him before he embarked on his journey. When interacting with others, especially when it was the first interaction, he should be sincerer.

"I can give you some money!" Yan Xiu thought of the delighted smile on Fang Zhengzhi's face when he picked up the hundred taels of silver, and felt that he could express his sincerity a bit more.

The strong bearded man behind Yan Xiu shifted slightly. Looking at Yan Xiu, his expression turned awkward. He felt that his young master was really about to hit a wall today.

Because, after uttering such words, as long as it was a scholar, he would definitely be infuriated.

"Sure, then can you treat me to a meal?" When Fang Zhengzhi heard, he didn't even stop to think before quickly accepting his offer.

"I can!" Yan Xiu nodded.

"Then, let's go!" With somebody to treat him to a meal, Fang Zhengzhi became enthusiastic and quickly walked towards Yan Xiu. Then, shoulder to shoulder, they began to walk out of the alley.

The bearded strong man looked at these two people in front of him. His expression instantly became extremely strange. His mouth was opened widely, and stared till his eyeballs almost popped out. Then, he finally sighed. "It seems that my young master is actually very good at socialising!"

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Chapter 56: Double Dragon Roll Champion

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The Drunken Immortal Restaurant, was already the best restaurant in the Huai An County. But, today was clearly much livelier than before. Except, this liveliness seemed to feel more like noise and clamour.

"Get that lecher out, I saw him go in!"

"Yes, today I swear I will fight that lecher with my life"

"If I don't kill that lecher, I am not human!"

A crowd of scholars dressed in brocade clothes blocked the entrance of the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, shouting at the top of their voices. Yet, nobody really dared to cross that doorstep.

Because…

At the door, there was a Three Eyed Scarlet Flame Tiger, and a strong bearded man.

A few scholars who weren't afraid of death had already tried. At this moment, they were lying on the ground, groaning continuously, serving as an effective warning to others.

As the cause of the commotion, Fang Zhengzhi still seemed rather good. Sitting in a private room on the second level beside the window, he could see clearly the scene unfolding on the streets below the building, hence, he naturally saw how extreme the strong bearded man's actions were.

The exquisite dishes on the table had been more or less finished, yet the wine they drank was extremely little. Both Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu, seeming to have a great rapport with each other, stopped at tasting, and didn't drink further.

Furthermore, in what seemed like an even greater rapport, after the dishes were served, they hadn't even spoke a single word.

It felt as if they were extremely close friends.

Finishing their food, Yan Xiu paid the bill, as if everything was only to be expected.

Then, Yan Xiu fished out a silver note and passed it towards Fang Zhengzhi. "Here!"

Fang Zhengzhi received it, took a look, realised that it was a thousand tael silver note, smiled, and pushed the note back to Yan Xiu.

Yan Xiu was puzzled, but didn't take the initiative to ask.

"We are now already friends!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled. Even though this Yan Xiu's outward appearance was as cold as an ice cube, but inside, he was as pure as a white piece of paper.

"Grandfather said, I must be sincere towards my friends!" Yan Xiu was confused.

"What your grandfather said is right. Friends must indeed be sincere towards one another. Since you have already treated me to a meal, as an exchange, I can answer some of your questions!" Fang Zhengzhi continued to smile.

"Hmm, I wanted to know why did you employ such a method to unveil Yun Qingwu's veil?" Yan Xiu looked at Fang Zhengzhi and asked the question that had been in his heart all along.

"Because, I prefer things to be a little simpler, and a little more direct!" Fang Zhengzhi replied earnestly.

"Aren't you afraid of being misunderstood as a lecher?" Yan Xiu continued to ask.

"Since even you said it's a misunderstanding, what do I have to be afraid of?" Fang Zhengzhi answered with his own question.

"That's true!" Yan Xiu earnestly pondered over Fang Zhengzhi's words, then, nodded his head.

"Let's go!"

"Alright!"

The two people walked down the building side by side, then, shoulder to shoulder, walked towards the doorstep of the Drunken Immortal Restaurant.

Fang Zhengzhi swaggered out of the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, yet, those scholars that previously wanted to fight Fang Zhengzhi with their life didn't move at all.

Because, beside Fang Zhengzhi, stood Yan Xiu.

Nobody was stupid enough to fight Yan Xiu with their lives, because, that was simply giving their life away! All of the scholars watched with their mouths closed, as if they had swallowed a fly, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Yan Xiu actually walked together with this lecher?

This lecher is only a country bumpkin, why would the great Yan Xiu associate himself with him?

They were simply people from two different worlds!

The scholars didn't dare to believe, but, from what was unfolding before their eyes, it seemed that the lecher and Yan Xiu were truly good friends. Because, they walked shoulder to shoulder.

Afterwards, an even more ridiculous scene occurred.

The lecher actually bid goodbye to Yan Xiu at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant doorstep, and even exchanged a proper nobleman's expression of courtesy.

"They really know each other?"

"That's not possible, they didn't even exchange a sentence in the Hundred Flower Gathering!"

"Then, that exchange of courtesy just now… furthermore, they walked out together from the Drunken Immortal Restaurant?"

Nobody was able to understand this, because, there was simply nobody who would believe that the great Yan Xiu would eat with a person he knew for less than an hour, and even paying the bill.

Then, they recalled the scene when Fang Zhengzhi appeared in the Hundred Flower Gathering, and thought of polite and respectful state of Meng Yushu after he stood up from being pulled down by Fang Zhengzhi.

Suddenly...

They seemed to have understood something.

When Fang Zhengzhi left, nobody followed anymore. Because, they knew that even if Fang Zhengzhi was really a lecher, they were definitely not capable of becoming his enemy.

Exiting from the Huai An County west gate, a blue Silver Scale Horse had appeared under Fang Zhengzhi. Its name was very domineering, but compared to the Snow Tredding Dragon Stallion, its height, weight and lineage was definitely no match.

The reason it was called Silver Scale was very simple. Because on this horse's forehead, there was a triangular piece of silver scale. There was ultimately some lineage behind it, at least it managed to grow a piece of scale.

But what use was that?

It could only be used for show.

"Ride!" A light cry sounded, and the Silver Scale Horse began to dash after exiting the gate, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake as it ran along the narrow horse lane, and crossed over the numerous plots of land that were filled with hope.

After galloping wildly for a total of three hours, the glaring sun that hung up high in the skies began to set gradually. A barely discernible village in the faint mist began to slowly appear in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

This village's name, was Northern Mountain Village!

"Zhengzhi is back!"

"Sneaking off to the county again? Village chief is waiting for you!"

Watching Fang Zhengzhi appear, they greeted him enthusiastically. After all, within these few years, Fang Zhengzhi's contribution to the Northern Mountain Village spoke for itself.

"Alright!" Fang Zhengzhi called out in reply, then urged his horse, galloped towards a courtyard with a stone-built two-storied house and stopped.

It was perfectly squarish, designed personally by Fang Zhengzhi, and built by the combined efforts of the villagers of Northern Southern Village. It was strong, sturdy, shielded the wind and blocked the rain, and its appearance and ventilation were all top notch.

"Mum!" Once he entered the small courtyard, Fang Zhengzhi immediately brought the Silver Scale Horse into the stable.

"Zhengzhi is back, have you eaten?" A concerned voice sounded out, immediately after, a woman dressed in a green long skirt walked out from the stone house within the courtyard.

Her silky long hair lightly draped over her shoulders, he skin was white as snow and her features were like a painting. From the outside, she looked at most twenty-four to twenty-five, and didn't seem like a person over thirty years of age at all.

This person was Qin Xuelian.

"I have more or less eaten!" Fang Zhengzhi walked to Qin Xuelian's side and moved his face in front of Qin Xuelian.

Qin Xuelian instantly leaned over and gave Fang Zhengzhi a kiss, then a satisfied expression appeared on her face. Turning around and pulling along Fang Zhengzhi, she walked into the house.

Fang Zhengzhi could only accept this helplessly.

Because this was only of Qin Xuelian's hobby, one that persisted since young till now. She had to give him a kiss!

"Eat a little more, mum had made some nice food for you. Your Uncle Yang Ping had also delivered quite a few animals to our house, that underground "storeroom" you made is almost completely full." Qin Xuelian nagged.

"Oh, then I should indeed eat more, where's dad?" When Fang Zhengzhi entered the house, he didn't see Fang Houde at home.

"He's having a chat at Uncle Yang Ping's house, he seems to be waiting for you. But you don't have to rush, it's not too late to go over after finishing your food!" As Qin Xuelian spoke, she carried out a bowl of steaming meat broth and placed it in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi inhaled and savoured the aroma.

Qin Xuelian's culinary skills were top-notch. These few years in the Northern Mountain Village, Fang Zhengzhi ate really well, except, this Uncle Yang Ping who was now the village chief wanted to find him today.

It seemed that...

He who comes is surely ill-intentioned!

"The Law of Dao examinations, I have already waited eight years, it's about time!" Fang Zhengzhi finished the last mouthful of soup in the bowl, looked at the bright moonlight outside his window, and a name suddenly appeared in his mind.

"Chi Guyan, Hidden Dragon Roll, Rising Dragon Roll, Double Dragon Roll Champion! Fully deserving of being the number one scholar in the entire younger generation of the Great Xia Dynasty, she is truly incredible!"

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Chapter 57: Heaven Dao

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The birds soared up high into the sky, and the lonely clouds drifted leisurely across the skies.

Within craggy mountain stones, on a thousand feet high cliff, a huge golden hall was stood. On the outside, which was decorated with pristine white jade tiles established among the lush green trees, countless gifted scholars and beautiful ladies dressed in white walked about.

In front of the huge golden hall, a piece of pitch-black tablet stood proudly in the mountains, on it imprinted two large words - "Heaven Dao"!

"Missus, there's a message from the constabulary!" Behind the large hall, outside a quiet wooden attic, a lady dressed in a green long skirt, a green jade hairpin in her hair, waited carefully outside the doorstep.

"Speak!" Within the attic, a crisp voice sounded out. Even though it was only one word, but when it entered people's ears, it sounded as clear as the cries of a hundred birds.

"Ten days later, it would be the Duan King's twenty-year-old celebration feast, the Lord wishes that Missus would attend!" The lady instantly replied.

"Reject!" The voice sounded once again from within the attic, as usual, there was only one word.

"Yes, Missus!" When the lady heard this, she didn't dare to ask any further and quickly withdrew.

After the lady backed away, a faint sigh came from within the attic. "Sigh… Father Lord's method of dealing with things are always so extreme. People said that me achieving the Double Dragon Roll Champion was to assist my father, yet who would know that this was only to protect him!"

In the Northern Mountain Village, within a small stone courtyard, a huge animal hanged on a huge wooden rack. Below the animal, a bonfire was burning strong, and a rich aroma wafted in the air.

"Houde, these ingredients are about to be finished. You need to ask that child Zhengzhi to get more for me, else you will have nothing to eat next time!" Beside the bonfire, a man with a few strands of silver hair laughed as he swallowed down a bowl of wine.

"Ha ha… you have to tell him this yourself, I can't make this decision!" Fang Houde, sitting beside the man, was also holding a bowl of wine at this moment. Except, one of his arm was completely made out of a certain white coloured metal.

"Dad, Uncle Yangping!" At this moment, a rather indolent voice called out from outside the courtyard.

"Ah, Zhengzhi is here! Quick, quick sit down and accompany uncle to drink!" When the man with a few strands of silver hair heard this voice, his eyes instantly lit up and hurriedly walked out to welcome him in.

This was the previous Northern Mountain Village hunting squad deputy captain, and now the village chief of the Northern Mountain Village, Zhang Yangping.

"Accompany you to drink? I have no interest in that… here, ingredients!" Outside the courtyard, Fang Zhengzhi, wearing a coarse blue robe, instantly revealed a look of disdain after hearing Zhang Yangping's words, and casually threw a huge bag of ingredients to Zhang Yangping.

Zhang Yangping instantly caught it with both hands, as if it was treasure, and beamed even more delightedly.

"Ha ha ha… Zhengzhi indeed knows me well!" Zhang Yangping quickly kept the ingredients and pulled Fang Zhengzhi to sit down beside the bonfire. "Zhengzhi, I have discussed with your dad, and the entire village had agreed. From now on, you will be the captain of the hunting squad!"

"Captain? Isn't it deputy captain?" Fang Zhengzhi asked curiously.

"Houde, look at your son, ha ha ha… how can he be a deputy captain? Of course he must be a proper captain! Furthermore, please don't run off outside again, after all, I am already old, there are some matters in the village which you have to familiarise yourself with sooner or later!" Zhang Yangping laughed, his expression looked if he was blaming Fang Zhengzhi. Yet, he was secretly analysing the change in Fang Zhengzhi's expression.

"Uncle Yangping, why don't you consider Brother Li?" Fang Zhengzhi's expression didn't change much, and continued to smile faintly.

"That kid, how can he compare to you!" Zhang Yangping waved his hands.

"I admit I can't compare to Brother Zhengzhi, but I definitely can win you!" An unconvinced voice came from within the stone house, then, a youth with a tough and stocky build walked out, his hands carrying two jugs of wine.

"Ah, stupid boy, you dare to act tough in front of your dad? Come, let's compare today!" When Zhang Yangping heard this, he instantly stood up and received the jug of wine from the youth and prepared to pour.

"Stop acting Uncle Yangping! I know the reason why you called me here today!" Fang Zhengzhi eyed the people in front of him, twitched his mouth and felt rather helpless.

"Ha ha…" Zhang Yangping laughed, a somewhat awkward expression appearing on his face. "That Law of Dao examination is too difficult, furthermore you self-studied these few years. Look at those people in the Southern Mountain Village, they had studied for so many years, yet nobody was able to pass the capital's Law of Dao examination!"

"That's right, Brother Zhengzhi! No matter how powerful you are, even if you are not able to pass the theory examination, it would still be useless!" At this moment, the stocky youth at the side urged.

"How about, wait another two years?" Zhang Yangping probed.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, two years ago, Uncle Yangping seemed to have said that same thing?" Fang Zhengzhi walked up to the bonfire and slid his hand across the prey, and a huge chunk of meat ended up in his heads.

Placing it in his mouth and chewing, his mouth filled with oil.

"Even though that's true, but, you have also seen, there were many bouts of continuous droughts these few years, the animals on the Cang Ling Mountain also seemed to have become lesser and lesser. Furthermore, the population of the village has been increasing…"

"That's why there is a greater need to participate in the Law of Dao examinations. As long as I can pass, then we can be exempted from tax!" Fang Zhengzhi interrupted Zhang Yangping's sentence midway.

"But there's no way you would be able to pass? The Law of Dao examinations, from the county examinations, to the capital examinations, at least a few months is required to finish the examinations. If you leave, I am afraid that the village…" A look of worry appeared on Zhang Yangping's face.

"Uncle Yangping, here is a silver note, it will be able to support the village for a while!" When Fang Zhengzhi finished speaking, he fished out a hundred tael silver note and handed it over.

"This is? A hundred taels?!" Zhang Yangping received the silver note from Fang Zhengzhi's hands, his face full of doubt. Then, looking at the note, his jaws instantly dropped, his face filled with disbelief.

"Ha ha ha… actually, Brother Yangping need not worry. I still have some savings at home, if the village comes to any harm, you just have to tell me!" Fang Houde looked at the silver note on Zhang Yangping's hands, then looked at Fang Zhengzhi, a smile appearing on his face.

"Aye…" Zhang Yangping sighed.

Fang Zhengzhi knew, from this sigh onwards, his journey towards the Law of Dao examinations had officially begun.

For these eight years, the village had been constantly against him participating in the Law of Dao examinations.

Fang Zhengzhi also didn't forcefully participate. After all, he could leave easily, but his parents in the village would be scolded. Even though after the examinations, the scolding towards his parents would disappear, but when he thought of the scene eight years ago when his parents were exiled from the Southern Mountain Village, he couldn't bear to let his parents suffer like that anymore. Not even for a day!

As such, he had to seek Zhang Yangping's agreement!

And in order to ensure that his parents or the village would have any fantasies, even when he occasionally entered the city, he would never ask about matters related to the Law of Dao examinations.

Anyway, Fang Zhengzhi felt that as long as he participated, he would definitely pass. Rules? Were they even important?

On the second morning, news of Fang Zhengzhi intending to participate in the Law of Dao examinations spread like a wild gust of wild throughout the entire Northern Mountain Village. Each and every household began to discuss the news, even the Southern Mountain Village across the mountain had also received the news.

"Fang Zhengzhi is going to participate in the Law of Dao examinations, did you know?"

"How can I not know! I heard that in order to participate in the Law of Dao examinations, this child Zhengzhi had even specially donated a hundred taels of silver to the village!"

"A hundred taels? That's incredible!"

"But the Law of Dao examinations is impossible to pass, sigh… but since Zhengzhi is so determined, and wants to take a look, we can treat it as him taking some time off to go see the world!"

"Obviously it is to see the world! What else? Don't tell me he still can pass? Ha ha ha… if self-studying can make one pass the Law of Dao examinations, I will instantly finish eating the entire patch of pumpkins at my house!"

"Ha ha ha, your pumpkin patch contains a few thousand pounds of pumpkins, can you finish eating it?"

"I promise I will finish it in a day, ha ha ha…"

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Chapter 58: Registration Qualifications

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As the Northern Mountain Village villagers discussed about Fang Zhengzhi's participation in the Law of Dao examinations, the Southern Mountain Village had started an emergency meeting.

Ding Qingshan's expression seemed rather ugly.

In reality, after he knew that Fang Zhengzhi had shifted to the Northern Mountain Village, his expression had never been happy. Because, within the time of less than a month, almost the entire outskirts of the Cang Ling Mountain had been occupied by the Northern Mountain Village.

Ding Qingshan had tried to think of other ideas, but unfortunately, they were completely useless.

After which, he had even considered informing the Divine Constabulary about Fang Zhengzhi's whereabouts so that the Divine Constabulary would take him away. Unfortunately, within the entire eight years, the Divine Constabulary had never again set foot upon the Southern Mountain Village.

He had also mentioned this to the Hall of Dao's Sir, Wang Anhua, but Wang Anhua only smiled. Nobody knew that Wang Anhua had already informed the Divine Constabulary a long time ago.

Hence, the only reply he received was these three words, "I don't know".

"Today is the eighth year, if we can't pass again this time, then…" Ding Qingshan's seemed rather anxious, because, he remembered very clearly the scene from eight years ago.

"Brother Qingshan, don't worry! This time, I have full confidence! Furthermore, Huer is also well prepared, I am confident that he will pass the county examinations!" Li Zhuangshi's voice rang out.

Ding Qingshan looked at Li Zhuangshi and nodded. Just as the previous village chief, Meng Bai, expected, even though Li Zhuangshi indeed stepped out of his boundaries eight years ago, but he was indeed the Southern Mountain Village's only hope.

Because, within these eight years, Li Zhuangshi was the only person who had successfully passed the county Law of Dao examinations.

He just needed to enter the First-Class Roll in the capital examinations in order to achieve success.

"What do you feel… about the possibility of Fang Zhengzhi passing the Law of Dao examinations?" Ding Qingshan looked at the crowd once again and expressed his worries.

"Impossible!" Li Zhuangshi promised.

"Brother Li, how can you be so sure?" Ding Qingshan knew that there was resentment between Li Zhuangshi and Fang Zhengzhi. After hearing Li Zhuangshi's words, he was indeed dubious.

"If we talk about the combat examinations, Fang Zhengzhi would definitely be able to pass the county Law of Dao examination. But for the theory examination, he would definitely not be able to pass! How can a person who self-studies understand the words of the wise men? What he read, is only surface-level! Furthermore, there are two rounds of theory examinations in the county, if he isn't able to pass these two rounds, he won't even have the opportunity to participate in the combat examinations!" Li Zhuangshi explained to Ding Qingshan.

"But what if?" Ding Qingshan was still slightly uneasy.

"There is no what if! Going back a million steps, even if he really had the capability of passing the Law of Dao examinations, he would still not be able to pass it. Brother Qingshan don't worry!" Li Zhuangshi seemed very sure of himself.

"Why is that?" Ding Qingshan asked puzzledly.

"Because, he doesn't even have the qualifications to register for it!" Li Zhuangshi laughed out loud coldly.

It was already one day before the Law of Dao examinations.

The sun rose up high in the sky. After breakfast, Fang Zhengzhi casually packed his luggage in the small courtyard, and outside the small courtyard, there was a crowd of villagers pointing things out.

"Zhengzhi, aren't you going to participate in the examinations? Why haven't you left yet?"

"That's right, the sun is about to reach its highest point!"

"I saw that the Southern Mountain Village's side had already left once the sky started to brighten, don't you need to reach the county early to make preparations?"

The villagers "enthusiastically" inquired Fang Zhengzhi, even though their tone wasn't very nice, but their faces were filled with smiles. They didn't have any ill-intent at all.

"I have completed my preparations!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled and mounted the Silver Scale Horse.

Qin Xuelian once again ran out from within the house, holding a few big bags of roasted meat wrapped in yellow paper. "Zhengzhi, take these meats to eat on your journey, don't be hungry!"

"Ok, thanks mum!" Fang Zhengzhi received it and then lightly pulled the horse reins.

The Silver Scale Horse let out a delighted, low neigh, then gradually made its way around the villagers, and strode unhurriedly towards the entrance of the village.

"Sister Xuelian don't worry, Zhengzhi will come back within a few days, he won't take too long!"

"That's right, I heard the theory exam in the Law of Dao Examinations is really hard!"

"If Zhengzhi can't pass the theory examinations, he can return right after?"

"That's of course!"

"That's great! After a few days I can follow Brother Zhengzhi up the mountains to hunt again!"

The villagers discussed spiritedly, even Qin Xuelian wasn't angered when she heard these chattering. "I believe he still might be lucky and somehow make it pass the first round with his cleverness?"

"Ha ha ha…" The villagers laughed and then dispersed.

When Fang Zhengzhi, who hadn't journeyed too far away, heard Qin Xuelian's words, he almost fell off the Silver Scale Horse and didn't feel very good.

"Mum, you are my mum!"

"Ride!" After leaving the village, Fang Zhengzhi increased his pace. Even though the Silver Scale Horse wasn't as noble as the Snow Tredding Dragon Stallion, he still had to spent twenty silver pieces in order to purchase it.

The entire Northern Mountain Village only had this one horse, and the Southern Mountain Village? Naturally it was impossible that it would have one.

If not for the Silver Scale Horse, Fang Zhengzhi would be forced to painstakingly follow the Southern Mountain Village, journeying in the dark before the sun even rose. The happiness he felt now didn't need any further mentioning.

Galloping wildly the entire way.

Around two kilometres from the Huai An County, Fang Zhengzhi encountered the group of people from the Southern Mountain Village rushing to participate in the examinations.

Li Huer, who was the same age as Fang Zhengzhi, was also among the group. He wore a short robe, with his thick eyebrows and sturdy, dark figure, he bore some resemblance to Li Zhuangshi.

"Oh, Fang Zhengzhi, you really intend to participate in the Law of Dao examinations?" Li Huer just happened to turn around, and instantly saw Fang Zhengzhi riding the Silver Scale Horse. Even though his tone was sour, but when he saw the Silver Scale Horse, he was filled with envy.

"That's right!" Fang Zhengzhi halted the Silver Scale Horse and rode alongside Li Huer and the rest of the group.

"Zhengzhi, even though there is some misunderstanding between our families, but we indeed still have the bond of being from the same village. I see you have also grown up, but this Law of Dao examinations is not the same as hunting on the mountains, it is too difficult! Unfortunately, I still have to prepare for the capital examinations, else I can take some time off to help you out a bit!"

Li Zhuangshi looked at Fang Zhengzhi and instantly assumed the position of a senior. In his heart, after this capital Law of Dao examinations, he would likely be recruited into the Divine Constabulary, and his future would be limitless.

"Uncle Li, in this capital examination, I hope you don't screw up again?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled lightly, and pulled the horse's reins. The Silver Scale Horse brayed loudly and galloped off into the distance.

Leaving behind a cloud of swirling dust...

Li Zhuangshi choked on a mouthful of horse-hoof mud, and coughed violently.

"Dad, why didn't you tell him about the Law of Dao examinations qualification requirements just now?" Li Huer initially wanted to speak, but was interrupted by Li Zhuangshi, hence he was somewhat puzzled.

"What do you know? Fang Zhengzhi has too many tricks up his sleeves! I am afraid that if I tell him that now, with his cleverness, he might actually really think of an idea! Hence, the later he knows the better. When he is unable to enter the examination venue, he can only gloomily return back to the village, ha ha ha…" Li Zhuangshi gazed at the vanishing Fang Zhengzhi and laughed.

"Dad is indeed smart! Once dad passes this capital examinations, you will be able to enter the Divine Constabulary. When the time comes, you must make sure Fang Zhengzhi suffers the consequences!" Li Huer beamed with pride.

"Nonsense! You better remember this, Fang Zhengzhi is not our enemy!" When Li Zhuangshi heard Li Huer's words, his expression instantly changed.

"Why isn't Fang Zhengzhi our enemy? I don't quite understand…" Li Huer was rather confused.

"Because his dad and your dad grew up together! We also entered the hunting squad together! Sigh… the truth is, eight years ago, I did that only because I was afraid of Fang Zhengzhi snatching your spot in the Hall of Dao. But in the end, he simply didn't need to snatch your place in the Hall of Dao. Hence, the Li family ultimately owes the Fang family! But, even though I don't wish to harm him, I also don't wish for him to become stronger!"

Li Zhuangshi looked at Li Huer's confused expression, and felt rather resentful that Li Huer didn't meet his expectations.

"These few years, even though Fang Zhengzhi had occupied the Cang Ling Mountain outskirts, with some intention of becoming king of the mountain, but he didn't completely eradicate everyone. Else, how can the Southern Mountain Village survive till now?"

"I understand!" Li Huer nodded.

"Uncle Li is right, even though my grandfather lost his position as village chief because of Fang Zhengzhi, but, I don't hate him!" Within the crowd, a youth who was slightly older than Li Huer spoke. It was Meng Bai's grandson, Meng Jiangshan.

The Law of Dao examination registration had already begun a month ago, even though it was only a day away from the Law of Dao examinations, but, the registration area was completely desolated.

Hence, without even queuing at all, Fang Zhengzhi stood in front of the registration official.

"Registration!"

"Hall of Dao token, Hall of Dao recommendation letter!" The registration official was yawning at this moment and prepared to pack up after an hour. When he suddenly heard someone wanting to register, then looking at the coarse blue robe the other party wore, he became slightly annoyed.

"Hall of Dao token? Recommendation letter? What are those?" Fang Zhengzhi's face with filled with puzzlement.

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Chapter 59: Iron Fist Method

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

But, confusion was confusion. Fang Zhengzhi still managed to react quickly.

Regarding things like "God of doors blocking the way", he was rather familiar. In a flash, he played along and prepared to unleash his 'iron fist method".

Then, Fang Zhengzhi pretended to search about his body, until the other party started to become annoyed, then flashed a smile he believed was very bright at the registration official.

"Lord official, I seem to have forgotten, I was rushing to register, please accommodate me this time!"

"If you don't have the Hall of Dao token and recommendation letter, you cannot register!" The registration official shook his head without a second thought.

"I really forgot to bring, and my village is far away, I can't make it in time!" Fang Zhengzhi's eyes darted, and out of the blue, a piece of broken silver dropped out from within his sleeves.

This was the essence of his iron fist method!

Expectedly, the registration official's eyes lit up and his gaze swept across his surroundings. Then, very quickly, he picked up the piece of broken silver.

"Without the Hall of Dao token and recommendation later, I have no way to enter your name into the list. You really cannot register, go back and take it!" The registration official helplessly shook his head, then placed the piece of broken silver back into Fang Zhengzhi's hands.

Having such a tedious job, yet not even being able to keep the silver on his hands, who would be able to understand the pain in his heart?

Fang Zhengzhi was slightly speechless, what happened to the iron fist method? What was wrong here?

Even silver couldn't be used, that meant he couldn't fool around leisurely anymore. He can't register? After waiting eight years, he waited to be told that he couldn't register?! This is completely illogical!

What to do if I can't register?

The Fang Zhengzhi who initially walked along the streets of the Huai An County brimming with confidence instantly felt a sense of misery after such an incident.

He had to think of an idea…

Hall of Dao token, recommendation letter? Isn't this a little too difficult? Don't tell me they can't even give people the responsibility and space for self-studying? They indeed had to attend the Hall of Dao?

Fang Zhengzhi detested this unreasonable rule.

Up until now, he had more or less understood why Village Chief Meng Bai would make such a decision eight years ago. In this world, if one couldn't even enter the Hall of Dao, how could they even have a chance to pass the Law of Dao examinations?

But, when I left the village, why did nobody tell me this?

Fang Zhengzhi gazed towards the direction of the Northern Mountain Village and quickly shook his head. The Northern Mountain Village didn't even have a Hall of Dao, naturally, nobody had ever participated in the Law of Dao examinations. This regulation for registering, who would even know it?

What to do?

If he really wasn't able to register, he definitely couldn't just gloomily return back to the village?

No!

This kind of problems…

"I can't do this!"

Fang Zhengzhi gritted his teeth. He had already completed, with great difficulty, the job of "convincing" Zhang Yangping, no matter what he couldn't go back. He had to think of a method to participate.

If that really wasn't possible...

Then make a fake one!

But what did the Hall of Dao token and recommendation letter look like? This wasn't very easy to fake. I believe that when I finish making one, the registration area would probably have closed?

Wait a minute, since it is already counterfeiting, why don't I directly make a 'examination card'?

Fang Zhengzhi's eyes lit up, and instantly saw a ray of light in the pitch-black darkness. His future was bright.

Then...

Let me find a real examination card to refer to now!

Finding a target was simply no challenge at all to Fang Zhengzhi, no challenge at all! Currently, the Huai An County was filled with scholars coming from all over to participate in the Law of Dao examinations

And the biggest assembly areas, were naturally restaurants and inns.

If he struck at the restaurants…

It seemed like a good idea, they were messy and crowded and one bit of negligence could get him a card. But, it would be too hard to return after obtaining it.

Ruining people's future after studying painstakingly for so many years was something Fang Zhengzhi would never do. Hence, he decided to strike at the inns, finding a few luggage at random, no matter what he should be able to obtain a few examination cards?

Coming and going as he pleases, just like the wind!

Then...

After Fang Zhengzhi casually assessed a few inns, an examination card was found.

"Turns out the examination card in this world is simple as such?" Fang Zhengzhi stared at the small squarish paper card on his hands and wanted to swear. Weren't the officials being a little stingy?

Things such as photographs naturally didn't exist in this world, even the name was directly written on the card. The only difficulty was the official stamp and the examination number.

The official stamp was simple, and was instantly settled within a matter of minutes. Carving out a few exquisite flowers was indeed difficult, but carving out a few words wasn't too much of a problem.

As for examination number…

Fang Zhengzhi felt that he could fill in a large number, ensuring that there wouldn't be any repeats and conflicts.

Within the time of less than half an hour, everything was settled.

Fang Zhengzhi had even spiritedly made a few extras. Staring at the faked examination cards in his hand, Fang Zhengzhi sighed silently to himself. Turned out that creating false documents in this world wasn't hard at all!

Little did he imagine that for things such as participating in the Law of Dao examinations, who else would even falsify anything?

The second day, a cool breeze swept across the surface of the earth, and the sun shone brightly in the sky. It was a good weather.

In the early morning, like ants, the scholars participating in the Law of Dao examinations filled up the "Qingfeng Academy".

As the largest academy in the Huai An County, the Qingfeng Academy couldn't be compared to the standard village Hall of Dao. It was a place where students in the county studied the Law of Dao and investigated the Dao of All Creations.

Built with red bricks and glazed tiles, it was wide, spacious and glittering with light.

And today, it was used as the theory examination venue for the Law of Dao examination.

Two rows of armoured county guards stood guard at the entrance of the Qingfeng Academy, while the scholars waited at the door painstakingly.

Within the crowd, Li Huer looked around to find a familiar figure. After a round of searching, he couldn't find any.

"Ha ha ha, he indeed didn't come!" Li Huer laughed happily.

But, not too long later, his laughter froze. Because, in the distance, a youth dressed in a coarse blue robe strolled towards his location, humming a little tune.

"Fang Zhengzhi, why… are you here?" Li Huer was slightly unable to believe this. Could it be that the registration counter didn't inform him that he couldn't register without the Hall of Dao token and recommendation letter?

Li Zhuangshi and Meng Jiangshan also noticed Fang Zhengzhi at this moment, each of them revealing a similarly shocked expression.

This didn't make sense?

At this moment, shouldn't Fang Zhengzhi be gloomily returning back to the village?

"I am here to participate in the examinations!" Fang Zhengzhi said in a matter-of-fact tone. Obviously, he was here to participate in the examinations, else could it be that he was here to admire the scenery?

"Examinations?! Can you even enter?" Li Huer's expression turned into one of despise. He obviously didn't believe that Fang Zhengzhi really had some way to register successfully.

When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he instantly understood that Li Huer and the rest should had known that he wasn't qualified to register. But, with the documents in his hand, everything was possible. He didn't bother with such details.

"I think… I can!" Fang Zhengzhi was frank, without a single bit of diffidence.

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Chapter 60: Sound of the Gong

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Can? You think you can?! Ha ha ha… how is that possible!" Li Huer was slightly taken aback, then immediately after, a wave of laughter erupted.

Li Zhuangshi and Meng Jiangshan were also shaking their head, smiling, at this moment. How could a person without even the necessary registration qualifications enter the examination venue?

I suppose he didn't even know that the Law of Dao examinations required registration in advance?

He indeed stayed too long in the village and haven't seen the world, he's too naive...

"Let's go, I believe there's still some time left. Let's go earn some money first!" Li Zhuangshi didn't pay any further attention to Fang Zhengzhi and instead, led Li Huer and the rest to a spot crowded with people.

Earn money?

Fang Zhengzhi's eyes lit up and instantly followed.

Very quickly, he saw a huge tree surrounded by people, these people were mostly young masters dressed in flowery clothes. Three rings of people in the inside, three rings on the outside, it indeed seemed very crowded.

"Guess the role, guess the role, the top three First-Class Roll scholars in the theory examinations! Guess correctly and you will earn!" A wave of shouting sounded out from within the crowd.

"Top three First-Class Roll scholars? That's definitely going to contain me!" When Fang Zhengzhi heard, he instantly believed that this was a great opportunity to turn rich. If he missed this opportunity, he would have to wait another two years.

On the other hand, Li Zhuangshi and the rest had already squeezed their way into the crowd, but, very quickly, they came back out.

"Sigh… this Meng Yushu's rate, isn't it a little too low?" Li Zhuangshi seemed rather unhappy.

"Uncle Li, I heard that this Meng Yushu had already accessed Dao, logically, he should be able to directly participate in the capital examinations. His purpose of coming to the county examinations is just for leisure and gain the title of Double Roll Champion. It's normal for him to have such a low rate!" Meng Jiangshan spoke, seeming to have understood.

"True! At least it's an investment that will definitely pay off!" Li Zhuangshi sighed and prepared to leave.

"You really want to buy Meng Yushu? You will lose!" Fang Zhengzhi felt that he had to remind these people. Their foresight was too poor, don't tell me they can't even see this Roll Champion standing right in front of them?"

"Don't buy Meng Yushu? Don't tell me we have to buy you? Ha ha ha…" When Li Zhuangshi heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, he instantly began to laugh, seeming to be extremely confident in the information he had.

"Yes, I think if you buy me, you will win!" Fang Zhengzhi replied confidently.

"Ha ha ha… you can't even enter the examination venue, buy you?!" Li Zhuangshi once again began to laugh, then paying no further attention to Fang Zhengzhi, swung his arms and squeezed into the crowd.

Fang Zhengzhi also squeezed, but, his method was not exactly the same. Li Zhuangshi used brute force, while Fang Zhengzhi used the indirect technique of stepping on toes.

'Ouch!"

"Ow… who stepped on my feet!"

Like a gust of wind, Fang Zhengzhi overtook Li Zhuangshi and reached the front of the counter.

Li Zhuangshi was already sweating profusely as he squeezed among the crowd. When he suddenly realised that Fang Zhengzhi had already reached the front of the counter, his eyes instantly widened. "What method did this kid use?"

"Buy Fang Zhengzhi!" When Fang Zhengzhi reached the counter, he instantly put down ten silver pieces.

"He really bought himself?!" Among the crowd, Li Zhuangshi heard Fang Zhengzhi's words and was filled with disbelief. Isn't this downright dumb? He can't even enter the examination venue, yet he still betted on himself?

Li Huer and the rest, who were also squeezing among the crowd, had also heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, and were similarly shocked. Was Fang Zhengzhi stupid? He definitely wasn't.

Then why would he spend money to buy himself?

Don't tell me he really had a way of entering the examination venue? Is this even possible?

When the boy servant who was busy collecting money at the counter suddenly heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, he was similar stunned.

Almost everybody here bought Meng Yushu, hence, he already held a bunch of paper slips with Meng Yushu written on it, giving out one to almost everybody who came. He just had to write the amount of money they wished to bet on it.

But out of the blue, there was someone buying Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi?

Who is that!

The boy servant didn't even wish to bother with him, but after seeing the twenty pieces of silver in front of him, he finally gritted his teeth and flipped through the name list on his hand. Then, he realised there wasn't even such a person.

"Are you sure this Fang Zhengzhi registered?" The boy servant's tone was rather irritated.

"Oh…" When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he instantly realised a critical problem. It seemed that he… really didn't register?

"This… seems, I can't confirm…"

"Are you crazy? You have to bet on somebody with this ten silver pieces, else I won't take it!" The boy servant was evidently annoyed. Didn't this guy see that he was busy? He must be here to cause trouble.

Fang Zhengzhi was a reasonable person, and most importantly, his gambling character was strong. Since he had already took out the money, doing something that lacked character such as keeping it back was something he wasn't exactly very willing to do.

"Fang Zhengzhi, why not you just follow us and buy Meng Yushu!" Li Zhuangshi had finally made his way over at this moment, looked at the ten pieces of silver on the table and sighed.

"Alright, then I'll bet that Meng Yushu doesn't make it to the top three in the theory examinations!"

Fang Zhengzhi's voice wasn't loud, but it instantly caused the bustling crowd to quieten down. But not too long later, the silence turned into roars of laughter.

"Ha ha ha… he actually betted that Meng Yushu would not make it into the top three?!"

"Did I hear this correctly? A person who had accessed Dao, not making it into the top three of the theory examinations? How could such a thing even be possible!"

"Exactly, he must be here to give away money!"

Within the crowd, the look on everybody's faces as they looked at Fang Zhengzhi was as if they had seen a fool.

Even Li Zhuangshi, Li Huer and the rest looked at the ten silver pieces and shook their heads. Who would have known that the famously clever Fang Zhengzhi in the Southern and Northern Mountain Village had become a fool when he entered the county?

Fang Zhengzhi happily walked out from the crowd, holding on to the bill of warrant that the boy servant had written, completely ignoring the crowd's discussions.

Fool?

You people are the fools!

Fang Zhengzhi didn't feel that he would lose any money at all. Based on the information he had obtained visiting the county the previous time, he knew very clearly that Meng Yushu was full of respect towards Yan Xiu.

That meant that Yan Xiu's abilities were definitely stronger than Meng Yushu.

Furthermore, Yan Xiu's age and his were around the same, hence naturally he would participate in the Law of Dao examinations. After calculation, Yan Xiu would occupy a spot, he would occupy another spot.

The last spot would be simple.

All he needed to do was to do some tampering, write out another copy of his answer, make some minor edits and randomly toss it over to a candidate near him. He would instantly rise meteorically and become the top three in the theory examinations.

A ten times pay-out!

In a blink of an eye, ten silver pieces would become a hundred. It was definitely something to be happy about.

"Boom!"

As Fang Zhengzhi smiled delightedly, a gong sounded from the Qingfeng Academy.

The first gong, entering the venue!

"Ha ha ha… Fang Zhengzhi, the gong has sounded! Let me see how you even enter!" When he heard the gong, Li Huer instantly walked over the Fang Zhengzhi's side and grinned happily.

Li Zhuangshi, Meng Jiangshan and the rest also began to approach him and followed behind Fang Zhengzhi. Their meaning was clear, let's see how you enter!

"Oh, look and see!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled, then strode towards the Qingfeng Academy.

Li Huer and the rest glanced at each other, and followed closely behind.

Not too long later, the queue had reached Fang Zhengzhi.

"Examination card!" The guard in charge of inspecting didn't even bother glancing at Fang Zhengzhi, and shouted out the usual phrase.

Then, Li Huer and the rest of the people following right behind Fang Zhengzhi began to laugh. Ha ha ha, without the examination card, let me see how you enter!

Then…

The smiles on their faces froze.

Because, Fang Zhengzhi very quickly took out a piece of "examination card" and passed it to the guard. The guard was indeed responsible, inspecting the examination card closely, the finally threw it into a wooden box at the side.

"Enter!"

Fang Zhengzhi smiled, thanked him sincerely and stepped in.

When Li Huer, Li Zhuangshi and the rest witnessed this, their eyeballs almost fell out of their sockets. They were simply unable to believe what had just happened in front of their eyes.

"He… entered?!"

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Chapter 61: Making such a joke

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Li Huer had thought of many different possibilities, for example, Fang Zhengzhi sneaking in when the guard wasn't paying attention, or hiding behind someone else and then stealthily making his way in.

That was the reason why followed behind Fang Zhengzhi so closely.

But…

He had never thought that Fang Zhengzhi would walk in from the front door in such an honourable way without any tricks!

How is this possible? How can he have the examination card?!

"Guard… Lord Guard, I want to make a report! His real name is Fang Zhengzhi, that examination card just now definitely belongs to someone else!" The last possibility Li Huer thought of was that Fang Zhengzhi had stolen someone else's examination card.

Hence, he decided to prevent this from happening as soon as possible.

Report? That was definitely a rare and interesting occurrence. Stealing someone else's examination card? That was even more unheard of! Because, that meant that even if you had managed to passed, it was still be counted as another person's achievement.

Helping others in such a way, who would do that?

When the scholars queuing at the door heard Li Huer's words, they looked over, their faces filled with doubt. Then, they quickly noticed Fang Zhengzhi who was standing at the door.

"Huh? Isn't this the idiot who had just betted Meng Yushu wouldn't make it into the top three?"

"Wait a minute, why do I feel that he looks familiar!"

"I have that feeling too. Aiya! Isn't he that lecher from the Hundred Flower Gathering?!"

A few scholars whose eyes were sharp very quickly realised Fang Zhengzhi's "real identity", and instantly began to discuss.

"Seems that this lecher is called Fang Zhengzhi!"

"Betting that Meng Yushu wouldn't make it into the top three? With his level of intelligence, he actually still dares to participate in the examinations? Let's just wait for him to fail, ha ha ha…"

The discussion grew louder and louder, but the expression of the guard standing in front of Li Huer grew colder and colder.

"Are you mad? Why are you raising a commotion when there is no problem!" As the guard saw the increasing number of people gazing in his direction, he tightened his grip on his blade and prepared himself to preserve order in the venue.

"Lord guard, he is really called Fang Zhengzhi, that examination card definitely doesn't belong to him!" Li Huer didn't understand what the discussion about the lecher was about, but he was very sure that the examination card on Fang Zhengzhi's hands were fake.

"Open your eyes and stare carefully!" At this instant, the guard didn't bother talking to Li Huer anymore, instantly fished out the examination card he threw into the wooden box and shoved it in front of Li Huer's face.

"Fang… Fang Zhengzhi! How… how is this possible?!" Reading the two large words on the card, Li Huer absolutely couldn't believe it.

On the other hand, a delighted grin instantly appeared on the face of Fang Zhengzhi who was standing right at the door.

"Brother Li Huer, you are indeed brave! You really dared to make such a joke with Lord Guard? Alright, you win, I admit I lost the bet. These three coins belong to you now!"

When Fang Zhengzhi finished his sentence, he fished out three coins from his pocket and quickly passed it over to Li Huer.

Li Huer's face instantly darkened. What was the meaning of this? Since when did he make such a bet with Fang Zhengzhi? This was a misunderstanding!

Huh? I actually get three coins…

Li Huer instinctively wanted to reach out his hands, but halfway through the motion, he realised that something seemed to be amiss.

Raising his head, he realised that the expression of the guard was even darker than that of his.

"Ching!" An icy glint flashed.

The guard drew out his blade. He was really infuriated! As a grand guard, he was actually played around by this person who was dressed in such an unsophisticated manner, and furthermore, he only betted three coins?

The pride of a grand guard, is only worth three coins? I dare you to lower it even more!

"Either you die, or you get lost!" The guard's tone turned cold as ice, every single word gave of the feeling of the bursting of an ice bead.

"Lord… Lord guard, it's not what you think it is! I… I cannot get lost, I still need to participate in the examinations. I have the examination card!" Li Huer was instantly scared dumb, but quickly managed to react. He was filled with hate, Fang Zhengzhi's move was too damaging!

But, after thinking about his future, he instantly took out his examination card and placed it in the hands of the guard.

"To hell with your examination guard, get lost to another queue, I don't allow you to enter here!" After all that was said and done, the guard didn't tear up Li Huer's examination card. But, he really couldn't swallow this anger.

"Brother Huer, I can't help you either, looks like you can only slowly go and queue somewhere else!" Fang Zhengzhi laughed again and quickly kept the three coins back into his pockets, and swaggered into the Qingfeng Academy.

Leaving Li Huer to stare after him blankly, shivering alone in the wind.

Li Huer miserably changed his queue to that of another guard. Meng Jiangshan and the rest couldn't stand by idly and watch, hence accompanied him as well. Li Zhuangshi on the other hand had already passed the county examinations and didn't need to take it again, hence he simply walked away.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi was rather busy.

He had to prepare for his plan of transforming ten silver pieces to a hundred.

Hence, he started to scan the surroundings carefully for Yan Xiu. He had to at least speak to Yan Xiu and determine whether he had the confidence of getting into the top three.

Unfortunately…

After a round of searching, he still couldn't find Yan Xiu!

What was this all about? He didn't enter? Or…

Don't tell me he didn't participate in the county examinations?!

When Fang Zhengzhi thought of this point, his forehead instantly beaded with sweat, then something that caused him to sweat even more happened.

"Lecher?! Ha ha ha… I actually met you here, die!" After a wave of laughter, Meng Yushu, dressed in a yellow brocade robe appeared in front of Fang Zhengzhi in a flash. The situation between them was a critical point that could explode any moment.

The scholars seated on their seats waiting for the examination to start were instantly shocked.

Don't tell me they are going to fight?

This was the Qingfeng Academy, the venue of the Law of Dao theory examinations. People actually dared to raise a commotion here?

Grabbing the sword on his hands, an icy glint flashed.

The crowd was shocked and confused. Don't tell me that they weren't afraid of having their examination qualification annulled?

Instantly, they hurriedly closed their gaping mouths.

If it was Meng Yushu, then things were completely different. Firstly, Meng Yushu was already a student from the Qingfeng Academy, this was his home ground. Secondly, Meng Yushu wasn't at all afraid of having his examination qualification annulled, because he was already qualified to directly participate in the capital examinations.

"Meng Yushu?" Fang Zhengzhi instantly noticed Meng Yushu and quickly scanned the sword on his hand. Twitching his mouth, he seemed filled with disdain, and replied, "Wait for me to find Yan Xiu before I entertain you!"

To Fang Zhengzhi, money was the priority. Meaningless fights and scuffles such as this was something he simply despised.

"Yan Xiu?" Meng Yushu was slightly taken aback and suddenly thought of the scene at the Hundred Flower Gathering.

Could it be that this kid is actually acquainted with Yan Xiu? Meng Yushu hesitated slightly. He indeed heard some discussions about this kid and Yan Xiu appearing at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant at the same time after the Hundred Flower Gathering.

That meant that there was some sort of relationship between this kid and Yan Xiu.

If they really were friends...

What to do?

Give up?

Meng Yushu naturally wasn't satisfied. Having been pushed to the ground in front of everybody, and losing a hundred taels of silver to him, no matter how he looked at the situation, letting the other party off wasn't a possibility.

Since the other party appeared in this place, there was only one possibility. He was here to participate in the Law of Dao examinations. Since this was the case, what was there to rush?

He can't deal with the other party during the theory examination, but how about the combat examination?

When that time comes, I will accidentally…

Cause a severe disability? Or even killing him! With his social status and his Dao abilities, he would at most get a warning.

Manslaughter during the Law of Dao examinations, even Yan Xiu wouldn't be able to confront him about that.

As he thought of this point, a smile instantly broke out on Meng Yushu's face. His gaze at Fang Zhengzhi at this moment seemed as if he had seen a prey on his hands, like a fish in his net.

An icy glint flashed again, and the sword returned into its scabbard.

"You are finding Yan Xiu? Did I hear you correctly? Yan Xiu didn't even participate in the theory examination!" Meng Yushu quickly assumed a nobleman's character.

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Chapter 62: Seated Side by Side

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Yan Xiu… didn't participate in the theory examination?!" Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback, and instantly felt like he was in dreamland. Indeed, Heaven's plans supersedes our own, plans are flawed!

Were his ten silver pieces about to fly away?

No! That was ten valuable silver pieces, money that came from blood and sweat!

Fang Zhengzhi was upset. Without Yan Xiu, if he were to help two people attain a meteoric rise, this pressure was really a little too large.

Not even mentioning that the risk of throwing around two pieces of paper would increase by many times, just the writing of three completely different answer sheets and ensuring that they would all enter the top three was already stressful enough.

It was over.

Meng Yushu initially prepared to leave, but after seeing the changing expression on Fang Zhengzhi's face and recalling Fang Zhengzhi's previous words, his mind lit up, as brightly as a lamp.

"Looks like this kid wants to find Yan Xiu to cheat?"

Meng Yushu didn't believe that Fang Zhengzhi would be able to pass the Law of Dao theory examinations with his abilities alone, hence, he could almost confirm that Fang Zhengzhi's purpose in finding Yan Xiu was to sit beside him and cheat.

"Little brother, since we met, why don't we sit together?" Meng Yushu laughed coldly inside, then asked probingly.

"Sit together?" When Fang Zhengzhi, who was still secretly distressed, heard, then looking at Meng Yushu, his eyes instantly lit up. The soul that entered dreamland instantly flew back into his body.

That feeling was like seeing money fly away, then successfully flying back, moreover, as it flew back, it even brought along a pile of money brothers along the way.

Simply invigorating.

"Sure, let's sit together!" Fang Zhengzhi instantly laughed, and happily agreed.

Seeing this, the delight in Meng Yushu's eyes increased even more. Indeed, he had guessed correctly. That meant, next… shouldn't he play around with this prey on his hands?

"How about later we…"

"Brother Meng's purpose in asking me to sit together, do you want to say… that we should exchange answers later?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't even wait for Meng Yushu to finish his sentence before interrupting him to ask.

"Ha ha ha… that's right! I wish to exchange answers with you, ha ha ha…" Meng Yushu couldn't restrain himself anymore and laughed heartily.

Fang Zhengzhi also laughed, the expression on his face was as bright as the March sun.

Then after, Meng Yushu and Fang Zhengzhi, laughing together just like that, walked shoulder to shoulder towards a pair of seats beside one another.

When the other scholars witnessed this, they instantly stared at another, their faces filled with shock. They were completely unable to react.

"What's happening?"

"After shouting about fighting and killing just now, in a blink of an eye, they even agreed to sit beside one another?"

"This change… is too fast!"

The crowd was stunned, but the two people were still laughing happily.

"Let me introduce myself, I am Meng Yushu!"

"Fang Zhengzhi!"

"Ha ha ha…"

Without much ado, all of the examinees for the theory examination had entered the venue.

A few invigilators dressed in black official robes also walked in at this moment, and one of them began to read out the rules of the theory examination.

They were all rather similar.

For example: Don't whisper to one another, don't walk around without permission, if one was caught cheating, they would immediately be asked to leave the examination venue and their grades would be annulled and so on…

When Meng Yushu and Fang Zhengzhi heard the official talking about cheating, they looked at one another. Both of them gave a reassuring look to each other, it was as if they were saying:

Don't worry, I will definitely pass my answer to you!

"The first round of theory examination will last a total of two hours!" After laying down the examination rules, the invigilator announced the examination time.

Then, one by one, the theory examination papers were personally passed down by the invigilating officials. In the Law of Dao examinations, the theory examination was the first step, and was also used to test the students' understanding of the Law of Dao's meaning.

To put it simply, it tested their foundations.

Fang Zhengzhi received the examination paper from the invigilator. Picking it up, he took a look and realised that it was filled with densely packed words describing questions of all sorts, most of them originating from famous texts.

Finishing so many questions under two hours? To an average person, this was indeed rather difficult.

For example, the examination paper's first question was, what were the Four Intelligent Creatures?

This was a paragraph from the Book of Rites, under the chapter "Ceremonial usages; their origins, development, and intention".

One could rather accurately guess the difficulty level of the Law of Dao theory examinations from this one question. It wasn't too hard, because one only had to familiarise themselves with the various texts in the Law of Dao in order to explain it.

But, it wasn't too easy either.

Because, the origin of the question wasn't very clear. For example, the Four Intelligent Creatures appeared in many different books in similar forms, if one recalled incorrectly, a miss was as good as a mile.

As such, if one wanted to answer them correctly, what he needed was time.

Two hours was evidently a little short.

"They were the Qi-lin, the phoenix, the tortoise, and the dragon. When the dragon becomes a domestic animal, (all other) fishes and the sturgeon do not lie hidden from men (in the mud). When the phoenix becomes so, the birds do not fly from them in terror. When the Qi-lin does so, the beasts do not scamper away. When the tortoise does so, the feelings of men take no erroneous course."

Fang Zhengzhi didn't even have to stop to think before answering the first question, then, started on the second.

Sitting by his side, Meng Yushu saw that Fang Zhengzhi had started writing.

After being slightly taken aback, he quickly laughed out coldly in his heart. How could he be so fast? Even if he himself answered the question, he would still have to carefully review and analyse the entire examination paper, before guessing what the Lead Examiner emphasized in this examination.

Then, roughly categorise which text within the Law of Dao the question would come from.

People such as Fang Zhengzhi who would pen down their answers just like that was very obviously putting on an act.

When he thought of this point, Meng Yushu instantly calmed down. Next, the other party would just have to follow every step he laid out for him.

The entire Law of Dao examination venue was extremely silent.

When most of the examinees received their examination paper, the first thing they did was analysing the question, guessing the direction the answer would take from the Lead Examiner's intentions.

People such as Fang Zhengzhi were classified as rare creatures.

In reality, Fang Zhengzhi shouldn't be blamed. Because in this world, people only knew one book, and that was the Law of Dao. This book wasn't specifically subdivided into texts and the Four Books and Five Classics.

Fang Zhengzhi's cognition was indeed different.

In his mind, the Law of Dao had long ago been subdivided by him into different categories.

For example, the four categories - Confucian classics, humanities, religions and beliefs, and personal works, which were then split into further subcategories - Changes, poetry, rites, history and spring and autumn…

He had even managed to classify them by dynasties.

As such, he had no need to ponder carefully over the questions like the rest of the examinees, and could identify with one look which text the question set by the Lead Examiner had originated from, then, split them by their dynasties.

Under an hour, his writing stopped and he kept his pen.

Everything was as smooth as the moving clouds and flowing water. Fang Zhengzhi was very satisfied with his own performance. Looking at his neat and proper examination paper, he gave himself full marks.

It was still early, and Fang Zhengzhi didn't rush to submit his paper. Because, there was a rather annoying rule in the theory examinations that one couldn't leave the examination venue early to prevent questions from being leaked.

Then, Fang Zhengzhi gazed towards Meng Yushu.

His expression seemed to say, "Come, I've already finished writing! Let's cheerfully exchange our answers!"

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Chapter 63: Report

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Meng Yushu was burying himself in the questions at this moment. Suddenly feeling a strange gaze from the side looking over towards his direction, he turned around and saw Fang Zhengzhi blinking at him.

"He finished? Wait, no… he grew tired of acting? I guess he should be trying to cheat now?"

After a thought, Meng Yushu laughed out coldly once again inside his heart. Looking at his own paper, even though a portion of it was still unfinished, passing the theory examination indeed wouldn't be too hard.

After some consideration, he decided to proceed with the plan.

First, help Fang Zhengzhi pass the theory examination, then during the combat examination…

"He he!" When Meng Yushu thought of his, he almost couldn't control himself to laugh out. This plan was indeed too perfect, first put on a show of helping Fang Zhengzhi, then when the other party had lowered his guard and bore gratitude towards him, step on him until he died.

It was simply double torture, both physically and mentally.

Without much hesitation, Meng Yushu began to quickly start copying, preparing to pass his answers to Fang Zhengzhi.

Sitting beside him, when Fang Zhengzhi saw this, a smile similarly appeared on his face.

But, in order to finish copying his answers, Meng Yushu still required some time. Hence, Fang Zhengzhi didn't rush and waited by the side patiently and quietly.

A few of the examinees who were scratching their heads trying to answer the questions quickly realised Fang Zhengzhi's leisurely state.

"This guy had finished?"

"That's impossible? It hasn't even been an hour!"

"I've never seen somebody write so fast?"

After a wave of suspicion, the examinees began to understand. Looking at Fang Zhengzhi's attire, he was obviously here for fun. Hoping that he could pass the Law of Dao examinations?

That was simply a joke.

"Lecher!"

"Country bumpkin!"

After a round of ranting in their stomachs, a disdainful expression appeared on their faces. They held back their anger, waiting to unleash a wave of laughter at this guy when the results were released.

When that time comes, let's see whether he would still have any face left.

Just as the examinees cursed silently in their heads, Meng Yushu had more or less finished copying.

Looking at the answers he copied out, Meng Yushu was a hundred percent confident that with this answer, even though one it wasn't First-Class Roll standard, but making it into the Second-Class Roll was definitely not a problem.

Anyway, all he needed was for this guy to pass the theory examination.

The difference between the First-Class Roll and Second-Class Roll wasn't very big.

After he finished copying out the answers, Meng Yushu carefully folded up the paper and began to give Fang Zhengzhi a meaningful look.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi looked like he had almost fallen asleep, his eyes were thin as a slit and his head, supported by his arms, jerked about. He absolutely didn't notice Meng Yushu at all.

Meng Yushu instantly became somewhat worried.

Why is this guy still sleeping? Doesn't he want to pass the theory examination?

"Cough!" Meng Yushu took the risk of being noticed and lightly coughed out.

When Fang Zhengzhi heard this sound, his eyes finally opened. Turning around, he saw Meng Yushu vigorously blinking at him. That expression was remarkably alike to a good person willing to offer him something.

In an instantly, Fang Zhengzhi's eyes lit up.

He instantly used his glance to reply Meng Yushu, then silently put his hands under the desk and made a beckoning motion.

As Meng Yushu prepared to toss the answers in his hands over, he then quickly realised something was amiss. They promised to exchange answers, but why was this guy's hands empty?

Was he playing cheat?

He once again blinked at Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi quickly replied with a spreading of hands motion, a bitter look on his face.

Meng Yushu quickly understood. This person was here to play a fool, after having written so much, it was indeed all an act. I presume his answer sheet now is still blank?

When he thought of this point, Meng Yushu finally relaxed.

If Fang Zhengzhi had really passed his own answer over, he might even be rather worried that Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do something. But now, it seemed like he evidently prepared to depend on himself to pass this theory examination.

That meant…

Naturally, there wouldn't be any problems.

Anyway, he had already planned to help this person pass the theory examination. Hence, there wasn't any purpose in exchanging answers.

He flicked his hand.

The well-folded paper turned into a white stream of light, and quickly flew towards the hand Fang Zhengzhi placed under the desk.

Meng Yushu's abilities emphasized speed, accuracy and power.

It was simply impossible for him to miss…

However, reality seemed to be playing an enormous prank with Meng Yushu.

Because the hand Fang Zhengzhi extended under his desk suddenly shifted an inch to the front, and just this inch happened to cause the power of the paper to seem a little too much.

Very unfortunately…

He didn't manage to catch it. The paper dropped right between the two of them with a "Pa!".

Hatred filled Meng Yushu's heart, what was this guy trying to do? He had controlled his own strength so well, what was he rushing for? He still reached out his hand to catch it, look what happened, overreaching himself in trying to be clever?

Just as he prepared to push the paper back with wind from his palms.

He realised Fang Zhengzhi was in pain. Raising highly the hand he had just reached out, an exaggerated and excruciating shout came out from his mouth.

"Aiyo!"

The silence in the examination venue was instantly broken by Fang Zhengzhi's voice.

A few of the invigilators wearing black official robes abruptly turned back their heads, and a few pair of eyes as sharp as an eagle's quickly locked onto Fang Zhengzhi's body.

"What happened?!"

"Nobody move!"

"Whoever moves will instantly have their results forfeited!"

Meng Yushu got a fright. He never expected that throwing this paper would injure Fang Zhengzhi in such a way? Isn't that shout a little too excruciating? Don't tell me that I used too much strength just now?

That's not possible…

I definitely controlled my strength?

Was this guy really so fragile and spoilt?

Other than the hatred in his heart, he felt helpless. Because, the paper on the ground was his handwriting. Once it was picked up by the invigilator, no matter how much reasons he had, he still wouldn't be able to justify it.

With a flick of his hands, Meng Yushu decided to eliminate the evidence.

Just at this moment, Fang Zhengzhi also moved. He didn't wait for Meng Yushu to destroy the evidence at all, and with one sweep, picked up the paper on the floor and raised it up high.

"Report!"

"Report!"

"Report!"

A high voice echoed about in the examination venue, shaking the eardrums of a few invigilators, Meng Yushu and the rest of the examinees.

All of the examinees' gazers were fixated on the paper on Fang Zhengzhi's hands. Each of their expressions was filled with shock. Paper? This is cheating!

The moment Meng Yushu saw Fang Zhengzhi pick up their paper, he was completely stunned. Till now, he hadn't understood what Fang Zhengzhi intended to do.

Was he crazy?

Report?

Who was he trying to report? I am helping him to pass the theory examinations! Reporting me? Can he still pass the theory examination? Why is there even such a person in this world?

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Chapter 64: Releasing the Results

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Report?!"

A few invigilators looked at one another, a similar expression of shock appearing on their faces. Cheating in the county Law of Dao examination wasn't something that was uncommon.

After all, this was a world where strength was respect.

There were many people with powerful training, but only had a surface level comprehension of the Law of Dao, lacking a deep understanding and usage.

Hence, during the theory examination, the initial rules had given enough space for cheating to occur.

For example, after entering the examination venue, there were no preassigned seat numbers, and not every seat was monitored closely with by invigilators. It was actually hint to examinees.

Cheating was allowed!

In this world, everything was result-based.

Just like on the battlefield, nobody cared how one fought, what formation one employed, what troops one used. People only cared about one thing, whether you managed to win the battle.

But…

If cheating was discovered, that was a completely different matter altogether.

Given the space, and given the relaxed rules, one still managed to get caught?

That was humiliating, simply humiliating.

A few of the invigilators quickly reached Fang Zhengzhi and unfolded the paper.

"Fang Zhengzhi, you wait! Let me see how you pass the theory examination!" Meng Yushu didn't bother arguing with the invigilators. Because, the handwriting on the paper and his own were one and the same.

There was no way to argue over this point.

Results of the theory examination was glory to him. It was important! But, it wasn't worth sacrificing himself over.

Because, due to having accessed Dao, he would be able to participate in the combat examination without even participating in the theory examination. He could even directly skip the county examination to participate in the capital examination.

That was the rule of this world.

Power determined everything!

But...

He was completely humiliated today and had was unable to remain at this place anymore.

He stood up, and left.

But, Meng Yushu leaving the venue didn't bring about any good words for Fang Zhengzhi. Even those examinees who saw Meng Yushu leave the venue looked at Fang Zhengzhi as if they were looking at an idiot.

"He actually reported Meng Yushu?!"

"That's simply too stupid! Without Meng Yushu, how can he pass the theory examination?"

"Harming himself, how can he live like this!"

Sitting a distance away, Li Huer also witnessed this scene, and silently celebrated. It was lucky that Fang Zhengzhi had done something so stupid, else with Meng Yushu's help, he might really be able to pass the theory examination.

But now, it seemed like…

There was no doubt that Fang Zhengzhi was going to fail the theory examination.

Everyone was silently worried. Even a few invigilators secretly shook their heads at Fang Zhengzhi. This kid was too stupid? He had given up such a good opportunity.

After this brief episode, the examination venue once again regained its silence.

Fang Zhengzhi had no idea that the Law of Dao examinations in this world would have such an inside story. Based on his understanding of ancient history, the Law of Dao examination should be rather similar to the imperial examination of the past.

Cheating?

Once it was caught, that was something that would ban one from examinations for life.

Having successfully eliminated a rival, Fang Zhengzhi was delighted. Then, he once again leisurely rested his body on the table and took a nap.

When the rest of the examinees witnessed this, they shook their head once again.

"Don't tell me this guy's purpose in participating the Law of Dao examinations is to take a nap?"

"After so many years of intense studying, success is already right in front of his eyes, but he gave it up just like this. That is really too stupid!"

"Dong!" A gong sounded.

The first round of the Law of Dao theory examination had officially ended.

Fang Zhengzhi walked out of the Qingfeng Academy looking completely relaxed. After walking a few steps, he was blocked by Li Zhuangshi, Li Huer and the rest of the gang.

"Zhengzhi, I heard Huer say that you reported Meng Yushu?" Li Zhuangshi was the first to open his mouth.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi realised that Li Zhuangshi and the rest seemed to have betted that Meng Yushu would enter the top three. Could they be here to ask him for money?

"If you want money, I don't have. If you want my life, you are not getting it either!" Fang Zhengzhi instantly expressed his stand.

Li Zhuangshi was taken aback, then a laughter quickly followed.

"Ha ha ha… a few pieces of silver are a small matter. Your future is an important matter. Look at you, such a good future right in front of your eyes, yet why did you give it up?" Li Zhuangshi said with a mature, adult tone.

Then, looking at Fang Zhengzhi's lost expression, he reassured.

"Hmm, but what you did was also right! At least people know how honest you are! Seeing the answers of the theory examination right in front of your eyes, yet remaining indifferent. If you have the opportunity of becoming an official in the future, you would definitely be an honest and upright one!"

"Yes! We all support you!" Li Huer interrupted at this apt moment.

"Even though you lost your advantage in this time's theory examination, but it's alright. You are still young, you can take this as a learning opportunity. There will be more opportunities next time, it wouldn't make any difference to participate a few years later." Li Zhuangshi reassured once again.

"I think… I can pass the theory examination!" Fang Zhengzhi thought of his own answers and felt that he had full confidence of scoring full marks.

"Sigh… man must know himself well!" When Li Zhuangshi heard, he seemed rather pained, then pulled along Li Huer and the rest. "Let's go, we'll go back and eat, the results will be released tomorrow!"

"After the results are released, I wonder what else can you say? I saw you sleep for over an hour, you think you can pass the theory examination like that? Doesn't that mean I am going to top the roll? Ha ha ha…" Li Huer also began to laugh.

Meng Jiangshan and the rest were also in the examination venue and naturally noticed Fang Zhengzhi sleeping. They shook their heads silently and sighed.

Fang Zhengzhi also shook his head, how could small fry predict the ambitions of the great!

Inside the grading room of the Qingfeng Academy.

Fang Zhengzhi's examination paper was passed from an invigilator to a middle-aged man whose official attire had the world "Imperial" sown on it. The middle-aged man gently received the paper, his brows threaded tightly in a frown.

"You can't find it?"

"There's no record in the namelist, furthermore, there isn't even this register number in the examination!" The invigilator bowed and replied.

"This is mysterious, what address is shown in it?"

"Northern Mountain Village!"

"Northern Mountain Village? Is there a Hall of Dao there?"

"That was what I suspected as well, the Northern Mountain Village doesn't have a Hall of Dao. However, the neighbouring Southern Mountain Village within the same mountain has a Hall of Dao. Furthermore, the Divine Constabulary had built it personally eight years ago! I had initially also noticed this Hall of Dao, but within eight years, it only produced someone who barely passed the county examinations, and didn't even pass the capital examinations. After that, I didn't pay attention to it anymore…"

"You say, eight years ago, the Divine Constabulary went to a village to build a Hall of Dao?" A hint of shock appeared on the middle-aged man's face.

"Yes, furthermore, that was the Divine Constabulary's daughter's… personal order!"

"The Divine Constabulary's daughter? Chi Guyan?!"

The second morning.

In a patch of space outside the Qingfeng Academy, the examinees waiting for the release of the results had already completely surrounded two pieces of "Roll Stones".

These two stones were categorised as First-Class Roll and Second-Class Roll.

It was less than an hour to the release of the results. Fang Zhengzhi also strolled over leisurely.

Li Zhuangshi, Li Huer and the rest had already occupied a good spot in the area long ago, once they saw Fang Zhengzhi, they instantly felt somewhat spiteful.

He came so late, yet he still said that he was confident of passing the theory examination?

"Fang Zhengzhi, come here, I reserved a spot for you!" Li Huer called out loudly. He liked to have a close-up view of Fang Zhengzhi's expression when he didn't make it onto the roll.

"Zhengzhi, come quickly!" Li Zhuangshi also shouted out loudly.

People had reserved a spot for him, Fang Zhengzhi naturally didn't have any reason to reject. Then, he leisurely made his way over. Right at this moment, a few officials dressed in black official clothes also walked over from afar.

"Make way!" The results announcing official split the crowd and directly made his way over the two roll stones.

Then, he gingerly took out a square-shaped, seal-like stone and pressed it into a square-shaped depression on the roll stone. Instantly, faint golden rays of light emanated from the roll stone...

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