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

3. 65

Read Gate of God - Chapter 65: Twenty Names of the Roll online free - Light Novel Full

Chapter 65: Twenty Names of the Roll

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Very quickly, rows of densely packed names appeared on the roll stone, below it, there was a row of tiny register numbers. It felt as if it was carved.

It was extremely miraculous.

Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth. He already didn't feel shocked encountering such situations.

The Dao of All Creations originated from man, controlling All Creations.

Names appearing on the roll stone seemed extremely strange, but having to do so in reality wasn't very hard. One just needed to use the Dao of All Creation to modify the arrangements of the stone particles within the stone to achieve this.

The roll stone was specially made, the square-shaped stone was naturally specially made as well. Pressing these two pieces of stone against each other, then making some modifications would achieve such an effect.

"Have, have!"

When the names on the roll stone gradually became clearer, excitement started to grow within everybody. One by one, they widened their eyes, trying to find their names on the roll stone.

"Got it, I got it!"

"Ha ha ha… I made it to the roll!"

One by one, voices started to call out, then, the people who made it to the roll celebrated happily, while those who didn't sighed with sorry. There were also a few who congratulated those who made it on the roll.

There were also people who consoled those who didn't make it to the roll.

"Your brother is lucky this time, brother, you cannot be discouraged. Two years later we'll compete again!"

"Brother don't be discouraged, with your talents, you just need to work hard to do better after you go back, study hard, and you will definitely do well!"

Fang Zhengzhi was looking at the individual names, then a wave of laughter sounded out beside his ear.

"Ha ha ha… I, Li Huer, made it as well. I made it!"

"My name, that's my name, Meng Jiangshan, ha ha ha… I have seen my name too!"

Evidently, these two voices came from Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan respectively. Both of them made it to the roll, while among the other Southern Mountain Village examinees, none of them managed to make it.

"Not bad, Huer! Jiangshan, you have definitely fulfilled your grandfather's dreams this time!" Li Huer instantly spoke to encourage these two people, then turned around and consolidated the Southern Mountain Village people who didn't make it.

Finally, his gaze landed on Fang Zhengzhi.

"Zhengzhi, don't be discouraged! We already expected you not to make it to the roll, when you go back, you have to continue studying hard. If you really can't, you can still continue to go hunting! The Northern Mountain Village needs you!"

"That's right, the Law of Dao examination actually doesn't suit you. You have another path to walk, for example, being the deputy captain of the hunting squad or something. Who knows, you might even be able to become a good village chief!" Li Huer also consolidated him by the side.

Meng Jiangshan didn't speak, and patted Fang Zhengzhi's shoulder like an elder brother, a comforting expression appearing on his face.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi wasn't worried at all.

This was only the Second-Class Roll. If his name was really on the roll, that was what would truly be unexpected. Based on his abilities, how could he end up on the Second-Class Roll like Li Huer and the rest?

"Zhengzhi, you must face reality, don't be too arrogant! Your Uncle Li also entered the Second-Class Roll previously. We are crude people, those who can enter the First-Class Roll are reputable scholars and martial arts families. People like us simply don't have the chance!" Li Zhuangshi, assuming the role as an experienced man, began to "reconcile" Fang Zhengzhi.

Very quickly, Li Zhuangshi and Li Huer's voice attracted the attention of the examinees around them.

When the examinees turned their heads around, they finally identified Fang Zhengzhi. After all, the incident of Fang Zhengzhi reporting Meng Yushu in the examination venue was still fresh in their minds.

In addition to the incident when Fang Zhengzhi unveiled Yun Qingwu's veil in the Hundred Flower Gathering, and being seen together with Yan Xiu at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, the amount of people paying attention to him naturally became quite numerous.

It could be said that now, Fang Zhengzhi's reputation had already shook the entire Huai An County, and became the first famous person in this time's Law of Dao examination. Except, during the Hundred Flower Gathering and at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, nobody knew Fang Zhengzhi's name.

Hence, the effect wasn't as large.

"Ha ha ha… looks like this guy didn't make the roll?"

"That's for sure, he's a sleeper! Sleeping for over an hour, how can he make the roll?"

"Indeed, he's hurting himself, how is he going to live like his!"

The examinees one by one started to discuss about Fang Zhengzhi, especially those who didn't make the roll, venting their emotions.

In the middle of the discussion, a group of people appeared from afar.

The leader was a youth dressed in a yellow brocade robe, with a sword at his waist. Behind him, a few armoured bodyguards followed.

It was Meng Yushu and his bodyguards.

"It's Meng Yushu!"

"Meng Yushu's results in the first round of theory examination had already been forfeited, what is he doing here?"

"Ha ha ha… let's sit back and enjoy the show!"

When the crowd of examinees saw Meng Yushu appear, they were slightly taken aback. Immediately after, they seemed to have thought of something. Shifting their gaze back to Fang Zhengzhi, an evil delight in watching the fires burning across the river began to appear.

"Hey! Isn't this Young Master Fang, Fang Zhengzhi? Did you enter the roll?" Meng Yushu smiled slightly. He didn't bother to conceal his intentions, he was here to watch Fang Zhengzhi, hence naturally directly walked over beside Fang Zhengzhi.

"He didn't!"

"He didn't make the roll!"

Before Fang Zhengzhi had the chance to reply, other examinees instantly began to reply enthusiastically to court Meng Yushu's favour.

"Ha ha ha… didn't make it? Why did this happen? Taking into account your talents and skills, you should definitely make it! Ah, this is only the Second-Class Roll? Don't worry Young Master Fang, the First-Class Roll isn't released yet!" Listening to the surrounding voices, Meng Yushu instantly consolidated Fang Zhengzhi, his expression filled with concern.

"Releasing the First-Class Roll, twenty roll members!"

At this moment, the result official announced once again.

After which, the result official once again retrieved a square-shaped stone from his pockets and walked in front of the other roll stone. Very quickly, the roll stone representing the First-Class Roll began to emanate faint rays of golden light.

Hearing this, the examinees all shifted their attention from Fang Zhengzhi to the First-Class Roll roll stone.

After all, whoever managed to make the First-Class Roll would definitely be renowned scholars. Out of the few thousand examinees, only the top twenty were selected. They could be said to be the best of the best.

Even though it was only the county examinations, being able to enter the First-Class Roll in the theory examination was definitely something that would receive invitations from all around. If the person's age was young enough, they would likely be given the opportunity to be personally nurtured by a few powerhouses.

With a flash of golden light, twenty names instantly began to appear.

What was different from the Second-Class Roll was that the names of the people on the First-Class Roll were much larger, and it even included a brief overview, such as where one was born, which Hall of Dao did one come from, previous contributions, whose recommendation did one receive and so on.

One just had to take a single look at it to know that it was definitely more than one grade above the Second-Class Roll.

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Chapter 66: Three Nones on the Roll

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Compared to the densely packed names on the Second-Class Roll, the twenty names were naturally much clearer, and could be finished reading in a much faster time. Just as the names finished appearing, the crowd had already finished reading.

"Ha ha ha… there's no Fang Zhengzhi!"

"He's neither in the Second-Class Roll, nor the First-Class Roll! Fang Zhengzhi didn't make the roll!"

"Alas he's just a faker, Heavens won't deceive me!"

In an instant, shouts began to arise from the crowd. They felt as happy as if they had entered the First-Class Roll, looking at Fang Zhengzhi as if they were looking at an idiot.

"Zhengzhi, as I said, we must learn to face reality!" At this moment, Li Zhuangshi sighed heavily, but the delight on his face was simply unconcealable.

"Fang Zhengzhi, have you finally given up?" Li Huer also mocked.

Meng Jiangshan once again sighed and gently shook his head. Indeed, this world emphasized one word - power!

"Aiya, Young Master Fang didn't make the roll?! That's not right, with Young Master Fang's talents, how can you not make the roll? I believe that there's definitely some errors in the marking of the papers, you must request to relook at the paper, ha ha ha…" At this moment, Meng Yushu also couldn't contain himself anymore. Even though he couldn't follow up on his plan to cripple Fang Zhengzhi during the combat examination, but being able to see Fang Zhengzhi miss the roll was a very happy occasion indeed.

"Is there a Young Master Fang, Fang Zhengzhi here?" At this moment, the results official spoke.

The initially impassioned crowd were instantly taken aback, then suddenly seemed to have thought of something. Alas, this guy's misdeeds had already invoked Heaven's anger and people's hatred, even the officials had noticed him.

'He is Fang Zhengzhi!"

"That's right, quick, arrest him!"

A few enthusiastic examinees quickly pointed out Fang Zhengzhi from the crowd, each of them filled with righteous indignation, their expressions upright and plainspoken.

"You are Fang Zhengzhi?!" The results official at this moment had already arrived in front of Fang Zhengzhi and carefully checked out the fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth dressed in a coarse blue robe standing in front of them. A hint of shock appeared on his face.

"That's right!" He had already been pointed out by so many people, Fang Zhengzhi was magnanimous. Come at me with whatever problems you have, at the very most, I'll just run away.

"Young Master Fang's registration had some problems. In order to act with caution, I wish Young Master Fang can answer some of my questions!" When the results official heard Fang Zhengzhi's reply, he nodded and continued to ask.

"Ha ha ha… this guy indeed has some problems!"

"Arrest him, arrest him!"

When the examinees heard the result official's words, they instantly became excited.

Fang Zhengzhi also deliberated. Could it be that he's faking act was exposed? What should he do then? He must not admit it even if he was hit to death!

"Please ask." Fang Zhengzhi swept his gaze across the surroundings as he replied, searching for the best escape route.

"I am just carrying out my orders, and will ask only two questions. Firstly, which Hall of Dao did young master study in. Secondly, who is young master's recommender?" After the result official asked, he quietly waited for Fang Zhengzhi's reply.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi was pondering intensely.

These two questions were easy, because he simply didn't have any. But if he admitted this, it was as if he was confirming the fact that he had snuck into the Law of Dao examinations.

How should he reply?

Just as Fang Zhengzhi was pondering, Li Huer couldn't hold back anymore.

"I know, I know. He didn't even enter a Hall of Dao before, and it would simply be impossible for him to have any recommender!" After Li Huer spoke, he shot a provoking gaze towards Fang Zhengzhi.

"Didn't enter a Hall of Dao before?!"

"Ha ha ha… no recommender!"

"This guy actually participated in the Law of Dao examinations, this is simply humiliating the intellectuals!"

"He is indeed a faker going through motions!"

When the surrounding examinees heard Li Huer's words, they instantly began to laugh, and started giving names to Fang Zhengzhi such as country bumpkin, straw bag and faker.

Definitely, the title "lecher" wasn't spared as well.

"Didn't enter a Hall of Dao before? And without a recommender?" Looking at Li Huer, the result official frowned slightly and then shifted his gaze towards Fang Zhengzhi, as if asking for a confirmation.

"Yes, I indeed self-studied!" Fang Zhengzhi thought for a while, and finally decided to not deny it.

"Ha ha ha… self-study? A person who self-studied participating in the Law of Dao examinations? What a joke!"

"That's right, if one can self-study and pass the theory examination, I will go and finish drinking the entire River of Trust now! Ha ha ha…"

"The water from the River of Trust only? I can finish drinking all the water from the toilets, ha ha ha…"

The examinees couldn't control themselves anymore and one by one, began to laugh. The misery from not entering the roll instantly transformed into a powerful sense of superiority.

"Fang Zhengzhi succeeded in self-studying, I respect this! I wish young master wouldn't take offense at my questions just now. Finally, congratulations Young Master Fang for topping the First-Class Roll!"

"Topping the First-Class Roll?!"

In an instantly, the bustling crowd instantly became silent. All of them felt as if they had been struck by lightning, and remained rooted to the grounds, their expressions unchanging. But, the words of the result official reverberated throughout their ears.

"Congratulations Young Master Fang for entering the First-Class Roll!"

"Entering the First-Class Roll?!"

"Fang Zhengzhi entered the First-Class Roll?!"

"How is this possible? A person who self-studied… entering the First-Class Roll?!"

The initially mocking students instantly felt as if their mouths had been a lump of feathers, their voices were instantly muffled. Each of them stared with their eyes wide open, and their faces flushed with red.

The two people who previously pledged to finish drinking the water from the River of Trust and water from the toilets wore a queer and eccentric expression. Looking at the result official, then looking at Fang Zhengzhi, their mouths were open so wide that it could fit a few fists.

On the other hand, the result official didn't bother paying any attention to the examinees, who were so shocked that their faces flushed red. Walking directly in front of the First-Class Roll roll stone, he pressed the square-shape stone on his hands onto it.

Instantly, Fang Zhengzhi's name appeared on the First-Class Roll.

"Fang Zhengzhi, Hall of Dao: None, Recommender: None, Records: None;"

Other than these, below Fang Zhengzhi's name, there was a register number. That was the number he faked.

The gentle wind beside the River of Trust began to blow lightly.

It blew onto Li Zhuangshi's wide-opened eyes, and onto Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan's wide-opened mouth, and of course, blew onto Meng Yushu's shocked face, looking as if he had seen a ghost.

The wind, was very gentle, and was very cooling.

It was initially an excellent weather, it was cooling and was good enough for one to enjoy the cool breeze at the riverside.

But, at this moment, nobody could feel this in their hearts. Because, they felt hot, so hot that their entire bodies felt as if they were dripping with sweat.

Other than Fang Zhengzhi, everyone else had their mouths agape at this moment.

Because, there was simply nobody who was willing to believe that this was real.

"How is this possible?!"

"How can Fang Zhengzhi enter the First-Class Roll!"

"It's the First-Class Roll!"

In reality, everybody was willing to believe that they had heard wrongly.

Unfortunately…

Fang Zhengzhi's name was so clearly displayed on the First-Class Roll, flashing with blinding golden rays. It was like a majestic mountain pressing down so hard onto them that they were completely unable to breathe.

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Chapter 67: Accept Smilingly

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Fang Zhengzhi!" Meng Yushu tightened his fists. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Entering the First-Class Roll? Hmph! Let me see how much further you can go!"

Meng Yushu huffed coldly, turned around and left.

"Huh? Young Master Meng is going to leave just like this? Hey… Young Master Meng watch out!" As Fang Zhengzhi looked at Meng Yushu leave, a concerned look instantly appeared on his face.

Meng Yushu didn't even bother to turn back his head, and continued to walk away hurriedly! Watch out? I think you should be the one who will have to watch out?

As he thought, Meng Yushu suddenly skidded.

"Aiyo!"

Crying out in fear, his body leaned forward exaggeratedly. Flying forward, he landed face-first onto the ground.

"I already told you to watch out, sigh…" A long drawn out sigh came from Fang Zhengzhi, then slowly placed the fruit that he had skinned into his mouth. Biting down, the sweetness was incredible...

After a moment, the examinees finally recovered from their shock.

"Brother Li, I heard you are going to finish drinking the River of Trust?"

"I believe Brother Zhang's taste is a little more exquisite…"

Instantly, the examinees began to tease, and the crowd's gaze quickly landed onto those two people who talked big.

"Fraud!"

"There is definitely some problem with the examination paper!"

"How can it be like this! He obviously didn't make the roll; how can it suddenly be added in? That's right, this is impossible!"

Under the gaze of the crowd, the two looked at one another and hurriedly found a logical explanation to the problem. Because, other than this reasoning, they simply couldn't think of any other reason for Fang Zhengzhi to enter the First-Class Roll.

A person who had never entered a Hall of Dao entering the First-Class Roll of the theory examination?

I don't believe, even if I die!

"Brother Li is right, let's wait till the second round of theory examination, this Fang Zhengzhi will definitely fall!"

"Brother Zhang, I support you! Unexpected luck cannot last long, only real power will persevere!"

The two's words were quickly resonated by the crowd. A bunch of examinees who missed the roll instantly began to make noise once again and continued to harp. But, nobody dared to make any further public pledges.

At this moment, Li Zhuangshi had also shifted his gaze away from the roll stone, but a glimmer of shock remained in his eyes. Looking at Fang Zhengzhi, he sighed inside. Thinking of his eight tedious years of studying, he was only able to enter the Second-Class Roll in the county examination.

Who would have thought that Fang Zhengzhi, a person who didn't even enter the Hall of Dao, would actually enter the First-Class Roll with luck and self-studying?

Heaven wasn't fair!

Similarly, he believed that Fang Zhengzhi was exceedingly lucky, and there was no relation to his abilities whatsoever.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't bother to pay further attention to the crowd's discussion. Humming a little tune along the way, he walked leisurely towards the inn. Power? I am the power!

A fake document became a real one?

Ha ha ha… the ancient people are indeed sincere and wouldn't bully me! When the fake becomes real, it is both real and fake! Between real and fake, who can differentiate?

The second round of the Law of Dao theory examination was the day after the release of the result.

When Fang Zhengzhi entered the venue, he didn't notice Meng Yushu and started to guess. That guy indeed had his examination qualification forfeited?

As he thought of that, he grew delighted.

The second round of theory examination had different questions as compared to the first. If the first round was described as the theory behind the Law of Dao, then the second round could be described as emphasizing the usage of the Law of Dao.

Furthermore, the direction of the questions was more flexible and practical.

Other than a few summaries and explanations of texts, a few military matters were added in. For example, during military movements, what should one do when a mountain is encountered, or when a river is encountered etc.

Furthermore, at the end, there was even a mini battle formation illustration.

The timing was also two hours, but the difficulty level virtually increased by many times.

But, to Fang Zhengzhi, it was the complete opposite. The first round of the theory examination required discussing the texts, and too many areas required writing.

On the other hand, the second round emphasized thinking.

Especially the last battle formation illustration, was an extremely simple snake formation.

How hard could this be? They were only three different variations, attack the snake head, and its tail would move; attack the snake tail, and its head would bite; or, attack the snake's body, and both its head and tail would twist.

Fang Zhengzhi was able to surmount all difficulties along the way, and commonly used the clearest and simplest words to explain and discuss the most complicated processes. For example, for the last snake formation, he only used once sentence to summarise.

"Seize the head, flank the tail, chop the body!"

Then, perfectly ending his work, he once again began to nap happily. The total time he used was less than half an hour, compared to the first round, it was almost twice as fast.

This action naturally instantly attracted the indignation of the examinees.

Among them, there were even people who hadn't even started writing. Yet, on this side, Fang Zhengzhi was already lying on the table and almost asleep. How could they swallow this anger?

"Faker! Sleep all you want!"

"The second round is much harder than the first, yet he didn't even use half an hour?!"

"He must miss the roll! Else I refuse to give in!"

The crowd of examinees were indignant, but couldn't do anything. If people wanted to sleep, would one still dare to make noise? This was the examination venue of the theory examination!

The examination ended, the papers were submitted and the examinees exited.

The second day morning, the results were released again.

Compared to the first round of theory examination, the second round evidently had much lesser people. After all, after a round of selection, some people had already returned back to where they came from.

However, there were a few people who missed the roll who didn't rush to return home. Instead, they invited their friends to stay in the Huai An County to admire the flowers and admire the moon, and at the same time, prepare to admire Fang Zhengzhi miss the roll.

"Guess the top three in the theory examination!"

Fang Zhengzhi was leisurely walking around in front of the roll stone when he suddenly heard a sound coming from the betting station below the tree. His eyes instantly lit up.

Even though the second round of examination results weren't officially released yet, but his hundred silver pieces seemed like they could be collected in advance!

Without further ado, he instantly slipped away to the front desk.

It was still the same boy servant from last time.

"Hi, I previously betted that Meng Yushu would not make it to the top three, my betting slip is here!" Fang Zhengzhi placed the betting slip in front of the boy servant.

When the boy servant who was busy shouting saw Fang Zhengzhi, a bitter look instantly appeared on his face.

"Young master indeed has great foresight; young master has actually won the only bet! I wonder if young master can tell me your name?" As the boy servant kept the betting slip, he fumbled around in his pockets, but his face looked as if his flesh was being cut apart.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't hide. After all, he was a famous person now.

"You are Young Master Fang, Fang Zhengzhi?!" When the boy servant heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, his expression of having his flesh cut apart instantly changed. He looked at Fang Zhengzhi as if he had seen a relative.

Looking at the boy servant's moved expression, he felt somewhat confused. Don't tell me he had already become so famous? Even a boy servant knew his name?

"Young Master Fang, can you come over for a moment!" The boy servant at this moment managed to regain his senses, and instantly fished out a hundred silver note and placed it in Fang Zhengzhi's hands. Then, he made a beckoning sign towards Fang Zhengzhi.

With money in his hands, Fang Zhengzhi naturally didn't fear anything else. Anyway, there was still some time before the official release of the results, hence he followed the boy servant to the side.

"Young Master Fang reporting Meng Yushu had done us a great favour this time. All of the money betted on Meng Yushu had entered my wallet. Betting has betting rules, since Young Master Fang had been of great help, my master had passed down instructions to reward Young Master Fang greatly if we meet him!"

As he spoke, he fished out another two pieces of hundred silver notes and passed it respectfully to Fang Zhengzhi.

The great reward was two hundred pieces of silver? Fang Zhengzhi instantly smiled. As the saying goes, accept smilingly, accept smilingly. If one didn't smile, how could one accept?

Hence, Fang Zhengzhi gave a very cultured and affable smile, then quickly kept the silver notes into his pocket.

Without a trace of politeness.

"Thank you very much!" Fang Zhengzhi expressed his gratitude.

Being given money in the early morning, and furthermore, it was insisted that he take it! This was simply double the happiness! This master seemed to have a rather good personality.

Fang Zhengzhi had gambling ethics, hence he bore a good impression of such people who followed the gambling rules as well.

"My master usually resides in the capital city, these two days we just happened to pass by the Huai An County, and just happened to hear about Young Master Fang's doings, and even received such a huge help from Young Master Fang. Hence, we were instructed to tell Young Master Fang if we meet him that if Young Master Fang doesn't mind, our master is willing to organise a feast for missing the roll and make friends with you. Then, personally send Young Master Fang out of the city and ensure your safety the entire way!"

When the boy servant said the word, master, he was filled with pride.

Yet, Fang Zhengzhi frowned slightly. He initially thought that a magpie was announcing good news, yet who would have thought that he would meet a crow's beak making inauspicious remarks. Feast for missing the roll? Miss your head!

"I'll leave the feast for missing the roll for your master to eat alone! And at the same time, help me pass a message that the mountains won't change, and the rivers would always flow." Twitching his mouth, Fang Zhengzhi turned around and walked away.

As he walked, he mumbled softly, "Having such bad luck in the early morning, I thought it was a master with some foresight? Who knew that it would be like this! If I encountered that person, if he is a male, I'll smack him with a rod, if she is a female, I will bang bang bang on the spot!"

"If she is a female, I will bang bang bang on the spot?" Staring at Fang Zhengzhi's leaving figure, a strange expression appeared on his face, as if he didn't know how to react. "What is bang bang bang supposed to mean?"

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Chapter 68: Leaving Behind a Legend

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Nearing the release of the results, crowds began to form at the entrance of the Qingfeng Academy. Just as Fang Zhengzhi returned to the entrance of the Qingfeng Academy, the sound of Li Huer shouting entered his ear once again.

"Fang Zhengzhi, quick, come here. I reserved a place for you!"

Fang Zhengzhi looked, then continued to walk to the side as if he hadn't noticed at all.

"Huh? Why is he going there? He must be scared of us seeing his expression when he misses the roll, ha ha ha… reserve this spot for me, I will go get him here!"

Li Huer evidently had been waiting for this moment, without caring whether Fang Zhengzhi was willing to or not, he forcefully dragged Fang Zhengzhi to the spot he reserved for him.

Fang Zhengzhi let out a long-drawn sigh. I treated you so kindly, yet you remain indifferent and didn't bother appreciating me. Why is there people who had to stick their faces out to be slapped?

"Zhengzhi, don't be worried about missing the roll, you have already entered the First-Class Roll once and can return to the village with a peace of mind!" When Li Zhuangshi saw Fang Zhengzhi walk over, he called out.

When the other examinees saw Fang Zhengzhi, they began to discuss heatedly. Although their voices weren't as loud as the first time, it was only a comparison.

Faker, lecher, he will definitely miss the roll! Swearing such as these were still unavoidable.

In a restaurant opposite the Qingfeng Academy, Meng Yushu, wearing a yellow brocade robe, looked at Fang Zhengzhi within the crowd with a dark expression. Unlike before, he didn't openly run in front of the roll stone to humiliate Fang Zhengzhi, instead, he chose a good seat to look from afar.

But it was exactly this that made him even unhappier.

As a great Young Master from the Meng Family, he was actually afraid that a country bumpkin would make the roll again? This was downright shameful!

The appearance of the result official was always prompt and on time, neither early or late, as if he had already calculated everything well beforehand.

The examinees began to grow excited. Because, the second round of theory examination decided who among them would be able to qualify for the combat examination.

As of last time, the result official pressed the square-shaped stone into the depression in the roll stone, and faint golden rays of light were emanated.

What was different was that the names on the Second-Class Roll were exactly half the number compared to before, and the names were bigger. But, the examinees felt very cold inside.

The competition in the Law of Dao examination was too large!

Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan at this moment also stared hard attempting to search for their names. On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi maintained his leisurely expression.

Second-Class Roll?

That was meant for others, he didn't have any interest in that.

"Ha ha ha… I made it, I made it again!" Li Huer finally found his own name on the roll, and was delighted beyond imagination.

"I also made it!" Meng Jiangshan's name very close to Li Huer, and was even two names ahead of Li Huer.

Then, their gazes shifted towards Fang Zhengzhi. Just as they prepared to speak, the examinees beside them began to cry out.

"Fang Zhengzhi missed the roll!"

"Ha ha ha, Fang Zhengzhi's name isn't on the roll!"

"Don't rush, don't rush, there's still the First-Class Roll!"

A few of the examinees began to shout, even though somebody managed to reminded them about the First-Class Roll, but his tone and expression were as if saying, First-Class roll? This faker can enter the First-Class Roll again.

Dream on!

"Zhengzhi, don't worry, there's still the First-Class Roll! You might be lucky and make it there again!" Li Zhuangshi similarly reassured Fang Zhengzhi by the side, but his expression was that of pure delight.

After a wave of discussions, the First-Class Roll was finally released.

The twenty names were as big as a bucket, it was hard not to notice.

"Not in the First-Class Roll!"

"Fang Zhengzhi's name is not on it, ha ha ha… this time, he really missed the roll!"

"His lucky stint has finally ended!"

"A faker definitely should miss the roll!"

After a moment, the crowd grew impassioned, as if they were celebrating the new year, each of them almost crying out tears of joy.

One examinee was even brave enough to walk towards the result official.

"May I ask, is anybody missing from the First-Class Roll?"

"Naturally there isn't!" The result official shook his head, then added in, "There is a total of fifteen people on the First-Class Roll, twelve names would be released, while the rest of the top three names would be personally announced by the Imperial Messenger!"

After the result official finished his sentence, the crowd began to laugh.

The top three in the theory examination, could it even be applicable to Fang Zhengzhi? Naturally, it wasn't related to him at all. The top three of the theory examination wasn't the result of a single round, but the combination of results of both rounds of theory examinations.

The previous round, Fang Zhengzhi was lucky enough to fill out a vacancy in the First-Class Roll.

Even if he managed to top this round of theory examination, combining the results from the previous round, he definitely wouldn't be able to make it into the top three.

In reality, this was also the reason why Meng Jiangshan didn't participate in the second round of theory examination. Because, after his results from the first round was forfeited, it was pointless to participate in the second round.

"Ha ha ha… top three in the theory examination, if Fang Zhengzhi can enter the top three, I'll strip naked and run one round around the Huai An County!" The examinee who previously pledged to finish drinking the entire River of Trust instantly changed to a new one this time.

"One round? Even running ten rounds isn't a problem to me!" The other one similarly continued, wearing a smile on his face.

"Really?" Among the crowd, a weak voice called out.

The examinees looked. It was Fang Zhengzhi.

"Naturally! I always keep my word!"

"Everyone can bear witness, I won't go back on them!"

The two took one look at Fang Zhengzhi and instantly began to laugh. If they were previously afraid that Fang Zhengzhi would be lucky, they weren't worried at all now.

"Do you dare to sign a declaration?" The edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a smile.

"I dare, why wouldn't I? What if you don't enter the top three?" When one of them heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, he instantly replied.

"These two hundred pieces, you can have them!" Fang Zhengzhi fished out two hundred silver notes from his pockets.

"Alright! Everyone bear witness, I will make a bet with Fang Zhengzhi today. If he can enter the top three, I will strip naked and run one round around the Huai An County city!"

"I'll run ten!"

The two weren't afraid at all. They had full confidence that the first round, Fang Zhengzhi was only filling a vacancy in the First-Class Roll, no matter what, he had no way of entering the top three in the overall results!

Fang Zhengzhi was also fully confident. Because, he knew very well why he entered the First-Class Roll the first round. Since this Imperial Messenger who marked the papers was able to turn his fake certificate into a real one.

He naturally was a "man of wisdom".

Based on the examination paper he submitted in the second round of theory examination, missing the roll was impossible. But, he didn't make the Second-Class Roll, nor did he make the First-Class Roll!

The results were obvious.

He was definitely among the top three.

"Zhengzhi, don't be impulsive. This is two hundred silver pieces, the fact that you missed the role is already made clear, you must face reality!" When Li Zhuangshi saw Fang Zhengzhi fish out two hundred silver pieces, his expression instantly changed.

Two hundred pieces! Even if it was to release his anger, it was still not worth it.

"There's no harm!" Fang Zhengzhi waved the two hundred silver pieces.

On the other hand, the two examinees that made the bet quickly retrieve paper and ink and wrote down their names, as if they were afraid that Fang Zhengzhi would go back on his words. Then, they each imprinted on it their handprints.

"A new ancient legend is about to emerge from the Huai An County…" Looking at the undulating river waters in the distant River of Trust, he let out a long drawn sigh. Being able to leave behind a legend in this ancient city, he gave himself a thumbs up.

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Chapter 69: Every Word a Treasure

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As Fang Zhengzhi sighed about becoming a legend, the surrounding examinees sighed at Fang Zhengzhi. Two hundred silver pieces ending up in the hands of others just like that. This was something that couldn't even be described by the word 'stupid'.

"A faker thinking of entering the top three? He must be dreaming!"

"He must have been living in a dream all along?"

"Ha ha ha… that's right, a person who hadn't even entered the Hall of Dao making it into the top three? There really isn't a joke funnier than this."

The examinees began to discuss one by one. Their voices were so loud that even Meng Yushu, sitting in the restaurant opposite the Qingfeng Academy, could hear them clearly.

"Top three in the theory examination? Ha ha ha… this country bumpkin can dream!" Meng Yushu laughed so hard that his face almost cramped. Naturally, he knew how hard it was to make it into the top three of the theory examination.

Even he himself, having Accessed Dao, couldn't have hundred percent confidence that he would have the fortune to make it into the top three.

Accessing Dao was true strength, but the theory examination emphasized one's understanding of the Law of Dao. Such things were related to one's innate learning talents, and also depended on one's luck of getting the right questions.

Nobody dared to say that they would definitely make it into the top three of the theory examination.

Else, why would Meng Yushu put in so much effort in order to make it into the top three of the county examinations, and even top the roll. Because, the top three and the roll champion represented real glory.

Even among the great people who made huge contributions to the dynasty afterwards, not everybody had the glory of attaining top three in the Law of Dao examination.

The Law of Dao examination was where the dynasty picked its future leaders, hence it was extremely important. Even if it was only the county examination, the Great Xia Dynasty would still send an Imperial Messenger to become the chief examiner.

The doors of the Qingfeng Academy opened once again.

A middle-aged man wearing an official robe with the word "Imperial" down onto it gradually made his way out, accompanied by a few invigilators, with a red roll on his hand.

The initially bustling crowd instantly grew silent.

The arrival of the Imperial Messenger represented the grace of the King, furthermore, his hands held the top three names in this Law of Dao theory examination.

"Welcome Imperial Messenger, Lord Qin!" The result official instantly walked forward and welcomed the middle-aged man respectfully.

Imperial Messenger Qin nodded, and proceeded to sweep his gaze across the crowd. Striding towards the front of the First-Class Roll, he didn't speak any further and instantly opened up the red roll in his hand.

"I have discussed with the rest of the examination officials and decided on the top three of this theory examination."

"Third: Huai An County Qingfeng Academy Li Bowei. Comments: Careful thought process, and considered all aspects!"

Imperial Messenger Qin paused after he said this, then, the result official instantly walked to the front of the roll stone and pressed lightly with his hand. The two words, Li Bowei, along with a brief biography and the comments appeared.

"Congratulations Young Master Li for attaining third place in the theory examination!"

"Young Master Li is indeed well-known for his talent, and the pride of our generation!"

Among the crowd, people instantly began to congratulate a scholar dressed in a white brocade robe.

But, very quickly, it became quiet again. Because, Imperial Messenger Qin continued to announce.

"Second: Huai An County Qingfeng Academy Zheng Xinzhao, comments: Thoughts were deep and enlightening!"

"Zheng Xinzhao came in second?! That means only the champion is left?"

"Do you think Fang Zhengzhi will be the roll champion?"

"Can you don't make such a joke? Roll champion? A person who didn't even entered a Hall of Dao attaining roll champion? Ha ha ha…"

"Ha ha ha… I just thought the atmosphere was a little too serious and decided to make a joke."

Just as Imperial Messenger Qin finished his sentence, a wave of discussion erupted below, including laughter from a few examinees without a care for the world.

"In first place, roll champion for the theory examination, Fang Zhengzhi!" Using his voice, Imperial Messenger Qin successfully suppressed the laughter in the area.

In an instant, the examinees who were mocking daringly felt as if they had swallowed a fly, choking till their necks were flushed red.

"Roll… roll champion?! Fang Zhengzhi is the roll champion?!"

"How is this possible?"

Each of the examinees didn't dare to believe their ears. They had never thought that a person who filled a vacancy in the First-Class Roll during the first round of theory examination would be able to attain Roll Champion in the overall results.

"Everybody seems to be in disbelief? Actually, personally, I didn't really believe it. But, I can tell everyone that if the first round of theory examination was ranked, Fang Zhengzhi would also be the Roll Champion!"

"Because, out of all the years I chaired the examinations, this is the first time I saw full marks in the theory examination!"

"Full marks!"

"Full marks!"

Imperial Messenger Qin's words were like a bowl of cold water poured into a bucket of hot oil, instantly causing an explosion within the crowd. Full marks? First full marks in a theory examination?!

Who could believe it, and who would want to believe it?

Shock filled the eyes of everybody at the venue.

But, would Imperial Messenger Qin lie? Naturally, that was impossible.

Reality?

This was reality?!

Only now did people finally start to understand.

Why Fang Zhengzhi would report Meng Yushu? For a person who would attain full marks, why would he need to take Meng Yushu's examination paper?

That was beneath him!

Completely and absolutely beneath him!

Meng Yushu, sitting at the restaurant opposite, was completely stunned at this moment.

"First full marks in a theory examination? He… he attained full marks that round?!" Meng Yushu's heart felt as if a huge stone had fallen on it. Because, for the first round of theory examination, even he couldn't complete it fully.

And furthermore, for those questions he did, he was only confident of answering eighty percent of them.

Just as filled with disbelief as Meng Yushu were Li Zhuangshi, Li Huer and the rest of the gang.

"Full marks?!" Li Zhuangshi and the rest exchanged glances at one another, their faces completely filled with shock. Because, they knew very clearly that Fang Zhengzhi had really never entered the Hall of Dao even for a single day in his life.

"How is this possible?!"

Imperial Messenger Qin gazed at the shocked expressions below, and he could somewhat resonate with them. Because, when he saw Fang Zhengzhi's examination paper the first round, his expression was the same as theirs.

As for the second round...

It could only be described as horror!

"Fang Zhengzhi's second round of examination paper comments: Simple words, astonishing meaning, every word a treasure!" When Imperial Messenger Qin announced this, he almost couldn't hide the emotions in his voice.

In reality, there was something even more shocking that he could announce.

That was that overnight, he had sent Fang Zhengzhi's second round's examination paper to the Imperial Academy, requesting in the letter to recommend using Fang Zhengzhi's answer as the official interpretation of the Law of Dao!

But, he didn't dare to say this.

Because for matters that concerned the Law of Dao, even with his status, he could only make suggestions.

But this also reflected Imperial Messenger Qin's emotions when he saw Fang Zhengzhi's examination paper. Excitement, confusion, horror, and even feeling slightly uneasy and alarmed.

Because, that answer was simply too brilliant.

Every single word made insights about the subject at hand, causing people to wish there was more. It felt as if that it was specially summarised for those questions.

Even Imperial Messenger Qin himself didn't dare to say that he could think of a better answer.

"Simple words, astonishing meaning, every word a treasure!"

Hence, even though Imperial Messenger Qin didn't announce the full extent of the situation, the entire crowd grew silent upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi's comments. Because, everybody knew what these eight words meant…

How extraordinary it was!

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Chapter 70: A Bright Moon Shining Overhead

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Simple words, astonishing meaning, every word a treasure!"

"Roll champion, Fang Zhengzhi is really the theory examination Roll Champion!"

At this moment, the faces of the two examinees who previously made the bet with Fang Zhengzhi turned a deathly shade of white. They understood clearly that after today, they would never have the face to appear in the Huai An County again…

Fang Zhengzhi's name quickly appeared on the most eye-catching position of the First-Class Roll.

That position represented true glory!

Li Huer and Li Zhuangshi finally glanced at one another. They knew very clearly that once Fang Zhengzhi successfully passed the theory examination, that meant they couldn't stop the rest of the situation from unfolding.

Looking back to eight years ago…

The scenes of the past appeared one by one, yet nobody could bear to look back!

Because, Fang Zhengzhi's combat abilities could only be described with one word, and that was…

"Monstrous!"

A monster who was able to barge deep into the Cang Ling Mountain yet being able to return with his clothes in perfect condition! Nobody knew how he did it, but eight years ago, that was reality.

"You are Fang Zhengzhi?" When Imperial Messenger Qin finished his announcement, he finally noticed Fang Zhengzhi within the crowd. A flash of shock appeared in his eyes. "I heard that you were young, but I never knew you were so young!"

"Thank you, Lord Imperial Messenger, for your praise!" Fang Zhengzhi bowed. To have the acumen to identify pearls, this meant that at least this Imperial Messenger Qin had some insight.

"When I praised you just now on top, you didn't even smile once. It is very pleasing to me to know that a youth can have such a personality, I hope that you don't fall too early in the combat examinations!"

Imperial Messenger Qin nodded, then, didn't speak further, turned around, and left.

After years of chairing the examinations, he had seen too many talents. Even though Fang Zhengzhi was the brightest of them all, but, it was ultimately only a county theory examination.

The roll champion of the theory examination was always of different level compared to the combat examination.

He still had to observe further Fang Zhengzhi's abilities and potential.

Sitting at the restaurant opposite, Meng Yushu's expression at this moment was frightfully dark. Staring at Fang Zhengzhi within the crowd below, he finally couldn't hold back anymore. Leaping up, he actually directly jumped down from the second floor of the restaurant.

"Hmph! So what if you are the theory examination roll champion? How can the light from a grain of rice compete for splendour with the grand moon!"

With a cold cry, a line faint green shadow flashed across his body. In mid-air, when the shadow disappeared, Meng Yushu's body followed the shadow's path and quickly changed into a few different postures.

Then, the strange thing occurred.

Meng Yushu's body suddenly slowed down mid-air, and his falling speed suddenly decreased. It felt like a piece of leaf floating in the air, falling slowly to the ground.

Giving off a slight sound.

"It's Meng Yushu!"

"That just now should be Dao Seal?"

"I never thought that having only Accessed Dao for a year, Meng Yushu would be able to mimic the Dao Seal. I fear he has already reached the threshold for the 'Divine Seal State'?"

"If the theory examination roll champion is Fang Zhengzhi… then this time's combat examination's roll champion would no doubt be Meng Yushu!" When the crowd witnessed this scene, one followed by another, they began to shower praises.

Culture could bring peace and stability to a country, while a military could establish a country.

Compared to the roll champion of the theory examination, the combat examination roll champion was definitely more valuable!

"Fang Zhengzhi, in the combat examination, I will show you what is true power!" Meng Yushu took one look at Fang Zhengzhi, turned around, and left. He didn't bother concealing the anger in his tone at all.

To a grand young master of the Meng Residence, he indeed didn't have to conceal.

"He had declared war!"

"There will be a good show to watch now, I believe Fang Zhengzhi wouldn't even be able to pass the first stage!"

"The roll champion of the theory examination being eliminated in the first round of the combat examination? I can't wait!"

When a group of examinees heard Meng Yushu's words, they instantly grew excited. Evidently, even though Fang Zhengzhi attained the theory examination roll champion, but they remained unhappy with him in their hearts.

Combat!

That was the foundation of establishing a country!

"Hey, those two over there, what are you waiting for? Shouldn't you be stripping now?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't pay any attention to Meng Yushu at all, neither did he bother about the discussion around him. Instead, he gazed at the two examinees preparing to escape not too far away…

"Woosh!"

One sentence caused everybody's attention to completely shift back to those two examinees. At the same time, the crowd silently heaved a sigh of relief that Fang Zhengzhi didn't bet with them.

The roll champion of the theory examination? A person who didn't even enter a Hall of Dao before?

No matter how one put it, Fang Zhengzhi attaining the roll champion was a fact. That meant that naturally, there was no way to argue over this any further. As the saying goes, if one didn't ask to die, one won't die!

The faces of the two examinees alternated between red and white. But, they couldn't argue against what was written in black and white. The swarming crowd seemed to be finding an avenue for them to vent their frustrations, and a moment later, on the great streets and small alleys of the Huai An County, a beautiful scenery appeared…

At night, in the inn, Fang Zhengzhi sat in front of the window and read silently, feeling the gradual changes in his body. In the span of eight years, he seemed to have walked in front of a door.

That was a door that separated his body from the outside world.

Within the door, all creations were stars that brightly lit up the entire sky.

Outside the door, was an empty void, quiet and dark.

These two entirely different feelings were like two completely different worlds.

The Dao of All Creation originated from Man, controlling All Creations!

These eight years, Fang Zhengzhi had always followed these words. But now, he felt a strong sensation, and felt that these words needed some modifications…

But, how to modify? And what should it become?

That was the confusion Fang Zhengzhi felt in his heart.

"Crack!" An extremely soft sound came from somewhere on top of him. The sound was too soft, even the occasional footsteps outside the room was louder than that.

But, the edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a faint smile.

Then, pressing his foot lightly on the ground, his entire body leapt onto the roof like a streak of meteor.

He didn't make any weird movements like Meng Yushu did, and not a single hint of light radiated from his body. But, the speed was insanely fast, as if he was propelled up by a whirlwind.

Insanely fast, yet landing on the ground so lightly that it caused people to become flustered.

There wasn't a single bit of sound, as if he had been standing there all along.

On the roof, a black figure stared at the Fang Zhengzhi's sudden appearance, and was stunned for exactly three seconds. Then, turning into a stream of light, it quickly fled into the distance.

"A bright moon shining overhead, what a beautiful scenery!"

Fang Zhengzhi didn't give chase, and only raised his head to look at the huge silver moon hanging in the night sky. Then, finding an arch in the roof, he lay down.

Just like that, quietly, the moonlight landed onto his body.

The second day, a piece of news spread across the Huai An County. One of the top three in the theory examination, Li Bowei, mysteriously disappeared.

The third day, Li Bowei was found in a small dilapidated alley, completely unconscious! Based on what he said after he awoken, he had accidentally fallen down after his celebratory drink, hence took a nap in the small alley.

But why would he go to the small alley?

He didn't explain.

The fifth day, the Law of Dao combat examination had officially begun.

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Chapter 71: Challenge Fang Zhengzhi

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The venue was naturally still the Qingfeng Academy, however, the location had shifted to the combat square behind the academy. Three huge stages neatly occupied the vast combat square.

Behind the stage, was where the judges of the combat examination sat.

Imperial Messenger Qin sat in the centre seat, while two others sat beside him. One of them wore a black official robe, from the embroidery on his official robe, he seemed like the county head of the Huai An County.

The other was dressed like a scholar, around forty-six to forty-seven years of age, his tiny eyes were half opened and a few crops of white hair were evident at near his temples.

A few invigilators waited below the stage, waiting for the gong signifying the start of the combat examination to sound out.

"The first round of combat examination, based on elimination! We will draw lots to determine Leader and Follower. The person who draws "Leader" will be the stage leader, and can freely choose any person who drew the word "Follower". The winner, will advance a level! The loser, will be eliminated! There will only be one round of competition!" Imperial Messenger Qin quickly announced the rules.

These rules could be said to be simple and rough.

Moreover, luck and chance were also important. Because, the person who drew the word "Leader" very obviously had the power to act.

But, things had always been like this and who was to say that luck wasn't part of one's abilities?

The drawing of lots proceeded very quickly, and each of the examinees chose, from ten boxes, a small stone token with words written on it. Then, after the lots drawing ended, names appeared on the two roll stones representing leader and follower.

Fang Zhengzhi's luck seemed not to bad, drawing a "follower" word.

That meant that his fate was decided by others.

Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan's luck were not too bad either, and like Fang Zhengzhi, drew a "follower" word. This caused their emotions to become rather pessimistic, sitting on their seats and sighing, Heavens is playing with them, luck isn't fair.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi's mood remained the same as always. Because, he realised something strange. The roll stone that represented the "leader" word actually bore Meng Yushu's name.

"Huh? Meng Yushu still can participate in the combat examination?" Fang Zhengzhi was rather confused, but didn't probe deeper.

Then, he quickly realised something curious.

A familiar face appeared at the venue.

Wearing a brocade robe, and an icy cold expression on his face - Yan Xiu.

How could Yan Xiu enter the combat examination venue? Fang Zhengzhi was indeed confused. Because, those who could enter the examination venue were very obviously all examinees.

But, Yan Xiu didn't even participate in the theory examination. And most importantly, when the lots were drawn previously, Yan Xiu didn't even go up the stage. Yan Xiu's name wasn't on the roll stone either.

Here to watch?

Fang Zhengzhi could only use this explanation. But, to be able to enter the combat examination venue to watch was something that was rather stunning. At least, an average person wouldn't be able to do so.

Just as he thought, a voice sounded out at his ear.

"Challenge Fang Zhengzhi!"

Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback. Hadn't it just started? Who was so cruel as to select him out of the vast sea of people?

This was the first round, in a real elimination competition.

If one lost, no matter how good the results in the theory examination were, one would instantly be eliminated.

With his reputation as the theory examination roll champion, he still couldn't scare aoff this person?

Raising his head, Fang Zhengzhi understood. Because, the person that stood on the stage was the one wearing a yellow brocade robe with a sword at his waist - Meng Yushu.

At this moment, the crowd of examinees grew excited.

After the results were released at the theory examination previously, they naturally thought that Meng Yushu and Fang Zhengzhi would definitely fight. But, they didn't realise that this fight would come so fast, appearing in the first round.

"Meng Yushu challenges Fang Zhengzhi, this luck isn't normally so good!"

"That's right, taking into account Fang Zhengzhi's roll champion results at the theory examination, as long as he doesn't lose the first round of combat examination, he would be able to, at the very least, pass the Law of Dao examination!"

"Looks like Meng Yushu has hardened his resolve to ensure Fang Zhengzhi doesn't pass!"

"That's natural. If it were you, getting reported by him at the theory examination, how would you let him pass the combat examination?"

The examinees discussed spiritedly, each of them lamenting Fang Zhengzhi's bad luck. Because, the first round of combat examinations didn't even need to be watched to know that the results were decided long ago.

After all, in their hearts, Meng Yushu was the only examinee who accessed Dao in this Law of Dao examination.

This was a round that lacked the most suspense, but, it was a round that everybody looked forward to most.

"Young master's decision is indeed somewhat unexpected!" On the judging stage, wearing a black official robe, the county head's gazed at the middle-aged scholar beside him and smiled gently.

"Young master's ambition is large. If he challenged some random people, he might be afraid of getting laughed at?" The middle-aged scholar looked at Meng Yushu standing on the stage, and looked as if everything was to be expected.

"Ha ha…" Imperial Messenger Qin laughed gently, clenched the fist he placed below the stage, released it and didn't speak further.

At this moment, Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan's gaze was also fixated on Fang Zhengzhi.

They had initially confirmed that Fang Zhengzhi would definitely pass the Law of Dao examination. But, now it seemed that this confirmation was about to turn into a question mark.

Meng Yushu...

That was the power of having accessed Dao, no matter how strong Fang Zhengzhi was, he definitely couldn't be stronger than him?

Changing their mind, when they looked at Fang Zhengzhi again, they were filled with pity.

"Fang Zhengzhi, don't be disappointed! Even though you lost, but, you can take the examination again next time. As long as you don't meet someone like him next time, there will still be a chance!" Li Huer reassured.

"That's right, Fang Zhengzhi. Losing today is all because luck isn't on your side!" Meng Jiangshan similarly advised by the side.

"Indeed, luck is not on my side." The edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a smile. Then, he stood up slowly and strolled leisurely towards the stage.

Three stages hosted fights at the same time, naturally, the other stages had already started to fight.

However, compared to the other two stages, the stage in which Fang Zhengzhi was at was completely surrounded by examinees. Under the other two stages, the number of people could be counted with one's fingers.

The stark contrast was indeed a little unduly.

In the end, Fang Zhengzhi went up the stage. After the signal was given by the invigilator, the two cupped their fists, representing that friendship came first, while competition came second.

"Take out your weapon!" After cupping his fist, Meng Yushu directly unsheathed his sword, which gave off an icy glow.

"I won't." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

Just as he prepared to snatch the first move, Meng Yushu stopped in his tracks. His gaze landed on Fang Zhengzhi's coarse blue robe, and a cold smile suddenly appeared on his face.

"If you don't have any weapons, feel free to choose any below the stage!" An arrogant expression appeared on Meng Yushu's face.

"I have a weapon, but, against you… I don't need any." Fang Zhengzhi expressed the truth.

These words not only caused Meng Yushu to be taken aback, even the examinees below the stage were stunned after hearing Fang Zhengzhi's words.

Immediately after, a wave of laughter erupted.

"Ha ha ha… he actually said that he won't need a weapon to fight Meng Yushu?"

"Isn't this overestimating himself a little too much?"

"I believe he thinks that by not using a weapon, his injuries would be lighter?"

The examinees very quickly guessed Fang Zhengzhi's intentions and doubled over with laughter.

On a seat not too far away, Yan Xiu's expression didn't change at all, but the finger he placed on the chair moved very slightly.

On the judging stage, a glint appeared in Imperial Messenger Qin's eyes.

"Don't need weapons? Ha ha… interesting!"

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Chapter 72: This was possible?

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

If it was said that Fang Zhengzhi using his understanding of the Law of Dao to achieve roll head in the theory examination was something that people were completely unable to believe.

Then…

Faced with Meng Yushu who had accessed Dao, under the pressure of true power, yet still being able to win without using any weapons, that was simply something that downright couldn't exist.

Naturally, it was impossible for Meng Yushu to believe this.

But, Fang Zhengzhi's expression indeed caused him some unease. Because, that expression was too calm, and most importantly, a deep sense of disdain and contempt was clearly evident in Fang Zhengzhi's eyes.

Stealthily shooting a glance at Yan Xiu, Meng Yushu saw that Yan Xiu's expression didn't change much.

Then, he moved.

He decided to use the most direct method to resolve this battle of large disparity in strengths.

"Die!"

With an icy glint, Meng Yushu leapt up.

Then, the stage felt as if it had been splattered with a wave of raindrops. Or perhaps a better way of saying was that it was really raindrops. Because, within the lush white glow, one by one raindrops were rapidly falling from the skies.

In an instant, those raindrops were falling towards Fang Zhengzhi.

"So powerful!"

"Dao Seal summoning rain, and the sword following the fall of the rain!"

Most of the examinees didn't access Dao, and naturally were filled with admiration.

Dao Seal, that was something that interpreted the existence of All Creations, and what Meng Yushu used now was the Rainfall Dao Seal. Tracing the Rainfall Dao Seal and integrating sword techniques within the Rainfall Dao Seal.

Under this situation, the sword could attack like the raindrops.

At the judging panel, a slight smile appeared on the county head's face, evidently very approving of Meng Yushu's abilities.

"Plop plop plop…"

As the raindrops fell on the stage, fine thin cuts appeared on the red carpet that adorned the stage, looking as if it had been poured over by the rain of the spring.

On the other hand, Meng Yushu gently landed on the ground.

But…

Fang Zhengzhi had disappeared.

This caused Meng Yushu to feel extremely shocked.

He had clearly seen Fang Zhengzhi standing at his original location just now, furthermore, he simply couldn't avoid this technique. But… very mysteriously, when his sword rain landed, it seemed to not have contacted any objects.

"How slow!"

A voice lightly sounded out from behind Meng Yushu.

Meng Yushu was completely taken aback. Looking behind, he realised that Fang Zhengzhi was still standing at his original location, and below his feet, were the scars that he had just created with his sword rain.

"How is this possible?"

Meng Yushu couldn't accept this at all. He simply couldn't understand how Fang Zhengzhi avoided his attack, and yet returned back to his original location.

Not only him, even the examinees under the stage were absolutely confused.

Meng Yushu leaping up, then causing visions of raindrop to appear in mid-air, then landing from the air, everything was perfect.

Yet, Fang Zhengzhi stood at his original location all along.

But when they blinked and looked again, they realised that there strangely weren't any scars at all on Fang Zhengzhi's body, as if Meng Yushu had ghosted through him.

In the entire venue, other that the shock of the crowd, there were two other people whose expression were rather abnormal. One was Imperial Messenger Qin, the other was Yan Xiu. At this moment, a faint glint flashed in both their eyes.

As if they had seen something extremely incredible.

"Fang Zhengzhi? Ha ha… this is indeed a battle of vastly differing strengths!" Imperial Messenger Qin mumbled softly, his eyes seeming as if he was deep in thought.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu lightly gripped the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan on his hands and then, one word came from his mouth.

"Friend!"

On the stage, Fang Zhengzhi quietly stood at his original spot, staring at Meng Yushu whose face was filled with shock.

"Using rainfall as a seal, then integrating sword techniques within, not too shabby…" Fang Zhengzhi thought for a while, then, nodded as if he realised something.

But, when his voice entered Meng Yushu's ears, it was nothing but shame.

A person who didn't even access Dao calling him not too shabby, if this was not shameful, what was?

"You actually mocked me as slow!"

Meng Yushu's expression turned cold. Pushing off the ground lightly with his feet, his body quickly changed into a few strange postures. A faint ray of green light flashed in mid-air, and the image of falling leaves flashed then subsided.

"Another Dao Seal!"

"This time, it should be the falling leaves!"

The attention of the examinees was once again absorbed by Meng Yushu. After all, even though Fang Zhengzhi avoided Meng Yushu's attack just now, he seemed to have not moved at all.

Most importantly…

There were never any rays of light that radiated from Fang Zhengzhi's body.

Just like an extremely average person.

"Woosh!" Meng Yushu moved again. But this time, his body blurred and his movement tracks became extremely drifty.

It felt just like a piece of leaf dancing in a strong gale.

"This time, he integrated the Dao Seal into his body movements!" An acute examinee quickly saw through it. Meng Yushu was using his body movements to mimic the dancing of falling leaves.

Fang Zhengzhi looked at the drifting Meng Yushu beside him.

Suddenly, he felt that it was getting too boring. He actually wished to see whether Meng Yushu would have any new moves, but in reality, he was disappointed. Extremely disappointed.

There was nothing too new and interesting about Meng Yushu's moves.

"Sigh…"

Fang Zhengzhi sighed lightly.

Then, clenching his hand into a fist, he calmly lowered himself into a small horse stance, as if he was trying to practice some sort of kungfu on the stage.

Very slowly, Fang Zhengzhi unhurriedly punched out with his left fist.

The two people on the stage seemed rather strange at this moment. Because, their actions seemed completely unrelated to that of the another.

Meng Yushu was employing his body movements to prepare to attack Fang Zhengzhi.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi stood alone on the stage in a horse stance, then, slowly pushed out with his left fist.

"What is he doing?"

"Practising kungfu? Or punching the air?"

"What a joke, he thinks that by punching the air, he can win? Don't tell me Meng Yushu will still decide to bang onto his fist?"

When the examinees saw Fang Zhengzhi's movements, they all began to ridicule.

Nobody knew what Fang Zhengzhi was doing. Because, Fang Zhengzhi's movements were too slow, so slow that even if people didn't want to avoid this attack, it would still be rather impossible.

Yet…

Just as the crowd felt that Fang Zhengzhi's actions were too ridiculous.

Meng Yushu suddenly slipped, then, Meng Yushu, initially drifting indefinitely on the stage, fell head over heels and his head slammed towards Fang Zhengzhi's fist.

"Bang!"

A dull thud, then Meng Yushu's face was heavily punched by a fist.

Everybody was instantly stunned.

How is this possible?

During their confusion, an even stranger scene appeared. Because, after Fang Zhengzhi's fist contacted Meng Yushu's face, Meng Yushu's body traced a beautiful arc in the air like a shooting star.

With a "boom!", he fell outside the stage.

Below the stage, the examinees looked at the unconscious Meng Yushu and were instantly stunned...

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Chapter 73: Luck Coming to an End

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

What was this about?

Nobody understood why Meng Yushu would slip, then, after slipping… just happened to smash into Fang Zhengzhi's fist.

The entire venue was silent…

Everybody stared, stunned, at Fang Zhengzhi, who was unhurriedly pulling back his fist.

Defeated?! Meng Yushu defeated? How did he get defeated?

On the judging panel, the county head wearing an official robe's eyes turned around with shock. Staring at Fang Zhengzhi standing on the stand, and then shifting gaze to the middle-aged scholar sitting by his side.

He similarly didn't understand what had just transpired.

On the other hand, meeting the county head's gaze, the middle-aged scholar also shook his head. His expression was the same as the county head, in absolute disbelief.

"I see!" At this moment, Imperial Messenger Qin mumbled softly.

"What did Imperial Messenger see?" The county head turned his head towards Imperial Messenger Qin.

"Hmm, it can be said that I see, and also don't see. County Head Wang, look there!" Imperial Messenger Qin pointed towards the right side of the stage in front of Fang Zhengzhi as he spoke.

"Stone?!" County Head Wang stared, then was suddenly taken aback. "You say, just now he…"

"That's right, but, whether this stone was originally on the stage, or was thrown by him onto the stage, I don't know…" Imperial Messenger Qin looked deep in thought.

"But this doesn't make sense! This is only the first round, the possibility of a stone appearing on top isn't large! Furthermore, even if there really was a stone, how could he be so sure that Meng Yushu would definitely step on that stone, and, be so sure that the position Meng Yushu would fall towards, would definitely be where he placed his fist?" As the county head thought, things seemed even more impossible. But, the more impossible it seemed, the more shock he felt.

Because, this was easy to say, but to really carry this out, it was insanely hard.

"I don't know, but he indeed did it… didn't he?" Imperial Messenger Qin shook his head.

The county head didn't speak further. But when he shifted his gaze back towards Fang Zhengzhi, a complicated expression appeared in his eyes. Indeed, as Imperial Messenger Qin said, no matter how it happened, Fang Zhengzhi had really managed to do it…

The gaze of the middle-aged scholar was at this moment fixated upon the small stone on the stage, then, looking at the unconscious Meng Yushu below the stage, an icy glow appeared in his eyes.

The examinees naturally overheard the conversation at the judging panel and finally noticed the "unwelcomed guest" on the stage.

"Stone?!"

"A piece of stone?"

All of the examinees exchanged glances at one another, and were at a loss for words.

Meng Yushu tripped over a stone, then coincidentally smashed onto Fang Zhengzhi's fist, and then… sent flying?

This was the truth?

But the truth was a little too inconceivable?!

"The first round, Fang Zhengzhi wins!" Regaining his senses, the invigilator quickly announced Fang Zhengzhi's win.

But, below the stage, was nothing but silence. Because, none of the examinees were able to understand how something so coincidental could occur in this world.

"Coincidence?" Yan Xiu's lips parted slightly, then, slowly shook his head. The Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan on his hands hurriedly fanned a few times, then gradually calmed down.

"Fang Zhengzhi, isn't your luck a little too good?" Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan stared at Fang Zhengzhi who walked down from the stage and returned back to his seat, their eyes filled with envy.

Fang Zhengzhi spitefully twitched his mouth. Faced with such a question, he indeed couldn't be bothered to reply.

But, this expression when seen by Li Huer and Meng Yushu, seemed like he was powerless to dispute.

"Alright, no matter how good your luck is, it will finally end one day!" Li Huer and Meng Yushu could only believe this.

Afterwards, the competitions became rather dull.

Most of it was a battle of brute strength, or using some weird tactics. Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan were somewhat bored, but, Fang Zhengzhi watched with great interest.

It was the simplest moves that consisted of the greatest imagination.

For example, a man wearing a blue robe employed the move "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon", even though there was neither a rhinoceros nor a moon, the main point was the groin kick that followed right after "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon". That move was rather incredible.

Instantly causing his opponent to kneel over and beg for mercy.

There is always something to learn from everyone. All along, Fang Zhengzhi fought with a learning mentality. That was also why he allowed Meng Yushu to demonstrate two moves.

Afterwards, Meng Yushu and Li Huer seemed to have rather bad luck.

Because, being at the bottom of the theory examination, naturally they faced the attack of the tempest.

After shouting out "Heaven killed me!", Meng Jiangshan fell from the stage. His mouth was filled with mud and seemed battered and exhausted.

On the other hand, Li Huer was rather brave and fierce, his fists carrying the sound of the wind and in spite of the opponent causing him to be completely unable to fight back, he managed to push his opponent below the stage.

"I won, I won!"

Li Huer simply couldn't contain his happiness. But, if this was accompanied by two huge panda eyes, it became rather unsightly.

Finally, the first round ended.

Among the top three of the theory examination, Fang Zhengzhi, as the top of the theory roll, defeated Meng Yushu and successfully entered the second while. On the other hand, Zheng Xinzhao's luck wasn't very good.

Because, Li Bowei actually challenged him in the first round.

Then, an incredible and outstanding battle unfolded. Each move was fatal and deadly, and every step was tense. Finally, Zheng Xinzhao finally lost. Unfortunately, he even suffered a heavy injury.

From what it seemed like, Li Bowei seemed to be overly pressured by Zheng Xinzhao and almost fell off the stage, then, flicking his sword, he just happened to accidentally cut Zheng Xinzhao's wrist.

His meridians were instantly cut!

This also meant that in the future, it would definitely extremely hard for Zheng Xinzhao to improve in the combat examination. But, this accident happened on the stage, and everybody had witnessed the situation that unfolded. Hence, nobody overly questioned Li Bowei's actions.

"Gong!" The second round of the combat examination started.

Fang Zhengzhi's performance in the theory examination was incredible, no matter whether he won this round or not, he could still pass the Law of Dao examination. However, this was not the case for Li Huer. He only managed to enter the Second-Class Roll in the theory examination, hence, needed to advance another round.

What was different from the first round was that the fight wasn't determined by "leader" and "follower" anymore, and instead was decided based on drawing lots.

After all, the method of choosing leader and follower was only appropriate to filter out people in the first round. Its main purpose was to use the fastest method to eliminate the ones people considered weak.

Only after successfully filtering out the fish in troubled water could the real competition become even more wonderful.

After lots were drawn, matched names very quickly appeared on the two roll stones.

After which…

Li Huer's expression turned rather ugly. Because, he knew the person whose name was matched with his, and moreover, he was extremely familiar with him. His name was: Fang Zhengzhi!

"Sigh, brother Huer is right, indeed, my luck has finally come to an end…" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the Li Huer's dejected expression and sighed gloomily, his eyes filled with laughter.

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Chapter 74: A Hurried Goodbye

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Li Huer's expression was frozen, his two panda eyes blinked and looked towards the azure blue skies. He looked as grieved as a soldier leaving and not being able to return.

"Can you defeat me in a way that will allow me to keep my face?" Even though Li Huer constantly mocked Fang Zhengzhi during the theory examination, but in the combat examination, at least he knew himself well.

"How does Huer want it to be like?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled slightly.

"For example, we will first be locked in battle for around twenty bouts, then, with great difficulty, you defeat me!" Li Huer thought for a while, and decided that this method saved him some face.

"Alright!" Fang Zhengzhi generously nodded.

When he saw Fang Zhengzhi agree, Li Huer instantly smiled happily. Hurriedly turning his head around, he secretly shot a glance at Fang Zhengzhi and an expression of a successful plan appeared on his face.

Fang Zhengzhi also smiled slightly, as if he hadn't noticed the expression on Li Huer's face at all.

The competition went by rather quickly.

Not too long later, it was Fang Zhengzhi and Li Huer's turn to mount the stage.

Due to Fang Zhengzhi's stunning performance in the first round, he was naturally paid special attention during the second round.

On the judging panel, the gazes of the three people were fixated on Fang Zhengzhi. Below the stage, it was filled with examinees. On the spectator stand, Yan Xiu's gaze also shifted over.

The only regret was that this round, Fang Zhengzhi's opponent was indeed rather weak.

After all, Li Huer's win in the first round was rather difficult. This was something that everybody had personally witnessed.

"Kill!"

Once the match started, Li Huer bravely and fiercely charged towards Fang Zhengzhi, his two tough fists carrying the sound of the wind.

At Fang Zhengzhi's side, his movement was just as big, but compared to Li Huer's fist, his was indeed much smaller, and his body wasn't as stout and strong.

But, under Fang Zhengzhi's deliberate actions, the sound of the wind indeed wasn't soft.

"Boom boom boom…"

Two men, four fists, intensely collided into each other.

Li Huer advanced, Fang Zhengzhi retreated. Fang Zhengzhi advanced, Li Huer retreated.

Under the stage, as the examinees watched this intense battle, they were completely unable to understand what was happening.

"Why did the fight last so long?"

"This isn't very right, Fang Zhengzhi had defeated Meng Yushu. Why is he actually fighting so hard with this idiot?"

The three on the judging panel were also filled with shock at this moment.

Li Huer's abilities was something they naturally were able to infer with one glance. From the first round of assessment, there was almost no suspense in this competition.

Why would so many people pay attention to this.

The biggest reason was that everyone wanted to know what kind of ability did Fang Zhengzhi reach.

But now...

They had seen his abilities, but, this intense fight between the two, and being evenly matched, what was this about? With Li Huer's abilities?

The crowd absolutely couldn't understand this.

Fang Zhengzhi's first round was initially a competition regarded to be without suspense, yet Meng Yushu lost.

The second round, it was still a competition regarded to be without suspense, but the difference was that Fang Zhengzhi was so strong that there would be no doubt about this win. Yet, the two were fighting so intensely, just like they were equally matched...

"He he ha he!"

Li Huer and Fang Zhengzhi fought intensely on stage, yet below the stage, nobody cheered. All of them stared blankly at the two, thinking that something was amiss.

Fang Zhengzhi was someone who kept his words. Since he had agreed to allow Li Huer to lose with face, naturally he had to care about their relationship, having grown up together ever since they were babies.

Hence, he didn't rush at all.

Just like that, the two fought with punches and kicks on the stage for more than a quarter of an hour, and like before, didn't even look like it was about to end.

"Giving chance?" Yan Xiu's lips moved again, and said two words. Then, he looked at Fang Zhengzhi's and Li Huer's attires and seemed to have understood something.

Fang Zhengzhi and Li Huer continued to fight.

Finally, Li Huer's eyes slowly lit up. Because, he had already "forced" Fang Zhengzhi to a corner of the stage. Furthermore, it seemed from Fang Zhengzhi's expression that he didn't realise that at all.

"An opportunity!" Li Huer felt a sense of delight within, and without caring about anything else, lowered his body into a deep squat. Then, his two arms reached out and pounced towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Tiger pouncing on the prey!

Li Huer had full confidence in this move, because it was personally taught to him by Li Zhuangshi. Its purpose was to pounce onto a powerful opponent and fall down the stage, hence, most probably, the opponent would definitely land before him.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I apologise! Anyway, you have already passed the Law of Dao examination!"

Looking at Fang Zhengzhi standing on one corner of the stage, Li Huer simply couldn't contain the smile on his face anymore. He seemed to have already felt the glory and success right in front of his eyes.

Below the stage, the crowd of examinees witnessed this scene, their mouths agape in shock.

Did this mean that this was the end of Fang Zhengzhi?

"Plop!" A dull thud sounded out from below the stage.

Li Huer's current posture was beautiful. Two fists reaching out towards the front, and two legs bent at an angle, lying face down on the floor.

It had to be said that the change in his movements was indeed extremely strange, in a flash, the tiger pouncing on the prey turned into eating dog faeces, and the reason that led to this was…

Unfortunately, Fang Zhengzhi suddenly slanted his body.

And very unfortunately, gave Li Huer's butt a kick.

Just like that, an "evenly-matched" battle ended.

Li Huer raised his head. Spitting out the mud from his mouth, his expression was queer. What happened? He had clearly seen that he was about to embrace Fang Zhengzhi, why did he suddenly appear behind him?

Where was the face they agreed upon?

The sudden situation didn't give him any face at all!

Based on Fang Zhengzhi's battle in the second round, the crowd was just as stunned as the first round. The difference was that the process wasn't quite the same.

Having passed two rounds, it could almost be confirmed that Fang Zhengzhi's ranking would land him into the First-Class Roll.

Once they thought of this, the crowd began to look at Fang Zhengzhi differently. Even though these two rounds of fights in the combat examination left everybody speechless…

"Theory examination Roll Champion, combat examination First-Class Roll, not bad!" At this moment, County Head Wang also began to ponder, and looked at Fang Zhengzhi with some admiration.

This time, Imperial Messenger Qin didn't speak, and calmly lifted up the cup in front of him and sipped on his tea.

The middle-aged scholar on the other hand turned his head to one side and huffed lightly.

The third round also employed the drawing lots method.

Fang Zhengzhi's opponent was a man who wielded a spear, around the age of thirty with a few pockmarks on his face.

He was very evidently an "old-timer' in the county examination.

Once he mounted the stage, he showed his rich experience. Instead of clashing with Fang Zhengzhi directly, he chose to do so indirectly.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi didn't rush, and with a relaxed expression on his face, employed the tactic of "If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move", and quietly watched on. Very unfortunately, after circling Fang Zhengzhi twice, he accidentally tripped and amazingly fell off the stage…

The fourth and fifth round after that, Fang Zhengzhi's luck was just as extreme, every opponent falling off the stage due to his own "blunders".

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi helplessly spread open his hands, expressing his innocence.

Then, after rounds and rounds of innocence, the examinees shockingly realised a serious problem. Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have reached the finals.

His opponent wasn't anybody else but the third in the theory examination, Li Bowei.

The crowd released a sigh of relief. "Fang Zhengzhi's luck seems like it is finally going to end!"

After all, Li Bowei's performance in the combat examination was completely different from Fang Zhengzhi, displaying true strength and power the entire time, and even defeated the second in the theory examination.

"Start!" The invigilator gave off the order to start.

"Please!" Li Huer very gracefully gave a beckoning sign towards Fang Zhengzhi.

"Please!" Fang Zhengzhi similarly mimicked Li Bowei's actions.

Li Bowei finally smiled, but, the smile on his mouth was unusually cold, as if it came from hell, bringing along an air of chilliness.

"Five days ago, after a hurried goodbye under the moonlit night, I long to see you again!"

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Chapter 75: Divine Seal

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Mm, then?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he smiled.

"Why don't you look shocked at all?" Li Bowei thought that Fang Zhengzhi's expression would change greatly after expressing this. But, it seemed like it had failed quite badly.

"Am I supposed to be shocked?"

"Do you understand my main point? I said me, me!" Li Bowei emphasised.

"Then?"

"..." Li Bowei stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who wore an innocent look on his face and felt a deep sense of defeat. Then, his tone suddenly changed, like a thousand-year-old glacier.

"Die!"

In a flash, Li Bowei charged towards Fang Zhengzhi, the sword in his hands pointing towards Fang Zhengzhi's throat. His speed was fast as lightning, and a faint glow radiated from the top of his blade.

"This is the ability Li Bowei has been hiding!" County Head Wang quickly stood up.

"Something is wrong!" Imperial Messenger Qin similarly realised something.

"Li Bowei and I are both from the Qingfeng Academy, and was already very close to accessing Dao… wait! Something is really wrong! It is not possible for Li Bowei to have such power!" The middle-aged scholar instinctively waited to defend Li Bowei, but after seeing Li Bowei's movements clearly, he was completely stunned.

Because…

The ability Li Bowei was displaying now had long exceeded that of Meng Yushu who accessed Dao a year ago.

From what the Qingfeng Academy knew, Li Bowei was still a slight bit away from accessing Dao, and it was impossible for him to improve by so much within a few days!

At the stage, in a blink of an eye, Li Bowei's sword was an inch away from Fang Zhengzhi's throat.

Furthermore, the sword's power didn't seem to have the intention of being restrained, instead, the icy glow expanded outwards. If this stab was successfully, it would definitely kill in one blow!

It was too sinister and deadly!

Under the stage, the examinees stared at Li Bowei's attack, their mouths agape in shock. It was too fast, so fast that people simply couldn't react.

If Li Bowei's previous performance caused people to feel that he was powerful, then now…

This can only be described by horror!

"Woosh!" Two figures closed the distance between them.

Immediately after, a dull sound boomed from the stage, then the two figures quickly shot apart.

"Ha ha ha… who would have thought! Fifteen years of age yet reaching such a level. Talent, a true talent! Even more talented that what I thought!" Li Bowei stretched his shoulders, the icy glow in his eyes expanding.

"You aren't too bad either!" Fang Zhengzhi also gave a sincere praise. Shaking his palms, the shards of ice stuck to it fell to the ground.

"What is even more worthy of celebrating is that today, will be the day of your death!" When Li Bowei finished his words, the air in the entire stage became a lot colder.

Brandishing the sword on his hands, a layer of translucent ice crystals instantly appeared on his sword. At the same time, a dense white mist emanated from his body.

"Divine Seal! Li Bowei had reached Divine Seal!" County Head Wang's eyes instantly widened. He simply couldn't believe that a person who reached the Divine Seal State could appear in the county examinations.

After accessing Dao, man could begin to understand All Creation, but, this required a process.

For example, even though Meng Yushu accessed Dao for a year, he still couldn't reach the Divine Seal State, and could only rely on the Dao Seal to force his powers to reach the abilities of the Divine Seal early stage.

But that was only based on power. If he really met with someone who reached the Divine Seal early state, he would no doubt be defeated.

Because, the good thing about this was that one's powers would increase. However, the bad thing was that before every move, he had to first display the Dao Seal to prepare.

But if one reached the Divine Seal, then everything would be different.

The Divine Seal represented that one completely sealed a form of All Creation into one's body, hence when employing it, it wouldn't require the assistance of any Dao Seal at all.

In order to achieve this, one required chance and understanding.

Because, in order to seal All Creation into one's body, this represented that one's understanding of the Dao of All Creation had already reached an extremely high level. For example, how it was made, how it changed, its different properties, how to destroy it… everything was in one's grasp.

"It might not even be as simple as Divine Seal!" Imperial Messenger Qin opened his mouth as well.

From what was happening on the stage, Li Bowei borrowed the help of cold air, freezing into ice crystals and giving off an icy mist. Just from this point alone, one could infer that he already wasn't at the early stage of Divine Seal anymore.

As of which level he had reached, it was currently unable to be determined.

"This Li Bowei, how could he conceal himself so much?" The middle-aged scholar sighed deeply.

Under the stage, the examinees were completely stunned at this moment. Li Bowei had actually reached Divine Seal? Furthermore, compared to the Divine Seal late stage… it seemed to be even higher.

How could this not cause people to be shocked?

"Die!" Li Bowei completely ignored the crowd's shock, as if he had already expected all of these to happen. Then, he moved again. Completely enveloped in a white, icy mist, he charged towards Fang Zhengzhi.

"Isn't it just a little bit of cold air?" Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth in disdain.

Then, his body also gave off a dense white mist. Moreover, compared to Li Bowei's mist, it was even thicker…

"Divine… Divine Seal?!"

"Fang Zhengzhi he… he also reached Divine Seal?"

Instantly, none of the examinees were able to come to their senses. If the fact that Li Bowei had achieved Divine Seal was a shocking matter, then Fang Zhengzhi's sudden attainment of Divine Seal was something people simply couldn't imagine.

It was just a county examination of the Law of Dao examination.

Those who accessed Dao could directly skip this and participate in the capital examinations. Two people who reached Divine Seal coming here to compete? Wasn't this simply bullying?

As the examinees were filled with shock, two balls of white, icy mist clashed into each other.

Then, an intense clashing sound sounded out from within the white mist.

After which, Li Bowei's body flew out from the white mist, like a meteor flying through the skies, slammed into the ground with a boom.

The white mist gradually dispersed. Fang Zhengzhi quietly stood on the stage and looked at Li Bowei lying on the ground.

"Wow!"

In an instant, all the examinees were roused. All their doubts were finally resolved. So what if Fang Zhengzhi could defeat Meng Yushu? Even a Divine Seal person like Li Bowei was defeated!

That meant that Fang Zhengzhi possessed true power!

"How powerful!"

"I never thought that he had actually reached Divine Seal!"

"A person who had never entered the Hall of Dao, relying solely on self-study! Achieving Roll Champion in the theory examinations, and even reaching Divine Seal? Isn't this simply unthinkable?"

The examinees discussed spiritedly.

On the spectator stand, Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan glanced at one another, their faces filled with absolute shock.

"Fang Zhengzhi… reached Divine Seal?!"

At this moment, Imperial Messenger Qin also stood up. Looking at Fang Zhengzhi standing on the stage, he looked as if it had seen a perfectly beautiful piece of unpolished jade.

Then, just as everybody's gaze were completely fixated on Fang Zhengzhi's body.

Sitting at the spectator stand, Yan Xiu stood up suddenly. His ice-cold expression now seemed to have become rather anxious.

"Beware!"

"Boom!" Just as Yan Xiu's words landed, a gigantic roar sounded out from the stage. An immense destructive force instantly caused the entire stage to shake wildly.

"Zoom zoom zoom…" Broken pieces of rocks and pebbles flew out from the stage like knives, instantly piercing bloody holes into the bodies of the examinees below.

"Ah ah ah ah!" The examinees below the stage instantly cried out in pain.

On the stage at this moment, dust flew everywhere. It was simply impossible to discern what was happening inside, only a faint blue glow of light blinked in and out of the cloud of dust.

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Chapter 76: Demon Eye

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

After an instant, the dust dispersed. A youth wearing a white brocade robe appeared, with an icy glint in his eyes. The sword on his hand impaled itself into the ground, and a layer of ice crystals covered the blade of his sword. Below his feet, there was a humongous crack in the sound.

The strangest thing was.

A portion of skin had been peeled off his face, revealing a crystal-like, faint blue gem on his forehead. Within the gem, there was a faint flow of light, just like an eye.

"I never thought that having hidden within the human world for five years, I have been exposed today!" As the youth spoke, his gaze swept across the crowd below the stage, with a demonic air around him.

"Ah!" As the gaze of the youth swept across the crowd below the stage, the examinees instantly began to cry out.

The expressions of three people at the judging panel also changed suddenly. At this moment, they naturally knew the true identity of the youth on the stage, and knew well what the gem on the youth's forehead stood for.

"The demon race!" County Head Wang's face was a deathly shade of white. He never thought that the demon race would be able to sneak into the Law of Dao examination.

"Surround him, don't let him run away!" After identifying the youth, the middle-aged scholar quickly shouted towards the surrounding guards.

"Audacious demon race, you dare destroy the talents of our human race! Die!" Imperial Messenger Qin looked at the huge gaping hole on the stage and carried a grieved expression on his face.

All these years, the appearance of the demon race in the Law of Dao examination wasn't something that had never happened. Their goal was simple, nip the problem in the bud by eliminating the weak and young talents of the human race, hindering the growth of the human race from its roots.

Except, the appearance of the demon race in the county examination, and even forced to reveal its identity, this was indeed rare.

Imperial Messenger Qin clenched his fists and prepared to act.

Right at this moment, a "snap" sound came from within the crack on the stage. Then, a slender hand reached out from within the crack.

It grabbed onto the legs of the demon youth, whose face was still covered halfway with Li Bowei's human skin.

Faced with the sudden attack, the demon youth, who was already preparing to unleash his killing fury, was completely stunned, and immense shock appeared from within his eyes.

Still alive?

How can he be still alive? And…

Still hiding beneath the ground?!

"Boom!" A loud sound boomed. The demon youth was instantly pulled below the ground by the hand, then, the bloodcurdling sound of bones breaking sounded out from below the ground.

"Snap, snap… bang!"

After a wave of the sound of bones breaking, a figure leapt out gracefully from the crack, then gently landed onto the ground. A coarse blue robe danced in the gentle wind…

"Such bad luck, I accidentally tore my shirt, does this count as an industrial injury?" Fang Zhengzhi patted off the mud from his body, then stared at the tear in his robe and sighed deeply.

Imperial Messenger Qin's lips twitched, but didn't speak. His fist clenched even tighter.

He actually killed a demon?

How did he do that?

Imperial Messenger Qin's heart was filled with doubt. Because, every single demon possessed the power of a human who accessed Dao ever since they were born.

As they grew older, the abilities of a demon would also grow rapidly. From that attack just now, the destruction force of this demon youth was indeed not weak.

How is this possible? Fang Zhengzhi only reached the Divine Seal State, could it be that this demon only reached the Divine Seal State? Or was Fang Zhengzhi's true abilities even stronger than that he showed?

If it was the latter…

When Imperial Messenger Qin thought of this, he instantly rejected this thought. Impossible! A fifteen-year-old youth without a strong family background, and never having studied in a Hall of Dao, being able to reach the Divine Seal State just by self-studying was already the best of talents. How could he reach the state stronger than that of Divine Seal, the Star Conglomerate State?

In the entire Great Xia Dynasty, not even mentioning those below fifteen years old, even the amount of people who managed to reach the Star Conglomerate State below the age of eighteen amounted to no more than a hundred!

"Could it be… Yan Xiu!" Imperial Messenger Qin's gaze quickly noticed Yan Xiu, who had stood up from the spectator stand. Then, he recalled Yan Xiu's voice previously, thought for a while, and finally understood.

If Yan Xiu assisted from behind the scenes, then this incident could be explained!

As Imperial Messenger Qin was intensely trying to reason in his heart, the crowd of examinees below the stage was completely stunned by what had just transpired.

The demon race!

A strong species completely different from the human race!

Fang Zhengzhi managed to kill him? How is it possible that he could kill a demon? Why was the first thing he cared about after killing the demon his clothes?

Everyone had an urge to kneel down after hearing Fang Zhengzhi's words just now.

Could he not be so stingy!

"Fang Zhengzhi killed a demon?!" Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan glanced at one another, their eyes filled with complete shock. They understood that from now onwards, the path Fang Zhengzhi would walk was going to be completely different from theirs.

Killing a demon wasn't something an average person could do.

Every person who was able to kill a demon would be emphasized upon and nurtured by the dynasty, becoming a person deserving of people's respect.

At this moment, Imperial Messenger Qin also moved. In one leap, he stood on top of the stage. Then, lowering his head to look at the demon within the cracks, whose face was the colour of golden paper, he nodded lightly.

Still alive? This is a good thing!

When Yan Xiu saw Imperial Messenger Qin mount the stage, he also gracefully made his way onto the stage. But, he didn't pay any attention to the demon youth, and instead fixated his gaze upon Fang Zhengzhi.

"I can give you a set of clothes!" Yan Xiu opened his mouth.

When the examinees below the stage heard Yan Xiu's words, they instantly felt the urge to kneel down again. Wasn't the main point here about Fang Zhengzhi killing the demon? Why was Yan Xiu, like Fang Zhengzhi, first concerned about clothes?

"Alright!" When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he instantly smiled.

Among the examinees, there were already people kneeling on the floor. It seemed that the thought process of these two people in front of them wasn't something normal people could understand.

Imperial Messenger Qin's expression was also just as queer. But, considering Yan Xiu's social status, he forced down the doubt in his heart.

"This time, Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu's contributions in killing the demon cannot go unnoticed!" Imperial Messenger Qin thought for a while, and decided that such a wording would be more appropriate.

"I didn't contribute at all!" Yan Xiu replied indifferently.

Imperial Messenger Qin smiled. He often heard people say that Yan Xiu's personality was too icily arrogant. Today's encounter confirmed this fact, hence he didn't speak further.

"You say he is a demon?" Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have realised something afterwards.

"Oh… that's right!" Imperial Messenger Qin was taken aback.

"He looks rather similar to us…" At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi became rather curious, his jet-black eyes stared at the demon within the crack.

"On the forehead of every demon is a natural "Demon Eye". This is what they use to communicate with Heaven, Earth and Nature, and build their strength!" Imperial Messenger Qin explained.

"Oh, I see!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded. Reaching into the crack, with a woosh, he pulled out the demon youth from within the crack.

"Ah!"

This movement instantly alarmed Imperial Messenger Qin and the surrounding examinees.

This guy was still alive!

"This demon eye seems not too shabby, I wonder how much I can sell it for if I dig it out?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't bother paying any attention to the crowd's shock and felt about the demon eye on the demon youth. It was rather cold.

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Chapter 77: Heaven Dao Pavilion

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"How much… can the demon eye sell for?"

Towards Fang Zhengzhi's thought process, the crowd felt like they had seen a vulgar piece of gold embedded in an extremely precious gem.

Only able to sigh, fabricating objects and messing with people!

Of course, in the end, Fang Zhengzhi also wasn't able to dig out the demon eye of the demon youth as a souvenir.

After all, from the dynasty's point of view, they had already caught a live culprit with great difficulty. Imperial Messenger Qin wouldn't bear to stand by the side and let Fang Zhengzhi kill him.

The demon eye was the source of the demon's strength, and also the forbidden land of life.

The La of Dao examinations had ended.

Then, everybody finally managed to react.

Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have achieved the combat examination roll champion?!

This result was something the crowd had never even considered, but, nobody dared to argue against this result.

A person who had already reached the Divine Seal State attaining the roll champion of the county Law of Dao examination's combat examination simply wasn't something debatable. But, what the crowd couldn't understand was how did a person who didn't ever enter the Hall of Dao reach Divine Seal?

"Fang Zhengzhi, is the roll champion of the Law of Dao examination's combat examination, and also the roll champion of the theory examination!" Imperial Messenger Qin's voice echoed about the entire combat arena of the Qingfeng Academy.

"Double Roll Champion?!" At this moment, Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan only wanted to find a hole to bury themselves in. The difference between them and Fang Zhengzhi was really too big.

After which, County Head Wang, as the official of the Huai An County, also expressed his congratulations towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Everything seemed like a matter of course. But the examinees at the venue felt like they were deep inside a dream. From the start to the end, they were unable to belief that this initially despised youth…

Was able to quietly break the record of the Huai An County which hadn't been broken in over thirty years.

Double Roll Champion!

There were people who excelled at theory, and people who excelled in combat. But to be the master of pen and sword, this was exceedingly rare! Even in a bustling ancient city like the Huai An County, this hadn't appeared in dozens of years.

Three days later, the wind gently blew in this ancient city of Huai An. But, regardless whether it was a passer-by, or scholars leaving leisurely, everybody was discussing the miracle that happened in this Law of Dao examination.

Normally, a county examination wouldn't receive much attention. But, this Law of Dao examination held in the Huai An County spread like a wild gust of wind across the entire Northern Desert, even to the Imperial Capital.

Because, it was too unbelievable.

A person who had never entered the Hall of Dao, attaining the roll champion in the theory examination, and even defeating a demon during the theory examination, becoming the double roll champion of both the theory examination roll and the combat examination roll.

This was initially a story deserving of praise, to be passed along the streets and alleys.

But, as long as scholars and literary people who had contributed in the arts heard the two words Fang Zhengzhi, they revealed an expression of implacable hatred and misery.

The reason was because Fang Zhengzhi had polluted the purest thing in their hearts. He was a disgraceful and cultured daredevil who forcefully unveiled Yun Qingwu's veil. A lecher!

For such people to sing praises, no matter how much money was involved, it was still difficult!

Every dynasty always had something glorifying.

For example, in the Great Xia Dynasty, ever since the country was formed, a phrase circulated among the people: One pavilion, four sages, thirteen constabularies.

In the distant mountain peak that rose through the clouds in the Northern Desert, in front of the Golden Hall, the two words - "Heaven Dao" was like a divine spirit that overlooked all living things, emanating a strong sense of dignity.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion, the place where every scholar in the Great Xia Dynasty would give their lives to enter.

And at this moment, in the rear court of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, within a quiet garden, a lady wearing a pink muslin dress with a pair of jet-black eyes seated, gazing at the sand table placed in front of her.

The lady's eyes were extremely bright, as if millions of stars were twinkling within. It was like the Milky Way, and also like a rippling jade pool.

Her hair was jet-black, like a waterfall, falling to her waists. There were no golden hairpins nor jade ornaments decorating her hair, except for a freshly-picked tree peony diagonally tucked into her hair, which was delicate and brightly-coloured.

Her long eyebrows trembled slightly, and a faint sparkle radiated from her flawless fair skin. Her soft lips were as tender and lovely as a petal.

At her waist, was a snow-white fur belt, perfectly bringing out the lady's exquisite figure.

If people passed by, they would definitely sigh. This lady belonged to Heaven, and was almost impossible to meet in the mortal world. Even though the lady's features still seemed rather young and tender, but her powerful temperament faintly emanated from her body.

"Double Roll Champion?" The lady's lips parted slightly, with a voice that was as clear as a skylark.

"After not meeting for eight years, the first information I received was that he had attained the double roll champion. Looks like this little bastard's eight years weren't wasted! But what is this incident of forcefully unveiling Yun Qingwu's veil at the Hundred Flower Gathering about? His personality still hadn't changed!"

"Next, this little bastard should be going to the River of Trust Capital to participate in the capital examinations? Capital examinations… I believe the River of Trust Capital alone actually won't be able to stop him! Alright, seeing that this little bastard had worked hard, I will give him a 'present'!"

"Yuer!"

"Present!" Outside the garden, a lady dressed in a green dress instantly walked in.

"Prepare the writing materials, I'll write a letter to my Lord Father."'

"Roger!"

While Fang Zhengzhi's name was from the Huai An county, causing him to become a famous character, Fang Zhengzhi was happily trying on clothes.

"Young Master Fang, this brocade clothes seems to match young master's temperament perfectly!" The shopkeeper fawned on Fang Zhengzhi.

Of course, the reason the shopkeeper would do this wasn't exactly very related to Fang Zhengzhi himself. After all, merchants had their own merchant circles.

But, if the person accompanying Fang Zhengzhi was Yan Xiu, then things were completely different.

"I prefer robes! It's freer, and more elegant!" Fang Zhengzhi expressed his own opinion.

"Young Master Fang indeed has an eye for beauty. I just happen to have a valuable handmade robe that I kept preciously. Its texture is soft and has a new and original style. It is a perfect match with Young Master Fang's free-spirited personality!" The shopkeeper had owned the shop for dozens of years and the client had to be God himself.

Very quickly, a dark blue robe was taken out. It was tender and silky, and its texture was extremely soft. Furthermore, the string used were all silver threads, and was indeed unusually elegant.

"Not bad!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head, satisfied.

"Are you participating in the capital examination in the River of Trust Capital?" Yan Xiu glanced at the strong bearded man, then shifted his gaze to Fang Zhengzhi.

"Of course!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Then, let's meet at the capital examination!"

"You are participating in the River of Trust capital examination as well?" When Fang Zhengzhi heard Yan Xiu's words, he became somewhat curious. He initially expected Yan Xiu to participate in the county examination, but didn't see him in the end.

"Yes!" Yan Xiu nodded.

"Then can you attain Roll Champion?" Fang Zhengzhi seemed rather regretful.

"Not necessarily!" Yan Xiu shook his head.

"Alright, see you at the capital examination!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled. Capital examination? Yan Xiu? Who knows what the result would be.

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Chapter 78: The Difference between North and South

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

To Yan Xiu, Fang Zhengzhi always had his own way of looking at things.

Yan Xiu spoke very little, almost reaching the point where every word was gold. Furthermore, bounded by culture, abiding by etiquette, every word and action, every smile and fury, were determined by rules.

Fang Zhengzhi was different. He never bothered about these rules and viewpoints whenever he did things.

Everything he did followed two words...

Free spirit!

He laughed as he pleased, ate as he pleased, the only thing he controlled was the happiness and anger in his heart.

These two people should belong in two completely different worlds. But, Fang Zhengzhi felt that Yan Xiu and him had something common deep in their blood.

That was rebellion.

Treating each word as gold, from an outsider's point of view, as a form of personality. However, after some careful thought, how was this not a form of rebellion against conventional thought!

It was still a month away from the capital examination.

The time seemed to be ample, but in reality, it was very rushed. After all, from the Huai An County to the River of Trust Capital, even with wild galloping on horseback, it required at least half a month of time.

As such, after passing the county examination, in order to conserve their time and energy, most examinees would directly make their way to the River of Trust Capital.

Fang Zhengzhi felt about in his pockets for a few silver notes, and decided there would be time to make a trip back to the village, enjoy a meal at home, have a good sleep and then journey to the River of Trust Capital.

Anyway, he had his own horse, and could do as he pleased.

As Fang Zhengzhi rode the Silver Scale Horse and wildly galloped back to the village, the Congratulatory Team had finally followed the path and arrived at the entrance of the Southern Mountain Village.

Previous Village Chief Meng Bai's hands trembled as he placed the cigar into his mouth. Staring at the Congratulary Team passing by, he sighed deeply.

After the county examination, Li Huer and Meng Jiangshan had returned to the village.

As such, news of Fang Zhengzhi attaining Double Roll Champion in the county Law of Dao examination had landed like a bomb on the Southern Mountain Village a day ago.

The villagers of the Southern Mountain Village finally exploded.

They held back for eight years, all for the only hope of the Law of Dao examination.

But now?

A person who hadn't even entered the Hall of Dao snatching away this hope the Southern Mountain Village held for eight years just like that. Furthermore, this person was initially from the Southern Mountain Village!"

How could they not rage, how could they not rage?

Double Roll Champion! Even the villagers that lived far away from the county knew that this represented. That was supposed to be the glory of the Southern Mountain Village, but now, it was completely unrelated to the Southern Mountain Village at all.

The raging villagers naturally needed somewhere for them to vent their frustration. Due to the Li family having Li Zhuangshi, who was on the way to the capital examination, they temporarily avoided this disaster.

However, previous Village Chief Meng Bai couldn't escape.

Then, many matters were raised and emotions were expressed. For example, When Fang Zhengzhi was able to draw out the Rock Formation Illustration, why did some people still remain blind?

Or: Fang Houde had contributed so selflessly to the Southern Mountain Village, why did some people still remain blind?

In the end, the spearhead still pointed at the truth of the matter. Such a good child, all because he was smart, being exiled from the village by some certain blind people.

As a result, these years, the Southern Mountain Village's situation got worse each day, while the Northern Mountain Village became more prosperous with each passing day.

As he heard the tongues wagging in the discussions, and faced with such relentless accusations, Meng Bai only had one thought. Why hadn't he died yet?

The Congratulatory Team finally mercilessly went pass the village entrance of the Southern Mountain Village, and quickly made their way towards the Northern Mountain Village. Meng Bai suddenly felt that he couldn't hold back the emotions he had restrained for eight years anymore.

"Wa!" A mouthful of blood spurt out.

Staring at the Congratulatory Team disappearing into the distance, Meng Bai's body began to tremble intensely. A few drops of tears appeared in his already turbid eyes, and the cigar in his hands fell to the ground.

"Houde, Zhengzhi, Xuelian… I… I… regret so much, I am so sorry! I was blind, I was really blind…"

In contrast to the Southern Mountain Village, two rows of people had already been neatly queuing at the entrance of the Northern Mountain Village.

Village Chief Zhang Yangping rubbed his hands intensely, and stood at the front of the row with a face filled with anticipation. Beside him also stood Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian.

Fang Houde's face was filled with a silly smile, while Qin Xuelian seemed rather anxious.

"This is indeed impressive! I heard Fang Zhengzhi attained Double Roll Champion! A Double Roll Champion hadn't appeared in the Huai An County for dozens of years!"

"That's right, I knew this child has potential the second I set my eyes on him. When he decided to participate in the Law of Dao examination, I was the first one to support him!"

"Support? I remember that you were saying, if Fang Zhengzhi really could pass the Law of Dao examination, you will finish eating the entire patch of pumpkin you owned?"

"What nonsense! I am famous for my accuracy in reading people! Cough cough… what I said was, if Fang Zhengzhi could pass the Law of Dao examination, I will donate the entire patch of pumpkins I own to the village for a celebratory feast!"

"I see!"

"Mum, what is a Double Roll Champion?" A five-year-old boy biting on a chicken leg, his mouth filled with oil, gazed at the woman, her arms akimbo, in front of him with wide eyes.

"This… Double Roll Champion, is something only a very powerful, very powerful character can become!"

"When I grow up, I also want to become a Double Roll Champion!"

As the villagers discussed spiritedly, a group of black dots began to slowly appear in the distance. Gradually, the black dots grew bigger, and the red silk clothes and black official robes of the Congratulatory Team began to appear.

"It's here, it's finally here!"

"Quick, let's go!" Zhang Yangping instantly became excited. Ever since they received news of Fang Zhengzhi attaining Double Roll Champion from the Northern Mountain Village, he had been standing guard at the village entrance with the villagers.

Double Roll Champion, this was definitely the happiest occasion ever since the beginning of the Northern Mountain Village.

Not only the Northern Mountain Village, even villages from all around sent their congratulations. Even the village head of a few villagers specially discussed with Zhang Yangping about forming an alliance.

"Good… News…" As the Congratulatory Team arrived at the village entrance, they began to announce.

"Congratulations Fang Zhengzhi of the Northern Mountain Village, topping the Huai An County Law of Dao examinations. Theory examination roll champion, combat examination roll champion, two roll champions altogether, becoming the Double Roll Champion!" The leading congratulatory official's voice echoed about the entire village.

When they heard this, the villagers finally exploded in excitement.

"Double Roll Champion!"

"He is really the Double Roll Champion!"

Even though the villagers had already known this beforehand, but to be able to personally hear the congratulatory official's announcement was a completely different feeling altogether.

The huge red banner was passed from the congratulatory official's hands into Village Chief Zhang Yangping's hands. To be able to produce a Double Roll Official, the future of this village would definitely not be neglected anymore.

Gazing at the red banner on his hands, his hands trembled in excitement.

Double Roll Champion.

A village that didn't even contain a Hall of Dao actually producing a Double Roll Champion! How glorifying and moving was this!

"Sister Xuelian, hold on to this red banner, tomorrow… tomorrow, we will hang it up, hang it inside the village ancestral hall. Finally… finally our Northern Mountain Village has produced a great character!" The rim of Zhang Yangping's eyes were already moist, gingerly passing the red banner to Qin Xuelian's hands as he spoke.

Qin Xuelian received the red banner, and slowly opened it. These few years, Fang Zhengzhi had taught her to read. Hence, as she saw the two words, Fang Zhengzhi, in the middle of the red banner, a few pearly drops of tears finally flowed down her cheeks.

"My son… my Zhengzhi… is really a Double Roll Champion!"

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Chapter 79: Ambitious

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Mother of my child…"

Fang Houde's remaining hand tightly gripped onto Qin Xuelian. This iron man, this man who had previously contributed selflessly, finally also filled with tears today.

Eight years ago, it was all because of the Law of Dao examination, all because the Li family was the biggest hope of the Southern Mountain Village! The three members of the Fang family were mercilessly exiled from the Southern Mountain Village.

Eight years later, his own son had become the Double Roll Champion of the county Law of Dao examination.

All feelings of being wronged had disappeared, the only thing that remained was pure pride.

Fang Houde gazed at the direction of the Southern Mountain Village and instinctively straightened his back, as if saying. "Look, my son didn't enter the Hall of Dao, but, my son also passed the Law of Dao examination. Furthermore, he is still the Double Roll Champion!"

This day, the Northern Mountain Village was bound to celebrate.

Every villager in the village busied themselves in a patch of laughter and happiness. Those who cooked, cooked, those who laid out the cutleries, laid them out. On the village square, the faces of both the old and the young were filled with joy and happiness.

When Fang Zhengzhi returned to the village, it just happened to be when the feast started.

Hence…

As he shouted happily at the village entrance, I, Fang Zhengzhi, have returned, other than the replies of a few birds, there was nothing else. Everybody was gathered at the village square, eating and drinking.

Who would stupidly stand guard at the village entrance?

Fang Zhengzhi was rather gloomy. He had attained the Double Roll Champion, by right the news should have already reached the village, why did nobody welcome him when he entered the village.

Even more frustrating, he didn't even manage to see the shadow of the Congratulatory Team.

This is indeed a huge failure.

After some pondering, Fang Zhengzhi finally decided that his skin wasn't thick enough to reach the point of shouting, I am the Double Roll Champion, I am back, quick come and welcome me.

Hence, he could only miserably ride the Silver Scale Horse home alone.

Then, Fang Zhengzhi became even gloomier. His house was dark and unlit, even the lamp wasn't lighted. Don't tell me they had already slept? So early?

As he thought, a wave of laughter seemed to come from not too far away.

Listening closely, he realised that he came from the direction of the village square.

"Could they all be dancing at the village square… alright, I'll go take a look!" Fang Zhengzhi secured the Silver Scale Horse, and groped his way towards the village square in the dark.

No too long later, he saw that the entire village square was filled with people.

Every single villager, no matter old or young, were chatting spiritedly, eating and drinking around the tables. Everybody wore an expression of joy, but…

Not a single person noticed Fang Zhengzhi in the dark.

"Huh? There is food!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't fuss over this, when he saw the platters of dishes on the table, his eyes instantly lit up.

Sweeping his gaze across the square, he saw Fang Houde and Qin Xuelian sitting at the table in the centre of the village square.

Fang Houde seemed very happily, and his face was flushed red from drinking. Qin Xuelian seemed to change her usual stance, mysteriously, she didn't stop him and instead picked out dishes for Fang Houde.

When he saw his parents, Fang Zhengzhi directly made his way over to the table in the centre.

As he walked, he passed by exactly five to six tables.

Finally, a drunken old man saw Fang Zhengzhi passing by, and he was instantly taken aback. Rubbing his eyes furiously, he seemed to be in complete disbelief.

"Why does it look like Zhengzhi is back?"

"Old man Li, did you drink too much? After passing the county examination, Zhengzhi will go to the River of Trust Capital to participate in the capital examination, how can he return? Quick… quick, drink!"

"That's… that's right!" The old man thought for a while and agreed. Preparing for the capital examination was such an important matter, why would Fang Zhengzhi return?

Fang Zhengzhi didn't hear the discussion going on around him, and immediately went to Fang Houde's side.

Plopping down on the seat, he then picked up his chopsticks and quickly picked up a big Green Furred Rabbit leg from the middle of the table into his mouth.

"Indeed, it still has the taste of the village's roasted meat!" Fang Zhengzhi spoke as he ate.

"Definitely! Not mentioning other things, but the most famous thing in our Northern Mountain Village is this roasted meat. The ingredients are personally prepared by Fang Zhengzhi!" Zhang Yangping instantly boasted as he drank.

"Thank you Uncle Yangping for your praise!" Fang Zhengzhi drank a mouthful of wine.

"You're welcome… huh? Uncle Yangping… ah!" Fang Zhengzhi!" Zhang Yangping casually waved his hands, then, turning around, his entire body sprang up from the chair.

"Zheng… Zhengzhi?!" At the moment, Qin Xuelian also noticed Fang Zhengzhi, who was chewing on the rabbit leg, her face filled with disbelief.

"Mum, I have returned to stay two days, do you have a very surprised and happy feeling?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled and casually acted like a spoiled child towards Qin Xuelian.

When Fang Zhengzhi smiled casually, the entire village square suddenly became silent.

All the villagers stared with their eyes wide open, staring at Fang Zhengzhi eating the roasted meat at the table, as if they had seen a monster.

A Double Roll Champion who was supposed to be making his way towards the capital Law of Dao examination…

Returned to the village?!

The villagers were all filled with disbelief, but, after a moment of shock, the entire crowd became filled with passion. No matter what, Fang Zhengzhi's return was definitely a happy occasion.

"Ah, Fang Zhengzhi really returned!"

"Fang Zhengzhi is back?"

"It's really Fang Zhengzhi!"

All the villagers instantly stood up and one by one began to surround him. A few villagers were still chewing on bones, and couldn't even speak clearly.

Among them, the happiest person was Qin Xuelian.

When she saw Fang Zhengzhi clearly, she couldn't contain herself any further and tears flowed down her cheeks. In one swift motion, she hugged Fang Zhengzhi, as well as the mouthful of oil on his mouth, very tightly, with no intention of letting go.

"Mum…" Feeling the warmth of Qin Xuelian's embrace, Fang Zhengzhi could only very tediously swallow the roasted meat in his mouth.

"Coming home to stay two days is good too, your mum can make you some delicious food, ha ha ha…" Fang Houde looked at Fang Zhengzhi and smiled happily, but the rims of his eyes were still somewhat moistened.

After the pleasant surprise, the villagers began to ask spiritedly.

Towards the Law of Dao examination, they bore a curious attitude. After all, to an average villager, they would never have the opportunity to participate in the examination in their lifetime.

As such, they began to ask, what were the questions in the Law of Dao theory examination, or, whether it was hard, or, can people eat inside the examination venue etc…

All kinds of question, odd questions of every description.

Fang Zhengzhi on the other hand didn't mind at all, and earnestly replied them.

After the villagers had more or less finished their questions, Zhang Yangping spoke.

"Zhengzhi, even though you have attained the Double Roll Champion this time, but don't give yourself too much stress in the capital examination!"

"That's right, I heard that the county examination is only the doorstep, only if one passes the capital examination can he become a true great character, and be rewarded by the dynasty!" Another villager added.

"Yes, Fang Zhengzhi, after all, you had never studied in the Hall of Dao before. You are still young, don't worry, we are all proud of you passing the county examination this time. If you didn't perform well in the capital examination, our entire village will still support you, waiting a few more years before taking another examination is still alright!" Zhang Yangping continued.

"Your Uncle Yangping is right, no matter what, you have already taken the first step. Next time, your Uncle Yangping will definitely support you. This River of Trust capital examination, you just have to do your best, don't give yourself too much stress! Your mental wellbeing… is very important!" Fang Houde nodded at one side.

Fang Zhengzhi understood, Zhang Yangping and his dad saying such things probably meant that they were worried that he would give himself too much pressure.

It felt like what modern parents said when they sent their children into the examinations, don't stress, just do your best, passing or not isn't important…

"I feel that this time's capital examination, I can attain Double Roll Champion once again!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled gently, filled with confidence.

"Ha ha ha…" When the surrounding villagers heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, they instantly laughed. There wasn't any ill-intention, just a very happy laughter.

"Good child, ambitious!"

"Yes, having ambition is a good thing, but don't set your target too high. Double Roll Champion of the capital examination, seems like the River of Trust Capital hasn't produced one in over a hundred years?"

"Ha ha, this child Zhengzhi is kidding, you actually took his words seriously?"

The villagers' laughter was filled with goodwill. Nobody took Fang Zhengzhi's words seriously. The county examination was passed by Li Zhuangshi of the Southern Mountain Village six years ago, but at the capital examination, he hadn't even passed the first round once.

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Chapter 80: Serene Ink Pond

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Two days later, Fang Zhengzhi prepared to journey to the River of Trust Capital to participate in the capital examination.

Compared to the previously time when he left quietly, this time, when they heard the news that Fang Zhengzhi was leaving, the entire village rushed over in the early morning.

Stuffing food and drinks of all kinds into Fang Zhengzhi's bag.

"Zhengzhi, don't worry! You have the village to take care of you, it doesn't matter whether you pass the capital examination. Whatever Double Roll Champion, don't think too much, just do your best!"

"Yes! What's important is that you do your best. You are young and still have many years ahead of you!"

Qin Xuelian swept her gaze across the chatty villagers, then, placed the bundle she wrapped onto the Silver Scale Horse and walked in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

"Zhengzhi, do your best! Even if you don't pass, don't feel embarrassed! Is that clear?"

Fang Zhengzhi was rather gloomy. He had already attained Double Roll Champion, why didn't his own mother believe in him? He was her blood son!

But, he instantly understood.

Just like the first time he went hunting on the mountain, Qin Xuelian didn't expect him to be able to hunt something. All she wanted the word "safety", hence, she didn't want Fang Zhengzhi to have any stress at all.

Maybe, this was the true love a mother showed to her son, a selfless love.

"Zhengzhi, take care on the way!" Fang Houde stood beside the Silver Scale Horse and fed the horse feed into the horse's mouth, and used his remaining hand to caress the Silver Scale Horse. His expression was that of heavy reluctance and unwillingness to let go.

A father, no matter how reluctant he was, cannot reveal it. Maybe, Fang Houde was someone like that. He would rather express his unwillingness to the Silver Scale Horse.

After bidding goodbye to the villagers, he was stopped once again at the village entrance by Zhang Yangping.

"Take these pieces of silver, you would definitely have to spend some along the way, don't be too prudent!" Zhang Yangping threw over a bulging wallet.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't reject it. Even though he still had a hundred tael silver note in his pocket, but this wallet represented the hope Zhang Yangping had in him.

"Thank you Uncle Yangping!" Fang Zhengzhi expressed his thanks.

"Go on!" Zhang Yangping waved his hands.

Fang Zhengzhi pulled on the horse reins. The Silver Scale Horse neighed loudly and galloped forward.

"You must remember, even if you can't pass this capital examination, it's alright! The entire village and I will always support you! Don't be embarrassed to return!"

Zhang Yangping's shouts came from behind him.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth. What 'being unable to pass'?

Normally, among examinees there was the culture of being accompanied on the way to the examination. This was not only because they could take care of one another, but also due to safety.

From the Huai An County to the River of Trust Capital, it required half a month on horseback, and along the way were many mountain paths and barren lands.

Due to being delayed for a few days at the Huai An County, and then making a return trip back to the Northern Mountain Village, hence was rather rushed for time.

When he managed to return to the Huai An County, most of the examinees had already formed groups and left.

Left without a choice, he could only ride alone.

Wilding galloping all the way, clouds of dust were raised behind him. His luck was indeed rather good, only after galloping for eight days did he meet a group of mountain bandit robbers.

"Robbery!" A few bandits wielding sabres blocked Fang Zhengzhi's path.

At the same time those few bandits opened their mouth, over ten bandits with their bows drawn appeared from the bushes on both sides of the mountain road, each of their metal bows pulled into the shape of a full moon.

Arrows glowing with an icy glint aimed directly at Fang Zhengzhi's throat.

Maybe, Fang Zhengzhi only needed to say the word "no" for him to understand the bitter beauty of an arrow rain…

Just as Fang Zhengzhi was being robbed, the River of Trust Capital was exploding with activity.

The River of Trust Capital was the source of the River of Trust, backed by a tall mountain. On the mountain was a large green pool, its name was Serene Ink Pond. It was the source of the River of Trust, and a white jade statue was constructed in the middle of the pond, set quietly in the pond and being bowed to by scholars from every place.

And today, the countless scholars dressed in brocade clothes gathered around the Serene Ink Pond.

Some were smiling, walking along calmly and occasionally drinking a mouth of pond water and singing a few words of praise. Some sat down gracefully, admiring the mountains, the water, and the flow of people.

Water, was the soul of All Creation.

Anywhere there was water, naturally there would be ancient and elegantly-constructed restaurants.

It only had to hang up a few words of poems like "The Serene Ink Pond's unique water, high on the mountains, were people" in order to cause all the scholars to gather. Even though the price was many times higher, it couldn't affect their refined and elegant attitude of minds.

Yan Xiu, wearing his brocade robe, was different from the group of scholars visiting the Serene Ink Pond. Even though he didn't paint nor recite poetry like those scholars, but, he had money.

Hence, the best sightseeing garret at the Serene Ink Pond was occupied by him.

And he even reserved it for an entire month at one go.

After following someone for a long enough time, his personality would be more or less affected by him. For example, the strong bearded man's current manner was silent, neither happy nor angry.

Of course, compared to Yan Xiu's coldness, the strong bearded man's success still lacked behind a little.

Within the garret, a maid sat respectfully in front of the table. Her hands flew about, pouring tea for Yan Xiu. On the other hand, Yan Xiu was gazing coldly at the scholars appearing non-stop by the Serene Ink Pond's sight.

Below the garret, at a rather lively table, a few brocade-clothed scholars bobbed their heads and discussed excitedly.

"Quick look, another person from the Hidden Dragon Roll arrived at the River of Trust Capital!"

"Are you talking about Kang Xingping? Even though Kang Xingping is number eighty in the Hidden Dragon Roll, but, compared to those few at the River of Trust Capital now, the difference is still huge!"

"Indeed, I never thought that just a capital examination would attract so many people from faraway lands to participate! Tang Yucheng, number thirty-five in the Hidden Dragon Roll, with the enlightenment state of Divine Seal Peak State, I heard that he had already touched the threshold of the Star Conglomerate State."

"Especially that Hua Kangan! Number twenty on the Hidden Dragon Roll, with the enlightenment state of the Star Conglomerate State. At the same time, his name is also on the Rising Dragon Roll! Who would have thought that he would actually come to the River of Trust!"

The few scholars sighed heavily as they discussed.

"Looks like this time's River of Trust Capital examinations wouldn't be easy to pass. Even I wish to change to some other capital. Taking the examination in this River of Trust capital is really a form of torture!"

"This thought is good, but changing capital now? How do you change? Just the distance alone is too long to make it in time! Furthermore, even though the number of participants in this time's River of Trust Capital is large, but, the good thing is that this is a very rare occasion! Else why do you think all these people would all come to the River of Trust Capital?"

"Brother Li is indeed right, ha ha ha… I was just making a joke, if we didn't want to try, why would we be here?"

Yan Xiu quietly sat in the garret and listened. His expression was cold, and he didn't speak a word. He also didn't bother paying any attention to the maid pouring his tea. But, he instinctively tightened the grip on the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan in his hands.

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Chapter 81: Wanted Order

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi had always believed that he was knowledgeable about robbery. As the saying goes, professional people would do professional things. But, the conduct of these mountain bandits in front of him caused him to feel very pained.

A successful person had to be with the right people, in the right place and at the right time.

Usually, the right time referred to information, its practical usage could refer to intelligence, news etc. These bandits didn't even show a slight bit of interest in him, and robbed him just like that. Naturally, they lost the right time.

As for the right place, that didn't need any mentioning. Not digging a few traps was already the dumbest of moves. Once they met, all of their archers had revealed themselves, hence whatever strategic location they had had disappeared.

The only advantage was people, after all, they had more people…

Fang Zhengzhi was sure that these mountain bandits in front of him weren't very experienced.

Then, the question came.

To directly disperse them, or… wipe them out?

Looking at the colour of the sky, it seemed to be already getting late. If he continued to journey at this time, he had to journey at least five miles to reach the Wan County, furthermore, he still had to find an inn afterwards. It was going to be rather troublesome...

"Brother mountain bandits, hello! Young master me had to rush when leaving the house, hence didn't bring much money. I only have a hundred taels. Other than that, I have thirty broken silver pieces. If brother mountain bandits don't mind, you can have them!" Fang Zhengzhi thought of something, and very generously fished out a hundred tael silver note and a bag of broken silver pieces from his pocket.

"Young master? Which family's young master?" The bandit leader was at least rather vigilant. Those in his profession had one rule, that was to eliminate the roots completely. Hence, he quickly seized the "profound theory" within Fang Zhengzhi's words.

"Ha ha… brother bandits are only conducting a robbery, why must you know young master me's family background?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled faintly, with a mysterious look on his face.

This caused the bandit leader to confirm his thoughts. This youth in front of him had to be some important family's young master, if he was robbed today, there would definitely be consequences next time.

When he thought of this, the bandit leader thought of killing.

"Looks like brother bandits feel that it is too little? No problem, five miles in front would be the Wan County, the boss of the money farm there and my father are acquainted. Hence, I will be able to borrow fifty thousand silver notes to give to brother bandits as ransom, what do you think?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled inside, but on the outside, a trace of fear appeared on his face.

"Fifty thousand silver notes?!"

The bandit leader was taken aback, getting fifty thousand taels just like that… this was a huge bargain! If they really could get that, they would definitely turn over a new leaf, and not live the bitter life of robbing anymore.

When the surrounding bandits similarly heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, their emotions began to stir up. The hand holding the sabre of a few whose hearts weren't as strong began to tremble.

Fifty thousand silver taels!

How could they not be stirred up?

"Why must we believe you?" The bandit leader quickly changed his thought. The "fat lamb" had already reached his mouth, how could he give it up? But, even though he was excited, he could at least still rationalise.

"My words are naturally trustable, but if brother bandits don't believe this, it's indeed inevitable. Else, you can send two people to escort me, so everybody can relax!" Fang Zhengzhi quickly suggested an idea.

The leader bandit thought for a while, then seek the opinions of the surrounding bandits, and finally nodded.

"Alright, we will do as you said!"

The transaction was smoothly completed. All the archers naturally lay down their weapons. Then, two bandits wielding short blades also surrounded Fang Zhengzhi, one on the left and one on the right.

Fang Zhengzhi was actually rather cooperative. Leaping off from the Silver Scale Horse, then looking at the colour of the sky, he seemed rather regretful and blinked a few times at the bandit leader.

"Brother bandit, look, the sky is already dark. I have to travel so many miles of mountain roads, can I have something to eat as nourishment?"

"Now, we are the ones robbing you, but you want us to give you something to eat?" The bandit leader felt that no matter how he thought about it, this request seemed rather uncomfortable. He was the one robbing!

Since when did robbers give their victims food?

"Young master me is weak and sickly, without any food… how can I travel five miles of mountain paths? You definitely can't let me ride my horse, right?" Fang Zhengzhi gazed at the mountain path ahead and seemed very grieved.

"This…" The bandit leader was somewhat hesitant.

He naturally couldn't allow Fang Zhengzhi to ride his horse, if he ran away, who could catch him?"

"Brother, what are you scared of! This kid is so weak that he can almost be blown away by the wind. It wouldn't be too late to bring him back to the mountain stronghold and have a good feast, then sending him to the Wan County tomorrow." A bandit with a small beard instantly came over.

"How can we allow outsiders to enter the mountain stronghold?" The bandit leader's tone changed.

"Brother, we are going to be rich tomorrow, what do we need the stronghold for?"

"Hmm… that's true!" The bandit leader understood. The feeling of have fifty thousand silver taels, yet still remaining the mountain king of this tiny mountain was indeed too sullen.

As he thought, the bandit leader quickly felt at ease.

"Alright, bring him back to the mountain stronghold!"

"Thank you, brother bandit!" Fang Zhengzhi instantly expressed his gratitude. Such "broad-minded" people were exactly the ones he liked. The sky was darkening, and he still had to find an inn!

Furthermore, no matter how small a mosquito was, it still had meat. Even though the bandits were still rather inexperienced, they definitely had some housing.

Where was the house?

Naturally, it was in the stronghold.

You can't expect a bandit to conduct a robbery, and at the same time bringing along all their money?

They entered the stronghold.

The stronghold wasn't big, and built at the side of the mountain, surrounded by lush trees. From afar, it was indeed hard to notice.

The stronghold door was very new, and looked like it was chopped less than a year ago. This also confirmed Fang Zhengzhi's guess. Once they entered the stronghold, they instantly reached the living room.

Then, Fang Zhengzhi made himself comfortable. With alcohol and meat, he dined on cloud nine.

"Young Master Fang eat and drink well!" As the bandit leader spoke, a cold glint faintly flashed in his eyes, and decided that once he got the fifty thousand taels of silver, he would instantly kill this Young Master Fang.

"Ha ha ha… good, give me one more bowl!" Fang Zhengzhi indeed didn't bother being polite, and ordered the bandits to pour for him. At the same time, pulling over the entire table of meat in front of him.

After he more or less finished eating, the main topic had also come. Fang Zhengzhi was locked up.

Definitely, there wasn't any jail or related things in the stronghold. He was locked in a room, which was decorated rather cleanly. There was a bed and a blanket, except there wasn't a servant girl to serve him.

"Without a servant girl, how can one sleep?" Fang Zhengzhi expressed his young master temper.

The reply was a cold look.

"Young Master Fang, there isn't a single female in this stronghold. If you really want a servant, how about I find you a male one to serve you?" The leader bandit said mercilessly.

Fang Zhengzhi was speechless.

Huh? This wasn't the same as what was shown in the televisions!"

It was said that the bandits were strong and powerful, from time to time having the habit of breaking into houses for robbery and snatching servant girls. If that wasn't possible, couldn't you at least get a stronghold lady to play with?

Sigh… a bandit such as yourselves is simply embarrassing!

An entire night of silence.

The second day, after being served breakfast by the robbers, Fang Zhengzhi finally casually did a stretch, and with a reluctant expression, said one word to the bandit leader.

"Robbery!"

The wind was cooling as usual, and Fang Zhengzhi who was galloping wildly on the Silver Scale Horse was in a rather good mood.

This time, the reap was plentiful. After eating and drinking, the other party had even generously given a few hundred silver taels for his travel expenses.

Even though there wasn't any heroic saving of stronghold ladies, or unintentionally saving a few lost princesses in the mountain stronghold, but the sleep at night was at least rather good.

But, unfortunately for the bandit leader, he would never have thought that he actually met someone from the same trade.

Furthermore…

It was a lone ranger in the same trade.

"My money, my money…" The bandit leader howled with sorrow as he gazed at the direction in which Fang Zhengzhi was disappearing into.

"Brother… as the saying goes, where there's life, there's hope! This person from the same trade is indeed very kind, he only took our money, and didn't harm our lives." The bandit with the small beard came over again.

"Get lost!"

Five days later.

At the Southern gate of the River of Trust Capital, a youth wearing a blue robe, pulling along a Silver Scale Horse with a casual expression, looked up at the ancient city called "River of Trust".

Just as he was about to express how bustling this ancient city was, his gaze suddenly froze.

Because…

He saw a portrait drawing at the city gate.

It wasn't because of how much this drawing seemed to be painted by renowned experts, nor how lifelike this drawing was. It was because there were three words written at the top of the portrait.

"Fang Zhengzhi!"

"Have I already become so famous? My portrait is even pasted on the city gate of the River of Trust Capital?" The youth was confused, then, it suddenly changed.

Wait a minute…

Don't tell me this is a wanted order?!

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Chapter 82: A mouthful of fragrant tea

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi didn't know whether he had killed the River of Trust Capital Head's entire family, but, he felt that his name shouldn't be appearing on this official portrait drawing at all.

Interesting?

Being pasted at the city gate for no good reason!

Fang Zhengzhi felt that he should shout that he was wronged in front of the county head's door, or at least make a clarification. But, if he really did this, it seemed a bit like walking into the trap.

What to do? After being wanted, can he still peacefully register for the capital examination?

"Young Master Fang! At least I have managed to wait for you!" As Fang Zhengzhi was deep in hesitation, an excited voice came from within the city gate.

Then, a boy servant wearing black clothes quickly sprinted towards his direction.

"Oh no, I'm discovered!" Fang Zhengzhi instinctively wanted to kick out, then, suddenly realised that this boy servant was somewhat familiar. After looking carefully, it was actually the one in charge of the betting stand at the Huai An County.

"Because of Young Master Fang's blessing, I have already been shifted to the River of Trust Capital to work. This is a small gift I've prepared, I hope Young Master Fang can keep it!" As he spoke, the boy servant fished out a red banner from his pockets and respectively passed it to Fang Zhengzhi.

"Huh? Giving me money again?" Fang Zhengzhi felt somewhat strange. Sometimes, good things came too fast, it was indeed hard to get used to.

But, getting used to was one thing, receiving it was another.

Hence, without hesitation, he directly received the red banner. Opening it, he saw a letter of invitation, with a fifty tael silver note inside.

The boy servant actually had fifty taels of silver? If this was given to an average household, it probably could be used to pay a year's worth of bills?

Even though he was a little stunned in his heart, but Fang Zhengzhi didn't reveal it.

He only smiled slightly. Accept smilingly, why can one accept without smiling?

"Since things are like this, I'll keep it. Then, what is this invitation letter about?"

"Thank you, Young Master Fang! This invitation letter is because my master heard that Fang Zhengzhi was the Double Roll Champion of the county examination, hence specially held a feast to apologize to Young Master Fang!" The boy servant instantly explained.

Fang Zhengzhi somewhat understood. This master seemed to have felt that the words passed to this boy servant had hurt his heart, hence was here to apologise.

But…

Now he is a wanted man? Can he still enter this River of Trust capital? Furthermore, could this feast be set up to harm him, purposely capturing him in exchange for reward?

The probabilities were too many, hence Fang Zhengzhi felt that he should take a look first.

"You… do you know what is this about?" Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the portrait at the city gate.

"This? Young Master Fang doesn't know?" The boy servant felt rather odd. But, looking at Fang Zhengzhi's expression, the boy servant instantly became respectful again. "Young Master Fang has misunderstood, this is not a wanted order!"

"Not a wanted order?!" Fang Zhengzhi had an urge to swear. If this wasn't a wanted order, why was it pasted at the city gate? If this wasn't a wanted order, why did you paste my portrait?

"It indeed isn't a wanted order, but, the results are even more powerful than a wanted order. I am only a runner, and don't know the details. But, my master would definitely know." The boy servant's eyes spun, and very quickly diverted the attention of Fang Zhengzhi to his purpose for coming this time.

"You mean, when I meet your master, I will know?" Fang Zhengzhi naturally inferred what the boy servant meant.

"Yes!" The boy servant nodded his head.

Fang Zhengzhi's attitude changed slightly. He had been feeling that something was strange about this. After a moment of thought, his eyes lit up, walked directly to the portrait drawing in front of the city gate and tore it down.

This move instantly attracted the attention of some passers-by.

"Ah! It's Fang Zhengzhi!"

"Quick look, Fang Zhengzhi has appeared!"

"This lecher has finally arrived at the River of Trust Capital, there will be a good show to see this time round!"

Instantly, a few passers-by dressed in scholar clothes began to shout. Each of their expressions were indignant at injustice, but, nobody went to capture Fang Zhengzhi.

A few armoured soldiers guarding the city gate also heard this voice.

Then, sweeping their gazes across Fang Zhengzhi, they mysteriously didn't have any intention of advancing. But, within the eyes appeared an unmistakable sense of pity.

"Looks like it really isn't a wanted order…" Fang Zhengzhi relaxed.

If it really was a wanted order, him tearing it up in front of everybody would definitely cause the guards at the city gate to catch him, or at least interrogate him.

Then…

That's where the problem came.

Who would be so brave as to paste his portrait at the city gate. Furthermore, most importantly, the guard at the city gate clearly knew about his, but didn't stop it from happening?

This was a place where the officials pasted announcements and wanted orders!

Isn't it too strange?

"Young Master Fang, can we enter the city now?" The boy servant didn't quite understand the true intention of Fang Zhengzhi tearing down the portrait, but guessed that whoever had their portrait pasted at the city gate would definitely not be very comfortable.

"Don't we need to go inform your master first?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and asked casually.

"Young Master Fang don't worry, as long as you nod your head, there will naturally be someone to inform our master!" When the boy servant said this, a proud expression instantly appeared on his face.

"Let's go!' Fang Zhengzhi thought that it was almost time to eat, and there was someone giving him money and treating him to a meal, naturally he thought that it would be inconvenient to reject.

"Young Master Fang, please. Oh, by the way, my name is Su Jiu, Young Master Fang can call me Ah Jiu next time. If in the future Young Master Fang wants to commit some murder or arson and so on, feel free to get someone to inform Ah Jiu, I will definitely carry it out perfectly!" As Su Jiu walked, he introduced himself to Fang Zhengzhi.

For the first time, Fang Zhengzhi became rather speechless. This Su Jiu… seems rather interesting?

"How about things like snatching women?"

"Young Master Fang who do you think I am? I will snatch one for you right now!" When Su Jiu heard this, he instantly became excited.

"There is a person in the Divine Constabulary called Chi Guyan, do you know her?"

Snatching Chi Guyan naturally wasn't an option, and Fang Zhengzhi on the other hand didn't fuss over it. Instead, he followed Su Jiu to a place called "Moonview Restaurant".

Once they entered the hall, a girl servant wearing a red dress replaced Su Jiu and led Fang Zhengzhi up the building.

Very quickly, they reached the fifth floor and he was brought into an exquisite ancient-styled room.

Then, the girl servant excused herself.

And another girl servant served a pot of fragrant tea and refreshments.

"Young Master Fang please wait, master will arrive soon!" The girl servant slowly withdrew.

Everything seemed to be clear and in good order. Under such circumstances, Fang Zhengzhi also had the rare opportunity to assume an elegant manner. Smiling faintly, he nodded his head at the girl servant. When the girl servant withdrew, he lifted up the teacup in front of him, sipped it lightly, rolled it over his tongue, then after savouring it for a while, swallowed it.

The fragrance filled his mouth, and texture was smooth and slippery.

"Not bad!" Fang Zhengzhi praised, then poured the remaining tea in the cup into his mouth.

"I apologise for my previous slip of the tongue, and feel very guilty inside. I heard Ah Jiu say that Young Master Fang once said that "I he is a male, I'll smack him with a rod, if she is a female, I will bang bang bang on the spot!". I am willing to accept it, but I don't know what does this bang bang bang… mean?" At this moment, a sweet voice rang out from outside the door.

Then, an exquisite figure walked in slowly.

She wore black thin summer dress with black pleated skirt with a golden tree peony sown on it and on her shoulders, were a light muslin thin covering. Her facial appearance was picturesque, and her skin white as snow. Between her eyebrows, there was a bright red vermilion dot, like a beautiful red flower in the white snow.

One look at her caused one to feel her sweetness and charm, and be absorbed by her beauty.

"Pfff!" Fang Zhengzhi was initially preparing to leisurely swallow a mouthful of fragrant tea. Suddenly hearing the girl's words, he instantly sprayed his mouthful of fragrant tea towards the girl's face...

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Chapter 83: Sacred Message from the Heavens

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As a good man who respected women.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldn't allow such horrible things to happen. Hence, as the tea danced in mid-air, he had already reacted. The water poured away couldn't be recovered, but, it could be blocked.

In a flash, Fang Zhengzhi's hand reached out with the speed of lightning, and wanted to block the tea that flew towards the girl's face.

Wu Yuer indeed felt slightly shocked. But, that was just a slight shock, even though she was only eighteen this year.

But those who truly knew her, knew how shocking this eighteen-year-old girl's abilities were.

It was just a mouthful of tea.

How could it cause Wu Yuer to be at a loss?

Hence, she only lightly waved her hands to block off that mouthful of tea. Not mentioning one mouthful, even a drip of tea wouldn't be able to touch her face.

But, she had still miscalculated.

When the tea was effortlessly blocked, she realised that she had miscalculated. Because, a hand had already reached forward, then, before she managed to react, that hand had already touched her face…

The entire scene paused for three seconds.

Fang Zhengzhi felt a delicate, soft feeling on his hand. A faint air of warmth emanated from the silky-smooth skin, and he suddenly felt that there were alas some things that he wasn't able to control in this world.

For example, he clearly only wished to block the tea.

But he would never have thought that a strange force would push his hands slightly, then, very coincidentally ending up on the girl's face.

Alright…

Fang Zhengzhi had to accept this great feeling on his hand!

Then, he coughed lightly and quickly withdrew his hand.

His expression remained normal. Without a word, he returned back to his seat, as if nothing had happened at all, and that everything returned back to the scene when the girl entered.

Slowly, he poured a new cup of tea for himself and slowly drained it, keeping his pressure under control.

Wu Yuer's eyes blinked. She was somewhat in disbelief as she saw Fang Zhengzhi return back to his seat. Most importantly, Fang Zhengzhi's expression seemed as if it hadn't changed much.

Furthermore, he seemed to have returned to the elegant posture of drinking tea.

How…

Can man be shameless to such an extent? At this time, shouldn't he at least apologise sincerely, or, express his awkwardness and change a topic?

The entire situation became slightly quiet.

Finally, Wu Yuer opened her mouth.

"Seems like this is what bang bang bang means…"

All the way until Wu Yuer sat down slowly, Fang Zhengzhi's face didn't turn red, and his heart didn't jump. He remained as calm as a meditating monk.

"I heart that Young Master Fang seems to be interested in the portrait at the city gate?" Wu Yuer spoke again.

"That's right!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head lightly, not even mentioning what had just happened. It was not that he didn't want to mention it, but he felt that such awkward things should just go with the wind.

How could he say in front of a girl, I touched you just now, will you blame me? He really couldn't do something as thick-skinned as that.

"Then, have young master heard about the Three Dragon Roll?" When Wu Yuer saw Fang Zhengzhi's calm expression, she had more or less guessed what Fang Zhengzhi was thinking. Instantly, she felt that she was a little too petty.

This thought caused her to feel somewhat stunned.

It was clearing him who had disrespected her, but now, she seemed to feel guilty? This was indeed something strange.

When Fang Zhengzhi saw that Wu Yuer didn't become angry, and instead asked him about the Three Dragon Roll, he felt that this matter should be over.

But, he didn't quite understand, how was the Three Dragon Roll related to the portrait on the city gate?

But, since he was the guest, he couldn't do too many things at his own accord.

"Hidden Dragon, Rising Dragon, Golden Dragon, make up the Three Dragon Roll!" Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"Indeed, then do you know what is the meaning of this Three Dragon Roll?" When Wu Yuer relaxed, she poured herself a cup of fragrant tea and sipped lightly, as if not rushing to return back to the main topic.

Fang Zhengzhi shook his head. He only knew that the Great Xia Dynasty had created the Three Dragon Roll, but, as for its meaning, he actually didn't know. The only thing he knew was that the Three Dragon Roll represented the ranking of different abilities.

"The Hidden Dragon Roll records young talents below the age of eighteen, while the Rising Dragon Roll sets the age limit to twenty-eight. Also ranked by abilities, the Golden Dragon Roll doesn't limit the age, but, it represents the strongest of abilities." Wu Yuer explained slowly.

Fang Zhengzhi nodded. He knew this as well, but he didn't quite understand what was the point of Wu Yuer discussing these.

"Young Master knows how the Three Dragon Rolls are ranked, then, does Young Master know about a prophecy from eight years ago?" Wu Yuer continued.

"What prophecy?"

"Eight years ago, the teachers of the state received a sacred message from the Heavens, appearing on the Heaven Dao Tablet. It said: The Double Dragon Roll Champion would shock the world, and bring peace to the world!

"The Double Dragon Roll Champion would shock the world, and bring peace to the world?" When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he suddenly thought of a name in his heart. A name that was deeply ingrained in him.

Double Dragon Roll Champion, Chi Guyan!

"I believe young master had already guessed who this sacred message is referring to?" When she asked, her gaze instinctively glanced into a certain direction.

That direction, was where the Heaven Dao Pavilion resided.

"Double Dragon Roll Champion, Divine Constabulary Chi Guyan!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"That's right. Even though nobody knows where the peace written in the sacred message refers to the battle between the human race and the demon race, or the Emperor position in the Great Xia Dynasty, but, the current Emperor had long announced that the Double Dragon Roll Champion will be able to control all the armies under the sky, and given the title Heaven Army General!" Wu Yuer explained once again.

"Regrettably, Chi Guyan isn't that yet." Fang Zhengzhi said the truth. Even though Chi Guyan was the Double Dragon Roll Champion, but she wasn't the Heaven Army General.

"Actually, she can be that! Since a year ago when Chi Guyan attained the Double Dragon Roll Champion, our Emperor had already expressed his intentions to give her the title of Heaven Army General. But, Chi Guyan, citing that ten years isn't up yet, rejected it, then secluded herself in the Heaven Dao Pavilion, far away from the Imperial Government and away from any powerful factions." A rare respectful tone appeared in Chi Guyan's voice.

"She is very smart!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded. He believed that what Wu Yuer said was true.

"Everybody considered Chi Guyan's actions noble and virtuous, yet young master claimed that she is smart. Looks like young master and Chi Guyan are both smart people!" A glimmer of shock appeared on Wu Yuer's face for the first time.

"Are you praising yourself?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled lightly.

"Ha ha… I am just agreeing with young master's view!" Wu Yuer smiled lightly as well, then continued. "Even though Chi Guyan's actions secluding herself from the world are extremely smart, but, two years later, the ten years would be up and when that time comes, Chi Guyan would have to resign to fate, become the Heaven Army General and become a legendary beauty!"

"But, I still don't know, how is this related to the portrait on the city gate?" No matter how powerful Chi Guyan was, Fang Zhengzhi didn't believe that the Runaway Lolita kicked by him eight years ago into the river would have any relation to him.

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Chapter 84: Criminal Demand Order

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"If it isn't because of a piece of criminal demand order! I believe everyone would have the same thing as young master!" When Wu Yuer mentioned the criminal demand order, her gaze was intensely fixated on Fang Zhengzhi's face.

"Criminal demand order?!" Fang Zhengzhi suddenly didn't feel too good.

"With young master's intelligence, naturally you would be able to guess who this criminal demand order is demanding? And who made this demand?" Wu Yuer saw the change in Fang Zhengzhi's expression, and her mouth curved into a slight smile.

Fang Zhengzhi was silent.

He wasn't dumb, it was his portrait that was hanged on the city gate, and Wu Yuer had to talk about Chi Guyan. Who this criminal demand order demands, and who made this demand, if he still didn't know, he would definitely be an idiot.

Now, he also finally understood why Wu Yuer had to mention Chi Guyan first.

With Chi Guyan's position and status in the Great Xia Dynasty, personally giving this criminal demand order, its effect was definitely predictable.

Double Dragon Roll Champion!

People used to believe that that was something that was almost impossible to achieve. After all, even though the Hidden Dragon Roll and Rising Dragon Roll had some parts that overlapped, but nobody in history had ever achieved the Double Dragon Roll Champion at the same time!

Eighteen-years-old and twenty-eight-years-old. The difference was ten years, how would that be simple? But, a year ago, the thirteen-year-old Chi Guyan had suddenly entered the world and used her shocking talents to cause all of the scholars in the world to submit willingly.

Such a person, and moreover, a girl! Why would the scholars not act?!

"What crime?" Fang Zhengzhi tried his best to make his expression seem a little calmer.

"Forcefully unveiling Yun Qingwu's veil!" Wu Yuer smiled, and at the same time took out a white piece of paper from her pocket and passed it to Fang Zhengzhi.

On it, was a complete copy of the criminal demand order.

"Such an act, a degenerate scum of the community, calls out to every scholar and literary person, and unites all the talents to work together and publicly declare themselves enemies with this person! Forcefully stop him from progressing to prevent him from destroying the great reputation that lasted throughout all ages of our Great Xia Dynasty!"

Fang Zhengzhi only had to take one look for his entire expression to change. These words… were too malicious?

"Actually, young master need not worry too much. Even though Chi Guyan had sent out the criminal demand order, but, she drew a baseline for the people! Hence, also leaving a tiny opportunity for young master to live!" Wu Yuer's slender finger gingerly pointed at the last paragraph of the criminal demand order.

Glancing, Fang Zhengzhi also realised the baseline set by the last paragraph of the criminal demand order. In his heart, he naturally knew what the tiny opportunity to live Wu Yuer talked about was.

A tiny opportunity to live…

It was really only a tiny opportunity to live!

"This criminal should be punished to death by everybody, but our towering Great Xia Dynasty has great reputation, how can we act like this criminal? Hence, appealing to all scholars in the world, using thunderous power and proper, open methods to kill this criminal in the Law of Dao examination!"

Isn't this evidently not wanting me to happily participate in the Law of Dao examination? Fang Zhengzhi had an urge to dash up the Heaven Dao Pavilion, and kick Chi Guyan down the clouds from the mountain peak of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Proper, open method… what kind of proper, open method was this? And even appealing to all scholars in the world!

Wasn't this a very typical case of asking a bunch of people to gang up on him?

"Young master is participating in the capital examination this time, do you have confidence?" Seeing that Fang Zhengzhi didn't speak further, she slowly drank a cup of fragrant tea, seeming perfectly calm.

"I guess… the River of Trust Capital should be rather bustling this time?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't reply directly, and instead asked in return.

"Within the five constabularies of the Northern Desert, except those not qualified to participate in the capital examination, are all gathered in the River of Trust Capital. I've already prepared everybody's information for young master." Wu Yuer nodded, then, took out a thick envelope from her pocket and passed it to Fang Zhengzhi's hands.

Fang Zhengzhi reached out and received it, then suddenly had an urge to swear. This thickness, wasn't it a little too exaggerated?

Chi Guyan!

It was just a kick, and already eight years… you actually still haven't forgiven me?

Forcing me to death!

Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldn't give up the capital examination. Or, it could be said that even if he gave up the capital examination, Chi Guyan would have other methods to send him into submission once again.

He suddenly felt somewhat regretful. Eight years ago, he should have put some poison in that Fire Plume Chicken…

Sigh, Chi Guyan's life in exchange for the entire Southern Mountain Village being killed? After a thought, Fang Zhengzhi felt that even if he was given another opportunity, he still wouldn't be able to do it.

"I wish to know one thing, whose idea, and whose drawing was the portrait on the city gate by?" Trouble had already come, hence Fang Zhengzhi could only face it head-on.

"Kang Xingping, number eighty in the Hidden Dragon Roll, Divine Seal Late Stage, direct line of descent in the Kang family, the ninth son!" Wu Yue seemed to have prepared long ago, and in one breathe revealed Kang Xingping's information.

"Where is he now?"

"Serene Ink Pond!"

"Why… are you helping me?"

"Because, I wish to personally see whether the number one lecher who could cause the number one scholar Chi Guyan to personally pass down a criminal demand order really was what she described." Wu Yuer twitched her mouth and smiled slightly.

"Then what do you feel?"

"It's true!"

"Cough cough… Oh, I seemed to remember that you are treating me to a meal, I wonder when are we eating?" Fang Zhengzhi quickly changed the topic.

"He he he…"

The beautiful girl shook gently, and her smile was like the blooming flower.

In front of the Serene Ink Pond, a pale-faced scholar wearing a white robe, with a jade-green fan in his hands gazed at a line of white curtain falling from a piece of mountain rock and recited loudly.

This scene had a sense of air swallowing the mountains and rivers.

Instantly attracting the countless attentions of people by the side of the Serene Ink Pond. One by one, beautiful women wearing colourful clothes gazed at the man in front of the pond, and chattered in a low voice, their faces seeming like peach blossoms.

"Young Master Kang is indeed a huge talent who entered the Hidden Dragon Roll!"

"Naturally, Kang Xingping is famous for being proficient in both literature and arts, and, is a direct descendant of the Kang family. Whoever marries him would definitely be happy for life!"

"Hey, how can sister say such a thing, so embarrassing!"

A fifteen to sixteen-year-old lady gently covered her face, her two cheeks blushed red with embarrassment. But, her gaze eventually instinctively floated towards the scholar in front of the pond.

"Splash!"

Right at this moment, a loud sound of water rang out, as if a huge piece of hundred-pound rock suddenly smashed into the river.

Immediately after, a few urgent shouts came from beside the pond.

"Hey, who landed into the water!"

"Young Master Kang landed into the water!"

"Oh no, Kang Xingping had fallen into the Serene Ink Pond!"

When a few ladies heard, their flowery expressions instantly changed and gazed towards the source of the sound. At where Kang Xingping initially stood, a fifteen to sixteen-year-old youth stood, standing in the cool breeze, and the blue robe lightly billowing in the wind.

"Sorry, my hands slipped!" The youth calmly gazed at Kang Xingping, whose mouth was agape in shock inside the Serene Ink Pond and spoke softly. Then, instantly turned around and left…

"Fang Zhengzhi!"

"It's Fang Zhengzhi!"

There were countless scholars beside the Serene Ink Pond, and very quickly, somebody recognised the true identity of this youth. After all, the entire River of Trust capital had Fang Zhengzhi's portrait pasted all over it, even if one didn't want to recognise him, it was still difficult.

"This is too much? Don't tell me he isn't afraid of offending Kang Xingping by doing this?" Someone instantly expressed his doubt.

Offend? Fang Zhengzhi gazed at the doubtful man, and spitefully twitched his mouth. He was now the public enemy of the entire city, and under the attack of everybody, how would he be afraid of offending people?

Else, was he supposed to act like a baby while everybody attempted to kill him, and hide his entire body inside his shell like a turtle?

"Let the sword fall on my neck and I laugh at the sky, l leave my loyalty and justice behind!"

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Chapter 85: Instigation

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Not too far away, in an elegant viewing room, Yan Xiu, wearing brocade clothes, sat within and naturally saw the scene happening in front of the Serene Ink Pond.

"This friend of young master is indeed free-spirited, but unfortunately offended some people he shouldn't be offending" The strong bearded man standing behind Yan Xiu heard Fang Zhengzhi's words and sighed lightly.

Yan Xiu didn't speak, and instead stood up gradually and walked out of the room.

"Young master wishes to help him?" The strong bearded man saw Yan Xiu's actions and a glimmer of shock appeared on his face, but, he didn't hold him back.

"Grandfather had said that we should be sincere towards our friend!" Yan Xiu didn't reply directly, but the meaning in his words were very obvious.

"But, the person he offended is Chi Guyan!" The strong bearded man reminded.

The entire Great Xia Dynasty knew what Chi Guyan represented. Double Dragon Roll Champion and with her outstanding status, even the current Emperor didn't dare to force Chi Guyan to do something she didn't want to do.

"So what?" Yan Xiu retorted.

The strong bearded man was taken aback, then instantly a trace of smile appeared on his contorted face. That's right, since he said he must be sincere, what's the point of considering other things?

In an instant, the strong bearded man suddenly felt that this young master in front of him seemed to have grown up. At least, he knew what was loyalty between friends.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldn't leave. In reality, when he appeared at the Serene Ink Pond, he had never prepared to leave.

Kang Xingping, whose body and hair was completely drenched with the cold pond water, blocked off his route. The initially handsome scholar temperament had already completely disappeared from Kang Xingping's body.

What remained.

Was a drowned rat that was freshly fished out from the pond.

"What a Let the sword fall on my neck and I laugh at the sky, l leave my loyalty and justice behind! Today, let me see how you can laugh!" Kang Xingping naturally couldn't control his rage.

In reality, anybody who was leisurely admiring the scenery, if pushed by somebody into the pond, naturally wouldn't be able to act as if nothing had happened.

Moreover, he still occupied a spot in the Hidden Dragon Roll, representing the top hundred talents among the youths in the Great Xia Dynasty.

"Brother Kang!" A voice sounded out from behind Kang Xingping's back. Then, wearing a purple robe, his eyes so small that it was almost a line, a youth appeared beside Kang Xingping.

"It's Cai Yongfeng!"

"Number fifty-six on the Hidden Dragon Roll, Cai Yongfeng!"

"I heard that his abilities had already reached the Divine Seal Advanced Stage, and is about to enter the Divine Seal Peak Stage!"

When the scholars beside the Serene Ink Pond saw the purple robe youth, somebody instantly recognised thing. Two youth talents on the Hidden Dragon Roll was a rare sight.

But today, they gathered together, and the reason was something everybody was naturally well aware of.

Don't tell me that before the Law of Dao examination, this good show is about to start in advance?

"If Brother Cai is here to view the fight, I naturally welcome you. But if Brother Cai is here to help, I believe there is no need to!" Kang Xingping saw Cai Yongfeng, but his expression didn't seem very happy.

The criminal demand order had gathered all the scholars under the sky in the River of Trust Capital.

Hence, whoever was the first to defeat Fang Zhengzhi would become someone noticed by everybody.

Most importantly, this would definitely be known by Chi Guyan.

Kang Xingping wouldn't let such a good opportunity end up in the hands of hands, especially since he was pushed into the pond by Fang Zhengzhi, Cai Yongfeng's appearance was even more scheming.

Causing him to owe him a favour, and at the same time becoming famous and winning the heart of a beautiful woman.

"Ha ha ha… Brother Kang is mistaken. I'm here only to stop the fight, not to help! You should know that the Law of Dao examination is the true fight!" Cai Yongfeng laughed gently, filled with calm and elegance.

Usually, his abilities were stronger than Kang Xingping, but his fate with women didn't match up to Kang Xingping. If he could prevent Kang Xingping from becoming famous, and also use this opportunity to compete with the dazed Kang Xingping, it would naturally be a good thing.

Even though both of their targets were Fang Zhengzhi, but there was only one Fang Zhengzhi. Hence, naturally both of them had their own thoughts and ideas.

Maybe this was what the ancient saying meant, even though there were many talents in the world, but they were all like a sheet of loose sand, unable to cooperate…

Kang Xingping instantly understood Cai Yongfeng's malicious intentions, and was filled with anger. But, he didn't have a choice. He had already landed in such a state, if he couldn't fight and take revenge for this humiliation, how could he be satisfied?

"If I am Young Master Kang, I will definitely let him feel what it's like to fall into the pond, then talk about stopping the fight, or helping in the fight!" Fang Zhengzhi, standing right in front of the two people, spoke at this moment.

Kang Xingping's eye lit up suddenly, and at this moment, Cai Yongfeng also stood out. His intentions were very clear, it was naturally to stop him, then display his elegance.

But if he also fell into the pond?

Kang Xingping felt that this was a good idea, but the person who suggested this idea had to be Fang Zhengzhi, causing him to feel a strange feeling.

A glint shone inside Cai Yongfeng's slit eyes. Gazing at Fang Zhengzhi, whose face was filled with calm as if none of these concerned him, the edges of his mouth curved into a smile.

If he wanted to sow dissension between the two of them and cause him to fall into the trap, then Fang Zhengzhi had underestimated him too much.

"Brother Kang you cannot fall into his trap. You must think carefully, he was the one who pushed you into the pond, I'm only here to help. Brother Kang cannot act without reasoning!" Cai Yongfeng reminded.

Kang Xingping was stunned. When he looked at Fang Zhengzhi again, sweat gradually broke out from his back. If not for Cai Yongfeng's reminder, he might really had fallen into the trap.

Fang Zhengzhi looked at these two people in front of him and smiled, sighing inside his heart. Seems like to be able to enter the Hidden Dragon Roll, one must really be somewhat scheming. Compared to those simple villagers living in the village, they were definitely stronger.

Then...

Did the trap fail?

Fang Zhengzhi looked up and gazed at the azure blue skies.

"Since Young Master Kang doubts my words, then let's make a bet. From the second this guy appeared, he had already intended to stop us from fighting fairly. Yet, now he actually said that he wishes to help you, this is indeed harbouring unfathomable motives. How about I leave now, and we'll see if he stops you. How about that?" When Fang Zhengzhi finished his sentence, he turned around and left.

Kang Xingping's mouth opened and closed. He didn't want to play such games with Fang Zhengzhi, but letting Fang Zhengzhi leave just like that was something he naturally didn't wish to happen.

He moved and prepared to act.

"Brother Kang, don't, leave him to the Law of Dao examination…" When Cai Yongfeng saw Kang Xingping act, he instantly went forward to stop him. To him, the purpose was to get merit for making the first move.

As for Kang Xingping?

His ranking was already behind that of his, what did he have to be scared of?

The two, one in offense and one in defence, naturally contacted very quickly. Kang Xingping's abilities were already below that of Cai Yongfeng. Even though he acted first, he was still blocked by Cai Yongfeng.

The already battered him instantly flew into a rage.

Thinking of the words Fang Zhengzhi said previously, the rage was quickly directed towards Cai Yongfeng.

And right at this moment.

Fang Zhengzhi suddenly turned his head. His legs moved, and his figure changed. Just like a meteor, he instantly charged towards the two people.

"Brother Kang, let me help you!" As Fang Zhengzhi shouted, he had already reached the front of the two people.

As he saw Fang Zhengzhi approaching, Cai Yongfeng couldn't help but to shout out inside his heart - this is bad! Fang Zhengzhi wanted to attack using the strength of another! Without much hesitation, he instantly pulled back to block.

And when Kang Xingping heard this, even though he wasn't very happy, but when he thought of what Cai Yongfeng just did, he still decided to watch the fight from the side.

First get Fang Zhengzhi to battle with Cai Yongfeng, then he would claim the rewards from the battle!

When he thought of this, the edges of Kang Xingping's mouth curved into a smile.

But, very quickly, the smile on Kang Xingping's face froze. Because, he suddenly felt an intense pain coming from his stomach.

Looking down, he realised a leg had kicked onto it.

"You…" Kang Xingping would never have dreamed that Fang Zhengzhi would unleash a sneak attack on him at this moment again. Furthermore, he even did so in the name of teaming together against Cai Yongfeng.

Shameless…

The epitome of shamelessness!

No matter how unhappy Kang Xingping was, he was still sent flying by Fang Zhengzhi's kick, and traced out a beautiful arch in mid-air.

"Splash!"

He landed into the Serene Ink Pond once again.

The change happened in a flash, happening so quickly that people were simply unable to react.

At this moment, Cai Yongfeng was also slightly taken aback. He didn't understand why would Fang Zhengzhi suddenly change his target of attack just now.

Don't tell me that Fang Zhengzhi didn't want me to land into the Serene Ink Pond as well?

"Thank you, Brother Cai, for your kind help and cooperation, allowing me to take my revenge. Moonview Restaurant tonight, see you there!" Fang Zhengzhi cupped his fist towards Cai Yongfeng, then turned around and left elegantly.

Leaving Cai Yongfeng with his mouth agape beside the Serene Ink Pond...

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Chapter 86: Tempest

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Kind help and cooperation? See you there?!"

Cai Yongfeng's mouth lightly mumbled Fang Zhengzhi's words, then, his face instantly turned a deathly shade of white. Slowly turning his head around and gazing at the Kang Xingping inside the pond, then gazing at the surrounding scholars and beautiful women.

From their eyes, Cai Yongfeng inferred two emotions, shock and anger!

"Cai Yongfeng, you double-dealing and backstabbing malicious vile person, I, Kang Xingping, and you cannot exist together!" Within the pond, Kang Xingping made an oath.

The scholars and beauties beside the pond also stared at Cai Yongfeng and shook their heads.

Even in their dreams, they would never have thought that Cai Yongfeng, ranked among the Hidden Dragon Roll, would actually conspire together with Fang Zhengzhi? What kind of charisma did this Fang Zhengzhi have?

Just as the crowd was filled with doubt, another person appeared beside the pond.

Then, the crowd saw a shocking scene. Wearing brocade clothes, with an expression cold as ice and waving a Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan, a youth walked to Fang Zhengzhi's side.

"Resolved?" Yan Xiu looked at Cai Yongfeng standing beside the pond and Kang Xingping who had landed inside the pond.

"Yes!" Fang Zhengzhi shook his head. In front of Yan Xiu, he didn't like to lie. If he ever wanted to exploit Yan Xiu, he would add on a sentence like, thank you Young Master Cai for your help.

"I can treat you to a meal!" Yan Xiu lightly nodded.

"Alright!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't reject.

Yan Xiu turned around, then, as if he thought of something, suddenly shot his gaze towards Cai Yongfeng standing by the pond. His tone was cold. "Thank you, Young Master Cai, for your help!"

A light gust of wind blew past, and time seemed to have stopped at this moment.

Standing by the pond, Cai Yongfeng stared at Yan Xiu with an expression of disbelief.

Fang Zhengzhi was also slightly stunned inside. He believed that Yan Xiu was able to see the problem in this, but, Yan Xiu's words were evidently…

"They are indeed together!"

Those who were initially in denial at this moment had lost all their doubt. Because, everybody believed that a person as cold as Yan Xiu would never lie.

When Cai Yongfeng wanted to explain further, Kang Xingping who was inside the pond didn't give him any further opportunities to speak.

Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu walked shoulder to shoulder towards the restaurant.

But, beside the pond, calm was already impossible. The raging Kang Xingping wildly attacked Cai Yongfeng, each of his moves were deadly, and every move was sinister.

Such wild attacks naturally caused Cai Yongfeng to not be able to hold back.

Then…

A deathmatch began to start beside the pond.

But in the end, it was Kang Xingping and Cai Yongfeng who were fighting to the death beside the pond? There seemed to be something wrong somewhere.

Inside the restaurant, Fang Zhengzhi sat beside Yan Xiu, while the strong bearded man stood behind. A maid poured tea beside the two people, and everything was calm.

Yan Xiu didn't question further. Because, he had already personally witnessed everything that had happened. Fang Zhengzhi also didn't speak. Because, he knew Yan Xiu wasn't inclined towards chatting.

Just like that, the two sat quietly and watched the fight unfolding beside the pond.

Until the two had exhausted all the strengths, and after a few people who couldn't bear to watch it anymore broke up the fight, this silence was finally broken.

"The capital examination is going to start ten days later." Yan Xiu spoke first.

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"This time, I heard the content is going to be different from the usual." Yan Xiu continued.

"Because of me?" Fang Zhengzhi guessed.

"Yes, and no!" Yan Xiu nodded and shook his head.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't speak, and instead lightly sipped a mouth of tea and waited quietly for Yan Xiu to continue his explanation.

"Even though Chi Guyan's status is outstanding, but she didn't participate in the Imperial Government, and, all along, the capital examination's content had always been set by the Imperial Academy before seeking the Left Minister's comments and then distributed."

"But, this time, the number of participants in the River of Trust Capital examinations is really too many, hence the Chief Examiner suggested a new examination content. The Imperial Academy had already authorized it, and so did the Left Minister."

Finish this explanation in one breathe, Yan Xiu's face seemed somewhat flustered, as if he wasn't very used to it.

"I understand." Fang Zhengzhi nodded once again.

"The change in the capital examination isn't in your favour." Yan Xiu drank another mouth of tea and continued.

"Do I have a choice?"

"No."

"Then let nature take its course."

Ever since Fang Zhengzhi appeared beside the Serene Ink Pond, new of him entering the River of Trust Capital naturally spread very quickly. Everybody guessed that Fang Zhengzhi's ten days would pass very comfortably.

But in reality…

Fang Zhengzhi's days passed very comfortably.

Yan Xiu had also booked a new room for him, beautiful and secluded.

Indeed, Yan Xiu was indeed very sincere towards Fang Zhengzhi, and the reason Fang Zhengzhi accepted this act of sincerity wasn't to use Yan Xiu to protect himself.

But instead, he felt that to be able to get away from these noisy flies, it was definitely not a bad thing.

It was getting nearer to the capital examination. Initially when nobody expected any more events to occur, an explosive news suddenly began to spread.

Yun Qingwu had come to the River of Trust!

This undoubtedly planted a fuse in the River of Trust, which was already ridden by a strong undercurrent. Countless scholars began to spread news that Yun Qingwu definitely came because of the criminal demand order.

After all, Yun Qingwu was the biggest victim mentioned in the criminal demand order.

Next, there were three days left to the capital examination. As of tradition, the River of Trust Capital held a huge gathering of scholars and beauties.

Almost every scholar that entered the River of Trust Capital gathered at the cultural exchange venue.

But, an even stranger thing occurred. Unlike what everybody expected, Fang Zhengzhi didn't appear in the cultural exchange. Furthermore, even Yun Qingwu didn't participate.

The huge cultural gathering started among huge cheers, yet ended in a desolate sigh.

This caused a huge question to appear in the hearts of the scholars in the River of Trust Capital.

What was the reason for Yun Qingwu's arrival?

If it was due to Fang Zhengzhi, then why didn't she condemn him at the cultural gathering? Such a good opportunity wouldn't have been given up by any other person.

Then…

If Yun Qingwu's arrival wasn't due to Fang Zhengzhi? Why would she choose this timing that would cause the most assumptions to come to the River of Trust Capital?

The crowd couldn't understand.

Just as they discussed spiritedly, filled with doubt, they suddenly realised with a shock that it was already officially the start of the capital examination.

Was it calm?

Actually, it was indeed calm.

Because, ever since Fang Zhengzhi arrived at the River of Trust Capital, he had only appeared once at the Serene Ink Pond. Even though it caused some activity, but, compared to the real tempest.

That was only…

An inadvertent brush of shoulders!

And now, the real tempest was about to befall!

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Chapter 87: Undercurrent

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was a hazy and rainy dawn.

A layer of faint mist lightly enveloped the River of Trust Capital, like a lady just out from the shower, emanating an otherworldly sense of beauty.

The capital examination was, as usual, split into the theory examination and combat examination. But what was different from the county examination was that this time, the capital examination had some changes. There was only one round of theory examination, and hence whoever was leaving would be determined by just one round of theory examination.

It was rather cruel.

But, to those who could travel great distances to the River of Trust, this cruel reality was rather insignificant.

Definitely, there were always exceptions. For example, at this moment, Li Zhuangshi was rather gloomy. Staring at the dense mass of scholars participating in the River of Trust Capital at the capital office, he didn't even have the mood to try anymore.

Can it not be so extreme?

It's just a capital examination, why are there so many people?

The Great Xia Dynasty had set clear rules for the Law of Dao examinations. The number of people accepted every capital's Law of Dao examination was fixed. No matter how many people were in the capital, the final name list of accepted people would remain the same.

Hence, the consequences were simple. The more people participating in the capital examination, the lower the chances of being accepted.

Eight years…

Li Zhuangshi exclaimed that Heavens was messing with him. He had prepared for eight years, and used two years to pass the county examination of the Law of Dao examination. After being flushed with success, he then failed two times in the capital examination.

It could be said that he had fallen into a deep ravine in an instant.

And this year, was the last year of the eight years he had, and was the year that Li Zhuangshi believed he had the most confidence.

Yet, why did such a thing just had to happen?

He wasn't satisfied, he really wasn't satisfied. Gazing at the indistinct yet fine drops of rain falling from the skies, Li Zhuangshi's hand instinctively felt a letter in his pocket.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"I'm sorry!" At this moment, Li Zhuangshi seemed to have made a very difficult decision.

As time passed, the number of scholars gathered in the River of Trust Capital office became more and more, not at all affected by the drizzling rain. Instead, it surged a sense of enthusiasm in the scholars.

Everybody were discussing spiritedly about what questions would come out in this theory examination, and also guessed what kind of rankings would result from this time's theory examination.

"The capital examination questions had always been very tough, furthermore, there always would be a complete recitation of text from the Law of Dao! The three thousand volumes of the Law of Dao, how many people on this world would be able to recite it completely? It has to depend on luck."

"Even though luck plays a part, but true ability is the most important! The recitation of the Law of Dao only brings out the question, the main point is still the usage and understanding of the Law of Dao!"

"Who do you think this time's theory examination Roll Champion would be?"

"Does that even need any guessing? Hua Kangan's ability is the strongest, number twenty in the Hidden Dragon Roll and with the Star Conglomerate Enlightenment State, and at the same time ranked in the Rising Dragon Roll! But discussing about the theory examination, I instead seem to believe that it would be Zhang Hetong!"

"I also believe that it would be Zhang Hetong. The Zhang family had been involved in the government all along and is a family with literary reputation. Furthermore, I heard that he had been personally praised by the Chief Examiner in the county examinations, and his comments were "Outstanding literary talent"!"

"What do you all think about Fang Zhengzhi? I heard that he had attained Roll Champion in the Huai An County! And, seems like it was full marks…"

"Fang Zhengzhi? Full marks? Ha ha ha… who had ever seen his examination paper before? Only Heavens would know how he had gotten this full mark. I only heard that he reported this opponent called Meng Yushu, and barely made it to the First-Class Roll in the first round. Such a theory examination Roll Champion is nothing more than a frog in the well!"

"Ha ha ha… Brother Chen's wise observations, I indeed agree!"

As the crowd discussed, two people approached slowly from afar.

One was dressed in brocade clothes, holding a Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan, his expression cold as ice. The other wore a slight smile on his face, wearing a blue robe that danced lightly in the drizzling rain.

It was Yan Xiu and Fang Zhengzhi.

"Fang Zhengzhi is here!"

"Yan Xiu is actually walking with him?! Don't tell me Yan Xiu is participating in this capital examination as well?"

"Oh, I had forgotten Yan Xiu… he seems to be sixteen this year, based on the Yan family traditions, leaving at sixteen, he might really be able to participate!"

"If Yan Xiu also participates in this capital examination, then it is indeed going to be interesting! I don't know what enlightenment state Yan Xiu has already reached."

"Even though Yan Xiu's name is famous, but nobody had ever seen him fight. He isn't even ranked in the Hidden Dragon Roll, no matter how strong he can be, I believe he shouldn't have reached Star Conglomerate?"

Fang Zhengzhi's appearance didn't cause any shock to the crowd, but Yan Xiu's appearance caused the crowd to start guessing. After all, the Yan family's reputation was something everybody in the Great Xia Dynasty was familiar with.

Hearing the discussion going around them, Yan Xiu's cold expression seemed to have a rare change. He frowned slightly, but very quickly returned to its original calm.

"Looks like you don't seem to like other people associating you and the Yan family." Fang Zhengzhi easily noticed Yan Xiu's change in expression.

"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded.

"Then, you need to have some proof, and is this the reason you left the Western Liang and came to the faraway Northern Desert to participate in the Law of Dao examination?" Fang Zhengzhi guessed.

"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded again.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't inquire further. After he got to know Yan Xiu, he managed to infer that the Yan family didn't belong to the Northern Desert. Under normal circumstances, giving up what was near to pursue what was far wasn't a wise move.

But since Yan Xiu gave it up, he naturally had enough good reasons.

"Gong!"

The gong signifying the start of the examination sounded, and the theory examination had official begun.

Due to the large number of people participating in the capital examination, the amount of space in the River of Trust Academy naturally wasn't enough. Hence, the venue of this theory examination is held in the capital office of the River of Trust Capital.

The two red wood doors carved with animal figures represented the prestige of the capital office. Four rows of armoured capital guards stood at the north, south, east and west of the capital office, each armed with a spear and awaited with military discipline.

A few other invigilators wearing black official clothes also patrolled about the capital office door.

From this, it could be inferred that the capital examination was indeed much stricter than the county examination.

Definitely, passing the capital examination was like crossing the dragon's gate, leaving one's name in the Great Xia Dynasty's record books, and most of all, receiving the protection of the law.

As long as one didn't commit any serious crimes, one would likely not face any punishments.

Furthermore, one would even receive the invitations of powers from all around, becoming an advisor, or even being given some appointments and enjoy special treatment.

The crowd of scholars walked in in a line.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally walked shoulder to shoulder with Yan Xiu. At the door that led into the capital office, Fang Zhengzhi noticed Li Zhuangshi, whose brows were threaded together in a deep frown.

Li Zhuangshi similarly also noticed Fang Zhengzhi, and his eyes instantly lit up.

"Zhengzhi, our fates are indeed different routes to the same destination! This capital examination, to have met such a situation, is indeed Heaven playing with us!" Li Zhuangshi, for the first time, somehow didn't mock Fang Zhengzhi, and instead expressed his empathy.

Fang Zhengzhi nodded, expressing his agreement.

When Li Zhuangshi saw Fang Zhengzhi nod, a cold glint inadvertently flashed in his eyes.

"Sigh… never mind! Your father and I have a deep bond with one another, and I really cannot bear to see you miss the roll today, hence I wish to help you out a bit. A few days ago, I have received an answer sheet through a friend, I'll give one to you!" As Li Zhuangshi spoke, he carefully fished out a letter from his pocket and stealthily stuffed it into Fang Zhengzhi's hands.

Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback. He looked at Li Zhuangshi, then looked at the letter in his hands.

"Uncle Li, you really wish to do this?"

"I hope that you can understand me!" Li Zhuangshi's expression was filled with sincerity.

"Oh, then thank you Uncle Li!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't speak further and directly stuffed the letter into his pocket, and with big strides, walked into the door of the capital office.

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Chapter 88: Acting Early

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Once he entered the examination venue, Li Zhuangshi saw Fang Zhengzhi standing at the entrance quietly looking at himself.

"Don't tell me I've been discovered?" Li Zhuangshi had a guilty conscience, but forcefully calmed himself down. "Zhengzhi, why don't you find a seat to sit down first?"

"I wish to ask Uncle Li a few questions." Fang Zhengzhi walked to Li Zhuangshi's side and spoke calmly.

Li Zhuangshi's heart thumped, and sweat instantly broke out from his back. If Fang Zhengzhi had seen through him now, then everything was over.

"Please… ask!" Li Zhuangshi inhaled deeply.

"What would happen if Uncle Li misses the role this time?" Fang Zhengzhi's tone sounded calm, just like they were chatting casually.

"Miss the roll?" Li Zhuangshi frowned. "If I miss the roll, I believe I will take the examination again. Even if the Hall of Dao in the Southern Mountain Village is demolished, I will still bring Huer to another village!"

Li Zhuangshi didn't conceal. This were his true intentions. After eight years of effort, how could he give up?

"Then what if you were banned from participating in the Law of Dao examination?" Fang Zhengzhi continued to ask.

"This…" Li Zhuangshi was taken aback. He indeed hadn't thought about this. Then, he was suddenly stunned. Why would Fang Zhengzhi suddenly ask such a question?

Just as he prepared to speak, he realised that Fang Zhengzhi had already shaken his head and walked away.

"Looks like Uncle Li haven't thought about that…" A faint voice floated over, yet it caused Li Zhuangshi to feel a chilling sensation in his bones.

"Had he realised? No… I can't wait anymore!" Li Zhuangshi gritted his teeth and quickly followed.

The examination venue of the capital examination was different from that of the county examination. Every seat was separated with a wooden board, and people outside cannot be seen. Hence, there was naturally no way to interact or cheat.

If the county examination's theory examination was the epitome of relaxation, then the capital examination's theory examination could be described as seamless and gapless.

This didn't mean that the Great Xia Dynasty had suddenly preferred the pen to the sword. Instead, it was because the purpose of the capital examination and the purpose of the county examination were two completely different concepts.

Passing the county examination meant that one had begun to practice.

It was equivalent to entering the door.

The Great Xia Dynasty naturally wouldn't directly block the talented at the doorstep, hence, giving chance at the theory examination was counted as normal.

But the capital examination was different. After the examination, one's name would enter into the record, and every month, there would even be money grants. Even though it wasn't much, but the social status was completely different.

Hence, the possibility of cheating was really too low, and the punishment would be incredibly serious.

A light one would be forfeiting one's examination results, a serious one who ban one from three rounds of examination. If the situation was especially vile, it might even cause a lifetime ban from participating in the Law of Dao examination.

This time, Fang Zhengzhi had prepared before becoming. Furthermore, due to Yan Xiu's explanation in the room, he naturally had become more familiar with the rules of the capital examination.

The amount of people participating in the examination was too many, hence the time to enter the venue wasn't as strict.

The interior of the capital office was spacious and rooms of various sizes filled the examination venue. Each venue had invigilators patrolling, and Fang Zhengzhi quickly found a brightly-lit spot and sat down.

Then, he waited quietly for the theory examination to begin.

Then, right at this moment, an invigilator wearing a black official robe suddenly walked towards Fang Zhengzhi, and behind him, Li Zhuangshi followed.

"He arrived rather quickly!" Fang Zhengzhi sighed. His face was calm as normal, and didn't seem anxious at all.

Li Zhuangshi followed behind the invigilator and his gaze was fixated at the spot where Fang Zhengzhi stuffed the letter into. He was indeed afraid of Fang Zhengzhi, he was too smart.

He didn't dare to wait till the official start of the examination.

Because, the longer he dragged, the easier it was for problems to occur.

"Fang Zhengzhi?" The invigilator walked in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Somebody reported that you brought the answer sheet into the venue!" The invigilator's gaze instantly became fierce.

When the words left his mouth, the attention of a few scholars who were currently finding their seats were instantly perked. Bringing the answer sheet? Wasn't this cheating?

"Fang Zhengzhi brought in the answer sheet?!"

"This isn't very possible? With his Roll Champion results in the county theory examination, even though he wouldn't be able to get a good ranking in the capital examination, but making it into the Second-Class Roll wouldn't be a problem. Why would he bring in the answer sheet?"

"I believe it is for a good ranking! He knows that this time, the competition in the capital examination is intense, hence took the risk of bringing in the answer!"

"Hmm, that's possible!"

One by one, the scholars started to gesticulate, and discussed softly.

"Theory examination answer sheet? The theory examination hadn't even begun, why would there be an answer sheet?" Fang Zhengzhi wasn't at all anxious. He continued to seat at his table, his face filled with an innocent expression.

The invigilator was taken aback. After being reminded by Fang Zhengzhi, he instantly managed to regain his senses. As the invigilator of the capital examination, he had the responsibility and task of maintaining order in the examination venue.

Hence, after hearing Li Zhuangshi report, he didn't think too much and directly walked over.

Now that he understood, the invigilator's gaze shifted towards Li Zhuangshi. The meaning was clear, can you explain what you are reporting?

"It's the capital examination's materials! Inside, there is the original text of the Law of Dao, and a few answers guessed outside the exam!" Li Zhuangshi met the invigilator's gaze and instantly explained without concealing anything.

If the invigilator left at this moment, all his previous efforts would have gone to waste.

"Fang Zhengzhi, explain yourself!" The invigilator nodded lightly and looked at Fang Zhengzhi again.

"Hmm, we can't bring in materials?" Fang Zhengzhi heard the invigilator's words and looked as if he had just woken up from a dream, his expression filled with shock.

When the surrounding scholars saw this, they instantly began to laugh.

This Fang Zhengzhi was indeed dumb, he actually asked such a question.

This was the capital examination; how could he be allowed to bring in resources related to the Law of Dao. If that was really allowed, there would likely be people who would bring their entire bookshelf over.

"Obviously not! Bringing in materials is counted as cheating!" The invigilator instantly cited the rules.

"But the examination hasn't even started, this isn't allowed too?" Fang Zhengzhi continued to ask.

"No!" The invigilator could already confirm that this Fang Zhengzhi in front of him would definitely possess cheating materials, else he wouldn't ask such questions.

"Alright, then what are the punishments for bringing in materials into the examination venue?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't seem too worried.

But, the surrounding scholars already couldn't quite contain themselves.

Bringing in materials into the examination venue was counted as cheating, based on the rules, even if it was found out before the examination started, one would be removed from the examination on the spot.

If there were answers within the materials relating to guessing of questions, they would be banned from participating in the next three rounds of examination.

"Fang Zhengzhi is going to be removed from the examination!"

"I never thought that this would happen, this is indeed the greatest news of this capital examination!"

"Indeed!"

The surrounding scholars also could confirm that Fang Zhengzhi being removed from the examination had already become a reality, except that this incident was too shocking.

Bringing in materials?

Then, reported by people on the spot, and then being removed from the examination...

Indeed, the consequences of some things came very quickly!

"Bringing in materials into the examination, following the rules set by the Imperial Academy, must be removed from the examination! About whether one would be banned from future examinations, it would require the personal judgement of the chief examiner!" The invigilator's tone at this moment seemed extremely cold and heartless.

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Chapter 89: Body Search

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

After hearing the invigilator's words, the surroundings scholars' faces were filled with laughter. They waited for Fang Zhengzhi to be brought out of the examination venue, yet Fang Zhengzhi quietly sat at his spot, as if nothing had happened.

"Fang Zhengzhi, come out with me!" The invigilator saw that Fang Zhengzhi didn't move, and urged.

"Why?" Fang Zhengzhi's face was filled with innocence.

"You brought in materials into the examination, and have been counted as cheating, yet you still ask why?" The invigilator became rather impatient.

"Invigilator, as the invigilator of the theory examination, mustn't you bear responsibility for your words? I wish to ask you, have you personally seen me bring materials into the examination venue?" Fang Zhengzhi retorted.

The invigilator was taken aback. He indeed hadn't seen Fang Zhengzhi bring in any materials, but, a witness had reported him. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi just now seemed to have already admitted…

Wait, no, it seems like he didn't admit!

"Why not you search me?" Fang Zhengzhi saw that the invigilator didn't speak, and took the initiative to suggest.

"Search?" The invigilator was somewhat hesitant. The Great Xia Dynasty respected human rights, especially those of scholars participating in the examination. If there wasn't any good evidence, searching the bodies of examinees as he pleased wasn't within his powers.

"Invigilator, I have personally witnessed him bringing in materials into the examination venue, and furthermore, in his pockets, there is a letter. Inside it, are the materials!" Li Zhuangshi affirmed by the side.

"Are you sure?" The invigilator continued to hesitate.

"Yes!" Li Zhuangshi nodded.

"Then… search!" The invigilator stared at Li Zhuangshi for a full three seconds, then finally gritted his teeth.

When the surrounding scholars heard about the search, they instantly stood up. Searching a person in the examination venue was a rare occasion, and naturally caused their interests to be perked.

But, they were rather doubtful, based on the behaviour Fang Zhengzhi had just shown, it probably wouldn't be very easy to search Fang Zhengzhi's body?

"Come! Search me!" Fang Zhengzhi's cooperativeness was completely unexpected.

As he spoke, he even took the initiative to stand up from his seat, and conscientiously flipped open all his pockets and poured out a few notes and silver pieces he had. Then, he signalled to the invigilator that he could personally begin the search.

Looking at Fang Zhengzhi's actions, the invigilator felt that something wasn't quite right. He had also heard some news about Fang Zhengzhi, especially the incident that happened at the Serene Ink Pond.

The people involved might have not been able to understanding what was happening, but how could the spectators not guess?

To be able to magically frame everything on Cai Yongfeng, what good things would come out of a person like that?

Then what was wrong?

The invigilator momentarily couldn't understand, but since Fang Zhengzhi had already signalled that he could begin the search, as the saying goes, the arrow is already on the bow, and has to be shot!

Without a choice, he couldn't only trust Li Zhuangshi once!

Instantly, the invigilator took two steps forward and began the search. Fang Zhengzhi on the other hand didn't resist at all. He opened his hands and his express was calm and magnanimous, similar to that of a lamb waiting to be butchered.

Seeing Fang Zhengzhi's manner, Li Zhuangshi similarly had a feeling that something was wrong. Fang Zhengzhi was too calm and composed, just like a third party uninvolved in the situation. This wasn't possible. If he really brought in materials, he would definitely not be able to be as composed.

But, the materials were clearly on Fang Zhengzhi's body. This point, Li Zhuangshi could almost confirm.

"Don't have?!" The invigilator searched thoroughly, and he instantly felt somewhat cold. If he really managed to find something, it was still acceptable. But now, he didn't manage to find anything, what should he do?

His gaze quickly landed on Li Zhuangshi.

"That's not possible, there clearly is. I've seen it myself, let me search!" Li Zhuangshi was also similarly in disbelief, and instantly went forward to search personally.

This was actually against the rules, but Fang Zhengzhi seemed as if he hadn't even noticed. He continued to open his hands, his expression calm, and accepted Li Zhuangshi's search…

At this moment, the surrounding scholars also stared with their eyes rounded. They searched on the table, on the chair and on the floor. They also believed that Fang Zhengzhi definitely brought materials into the examination venue.

But, why wasn't there any?

"Can I participate in the examination now?" After waiting for everybody to finish searching the areas around him, Fang Zhengzhi finally spoke.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance!" The invigilator frowned, and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment!" At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi suddenly halted the invigilator.

"What's the matter?" The invigilator stopped in his tracks, but for some reason, his heart suddenly trembled. Because, he could clearly see the smile at the edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth.

It was a very harmonious smile, yet, the invigilator felt a sense of chilliness in his heart.

"My Great Xia Dynasty has always been people-oriented, and respects scholars taking part in the examination. Everything has to be fair. Previously, somebody suspected me of bringing in materials into the examination, then, I accepted the search. This is something I believe everybody had seen. Then, I wish to follow the invigilator's principles in dealing with things, as long as there is a report, he can carry out the search. Now, I also wish to make a report!" Fang Zhengzhi revealed a slight smile.

"You are also making a report?!" When the invigilator heard this, he instantly felt that an ominous feeling.

"Yes, I suspect everybody had brought in materials into the examination venue, and hope that invigilator can search everybody participating in the capital examination one by one?" Fang Zhengzhi gazed at the invigilator with a casual look.

"What?! Search one by one?"

"What logic is this!"

"Why search our bodies without any evidence?"

The surrounding scholars were instantly provoked, and began to cry out. But, after a thought, they suddenly began speechless. Because, they had also previously helped the invigilator to search Fang Zhengzhi.

"Search everybody?!" The invigilator was taken aback. He finally understood why Fang Zhengzhi was so cooperative just now. Furthermore, he even took the initiative to request for a search. This was simply digging a hole for him to jump into!

Searching everybody one by one, how long was this going to take? This time, the number of participants in the capital examination was at least five times more than the past examinations. The delay wasn't very important, but such an act is indeed too extreme!

It would definitely cause the chief examiner to notice.

If he didn't do as Fang Zhengzhi said, then it would be unfair. If Fang Zhengzhi blew up the matter, he wouldn't be able to do anything.

At this moment, he finally understood who was the true butchered lamb!

"This, without evidence…" The invigilator said these words with huge difficulty. Such words couldn't even convince himself.

Because, previously, he had very clearly searched Fang Zhengzhi without any evidence at all.

"Wasn't suspicion the same as evidence? I seem to have been searched just like that just now? I hope invigilator can believe me! Furthermore… I think I can also be like Li Zhuangshi and help invigilator to conduct the search!" Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have full confidence.

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Chapter 90: Fruits

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The invigilator's sweat finally broke out. Indeed, the way the dealt with this problem was somewhat problematic, if it was escalated, the person in the worst position would be him.

No wonder Fang Zhengzhi would accept the search so willingly, and even took the initiative to suggest…

Seems like Fang Zhengzhi is just waiting for him?

The invigilator's gaze shot to Li Zhuangshi who was behind him, and felt the urge to rip Li Zhuangshi into eight chunks.

"If invigilator feels that searching the entire examination would be too troublesome, then at least you should be searching the people in this room? Just now they were searching very happily…" A bright smile lighted up Fang Zhengzhi's face.

"Search this room…" The invigilator swept his gaze across the dozens of examinees in the room, and finally made up his mind. "Search!"

When the surrounding examinees heard this, their expressions instantly turned bitter. The wheel of fortune reversed! Just now, they were indeed searching Fang Zhengzhi very happily, but now, it was about to be their turn to be searched.

The invigilator's movements were very swift, because the longer they dragged, the worse it was for him.

Within fifteen minutes, the search of dozens of people in the examination room had been completed.

The invigilator gazed at the roomful of scholars crying out their complaints, and let out a sigh. His gaze returned back to Fang Zhengzhi. "Is this okay now?"

"There is still one person, did invigilator forget?" Fang Zhengzhi used his glance to signal to the Li Zhuangshi standing behind the invigilator.

"Him? He isn't from this examination room… Li Zhuangshi, prepare to be searched!" The invigilator wanted to say something, then had second thoughts. He had already searched this entire room of people, and this one person wouldn't amount to much.

Instantly, he reached his hands towards Li Zhuangshi. His actions were rough, and didn't have any intention of bearing any "tender, protective feelings" towards Li Zhuangshi. After all, everything was caused by Li Zhuangshi.

"This… invigilator, why would I bring in materials?" Li Zhuangshi was taken aback, and instinctively wanted to dodge. But, he was very quickly held down onto the ground by the invigilator.

"Slash!" A tearing sound rang out, and a hole was even torn in his shirt.

The invigilator's actions were indeed rough. After holding back for so long, controlling the anger in his stomach, now that he was searching Li Zhuangshi, he naturally wanted to take his revenge.

When the surrounding scholars saw this scene, their eyes were rounded with shock.

Some who weren't as brave even shut their eyes, and didn't dare to look directly.

Li Zhuangshi cried out, "ouch ouch!", and struggled intensely. But, how could he retaliate against the strength of the invigilator? A pair of huge hands searched about Li Zhuangshi's body, and occasionally pinching a few times.

"Huh?" Just as the crowd thought that things were more or less about to be over, a letter was suddenly found by the invigilator.

"Quick, look. There is a letter!"

"Could it be…"

"Don't tell me he was the one who brought in materials?!"

Li Zhuangshi was currently suffering on the ground, when the suddenly heard the word letter, he raised his head. His face instantly turned a deathly shade of white.

What is this about? Why… why do I have a letter?!

This is simply impossible!

Li Zhuangshi's eyes were now round with shock, and stared at the invigilator with disbelief while he slowly opened the letter. Inside it, were the contents he passed to Fang Zhengzhi.

Letter? In my pocket?

In a flash, Li Zhuangshi felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Then, he recalled the scene when he entered the examination venue. Fang Zhengzhi was chatting with him inside the door. At that time, Fang Zhengzhi stood too near to him, so near that it was somewhat strange.

But, at that moment, all he thought about was to achieve his goal with underhanded means, and simply didn't notice Fang Zhengzhi's hands at all.

"You… you sabotage me, this… this letter is clearly on your body, I personally gave it to you…" Li Zhuangshi suddenly pointed his finger at Fang Zhengzhi, and his expression was filled with malevolence.

But, the malevolent expression disappeared in a flash. Because, very quickly, he noticed the cold glance that shot out from the invigilator's eyes.

"It is you!" The invigilator was furious.

No wonder Li Zhuangshi reported Fang Zhengzhi so confidently, he wanted to impute Fang Zhengzhi. But, the progress of things seemed to have met with an accidental.

The person reporting had become the one cheating?

"Uncle Li, I think… you should think clearly, if you were banned from participating in the Law of Dao examinations, what should you do…" Fang Zhengzhi shook his head as he gazed at Li Zhuangshi, whose expression was filled with both horror and rage.

"No! It won't happen… I cannot be banned from the examination, this is my last chance! Cai… Cai Yongfeng… Young Master Cai save me!" Li Zhuangshi suddenly leapt up from the ground, and charged towards the door.

At the door, Cai Yongfeng dressed in brocade clothes looked at Li Zhuangshi with a dark expression.

"Young Master Cai, it's you, it's you who said that as long as I sabotage Fang Zhengzhi, you will help me in the theory examination, quick… quick help me to plea for leniency!" Li Zhuangshi grabbed onto Cai Yongfeng's sleeves, and his forehead instantly filled with terrified sweat.

"You really know how to accuse people wrongly! People like you should be banned permanently from the examination! Useless thing!" Cai Yongfeng's expression changed, and then flick his hands and forced Li Zhuangshi away.

Then, he turned around and left without a second glance.

Li Zhuangshi stood stunned on the stop. He looked at the leaving Cai Yongfeng, then turned around and looked at Fang Zhengzhi who was sitting at his table, and a teardrop began to flow down his cheek.

He only wanted to pass the Law of Dao examination, he had also worked hard. But, after three rounds of examination, he was completely unable to pass the capital examination. Now, it was the last year of hope for him, yet for some unfathomable reason, he encountered this situation where every scholar was gathered at the River of Trust Examination.

Helplessness, desolation…

Just as he was on the verge of giving up, Cai Yongfeng appeared in front of them, promising that as long as he sabotaged Fang Zhengzhi, he would be able to help him during the theory examination.

The theory examination, for three times in a row, he was stuck at the theory examination.

Li Zhuangshi was really unhappy. He had also hesitated and knew the risk of doing this. But, what could he do? Passing the examination based on his abilities alone? He really didn't have the confidence.

Suddenly, he felt that this scene in front of him was very familiar.

Eight years ago...

He planned to sabotage Fang Zhengzhi. Even though he managed to preserve his life, but he was physically punished very rather badly.

And this time, he evidently wasn't as lucky.

Both times, he wanted to harm others, but instead was the one who was harmed.

Li Zhuangshi was taken away. He didn't speak any further. But, at the last moment of leaving, his gaze was fixated on Fang Zhengzhi. In those eyes, were tears and regret, but there was not a single trace of hate left...

Fang Zhengzhi similarly looked at Li Zhuangshi.

In reality, he had given Li Zhuangshi a chance, and, it wasn't just once.

As long as Li Zhuangshi ceased his plan in time, this plan wouldn't have been possible at all. If he didn't report Fang Zhengzhi, it wouldn't be possible for Fang Zhengzhi to cause the invigilator to search his body.

Everything seemed to be what Li Zhuangshi inflicted upon himself.

But, Fang Zhengzhi knew that this incident wasn't concluded yet. Because, the real culprit behind the scenes was Cai Yongfeng. Number fifty-six in the Hidden Dragon Roll, Cai Yongfeng.

"Divine Seal Advanced Stage?" Fang Zhengzhi twitched his mouth and closed his eyes slightly. Very quickly, a world filled with swirling white mist appeared in front of his eyes. On the ground was a humongous patch of crystal-like lake, and within the lake was a huge tree that reached into the Heavens. Its branches were lush and dense and each piece of leaf was as sparkling and translucent as a green jadeite.

And on the huge tree, countless numbers of multi-coloured fruits hung. Each fruit was as dazzling as the multitude of stars that filled up the night sky.

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Chapter 91: A Difficult Question

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Boom!" The gong rounded, and represented the official start of the theory examination.

The examination paper was very quickly given out. A group of scholars instantly began to briefly glance over the questions. When they finished, their faces instantly turned into a bitter, forced smile.

Difficult…

It was too difficult!

Who was the one who had set this paper? He actually even included the Diagrams Tactics, and also the I Ching volume. This was a notoriously hard volume in the Law of Dao.

Even the vocabulary used was foreign and exotic. Most of the scholars simply skipped over this volume, even if there was someone who was able to read it, all they could do was read…

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi also saw the contents of the I Ching that were being tested. Without the countless numbers of later generations' annotations and interpretations, it was really very hard to understand.

Just the terms mentioned in it - Force Hexagram, Field Hexagram, Sprouting Hexagram, Enveloping Hexagram, Attending Hexagram, Arguing Hexagram, Leading Hexagram, Grouping Hexagram, Small Accumulating Hexagram, Treading Hexagram, Pervading Hexagram, Obstruction Hexagram...

All these could cause people to become dizzy.

But, this evidently couldn't stump him. After all, the efforts of the later generations were great, and they had already used simple words to express the deep meanings behind this, and, the summary was very beautiful.

Other than the I Ching, the theory examination paper also tested the contents of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, the main area being tested being the judgements and usages under different conditions.

From the examination paper, one could infer that the capital theory examination, compared to the county theory examination, was indeed much harder. Furthermore, the questions were very flexible, hence the possibility of cheating and copying the model answer was much lower.

Fang Zhengzhi saw this, he couldn't help by sigh. Even if Li Zhuangshi really managed to sabotage him, Cai Yongfeng probably wouldn't be able to care about him?

After all, based on conventional reasoning, it wouldn't be possible for answers that were completely the same to appear.

Hence, why would Cai Yongfeng take the risk to share his answers with Li Zhuangshi?

Fang Zhengzhi didn't think further, and quickly started to answer the questions. The summary of the Thirty-Six Stratagems was already done and classified nicely by later generations. Winning stratagems, desperate stratagems, enemy dealing stratagems, attacking stratagems etc… Theory-wise, Fang Zhengzhi had long ago committed these to heart.

As the surrounding scholars scratched their heads and pondered hard, Fang Zhengzhi had already begun to write furiously, wearing a light smile on his face, just as if he was copying out notes in class.

"He's so powerful?!"

"Such a hard question, yet writing after taking just one look?"

"Isn't this a little too extreme?"

The surroundings scholars were somewhat in disbelief. But, after all, Fang Zhengzhi had attained Roll Champion in the Huai An County, hence the possibility of him failing the theory examination was ultimately very small.

Even though they were dubious, but nobody believed that Fang Zhengzhi was scribbling nonsense.

Hence...

The surrounding scholars became much more stressed. They were initially already anxious, but when they saw Fang Zhengzhi's pen flying, and considered that the number of people passing the capital examination was limited, their foreheads instantly beaded with sweat.

"I must pass!"

"The reward of this capital examination is going to be the one and only of its kind!"

When the scholars thought of that special reward in this capital examination, they all couldn't bear to give. One by one, they calmed down, and began to ponder seriously.

But...

The capital examination's questions were really too difficult!

Fang Zhengzhi wrote very quickly, and continued to write just as fast the entire way. He just had to sweep his gaze across the question to come up with the answer. This feeling was very comfortable, just like a university student studying literature competing with high school students in an essay competition.

It was a bit of a bully.

But, bullying once in a while, what was wrong with that?

As he wrote, Fang Zhengzhi saw a weird question. Write from memory the twenty-seventh chapter in the Law of Dao and the Six Secret Teachings. This question wasn't too difficult.

After all, the Six Secret Teachings was a text even the generals in his previous world had to read.

The capital examinations emphasized military tactics and this was understandable.

However, when Fang Zhengzhi read, he was used to classifying them by name and title. When he read the Six Secret Teachings, he would split them into six portions, then, giving a title to each portion.

For example: Civil Strategy, Military Strategy, Dragon Strategy, Tiger Strategy, Leopard Strategy, Dog strategy etc… This didn't mean that he didn't read according to the order listed in the Law of Dao, but was instead a long-term habit.

Then…

Herein lay the problem.

Which chapter was the twenty-seventh chapter?!

Fang Zhengzhi stopped writing, and tried his best to recall what it was like when he was reading the Six Secret Teachings. He thought for exactly fifteen minutes, but didn't recall anything about the twenty-seventh chapter flashing across his mind before.

Was he about to lose marks?!

Fang Zhengzhi looked to the back. There were still a few questions, but there weren't any further questions that caused him a headache in writing a chapter from memory.

When studying, the teacher had taught examination skills.

If one encountered a question one couldn't do, or didn't have the confidence in doing, then leave it blank first!

Fang Zhengzhi decided to do the questions behind.

The furious writing sound rang out again, and not too longer later, the questions behind had all been completed. Then, he had to come back to this problem regarding the twenty-seventh chapter again.

"Leaving a question blank! That is an action that disrespects my efforts!"

Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldn't leave this question blank. Not mentioning how many marks this was worth, this attitude alone wasn't very good.

Then…

He couldn't possibly write out the entire Six Stratagems?

Even if he did this, he still might not get the marks. The question was about writing the twenty-seventh chapter from memory, if one wrote out the entire volume, it was evidently not answering the question!

What to do?

Fang Zhengzhi felt that he should sneakily take a peek.

After all, the examination hall was huge, there would definitely be somebody who knows which chapter this twenty-seventh chapter was? He didn't ask for much, he just had to peek just once sentence, and everything would be solved.

A very cheerful thought, hence Fang Zhengzhi carried it out.

Opening his eyes wide, and using all his eye-power, his neck even elongated...

Unfortunately, the left and right side at the back were all completely separated by wooden boards. Even though the gap between every wooden board was only the length of a fist, but, it was still rather hard to look to the left and right through this gap.

As for the front, that was even more impossible. Everybody knew how hard it was to see the answers one was writing from behind him.

Other than a sweaty back, even the slightest bit of paper wouldn't be seen.

Alright…

Give up!

Fang Zhengzhi wasn't a perfectionist, occasionally leaving a tinge of regret, or damaging a beautiful piece of work, was still acceptable.

But, acceptable was acceptable. Giving up before the time was up was something he didn't wish to do. Hence, even though he clearly knew that he wouldn't be able to see anything, he still intensely and continuously swept his gaze about the examination venue. Sweeping his gaze across…

Then, he suddenly saw somebody in the same situation as him.

That was a fatty wearing brocade clothes. At this moment, the fatty seemed rather anxious. The beads of sweat that filled his forehead rolled down continuously, and his pair of eyes were wide open, looking left and right.

And on his right-hand side, an examinee was discreetly lifting up his examination paper in the direction of the fatty.

"Cheating?" The edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a smile.

Against a fatty like that who he felt no animosity towards, he didn't wish to report him. Ten years of intense studying and the imperial capital examination, how could that be a joke?

Never mind, let him be.

Just as he thought, Fang Zhengzhi's gaze quickly landed on a patrolling invigilator. At this moment, the invigilator's gaze was intensely fixated on this fatty.

On the other hand, the fatty continued to extend his neck, simply oblivious.

"Looks like they are about to be caught together…" Fang Zhengzhi shook his head rather sadly. Just as he lamented that this fatty and the examinee on his right were about to be asked to leave the examination venue, his eyes suddenly lit up.

Wait a minute…

I know!

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Chapter 92: Proving innocence

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

At this moment, the invigilator also moved. His footsteps were very light, and there was almost no sound. His footsteps weren't fast, but every step seemed as if he was floating in the air.

To be an invigilator in the capital examinations, how could his abilities be weak?

Fang Zhengzhi could almost confirm that within two seconds, this fatty would be caught. And, the youth cheating together with him would also face the same punishment.

"Report!"

A clear voice broke the silence of the examination venue, causing the fatty's head to instantly retract.

The invigilator stopped in his tracks, a trace of anger appearing on his face. But, he still walked towards Fang Zhengzhi's direction. Because, the person who spoke, was Fang Zhengzhi himself.

The surrounding scholars similarly raised their heads, all their gazes fixated upon Fang Zhengzhi.

"Reporting again?!"

"Don't tell me there is another person stupid enough to cheat with him?"

Within the crowd, there were people who heard about the incident when Fang Zhengzhi reported Meng Yushu during the Huai An County examinations, hence, hearing Fang Zhengzhi's words, they instantly guessed.

"Report what?" The invigilator walked in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

This invigilator naturally wasn't the same one as before. After all, the invigilator had lost face, hence had long since went to some faraway examination venue to invigilate.

"He is peeking!" Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the fatty.

The fatty's initially somewhat worried face instantly turned white.

"You… you are speaking nonsense, since… since when did I peek!" Even though the fatty was anxious and afraid, but, admitting on the spot was impossible, hence he naturally began to argue intensely.

When the surrounding scholars heard this, they more or less understood what had happened. Some people recognised the fatty and knew his academic abilities. Fang Zhengzhi report about the fatty should be true.

But, was it really good to destroy somebody's future like that?

The eyes of the invigilator lit up. He previously thought that Fang Zhengzhi wanted to defend the fatty, but now it seemed like that wasn't the case.

"You personally saw him peek?" The invigilator understood. He was worrying about not catching the fatty in action, but now since somebody stood out to report, he naturally was happy to help Fang Zhengzhi.

"This… with the wooden board blocking, I couldn't see clearly…" When he heard the invigilator's words, Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a slight smile. His tone instantly changed, and suddenly started to mumble.

"You… you didn't see clearly yet you reported me?" When the fatty heard this, his legs that were initially trembling and shaking all over stopped shaking. He instantly puffed out his chest and raised his head, seeming very open and honourable.

"Blocked by the wooden board? You should still be able to see clearly!" The invigilator blinked a few times at Fang Zhengzhi and began to guide him systematically. Peeking during an examination required him to catch this in action in order to impose any punishments.

But after Fang Zhengzhi's shout, there naturally wasn't any opportunity to catch him. But, if a witness who was in the examination as well as the invigilator both make accusations, then that was another matter altogether.

"Even though I didn't see it clearly, but, I definitely saw him turn his head. Furthermore, I got a method to prove that he was peeking just now!" Fang Zhengzhi similarly returned a meaningful glance to the invigilator.

The invigilator instantly understood tacitly.

But, what method was there to prove that he was peeking?

He actually couldn't think of one at the moment.

When the fatty heard Fang Zhengzhi's words, his initial inflated confidence was as if burst by a needle, instantly decreasing by half. He had personally witnessed Fang Zhengzhi's methods before.

A method to prove?

It's over, it's over…

Fang Zhengzhi wants to toy with me, what can I do? The fatty's heart instantly jumped into this throat.

"What… what method do you have to prove…" Blood filled the fatty's face due to his anxious, causing it to seem flushed with red.

"There is a method to prove that he was peeking?" The surrounding scholars also looked at one another, and didn't quite understand what Fang Zhengzhi's method was.

"Tell me more!" The invigilator signalled Fang Zhengzhi to speak.

"Announce the answer! If he really can do the question, then naturally he would be able to answer it. If he couldn't do it, then naturally one can prove that he was peeking just now!" Fang Zhengzhi replied in a matter-of-fact manner.

When the invigilator heard this, his face instantly darkened.

Announce answers? This was the theory examination! Even though he evidently knew that the fatty would definitely not know, but if he really asked the fatty to announce his answers, this was indeed too extreme.

And just announcing one's answers would prove that one didn't peek? This logic seemed rather plausible, but upon careful inspection, it was definitely not.

Even if somehow, the fatty managed to announce this answer, who would judge whether it was right or wrong?

When the surrounding scholars heard Fang Zhengzhi's "idea", they instantly began to laugh. Announce answers? Ha ha ha… how can he even think of this!

"Yes, what I mean is for him to announce some fixed answers, answers which everybody would know. For example, writing from memory the twenty-seventh chapter in the Law of Dao and the Six Secret Teachings. He doesn't have to recite the entire thing, he just has to say one sentence, then I'll believe that he didn't peek. But if he can't even recall one sentence, that proved that he completely doesn't know and hence, would definitely have peeked!"

Fang Zhengzhi looked at the expression of the invigilator and the surrounding scholars, and continued to explain.

The invigilator frowned once again. No matter what, whether it was writing from memory or not, announcing answers was something he definitely couldn't allow.

Just as he prepared to open his mouth to prevent this.

The fatty had already begun to shout excitedly.

"I know, I know!"

He was really excited. Fang Zhengzhi reported him and it was impossible for him to claim that he wasn't afraid at all. After all, he really was peeking just now, and thought that it was all over.

But, he never thought that Fang Zhengzhi would state such simple terms.

In the entire examination paper, he naturally didn't know eighty to ninety percent of it. Even for the twenty-seventh chapter in the Law of Dao and the Six Secret Teachings, he couldn't recite it completely.

But, following what Fang Zhengzhi said, as long as he recalled one sentence, everything would be fine.

One sentence?

That was such a simple request! To be able to pass the county examination, the text in the Six Secret Teachings naturally had to be reviewed many times, one sentence was nothing to him!

"Now when our two armies, opposing each other, have deployed their armoured soldiers and established their battle arrays, releasing some of your troops to create chaos in the ranks is the means by which to fabricate deceptive changes!" In order to prove his "innocence", the fatty was desperate.

He simply didn't bother waiting for the invigilator to agree. Once Fang Zhengzhi finished his sentence, he instantly announced the "answer".

But, his abilities were indeed limited. This sentence was a very queer sentence. It wasn't an opening, nor was it the conclusion. It wasn't even a main point of the chapter.

It was purely just among the two or three sentences that he really remembered…

But, after the fatty finished his sentence, he looked at Fang Zhengzhi proudly, as if saying, how is that? Are you convinced that I know now? Reciting one sentence was a small matter!

"That's right, the twenty-seventh chapter indeed contains this sentence, I can confirm!" The youth sitting beside the fatty instantly stood up upon hearing.

He had all along been waiting for an opportunity to speak. Now, the opportunity finally came. Hence, he naturally couldn't give up this chance for him and the fatty to prove their "innocence"!

The surrounding scholars also nodded one by one. Gazing at the invigilator and Fang Zhengzhi, their meaning was similarly just as obvious. He had answered it, what are you going to do now?

"Shut up! If you dare announce the answer again, I will punish you for cheating!" When the invigilator met the gaze coming from the surrounding scholars, his expression instantly became colder.

"Looks like I had really seen wrongly!" Fang Zhengzhi instantly seemed disappointed and regretful. Then, he sat down with a guilty expression.

The surrounding scholars were taken aback, they didn't expect Fang Zhengzhi to actually give up so easily.

"What was that all about?"

"That's not right, Fang Zhengzhi let him off just like that?"

Even though they were somewhat regretful, but, when they saw the invigilator at the edge of raging, naturally nobody dared to speak again. One by one, their gaze returned back to the examination paper on their own desks.

The invigilator coldly swept his gaze across the surrounding scholars, then looked at Fang Zhengzhi and instinctively glanced at the examination paper in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

Then, he realised that the rest of the questions seemed to have been completed, but the only one left was writing from memory "the twenty-seventh chapter in the Law of Dao and the Six Secret Teachings". It seemed to be blank.

"Could it be…" A cold glint flashed in the invigilator's eyes.

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Chapter 93: Three Days

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

This was cheating! And it was cheating very openly! The evidence was sufficient, and if such acts were condoned, could this venue still be an imperial examination venue?

The invigilator's expression grew cold. Just as he prepared to reach his hands out to confiscate the examination paper, he realised Fang Zhengzhi had already started writing.

King Wu asked the T'ai Kung, "In general, what are the great essentials in the art of employing the army?"

The T'ai Kung replied: "The ancients who excelled at warfare were not able to wage war above Heaven, nor could they wage war below Earth. Their success and defeat in all cases proceeded from the spiritual employment of strategic power. Those who attained it flourished; those who lost it perished.

Now when our two armies, opposing each other, have deployed their armoured soldiers and established their battle arrays, releasing some of your troops to create chaos in the ranks is the means by which to fabricate deceptive changes.

Deep grass and dense growth are the means by which to effect a concealed escape."

Fang Zhengzhi wrote very quickly, and didn't pause at all, just as if there was a Law of Dao placed right in front of him. Wherever his pen landed, words flowed. In an instant, the twenty seventh chapter of the Six Secret Teachings - "The Unorthodox Army" - was completely copied out from memory.

The invigilator's hand that was reaching towards Fang Zhengzhi's examination paper stopped forcefully in mid-air. His lips moved, as if he had just swallowed a fly, and forcefully swallowed back the words that were already in his mouth.

How was this possible?

He had initially almost confirmed that Fang Zhengzhi acted on purpose just now. But, why would things be like this? Writing out the entire text from memory just based on a random irrelevant sentence?

No matter how he thought, it was something that couldn't possibly happen…

"Then what was wrong?" The invigilator looked at the twenty-seventh chapter that Fang Zhengzhi wrote out from memory, and confirmed that not a single word was wrong.

Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi had written out everything right in front of him, hence naturally couldn't be suspected of copying. Then, where did the problem lie?

The invigilator frowned deeply, but still couldn't understand.

"Invigilator, do you still have anything for me?"

Fang Zhengzhi had already finished writing. The feeling of completing the entire paper was very satisfying. Raising his head to see the invigilator still standing in front of him, the edges of his mouth curved into a smile.

"No… nothing!" The invigilator really wanted to say something, but in the end, shook his head helplessly and left.

Fang Zhengzhi glanced at the leaving invigilator, then glanced at the surrounding examinees and smiled faintly. Actually, cheating was an art.

"Boom!" The gong signifying the end of the theory examination finally sounded.

Countless scholars began to cover their faces and break out in tears once the gong sounded. This time, the capital examination paper was too hard, and many people had left more than half their paper blank.

This represented that they were bound to miss the roll in this capital examination.

As he left the examination venue, Fang Zhengzhi didn't encounter Li Zhuangshi again, and instead saw Yan Xiu at the gate, his expression cold as ice.

Fang Zhengzhi couldn't be blamed. After all, Yan Xiu's position in the crowd was really too eye-catching.

A huge wave of scholars swarmed out of the venue, but, very mysteriously detoured around Yan Xiu, causing a strange void to appear in a two-meter radius around him.

Yan Xiu stood just like that among the crowd, like a crane within a flock of birds.

"How was it?" Yan Xiu asked.

"Not bad." Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"How about the I Ching?" Yan Xiu continued to ask.

"Not a problem." Fang Zhengzhi was confident.

Yan Xiu was silent, then looked up into the sky, as if thinking about something. A moment later, he retracted his gaze and looked at Fang Zhengzhi again.

"The combat examination, I will be roll champion!" Yan Xiu's tone at this moment was filled with confidence.

"I think I will be." Fang Zhengzhi was just as confident.

Yan Xiu's lips quivered, as if he wanted to continue arguing, by in the end, he didn't speak further. Instead, he flicked open the Golden Bone Silver Thread Fan in his hand with a "whoosh!".

Revealing a vast mountain river illustration. An indistinct ray of light flashed. It was unclear whether that was due to the reflection of the sunlight, or the glow of the paper fan…

Fang Zhengzhi's gaze was fixated on that mountain river illustration, and a strange feeling welled up inside him. This illustration seemed too realistic.

"Is there a name for this fan?" Fang Zhengzhi was rather curious.

"Yes, it's called the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan!" Yan Xiu lightly shook the Golden Bone paper fan.

"Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and didn't speak further.

The biggest advantage of walking with Yan Xiu was that Yan Xiu's body had a natural repulsion force. Anybody and anything that went past would divert their paths to skid around them.

This saved Fang Zhengzhi a lot of trouble.

For example, that fatty who took the examination with him. Even though he followed closely behind Fang Zhengzhi all the way, but didn't come up to greet him.

The two walked slowly, under the gaze of the passers-by all the way into the room of the Serene Ink Pond.

The number of participants in this capital examination was much larger than before, hence the day of the release of results was set to three days later.

Within the capital office, the invigilators were marking the scripts in an orderly manner.

Every name was sealed onto the script. After being checked through by the invigilators, the scripts would be passed to a long table.

Wearing a black official robe, Imperial Messenger Qin sat in the middle of the long table, and around him, there were a few other messengers with the word "Imperial" sewn onto their robes marking the scripts.

After the long table, was a rosewood chief table.

An elderly man with a few tufts of silver hair, around the age of fifty sat in the middle. His eyes were half closed and seemed to be extremely pink with health. Similarly, he wore an official robe on his body, but what was different from the other messengers was…

His official robe was white in colour.

On the white official robe, an extremely lifelike picture of a bird was sown in silver thread.

"Beautiful, beautiful!" A messenger dressed in a black official robe gazed at the script in his hands. Seeming extremely excited, he quickly made his way to the elderly man.

"Elder Han, this examination paper is beautifully written, and imbued with deep meaning!" The messenger opened the examination paper and passed it in front of the elderly in the white official robe respectfully.

The elderly referred to as Elder Han wearing the white official robe at this moment also opened his eyes. A faint glint of light flashed in his eyes, and which vanished in an instant.

Then, Elder Han received the examination paper and swept his gaze across it. Then, he lightly placed it down in front of the messenger.

When the messenger saw this, he instantly took up the examination paper again, turned around, and returned to the long table without speaking further. He wrote "Roll Ready" beside the examination paper.

The other messengers looked at the messenger at the long table and nodded lightly, then, began to conscientiously review the scripts once again.

Not too long later, Imperial Messenger Qin also stood up.

Holding an examination paper in his hand, he gradually made his way towards Elder Han.

"Elder Han, please read!"

Elder Han opened his eyes once again, and received the examination paper from Imperial Messenger Qin's hands. Sweeping his gaze across it, his initially semi-closed eyes widened, and his lips twitched, opening and closing slightly as if softly reciting the answers written on it.

After exactly fifteen minutes, Elder Han placed down the examination paper lightly.

Then, smearing his hand across it, the name sealed onto the script was erased, revealing a list of examinee particulars.

The next moment, Elder Han's brows threaded together in a frown, a very tight frown…

There were three days to wait, hence the scholars in the River of Trust Capital naturally wouldn't wait lonelily, and instead, as if already agreed upon, appeared at the river side of the River of Trust.

Because, here was a person who enchanted and captivated their souls.

Beside the River of Trust, that flowed through the River of Trust Capital, Yun Qingwu's pleasure boat stopped silently at the shore. It blended into the surrounding scenery, and in addition to the green willows that draped down, it was as beautiful as a fairyland.

Countless scholars surrounded the pleasure boat and waited, craning their necks and looking around, just to be able to see Yun Qingwu's figure once. Some scholars even took out their precious collection of jewellery as well as renowned poetry and pictorial art, wishing to admire them together with Yun Qingwu.

But, Yun Qingwu never came out once, as if Yun Qingwu simply wasn't inside the pleasure boat…

These three days, Fang Zhengzhi's life was more or less similar to Yun Qingwu, and also didn't appear in the streets of the River of Trust Capital. Instead, he stayed in the room and leisurely read his books, or drank tea and ate snacks with Yan Xiu.

Three days later.

In front of the capital office door of the River of Trust Capital, numerous scholars were already waiting in front of the roll stone. Each of their faces was filled with anxiety and nervousness. After all, this capital examination only had one round of theory examination.

Passing it meant life, failing it meant death!

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Chapter 94: Rather Generous

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As the scholars were hoping for their names to appear on the roll stones, they were also guessing the top three in this time's theory examination.

As someone who had just been transferred to the River of Trust Capital, Su Jiu naturally wouldn't give up such a good opportunity to make money. Hence, early in the morning, he brought a few other boy servants to lay out tables not too far away from the capital office.

"Guess the roll champion, or the top three, the pay-out is high!" Su Jiu called out with great energy.

A group of scholars on the other hand surrounded the table, and incessantly fished out their money.

Fang Zhengzhi was a punctual person, but he wasn't someone who liked to wait mindlessly in front of the roll stone. Hence, only now did he walk over shoulder to shoulder with Yan Xiu.

As he passed by the betting table, he also heard Su Jiu's shouts.

Thinking that Su Jiu was after all an acquaintance, he believed that he should still go and greet him. Furthermore, he also wanted to see whether there was anybody wise enough to bet on him attaining Roll Champion.

"Let me go take a look!" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Yan Xiu.

"Alright." Yan Xiu nodded, turned around and followed Fang Zhengzhi towards the betting table.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't expect Yan Xiu to have such an interest, and was rather taken aback. But, he quickly understood. He heard that rich people always had a habit of gambling.

Yan Xiu was rich.

But, even if he wasn't obsessed, he definitely wouldn't be too conservative in such an area.

Yan Xiu's appearance naturally caused the surrounding scholars to part ways very consciously. Fang Zhengzhi was satisfied at such an outcome, the feeling was just like shooting a high-pressure water gun around.

As Su Jiu called out to collect money, he realised that the scholars in front of the table had dispersed, and thought whether the government had come to raid?

Raising his head, he realised it was Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu.

"Ah, it's Young Master Fang, ha ha…" Su Jiu instantly began to laugh, but quickly placed his hand at an area on the betting table.

Fang Zhengzhi was also smiling.

Because, he had already seen clearly the words on the table in front of Su Jiu. And where Su Jiu covered with his hands, was exactly where his name was.

Other than that, more than ten names were densely written on the table.

Below, pay-outs of all kinds were listed below them.

Among them, Zhang Hetong's Roll Champion payout was the lowest, yet the amount of people who betted that was the most. Next was Hua Kangan, the pay-out was more or less similar to Zhang Hetong. After them, were a few other random people.

Tang Yulong, and even Cai Yongfeng's name were all listed under Roll Champion.

"Can I bet on myself?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled

"Ha ha… Young Master Fang, can you come with me?" Su Jiu reached out his other hand, and signalled to Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi nodded, turned out and walked in the direction Su Jiu was pointing to.

Not too long later, the three people arrived under a tree.

"Young Master Fang, my master had said that as long as you bet on yourself in attaining Roll Champion, no matter how much you buy, we will pay double on the spot!" Su Jiu smiled happily.

"I only wish to know, why is Second-Class Roll below my name? And, the pay-out is so low?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't directly reply Su Jiu's question.

"Seems like Young Master Fang had seen it, ha ha… this is to earn money, I hope Young Master Fang won't blame me! After all, we have to adapt to the cries of the crowd." Su Jiu smiled apologetically.

"Ah, nobody bet that I would enter the First-Class Roll?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't press Su Jiu further.

"Nobody!" Fang Zhengzhi said confidently, then, seemed to have thought of something. "But, there is one person who bet that Young Master Fang would be Roll Champion! I initially thought that you sent someone to bet, but now it seems like… it isn't!"

"Someone betted that I would be Roll Champion?" Fang Zhengzhi gazed suspiciously at Yan Xiu, who was standing beside him with a cold expression.

Yan Xiu shook his head lightly.

If it isn't Yan Xiu, who could it be? Fang Zhengzhi was somewhat confused, who else would be so wise in the River of Trust Capital? Actually betting that he would become Roll Champion?

"Say, should I still bet on myself?" The edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a smile.

"My master said, however much you bet, we will pay the same amount on the spot!" Su Jiu quickly laughed again.

"She is indeed quite generous. Never mind, help me check, who is the one who betted that I would become Roll Champion!" Fang Zhengzhi turned around and left. Anyway, he had never prepared to bet today, and he felt that earning money with such a method was akin to asking money from girls.

"Alright!" Su Jiu instantly nodded.

After Fang Zhengzhi walked out a few steps, Su Jiu began to mumble again. "Master is indeed supremely clever; Young Master Fang really didn't bet!"

"Wait a minute, I bet a hundred taels!" When Su Jiu's words just left his mouth, Fang Zhengzhi turned back again.

Su Jiu's face instantly turned bitter.

"Young Master Fang, you really bet?"

With two hundred silver taels on his hand, Fang Zhengzhi leisurely walked towards the roll stone, shoulder to shoulder with Yan Xiu.

Then, very naturally, a path was formed for them.

But, compared to the previous moment, there were much more sounds of chattering.

"Quick, look, Fang Zhengzhi is here. I had betted that Fang Zhengzhi will enter the Second-Class Roll!"

"Brother Wang is indeed wise! I also betted that he would enter the Second-Class Roll!"

"I betted Fang Zhengzhi will miss the roll…"

"Miss the roll? Is your head squashed by a door? No matter how many people there are in this capital examination, and no matter how intense the competition is, Fang Zhengzhi's theory examination would never miss the roll! He would definitely be on the Second-Class Roll!"

"Exactly, betting that Fang Zhengzhi would miss the roll? You are indeed stupid enough!"

The scholar within the crowd who betted that Fang Zhengzhi would miss the roll was instantly condemned and denounced by the crowd, and pulled out a dozen strands of hair gloomily.

And at this moment, a few result officials wearing black official robes also walked out from within the capital office.

"Give way!" The leading result official gazed at the impenetrable crowd of people, and frowned. This time's capital examination had exactly five times the amount of people compared to before. They were indeed extremely tired.

Very quickly, the crowd gave way.

The result official directly walked in front of the roll stone, and in the same order as before, announced the Second-Class Roll first.

The leading result official fished out a black seal stone from his pocket and pressed it onto the roll stone. Instantly, with a flash of light rays, a list of densely packed names began to appear on the roll stone.

Even though the number of people participating in the capital examination was five times more than before, but, the number of people making it onto the roll was still fixed.

All the scholars at this moment craned their necks and widened their eyes, carefully inspecting the roll stone for their names. Not too long later, the cries of scholars began to sound out.

"Ha ha ha, I made it, I made it…"

"I also made it, I also made it!"

A few of the people who made it onto the roll began to exclaim happily. After all, this capital theory examination was too hard. To be able to make it onto the Second-Class Roll was already extremely lucky.

And when they further thought about the special prize in this time's capital examination, they became even happier.

"Tsk, it's just a Second-Class Roll, what is there to be happy about?" Of course, there were also some smug and self-righteous people who mocked those who made it onto the Second-Class Roll.

"I won?! I won! Ha ha… I won!" Right at this moment, an untimely voice rang out from within the crowd.

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Chapter 95: Top Three

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was the person who pulled out several strands of hair after being condemned and denounced by the crowd. At this moment, he was gazing at the roll and dancing for joy, remarkably alike someone who had gone mad.

The crowd also began to realise that Fang Zhengzhi's name wasn't on the Second-Class Roll.

"Don't tell me Fang Zhengzhi really missed the roll?!"

"He should have missed the roll! After all, just the number of county theory examination roll champions participating in this capital examinations is already more than ten, furthermore, there are even scholars and talents in the Hidden Dragon Roll coming from all over. There are only twenty names on the First-Class Roll, no matter what, it won't be possible that Fang Zhengzhi is among them!"

"Sigh… those who depend on luck will ultimately fail!"

"My money!"

When they thought of the difficulty of entering the First-Class Roll, and the abilities of the people participating in the River of Trust Capital examination this time, the crowd also more or less confirmed that Fang Zhengzhi should have missed the roll.

Indeed, scholars from five capitals gathering at the River of Trust Capital had successfully stopped Fang Zhengzhi from progressing.

As they thought, the result official also took out a black seal stone and walked in front of the First-Class Roll stone, and pressed down. Instantly, golden rays of light flashed and twenty large names appeared.

"Hua Kangan!"

"There's also Tang Yulong, Cai Yongfeng, Kang Xingping…"

"Indeed, the competition in this First-Class Roll is too intense!"

"Fang Zhengzhi's name isn't on the First-Class Roll, do you think he can obtain top three?"

"I heard he never even entered a Hall of Dao before, to be able to attain Roll Champion for the county theory examination is already a miracle. Capital theory examination top three? Ha ha ha…"

"Zhang Heping also isn't in the First-Class Roll, he should be among the top three! He is indeed the theory examination Roll Champion! Wait a minute, looks like Yan Xiu's name isn't here as well, could it be…"

As the crowd discussed, somebody finally realised that other than Fang Zhengzhi's name, Yan Xiu's name also wasn't present on the First-Class Roll.

Even though Fang Zhengzhi missing the capital theory examination roll after attaining Roll Champion for the county theory examination was somewhat unexpected, but it was still acceptable. But, how could Yan Xiu miss the roll?

Hence…

There was only one possibility.

As they thought, the crowd's gaze turned to fix upon Yan Xiu, who was standing among the crowd with a cold expression. They were all guessing, what position would this youth from the Western Liang get in the River of Trust Capital theory examination.

"Boom!" A gong sounded, drawing the attention of the crowd back to the result official's body.

"Theory examination top three, will be personally announced by the Chief Examiner! The Chief Examiner of this River of Trust Capital examination is Imperial Academy Chief Imperial Messenger, Han Changfeng himself!"

After the announcement by the result official, a team of people walked out from within the capital office. Leading the team was a man with tufts of silver hair on his head, wearing a white official robe with a bird sewn onto it with silver thread, so lifelike that it seemed as if it was about to soar into the sky.

It was Imperial Academy Chief Imperial Messenger, Elder Han, Han Changfeng.

Behind Han Changfeng, a few imperial messengers with the word "imperial" sewn onto their official robes followed. The chief examiner of the Huai An County, Imperial Messenger Qin, was also among them.

"It is actually Elder Han who's the chief examiner!"

"All along, Elder Han is only the chief examiner in the imperial examinations, who would have expected that this time he actually supervised the capital examination!"

"No wonder the questions in this time's capital theory examination are so difficult…"

"Even though the questions were hard, but to be able to pass the capital examination with Elder Han as the chief examiner, it is indeed a huge benefit to one's future!"

When the crowd heard that the chief examiner this time was the Chief Imperial Messenger Han Changfeng of the Imperial Academy, they were extremely excited. After all, in the dynasty, there existed the relationship between teachers and students.

For example, this capital examination is supervised by Han Changfeng. Hence, under normal circumstances, scholars who pass this capital examination would be able to leverage on Han Changfeng's reputation and become Han Changfeng's student.

This were the rules of the dynasty, and a form of respect to teachers.

When Han Changfeng walked in front of the roll stone, everybody stopped their chattering. Pindrop silence filled the venue. After all, with Han Changfeng's status and reputation in the Great Xia Dynasty, even the River of Trust Capital head would have to give up his main seat.

"The River of Trust Capital examination, gathers scholars from five capitals across the Northern Desert, and is even referred to as a gathering of talents. The Imperial Academy emphasises this strongly. To have the opportunity to become chief examiner of the River of Trust Capital examination, this old man feels very pressured."

Han Changfeng's tone was amicable and good-natured, and didn't assume great airs. He even referred to himself as an old man, rather than his status as chief imperial messenger, causing the scholars below to instantly feel a sense of closeness.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't recognise Han Changfeng, hence he looked at Yan Xiu, wanting to infer Yan Xiu's impression of Han Changfeng from his expression.

However, Yan Xiu's expression was calm and cold as always.

"The top three in the capital examination is first read by the invigilators, then passed to the individual imperial messengers to review, and finally selected by me. If anybody is against the decisions, you can request for a review at the Imperial Academy!"

"Now, I'll announce the top three of this capital examination!"

"Linjiang Capital, Tianhe Academy, Zhang Hetong!"

When Han Changfeng finished speaking, he paused for a moment, then a result official revealed Zhang Hetong's particulars and experiences on the third position of the First-Class Roll.

"Zhang Hetong is third?!"

"I never thought that Yan Xiu's theory examination abilities would actually be above Zhang Hetong!"

"Leaving home at sixteen, this time, the Yan family is going to produce another talent to shock the world!"

When the crowd heard that Zhang Hetong was third, they were startled, and began to discuss softly. And among the crowd, a group of scholarly-looking people also began to congratulate a man wearing green brocade clothes.

But, the man wearing the green brocade clothes didn't look too happy…

"Second, Western Liang Yan family, Yan Xiu!"

After waiting for Zhang Hetong's name to appear, Han Changfeng didn't wait further and immediately announced the name of the second place.

"Yan Xiu is second place?!"

"Then who will be the roll champion of this theory examination?"

The crowd's gaze skirted around Fang Zhengzhi, and concentrated on Yan Xiu.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu's expression was as cold as ever, just as if everything was going according to his expectations. But, when he looked at Fang Zhengzhi who was standing beside him, his gaze seemed mysteriously complicated.

Fang Zhengzhi was also looking at Yan Xiu. He wanted to say a few sentences to congratulate him, but, he knew that Yan Xiu would probably not be very willing to hear them.

The reason was simple. Because, Yan Xiu lost in the theory examination.

"Can you treat me to a meal?" Yan Xiu suddenly spoke.

"Can we eat in the Moonview Restaurant?" Fang Zhengzhi asked back.

"Can." Yan Xiu nodded.

When the crowd heard the conversation between Yan Xiu and Fang Zhengzhi, they were all somewhat confused. Yan Xiu had evidently obtained second place, why did he ask Fang Zhengzhi to treat?

Could it be that Yan Xiu believed that Fang Zhengzhi would be roll champion?

How was such a thing even possible!

If a person who didn't even study a single day in the Hall of Dao attain the roll champion for this River of Trust Capital theory examination, what would all the scholars and students in the world say.

Don't tell me every student and scholar studying in the Hall of Daos of the Great Xia Dynasty…

Are all swines?!

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Chapter 96: Secret Revealed

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

This was what everybody thought in their hearts. This might not be due to hate, and more likely due to pride. A person who never entered a Hall of Dao before, relying solely on self-study was able to defeat them.

Then they really had to doubt their own intelligence.

"This River of Trust Capital examination, theory examination roll champion, Northern Mountain Village, Fang Zhengzhi!" As Han Changfeng announced the two words, Fang Zhengzhi, their entire atmosphere in the venue instantly became very strange.

In reality, when they heard the three words Northern Mountain Village, they were already stunned.

"Theory examination roll champion? Fang Zhengzhi?!"

"'Fang Zhengzhi again?!"

"Really Fang Zhengzhi?!"

The mouths of all the scholars were agape. They had thought of a million possibilities, but, they had never thought that this River of Trust Capital theory examination roll champion would actually be Fang Zhengzhi.

A criminal demand order.

Talented scholars from the five capitals in the Northern Desert left their four capitals, and entered the one River of Trust Capital.

But even so, they still couldn't prevent Fang Zhengzhi from attaining roll champion of the theory examination?

How was this possible that talented scholars from the five capitals of the Northern Desert, would actually lose to a village youth which nobody knew, who had even never stepped into a Hall of Dao before?

"I don't believe!" A voice rang out from the crowd.

"Yes, I don't believe either!" Another voice followed closely.

Nobody believed, and nobody was willing to believe. If Fang Zhengzhi attained the roll champion of the county examination, it could still be explained using luck.

But, even when scholars from the five capitals gathered at the River of Trust Capital, he was still able to attain the theory examination roll champion.

Nobody believed that such a thing was possible.

"Actually, when I saw the name on the examination paper, I was just as shocked as you all, and also believed that such a thing was possible. Recalling the past when I studied hard for ten years before being able to attain top three in the capital examination, I indeed feel rather hesitant."

Han Changfeng wasn't at all enraged by the voices of the scholars, and instead his expression was filled with calm.

When the crowd heard his words, they quietened down. Because, Han Changfeng reflected the hearts of the crowd, everybody had studied in an academy or Hall of Dao, and worked studiously each day.

Yet, they weren't able to compare to a village youth who didn't even enter a Hall of Dao, how could they accept this?

"But if I tell you about an incident, I believe your thoughts might change!" Han Changfeng saw that the crowd went silent, and continued to speak.

"An incident?"

"Don't tell me Fang Zhengzhi has something else that is even more shocking?"

"He is just a normal village youth!"

The crowd was confused, but still waited silently for Han Changfeng to speak.

"Eight years ago, the Divine Constabulary was spreading Dao when they passed by the Southern Mountain Village of the Huai An County, and coincidentally brought along an Illustration of All Creation into the mountain village to spread Dao!" As Han Changfeng spoke, his tone was actually slightly moved.

"Eight years ago? Illustration of All Creation?!"

Everybody looked at each other, not understanding what was the reason Han Changfeng was bring up this incident at this moment. But, the four words, Illustration of All Creation, caused everybody to have thought of a possibility.

But, this possibility quickly vanished in a flash.

Eight years ago? How old was Fang Zhengzhi? Only six or seven…

How was that possible!

As the crowd was filled with doubt, nobody noticed a person who had initially turned around and prepared to leave, suddenly stood rooted to the ground.

It was Li Zhuangshi.

After one day of suffering, he had finally decided to stay. Because, he wanted to see how far Fang Zhengzhi could go.

Previously, when he heard that Fang Zhengzhi was the roll champion, he had already prepared to leave silently.

But, Han Changfeng's words caused him to stay once again.

Eight years ago, the scene of the Divine Constabulary bringing the Illustration of All Creation to the Southern Mountain Village appeared in front of his eyes. Then, the expression on his face suddenly froze.

Because…

He knew very clearly what had happened at that time.

Could it be, the Illustration of All Creation was really solved? It was Fang Zhengzhi… the six-year-old Fang Zhengzhi!

But, at that time...

At the time, even the Hall of Dao wasn't established? He had never even come into contact with books, this… solving the Illustration of All Creation? How was this possible, how was this possible…

Li Zhuangshi's heart was in an intense struggle, and fixated his gate on Han Changfeng's body. He wanted to hear Han Changfeng finish his words, stand out and tell Han Changfeng that at that time, there wasn't even a Hall of Dao in the Southern Mountain Village.

And Fang Zhengzhi, at that time, hadn't even started to self-study…

How was that possible?!

"I guess that all of you wouldn't want to believe this, but the fact is, eight years ago, that Illustration of All Creation was solved on the spot. And at that time, Fang Zhengzhi wasn't in the Northern Mountain Village, and instead belonged to the Southern Mountain Village!" When Han Changfeng said this, his expression also seemed to change slightly.

A six-year-old solving the Illustration of All Creation. Since the dawn of history, only that girl from the Divine Constabulary had managed to do it.

Even though he didn't witness it personally, but when he thought of a village kid causing the Illustration of All Creation, which had baffled countless talents and scholars, to radiate with light, even he was unable to maintain his calm.

Six-year-old, what kind of monstrous talent was that!

The crowd's mouth opened again, their eyes completely round. But, compared to their previous shock, this time, it was a sense of horror that came from deep within their souls.

Li Zhuangshi's face was flushed red.

He had personally witnessed the scene that day. But, wasn't that due to the sunlight? It really was Fang Zhengzhi, the six-year-old Fang Zhengzhi?!

Seemed like…

From the start, he was already destined to lose.

But what was laughable was that he still racked his brains trying to plot against the Fang family.

How laughable, how ignorant.

Yan Xiu's gaze also turned towards Fang Zhengzhi, but this time, in his eyes, a rare expression of shock appeared, as if he had seen a scary monster.

"I believe my meaning should be very clear? Then, does anybody now still have any doubts about Fang Zhengzhi attaining roll champion in the theory examination?" As he spoke, Han Changfeng's gaze swept across the crowd, and finally landed on Fang Zhengzhi's body.

In reality, everybody's gaze was trained on Fang Zhengzhi.

Solving the Illustration of All Creation at six years of age!

How terrifying was that!

Within the crowd, Fang Zhengzhi stood silently on the spot. Looking at the gazes that fixated onto him from all directions, he felt slightly taken aback.

He indeed had never thought that Han Changfeng would send people to investigate him? Furthermore, uncovering the incident eight years ago when he solved the Illustration of All Creation.

This was Fang Zhengzhi's biggest secret.

But within a matter of three days, Han Changfeng had managed to uncover his biggest secret? It didn't matter how he did it, but, now, this secret was already revealed to the world. Then, from now on, he was going to be at a place where the wind and the waves are the fiercest, the heart of struggles.

The previous county examination, there was already the incident of a demon using the Law of Dao examination to kill human talents occurring.

With Han Changfeng's experiences, shouldn't he have been able to consider this aspect?

Then, revealing this under thousands of staring eyes, it was probably not only for explaining the theory examination roll champion? With Han Changfeng's reputation, being the chief examiner of the capital examination and personally deciding the theory examination roll champion, even if he didn't explain, so what?

When Fang Zhengzhi thought of this, he instinctively forced his gaze towards Han Changfeng's eyes. He really wished to know why did this Imperial Academy's Chief Imperial Messenger would reveal this secret in front of the entire crowd…

What were his motives?!

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Chapter 97: Heart of the Struggle

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

When Fang Zhengzhi looked at Han Changfeng, Han Changfeng was also looking at Fang Zhengzhi.

Their eyes met.

Han Changfeng instantly felt as if a sharp sword was pointed at him. The expression in his eyes instantly changed, and the faint movement of air began within the sleeves of his white official robe.

"That expression in his eyes is so sharp! This sharpness has already reached such a stage?"

"Elder Han!" Right at this moment, Imperial Messenger Qin who had all along been standing behind Han Changfeng suddenly spoke.

Han Changfeng frowned, and the air moving in his body quickly vanished. A moment later, the expression on Han Changfeng returned to its original, calm state.

"Yes?"

"The announcement of the theory examination top three has been completed, may I seek permission to inform the Imperial Academy as soon as possible, and pass it to the left prime minister for reviewing!" Imperial Messenger Qin instantly asked respectfully.

"The left prime minister is busy with imperial affairs, we'll wait for the combat examination to end, and report them together!" Han Changfeng thought for a moment, and shook his head.

"Roger!" Imperial Messenger Qin nodded and withdrew.

When Han Changfeng looked at Fang Zhengzhi again, he didn't feel the sharpness from before. What was left was the faint smile of a sunshine boy.

Then, he also noticed Yan Xiu, who had been standing beside Fang Zhengzhi all along with an ice-cold expression.

After a moment of thought, Han Changfeng quickly made his way beside Fang Zhengzhi.

"Are you Fang Zhengzhi?" Han Changfeng's tone of asking was only left with the amiability of an elder.

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Not bad, solving the Illustration of All Creation at six years of age, planting the heart of Dao. Your future would definitely be limitless. This combat examination, I have great expectations of your performance!" Han Changfeng smiled gently.

"Thank you chief imperial messenger!" Fang Zhengzhi returned the same gentle smile.

"Ha ha… good, very good!" Han Changfeng nodded, and instantly turned around and left.

Fang Zhengzhi gazed at Han Changfeng's leaving figure, and the smile on his face didn't change at all. He didn't know what was Han Changfeng's intentions, but, if one really wanted to talk about the heart of the struggle.

He seemed to have long ago stood at the top.

"To the Moonview Restaurant?" Fang Zhengzhi turned around and looked at Yan Xiu.

"Okay." Yan Xiu nodded.

As such, the two walked shoulder to shoulder towards the direction of the Moonview Restaurant.

As the crowd of scholars looked at the leaving figures of Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu, they were filled with admiration. To be able to be praised personally by Han Changfeng was something every scholar under the skies would yearn for even in their dreams.

But, other than admiration, there was also jealous, and even a mysterious sense of hatred.

The crowd gradually dispersed, and the doors of the capital office slowly became empty again. All that was left were two huge words glowing with golden light at the position of first-class roll champion- Fang Zhengzhi.

River of Trust Capital, theory examination roll champion!

Within the Moonview Restaurant.

In an exquisite study room, Wu Yuer, wearing a black pleated skirt was reading the books on her table. The rays of light passed through the window and landed on her body, adding a lush glow to her already beautiful face.

"Master, Su Jiu asks to meet you!" A lady in a red skirt respectfully spoke at the door.

"Yes, let him enter." Wu Yuer nodded, but didn't put down the book in her hand.

"Roger!" The maid withdrew.

Not too long later, Su Jiu, dressed in his boy servant attire, walked into the study room. But, he stood still after taking two steps, and didn't dare to advance further.

"Master, this is the accounting records for this month!" Su Jiu fished out an account book from his pocket.

"Put it down." Wu Yuer nodded.

"Roger! Master is indeed smart and wise. Fang Zhengzhi had really attained the theory examination roll champion, and the betting table set up outside the capital office indeed earned quite some money. But, there's a small accident. Before the release of the roll, Young Master Fang wanted to bet, and I replied according to master's orders. Young Master Fang had initially already left, but afterwards due to the slip of my tongue… he came back and betted a hundred taels!" When Su Jiu reached the end of his sentence, his voice very evidently became softer.

"You will go and pay two hundred taels of fine, then find the fourth sister to receive your punishment!" Wu Yuer's actions still didn't change at all.

"Thank you master!" Su Jiu breathed a sigh of relief, and instantly withdrew.

After Su Jiu withdrew, Wu Yuer put down the book on her hands, turned around and looked at the sky outside the window. Smiling, she spoke. "Only betting a hundred taels? Looks like his impression of Su Jiu isn't too bad!"

"Master, Young Master Fang is here! Do you wish to meet him?" At this moment, the maid's voice sounded out from outside the door again.

"Alone?" Wu Yuer's eyes lit up.

"There is also Young Master Yan Xiu from the Western Liang Yan family." The maid replied respectfully.

"Why did he bring a wooden plank here, this is indeed dull… go and prepare first, and treat them well!" Wu Yuer twitched her mouth and seemed somewhat unhappy.

"Roger!" The maid quickly responded, and withdrew.

Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu sat down in an exquisite room in the Moonview Restaurant. The maid returned with another teapot filled with fragrant tea, and gave them the menu.

The previous time Fang Zhengzhi came to the Moonview Restaurant, he had never seen the menu. After all, Wu Yuer had paid the bill.

Hence, his only impression was that the Moonview Restaurant's dishes were not too bad.

With the menu placed down, as the person treating the guest, Fang Zhengzhi naturally, very courteously, pushed the menu towards Yan Xiu, signalling him to order as he wished.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu didn't show Fang Zhengzhi any trace of politeness, and in an instant ordered a pile of dishes of all kinds. There were no less than twenty kinds of dishes.

Fang Zhengzhi instinctively felt around for the money in his pocket.

Three pieces of hundred tael notes, and a bag of broken silver. It should be enough for a meal.

After Yan Xiu had finished ordering, Fang Zhengzhi wanted to order a few fruits for dessert, hence, reached out his hand and picked up the menu to take a look.

Just this one look caused Fang Zhengzhi to be completely struck dumb.

"This is… a robbery?!" Fang Zhengzhi had indeed already prepared himself. He knew that the dishes in the Moonview Restaurant would definitely not be too cheap.

But, he had absolutely never expected it to be so expensive.

Roughly sweeping his gaze across it, based on what Yan Xiu had just ordered, it required at least five or six hundred taels of silver to pay it off.

Could it not be so dark?

Treating a guest and not bringing enough money, what to do?

Fang Zhengzhi really wanted to ask, can I write an IOU? After all, there isn't any card swiping in this world…

Just as he was deep in distress, somebody walked in from outside the door. It was Su Jiu.

At this moment, Su Jiu instinctively felt around on his buttocks, but, the smile on his face was very respectful. The way he looked at Fang Zhengzhi was remarkably alike looking at a relative.

Fang Zhengzhi was also smiling.

Because, when he saw Su Jiu, he also felt as if he had seen a relative.

"Ah Jiu congratulates Young Master Fang for attaining the capital theory examination roll champion! At the same time, also congratulates Young Master Yan Xiu for attaining second in the capital theory examination!" As Su Jiu spoke, he bowed towards Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu.

"Ha ha…" When he heard Su Jiu's congratulatory words, the smile on Fang Zhengzhi's face became even wider.

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Chapter 98: Win-win

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Young Master Fang and Young Master Yang please enjoy; Ah Jiu will take my leave!" Even though Su Jiu was here to express his congratulations towards Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu, he knew that in such a situation, as a boy servant, he wasn't qualified to enter.

Hence, after expressing his congratulations, Su Jiu prepared to leave.

But, would Fang Zhengzhi allow Su Jiu to leave just like that? Naturally that wasn't possible, hence, he quickly halted Su Jiu.

"Since you are here to express your congratulations, then let's eat together!" Fang Zhengzhi very generously pointed to the seat beside him.

Yan Xiu looked at Fang Zhengzhi and didn't speak. All along, he was never a person who chose friends based on their social status, else why would he be together with a poor person like Fang Zhengzhi?

Furthermore, today, Fang Zhengzhi was the host. Hence, Fang Zhengzhi inviting a person who expressed congratulations to eat together was within the etiquette.

However, Su Jiu received a huge shock.

Not mentioning Fang Zhengzhi's status in front of Wu Yuer, even based on these two people's achievements in front of him, one was the roll champion of this capital theory examination, and the other was second place, and was Young Master Yan Xiu of the Western Liang Yan family.

No matter how he looked at the situation, there was no way that he could join them?

But now…

Fang Zhengzhi actually invited him to join them, how honourable was that! The previous time, due to him getting close to Fang Zhengzhi, he was transferred from the Huai An County to the River of Trust Capital by Wu Yuer. Now that he ate with Fang Zhengzhi, without thinking, his position was about to rise again.

"Thank you, Young Master Fang, thank you, Young Master Yan Xiu!" Su Jiu furiously rubbed his hands, and very gingerly walked towards the dining table and sat down. He naturally couldn't just leave. After all, such an opportunity was too rare.

When Fang Zhengzhi saw Su Jiu sit down, the smile on his face became even more amiable.

If Su Jiu didn't seek anything, then under normal circumstances Su Jiu should have left after being invited to eat. But now, Su Jiu had already sat down, hence, Fang Zhengzhi couldn't be blamed.

Fang Zhengzhi wanted money, Su Jiu also wanted money. It seemed somewhat conflicting, but in reality, there was no conflict. Because, the method both of them used to gain money was different, but, one thing was definite.

This deal a win-win situation!

The three sat together. With Su Jiu joining them, things such as pouring water and wine were very generously taken over by Su Jiu. He even requested for the maids to withdraw, and everything was carefully taken care of by him.

Just as Su Jiu expected, this news reached Wu Yuer's ears very quickly, and caused the eyes of Wu Yuer, who was reading in the study room, to flash with a hint of shock.

"Eating together? This Su Jiu is indeed clever!"

This feast was initially a celebratory feast. Yan Xiu didn't like talking, but with Su Jiu joining them, naturally there were some rumours and gossips about the River of Trust Capital, hence the atmosphere became livelier.

The meal lasted for almost an hour.

When he saw that it was more or less finished, Fang Zhengzhi spoke again.

"Today, both Yan Xiu and I entered the first-class roll. To have Ah Jiu to celebrate with us, the treatment indeed feels very different. Luckily, Ah Jiu didn't bring any presents, else I would indeed be rather guilty." Fang Zhengzhi expressed his gratitude to Su Jiu.

Su Jiu's hand that was holding onto a cup instantly halted. Didn't bring any presents?! After a moment of shock, he regained his senses. That's right, if all he did was express his congratulations and not join them for the meal, it was still alright. But now that he had joined them, if he really complied with Fang Zhengzhi's statement about not bringing a present, that was really too rude.

But, he really hadn't thought that he would be able to join them!

Then…

Where was he supposed to get a present now?

When he thought of this, beads of sweat instantly broke out on Su Jiu's forehead. He hadn't at all prepared a present? This didn't seem very easy to settle…

"This meal is indeed very nice, I wonder how much it costs? Ah Jiu is well-versed with this Moonview Restaurant, I believe you should know?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at the dishes placed in front of him and casually remarked.

Just as Su Jiu prepared to respond, his eyes instantly lit up. Having been a runner for so many years, Su Jiu's greatest ability was discerning people's intentions from their body languages, and understanding the thoughts of the upper class.

Hence, he instantly understood. Fang Zhengzhi was helping him out of embarrassment. With Su Jiu's intelligence, he was definitely able to understand Fang Zhengzhi's intentions.

"Ah Jiu was in a hurry, hence didn't prepare any exquisite presents. In this Moonview Restaurant, Ah Jiu can also be counted as half a host. To have received such good treatment from Young Master Fang and Young Master Yan Xiu, if you don't mind, why not let Ah Jiu fulfil my responsibilities as a host?" Su Jiu said probingly.

Fang Zhengzhi felt that at this moment, he should false reject. But, as the saying goes, it was better to be safe than sorry. What if Su Jiu really changed his mind, what was he supposed to do then?

"Alright, then thank you Ah Jiu!" Fang Zhengzhi said without a trace of politeness.

Su Jiu instantly smiled. This way, the issue about his present was resolved.

"Young Master Fang and Young Master Yan Xiu please enjoy, Ah Jiu will leave for a while!" When he finished his sentence, Su Jiu pushed open the door and left. With a wave, he gathered the maid.

"Put this on my bill!" Su Jiu said with a generous expression.

When the maid heard, they stared at Su Jiu with rounded eyes. "Brother Jiu, are you sure? This meal isn't just any normal meal!"

"Isn't it just a meal?" Su Jiu waved his hands. Just as he prepared to re-enter the room, he suddenly felt as if something was wrong. "You mean there is a problem with this meal?"

"It's master's intentions!" The maid nodded.

"How… how much money?" Su Jiu's voice started to tremble.

"Rounding off, the total is: six hundred and eighty-eight taels!" The maid's expression was that of pity.

"Ah?! This… this is robb…" Su Jiu instantly felt as if he was struck by lightning and stood dumbfounded on the spot, his face filled with absolute disbelief.

In the Moonview Restaurant, within an exquisite study room.

Wu Yuer very quickly received this news. Her plot seemed to have been foiled! Because, the person paying the bill was Su Jiu, a pitiful scapegoat.

"Seems like it is like this, ha ha… looks like I really underestimated his shamelessness!" Wu Yuer's lips parted slightly, and smiled faintly. The complexion of her face seemed to glow even brighter, just like a seductive black spirit.

Then, Wu Yuer picked up her brush, and a row of beautiful words appeared on the white paper in front of her.

"Pass this to Young Master Fang."

"Yes, master!" A maid quickly walked towards the study table, and gingerly folded the piece of paper and placed it into an envelope before slowly withdrawing.

After a fulfilling meal, Fang Zhengzhi looked at the colour of the sky and wanted to take an afternoon nap, hence pulled Yan Xiu along and left. Just as he reached the doorstep, a maid appeared beside Fang Zhengzhi, holding a letter in her hands.

This caused Fang Zhengzhi to become rather anxious. Su Jiu said that he was about to foot the bill, but afterwards, he had never returned. He shouldn't have reneged and ran away?

"Young Master Fang, my master passed this to you!" The maid respectfully passed the letter to Fang Zhengzhi.

When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he breathed an inwardly sigh of relief. If Wu Yuer was at the Moonview Restaurant, then his situation wouldn't be so bad that he wouldn't be able to leave. Hence, he nodded, reached out his hand and received the letter from the maid. Then, unfolding it, his eyes instantly narrowed.

"Yun Qingwu?!"

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Chapter 99: Day of the Combat Examination

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The content within the letter wasn't much, just one simple sentence. Furthermore, just the content alone wasn't something very shocking.

Very simply, it stated that in the capital examination, Yun Qingwu was the person who sent somebody to bet on Fang Zhengzhi attaining roll champion.

Yun Qingwu betting that he would be roll champion?

Fang Zhengzhi indeed felt somewhat curious inside. He only met with Yun Qingwu once, how was she so sure? Another thing which Fang Zhengzhi was curious about was Wu Yuer's control of information and intelligence.

Yun Qingwu sent somebody to buy that bet, and from that intention it could be inferred that she didn't want people to know. Even though Wu Yuer was the person behind the betting scene, but to truly trace back to the real buyer, it still required some time.

Yet, she was able to give a confirmed reply very quickly.

There was only one possibility. That was that Wu Yuer's control of information regarding everything in the River of Trust Capital had already far surpassed what Fang Zhengzhi was able to imagine.

"Wu Yuer?"

Fang Zhengzhi pocketed the letter, looked up into a window of the Moonview Restaurant, and his mouth curved into a smile.

A lady, such a young lady.

Yet being able to control the vast underground world. If somebody said that this lady didn't have any hidden powers behind her, Fang Zhengzhi would definitely not believe it.

"Help me tell Yuer that I will come and see her again, muacks!"

Yuer?! When the maid heard the way Fang Zhengzhi referred to Wu Yuer, a trace of horror flashed across her face. But, very quickly it returned back to the initial state of calm.

"Yes, Young Master Fang!"

Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu left.

Yet, a figure appeared at the window that he looked at just now.

That was a beautiful and alluring face, but, at this moment a slight red blush appeared on this face, staring at Fang Zhengzhi's leaving figure.

Wu Yuer's body trembled slightly, and spat lightly.

"Muacks?! What a number one lecher on Earth, he is really… the most shameless!"

Three days later, in the imperial capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Yan capital city.

The huge city walls guarded this ancient city that had went through countless blood storms. As the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, what the defensive structure of this ancient city was naturally the foundation of national defence.

On the city walls, countless soldiers wearing shiny armours, wielding long spears patrolled nonstop, and behind the city walls, was the garrison of patrol guards in the imperial capital Yan.

Numerous wooden target boards used for training were nailed deeply into the ground.

On the military drill ground, rows of patrol guards were practicing their spear tactics. Every spear thrusted out brought along an icy-cold glint.

In the middle of the drill ground was a huge wooden military tent, and on the tip of the tent was a golden flag. On it, the huge word "Duan" billowed in the wind.

Within the military tent, a youth around the age of twenty-three to twenty-four sat, his features were sharp as a sword, and he wore a white official robe with an illustration of an animal sewn onto it with golden thread.

"I have received information that the results of the River of Trust Capital theory examination roll champion are out!" The youth's gaze trained onto an old man wearing a black-white Dao robe sitting behind.

"Lord, this person can rise above so many scholars, and is indeed rare and valuable. Furthermore, I heard that this person at six years of age had already managed to solve the Illustration of All Creation, and planted the heart of Dao. Should we…"

"Elder Wen, have you forgotten that piece of criminal demand order?" A scholarly-looking middle-aged man sitting opposite the black-white Dao robed man interrupted him at this moment.

This caused a tinge of unhappiness to flash across the old man addressed as Elder Wen, but, this tinge of unhappiness quickly vanished.

"Chi Guyan's criminal demand order shocked the world, how can I forget? But, ever since Chi Guyan attained the Double Dragon Roll Champion, she entered the Heaven Dao Pavilion and never took a single step out of the Heaven Dao Pavilion within a year. Furthermore, nobody had ever since heard any news from her. But, this time, due to a youth, she gave out a criminal demand order. Don't you think that there is something weird about this?"

"Yes, I express the same curiosity as Elder Wen, I wonder what Elder Wen is trying to convey?" When the youth heard Elder Wen's words, he waved his hands at the scholarly middle-aged man at the side, who was already preparing to speak.

The scholarly middle-aged man instantly closed the mouth that he had just opened, but there wasn't a single flash of unhappiness on his face.

"I assumed that with Chi Guyan's exceptional talents, she definitely wouldn't give out a criminal demand order due to a youth's one-time-off improper conduct. I believe this order is intended to test the waters!" Elder Wen replied respectfully.

"Since it's testing the waters, then if I follow Elder Wen's suggestions and recruit this person into the army, won't I go against Chi Guyan's intentions?" A trace of confusion appeared on the youth's face.

"I'm afraid the waters that she is testing isn't the same one we are thinking of…"

"Elder Wen, please explain!"

"At this moment, I'm still unable to guess Chi Guyan's intentions, however, no matter what they are, as long as this person is in our army, then the power would be in our hands. When that time comes, whatever Chi Guyan's intentions are, they would still be convenient for us!"

"Hmm…" The youth nodded, but didn't immediately express his thoughts. He gazed in the direction of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, as if thinking of something.

At this moment, within the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Lady Yuer was staring with shock at a piece of paper on her hands, then very quickly turned around and ran towards the garden in the rear court of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

"Missus, missus… that little bastard attained the theory examination roll champion!"

"Rude!" A gentle shout came from within the garden, then, a lady in a pink skirt walked out from the garden. "Next time, refer to him as Young Master Fang!"

The lady's gaze shot towards Lady Yuer, her tone filled with unquestionable grandeur.

"Yes Missus, Yuer knows her mistake!" When Lady Yuer heard this, she instantly knelt down in fright.

"Ha ha… I never thought that this little bastard would indeed be rather hardworking. Capital theory examination roll champion?" The edges of the lady's mouth curved into a slight smile and looked up at the sky, her gaze that likened that of countless shining stars flashed with a faint light.

Lady Yuer was stunned for a moment. Even though they were both ladies, but, she was always shocked by her Missus's appearance, especially when her Missus smiled.

A beauty that collapsed nations, the beauty of a Goddess!

"The news I wanted you to reveal to Han Changfeng, did you reveal it?"

"Replying Missus, I had already followed Missus's orders and told Wang Anhua of the Southern Mountain Village Hall of Dao to pass the message. Indeed, as Missus had expected, when Han Changfeng received this piece of information, in front of the entire crowd, he revealed that little… Young Master Fang's incident about solving the Illustration of All Creation eight years ago. I believe now this news should have been passed to Yan capital."

"Yes, Han Changfeng won't have any other choices, he had to do this! Furthermore, I believe that this combat examination, Han Changfeng should already made his own arrangements. I wish to see how is that little bastard is going to pass the combat examination under such circumstances?"

"Missus, Yuer is somewhat confused. On one hand, you sent out the criminal demand order. On the order hand, you revealed the incident of Young Master Fang solving the Illustration of All Creation to the world. These two incidents, one is harmful, while the other is beneficial. What are your intentions of doing so?"

"Because, I want to confirm something!" When the lady said this, a trace of light flashed across her eyes.

"What is that? Don't tell me there is still something in this world that Missus isn't able to understand?" Lady Yuer's face was filled with confusion.

"It is indeed something that even I can't understand. The implications of this thing are too heavy, only when the results of the combat examination are out will I be able to confirm it absolutely."

"Something with too heavy implications?" The confusion on Lady Yuer's face deepened further. She indeed couldn't understand, her Missus resided in the Heaven Dao Pavilion, what else could have such a huge implication.

A few days later, all of the youths participating in the River of Trust Capital examination took off their brocade and flowery clothes, and changed into armours of all kinds.

The reason was very simple…

Today, was the day of the combat examination!

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Chapter 100: Pocket Dimension

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was dawn, a gentle wind blew, and the air at the Serene Ink Pond was as crisp and cooling as ever.

Fang Zhengzhi liked to stay at the Serene Ink Pond. A major reason was that the air here was similar to that of the Northern Mountain Village. As usual, after breakfast, he wore his blue robe and left.

However, this day, Yan Xiu had changed his usual attire. Dressed in armour, silk of all kinds wrapped around his arm. At his chest, he wore a silver breastplate.

Even though it wasn't a full body armour, it still looked exceptionally cold and smart.

"You are wearing this?" Yan Xiu looked at Fang Zhengzhi's robe, and a trace of doubt appeared in his eyes.

"Huh? Why are you dressed like that?" Fang Zhengzhi was also confused.

He remembered that the previous combat examination in the county, he also wore a blue robe. Furthermore, the rest of the examinees participating in the examination also were also similarly dressed.

"Today is the combat examination!" Yan Xiu reminded.

"I know." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

When Yan Xiu saw Fang Zhengzhi nod his head, he thought for a moment and didn't speak further.

The two of them walked shoulder to shoulder towards the direction of the capital office.

The venue of this combat examination was also within the capital office of the River of Trust Capital.

However, what was different from the theory examination was that people didn't have to wait in front of the capital office to await the start of the examination.

Instead, they could directly enter the capital office.

Hence, when Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu reached, other than the two rows of soldiers in front of the capital office door, there were few people walking around, and not too many people were waiting outside.

"Registration!" A guard halted Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu.

Then, the two people made a registration at the guarded table. Then, they each received a black metal tablet, with their names written on it.

Fang Zhengzhi was rather curious, what was the use of this?

He wanted to ask, but, the guard didn't seem to have any intention of explaining, and from Yan Xiu's expression, it seemed that he had already knew about the existence of this long ago.

Hence, Fang Zhengzhi thought for a while, and decided to ask Yan Xiu later on.

They entered the capital office. Under the directions of the guard, Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu very quickly arrived at the rear court.

The rear court was a piece of rather vast and plain land. There were flowers, grass, and a big tree. Other than that, what could be seen was a group of examinees wearing armours of all kinds.

Not too long later, Han Changfeng, wearing a white official robe, appeared on a stage built in the rear court accompanied by a few imperial messengers.

"Boom!" The gong sounded, signalling that the time for the combat examination had come.

Han Changfeng stood up on the chair on top of the high stage, and walked forward two steps. Looking down at the examinees wearing armours of all kinds, he lightly nodded his head.

Finally, his gaze landed on Fang Zhengzhi.

Blinking slightly, a glimmer of shock seemed to flash across his eyes, but very quickly vanished again. Then, Han Changfeng coughed.

"This combat examination gathers the most talented scholars from the five capitals of the Northern Desert, as well as those from other places. In order to ensure that there wouldn't be too many fatal incidents, the Imperial Academy decided to fix the location within the 'pocket dimension'."

"I believe everybody had seen the tablet on their hands. The rules are simple, pass the tests of the pocket dimension, ensure that you don't lose the tablet on your hands, then, successfully reach the centre of the dimension. The imperial messengers and I will be waiting for you there!"

"I have to explain that if you encounter any dangers in the pocket dimension, you can immediately crush the tablet, then you will naturally be able to come out. But, crushing it also represents that you are disqualified!"

"Understood?!" After Han Changfeng finished his sentence, he swept his gaze across the examinees below once again.

"Understood!" The examinees instantly responded.

However, Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback. Pocket dimension? What's that? Crushing the tablet will result in disqualification? This combat examination seemed to have been different from what he imagined.

Fang Zhengzhi looked around him. Everybody seemed to be hurriedly making their last preparations, and nobody seemed to have anything to ask.

"What is the… pocket dimension?" Fang Zhengzhi thought for a while, and in the end still glanced towards Yan Xiu.

When Yan Xiu, who was preparing his breastplate, heard Fang Zhengzhi's question, he was evidently taken aback, and a trace of disbelief flashed across his eyes.

"You don't know?"

"Cough… I never entered the Hall of Dao, you know that." Fang Zhengzhi found an excuse for himself.

"Oh!" Yan Xiu nodded, and felt that he had forgotten his manners just now and seemed rather embarrassed. "There are three thousand volumes in the Law of Dao, hence there are three thousand parallel dimensions, and millions of pocket dimensions! You have already accessed Dao, hence there should already be a pocket dimension within your heart?"

"A pocket dimension within my heart?" Fang Zhengzhi instantly understood. It seemed that the other world he saw was his own pocket dimension.

"Yes, I don't know what your pocket dimension looks like, because, everybody's pocket dimension is different. This is determined by each person's method of accessing Dao. But, the fundamentals that make up a pocket dimension won't change. Air, water, trees, earth… and so on. All these make up the fundamentals of a pocket dimension." Yan Xiu explained.

Fang Zhengzhi nodded. At the very start, his pocket dimension was also made up of air and earth. Then, a seedling appeared, absorbing the moisture in the air and gradually condensing into pearls of water, seeping into the ground and constructing a cycle.

At the end, the seedling grew into a huge tree that extended into the skies, and a lake was formed above the ground.

When he thought of this, Fang Zhengzhi suddenly had a feeling. He seemed to have sensed a level of understanding which he had never sensed before. Everybody had a pocket dimension that belonged to themselves?

Then the direction of training...

Was it to consistently perfect this pocket dimension?!

"Then, where is the place we are entering today?" Even though Fang Zhengzhi more or less understood the concept of this pocket dimension, but, he was still unclear about entering the pocket dimension to participate in the combat examination.

"The Imperial Academy consists of a few pocket dimensions of ancestors who have passed away. Entering such a pocket dimension would enable us to sense the "Dao" that our ancestors practised!" Yan Xiu explained again.

Fang Zhengzhi finally understood.

Everyone's pocket dimension was different. After a person passed away, if he used some special method to preserve this pocket dimension, it could allow descendants to sense the process of "Dao".

Looks like this world indeed has many mysterious things which he didn't know about.

Pocket dimension…

It shouldn't be as simple as a preservation. Crushing a token would enable one to exit the pocket dimension, this should be a pocket dimension that was improvised by descendants.

An independent space?

I wonder what the pocket dimension of this ancestor is going to be.

The more Fang Zhengzhi thought, he more excited he became. Because, he felt, faintly, that entering the pocket dimension would help him to seek his future direction of practicing.

Then, he looked at Yan Xiu and suddenly felt like something was amiss.

"All of you knew that you had to enter the pocket dimension… hence, changed your attire?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Yan Xiu's attire, as if understanding something.

"Yes, I thought that you had known!" Yan Xiu nodded.

"..." Fang Zhengzhi swept his gaze around, and finally landed on the body of a youth. That was a youth whose figure was somewhat similar to his.

Of course, most importantly, that armour the youth was wearing looked very pretty!

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Chapter 101: Ah Li is Useless

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Man depended on their armour, while horses depended on their saddle.

Fang Zhengzhi had all along believed that some things had to be given to more suitable people to bring out their biggest value.

The entrance of the pocket dimension was a black stone door. The four corners of the stone door were adorned with four different coloured gems, and in the middle of the stone door, the picture of a mini altar was carved.

On the altar was a metal bracelet, its material was unclear.

The stone door opened, and the participants entered.

Everything occurred smoothly and orderly. As usual, Fang Zhengzhi walked shoulder to shoulder with Yan Xiu, and entered the stone door together.

Then, stepping in, he saw a white world. Everything was white, pure and untainted with other substances. However, very quickly, the scenery in front of him changed. When he looked again, a world constructed completely with stone appeared.

A stone table, stone bench, stone trees, stone flowers...

"Stone?" Fang Zhengzhi was somewhat curious. After all, it was his first time entering a pocket dimension. Just as he prepared to go explore, he felt a huge pressure pressing down from his head, as heavy as a mountain.

What was this about? Challenging them once they entered, not allowing people to even breathe?

Fang Zhengzhi instinctively looked at Yan Xiu who was by his side, and realised that Yan Xiu was also frowning slightly. Evidently, he had also felt this pressure.

"It is the world of gravity!" Yan Xiu's knowledge of the pocket dimension was evidently much more than Fang Zhengzhi.

World of gravity? When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he more or less understood. The increasing pressure on his body should be caused by this world.

He indeed had some understanding of the Dao of All Creations.

Hence, he knew very clearly that to increase the gravity of a world, it wasn't through modifying the mass of matter. After all, there were rules that all creations had to follow.

For example, the mass of a body is always constant.

Hence, the reason for this world of gravity should be due to the fact that underneath the ground, there was an object with a huge attractive force, generating a certain gravitational field. This caused the people and objects above the ground to feel the attractive effects of this gravitational field, becoming a world of gravity completely different from the outside world.

"It is as simple as just increasing the gravitational strength?"

"It shouldn't be just this!" Yan Xiu pointed to a spot a hundred meters in front of them.

That area was filled with countless deep craters, there were big ones and small ones. The big ones were no less than one meter in width, while the smalls ones were as narrow as fingers. Densely packed, nobody knew what were they used for.

A mechanism?

Or was it a trap from the legends?

Fang Zhengzhi was an impulsive person, but this didn't mean that he wasn't intelligent. Hence, he decided to wait and see. The other examinees were also waiting. Nobody wished to be the hero at this moment and everybody seemed to be waiting for others to investigate.

At this moment, what they pitted against one another was patience.

Fang Zhengzhi had this patience, Yan Xiu naturally had it too, hence the two didn't rush. Because, there were many examinees in this venue, there would definitely be someone whose personality was staunch to show off.

Furthermore, in this combat examination, there were over a dozen girls.

As expected, after a round of incitement, a youth stood out. He wore a sturdy, black armour, and held a mountain axe in his hands. One look showed that he was a fierce and murderous man.

"Ah Li, come on!"

"Ah Li, we have faith in you!"

When the crowd saw that someone had stood out, they naturally began to urge him on.

The youth seemed very satisfied with such an effect, this was the feeling of being at the centre of attention he wanted. Hence, he began to flex his muscles towards the crowd, and waved the mountain axe in his hand.

As he did this, he discreetly glanced at a few girls within the crowd.

"Ah Li!" A girl very cooperatively gave the youth a coquettish glance.

"Ha ha ha… let me show you what I'm made of!" The youth was instantly excited. After a wave of laughter, his chest was filled with power, and his entire person rushed in.

One step, two steps…

Very quickly, the youth had charged some distance through the craters of varying sizes, at least ten steps.

This caused the youth to feel somewhat delighted, this was nothing amazing? Under the influence of the gravity, even though his actions were indeed slower, but he was still able to run.

Just as he was about to shout happily, aren't I, Ah Li, very powerful, the crowd of examinees behind began to cry out in alarm. "Ah Li, sky… the sky!"

"Boom!" A huge rock landed on the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

On the other hand, the youth named Ah Li carried his mountain axe and stared blankly at the huge rock an inch away from his feet, his face a deathly shade of white.

Just now, if he wasn't reminded, won't this huge rock have fallen onto his head?

"I'm only here to participate in the examination, not to risk my life…" The delight on the youth Ah Li's face instantly vanished, and what replaced it was a sullen and pitiful state.

Turning around, he didn't hesitate and began to retreat.

However, when some things were done, it seemed that there won't be any way to undo them.

For example: Ah Li's current predicament.

The youth Ah Li didn't wish to play anymore, but the people controlling the pocket dimension seemed to not have the intention of letting him off. The second he turned around, another huge boom rang out from the sky.

However…

This time, compared to the previous time, the sight was extremely spectacular. On the sky, pieces of huge rocks appeared in mid-air, each piece as large as a person.

Once almost ten gigantic rocks appeared, they descended from the sky in freefall.

If it was said that the speed of rocks falling from the sky was frightening enough, then, in the world of gravity where due to the huge force of attraction within the ground, the speed of descent undoubtedly increased by many times.

Especially when the youth Ah Li similarly experienced this force of attraction…

The difficulty of avoiding this could be inferred.

"Zoom zoom…"

Every piece of rock was as fast as lightning descending from the Heavens.

"Boom boom boom…" The sound of a wave of huge rocks landed echoed, and new craters began to appear on the ground. At the same time, numerous clouds of dirt were raised.

The huge cloud of dirt blocked the vision of the crowd, but, it vanished very quickly. After all, in this world of gravity, the weight of the dirt had also increased.

The dirt vanished.

But, strangely, the youth Ah Li within the falling rocks had completely vanished. There was no dead body, nor an excruciating cry, and he didn't leave any treasures or wallets behind either.

"Could he have passed?! He passed?"

"Amazing!"

"Ah Li, good job!"

When the crowd saw that Ah Li had disappeared, they all began to cheer.

And right at this moment, a clear voice suddenly sounded out from the sky.

"Chen Youli, eliminated!"

"E… eliminated?!"

The crowd glanced at one another, unable to come to their senses. What was happening just now? Why did he suddenly get eliminated?

Fang Zhengzhi looked at the slowly disappearing huge rocks not too far away, and the numerous new craters in the ground. The edges of his mouth curved into a faint smile.

"Looks like… Ah Li is useless!"

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Chapter 102: Yan Xiu's Sincerity

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Crushed by the rock, naturally he would be eliminated!" Within the crowd, a rather arrogant voice sounded out. Then, a scholarly-looking youth wearing a white armour and waving a jade-green paper fan in his hands walked out.

"Young Master Kang is indeed talented, under such circumstances he is actually able to see the truth!"

"Yes, yes, he is indeed a talent in the Hidden Dragon Roll!"

Instantly, a few examinees began to flatter Kang Xingping. To many people, to be able to enter the Hidden Dragon Roll was something that was too high to reach.

After all, this represented that he was the top hundred among the youths under the age of eighteen in the Great Xia Dynasty!

"Then, will he die?" As a group of examinees brownnosed Kang Xingping, a weak looking youth, wearing a somewhat tattered body armour, asked.

The other examinees covered their mouths and laughed as they heard this.

"No, the person controlling the pocket dimension is the examiner. As long as the examiners decide that this examinee has no further ability to continue the examination, then without requiring him to crush his tablet, he would still be eliminated!" Kang Xingping's eyes also noticed the tender youth and explained very patiently.

"I see, that means that within the pocket dimension, there wouldn't be any threats to our lives?" The weak youth heard and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Not necessarily!" Kang Xingping smiled as he shook his head.

"Not necessarily?" The weak youth was confused.

"That's right. There is one circumstance which the invigilator wouldn't be able to control, and that is the fighting between the examinees. If during the fighting, someone wasn't able to crush his tablet on time and was instead killed by another person, he would definitely die!" Kang Xingping continued to smile as he spoke.

"Who would even fight in the examination?" When the examinee heard, he also began to laugh.

"That's not true, for example, I… will!" Kang Xingping looked at the weakly youth, and the smile on his face became wider and wider.

The youth was taken aback. Looking at Kang Xingping's expression, the smile on his face instantly vanished, and instantly took a step back.

"Young… Young Master Kang, we… we have no enmity against one another, you…"

"That's right, we have no enmity, but, we are rivals!" As Kang Xingping spoke, he moved the jade green paper fan on his hand and began to step towards the examinee.

"Rivals?!" The weak youth's expression changed. But, he still wasn't quite able to understand. "But, there isn't this necessity? Why must we fight among one another, isn't it better for everybody to work together?"

"Work together? Ha ha ha…" Kang Xingping smiled wilfully. He looked at the expression of the weak youth in front of him, as if he was looking at an idiot.

When the other examinees heard the weak youth mention working together, they also began to laugh. Each of them stared at the weak youth, their faces filled with ridicule.

"Some people are indeed naive!"

"It's alright, people grow wiser from each experience!"

"I believe it's someone from a random village, it is indeed difficult enough to reach this stage. Unfortunately, he doesn't even know the rules of the combat examination!"

"Don't tell me he doesn't know that there is an unchanging rule in the combat examination, that is, defeat a person to advance a stage?"

"Defeat a person to advance a stage?! Don't tell me…" The weak youth heard the discussion going on around him, and his expression instantly turned pale. He had finally understood.

This was the same as the first round of the county examination.

A knock out system!

In the first round, as long as one could defeat their opponent, they could advance a level. The capital combat examination was also the same. Even though the method and venue had changed, but the rules hadn't changed.

Hence, to be able to advance stages in this pocket dimension, there were two methods. First, pass the level in the pocket dimension. Second, defeat someone in the same stage.

Hence…

Whether to rely on one's actual strength to pass the rockfall matrix in the pocket dimension, or to directly find a weak examinee to knock him out, this choice was very simple.

Actually, it was indeed normal. The amount of people passing the capital examination was already fixed. Hence, naturally it would require a brutal competition. The strong wins, while the weak loses.

"Interesting, looks like the game can be played this way as well!" Fang Zhengzhi, who was thinking of a plan to pass the rockfall matrix, heard the discussion going around him and his eyes instantly lit up.

At this moment, Kang Xingping had already walked to the side of the weak youth. Waving the jade green fan on his hands, he looked at the expression of the weak youth as if he was looking at a sheep waiting to be killed.

The edges of Fang Zhengzhi's mouth curved into a slight smile. Just as he prepared to step forward, he released a hand from beside him reached out and blocked his path.

"I don't like his fan." Yan Xiu's expression seemed very calm, just as if he was talking about a normal hobby of his.

"So, you are going to fight?" Fang Zhengzhi turned around and looked at Yan Xiu.

"Sooner or later, I will have to fight. If we wait until the third round, we will both be targeted." Yan Xiu also looked at Fang Zhengzhi.

"Actually, they are only targeting me." When Fang Zhengzhi heard this, he understood Yan Xiu's intentions.

"Grandfather had said that we must be sincere towards our friends." Yan Xiu's expression didn't change.

"Alright, since you don't like his fan, I will give this weak one to you. I'll go and find a stronger one." Fang Zhengzhi smiled again.

"Alright." Yan Xiu nodded again.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't speak further, because, Yan Xiu had already acted. Just as Kang Xingping prepared to lash out at the weak youth, he blocked in front of the youth.

"Yan Xiu?!" Kang Xingping was slightly taken aback.

When he saw Yan Xiu suddenly appear in front of the weak youth, the expression on his face changed slightly. There were two reasons for his arrival at the River of Trust Capital this time. The first was to spread the name of literature men, and kill the number one lecher in the world in the Law of Dao examination. The second was to pass the capital Law of Dao examination.

Hence, he was apprehensive towards Yan Xiu. After all, he had already entered the first-class roll in the theory examination. Based on usual practices, all he had to do was to pass two rounds in the combat examination to be able to pass the capital examination with his overall result.

However, if he fought Yan Xiu in the first stage…

That was indeed not wise.

That was also the biggest reason why he didn't take the risk to instantly challenge Fang Zhengzhi.

It was alright to play, but not fool around.

Pass the first two rounds steadily before fighting wouldn't be too late either.

This was what Kang Xingping thought. Yan Xiu knew this, Fang Zhengzhi also knew this. Hence, Fang Zhengzhi couldn't let things go on according to the plans of everybody else.

He knew very clearly the power of Chi Guyan's criminal demand order.

He also knew even more clearly that within the crowd, there were many people who were here due to the criminal demand order. The first two rounds, they wouldn't gang up on him. But the third round was completely different.

Yan Xiu taking the initiative to start a fight naturally wasn't something everyone else could understand.

Hence, when the rest of the examinees saw this, they were indeed shocked to a certain extent. After all, he had chosen a strong opponent in the first round.

No matter how they viewed the situation, it still didn't seem wise.

"Are they going to fight?"

"Challenging Kang Xingping, number eighty in the Hidden Dragon Roll, in the first round?"

The crowd discussed spiritedly. Among the shocked, there were also some who were excited. Members of the Yan Family left home at sixteen. However, before the age of sixteen, they only stayed in the Yan residence.

Nobody had ever seen Yan Xiu fight before, and nobody knew Yan Xiu's true abilities.

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