NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 185-190
Chapter 185: Who’s going out first?
“That’s right, a second chance. A chance for you to retake the exam.” Fang Zhengzhi explained.
“Another chance?! Then… what do I need to do?” Wang Chuanping finally understood what was going on. He was not dumb, a price must be paid for what he wanted.
“It is very simple. All you have to do is challenge that fella!” Fang Zhengzhi casually pointed towards the crowd.
The entire crowd became tense.
Then, everyone’s gaze looked towards where Fang Zhengzhi was pointing.
The entire crowd was stunned.
Because…
Fang Zhengzih was pointing at Su Donglin?!
“How is that possible? How can Wang Chuanping challenge Su Donglin?”
“Isn’t that asking Wang Chuanping to kill himself?”
“This is the second chance?”
No one could believe what they were seeing. But, Fang Zhengzhi was pointing at Su Donglin, and everyone could see it clearly.
Su Donglin squinted. Naturally, he heard the conversation between Fang Zhengzhi and Wang Chuanping, and saw where Fang Zhengzhi was pointing at.
In an instant, he knew what Fang Zhengzhi was trying.
“So, he wants to use Wang Chuanping as a stepping stone?” Su Donglin decided.
It was easy to guess. He had already made it clear to everyone that he wanted Fang Zhengzhi out in the first round.
Now, Fang Zhengzhi was sending someone to challenge Su Donglin, so that he could send Su Donglin into the second round.
That meant that Su Donglin could not find trouble with him in the first round.
The other candidates also understood what was going on. But it was quite the shameless move.
“Isn’t this quite shameless?”
“He’s using Wang Chuanping as a shield!”
All of the candidates were furious. However, they couldn’t do anything because Ping Yang, with her Red Flame Flower Armor was standing next to Fang Zhengzhi.
Just moments before, Ping Yang had taken Fang Zhengzhi’s side. This was something no one had expected, but something they had to consider.
Wang Chuanping was filled with fear. He too was keenly aware of what was going on.
“Fang, Young Master Fang… you must be joking. Su Donglin is in the advanced stages of the Heavenly Reflection State, I… how can I beat him?”
Wang Chuanping knew that he was in no position to bargain, but, if this was his second chance, it was as good as nothing.
“You definitely can’t defeat him, but with me, we can.” Fang Zhengzhi smiled.
“You?!” Wang Chuanping was stunned.
He did not understand what Fang Zhengzhi was saying. If Fang Zhengzhi wanted to use him as a stepping stone, then, Fang Zhengzhi had no reason to fight.
But…
Fang Zhengzhi wanted to fight?
What is the logic here?
When the other students heard what Fang Zhengzhi said, they too were confused. Even Su Donglin was confused.
Wang Chuanping and Fang Zhengzhi teaming up?
Two elementary stage Heavenly Reflection cultivators, one of whom recently broke through, want to fight an advanced stage Heavenly Reflection State Su Donglin?
Is this not courting death?
No one understood what was going on. With Fang Zhengzhi’s stellar performance in the Theory Examinations, he did not need to take such a risk.
Does he not want to pass the Imperial Examinations?
Then, at this point, Yan Xiu, who was standing next to Fang Zhengzhi, spoke up.
“And me!” Yan Xiu’s tone was cold, but incredibly firm.
Everyone thought that Fang Zhengzhi was planning to use Wang Chuanping as a stepping stone, but Yan Xiu knew he would not do that.
Fang Zhengzhi had no reason to do it.
Pass one round?
That was not something Fang Zhengzhi would consider. Fang Zhengzhi’s first priority was always to remove the ‘obstacles’.
This was the same thing he did in the River of Trust Province Examinations.
Since Su Donglin had already said that he will knock Fang Zhengzhi out in the first round, why would Fang Zhengzhi let him pass the first round?
This sounded quite unbelievable, but Yan Xiu believed that Fang Zhengzhi could do it.
Ping Yang smiled radiantly.
Her petite face lit up bright red with excitement.
“You three want to battle Su Donglin? Sure, I want to join too!” As she spoke, she waved the Blazing Qilin Spear animatedly.
The candidates who were mocking Fang Zhengzhi were all stunned.
This was not a simple 2v1.
This was…
“A 4v1?!”
“Princess Ping Yang, Yan Xiu, Fang Zhengzhi, Wang Chuanping… four against one Su Donglin?”
“How… shameless!”
The other candidates finally reacted. Actually, they had already reacted ever since Fang Zhengzhi spoke to Wang Chuanping.
They should have thought that it would end it a 4v1?
This was even more shameless than using Wang Chuanping as a stepping stone.
Initially, Su Donglin had thought that Fang Zhengzhi was just prolonging his time here. Now, his expression changed as he looked at Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi.
If it was just Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and Wang Chuanping, he may not have thought much of it. But with Princess Ping Yang in the picture, he had a problem on his hands.
He knew how ridiculously powerful the Blazing Qilin Spear was.
Furthermore, Ping Yang was protected by the Red Flame Flower Armor.
More importantly…
No matter how daring he was, he wouldn’t dare to injure Ping Yang!
“Fang Zhengzhi, do you really want to do this lopsided fight?” Su Donglin felt that no matter how shameless a person, they must have their boundaries. A 2v1 was shameless enough.
Now, it was going to be a 4v1.
Was there anything more shameless?
This was completely ridiculous.
“I think that a 4v1… sounds great!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
He did not think that there was anything wrong with this. He wanted Su Dongping out of the combat examinations. A 2v1 and a 4v1 made little difference.
As for being a gentleman…
That was not something he valued.
“You…” Su Donglin’s expression darkened. All this while, he had been plotting how to get rid of Fang Zhengzhi in the first round.
But now…
He was about to be kicked out?!
…
Chapter 186: Yan Xiu in Danger
…
In the Imperial Academy, both King Duan and Han Zhangfeng looked uncomfortable as they stared at Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang through the screen.
They knew that Ping Yang, armed with the Red Flame Flower Armor and the Blazing Qilin Spear could make waves in the combat examinations.
Time, space and people…
Everything was within their calculations. Everything except Ping Yang.
They had guessed that Ping Yang may smuggle herself into the World of the Sage. However, they had thought she would be there to try it out. They did not expect her to team up with Fang Zhengzhi.
The great princess of the Great Xia Dynasty had wanted to join Fang Zhengzhi so badly she even found a Heavenly Reflection student to fight…
Now, she was teaming up with Fang Zhengzhi to partake in a 4v1 battle.
No one could have predicted this.
The Ninth Prince, who was near Han Zhangfeng and King Duan, was confused. Doesn’t Ping Yang hate Fang Zhengzhi?
During her birthday party, she had also asked him for ideas…
What’s going on?
…
In the World of the Sage.
Wang Chuanping’s expression kept changing. He had no other way out. He had to either withdraw now or battle Su Donglin with Fang Zhengzhi.
This was not a difficult choice.
The first choice had him waiting for another two years, the second choice gave him a lifeline.
“Thank you Young Master Fang for the chance! Thank you Princess Ping Yang! Thank you Young Master Yan Xiu!” Wang Chuanping made his decision quickly and drew two huge blades.
When battling Ping Yang, she did not draw a weapon before. As such, he did not draw his. By the time she drew her weapon, it was too late.
But now, he did not hesitate to draw his weapon.
He was battling Su Donglin after all.
Yan Xiu also opened up the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan.
Ping Yang was incredibly excited and she stepped towards Su Donglin.
As for Fang Zhengzhi. He walked over slowly towards Su Donglin and smiled.
“Young Master Su, I am sorry!”
“Humph, Fang Zhengzhi! Are you getting ahead of yourself?” Su Donglin’s eyes shined with an icy glow despite being surrounded.
1v4.
Two elementary stage Heavenly Reflection cultivators, Ping Yang decked with treasures, and a son of the Yan Family, holding the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan.
For Su Donglin, he had a chance at victory…
But that chance was a slim one.
But this was the Imperial Examinations, not a real fight to the death. Su Donglin’s chances were significantly higher.
He did not have to defeat all four of them.
He just needed one.
As long as he could defeat one of them, he could enter the second round easily.
From there, he can plot his revenge…
Everything was within control!
“So, who to defeat first?” Su Donglin looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu, finally deciding on Yan Xiu.
The reason was simple.
Yan Xiu was the weakest, and he was Fang Zhengzhi’s closest buddy. He was the best choice, all things considered.
But…
Is Yan Xiu really the weakest?
Su Donglin felt that way. Everyone else felt that way, including Ping Yang and Wang Chuanping.
But Fang Zhengzhi did not think so.
But this did not matter, the battle had begun.
The first one to attack was Ping Yang.
Even before the other candidates could fully clear the area, Ping Yang attacked, her Blazing Qilin Spear burning up the air as a homing golden glow shot towards Su Donglin.
This attack had floored Wang Chuanping before.
However, Su Donglin was not Wang Chuanping. He was in the advanced stages of the the Heavenly Reflection Realm, and he was one of the core disciples of the Su Clan.
More importantly, Wang Chuanping had no idea that Ping Yang had the Blazing Qilin Spear. Furthermore, he had not kept his distance from Ping Yang.
Su Donglin knew that Ping Yang had the Blazing Qilin Spear.
As such, he dodged the attack easily.
When Ping Yang attacked, Su Donglin already began to move. He moved as quickly as a bolt of electricity, almost as if he predicted the attack…
In fact, he was electricity.
A purple electric glow wrapped his body.
He was almost like a purple snake, dodging and weaving about, never letting anyone get a clear view of him.
He was bathing in the purple electricity.
No one could follow his speed.
In the blink of an eye, Su Donglin dodged Ping Yang’s attack, took a leap, and appeared right in front of Yan Xiu.
All of the candidates did not even have a chance to gasp.
Xing Qingsui’s eyes were filled with fire as he watched on. His expression darkened as he considered how he would dodge this attack when he was faced with it.
There was also another youth in the crowd.
He was immensely calm. Even after seeing Su Donglin’s electrifying speed and agility, he was still expressionless.
His t-shirt and armor looked rather workaday.
However, everyone around him unconsciously maintained their distance.
He was Nangong Mu, Nangong Hao’s brother.
…
Su Donglin’s idea was simple.
He wanted to defeat Yan Xiu before Yan Xiu had a chance to react. This was the power difference between them. He had no intention of letting Yan Xiu use his Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan.
This was just the first round of the combat examinations.
He did not want to use too much time and energy on a 1v4. He had a long way to go, and he wanted to get to the top.
Now that Su Donglin was right in front of Yan Xiu, a large current of purple electricity exploded outwards.
At the advanced stages of the Heavenly Reflection Realm, he could easily manipulate everything around him.
Even though there was no clear indication of electricity around him, he was able to find whatever little bit there was.
He was able to influence the outside world and cause purple electricity to flow.
Ping Yang’s Blazing Qilin Spear worked the same way. Due to its unique construct, it was able to create fire in the surrounding.
The Blue Fire Wolf was also similar.
Due to its intense speed, the friction between its body and the air caused a fire to burn. However, its fire was definitely no match for the Blazing Qilin Spear.
Electricity had the potential to temporarily paralyze someone. Furthermore, its speed was only second to wind and that was why it was Su Donglin’s choice.
Inside the Purple Lightning Storm, an electric snake shot towards Yan Xiu and it covered Yan Xiu’s body, almost as if it was going to shatter him.
Su Donglin’s eyes glimmered. He knew that once the electricity wrapped around Yan Xiu, it was over.
Yan Xiu would not be able to move.
But he could.
“You’re done!” Su Donglin bellowed, then drew a sword.
When the sword was drawn, the tip began to drag a shadow. That was a black silhouette, almost as if it was attached to the tip and forcefully dragged along.
The entire air was filled with static as the black figure was drawn through it.
“This is the Su Clan Shadow Blade Technique!”
“Su Donglin wants to defeat Yan Xiu first?!”
“How fast… first, he used the electric field to immobilize Yan Xiu, then he’s using the Shadow Blade Technique to pierce Yan Xiu’s defences!”
“I get it now, Su Donglin wants to knock Yan Xiu out so he can advance to the second round!”
When Su Donglin drew his sword, all the candidates knew what was going to happen.
However, no one could save Yan Xiu now.
Yan Xiu was already enveloped by the electric field. Under its influence, he was going to be numb and it could prove lethal in battle.
This was the greatest difference between the Heavenly Reflection Realm and the Star Conglomerate Realm.
Restriction by field!
The Heavenly Reflection cultivator could control the various fields that the surroundings had, and he could use them to attack and defend. More importantly, he could use them to suppress and interfere.
No matter how powerful the Star Conglomerate cultivator, he would find it difficult to bring his powers to bear in this field.
And the Heavenly Reflection cultivator could only get stronger when in this field.
He was faster and stronger.
The electric fields combined with the Su Clan’s speed and Shadow Blade Technique.
This was quite the unavoidable combination.
Everyone thought this way, including Su Donglin, Ping Yang, and Wang Chuanping.
The only person who didn’t think so was Fang Zhengzhi.
The shadow buzzed as it flew towards Yan Xiu.
Then, Yan Xiu dodged.
Whilst being wrapped by the purple lightning, he moved and his Wind Shadow technique allowed him to dodge Su Donglin’s attack.
Su Donglin could not believe his eyes.
“How is this possible?!”
The other candidates also could not believe their eyes. How was Yan Xiu not numbed by lightning. This was virtually impossible.
It did not make any sense.
It was almost as if a human, who was locked up and chained inside a wooden box, suddenly escaped. More importantly, the lock and box were undamaged.
Unless…
A thought flashed by their minds, but, it quickly disappeared.
Very quickly, all of their jaws dropped. The next scene was utterly unbelievable.
Chapter 187: The Third Heavenly Reflection
Yan Xiu was still icy and expressionless.
However, his body was surrounded by a green glow as leaves circled him.
Other than this, his skin was covered with a thin grey layer of substance. It looked like the branches of a tree, and there were clear markings on it.
“Another field!”
“It’s wood… no, it’s a field of trees!”
All of the candidates were unable to conceal their shock and awe when they saw this scene unfold before their eyes.
Yan Xiu was standing inside the protection of a huge tree.
This could only mean one thing…
Yan Xiu was in the Heavenly Reflection State!
For over a century, no one had managed to breakthrough to the Heavenly Reflection State before 18. That was until Chi Guyan came along.
Not long ago, Fang Zhengzhi broke through at the Divine Constabulary, making him the second youngest Heavenly Reflection talent.
Within a few years, there were now to Heavenly Reflection powers under 18.
This was a stunning fact.
And now…
Yan Xiu, at the age of 16.
He managed to breakthrough during the Imperial Examinations, becoming the third person to attain this feat under the age of 18.
No one could believe their eyes.
Three Heavenly Reflection powers under 18?!
One was a surprise, two was a coincidence, three…
Was earth shaking.
If not for the fact that Chi Guyan and Fang Zhengzhi had already done it, Yan Xiu’s breakthrough would have rocked the entire empire.
Top of the two Dragon Rolls.
Yan Xiu was just 16, and well within the parameters of the Hidden Dragon Roll.
After all, he still had two more years to go, and anything could happen in these two years.
There was another name that could fulfill the great prophecy. Yan Xiu.
…
Inside the Imperial Academy, King Duan and Han Zhangfeng stared wide eyed at the screen. They could not believe their eyes.
“How is this possible?”
“Yan Xiu broke through to the Heavenly Reflection State?”
“Yan Xiu of the Yan Clan…”
King Duan looked at Han Zhangfeng and saw Han Zhangfeng looking back at him. They were both thinking of the same thing.
After all, they were looking at the future.
Han Zhangfeng was of the view that they should cultivate their own dragon. As such, they had to remove all the obstacles in their chosen dragon’s way.
They could remove Fang Zhengzhi by saying that he was a threat to the stability of the empire.
But what if the person was going to be Yan Xiu?
Han Zhangfeng frowned. He could not treat Yan Xiu the same way he treated Fang zhengzhi.
If anyone in the Yan Family caught wind that Yan Xiu was under threat, the backlash would be uncontainable.
King Duan was different from Han Zhangfeng. He wanted to become the dragon. He wanted to rule the Great Xia Empire. That was a position of unmatched power, wealth, and fame.
That was what he was truly after.
However, in order to do so, King Duan needed to be sharp enough to get rid of all the obstacles in his way.
If the person in the prophecy was really Yan Xiu…
Then what was he to do?
Just as Han Zhangfeng and King Duan were deep in thought, the Ninth Prince gasped, then heaved a sigh of relief. However, no one knew what or who he was relieved about.
…
“Yan Xiu is in the Heavenly Reflection Realm!”
“16 year old Yan Xiu has really broken through!”
All of the candidates in the World of the Sage looked at Yan Xiu in awe.
Su Donglin felt the tide of the battle turn. The moment Yan Xiu was in the Heavenly Reflection State, then his Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan was incredibly scary.
The Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan was a reflection of its user’s power.
Furthermore, the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan had its own suppressive field. Combing the two fields, Su Donglin would need all his power in a 1v1.
More importantly, Yan Xiu was only 16. Heavenly Reflection State at 16…
Su Donglin would never be daring enough to antagonize a 16 year old Heavenly Reflection Yan Xiu. Yan Xiu was very different from Fang Zhengzhi.
Yan Xiu had the terrifying, intimidating Yan Family standing behind him.
Then…
His original plan could no longer work.
His eyes glimmered and he grit his teeth. His gaze quickly shifted from Yan Xiu to Fang Zhengzhi.
If Yan Xiu was in the Heavenly Reflection State, then the weakest person was naturally Fang Zhengzhi!
This was an easy decision, but not easy to execute. It would be difficult to defeat Fang Zhengzhi before the others had time to react.
Fang Zhengzhi was already in the Heavenly Reflection State, so he lost the advantage of a difference in cultivation level.
This made it at least 10 times more difficult.
But Su Donglin had no other choice.
He had to try.
Su Donglin did not turn the blade towards Fang Zhengzhi. Based on his own power, Fang Zhengzhi would react immediately or run if he saw the blade turn towards him.
That was not something he wanted.
As such, he decided to feint towards Yan Xiu. When Fang Zhengzhi came to help, he would turn around and attack Fang Zhengzhi.
However, before Su Donglin could attack Yan Xiu, Fang Zhengzhi ‘fell into the trap’ on his own accord.
He was also surrounded by the purple electricity, almost as if he was being strangled by a purple electric snake.
Boom!
Both of their electric fields clashed together in mid air, causing a loud crash.
At the same time, the purple electricity from each field interacted with each other, hissing and crackling, suppressing and attacking each other.
All of the surrounding candidates were greeted with yet another unbelievable sight even before they could react from the first one.
Because…
When Fang Zhengzhi’s electric field clashed with Su Donglin, it did not vaporize immediately. In fact, it held its own, forming a clear division between the two fields.
“How is this possible?!”
“There is no clear winner?”
“One is an advanced stage Heavenly Reflection State cultivator, the other just entered the state two months ago…”
“Why are they so evenly matched?”
All of the surrounding candidates could not believe their eyes.
Su Donglin himself could not believe it either. When Fang Zhengzhi’s electric field hit his, he felt a wave of unprecedented suppression.
He had a feeling that if he did not put everything he had into it, his own field would be suppressed.
This was something he could not bring himself to accept.
“How is that possible, how can you… be so evenly matched with me when it comes to field controlling?!” Su Donglin was wide eyed.
“Evenly matched?” Fang Zhengzhi was taken aback. This is evenly matched?
But he did not feel this way?
This was just very normal controlling…
What was going on?
Fang Zhengzhi had no idea, so he could not answer Su Donglin’s question.
…
King Duan and Han Zhangfeng were stunned as they watched the battle unfold.
Neither of them could believe that Fang Zhengzhi, who had just broken through, could force a tie with Su Dongling when it came to field controlling.
In this combat examination, Su Donglin’s greatest advantage was his cultivation level.
Advanced stage Heavenly Reflection Realm.
This meant that he had much more control over the various fields than anyone. When the fields clashed, his would generally suppress those of his opponent.
This was common sense.
However, Fang Zhengzhi defied all common sense.
“What is going on?” The two of them were confused.
In actual fact, Fang Zhengzhi’s experience was anything but normal.
Eight years ago, Fang Zhengzhi thought about cultivating after looking at the Illustration of all Creation.
Then, he officially became a cultivator after fighting with the Blue Fire Wolf.
In one year, he managed to attain the Star Conglomerate Realm smoothly.
Fang Zhengzhi had thought so for the longest time. He had no idea that after he had attained that state, he needed to link up the stars he collected with the outside world to attain Heavenly Reflection.
His idea was simple, collect more stars and raise his powers.
In actual fact, his ideas had shown results.
Upon collecting his second star, his power rose. This way, he kept thinking that the self proclaimed genius he was had found the right way.
As such, he began collecting the third star.
Each star represented another Dao in the Dao of All Creation.
There were the simple ones, wind, fire, lightning, ground. Then there were, flowers, grass, trees, wood, mountain, rivers…
In the end, after collecting everything there was around him, he even began to collect stars of the sun, moon, stars. He tried understanding everything he could.
In seven years, he never stopped trying to collect new stars and understand new elements. In the end, his pocket dimension had hundreds of stars.
He had thought that this made him immensely powerful.
However…
He quickly realized that he was wrong. Upon participating in the River of Trust Province Examinations, he realized that he was still in the Star Conglomerate State, and there was a Heavenly Reflection State above him.
In the Heavenly Treasure Hall, he understood a way for him to link up his pocket dimension with the real world.
This allowed him to breakthrough.
He did not need to train as hard as Yan Xiu, and he did not need to link up each item inside his pocket dimension individually with the outside world.
He had managed to attain the Heavenly Reflection State the moment he wanted to.
Because…
He was always in the Heavenly Reflection State!
Chapter 188: Mountains and Rivers
King Duan and Han Zhangfeng did not think of this. The Ninth Prince was also equally confused.
Even Fang Zhengzhi did not know what was going on.
No one had ever had a similar experience. As such, there was no record of it in history.
But he had some idea.
In the World of the Sage, Fang Zhengzhi saw Su Donglin’s expression and knew that he was just as powerful as Su Donglin in this aspect.
This came as a pleasant surprise.
More surprisingly, he felt like he still had energy in reserve.
A such, he continued to exert his suppression over Su Donglin. Little by little, his electric field began to suppress Su Donglin’s.
Su Donglin started to sweat.
This was such a domineering electric field. He did not want to go down like this.
He could not take this.
As someone who had already spent a few years in the Heavenly Reflection Realm, he felt that he had to go down with a fight.
How can he be suppressed by someone who had broke through barely two months ago?
That would be immensely humiliating?!
All of the other candidates were going crazy. They had thought that Su Donglin was not giving it his all when Fang Zhengzhi matched him previously.
But now…
Su Donglin was being suppressed by Fang Zhengzhi? He looked like he was losing ground, and his sweat did not look fake at all.
“Fang Zhengzhi is suppressing Su Donglin?!”
“How is that possible, he just broke through recently!”
“Elementary and advanced stages… there are two rungs of difference?! What is going on?”
All of the candidates looked at each other in confusion. Then, they looked at Fang Zhengzhi with awe and fear.
He was really a demon.
Wang Chuanping felt the suppression from Fang Zhengzhi’s field and completely forgot to help.
Ping Yang also stopped moving.
She had always thought that she was the key to winning this battle.
The last time, she did not wear her Red Flame Flower Armor and did not wield her Blazing Qilin Spear. She was subdued as a result.
However, she had never expected that result.
As such, she decided to come take her revenge, armed to the teeth this time.
But now…
It would seem that revenge would be hard fought.
Yan Xiu had always trusted Fang Zhengzhi’s abilities. After Fang Zhengzhi had taught him the theory, it was almost as if he saw a glimmer of light in the dark.
He was at the peak of the Star Conglomerate Realm at 16. His talent was unquestionable.
With Fang Zhengzhi’s direction, together with more than a decade of knowledge, he trained hard. He had spent the past two months trying and breaking through, and he finally made it a day ago.
He had told this to Fang Zhengzhi.
He had thought that he would be on the same starting line as Fang Zhengzhi once again, but now, it seemed like Fang Zhengzhi had given him nothing but dust to bite.
He was able to go even with Su Dongping, even suppressing Su Dongping.
Did Fang Zhengzhi manage to reach the advanced stages of the Heavenly Reflection State in two months? Or… the pinnacle?!
This was not something people wanted to think about, or know the answer to.
However, Yan Xiu did not find this hard to accept. He would just be in awe if that was the case.
Everyone looked at Fang Zhengzhi in disbelief.
Fang Zhengzhi himself was in disbelief. Why is Su Donglin so weak? Where is the power of the advanced Heavenly Reflection State?
Show it to me!
Hiding it?
Okay then, if you want to hide it in a 4v1, then I will kill you!
Fang Zhengzhi drew his sword. This was a white jade sword. Even though it was not as powerful as Ping Yang’s Blazing Qilin Spear, it was not bad.
“Mountains and Rivers!” Fang Zhengzhi said softly.
Then, the white jade sword rang out with the thunderous boom, its blade glimmering. Then, a mountainous suppressive force crashed towards the ground. A silver light pierced the shadow and landed on the tip of the sword.
At this point, there was the sound of flowing water.
Su Donglin was in utter disbelief. He actually felt like there was a mountain holding him down and the silver light was like a waterfall.
Dripping water could pierce a rock. In fact, it could even pierce steel.
This was one of the sword techniques that Fang Zhengzhi learnt in the Heavenly Treasure Hall. It had no name, so he came up with his own.
Rainbow White Light.
Su Donglin was suppressed by this mountainous energy and had no way of dodging. He could only meet the attack head on.
The Shadow Blade Technique hummed as it burst through the air.
The two incredibly sharp blades impacted each other.
The white blade from the top, the shadow blade from the bottom.
“Boom!”
The impact from the two electric fields, as well as the contact between the blades, caused an immense energy field which blew everyone backwards.
The calm after the storm.
It was completely silent.
Su Donglin looked in horror at his own blade. There was a hole in the blade, a clean hole that wasn’t there before.
A blade destroying another?!
Su Donglin looked at Fang Zhengzhi in disbelief.
Fang Zhengzhi’s previous tie with him could be forgotten. After all, as long as two people were in the same cultivation realm, it could happen.
But…
Why would his family’s top technique lose to Fang Zhengzhi’s ‘Mountain and Water’ blade?
No one had even heard of that technique!
Fang Zhengzhi did not look at Su Donglin, looking at his sword instead.
The white jade sword continued to glow with light. However, when the two blades collided, he felt as if he could not use all his energy.
It was almost as if the blade would break if he used all his energy.
The mountain and water technique was incredibly domineering. Any technique formulated by battle was definitely powerful, but the white jade sword was definitely not as powerful.
Both of them were incredulous.
All of the candidates were stunned.
In the clash, Fang Zhengzhi had come out on top.
The two month Heavenly Reflection hillbilly.
He actually managed to match the heir of the Su Clan evenly in the manipulation of fields. Then, in a battle of blades, he actually came out on top?!
What is this… f*ck us all!
Yan Xiu was stunned. But, he was more taken aback by the familiarity of Fang Zhengzhi’s technique. It felt as if it was from the…
Ice Wall!
The ice wall in the Heavenly Treasure Hall!
Did Fang Zhengzhi really understand the sword techniques? Mountain and water… Yan Xiu searched his mind. He had understood some of it.
But it was rather blurry.
His memory was jolted when Fang Zhengzhi used the technique in real life. This allowed him a slightly deeper understanding.
Wang Chuanping was on the verge of breaking down.
When he had first entered the World of the Saint, he had thought of how to defeat Fang Zhengzhi and use that to get to the top.
But now…
That looked like courting death.
Ping Yang’s eyes glowed. No matter what, Fang Zhengzhi’s ‘Mountain and Water’ technique looked quite manly and domineering.
Just as she was about to compliment him, she realized Fang Zhengzhi was looking at her.
He looked like he was looking at a lamb.
She recalled what had happened previously and blushed. Just at this point, a voice rang out.
“Hi, can I borrow your Blazing Qilin Spear for fun?”
Chapter 189: Catch one more
Ping Yang suddenly heard Fang Zhengzhi’s voice and this jolted her out of her thoughts.
Borrow the Blazing Qilin Spear…
For fun?!
What did he mean?
This was the combat examinations, who ever borrowed or lent weapons in here? Even though they were temporary allies, this did not mean that they were going to be on the same side the whole time?
How shameless must he be in order to even think of asking?
Furthermore, the Blazing Qilin Spear was one of the 10 greatest treasures in the Great Xia Dynasty.
At the very least, he should respect the Blazing Qilin Spear and be polite about it. He had to promise to treat the Blazing Qilin Spear well.
What did he mean by for fun?
In an instant, that shred of a good impression that she formed disappeared into thin air.
Ping Yang was furious. She had gone through so much begging and pleading just to get this Blazing Qilin Spear, yet now, someone was asking to take it out for a spin…
“No way!” Ping Yang rejected him outrightly.
“Oh, I see, then it’s okay!” Fang Zhengzhi did not seem to mind and was not disappointed at all.
Ping Yang’s clear gaze stared through Fang Zhengzhi. Did I reject him too outrightly? I guess I could have let him take a look.
She was rather generous if people asked nicely.
After all, Fang Zhengzhi would not dare to steal her Blazing Qilin Spear.
That was her special right.
Just as she was thinking about it, Fang Zhengzhi asked again, “If you can’t lend me your Blazing Qilin Spear, do you have any other treasures? Maybe a good sword that you can lend me. You’re a princess after all, I’m sure you have something?”
“I’m sure you have something?”
Fang Zhengzhi’s voice echoed through the World of the Sage.
All of the candidates were stunned when they heard this. They could not believe how shameless Fang Zhengzhi was.
“Fun… I will make sure you have fun!” Ping Yang could not take it any longer.
The Blazing Qilin Spear in her hand began to roar. She did not send it flying at Su Donglin, sending it towards Fang Zhengzhi instead.
The golden light was extremely domineering.
Fang Zhengzhi jumped. He had thought that he was rather sincere. She could have lent anything other than the Blazing Qilin Spear.
He wasn’t particularly picky. It could have been a blade, a pole…
Why would she attack him all of a sudden?
He may not have experienced the power of the Blazing Qilin Spear personally, but he was not blind. There was no way he would defeat it head on.
As such, Fang Zhengzhi began to run.
Ping Yang chased him manically at the back.
Of course, Fang Zhengzhi could not run too far. He had to ensure that Su Donglin did not escape their control.
As such, he ran circles around Su Donglin.
Ping Yang raged and followed behind him, chasing for her life. However, due to the differences in their cultivation level, she was much slower.
The entire scene began to look very strange.
The battle had turned into a chase between the two of them.
All of the candidates did not know what to think of this development.
“What’s going on?”
Just as they were trying to figure out what was going on, Su Donglin raged.
“Fang Zhengzhi!” Su Donglin could almost breathe fire.
Is this the time to be borrowing weapons? And then, after trying to borrow weapons, he’s playing catching in front of me?
What is the meaning of this!
Do I mean so little?
Su Donglin had lost count of how many times he had been ignored by Fang Zhengzhi. He hated this feeling; he had always been the center of attention.
“Go to hell Fang Zhengzhi!” Su Donglin could no longer suppress his rage. He couldn’t even be bothered to change his sword as he charged at Fang Zhengzhi.
A strange black shadow appeared on the tip of his blade once again. This time, it was even darker, almost like a bottomless abyss.
Fang Zhengzhi, who was running around, felt the blade flying towards him.
Then, he smirked, “You’re finally angry!”
Without hesitation, he sped up and the electricity around him exploded outwards. A bolt of purple electricity passed through Ping Yang.
Even though Ping Yang was wearing the Red Flame Flower Armor, she still did not dare to face the electricity head on.
As such, she could only use the Blazing Qilin Spear to block it.
Fang Zhengzhi used this opportunity to leap into the air, his white jade blade glimmering in the air. The white light glowed like the stars in the Milky Way.
At the same time, Yan Xiu also attacked. The fan in his hand glowed radiantly as it linked up together with his tree field.
It turned into a whole new drawing.
A huge wave of suppressive force fired towards Su Donglin. It brought with it immense sadness and the branches of trees.
Upon seeing this, he finally reacted. As a spectator for most of the battle, he could clearly see that Su Donglin had attacked Fang Zhengzhi with everything he got.
From the start, Su Donglin had no way of retreating.
He could not possibly pass up this incredible opportunity.
Two blades appeared to his left and right.
“Hack together!”
“Kaboom!”
Fang Zhengzhi and Su Donglin clashed, then, Yan Xiu and Wang Chuanping’s attacks hit.
“Sh*t!”
Su Donglin spat out a mouthful of blood as he stared at the four people in front of him. He was immensely pale and tired from the battle.
He held a broken sword in his hand…
Fang Zhengzhi’s blade trembled slightly, humming as it did. But, it did not break.
This meant that in the clash, Fang Zhengzhi had come out on top by a little bit.
Combined with Yan Xiu and Wang Chuanping’s attacks, Su Donglin did not stand a chance.
“Have I lost?!” Su Donglin was stunned. He had never expected to lose in the first round, but the fact was that he was out. He was quite badly injured.
As the other candidates looked at the bloody Su Donglin, no one could believe that he was out.
“Su Donglin lost?!”
“Isn’t that a little too quick…”
“It did not look like he gave Fang Zhengzhi any trouble at all?”
The candidates looked at the defeated Su Donglin. No one was willing to accept the truth that was laid out in front of them.
Before entering the World of the Save, everyone was thinking of how to defeat Fang Zhengzhi, or of how Fang Zhengzhi would avoid Su Donglin’s challenge.
But the fact was…
Su Donglin’s defeat had opened up the Imperial Combat Examinations.
The First-Class Roll, advanced Heavenly Reflection State Su Donglin, was knocked out in the first round?!
No one could believe this. All of them refused to believe it despite seeing it with their own eyes.
In the middle of the crowd, an initially calm pair of eyes glimmered.
Nangong Mu ruffled his clothes and his lips parted, “Fang Zhengzhi huh? I wonder how much effort I would need?”
No one heard Nangong Mu speak because he was too soft. It was almost as if he didn’t speak.
But if anyone had heard it, they would have been shocked beyond words.
Fang Zhengzhi had proven that he was on par with Su Donglin. What did Nangong Mu mean by how much effort would he require?
Nangong Mu did not look at Fang Zhengzhi any longer and his expression returned to one of calm.
Not far away from Nangong Mu, Xing Qingsui, who was dressed in black, was also staring at Fang Zhengzhi. He exuded a strong aura of battle intent.
“Interesting, this combat examinations will be interesting!”
“Master, is it time to act?” A middle aged man standing behind Xing Qingsui spoke up. He was dressed unassumingly and looked rather frail, but he had a scar on his neck.
It looked like his throat had been slit by a knife. However, no one knew how he avoided death.
“No, I want to observe further!” Xing Qingsui shook his head.
…
Inside the Imperial Academy, King Duan and Han Zhangfeng frowned. They had never expected this battle to end so quickly.
Furthermore, Su Donglin did not even injure Fang Zhengzhi.
“I had heard that Su Donglin was quite powerful, but lacks experience. It really showed today!” Han Zhangfeng looked at the bloody Su Donglin and shook his head.
“Su Donglin had never been in battle, so he didn’t understand the importance of a cool head!” King Duan nodded, then looked to the Ninth Prince.
“Ninth Brother, what do you think about Su Donglin’s first round exit?”
The Ninth Prince was still stunned. He stiffened slightly upon hearing King Duan’s question.
“About that…”
“Forget it, you’ve been addicted to horse racing all these years. I doubt you have any interest in this. If you’re ever free, come roam the camps with me and expand your horizons.”
“Thank you brother. However, you mentioned battle experience just now. Has Fang Zhengzhi ever been on a battlefield?”
“Him? He’s a hillbilly. What kind of battle experience can he have? He may have some hunting experience. His victory was based on some wit. If he was ever in a real battle, I think he will wet his pants. It should show when he fights Xing Qingsui.” King Duan chuckled dismissively.
“Mm, King Duan is right. Xing Qingsui has been under the tutelage of Xing Hou all this time. He probably knows all the tricks by now.” Han Zhangfeng nodded in approval.
“Official Han’s words are exactly my sentiments. However, there is a problem. Fang Zhengzhi and three others defeated Su Donglin, who shall move on to the second round?” King Duan asked.
“Wang Chuanping challenged Su Donglin, so he should pass!” Han Zhangfeng immediately understood what King Duan was driving at.
“Okay, since Official Han is the Chief Examiner, we will do just that. Brother, do you have any objection?” King Duan did not even wait for a reply before glancing at the examiners.
…
Inside the World of the Sage, a huge door appeared in front of Wang Chuanping. At the same time, a crisp voice echoed throughout the space.
“Su Donglin is out, Wang Chuanping advances to the second round!”
All of the candidates, who had not even collected themselves after that shock, all turned to Wang Chuanping.
Their eyes filled with surprise.
Never did they expect that the winner would be Wang Chuanping!
“What’s going on?”
“Why is Wang Chuanping through to the second round?”
“I’m guessing it’s because he challenged Su Dongping?”
Some of those who had entered in the competition before guessed this. Such scenarios had happened before.
Under such circumstances, the judgement lay with the Chief Examiner.
Sometimes, the first one to attack would be deemed the winner. Sometimes, the one who inflicted the heaviest damage would be deemed the winner. Other times, the one to issue the challenge would be handed the credit.
However, for the current case, Fang Zhengzhi should have been he logical winner. Afterall, he had done the most work.
Without Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu and Wang Chuanping could not have succeeded.
But the fact was that Wang Chuanping was through.
All of the candidates could not understand the decision. However, the decision did not contravene any rules so no one protested.
They all looked at Fang Zhengzhi, expecting him to protest.
However, when Fang Zhengzhi heard it, he was extremely happy.
“Hahaha… that’s great, I didn’t make it through!” It was almost as if Fang Zhengzhi had expected this to happen.
“That’s great?!”
All of the candidates could not believe their ears, Is he out of his mind?
Ping Yang was immensely conflicted. She should have been angry about being struck by Fang Zhengzhi’s lightning. However, in the next moment, Su Donglin was defeated.
She wondered why she was so ‘cooperative’ just now. Was she smart, or dumb?
Now that she heard what Fang Zhengzhi had said, she was even more conflicted.
“Why are you so happy?”
“Of course I’m happy. I never wanted to go to the second round this way.” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Yang with disdain.
“This way? You don’t want to enter the second round through battle? Then what do you want?” Ping Yang felt that she was always being schooled by Fang Zhengzhi. However, the truth was she couldn’t understand what Fang Zhengzhi was thinking.
“I want to go through there!” Fang Zhengzhi did not explain any further, simply pointing away from himself.
Fang Zhengzhi was actually pointing towards the broken bridge. The mist still covered the other side, and no one knew how big the gap was.
It was impossible to see what was on the other side.
“You want to cross the broken bridge?! Why… why?” Even Ping Yang was shocked. She knew what the broken bridge was.
“Fang Zhengzhi wanted to cross the broken bridge?!”
“Is he dumb? Based on his abilities, he can easily find someone weaker than him and bully them!”
“Why is someone so dumb already in the Heavenly Reflection State whilst I’m still in the Star Conglomerate…”
All of the candidates were shocked to hear what Fang Zhengzhi had to say. That was a very willful thing to consider doing.
If he couldn’t cross the broken bridge, he would be out.
Fang Zhengzhi ignited the discussion around him. He looked at the broken bridge, deep in thought, almost as if he could see the other side.
“Did you forget our goal?”
“Our goal? You’re referring to that sword… right?” Ping Yang seemed to remember something.
“Exactly, since we want to find that sword, we cannot fight our way through this examination. As such, we must try the broken bridge.” Fang Zhengzhi asserted.
“But what if you can’t go over? Then won’t you be out? Then, how would you enter the second round?” Ping Yang did not understand.
“I already thought this through. I will first find someone to accompany me. If I can’t cross it, I will push him down. That way, I can enter the second round.” Fang Zhengzhi said honestly.
Ping Yang was stunned, then her eyes glimmered.
“Fang Zhengzhi… there is no one on this Earth who is more shameless than you! However, your idea is not too bad. Furthermore, it sounds like a lot of fun. I have decided to stay with you. I will even help you catch someone to stay behind with you.” Ping Yang said excitedly.
“It’ll be great if you can get one for me too!” Yan Xiu chimed in.
Chapter 190: Taking a risk
…
Fang Zhengzhi, Ping Yang, and Yan Xiu quickly reached an agreement, stunning all the other candidates.
What’s going on?
They were such bullies.
They were treating them like lambs. If they couldn’t make it across they would simply push them off. Could they be any more shameless?
Each of the candidates looked at each other.
They hoped that someone would protest this and chide them for being so shameless, kicking the three of them out in the process.
But who would step up?
Nangong Mu had no interest in interfering, and Xing Qingsui did not want any trouble right now.
Su Donglin’s example was clear for all to see.
1v1?
Right now, that was impossible. Any fight would be a 3v1. The only thing they could do was wait.
Nangong Mu and Xing Qingsui were both waiting.
The other Heavenly Reflection State candidates would not push their luck either. Ping Yang would not lock onto them. The reason was simple. She was looking for lambs, the weaker the better.
As such, they couldn’t be less bothered.
This was the combat examinations, and not the time to let emotion rule their actions. Furthermore, everyone wanted to see how Fang Zhengzhi would be after crossing the bridge.
All of the Star Conglomerate candidates looked at each other in exasperation and helplessness.
Ping Yang looked at them and smiled radiantly, almost like a Blue Fire Wolf looking at its prey.
Other than those who were in the Heavenly Reflection Realm, all of the others began to look for places to hide themselves. However, the area was small and unblocked. Where could they possibly hide?
This scene looked quite strange. A bunch of people manically trying to hide. This was a stark difference from the confidence they had when they entered the World of the Sage.
Ping Yang’s abilities could be seen from how she caught people.
“You, exactly, you! Come over! You dare to not come? When we get out of here, I will go raid your home!”
“Ah?! Your highness, mercy please…”
After a string of threats, three poor souls had been captured by Ping Yang. The three of them looked extremely bitter.
All of the candidates who had been let off heaved a sigh of relief. They would live to see another day.
“Let us go. We just want to participate in the examination!”
“Exactly your highness. You all can continue crossing the bridge, but we are innocent…”
“Your highness, I have an eighty year old mother. My wife left me very long ago. I am the only one left to feed my mother. The examination is my only hope. Your highness, please leave my family with this sliver of hope.”
The three poor souls pleaded with Ping Yang. One of them was even on the verge of tears.
“Shut up. You still have mouths to feed? I have heard that so many times. Based on your abilities, you all have no chance of passing the examinations. Stop struggling. If you’re obedient, I will give you 500 taels of silver each right now!” Ping Yang produced three cheques with a wave of her hand.
She did not even blink.
“Thank you your highness!” The three poor souls immediately said their thanks.
Just as Ping Yang said, they did not have much of a chance to pass the combat examinations. Not getting knocked out in the first round would be a good result for them.
Now that they were each given 500 taels of silver, they considered themselves lucky.
After they said their thanks, the three poor souls wanted to take their cheques.
However, when they raised their heads, the cheques were gone from Ping Yang’s hand. They had changed hands and were now held by Fang Zhengzhi.
“Don’t show off your wealth. Don’t you know that? Damn it, let me help you safekeep it.” Fang Zhengzhi said sincerely and kept the cheques.
Ping Yang was stunned, but Yan Xiu was calm.
As for the three poor souls, they looked at their silver disappear. This guy was such a bully. Not only was he taking them as disposable, he even took away their silver.
“Actually, you all should thank me.” Fang Zhengzhi began to console the three of them.
“Thank you?!” The three of them looked at each other, unsure of what Fang Zhengzhi was saying.
The other candidates began to chide Fang Zhengzhi in their hearts. How shameless? You take them as your stepping stone, and you still want to take their money?
“If my guess is right, you three are on the Second-Class Roll right?” Fang Zhengzhi continued, ignoring the chatter around him.
“Yes… that’s correct.” The three of them nodded.
“According to the rules of the Imperial Exam, the First-Class Roll people need to pass only two rounds to pass the exam. But for those on the Second-Class Roll, you all need to pass three, or even four rounds, am I right?”
“That’s correct…”
“Then, based on your powers, how many rounds can you pass?”
“Well… if we are lucky, we can pass the first. If we get even luckier, we may pass the second. As for the third and fourth…” The three of them looked at each other. They knew that it was too difficult for them to pass those rounds.
For this edition of the combat examinations, there were more than 30 Heavenly Reflection cultivators. All of the Star Conglomerate cultivators also had secret techniques of their own.
“This is why you all should thank me. If I cross the broken bridge, then you all can follow me. I can bring you along for the rest of the rounds as well. As long as you follow me to round four, you would have passed right?” Fang Zhengzhi explained.
“Cross the broken bridge? To round four… this…” The three poor souls wanted to say it wasn’t very possible, but they couldn’t bring themselves to say it.
“Oh yes, I forgot, this is just the first payment. If you manage to follow me to round four, then each of you must give me… mm, let’s say, another 500 taels of silver!”
“Young master Fang, if you can bring us to round four, even a thousand taels will not be expensive.”
“Is that so? Then let’s make it 2000.”
“…” The three of them were speechless. Then, one of them tried to speak up, “Young master Fang, if you… fail to cross the bridge and throw us off, that silver… return…”
“I said that it’s payment, so it’s not refundable. How can you do business without taking risks? Is there anything certain in this world? Don’t you agree?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the three of them.
“Yes, young master Fang is right… we were too naive.” The three of them looked at each other, tears in their eyes. Isn’t all the risk with them?
“Okay then, let us cross the bridge.” Fang Zhengzhi walked towards the broken bridge.
The other candidates were all speechless. This works? This is no business deal, this is daylight robbery!
No refund if they lost, and they had to make extra payment if they won…
…
“Shameless!”
Inside the Imperial Academy, King Duan and Han Zhangfeng looked at each other. They looked at Fang Zhengzhi and said the same thing.
However, the Ninth Prince’s eyes were glimmering.
I guess being this shameless is quite a plus point? The Ninth Prince thought to himself.
…
The broken bridge did not change. The only difference was that there was now one person standing on it, the breeze causing his sleeves to flap.
There were five others standing at the starting point.
Ping Yang and Yan Xiu looked at the man on the bridge intently. The other three had their heads lowered, visibly troubled.
The other candidates did not bother waiting any longer.
They began to fight. Every now and then, the sky would echo with the elimination of one person and the advancement of another.
“How long has it been? How boring… I think he should just push them down and forget about it!” Ping Yang was slightly impatient. Fang Zhengzhi had been standing there for over an hour.
Yan Xiu did not speak, whilst the other three were shivering in their spots. They did not like putting their fates in the hands of others.
“I think Fang Zhengzhi is being stubborn. Yan Xiu, you should know that we cannot pass the barriers in this world with our current abilities. They only used this world to let us train. Do you really think he can cross the broken bridge?” Ping Yang asked again.
“He definitely can.” Yan Xiu replied calmly.
“You trust him that much? If we spend so much time in this round, will we still have opponents in the second round? Then are you going to fight with Fang Zhengzhi?” Ping Yang questioned.
“I believe him.” Yan Xiu repeated, his tone without doubt.
…
As time passed, the number of people left in the first round became lesser and lesser. The sounds in the air continued to echo. There were already people in the third round.
The rest of the candidates stared at Fang Zhengzhi in disdain.
“So long? Has he fallen asleep?”
“I think he is waiting! He is waiting for us to progress to the next round before pushing the three of them down. At the very least, he will not be criticised as much?”
“Hahaha… I think so too!”
After they finished, they continued to fight, ignoring Fang Zhengzhi.