Chapter 31: The Eve of the Martial Arts Competition
"It's not particularly difficult, actually. There are arrangements for other experts to help counter the Yuan Sword Sect," Han Yan'er added.
"Experts? Is there anyone in this term from the Capital who can match us?" Tang Yu seemed somewhat skeptical.
"Who said it's only about this term's examinees? There are also some who couldn't register due to age restrictions and others...," Han Yan'er hesitated, then whispered a sentence.
"You mean...altering the age?"
"That's right. If the Yuan Sword Sect is going through with its vile plan, we will have to do the same. This is the capital. The rules of the imperial examinations are enforced by our Imperial Court!" Han Yan'er said coldly.
"Yes! As long as it's arranged properly, we can ensure they'll all be defeated in the first round!" Gu Hongyi also nodded.
Chen Shi's expression changed slightly. The Master realm was a stage in martial arts where cultivation experienced a surge.
With a one-year difference in cultivation time, there could be a significant gap in cultivation levels.
He was only sixteen. If he were to face those who were eighteen or nineteen, even if his talent wasn't inferior, he wouldn't be confident in winning.
Seeing Chen Shi's concern, Han Yan'er reassured him, "Don't worry. They won't arrange for us to encounter them in the earlier rounds. We'll mainly target those disciples from the Yuan Sword Sect. After eliminating them all, whoever we encounter later will surrender directly."
Hearing this, Chen Shi relaxed slightly. He was not afraid of anyone under the age of eighteen!
***
That night, the group settled in the Misty Rain Manor, and the martial arts exam would take place the next day. Mo Qingkuang had arrived very late for the examinations, only arriving at the end of registrations.
In an elegantly decorated room, Mo Qingkuang was sitting cross-legged on the bed, watching the illusory figure floating in front of him.
"If nothing unexpected happens, the exam for the martial arts competition this time will be an arena match. The top 100 will join the Imperial Academy's Martial Arts Department. According to the Tianxuan Empire's preparations, you selected children should not encounter strong opponents in the early rounds," Mo Fan said, his hands behind his back, pondering.
"However, don't celebrate too soon. Regardless of how the Tianxuan Empire arranges it, they can't stop Lin Yang. Your biggest enemy is still Lin Yang!"
"Lin Yang is also coming?" Mo Qingkuang jumped off the bed at once upon hearing this.
"Yes, he will definitely come! He should have reached the second-rank by now." Mo Fan nodded. According to the novel, Lin Yang was supposed to be the Martial Arts Champion of this term!
Mo Qingkuang's heart sank. 'Second-rank? Lin Yang, are you really a genius to this extent?'
"Ancestor, tonight I will break through to the second-rank martial master!" Mo Qingkuang gritted his teeth. After this period of cultivation, he gradually felt the bottleneck of the second-rank martial master, and he was eager to find a suitable opportunity to break through.
Hearing that Lin Yang had already reached the second-rank, he couldn't wait any longer.
Mo Fan smiled, "It's about time. However, his innate talent in root is higher than yours, and with the assistance of pills, so it's not surprising that he cultivates faster than you. After the martial arts exam, I'll take you to find something to enhance your roots. Otherwise, surpassing him might be challenging."
"As long as I can seek revenge and settle the score, I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Ancestor, I am ready to follow your orders. I have no regrets even if I die," Mo Qingkuang said firmly, a blaze of anger burning in his eyes as if he could set the room on fire.
"Die? I've worked hard to save you, and you talk about dying? Isn't my Ressurection Talisman a waste if you die?" Mo Fan spat out without much patience.
"Yes, yes. However, Ancestor, I've been feeling that my cultivation speed has increased a lot recently. Could it be the effect of the Divine-grade technique?" Mo Qingkuang nodded awkwardly, suddenly asking.
His recent cultivation speed had indeed increased noticeably. Changing to cultivate the Divine-grade technique, like the 'Wind ad Fallen Leaves Technique,' had already made his cultivation speed surpass his previous rate. Unexpectedly, after coming out of the Nianhua King's tomb, his cultivation speed had improved further.
Mo Fan knew that it was the effect of the first stage of the achievement aura that increased the cultivation speed of the Mo family disciples by ten percent.
However, he couldn't openly tell him. Mo Fan replied, "Your talent is already good, and this 'Wind and Fallen Leaves Technique' is very compatible with you. After practicing it proficiently, it's not surprising that your cultivation speed has increased."
"I see." Mo Qingkuang nodded suddenly, "Then, this descendant will breakthrough first. Please protect me, Ancestor."
"Sure."
***
In the Jiangsu Tavern on the south side of Capital City, the entire first floor was completely reserved.
In the most spacious room, seven or eight young people were sitting around a middle-aged man.
"Deacon Lin, in my opinion, there's no need to discuss any countermeasures against these country bumpkins from the Capital. I could wipe them all out with just one hand." A youth with a clear face and a gloomy expression impatiently remarked.
His name was Liu Xuan, the son of an elder from the Yuan Sword Sect. At the age of 17, he had reached the pinnacle of the third-rank martial master. Growing up within the Yuan Sword Sect, he had accumulated abundant resources, and he was the only inner disciple sent by the sect this time.
Beside him were Lin Yang, Chu Yanran, Song Qian, Zhuang Fan, and others.
"Nephew Liu, don't be in a hurry. The Tianxuan imperial family is not to be underestimated. When we came over this time, they must have received the news early on and made preparations." The middle-aged Deacon Lin spoke with a gentle expression, addressing Liu Xuan.
Liu Xuan's father held a higher position, and Liu Xuan, as an inner disciple, would at least hold a position as a Deacon in the future. Therefore, he didn't show much respect in front of him.
"Preparations? What preparations can they make? With those few rotten fish and shrimps from the royal family, how could they be my opponent?" Liu Xuan sneered, expressing disdain.
"I heard that Kuang Qing, who gained fame at the Nianhua King's Tomb a few days ago, is participating in the martial arts exam this time." Deacon Lin, trying to maintain face in front of Liu Xuan, changed the topic.
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Song Qian.
Song Qian was the leader of the new disciples from the Yuan Sword Sect, and his reputation was soaring. Although he was known as the senior brother in this term, he had lost face for the Yuan Sword Sect in the Flower King's Tomb, being toyed with by Kuang Qing.
The grand operation of the Yuan Sword Sect this time was precisely because they had lost face in the Flower King's Tomb and wanted to regain it from the Tianxuan Imperial Family.
"He's here; that's great! I wanted to settle the score with him! If I don't break his body into pieces, I won't be a human!" Song Qian gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.
"Don't just speak big words. It's better if we don't lose sight of him again," Liu Xuan laughed. "How about this, you give me that beautiful maidservant of yours. If I encounter that Kuang Qing, I'll help you settle this score."
"You!" Song Qian was furious, pointing at Liu Xuan but not daring to act.
Liu Xuan was an inner disciple, and his strength was stronger than his. He couldn't afford to offend him.
Song Qian, the eldest young master of the Song family in Xuannan City, was wealthy and domineering. When he entered the Yuan Sword Sect for cultivation, he even managed to bring a beautiful maidservant with him to attend to his daily needs. Liu Xuan had long been envious of him.
"Alright, stop arguing. The plan to win the championship this time must not go wrong!" Deacon Lin waved his hand, interrupting the two.
Lin Yang's eyes lit up, "Deacon Lin, since we all registered with disguises, why not hide our true strength on the competition stage? It will make it less convenient for them to execute their arrangements. What do you think?"
Deacon Lin glanced at Lin Yang. This kid had extremely high talent. It was said that he broke through eight ranks within three months. However, he had some quirks since childhood, or he would have been admitted to the inner sect long ago.
Stroking his beard, Deacon Lin nodded, "You make sense. Tomorrow, all of you should conserve your strength. There's no need to reveal your full capabilities from the beginning."
Upon hearing this, Liu Xuan sneered even more. Even if they revealed their full strength, what could these people do to him?
He disdainfully glanced at Lin Yang, "That is unnecessary."
Lin Yang glared back at him, showing no weakness.
Seeing that Liu Xuan was a hot-tempered guy who liked to provoke others, Deacon Lin had to disperse the group, "Alright, it's getting late. Everyone, go back and rest."
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