59: Two No.1 Scholars in One Subject (First Order Request)

After the civil examination came the military examination.

After the top three of the first tier—Top Scholar Cui Xia Zhao, Second Place Li Ziyang, and Third Place Wang Anshi—emerged, Zheng Yi was well aware of the outside world's bustle and speculations.

However, this had nothing to do with him.

Instead, his goal turned toward the military examination held on the second day.

Compared to the bustling and lively civil examination grounds, the military examination appeared somewhat desolate.

Although this was a Wuxia world, only Martial Artists in the Grandmaster Realm and Innate Realm could decide the life and death of a battle.

Most people were still ordinary folks.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Prince Xian walked up and said respectfully, accompanied by people from the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Rites, and others.

"Rise."

Zheng Yi raised his hand and said. Yesterday, he received news that the Old Ancestor of the Taiyi Sect had finished secluded cultivation, and Zhao Su Ling wanted him to go to the Golden Emperor Peak to meet the Taiyi Sect's Old Ancestor in person.

After much deliberation, Zheng Yi still prepared to go and meet him.

After all, there were five strands of Innate Pure Yin Qi within the imperial palace; heaven knew what the Taiyi Sect's Old Ancestor might discover.

Furthermore, the Taiyi Sect was, after all, the state religion enfeoffed by Great Yu, sharing the destiny of the country.

Quite a few Disciples of the Taiyi Sect held positions in the Ministry of War, the Hall of Offerings, the military, and other places, maintaining very close ties with the Great Yu Dynasty.

Even if the Taiyi Sect were given a hundred strands of courage, they would not dare to do anything detrimental to the emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Prince Xian brought Zheng Yi to the highest seat of the military examination venue. After everyone was seated, he said, "Your Majesty, the military examination has concluded over the past few days, and four people have advanced to the final round."

"The position of Top Scholar in our Great Yu's first military examination still requires Your Majesty's personal appointment."

"Oh? Which four people?"

"Cui Xiawu, Zhao Tieshan, Tian Yiguang, and Chen Hongxiu!"

Prince Xian said, "All four of these people are First Grade Realm Martial Artists who have fought their way through all obstacles to get here."

"Whether it is Physique evaluation, horseback riding and archery, or military strategy, they are all outstanding among their peers, and none of the others are their match."

Zheng Yi looked forward and saw that many people were sitting around a huge arena.

These people were all Martial Artists who came to participate in the military examination, mostly Third Grade and Second Grade Realm Martial Artists.

Zheng Yi slowly nodded and asked, "What does Your Imperial Uncle plan to do?"

"In military examinations, actual combat is of utmost importance. This subject requests that those four draw lots and fight in pairs. The victors will continue to compete until the other concedes or falls off the arena."

"The winner will be our Great Yu's first military examination Top Scholar!"

Zheng Yi said, "Very well."

Prince Xian immediately stood up, came to the arena, and said loudly, "Everyone, today is the palace examination of the Great Yu Dynasty's first military examination. This is an unprecedented creation of our Great Yu Dynasty..."

After a passionate and enthusiastic speech, the four First Grade Realm Martial Artists entered the arena one after another, and Zheng Yi also looked over.

The first person was Cui Xiawu.

This person was not tall, had a slightly dark face, and a mediocre appearance. His attire was also very simple, the kind that would be lost if thrown into a crowd.

He clutched a three-foot green sword, but his right hand was noticeably larger than his left hand.

The second person was Zhao Tieshan.

This person came from the imperial guards, stood fully seven feet tall, wore full armor at the moment, and grasped a broadsword in his hand.

With bronze-colored skin, a fierce appearance, and short hair standing on end piece by piece, he looked just like a sea urchin.

It was unknown whether he was born this way or if it was caused by the Cultivation Technique he practiced.

The third person was Tian Yiguang.

This person was dressed in tight robes, looked like a Young Master, and had a rosy complexion with drifting eyes.

After stepping onto the stage, he kept greeting the people off the stage.

He also held a folding fan in his hand, exuding endless romantic charm and elegance.

In that corner sat several women, frantically cheering for Tian Yiguang.

"Young Master Tian, go for it!"

"Young Master Tian~ this servant will wait for you at Huichun House~"

Zheng Yi's mouth twitched as he asked, "How did those few women get in?"

An official from the Ministry of War nearby immediately said, "Replying to Your Majesty, those women are Disciples of the Baihua Sect and are also contestants participating in this military examination."

"Baihua Sect?"

Liu Chengen appeared silently behind Zheng Yi and said, "Replying to Your Majesty, the Baihua Sect is a Martial Forest Sect in Jinling City. This Sect is dominated by women and excels in charming arts."

"Within their Sect, there is one Grandmaster Realm Martial Artist and two First Grade Realm Martial Artists. Although there are not many high-grade Martial Artists, they have recruited two Grandmaster and eleven First Grade Realm retainers!"

Chen Liancang and Little Gui Zi had gone to Yan to investigate the matter of Prince Yan's rebellion, and had been gone for more than half a month.

Now within the entire imperial palace, only Liu Chengen held the greatest power.

"So many?"

Zheng Yi also asked in surprise. Liu Chengen continued, "The women of this Sect are best at charming arts. Those Martial Artists who joined the Baihua Sect are all greedy for beauty, so they are not worth worrying about."

"A Sect consisting entirely of women?"

Zheng Yi became interested, "Then how do they survive?"

"Brothels and flower boats."

Liu Chengen said coldly, "On the Qinhuai River, more than a third of the flower boats and brothels are opened by the Baihua Sect."

"Even in many county cities of our Great Yu, there are brothels opened by the Baihua Sect, and even countries like Wu Country and Snow Cloud Country have them."

"Brothels..."

Zheng Yi's mind suddenly stirred. With so many brothels, and being good at recruiting Martial Artists with women, what was this Baihua Sect trying to do?

"Among this session's palace maidens, are there any women from the Baihua Sect selected?"

"Yes."

Liu Chengen said concisely, "Zhu Wanwan is the Personal Disciple of the contemporary Baihua Sect Leader, sixteen years old... a First Grade Realm Martial Artist!"

"There are also three other women who are Baihua Sect Martial Artists, but they are all in the Second Grade Realm."

"A sixteen-year-old First Grade Realm Martial Artist!"

Zheng Yi also said in surprise. This kind of strength was even stronger than Xu Qingluan!

Liu Chengen continued, "Yes, Your Majesty. In this selection, this woman can rank in the top three regardless of appearance, figure, or martial arts cultivation!"

"What about the other two?"

"Yuechan from Nanyue County. First Grade Realm Martial Artist, possessing South Yue Gu sorcery."

"Qin Qingxuan from Cihang Nunnery. First Grade Realm Martial Artist, with transcendent swordsmanship."

"Cihang Nunnery?"

Zheng Yi asked in surprise, "Nuns can also be selected as palace maidens?"

Liu Chengen explained, "This is a characteristic of the Cultivation Technique practiced by Cihang Nunnery."

"The Cultivation Technique practiced by Cihang Nunnery is named the Cihang Heart-Forgetting Skill. It requires Disciples to experience romantic love and then forget it in order to reach the highest Realm of their Cultivation Technique: the Emotionless Realm."

"In this Realm, Cihang Nunnery's Disciples have hearts as clear as ice, do not rely on external objects, and will acquire mental secret techniques of extremely powerful might."

"Rumor has it that Qin Qingxuan is Cihang Nunnery's most outstanding Disciple in a century. Presumably, this woman regards Your Majesty as her trial target."

"Interesting..."

Zheng Yi smiled and said, "The Baihua Sect and Cihang Nunnery are both extraordinary women."

"Especially this... Baihua Sect!"

Brothels were after all the largest organization and channel for controlling intelligence.

It was just unknown whether the Baihua Sect did this intentionally, or if... there was someone else behind them?!

"There is one more point," Liu Chengen continued. "The Baihua Sect and Cihang Nunnery are mortal enemies. Although their Disciples won't fight to the death upon meeting, they will target each other."

"If these two women enter the palace, the inner palace will probably be unstable."

"The inner palace unstable?"

Zheng Yi sneered and said, "As long as I am here, this group of women cannot make waves!"

As the two of them spoke, the fourth person on the arena also walked up.

Chen Hongxiu.

Zheng Yi looked over and saw that this Chen Hongxiu was dressed in red and had a mediocre appearance, but her eyes were very sharp.

There was also a scar on her left cheek, making her whole person look even more fierce and stern.

Her weapon in hand was unexpectedly also a goose-feather saber, gripped extremely tightly.

"Chen Hongxiu... For the sake of revenge, who knows how much hardship she has endured."

Prince Xian had someone bring out two face-down tokens and said, "Today's competition will be based on drawing lots."

"In the military strategy competition, Cui Xiawu and Chen Hongxiu ranked first and second respectively. The two of you will draw lots to determine your competition opponent!"

As soon as the words fell, Cui Xiawu and Chen Hongxiu stepped forward and casually chose a token.

After all, Cui Xiawu came from the Cui Family. Even if it was a branch of a branch, he had still read quite a few military books, which was why he could rank first in military strategy.

As for Chen Hongxiu, because of her late father Chen Dao, she also had quite a few Family-inherited military books.

With the body of a mere woman, her military strategy surpassed most men; one had to say she was an extraordinary woman.

As for Zhao Tieshan and Tian Yiguang, one was a mere foot soldier and the other a wandering rogue of the Jianghu, how would they have time to touch upon military strategy?

Being able to reach this place relied entirely on their First Grade Realm martial arts cultivation!

Soon, the two finished drawing lots, and Prince Xian immediately ordered:

"The first match, Cui Xiawu versus... Zhao Tieshan!"

The two immediately faced each other, Cui Xiawu against Zhao Tieshan.

Then the one Chen Hongxiu faced was Tian Yiguang.

"Cui Xiawu... I have heard of you."

On the arena, Zhao Tieshan held a broadsword and looked cautiously at Cui Xiawu.

"Oh?"

Cui Xiawu became interested and said, "My big name has actually spread to the capital?"

"From Jizhou to the capital, in one month, you killed twelve bands of mountain bandits, slew thirty-one thieves, and defeated seven bands of refugees. Am I correct?"

"Correct."

"Hahaha, what a man!"

Zhao Tieshan laughed aloud and said, "Only thus can you be my comrade-in-arms, but today's military examination Top Scholar belongs to old Zhao here!"

"We haven't even competed yet, what big words are you speaking?"

Cui Xiawu slowly drew his longsword and said coldly, "I also have a reason I cannot afford to lose... I want to let those people of the Cui Family know that even without the Cui Family's support, I, Cui Xiawu, can still reach the highest ranks of ministers!"

"Kill!"

"Such a big tone!"

Zhao Tieshan said angrily, pulling out his broadsword and slashing it diagonally downwards.

A grim and icy Evil Qi immediately surged out, carving an arc in the air and slashing toward Cui Xiawu.

Hundred Battles Blood Fiend Saber!

"Boom!"

Cui Xiawu easily dodged it, and the two figures immediately intersected, fighting back and forth.

Zhao Tieshan excelled in saber techniques, being grand and unrestrained, using his full strength with every attack.

In his hands, the Hundred Battles Blood Fiend Saber actually displayed a sense of despair as if none could contend with him, like Mount Tai pressing down on the summit.

Plus, with his Innate Divine Power, a single slash of his saber could even compress the surrounding air, forcing Cui Xiawu to continuously retreat.

On the high platform, Zheng Yi was also watching this duel with great interest.

"Imperial Uncle, who do you think will win between these two?"

Prince Xian said, "It depends on whether Cui Xiawu can endure for the span of an incense stick."

"Oh? How so?"

"Zhao Tieshan walks the path of external conditioning; his strength, saber technique, and Internal Energy are all exceptionally fierce and powerful."

"However, this momentum is hard to maintain. The span of an incense stick is his Peak state, and in this state, he could even slaughter a hundred people by himself."

Prince Xian continued, "Once his momentum wanes, which is after an incense stick's time, he will become an ordinary First Grade Realm Martial Artist."

"As for Cui Xiawu, from this subject's vision, he is using the Taiyi Sect's Yin-Yang Sword Techniques, which excel best in defense."

"If he can endure past an incense stick's time until Zhao Tieshan's strength is exhausted, and then close in using the Cui Family's martial arts, the Ice and Fire Wandering Dragon Palm, Zhao Tieshan will undoubtedly lose!"

Just as Prince Xian expected, after the span of an incense stick, Zhao Tieshan's strength truly began to wane.

Both his saber technique and strength slowed down by about thirty percent.

Seizing this opportunity, Cui Xiawu closed in and attacked the enemy with the Ice and Fire Wandering Dragon Palm.

Two completely different strands of Internal Energy circulated within his body, erupting with even greater force and driving Zhao Tieshan back continuously.

Zhao Tieshan also roared repeatedly, but he only knew some ordinary fist techniques like the Luohan Fist and Iron Sand Palm. How could he possibly be Cui Xiawu's match?

After another incense stick's time, Cui Xiawu finally gritted his teeth against the intense pain in his body and forced Zhao Tieshan off the arena stage.

Although Zhao Tieshan only knew some ordinary fist techniques, his strength far exceeded that of ordinary people.

Every time their palms clashed, his Ice and Fire Internal Energy could rush into Zhao Tieshan's body and wreak havoc, but similarly, Zhao Tieshan's brute strength could violently jar his arms, making his bones feel somewhat numb.

"What a bizarre Internal Energy!"

Beneath the arena stage, Zhao Tieshan said with a blushing face and gritted teeth, while Cui Xiawu cupped his fists and said, "Brother Zhao's strength has also made this one look at you in a new light."

"Hahaha, if there is a chance in the future, old Zhao here will treat you to drinks!"

"Good."

The two shared a mutual appreciation, and Prince Xian announced at this moment, "The winner of the first match... is Cui Xiawu!"

"The second match begins!"

At the command, Chen Hongxiu and Tian Yiguang successively stepped onto the stage.

"Greetings, elder sister."

Tian Yiguang opened his folding fan with a 'swish' and, considering himself dashing, said, "As a woman, elder sister should naturally..."

Before his words had even faded, he saw Chen Hongxiu pouncing over wielding a Yanling Saber at an extremely fast speed.

The Yanling Saber in her hand also slashed horizontally across—this was authentic military saber technique.

Although Tian Yiguang's expression was panicked, his movement was not slow, and he very easily dodged this saber strike.

At the same time, the folding fan in his hand poked toward Chen Hongxiu's shoulder, which Chen Hongxiu dodged by turning her body.

The two were extremely fast, exchanging four or five moves in an instant.

However, it was mostly Chen Hongxiu fiercely hacking away, while Tian Yiguang continuously dodged using lightness kung fu movement techniques.

From time to time, he used the folding fan in his hand to block Chen Hongxiu's Yanling Saber.

At the same time, he continuously uttered provocations to Chen Hongxiu, intending to distract her.

This folding fan was actually also made of fine steel, capable of easily blocking Chen Hongxiu's Yanling Saber.

"Your Majesty."

This time, without waiting for Zheng Yi to ask, Prince Xian tactfully said, "The saber technique used by Chen Hongxiu is also the Hundred Battles Blood Fiend Saber, along with some other military slashing saber techniques; it's very common."

"As for the Internal Skill Mind-Cultivation Technique she practices, this subject truly cannot tell."

"Tian Yiguang, because he always loves causing trouble in the Jianghu, has bitterly practiced lightness kung fu. If he can't beat them, he can at least run away."

"If Chen Hongxiu doesn't have any trump cards hidden at the bottom of the box, Tian Yiguang should win this battle."

Zheng Yi also nodded slightly; this duel was similar to the first one.

It depended on who could exhaust the opponent's strength and Internal Energy first.

However, this was a martial arts competition, not a life-or-death battle, and certain lethal moves were still forbidden from being used.

The fighting style of the two also sparked discussions among the surrounding people.

Especially Zhao Tieshan, who had just been defeated, shouted indignantly, "What kind of man are you, you little pretty boy? If you have the guts, fight with real swords and spears instead of running around everywhere!"

"Exactly, exactly! Running away while being chased by a woman, aren't you ashamed?"

"Chen Hongxiu! Quickly finish him off!"

The surrounding spectators also shouted and hollered, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

Meanwhile, on the stage, Tian Yiguang was still handling things with ease and even had time to shout toward off the stage, "What do you guys know? This Young Master is used to being chased by women, so naturally I have to... Ouch!"

Being slightly careless, he was almost slashed by a saber, scaring him into hastily retreating.

But Chen Hongxiu did not pursue him this time; instead, she reached her left hand into the belt wrapped around her waist.

"Watch out for the flying daggers!"

As soon as her voice fell, three flying daggers formed a Trinity formation and rapidly charged toward Tian Yiguang.

Seeing that the three gleaming flying daggers were about to hit him, Tian Yiguang was so frightened that his mind shook violently.

His figure hastily twisted, and his waist bent backward violently, dodging the three flying daggers in an extremely contorted posture.

However, it was not over yet.

Chen Hongxiu took a step forward and flicked out another handful, and three more flying daggers came fiercely shooting over!

"Aiya...!"

This time Tian Yiguang finally could not dodge in time, and with a thoroughly wretched posture, he heavily crashed down from the arena stage, smashing fiercely onto the ground.

Hidden weapons!

He hurriedly groped around his body, only to find a wooden flying dagger, and then shook his head with a bitter smile.

He got up, cupped his fists, and said, "Elder sister has superb skill, this Tian admits defeat!"

Only then did Chen Hongxiu speak up, "You flatter me."

Her voice was somewhat hoarse, but listening to it more had a unique charm.

Prince Xian stepped onto the stage and announced, "The winner of the second match is Chen Hongxiu!"

"Rest for one hour. Cui Xiawu versus Chen Hongxiu."

"The winner... will be the Imperial Examination Martial Top Scorer!"

Taking advantage of the rest time, the Jinyi Guard also submitted the detailed investigation reports regarding the four participants of the martial examination to Zheng Yi.

There were no problems with the identities and backgrounds of the four people.

To be precise, they could all be verified with evidence.

After reading through them, Zheng Yi placed his gaze on the contents of the first page.

"Interesting. Cui Xiawu... a person from a branch of the Cui Family, yet he has a blood feud with the main Family and even severely injured several Disciples of the main Family?"

Zheng Yi knew that these aristocratic and prominent families mainly invested in the civil imperial examinations to hold official posts.

But there were also a few branch Disciples, or people who came to pledge allegiance, who cultivated martial arts to protect the Family.

And Cui Xiawu was one of them, which in itself was nothing.

However, because his mother's original identity was a maidservant of the Cui Family, a Cui Family Young Master had raped her after drinking, resulting in him.

She originally thought she could rely on this to marry into the Cui Family branch, but little did she know that the Cui Family branch Young Master was a beast who, in order to politically intermarry with another Family, secretly plotted to harm and kill his mother.

In the end, aided by a friend, she escaped the vicious hands of the Cui Family Young Master. His mother, however, had lived in melancholy and had long since fallen gravely ill.

As for himself, he relied on the Cui Family martial arts he had secretly learned to make his way all the way to the present.

"They are all talents indeed: one secretly learned Family martial arts, one was born with Divine Power, one is the descendant of a criminal official, and there is also a Jianghu prodigal."

Zheng Yi closed the documents in his hand and muttered, "Can the first martial examination only attract these kinds of people?"

Time quickly arrived for the martial examination top scorer match: Cui Xiawu versus Chen Hongxiu!

After saluting each other, the two set up their formations and began the competition. Saber lights and sword shadows flashed, and fist winds and palm images intersected. Truly meeting their match, they fought fiercely for quite a while.

The intense duel caused the surrounding spectators to shout loudly, cheering for the two from time to time.

And Zheng Yi also watched with great relish. Even if First Grade Martial Artists were not engaged in a life-or-death slaughter, ordinary duels were still very entertaining.

Cui Xiawu fought steadily and steadily advanced, continuously closing in.

Chen Hongxiu was also very calm in the Early Stage, but as time passed, her saber technique gradually became flustered. In the end, she even deployed her flying dagger technique, but was ultimately knocked away by Cui Xiawu.

Her entire person was subsequently forced off the arena stage.

Prince Xian immediately announced, "The winner is Cui Xiawu!"

"The Imperial Examination Martial Top Scorer is Cui Xiawu!"

As soon as his voice fell, all the spectators present shouted excitedly.

On the high platform, many of the officials who had come to observe looked at each other in dismay, but more people hurriedly surged toward the few ministers at the very front.

"Congratulations, Lord Cui! Felicitations, Lord Cui!"

"Two top scorers from a single household! Lord Cui truly lives up to being the pillar of our Great Yu Dynasty!"

"Cui Xia Zhao and Cui Xiawu—Lord Cui's guidance of the younger generation is truly peerless among the court ministers..."

Cui Jinghao, surrounded by the crowd, was also beaming with joy and repeatedly cupped his fists, saying, "Thank you everyone, thank you everyone. This old man will prepare some modest wine in a few days, and I hope everyone will generously favor me with your instruction."

"Hahaha, it's only right, it's only right..."

A group of officials swarmed around Cui Jinghao with endless flattery, while elsewhere Lu Xiangqing's expression remained as usual, yet deep within his eyes he looked extremely unsightly.

In this special imperial examination, their Lu Family had also put forth quite a few people.

Unfortunately, let alone the first tier, there were not even a few people in the second tier!

On the contrary, Cui Jinghao's clansmen actually produced two top scorers from a single Family!

Such a thing was unprecedented and unheard of!

The Cui Family's influence in the court far exceeded that of the Lu Family as well!

On the dragon throne, Zheng Yi also looked at the various ministers with a smiling expression and spoke, "Beloved ministers, especially Minister Cui, you are vigorous despite your age to be able to nurture such dragons and phoenixes."

"Tonight's banquet for the top scorer who captured the golden plaque—beloved ministers must attend on time!"

"This minister and others obey the decree!"

"Chengen."

"this servant is here."

"Go to Jiao Fang Palace to invite Consort Cui. Today, both of her elder brothers have attained the status of top scorer; she must have a good drink to celebrate!"

"Understood!"