75: fifteen

Chang'an, inside a teahouse.

Two scholars were chatting animatedly.

"This Wang Xuan truly became famous overnight! He's just a common man, I almost thought he was a Martial Sage!"

"He's lucky! If you have the ability, why don't you get Chen the Immortal to praise you with thirteen consecutive timeless poems!"

"Alas, forget it. I just hope that Wang Xuan truly has some skills, otherwise, he wouldn't be worthy of Chen the Immortal's high regard."

"Let's not talk about that. The Imperial Examination is coming soon, what do you think?"

"Is that even a question? Who in the entire Great Zhou doesn't know! The top scholar is a given, the scholars of the world are only competing for the second and third places."

It wasn't just these two; many people in the tavern were also discussing these two matters.

At the same time, Qin Chuan was also thinking about Wang Xuan in his new mansion.

Currently, although Wang Xuan's reputation was great, it showed a clear trend of spreading from the capital throughout the entire Great Zhou.

But—it was merely an empty reputation.

Just like certain 'giegies' in the entertainment industry, they only have traffic but no talent to match it (please do not take offense).

Now, Wang Xuan needed an opportunity.

An opportunity to solidify this empty reputation!

Thinking of Wang Xuan's terrifying attributes, Qin Chuan felt—this opportunity wouldn't be hard to find!

That night.

Chang'an City was in an uproar.

An astonishing challenge seemed to have emerged—

Wang Xuan, through Chong Tian Jian, openly challenged—Yang Shengong!

Yang Shengong, the leader of the Mountain and River Alliance, and one of the 'Five Sages and Seven Worthies'.

"On the fifteenth of the full moon, at the peak of Zijin Mountain, I sincerely invite Senior Yang Shengong to provide guidance!—Wang Xuan!"

This 'fifteenth' naturally wasn't August or September, but April fifteenth.

These words truly shook the entire Great Zhou.

How many years had it been since someone dared to provoke the 'Five Sages and Seven Worthies'?

It should be remembered that the last time someone dared to openly challenge them was, well, the last time.

Not limited to Chang'an, the entire Great Zhou was buzzing with discussions about this.

Scholars and literati were fine, mostly watching the show, at most cursing, "Crude martial artist."

As for the vast number of martial artists, they were completely stirred up.

"This Wang Xuan, isn't he out of his mind? Daring to challenge Alliance Leader Yang?"

"Exactly! This ignorant young boy, after being praised a couple of times, doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth."

"I won't allow you to speak of Young Hero Wang like that! Do you know how hard Young Hero Wang works!"

Inside Chen the Immortal's residence, Qin Chuan looked at these comments, feeling a mix of amusement and helplessness.

He could understand the former comments, but the latter ones—did Wang Xuan have irrational fans now too?

Sighing, he dismissed those thoughts.

Now, solidifying Wang Xuan's reputation was the priority!

The reason an empty reputation is empty is primarily because it floats in the air, without foundation or support.

To establish a foundation, Qin Chuan chose the simplest method.

—Challenge the renowned, challenge past authority.

Succeed, and it's done; fail, and there's no loss.

As for why Yang Shengong was chosen, that was worth discussing.

There was also a hierarchy of strength among the Five Sages of Martial Arts.

Yang Shengong, without a doubt, belonged to the second tier.

Crazy Chu dominated the martial world, possessing inhuman strength.

Shen Nian's sincerity was like a sword; when his sword came out, people died.

As for Yang Shengong, among the five, he was the most fond of fame.

He originated from the martial world, having traveled far and wide to learn his martial arts.

After integrating them, he soared to prominence.

In terms of talent, he was naturally top-tier.

But the mindset left from his past travels in the martial world inevitably remained.

One point, in particular, was most evident—he loved fame!

His vanity was extremely strong.

Not only did he establish the Mountain and River Alliance, but he also frequently attended banquets, enjoying others' flattery.

This was precisely the reason for choosing to challenge him.

If he had chosen Crazy Chu, Shen Nian, or others, he would most likely have been ignored.

But Yang Shengong was different; given Wang Xuan's current prestige, there was a high probability that he would agree.

As long as the battle between these two began, regardless of the outcome, it would greatly enhance Wang Xuan's reputation.

And, who said he couldn't win?

Amidst the fervent discussions, people were waiting for Yang Shengong's response.

It wasn't until the day of the Imperial Examination gradually approached, and everyone's attention was about to shift to the 'Imperial Examination Finals'.

Yang Shengong responded!

"—Agreed!"

A simple word, it didn't reveal too much information.

But this single word, however, made the martial artists of the entire Great Zhou exceptionally excited.

Yang Shengong had accepted the challenge!

This was one of the few times in recent years that the top powers of the Great Zhou had made a move.

For a time, countless martial artists gathered and headed towards Zijin Mountain outside the capital.

Among them were those who came to watch the excitement, and also those who hoped to learn a move or two.

In short—

The popularity of this duel could be said to have reached its peak.

People in the streets and alleys were all pondering one question—

How many moves could Wang Xuan withstand against Yang Shengong?

Meanwhile, inside Chong Tian Jian.

The Inspector and Wang Xuan were playing chess.

However, neither of them was truly focused on the game.

The Inspector: "Have you made up your mind? Yang Shengong is still a bit too early for you. With your talent, you will eventually rule the world one day."

Wang Xuan's tone was calm: "Which day is 'one day'? I think—it's now."

The Inspector shook his head, no longer trying to persuade him.

His gaze fell on the chessboard: "You lost."

At Chen the Immortal's residence, Qin Chuan looked at the newly arrived notice, utterly speechless.

"Is April fifteenth a very good day? Do they have to snatch traffic on that day?"

That's right, news had just come from the palace.

The final stage of the Imperial Examination, the Imperial Examination, was postponed and would take place on April fifteenth at Zwei Wei Palace.

Although the original time for the Imperial Examination was also around these few days, adjusting it by a few days was harmless.

But now, who in the entire world didn't know that Wang Xuan would challenge Yang Shengong on April fifteenth?

Now it was good, the civil and martial examinations were grouped together.

Were they really just trying to snatch traffic?

'Do you think you're the Spring Festival box office!'

—Qin Chuan grumbled inwardly, resigning himself to fate.

He only hoped that when he adjusted the perspectives of his two accounts, there wouldn't be too many problems.

Of course, if it really didn't work, then he could only let one side idle.

After Qing Ming, the weather suddenly turned warm.

The streets and alleys of Chang'an were filled with people coming and going.

From their accents, it could be heard that most of them were not natives of Chang'an.

Knights from all corners of the world, scholars who loved to write...

They were all waiting for the same time—

April fifteenth had arrived!