Chapter 124: Unbelievable

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Listening to the discussions among the martial students, Fang Xian stepped out of the main tent and soon encountered Xia Zhenghong. The latter wore a confident expression and said, “I thought there would be more to the exam, but it was just basic strategic analysis—too simple. Now I regret not training harder in martial arts. If my skills were stronger, maybe I’d have a chance to compete for a top-three spot.”

“It’s good that you have confidence, Xia. Martial skills can be trained, but if your mind isn’t sharp, you’ll always be a fierce general rather than a marshal,” Fang Xian replied with a smile.

“That’s true. No matter how the results turn out this time, I must strengthen my martial arts from now on, aiming to break through and become a top-tier expert. Though I might not yet qualify to be a marshal, I should at least be able to command a regional army,” Xia Zhenghong nodded.

Fang Xian liked his character—a blend of scholarly wisdom and straightforward martial spirit. He seemed like a friend worth having, someone he might support if the opportunity arose.

At noon, Fang Xian and Xia Zhenghong dined together at a tavern outside the training grounds. Although Xia Zhenghong had some friends among the martial students, he hadn’t invited anyone else, sensing that Fang Xian preferred a quieter setting.

Meanwhile, Guo Shunsheng had gathered a crowd of a dozen or twenty friends, booking three private rooms. Though they refrained from drinking due to the afternoon exam, their loud chatter was still quite bothersome.

“These people are too much. How can they come to the martial imperial exam in such a state? I don’t understand what they’re thinking,” Xia Zhenghong shook his head.

“Don’t mind them. After lunch, let’s find a quiet spot in the training grounds to rest. The main event is still ahead this afternoon,” Fang Xian smiled.

However, their intention to ignore the others did not mean others would do the same. Just as the two were about to go downstairs, Guo Shunsheng spotted them and swiftly stepped forward to block their path.

“Well, if it isn’t the kid aiming to be the martial champion. Xia Zhenghong, why no introduction?” Guo Shunsheng mocked.

Xia Zhenghong’s face darkened. “Guo Shunsheng, didn’t your father teach you to show some respect? If you want to pick a fight with me, do it directly. Why drag my friend into it?”

“Hahaha, Xia Zhenghong, what secrets are you hiding? Afraid to even introduce him? Look, everyone, this is the martial champion in Xia Zhenghong’s heart. What do you think, is he the real deal?” Guo Shunsheng laughed loudly, rallying others around.

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“Guo Shunsheng, you—” Xia Zhenghong was about to retort angrily.

“Don’t waste your breath on someone doomed to fall. Guo, I already told you this morning at the exam site—as a divine doctor, I’ll remind you again: your illness is severe. You won’t live more than five years. If you take care, maybe two more years, but otherwise, death will come sooner.” Fang Xian stopped Xia Zhenghong with a calm smile and addressed Guo Shunsheng.

“Are you Fang, the divine doctor of the world’s foremost medical hall?” This time, Fang Xian’s voice carried to all nearby. One martial student, a guerrilla general in the Imperial Guard, suddenly looked at Fang Xian carefully and exclaimed.

Though only an ordinary guerrilla general, he was qualified to take the exam and was well aware of Fang Xian’s reputation. He had even seen him patrolling near the northern street.

The exclamation caught the attention of other martial students, who were stunned. Nearly everyone who came to the martial capital had heard of the divine doctor Fang. Most had also recently learned that Fang had become the literary champion, sparking much discussion, though few had actually met him.

“What? He’s the divine doctor Fang? Then isn’t he also the literary champion?” someone whispered.

“No wonder Xia Zhenghong is close to him—they’re contemporaries. But why would the literary champion enter the martial imperial exam?” another wondered.

“Maybe he wants to be a martial champion too, so he can claim the double title of literary and martial champion,” someone joked. After saying it, many felt it might actually be possible.

“Please make way,” Fang Xian said calmly, neither confirming nor denying the rumors.

Guo Shunsheng stepped aside under Fang’s gaze, feeling his facial muscles twitch and cold sweat break out on his back.

When Fang told him to move, Guo felt as if a fierce tiger was staring him down—if he didn’t comply, he might be torn apart. So he reluctantly yielded.

This encounter made Guo realize Fang’s formidable presence and power. Though Guo barely broke into the ranks of top-tier experts, his foundation was shaky. He doubted he would improve much more in the future.

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Soon, the news that Fang Xian—the literary champion and divine doctor—was also participating in the martial imperial exam spread like wildfire among the martial students. Most found it hard to believe.

However, the elite martial students paid no mind. They were supremely confident in themselves—some from prestigious families, some disciples of renowned masters, and some with extraordinary talent. To them, no matter Fang’s champion status or medical title, he was merely an obstacle to overcome.

Fang Xian and Xia Zhenghong located an exam hall and entered. Fang leaned against the desk with his eyes closed, resting for most of an hour. At last, the sound of drums echoed outside. The two stepped out of the tent when soldiers notified them, “Please proceed to prepare for the martial skills test. Be ready with your warhorses.”

“Thank you,” they replied and headed to the stables to get their mounts. The feeding troughs on either side of Fire King’s stall stood empty—no warhorse dared stand near it.

“Brother Fang, I heard rumors you tamed this magnificent Akhal-Teke stallion. I didn’t believe it, but it’s true. Looks like the martial champion will have to be you,” Xia Zhenghong said admiringly.

“A good warhorse helps, but real power depends on oneself. Brother Xia, don’t belittle yourself. Though your martial skills rank lower among these students, your overall strategic score could still land you in the top thirty. So do your best in the exam.” Fang Xian swung into the saddle, nodded to Xia, and urged his horse forward toward the command platform.

“Brother Fang, wait for me!” Xia Zhenghong quickly mounted and chased after him.

Fang later learned from soldiers that the tall platform they approached was called the Command Platform. During training, generals stood there to direct drills. In battle, the commander would use it to marshal troops.

As Fang and Xia arrived, other martial students came rushing from all directions. The area beneath the platform was a chaotic scene of various warhorses and armored warriors.

Some wore golden armor, others silver, iron, bronze, soft silver, bright light armor, shining silver, chainmail—an array of armors differing in material and hue.