Chapter 125: The Emperor Arrives in Person

Furthermore, all martial examinees shared one common trait: they carried swords or blades at their waists and held polearms in their hands. Generally, when fighting on horseback, martial generals favored polearms such as long spears, halberds, lances, maces, and dadaos.

This was because, in mounted combat, length was synonymous with strength. Polearms offered a greater radius of attack, allowing generals to better harness their divine strength while remaining less affected by the movements of their warhorses.

For infantry combat, however, they generally preferred short-handled blades, longswords, curved sabers, and short spears. These were better suited for agility and swift maneuvers, as close-quarters combat required more flexibility.

Fang Xian’s weapon of choice was the Huntian Divine Halberd, though it looked somewhat weathered at the moment, appearing like an ordinary long halberd. The weapon at his waist was naturally the Falling Star Sword, which also had its luster concealed, resembling an old, worn blade.

Xia Zhenghong, on the other hand, wore a dao at his waist and held a long spear. The spear shaft was crafted from iron birch wood, oiled and waxed, while the tip was forged from pure iron with three sharpened edges, each featuring a blood groove.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

Shortly after, the war drums began to roll again. Under the guidance of junior officers, the martial examinees below the command platform organized themselves into units, following the same formations used during the morning examinations.

Just then, a troop of cavalry in resplendent armor charged forward, positioning themselves between the examinees and the command platform. Their blades were drawn, glinting with a chilling, cold light.

A massive, bright yellow canopy moved from the distance and was positioned over the command platform. Simultaneously, a large crowd surged onto the platform, arranging rows of seats.

Although Fang Xian did not recognize the significance of the bright yellow canopy, he guessed that the visitor was of extraordinary status—a high-ranking official of the imperial court. After all, the Minister of War, Chen Lin, had not received such a grandiose reception when he arrived that morning.

"Is that the Emperor? I heard the Emperor loves watching the martial trials. It must be him," a nearby examinee whispered, looking visibly excited.

"That’s right. Who else would use a bright yellow canopy but the Emperor? And it’s not just the Emperor; royal relatives and high court officials are here as well."

"The four great frontier armies and various local forces, including the Imperial Guards, the Royal Forest Army, and the Martial Guard Army, have all sent high-ranking officers to observe. I hear that if they spot an examinee with exceptional talent, they’ll fight over him!"

"This is perfect. The moment for me to rise to fame has arrived. Wealth and glory will soon be within my reach," someone said excitedly.

"I wonder if the Eldest Princess will come? I’ve always wanted to join her Flying Phoenix Army, though I’m currently considering the Martial Guard Army," another examinee mused, lost in his own fantasies.

"One day, I, too, will sit on that command platform and watch others take the examinations. I definitely will," another whispered, vowing to become a high-ranking official of the court.

Fang Xian also watched the unfolding scene, though his thoughts were quite different. He wanted the examination to end quickly so he could secure the title of Martial Champion, marry the Eldest Princess, and take her away from the Martial Capital.

If his thoughts were known to the others, many would likely be rendered speechless with indignation. Most people participated in the martial trials, risking life and limb, for the sake of promotion, noble titles, and ancestral glory. Only he dreamed of marrying the Princess and leaving it all behind.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

The drums continued, warhorses neighed, and banners fluttered around the grand training ground. The sight of organized military might was truly spectacular, a scene of martial grandeur that set the blood of every examinee racing.

After about half a stick of incense, the drumming ceased. The field fell into silence, save for the snapping and rustling of banners in the wind, which carried an atmosphere of grim anticipation.

"Martial examinees, this afternoon is the palace-level martial strength test. His Majesty is here in person to observe. Please stir your spirits, bring forth your best, and display your finest results so that His Majesty and the ministers may witness the brilliance of our dynasty’s warriors. Now, we invite His Majesty to provide his vital instructions," announced the Minister of War, Chen Lin, standing before the platform.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Upon hearing that the Emperor was to speak, the soldiers, led by the Imperial Guards, erupted into a thunderous roar. The examinees followed suit, raising their weapons and shouting wildly. Fang Xian, naturally, joined in, raising his weapon and shouting along.

"Soldiers, martial examinees, this palace-level trial is intended to select outstanding young generals for our Great Martial Dynasty. The best among you will become the pillars of our nation, the backbone of our kingdom, and the marshals of the future.

"Today, the Martial Kingdom is surrounded by foreign nations. Particularly, the Xia Kingdom and the Barbarians are our ancestral enemies. The war has dragged on for decades and will continue until either we destroy them or they destroy us.

"The future of the Martial Kingdom depends on you to guard it. Our myriad people need your protection. To achieve great deeds is the dream of every man, and today is the starting point for your dreams to set sail," Emperor Wu Qingdi declared, standing at the front of the command platform.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The Imperial Guards were the first to cheer. As the Emperor’s loyal personal troops, who had fought alongside him on the battlefield in years past, their devotion was fanatical.

Fang Xian and the other examinees followed suit. Most were now so fired up that, if ordered to charge the enemy, they would likely do so without hesitation, even if it meant their deaths.

Fang Xian, however, remained calm. He knew his purpose for participating in the palace trials and had no intention of sacrificing himself for the Martial Kingdom. He had realized that the Martial Kingdom was in deep trouble, essentially surrounded by enemies on all sides. If the other four nations reached an agreement to dismantle the Martial Kingdom, it would be difficult for it to hold its ground.

High on the platform, surrounding the massive yellow canopy, the Eldest Princess Wu Qingluan, the Crown Prince Wu Yunxiao, the Third Prince Wu Yunfeng, the Fifth Prince Wu Yunhua, the Ninth Prince Wu Yuntian, and various ministers watched the proceedings, each harboring their own hidden agendas.

Upon arriving, the gaze of the Eldest Princess, Wu Qingluan, immediately fell upon Fang Xian in the crowd. It was impossible not to; the Fire King was so unique that almost everyone on the platform noticed the horse first, and then Fang Xian.

"Isn't that a Ferghana horse? Why is it appearing among the martial examinees?" someone asked in shock.

"Don't you know? The one riding that Ferghana horse is Fang Xian, Fang Mingda—the world’s number one divine physician and the top scholar of the civil service examinations. Who would have thought he’d come to participate in the martial trials?" someone said coldly.

"What? That’s the divine physician, the top scholar? He’s a martial examinee too?" another asked, bewildered.

"I heard he was originally a bandit recruited by the Jinwu Army, which earned him the qualifications of a guerrilla general, so he came to take the palace trial," someone leaked the news.

"Absurd! How can a bandit be allowed to participate in the palace-level martial trials? Isn't this total chaos?" someone exclaimed indignantly.

"Since the divine physician is allowed to participate, his identity has clearly been vetted. Even the Ministry of War hasn't said a word, so what's the point of your complaining? Just watch—the divine physician is clearly aiming for the title of Martial Champion," another sneered.