Chapter 133: The Top Scholar Secured

"Hah!"

Han Jiahong had already turned and lunged forward. The techniques of the Dao Sect were also sword arts—ethereal, elusive, and incredibly agile, posing a significant threat to Fang Xian.

Fang Xian’s Starry Sword Art was even more exquisite. His longsword carried specks of starlight, appearing and disappearing like a phantom. Each speck of light had the potential to transform into a lethal strike, making his movements unpredictable and extremely difficult to parry.

"Whoosh!"

Although Gong Guoqiang had been repelled by Fang Xian’s strike, he did not hesitate. He lunged forward, his long whip whistling through the air as he lashed it directly at Fang Xian’s waist.

"Snap!"

Fang Xian activated his Star-Step, his body dodging the combined onslaught with impossible footwork. At the same time, he countered with his left fist and right sword. With Wang Dongzhu removed from the fray, the pressure on him had eased significantly, though the other two were fighting with increasing ferocity.

"Whoosh!"

After a dozen more exchanges, Fang Xian inadvertently retreated to a corner of the arena. Han Jiahong and Gong Guoqiang pressed their advantage, desperate to force him off the platform, and launched a reckless, all-out assault.

"Go!"

Just then, Fang Xian shifted his weight and soared into the air like a giant bird swooping toward Han Jiahong. But just as Han Jiahong recoiled in shock, Fang Xian was already beside Gong Guoqiang. He stepped on the man’s whip and delivered a punch that sent him flying off the arena.

Han Jiahong regretted retreating the moment he did it, realizing that Fang Xian had abandoned the chase to deal with Gong Guoqiang. By the time he turned back to attack, Gong Guoqiang had already fallen.

"Ah!"

Han Jiahong’s face flushed with rage. He let out a furious roar and abandoned all defense, attacking Fang Xian with wild, uncoordinated ferocity. His "Carefree Sword Art" collapsed into total disarray.

Fang Xian stood his ground, his longsword dancing to deflect every strike until Han Jiahong’s momentum waned. Suddenly, Fang Xian launched a sharp counterattack, forcing Han Jiahong back until his foot caught the air and he tumbled off the platform.

Fang Xian took a step back. Just then, Han Jiahong hooked the edge of the arena with his toes, launched his body into the air, and shot toward Fang Xian with his sword. It was a calculated feint—a trap intended to make Fang Xian lower his guard for a final, decisive strike.

However, Fang Xian did not step forward to investigate as Han Jiahong had hoped. Because the final strike originated from a distance, Fang Xian had ample time to react.

Fang Xian parried with his longsword, blocking the attack. While Han Jiahong was still mid-air and unable to find leverage, Fang Xian struck out with his left fist. Han Jiahong, unable to dodge or brace himself, took the hit squarely in the chest.

"Bang!"

With a dull thud, Han Jiahong was sent flying backward. This time, he couldn't catch the edge of the stage and fell hard. Yet, no one watching looked down on him; in terms of ground combat prowess, Han Jiahong was second only to Fang Xian.

"The martial arts of the Dao Sect are peerless. Thank you for the match, Brother Han," Fang Xian said, bowing on the stage. Although he had won, he had to show respect to the Dao Sect, as he himself had ties to them.

"My skills were lacking, and I have brought shame to the Dao Sect’s teachings. I am truly ashamed," Han Jiahong replied, his anger dissipating upon hearing the praise. He returned the bow.

"The ground combat portion is concluded. Fang Xian is ranked 'Superior-Superior.' Han Jiahong, Gong Guoqiang, and Wang Dongzhu are 'Superior-Mid.' Liu Dongsheng, Tang Yuyong, Tong Zhaopeng, and Zhu Daocheng are 'Superior.' The rankings for the remaining martial students are as follows—"

The judge announced the results and ordered the students to gather below the command platform. Xia Zhenghong sidled up to Fang Xian. "Congratulations, Brother Fang! You achieved 'Superior-Superior' in all three martial tests. The title of Martial Champion is yours for the taking."

"You did well yourself, Brother Xia. You must have made the top twenty, right? Plus, you earned six thousand taels of silver—a great harvest," Fang Xian replied with a smile.

Though he didn't know his scores for the strategy exam, Fang Xian was confident they wouldn't be poor. As long as he achieved a 'Superior' rating there, his overall score would be the highest, and the title of Martial Champion would be a certainty.

Still, he did not become arrogant. He remained calm and composed; until Emperor Wu Qing himself made the announcement, nothing was set in stone.

On the command platform, Emperor Wu Qing had already received the report from Minister of War Chen Lin. "Your Majesty, these are the comprehensive results, but the final decision for the Martial Champion rests with you."

Wu Qing saw at a glance that Fang Xian had ranked first with four 'Superior-Superior' ratings. He could not help but feel a surge of excitement, realizing that Fang Xian was a rare talent, truly gifted in both civil and martial arts.

With the Wu Kingdom facing enemies on all sides, the Emperor had been fraught with worry. To find such a talent now felt like a blessing from the heavens, a sign that the kingdom’s destiny was still intact.

"The martial examinations must prioritize fairness. Let us rank them by their total scores; whoever is first shall be the Martial Champion," Wu Qing told Chen Lin.

Chen Lin understood. "Then I shall announce the top thirty, and Your Majesty may bestow the title of Martial Champion."

As Fang Xian chatted with Xia Zhenghong, the other students whispered and speculated about who would win, though most eyes remained fixed on Fang Xian. Minister Chen Lin stepped to the front of the platform.

"Martial students, the palace examinations are concluded. I shall now announce the top thirty, followed by His Majesty’s declaration of the Martial Champion." Chen Lin proceeded to read the names, with Fang Xian ranking first as the only student to achieve four 'Superior-Superior' ratings.

"Today, I am overjoyed to see the spirit of our young generation. I have felt your burning passion and bold ambition. You are the pride and the future of the Wu Kingdom. A strong nation requires great martial power, but even more, it requires great commanders and generals. To be a general requires not just strength, but strategy and wisdom. In all of you, I have seen these noble qualities."

"I now declare that the Martial Champion of these examinations is Fang Xian! The second place is Han Jiahong, and the third is Gong Guoqiang. All others in the top thirty are conferred the title of Martial Scholar." With that, the Emperor made his proclamation.

"Congratulations, Brother Fang, on achieving the dual titles of Civil and Martial Champion!" As the Emperor’s voice faded, a wave of cheers erupted among the students. Xia Zhenghong was the first to rush forward to offer his congratulations.

"Congratulations, Champion Fang!"
"Well done, Brother Fang!"

The surrounding students gathered to offer their respects. While they had been rivals moments ago, now that the results were set and they were destined to be colleagues, all grudges were set aside.

"Thank you, thank you all," Fang Xian replied, bowing to those around him. However, those closest to him were primarily the top thirty; the others lacked the confidence to approach the elite.