The Palace Examination Begins

The Palace Examinations took place in the Forbidden Army's training ground within the palace. Officially, it was presided over by the true ruler of the Tianxuan Empire —the Empress herself. 

This grand event was a rare opportunity for the Tianxuan citizens to witness the splendour of the imperial palace, as the gates were opened to the public only on this day. 

Guided by Zheng Tao, Mo Qingkuang and the other fifteen contestants strolled through elaborately decorated palaces and gardens. 

Among them was Lin Yang, who had defeated a fourth-ranked martial master by utilizing a heavenly-ranked martial skill beyond his own level. His face was rosy, and his breathing steady, showing no signs of weakness after the fierce battle. 

Observing this, some contestants felt uneasy. If Lin Yang was in his prime state, he would be even more formidable than Tian Sheng. 

Passing through numerous buildings, they finally arrived at a massive field. 

In the centre of the field were three platforms of varying heights, surrounding a central area with a taller platform. This central platform was much higher than the other fighting platforms. 

Numerous seats were arranged on the higher platform, where many people had already taken their places. Most of them were dressed in luxurious attire, likely high-ranking officials. 

Only the central area had an empty space, offering the best view of the entire situation. 

Around the field, countless citizens had gathered, and a considerable number of them wore headbands with the words "Tianxuan Must Win" written on banners. They were here to cheer for the Tianxuan contestants. 

As soon as Lin Yang entered, angry shouts and curses erupted from the crowd. "Yuan Sword Sect's lackey! Get out of Central Province!" 

Seeing the furious crowd, the officials didn't intervene. The public's strong support was precisely what the Tianxuan court desired. 

At this moment, a soft, melodious voice echoed, "The Empress has arrived—" 

A luxurious and mysterious-looking pavilion descended from mid-air, landing gently in the central area. Despite its grandeur, it made no sound upon landing. 

Through the veiled-covered pavilion, a graceful figure lay on a reclining chair, exuding an air of mystery. It was impossible to see her face clearly. 

Hidden within Mo Qingkuang's ring, Mo Fan's eyes gleamed with fervour as he gazed at the figure in the pavilion. 

In his characterization, the Empress was a majestic, wise, and powerful woman, the most beautiful on the Tianhan Continent. 

However, he couldn't imagine the specific appearance of the Empress. Even with the exquisite descriptions he had used, the image was beyond his imagination. 

Kneeling down, the contestants paid their respects, "We pay our respects to Your Majesty." 

A cold and majestic female voice came from the pavilion, "Rise." 

They all expressed their gratitude and rose to their feet. 

The Empress's voice continued, "Zheng, begin." 

"Understood." Zheng Tao bowed towards the pavilion and turned to face the contestants, "Now, I will announce the rules of the Palace Examinations! There are three platforms of varying heights in this field, representing the top three positions, respectively. You may choose your positions until someone challenges you, determining the ranking of the platforms." 

"Those who failed to occupy the arena will be placed in the second tier and awarded the title of a martial arts scholar." 

"Now, I announce that the palace examination will officially begin!" 

After days of competition, the final battle was about to commence. Would it be the renowned Kuang Qing claiming the top spot? Or would Lin Yang, the scheming rogue from Yuan Sword Sect, succeed in his plan? Perhaps a new dark horse would rise to prominence? 

These uncertainties heightened the anticipation among the spectators. 

The palace examinations continued with the same format as the preliminary rounds, using a challenge system, which brought a sense of stability to the participants. 

The challenge system allowed for rotating battles. Lin Yang was undoubtedly formidable, but he was just one person. Aside from him, Tianxuan had fifteen other young experts. If they took turns challenging and the strongest among them decided the final ranking, it might thwart Lin Yang's plan to clinch victory. 

"Go, Tianxuan! Tianxuan forever!" The crowd cheered enthusiastically, creating an atmosphere that was both exciting and inspiring. 

Amidst the fervour, a sudden voice broke through, "Go, Brother Lin Yang! You're the best!" 

Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice—a graceful and beautiful girl. It was Chu Yanran, who had been eliminated by Kuang Qing in the preliminary rounds. 

Why is a beauty like her cheering for him? This was the unanimous sentiment of the crowd. 

Chu Yanran had recovered her youthful and beautiful appearance after a few days of rest. Today, in the final battle of the martial arts exam, she wanted to witness her Brother Lin Yang ascend to the pinnacle of Tianxuan's younger generation. 

Moreover, she wanted to see with her own eyes as Lin Yang, her brother, defeated Kuang Qing, the one who had humiliated her. Lin Yang had promised her that he would defeat Kuang Qing in front of her, seeking revenge on her behalf. 

Looking at the high platform, Chu Yanran couldn't suppress the surge of hatred in her eyes towards Kuang Qing, who was standing there with his dark skin and calm expression. 

Lin Yang had told her that he would humiliate Kuang Qing in front of her. Fortunately, Brother Lin Yang was powerful, and he also had excellent alchemy skills. Not only did he help her regain her appearance, but he also defeated those young talents who thought highly of themselves. 

Today, she would witness Brother Lin Yang crush the younger generation of the Capital and become the number one genius in Tianxuan! 

Lin Yang descended gracefully, landing on the highest platform, symbolizing the champion. He calmly spoke, "Lin Yang from Southern Province, welcome challengers." 

Zheng Tao's expression became complex as he glanced at Lin Yang and coughed twice. "Ahem, there is no examinee named Lin Yang in this martial arts exam." 

Lin Yang chuckled inwardly, finding it amusing how Central Province was adamant about saving face. He lightly responded, "In that case, Yang Lin from Southern Province welcomes challengers." 

Hearing Lin Yang's arrogant words, the audience's anger flared up as if gasoline had been poured onto the fire, intensifying their resentment. 

"Such arrogance from the lackey of Yuan Sword Sect! Let's take him down!" 

"Break his legs and throw him out!" 

"Kuang Qing, go for it! Beat him to death!" 

*** 

The remaining participants exchanged glances and turned their attention to Mo Qingkuang. 

Among these fifteen individuals, Mo Qingkuang had quite a few acquaintances. Not only were Gu Hongyi, Han Yan'er, and Tang Yu among the top sixteen but also Li Ang, the son of the Minister of War whom he had sent flying with a palm. Judging from Li Ang's aura, it seemed he had already broken through to the second-rank realm. 

Unlike the hopeful looks others cast at Mo Qingkuang, Li Ang gazed at him with deep resentment. 

He resented Mo Qingkuang for the humiliation of being sent flying with a palm, he resented Mo Qingkuang's intimate relationship with Han Yan'er, and he resented that as soon as Kuang Qing appeared, he became the beloved hero of the people in the Capital! 

Although he had broken through to the second-rank realm, he believed he wouldn't lose to Kuang Qing again. But for now, his top priority was to get rid of the troublemaker Lin Yang! 

He stared coldly at Mo Qingkuang and said, "I'll deal with him first, and then settle the score with you!" 

With that, he soared into the air, wielding his sword as he landed in front of Lin Yang, declaring, "This lackey of Yuan Sword Sect, I'll handle you first!"

***

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