Chapter 98: The Ten Great Sects’ Fight for the Champion

The triennial Imperial Examination came to an end as light snow encapsulated Changan.

The excitement and celebration in the city slowly died down after the grand champion uttered the bittersweet line: ‘In one day, I’ve seen all of Changan’s flowers that make my heart sing.’

One would have to wait three more years to experience the same excitement permeating through the city again.

Young and fresh students were about to enter the academies and begin their three years of strenuous cultivation. The title of the grand champion was a great source of motivation.

Meanwhile, the candidates who had already shown their talents and skills in the Imperial Examination walked out the gates of their academies, graduating into a much broader world of cultivation.

…

Snow continued to fall as the night set in.

The rowdy city of Changan had finally quieted down.

Lanterns outside the Ministry of Rites palace swayed in the snowy breeze, illuminating the entrance.

The atmosphere within the palace was loud and lively. Dozens of silhouettes could be seen within the brightly lit hall.

The figures inside were dressed in unique clothes. They exuded terrifyingly fearsome auras that could seemingly dissipate the nimbostratus clouds above the palace. Among them included monks, swordsmen, martial arts masters and many more.

They were powerful people who came from the great sects of the Tang Dynasty—those who had the right to recruit disciples into their sects.

The Imperial Examination was a competition among the students. Likewise, the night after the results were released, it was a competition among the sect representatives.

This was an interesting scene that occurred at the end of every Imperial Examination.

The Minister of Rites would personally hold a party that would be attended by sect leaders of the top ten sects in the empire. Sect leaders from other prominent sects were also present. Students who made it into the top 200 in the Imperial Examination would have the honor of attending the party.

Big shots like the grand chancellor, Lu Taixuan, and the right administrator, Li Puyi, attended the party as well, demonstrating their concern toward the futures of the geniuses who emerged from the Imperial Examination.

The party was held in the spacious palace. Wine and other refreshments were served on multiple long banquet tables.

Fang Lang had taken off his champion’s silk robe and changed into a brand new green robe. With his Obsidian Sword and Blooming Lotus Blade slung behind his back in a sword box, Fang Lang set foot into the party while chatting gleefully with Old Jiang.

The end of the Imperial Examination brought Fang Lang immeasurable relief. He felt free as a fish swimming in the vast ocean.

Jiang Linglong donned her veil again, hiding away her gorgeous face. Her star-bright eyes regained the coldness of an iceberg.

Dressed in a black robe, Wei Sheng had an innocent smile on his face.

As the top three winners of the Imperial Examination, they were invited to the party right after parading the streets of Changan. Naturally, they were seated at the very front of the hall, ahead of the other students who made it into the top 200 ranks.

Fang Lang, Jiang Linglong and Wei Sheng sat down according to their ranks.

Candles were lit along the left and right walls of the hall. Illuminating crystals shone brilliantly from the ceiling beams they were placed on. The entire palace was as bright as day.

As time passed, students within the top 200 ranks arrived at the party one after another and sat down according to their rank.

Liu Bubai held his chin high as he stepped into the palace with Ni Wen who hung her head low, shoulders scrunching.

They waved at Fang Lang when they saw him.

Unfortunately, the party was strict about the student’s sitting order. Hence, they had no choice but to sit according to their ranks.

Liu Bubai had no problem with that. He immediately started chatting merrily with the student sitting beside him.

He talked about swords, flight swords and flight maneuvers.

The student flashed Liu Bubai an awkward but polite smile, then turned to the student beside him to chat about the Queen of Flowers in the entertainment house.

Liu Bubai had no interest in that conversation. He poured a cup of wine and drank it by himself.

Meanwhile, Ni Wen was trapped among a crowd of students. She hung her head low, not saying a word as she continuously poured wine. Whenever someone came to have a toast with her, she instinctively down the entire cup.

The wine they served at the party was made from spirit fruits. It had a sweet taste and low alcohol content.

Nonetheless, it was still alcohol. After drinking too much, Ni Wen’s face glowed bright red as if she had a veil across her face.

Ximen Xianxian thrived at parties. He poured himself a cup of wine and raised his glass at Fang Lang from a distance.

Fang Lang raised his cup as a gesture of goodwill.

After a few cups of wine, the atmosphere turned lively.

Nevertheless, the party turned silent just a moment later.

An overbearing aura filled the air as the powerful sect leaders. Changan’s high-ranking officials, noblemen and other big shots set foot into the ministry’s palace.

The main purpose of the party was to provide the top 200 students with an opportunity to pick their preferred sects. At the same time, it was a good chance for the elders who had been working in the courts for many years to establish connections.

The students who had made it onto the honor roll naturally had a greater advantage on their path of cultivation. Naturally, their achievements in the future were expected to be above average. Thus, it would be beneficial for them to establish good relations with each other

The leaders of the top ten sects, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Revenue and all the other important guests had arrived at the party. To everyone’s surprise, the first prince was present in his dragon robe. He sat down at the seat of honor. The rowdy hall instantly turned silent.

No one anticipated the first prince’s attendance.

A look of anxiousness appeared on the face of many students.

Nonetheless, that year’s Imperial Examination was rumored to have the most saboteurs compared to past years’ exams. Thus, it was reasonable for the first prince to want to keep an eye out.

In the eyes of most students, the first prince was an elegant man who always maintained a faint smile on his face. However, when Fang Lang looked at him, all he could think of was how different the first prince was from the insufferably arrogant third prince. It was as if they were not even brothers.

After a speech from the Minister of Rites, the party officially began. It was a jolly night of drinking.

Halfway through the party.

The sect leaders finally began to give out invites to the students.

This made many of the semi-intoxicated students sober up instantly.

Of course, the sect leaders who were giving out invites were those of first-class sects. First-class sects were sects around the level of Donglu’s Sword League—prominent sects that were not included in the top ten.

Nonetheless, its entrance exam was still competitive. Only those who made it into the top 2000 ranks in the Imperial Examination had a right to take their entrance exam.

Liu Bubai and Ni Wen both received invitations for those first-class sects. Ni Wen received personal invitations from countless sects.

Ni Wen came from a peasant background which meant she had no access to cultivation resources, yet she could achieve the 79th rank in the Imperial Examination with sheer talent and determination. Many first-class sects saw her as a treasure.

In fact, even some of the top ten sects had their eyes on Ni Wen.

An ordinary-looking lady was sitting on the second seat in the sect representatives’ area. She scanned the room and her gaze instantly fell on Ni Wen, whose face was flushing red from the fruit wine. She smiled and introduced herself. “I am the vice leader of the Meridian Guild, Yan Keqing. I’m wondering if you’d like to join the Meridian Guild, Ni Wen?

“The Meridian Guild is ranked second among the top ten sects of the Tang Dynasty. We are quite well-established. Ni Wen, your ranking in the Imperial Examination may be lacking a little, but judging from your performance in the final section, the Meridian Guild welcomes you with open arms.”

Hearing that, whispered discussions broke out at the party.

Who could have thought the Meridian Guild, which ranked second among the top ten sects, would make their move so quickly?

Ni Wen was at a loss. She turned to Fang Lang who was sitting at the very front, begging for help through her gaze.

Fang Lang frowned and thought, ‘That vice leader sure has a sharp eye. She must’ve noticed Ni Wen’s bloodline ability. That’s why she didn’t hesitate to stoop below her level and extend the invitation.’

Just then, the white-haired man sitting on the tenth spot of the sect representatives’ area opened his mouth and said in a lazy manner, “Little girl, are you interested in joining my Sword Guild? Although our sect focuses mainly on sword mastery, we still have a division dedicated to spell mastery. We conduct research on how to fuse spell mastery with sword mastery.”

Discussions broke out among the crowd again. No one could have anticipated that Chao Xiaojian would try to recruit Ni Wen.

Yan Keqing raised her brows. “Chao Xiaojian, why are you trying to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong? That fusion research your sect is working on is utter nonsense. Are you trying to ruin Ni Wen’s future in cultivation?”

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Even so, no one tried to defuse the situation. After all, it was normal for the great sects to fight for the outstanding candidates.

“You think I don’t know about the Meridian Guild’s lack of virtue? You want Ni Wen because of her bloodline, don’t you? If it weren’t for that, will the Meridian Guild still want her?

“I, Chao Xiaojian, have no such ideas! I am only interested in the little lady’s talent in spell mastery.

“Quit it with your false accusations!”

“What are you gonna do about it?”

…

Before they knew it, the two were already fighting.

Luckily, it did not erupt into a physical fight.

Eventually, the two calmed down. After all, it would hurt their image to brawl in front of the many candidates.

Chao Xiaojian downed a cup of fruit wine and smiled at Ni Wen. “Little girl, do consider joining the Sword Guild. That little brat, Fang Lang, will surely be in my Sword Guild. If you join my sect, I’ll make Fang Lang your errand boy. Having the champion as your little assistant should be enough motivation, right?”

After hearing that, many sect leaders gazed at the flustered girl with eyes that glistened as brightly as stars.

Yan Keqing’s chest tightened. She was infuriated!

The spectating candidates cheered. How amusing it was to watch the ten great sects fight for a disciple!

The fight for Ni Wen came to a temporary pause. The sects could only make their offers in an effort to attract the geniuses to their sects but the final decision would still depend on the candidate’s own choice.

The atmosphere at the party turned more and more fervent—perhaps it was because someone had taken the first step.

One after another, the geniuses received invites from various sects.

Some candidates made their decision on the spot. An example would be Ximen Xianxian, who, after receiving an invitation from the Karma Society, immediately joined the sect.

The strongest yet most tragic spell practitioner in the Imperial Examination, Li Yuanzhen, was invited to the top sect in the Empire—the Main Path Guild. Despite falling short in his performance that year, the sect leader knew the boy’s talent was worthy of acknowledgment. After many days, Li Yuanzhen could finally wipe that miserable look on his face in exchange for a smile. He drank a cup of wine and accepted the Main Path Guild’s invite.

Wei Sheng joined the Xianwu Association that ranked fifth among the ten great sects. The basis on which the top ten students chose their sects was not just dependent on the sect’s ranking; they had to take the their specialized discipline into consideration as well.

The first prince, the Minister of Rites, Lu Taixuan and the others watched in silence. They did not interfere.

…

“Grand champion, the Jade Pavilion welcomes you with full sincerity. If you’re willing to join us, we will provide you with one high-grade spirit crystal, ten mid-grade spirit crystals and a thousand low-grade spirit crystals every month. Moreover, we will provide you with one stalk of Blade Energy Accumulation Herb and other resources every year. On top of that, we will provide you with ten million gold coins every year for three consecutive years.

“This is the best offer the Jade Pavilion has offered to any champion throughout the many years of Imperial Examination. Sects are different from academies. Academies distribute their resources evenly to students, but in sects, you will have to compete for those resources.

“With that in mind, Champion, do consider the Jade Pavilion.”

Su Yunyu smiled and said.

She had understood Fang Lang’s value ever since Manager Yu, who was from the Jade Pavilion’s Luojiang division, came to her.

That boy was born for the Jade Pavilion!

Su Yunyu’s words struck like thunder.

The entire palace fell into pin-drop silence. Many exhilarated students suddenly lost their spirit.

‘The resources that the Jade Pavilion promises… isn’t it a little over the top!’

As expected of the rich and pompous Jade Pavilion!

The other sect representatives who were about to invite Fang Lang were at a loss for words.

Even the equally wealthy and pompous sect leader of the Sky Cloud Sect was rendered speechless.

He could afford to spend all those cultivation resources… but was Fang Lang worth it?

Even so, the sect leader of the Sky Cloud Sect ground his teeth and declared, “Champion, the Sky Cloud Sect will offer you whatever the Jade Pavilion offers. On top of that, we will provide you with a seventh-class cultivator who will serve as your bodyguard and lead you into demon portals to undergo demon-slaying training once every month for three consecutive years!”

An old monk dressed in loose red robe put his palms together and said.

The words spoken in a gentle tone sent the entire room into an uproar.

“Champion, you possess the proper foundation to become a giant in martial arts mastery. The Immortal Martial Association is willing to let you access our secret training realm three times a month for three consecutive years,” said a burly man as he downed a cup of fruit wine.

The hall went silent again.

Astonishment filled the room as the top ten sects revealed the cultivation resources they were willing to provide Fang Lang with.

The Medicine Valley, the Four Rings Tower, the Meridian Guild and many other sects were making their offers.

Finally, the Main Path Guild, which ranked first among all sects, made their offer.

An ordinary-looking middle-aged man began speaking, “The Main Path Guild has always been the top choice for champions. Champion, if you join our sect, we are willing to provide you with a chance to visit Main Path Mausoleum.”

There was pin-drop silence.

The Main Path Mausoleum was the holy grounds of the Main Path Guild. All fallen cultivators of the ninth class were buried on those lands, waiting for the chosen ones to inherit their strength and enlightenment.

Every year, only one person was allowed to enter the mausoleum—the winner of the competition among its inner sect disciples.

Gaining the strength and enlightenment of any ninth-class cultivator would bring immeasurable power!

It seemed like the Main Path Guild was also prepared to make great sacrifices to reel in Fang Lang.

The palace remained silent.

At that moment, Fang Lang had become the center of all attention. After all, he was the champion. The other students stared at him with envy and admiration.

Li Yuanzhen felt as if he had been slapped across the face.

Compared to the offer the Main Path Guild made to Fang Lang, the offer he received was crap!

‘Does that mean… I’m an utter failure?’

Some were envious while others were jealous.

Meanwhile, some were panicking—Chao Xiaojian was one of them.

Chao Xiaojian was no longer lying casually on his side. He sat upright, his heart filled with bitterness.

‘I should have snatched the brat into the Sword Guild earlier!’

Fang Lang smiled. He turned away and let his gaze land on Chao Xiaojian.

“Vice Leader Chao, can I hear the Sword Guild’s offer?”

Fang Lang smiled and asked.

In an instant, everyone’s gaze fell on the white-haired man.

Of course, Chao Xiaojian pretended to be completely unfazed.

Su Yunyu, who was drinking wine at the side, pouted her red lips and scoffed.

The Sword Guild was an attractive choice for candidates when Xuanyuan Taihua was still around. However, ever since Xuanyuan Taihua’s disappearance, it became difficult for the Sword Guild to compete with the other sects. In fact, the Sword Guild might even lose its place among thel ten great sects that year.

After all, top-tier first-class sects like Donglu’s Sword League and Nanhai Sword Association were scrambling to challenge the Sword Guild for its place among the ten great sects.

Su Yunyu tapped her slender fingers against the table, waiting for Chao Xiaojian to make his offer.

Chao Xiaojian had a calm expression on his face. His lips curled upward as he scanned the hall. “Fang Lang, you little brat. I won’t use the Blooming Lotus Sword to pressure you into joining my sect. The Sword Guild cannot provide you with resources, but I promise you this… If you enter the Sword Guild, I, Chao Xiaojian, will personally escort you into Donglu’s Demon Portal when you breakthrough into the fourth-grade realm. I swear I will lead you into the depths of the demon world and we shall establish a foundation within! Then, you can bathe in the Devil’s pond every single day!”

Having said that, Chao Xiaojian slapped his hand on the table snobbishly and scanned the hall with his bloodshot eyes.

‘Come at me!

‘Fight me!

‘I’m not afraid of you!

‘Can any of you do this for Fang Lang?’

The expressions on the sect leaders’ faces changed abruptly. Chao Xiaojian must have lost his mind.

Even so, that was an exceedingly attractive offer. No amount of spirit crystals could trump his offer.

All eyes were on the boy sitting on the first seat again.

The offers from the great sect leaders were incredibly attractive. Out of all the champions produced in recent years, Fang Lang must have been the most glorious.

Everyone was curious about Fang Lang’s final decision.

Even the first prince glanced his way out of interest. Lu Taixuan stroked his beard merrily. Li Puyi, too, had turned to Fang Lang with a cold expression.

Fang Lang stood up and made a toast.

He smiled amiably and downed the cup of wine.

“Thank you, respected sect leaders for thinking so highly of me.

“Your kind offers are much appreciated.”

Having said that, Fang Lang placed two fingers on his Blooming Lotus Blade and unsheathed it. The blade glimmered in the light.

“Obtaining the Blooming Lotus Sword was a turning point in my life. Xuanyuan Taihua was not my master, yet in a way, she was my guide. I am forever grateful.”

Fang Lang reached out and flicked his Blooming Lotus Sword. Its ring instantly filled the palace.

“Besides, I’d love to know what it’s like to bathe on the demons’ holy grounds.”