Chapter 268 (2/2)
The first round of the court examinations were over quickly.
The second round bracket was drawn. Fang Zhengzhi’s name was naturally inside, but he did not have the luck of the draw.
His opponent was...
Nangong Mu!
Is that Nangong Mu of the Nangong family?”
”Fang Zhengzhi is really out of luck. To think that he would meet Nangong Mu in his first duel!”
”Nangong Mu is at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Reflection State. Furthermore, he has learnt the Green and Blue Secret Art, one of the premier techniques of the Nangong Family. He is no weaker than Yu Wengu!”
”Speaking of Yu Wengu, I wonder how Fang Zhengzhi managed to defeat him?”
”Is he not here yet?”
Voices began to ring out as the crowd grew restless. According to the rules of the examination, failure to turn up was akin to withdrawing.
”I guess he really is hiding!”
”If it was anyone else, Fang Zhengzhi’s absence would be surprising. However, since it is Nangong Mu, it isn’t all that weird.”
”That’s true!”
On the stage, Nangong Mu went silent as he scanned the restless crowd.
He was calm, choosing not to speak.
The Green and Blue Swords in his hand continued to glow subtly.
Time crept...
After five minutes, Fang Zhengzhi still did not show up.
The invigilator was growing impatient. After all, the emperor and all of the officials were present.
He subconsciously glanced in King Duan’s direction.
This was also the retest of the imperial examinations. Since the chief examiner, Han Zhangfeng, was being held by the law ministry, King Duan was the one in charge.
”Announce it!” King Duan nodded.
”Sixth brother, I heard that Fang Zhengzhi arrived in Dong Lin City 10 days ago. I am sure he is in the vicinity. This court examination concerns their future, why don’t...” The Ninth Prince advised.
”Should we just let the emperor and all the officials continue waiting? Ninth brother, as a prince, can you not weigh the importance of the two?” King Duan asked solemnly.
”What I mean is we can have the other duels fought first, that way...”
”Push this duel back? Ninth brother, I have to chide you now. I do not care for you usual laziness, but do note where we are right now! The emperor and all the officials are watching! If we delay the duel for everyone who is late, what are the rules for? Without respect for the rules, who will respect the law? How can a country run without laws?” King Duan chided.
”Yes... sixth brother is right!”
”Okay then, announce the results according to the rules!” King Duan waved his hand, signalling to the invigilator to announce the results.
”Yes, sir!” The invigilator nodded when he saw the sign.
However, at that very moment, Nangong Mu fell to his knees. He paled and looked to be in extreme pain.
All of the officials looked on doubtfully.
”What is happening to Nangong Mu?”
”He was just fine moments ago, why does he look like he’s dying now?”
Emperor Lin Mubai glanced at Nangong Mu’s pained expression and stood up from his throne. Nangong Mu was kneeling at him.
”Call the doctor!”
”Yes!”
”I am here!” A voice rang out from the crowd. Then, a middle aged man sprinted onto the stage.
All of the officials were getting anxious.
However, the expressions of Yu Yuping, Lin Tianrong, and King Duan all turned ugly.
They could tell that Nangong Mu was just buying time.
However, with the doctor around, they had to suppress what they felt. After all, if Nangong Mu was faking it, the doctor could definitely tell.
Before long, the middle aged doctor stood up.
”Your highness, Nangong Mu’s pulse is unsteady and he looks like he is having a panic attack. Even though it is not major, I think he needs to rest for a while!”
”Since that is the case, let’s delay this duel!” Lin Mubai nodded and returned to his seat.
”Yes, your highness!” The invigilator nodded and announced, ”Due to Nangong My’s panic attack, this duel with Fang Zhengzhi is postponed to round 5.”
”Thank you your highness!” Nangong Mu forced himself to his knees to thank the emperor.
”A panic attack at this time? Isn’t it too much of a coincidence? If he had just controlled it for a moment longer, he would have won and been able to rest!”
”Official Li, do you see it?”
”Yes!”
”Do you think anyone doesn’t know what he’s doing?”
”...”
”Nangong Mu had spoken up for Fang Zhengzhi in the throne room. I have heard that he is an introvert and a recluse. I never expected him to be friends with Fang Zhengzhi.”
”I don’t think that’s very possible. It’s probably just because Fang Zhengzhi saved him in the World of the Sage!”
The duels continued despite the discussions below.
The second duel was between Xing Qingsui and a nascent Heavenly Reflection State candidate. The candidate had already suffered some injuries from his first round.
When he saw that his opponent was Xing Qingsui, he wanted to concede.
However, Xing Qingsui did not want to let that happen.
He shouted at the top of his lungs, ”A man never retreats!” Then, he kicked that pitiful candidate onto the stage. After some brutal hits, Xing Qingsui kicked him off.
The candidate cried as he rolled in the dust. He swore to serve the country loyally and never retreat.
All of the officials were stunned by what they saw. They could only exclaim, ”The Stabilisation Constabulary’s determination and spirit is admirable! It is no wonder they are so powerful!”
The third duel was between two middle aged nascent Heavenly Reflection candidates. It was a tough fight, and one of them eventually won a pyrrhic victory.
Yan Xiu was up next.
Just as all of the officials were expecting Yan Xiu to showcase his technique, something dumbfounding happened...