Chapter 273 (1/2)

No one expected Yan Xiu to use a tactic like this at this time.

It felt like they had saved a young innocent looking child from a criminal, only to find out that the child was the criminal's boss.

They were all in disbelief.

From the very beginning, Yan Xiu matched Xing Qingsui's attacks. It all pointed to the fact that Yan Xiu was going to fight a very traditional battle.

However, Yan Xiu decided to pull a stunt like this.

This was something that no one would have guessed.

Fang Zhengzhi had used it right at the beginning of the duel. On the other hand, Yan Xiu only pulled it out at the most crucial moment.

I thought that he was supposed to remain just as pure despite being in bad company?

All of the officials did not understand. However, they all closed their eyes subconsciously.

They could guess what was going to happen next. The Hypnotic Eye? Again? That was a humiliation that they could not take.

They would tolerate being blinded by white light twice in a day.

However, they would not face plant into the ground twice in a day!

As such, this time, everyone closed their eyes.

Just at that moment, a huge boom rang out on stage. It was followed by a cracking sound, then a loud thud.

All of the officials opened their eyes and stared at the stage.

All of them were awed by what they saw.

Of the two people originally on stage, only one was left standing...

As for the other one...

He was lying on the floor.

Yan Xiu did not speak. He simply cupped his fist towards the p.r.o.ne Xing Qingsui. Then, he bowed towards Emperor Lin Mubai and the other officials.

After which, he sauntered off the stage.

It looked like a very normal situation. There was nothing rude or unprofessional about it. However, all of the officials looked at Yan Xiu quizzically.

”He really went for a sneak attack?!”

”I don't think it is a sneak attack? It's more of a roundabout way to win?”

”Based on what we saw, Yan Xiu already had the upper hand. He could have won that based on his ability alone. Why would he choose to win in this manner?”

All of the officials looked at each other in confusion.

They did not think that Yan Xiu was wrong in doing this. After all, victory in a duel was what mattered. However, based on what they saw, Yan Xiu had no reason to use this method to be victorious.

Xing Qingsui's expression was also strange. He should not have been willing to lose in such a fas.h.i.+on. However, his gaze revealed no trace of that.

He stood up quietly, patted the dust off his clothes, and walked up to Yan Xiu. Then, he bowed, ”Thank you!”

”You're welcome!” Yan Xiu looked at Xing Qingsui and nodded.

”Thank you?!”

”Xing Qingsui is thanking Yan Xiu? And Yan Xiu looks like he was expecting it?”

”What's going on?”

All of the officials were stunned by what was happening. None of them understood the situation.

”Oh I see!” One of the officials seemed to have a revelation.

”What is it?” Another official asked immediately.

”Xing Qingsui is still recovering from his injuries. As such, the result of this battle was already determined from the start. However, based on his character, Xing Qingsui would fight to the bitter end! His injuries would only worsen and may even affect his performance in the court examinations!”

”Oh I see, Yan Xiu wanted Xing Qingsui to conserve some of his energy for the court examinations. That's why he used such a method!”

”I think that's the best explanation!”

”It is no wonder he is a disciple of the Yan Family. He is virtuous and moral. He is not like someone else we know!”

All of the officials also began to understand the logic behind Yan Xiu's actions.

Ping Yang was displeased to hear the discussion between the officials. She pouted, ”They used the same technique. Why is it that Fang Zhengzhi is shameless but Yan Xiu is virtuous? That being said... Fang Zhengzhi is quite shameless!”

However, Fang Zhengzhi was not affected by the words of the officials. Shameless? That is my best quality!

Only an idiot would put in all his effort and tire himself out on the battlefield when there was an easier method.

Did it feel good to be injured?

Fang Zhengzhi's belief was simple. He would avoid being hit if he could. His body was bequeathed to him by his parents. He wanted to protect it the best he could.

Yan Xiu and Xing Qingsui's battle was over. This also meant that Yan Xiu had advanced to the final. The officials all looked at Yan Xiu differently now.

After all, when the imperial examinations first began, who would have thought that a then Star Conglomerate State candidate would reach the final.

Amidst the discussions, Fang Zhengzhi stepped on stage.

Fang Zhengzhi's opponent was a middle aged candidate in the intermediate Heavenly Reflection State. He had made it here after many hard fought battles. Furthermore, he suffered quite a few injuries from his previous battle.

He kept panting as he stepped on stage.

Furthermore, his s.h.i.+rt was stained with blood.

As for Fang Zhengzhi, he still looked calm and composed even after his battle with Nangong Mu. His blue long sleeved s.h.i.+rt was still intact, flapping in the wind...

”Your honor, thank you for saving my life back in the World of the Sage. However, I will have to injure you today!” The middle aged candidate bowed.

”Shouldn't you be wise and just concede?” For the first time, Fang Zhengzhi felt that he was confident in winning.

He really enjoyed this feeling, and wanted it to last a little longer.

”I have already made it this far, how can I concede now?!” The candidate grit his teeth. Even though he knew what the result was going to be, he was not going to be a coward and concede.

”That's true. Then I shall let you attack me three times. I will not move throughout your three attacks!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded and walked to the edge of the stage.

”Three attacks? Not move?” The middle aged candidate did not understand what Fang Zhengzhi was doing. However, he did not feel insulted.

After all, Fang Zhengzhi had proven his skills in the battle against Nangong Mu. He definitely had the right to say this.

However...

The middle aged man subconsciously glanced at his left palm. He had something hidden there, something that he had spent many years preparing.