Chapter 64: Chapter 58: A Family with Two Top Scholars

After the civil examination, it was time for the martial examination.

With the emergence of the top three scholars, Cui Xiazhao, Li Ziyang, and Wang Anshi, Zheng Yi was well aware of the festivities and speculations outside.

However, this had nothing to do with him.

His focus turned to the martial examination to be held the next day.

Compared to the bustling and lively civil examination, the martial examination seemed somewhat desolate.

In this world of martial arts, only martial artists in the Grandmaster Realm and Innate Realm could decide life and death in a battle.

The majority of people were still ordinary folks.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Prince Xian approached respectfully, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of War, Ministry of Rites, and others.

“Rise.”

Zheng Yi raised his hand, having received the news yesterday that the Taiyii Dao patriarch had finished his seclusion. Zhao Suling wanted him to go to Jinghuang Peak to meet the Taiyii Dao patriarch.

After much consideration, Zheng Yi decided to go.

After all, there were five streams of Innate Pure Yin Qi within the Imperial Palace, and who knew what the Taiyii Dao patriarch might discover?

Moreover, Taiyii Dao, being the National Religion conferred by Great Yu, prospered alongside the nation.

Many Taiyii Dao disciples held positions in the Ministry of War, Sacrificial Institute, and Military Department, maintaining close ties with the Great Yu Court.

Even given a hundred chances, Taiyii Dao would not dare go against the Emperor.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Prince Xian led Zheng Yi to the martial examination’s top seats. Once everyone was seated, he said, “Your Majesty, the martial examination concluded days ago, and four candidates have advanced to the final stage.”

“The position of the first martial examination champion in Great Yu still requires Your Majesty’s appointment.”

“Oh? Who are the four candidates?”

“Cui Xiawu, Zhao Tieshan, Tian Yiguang, and Chen Hongxiu!”

Prince Xian continued, “These four are all first-grade martial artists, having fought their way through to this point.”

“Whether in physique assessment, horseback archery, or military strategy, they excel, leaving others unmatched.”

Zheng Yi looked ahead and saw many people seated around a massive stage.

These were all martial artists who came to participate in the martial examination, mostly third-grade and second-grade martial artists.

Zheng Yi slowly nodded and asked, “How does the Imperial Uncle plan to proceed?”

“For the martial examination, combat is paramount. I propose that these four draw lots and engage in duels, with the winner continuing until the other concedes or falls off the stage.”

“The victor shall be our first martial examination champion of Great Yu!”

Zheng Yi said, “Agreed.”

Prince Xian immediately stood up, went onto the stage, and announced loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the first martial examination finals in Great Yu, a pioneering event for our dynasty…”

After a passionate and fervent speech, the four first-grade martial artists entered the field one after another, and Zheng Yi also watched.

The first was Cui Xiawu.

This person was not tall, with a slightly dark face and unremarkable appearance, dressed simply, the kind that would be lost in a crowd.

He held a Three-foot Cyan Peak sword, though his right hand was noticeably larger than his left.

The second was Zhao Tieshan.

This man hailed from the Imperial Guard, standing a full seven feet tall, clad in armor, wielding a large blade.

With bronze-colored skin and a fierce face, his short hair stood up like a sea urchin.

It was unclear whether this was natural or caused by his cultivation technique.

The third was Tian Yiguang.

This man sported a tight robe and a young master’s demeanor, with a rosy complexion and wandering eyes.

After stepping onto the stage, he constantly greeted the audience below.

He held a folding fan in his hand, exuding a charming and elegant aura.

In one corner, several women shouted fervently for Tian Yiguang.

“Go Tian Yiguang!”

“Young Master Tian~ I’m waiting for you at Huichun Hall~”

Zheng Yi’s mouth twitched, and he asked, “How did those women get in?”

Nearby, an official from the Ministry of War immediately replied, “In response to Your Majesty, those women are disciples of the Baihua Sect and are also participants in this martial examination.”

“Baihua Sect?”

Liu Cheng’en silently appeared behind Zheng Yi, saying, “In reply to Your Majesty, Baihua Sect is a Martial Arts Sect in Jinling City. This sect is primarily composed of women, skilled in charm techniques.”

“Within the sect, there is one Grandmaster Realm martial artist and two first-grade martial artists. Although there are not many high-grade martial artists, they have secured two Grandmaster Realm and eleven first-grade Tributor!”

Chen Liancang and Xiaogui had departed to Yan Land to investigate King Yan’s rebellion over half a month ago.

Currently, within the entire Imperial Palace, Liu Cheng’en held the most power.

“So many?”

Zheng Yi was also surprised, and Liu Cheng’en continued, “This sect’s women excel in charm techniques, and all martial artists joining Baihua Sect are greedy for beauty, posing no real threat.”

“A sect entirely composed of women?”

Zheng Yi became interested, “How do they sustain themselves?”

“Brothels and pleasure boats.”

Liu Cheng’en replied coldly, “On the Qinhuai River, over one-third of the pleasure boats and brothels are run by Baihua Sect.”

“Moreover, in many of our county cities across Great Yu, there are brothels established by Baihua Sect, even in Wu Country and Xueyun Country.”

“Brothels…”

Zheng Yi’s thoughts raced. With so many brothels and a knack for using women to lure martial artists, what was Baihua Sect’s objective?

“In this cohort of concubine candidates, are there any women from Baihua Sect?”

“Yes.”

Liu Cheng’en concisely replied, “Zhuu Wanwan, a direct disciple of the current Baihua Sect Leader, aged sixteen… and a first-grade martial artist!”

“There are also three other women from Baihua Sect, but they are all second-grade martial artists.”

“A sixteen-year-old first-grade martial artist!”

Zheng Yi was amazed; this level of skill was even stronger than Xu Qingluan!

Liu Cheng’en continued, “Indeed, Your Majesty, this girl ranks in the top three of this selection process, whether in appearance, figure, or Martial Arts Cultivation!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep