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Chapter 163: Chapter 163: Just Thinking About It Is Thrilling...
The Ministry of Justice officials stood solemnly in a row below the stage with a heavy oppressive air that demanded attention.
Cui Hao continued, "The first round is an eight-person melee. In the competition, any examinee who falls off the stage is immediately eliminated. All examinees may only enter the arena with a battle spear and no hidden weapons. Anyone found in possession will be immediately disqualified and handed over to the Ministry of Justice for handling. The martial arts examination begins now."
The eight competitors picked up their weapons and headed to their designated spots.
The arena was large enough that, unless pressured by an opponent into a corner, it was unlikely for one to fall off.
In the trials, the battle spear was the designated weapon, as it was also commonly used on battlefields.
Miss Zhan Lan held her Iron Blood battle spear—it seemed heavier than the others’, but it didn’t seem out of place in her hands.
Her valiant and stunning appearance immediately captured the attention of the crowd below.
Some praised, "As expected of Miss Zhan Lan who has earned first-class battle honors, so heroic and beautiful!"
Some anticipated, "Among today’s examinees, we also have the great Young Master from the number one sect in the world, the Heavenly Slaughter Sect. His strength is not to be underestimated!"
Some joined the discussion, "I’ve also heard that within the martial arts community, the Heavenly Slaughter Sect is the strongest, and Ouyang Qingming ranks second among the younger generation. Quite impressive indeed!"
Some worried, "I’m a bit concerned for Miss Zhan. After all, she is a woman, and I wonder if she can win against men?"
"Let’s just watch and see!"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the competition began amidst the sound of beating drums.
Zhan Lan gripped her battle spear tightly; sure enough, someone was launching an assault towards her, and it was Hua Jiu from the Heavenly Slaughter Sect, as well as Ouyang Qingming’s junior.
Zhan Lan met his powerful strike with her spear, and a buzzing vibration emanated from the collision.
Both of their arms went numb. Hua Jiu chuckled, "Miss, impressive!"
Zhan Lan ignored him, steadied her footing, and engaged in combat with him.
Xiao Chen never expected Huang Gun to be the first to attack him!
After several exchanges with Huang Gun, Xiao Chen’s attention kept drifting towards Zhan Lan’s direction.
Although it was Hua Jiu attacking for now, Xiao Chen could see that he was trying to wear down Zhan Lan’s stamina. Perhaps, Ouyang Qingming would soon launch an attack on her.
"Ah!"
Xiao Chen suddenly heard a scream; an examinee was pushed by Ouyang Qingming to the edge of the platform and with a swift kick, was sent tumbling down.
Cui Hao announced, "Tiandu City contestant Liu He is out!"
Dispirited, Liu He picked up his battle spear from the ground, covering his chest in frustration. Indeed, Ouyang Qingming was strong; though discontent, Liu He could only resign himself to his bad luck.
Ouyang Qingming, eliciting applause from the crowd, slightly curved his lips in satisfaction and looked towards Zhan Lan and Hua Jiu. He squinted when he saw Zhan Lan was actually pressuring Hua Jiu.
Hua Jiu was nearly driven to the edge of the platform.
Ouyang Qingming, holding his spear, headed towards Zhan Lan. Xiao Chen intercepted Huang Gun’s blow, urgently saying, "Look, those two are ganging up on Miss Zhan; shameless!"
Huang Gun glanced back briefly and, frowning, said, "Heavenly Slaughter Sect is truly shameless!"
After saying this, he withdrew his attack and ran towards Zhan Lan, shouting back at Xiao Chen, "Wait for me, I’ll fight with you again in a bit!"
Xiao Chen shook his head; Huang Gun was still the same—he never believed in hitting women.
In his eyes, women should be protected by men.
As Ouyang Qingming was nearly upon Zhan Lan, a big face suddenly appeared from the side, blocking his path. Huang Gun said with disdain, "Your opponent is me, come on!"
Ouyang Qingming looked down scornfully at Huang Gun. Though the lad was unremarkable and without any significant background, he dared to block his path.
Death wish!
Ouyang Qingming jabbed his spear forward, while Huang Gun, shaking his hand, said, "Damn, you’re pretty good, lad!"
Seeing that Zhan Lan had pushed Hua Jiu to a desperate edge, Ouyang Qingming landed a heavy blow on Huang Gun, disarming him of his spear.
Upon seeing this, Huang Gun quickly recovered his spear and fled, "Young Master will fight you later."
Xiao Chen had already reached Zhan Lan’s side, but Hua Jiu was not a pushover. Though seemingly cornered by Zhan Lan, he performed a reverse somersault and landed back on the platform.
Gasping for breath, he took cover under Ouyang Qingming and escaped to the centre of the platform.
Xiao Chen immediately pursued Hua Jiu.
Zhan Lan directly faced Ouyang Qingming’s attack.
Ouyang Qingming aimed at Zhan Lan’s chest, but she sidestepped and counterattacked forcefully with her spear.
Bang!
Metal struck sparks, and Ouyang Qingming was forced back two steps, his palms numbing, now understanding why Hua Jiu, who was only second to him in strength, was pushed into a corner by Zhan Lan.
This woman was no ordinary opponent.
Not giving him time to think, Zhan Lan’s spear, with a whistling sound, was already upon him. Ouyang Qingming dodged, pressing down hard on the spear in Zhan Lan’s hands with the force of thunder.
Zhan Lan used the strength of her arms to hold up Iron Blood, Ouyang Qingming’s might indeed not to be underestimated.
The spectators tensed at the sight; Zhan Xuerou’s heart swelled with joy—Zhan Lan had met her match, and now surely couldn’t make it to the top three.
Zhan Xincheng’s eyes shimmered with anticipation; his fingers lightly stroked his clothes, holding his breath as he watched Ouyang Qingming on the stage.
It seemed success was within reach!
In the prime viewing spot, where others could not enter, sat Mu Yan observing the clashing spears.
Mu Yan toyed with a dagger in his hand, quietly watching the duo on stage.
Vermilion Bird was tense behind him, ready to respond at a moment’s notice—should Ouyang Qingming dare to harm Miss Zhan, he would be pierced through the chest by Master’s dagger, his blood spattering on the spot.
The four veteran generals, sitting in the examiner’s seats, watched Zhan Lan with concern, fearing that Ouyang Qingming might strike too hard and injure their talented disciple.
They could distinctly feel Ouyang Qingming’s force surpassing Zhan Lan’s.
The situation was dire!
Zhan Lan was pinned down by Ouyang Qingming’s spear, his gaze settling on Zhan Lan’s beautiful face.
Lust evident in his eyes, he whispered audibly only to the two of them, "Beauty, what a pity, to perish before sharing a night with you. But I’ve never enjoyed a female corpse before; the thought of it is quite thrilling..."
