Chapter 57: Four Advance

When the time of an incense stick had nearly passed, Lu Licheng conceded defeat, whole-heartedly acknowledging Luo Pengtao's strength. Luo Pengtao emerged victorious in this duel, triumphing over Lu Licheng.

Their movements were fierce and swift, every clash brimming with might and danger. Their powers countered one another, and every single move struck terror into the heart and inspired awe. Their actions were so shattering and overwhelming that they caused a shudder, leaving the entire world silent.

This battle showcased their profound attainments in the martial path. Wielding miraculous precious techniques and divine abilities, they transformed into surging forces of boundless might that could lay waste to entire regions. Their combat stirred up a vast upheaval of wind and clouds between heaven and earth, resembling an ancient and magnificent myth.

The fight between Luo Pengtao and Lu Licheng displayed both their strength and wisdom, and every clash seemed to echo across the stars of the cosmos, utterly captivating the onlookers. Their dazzling movements fortified their own strength, making each successive attack even more ferocious.

In the end, Lu Licheng conceded, submitting to Luo Pengtao. He had felt Luo Pengtao's matchless and irresistible power. With an imposing stance, Luo Pengtao claimed this profoundly significant victory.

The entire battle was filled with palpable tension and fierce action, highlighting the epic confrontation between Luo Pengtao and Lu Licheng. Continuously executing their martial skills, they were like fierce tigers descending from the mountains or dragons soaring through the sea, displaying their unique combat grace with absolute poise.

This battle left behind an unforgettable memory. After a fierce clash, the two heroes executed their movements and postures with such natural perfection that it left people gasping in admiration. Their combat demonstrated their peerless strength and exceptional wisdom, writing a legend into the annals of history.

"Lu Licheng concedes and is defeated. Luo Pengtao wins!"

After pronouncing the result of the match, Grand Eunuch Wen paused slightly before continuing.

"Congratulations to the first winner for successfully advancing into the top four of this tournament."

"Now, let us welcome the final pair, representing the very last opportunity to vie for a place in the top four of this imperial examination."

"Let us invite Wu Shuhan and Wei Zikun onto the arena for their duel."

Wu Shuhan and Wei Zikun both held heavy sabers, their eyes revealing steadfastness and determination. Neither of them hailed from a prominent noble clan; to them, this examination represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a final desperate gamble to alter their destiny.

Silently facing their opponent, the two unleashed an overriding momentum through their movements. Wu Shuhan suddenly lowered his head, his heavy footsteps accompanying his descent like a sacred leader or a supreme manifestation of pure Yang. He pressed down like a giant mountain peak, gathering all momentum under his absolute control.

Wei Zikun, meanwhile, stood suspended in mid-air like a bolt of lightning cleaving the firmament. His tall and majestic figure resembled a domineering Qilin intimidating all living beings, radiating a sharp aura that chilled the bone. Wielding the saber in his hand, he struck like exploding thunder and blazing sunlight that dimmed the stars. Every slash carried an incomparably fierce power, filling hearts with awe.

The clash between Wu Shuhan and Wei Zikun was like the collision of two torrential floods, their energies surging as sword lights and saber reflections intertwined in the air. As light and agile as swallows, their swift footwork carried them across the battlefield like a pair of tempestuous beasts.

Each collision generated an uncontainable, massive force that shook the surrounding air and made observers tremble. Though their saber techniques were plain and unadorned, they contained boundless wisdom and subtlety. A single flash of the blade erupted into a dazzling radiance, resembling a dragon soaring into the sky, making even the sun, moon, and stars lose their luster.

Every attack launched by Wu Shuhan and Wei Zikun seemed capable of forging a brand-new divine ability. Their movements were swift and precise, each saber strike bringing forth unbelievable transformations. Their figures flickered between profound darkness and sudden manifestation in the sky, every appearance heralding a chaotic shift.

As the battle progressed, their energies gradually released, reaching a state of extremity. Their bodies and minds merged into one, achieving a flawless unity of saber technique and inner art. Wisps of spiritual essence circulated between the two, emitting a mysterious aura.

When their sword forms and footwork pushed to the absolute limit, every minute detail of their movements contained boundless might. The arena resembled a vast battlefield, the air thick with a suffocating oppressive weight.

Although this battle lacked flashy ornaments, it was the ultimate cry of their willpower. They possessed no glorious background, no ornate tactics—only hearts ablaze with burning passion and heavy sabers in hand. Through their actions, they interpreted the struggle and tenacity of those born in poverty, displaying the true soul of martial artists with their mortal flesh and blood.

Perhaps they were not blessed with extraordinary innate talent, but in this moment, they freely poured out their sweat and blood, displaying true power. Though this battle might end, their determination and courage were etched forever in the hearts of countless people.

Finally, Wei Zikun's foot slipped on sweat-slicked ground. Just as he was about to meet Wu Shuhan's blade with the crown of his head, Wu Shuhan was startled—he had never intended to kill Wei Zikun.

Grand Eunuch Wen flicked his sleeve, and two young eunuchs leaped onto the stage to separate the two.

"Wu Shuhan wins!"

"Now, the four qualifying contestants have been decided: Cui Xiucheng, Meng Yuxi, Luo Pengtao, and Wu Shuhan."

"The matchups for the final four are Cui Xiucheng versus Luo Pengtao, and Meng Yuxi versus Wu Shuhan."

"These two groups will compete for the positions of Top Scholar and Runner-up of the martial examination. The losers will be awarded third place based on the points accumulated during the previous bouts. Do you all understand?"

Grand Eunuch Wen spoke in a gentle tone. All four nodded. The journey had not been easy, and they had finally reached this final hurdle. However, the tournament offered no time for rest; the fewer participants remained, the faster the matches proceeded, resulting in a heavier physical toll.

"Grand Eunuch Wen, we have just finished our previous matches and our physical stamina is severely depleted. May we rest for a brief moment before this next round?"

Meng Yuxi asked respectfully.

"Young Master Meng, while this old servant understands, such is the Emperor's will, and I dare not disobey. Therefore, I can only ask everyone to gather your remaining breath and persevere until the end of the tournament. This old servant will do utmost to ensure fairness in the matches while preventing any fatal injuries."

Meng Yuxi sighed helplessly.

Having finished the very last match, Wu Shuhan was still breathing heavily. With his current physical condition, stepping onto the stage shortly would guarantee a loss.

Unable to hold back his grievances any longer, he spoke out to Grand Eunuch Wen.

"Fairness? Grand Eunuch Wen, just look at Cui Xiucheng. He barely showed any true skill until now. With his reserves fully replenished with true qi, he naturally feels no fatigue at all. Meanwhile, those of us without true qi are so exhausted we can barely hold our sabers. You might as well just declare Cui Xiucheng the winner right now."

Hearing this, Cui Xiucheng burst into laughter; he found this suggestion entirely acceptable.