Chapter 153: 153. Flying Again (First Update)
Translator: 549690339
After “Nian Ruxue” was defeated, the martial arts competition continued.
Some set their sights on Su Liang, but among the seven who had just “allied” together, several had previously fought and lost to Su Liang in the ranking match, and they didn’t want to provoke her again.
The alliance dissolved in an instant.
Three separate battle groups emerged on the Combat Stage.
Apart from Su Liang and Gao Jiabao, the other seven fighters had split into two smaller “subgroups” – one with two and the other with three people.
The ones under attack were those who had previously lost to their opponents in the ranking match.
Soon, the ninth-ranked fighter was determined.
Moments later, the eighth-ranked fighter was also eliminated.
In situations of a small gap in individual strength, being alone meant almost certain defeat.
The trio then started to attack the duo.
Luo Rong was among the trio. He had been eliminated during the elimination match but had entered the top ten through the Challenge Contest. Apart from Su Liang, he had not fought any of the martial artists present today, so they were somewhat unsure of his actual strength and hadn’t targeted him first.
As for Su Liang and Gao Jiabao, although they had been fighting each other seriously and splendidly since the beginning, it was unclear who was stronger.
The old Master Gao, who was watching the battle, knew that if Su Liang hadn’t picked Gao Jiabao as her opponent at the start and formed their separate circle, making it difficult for others to intervene, Gao Jiabao would have been targeted by the larger, stronger fighters early on due to his seemingly weak appearance.
The other member of their group was quickly eliminated as well and ended up in sixth place.
The trio didn’t turn on each other, but instead targeted Su Liang and Gao Jiabao.
Forming an alliance was not easy, especially with three of them being a delicate number. Seeing that as long as they could work together to eliminate the others, the top three would be fixed, their alliance seemed temporarily stable.
Luo Rong had also realized that the strengths of the two rivals were both greater than his, and they had incredible synergy, implying that they might have had prior interactions. They chose him because his martial arts could better help them defend.
Although Luo Rong admired Su Liang, the Combat Stage was no place for personal feelings; only strength mattered.
Now there were only five left.
Seeing that Su Liang was still fighting Gao Jiabao, with the other three casting covetous glances at them, Lin Xueqing anxiously said, “They are going to join forces to attack Su Liang!”
Old Master Qin’s eyes twinkled as he reassured her, “Don’t worry, Xueqing. Su
Liang surely knows what she’s doing.”
The next moment, as the trio charged towards Su Liang and Gao Jiabao, the two fighters, who had been dueling since the beginning, suddenly redirected their weapons and faced the trio!
There was an uproar from the crowd!
Man Ya’s eyes were deep with intrigue, “They are in cahoots! What a cunning plan!”
Anyone watching would have believed that Su Liang and Gao Jiabao originally wanted to eliminate each other as quickly as possible, but they, unexpectedly, became allies.
“Father Emperor, is it possible that someone leaked information about the new martial arts competition rules? It seems that the two of them knew.” Duanmu Ao said, extremely displeased. He had originally hoped for Nian Ruxue to win, as it would cast him in a very favorable light. He hadn’t expected her to be eliminated first.
With old grievances and new, all of Duanmu Ao’s anger was now directed at Su Liang, and he did not want to see her win.
Upon hearing this, Man Ya gave a knowing laugh and said, “What if someone really did leak the rules in advance, forming secret alliances? It would indeed be unfair to those who knew nothing about it!”
“Exactly!” Duanmu Ao agreed at once, inspired by the support, “Nian Ruxue is very skilled, and this competition is unfair! I think we should follow the original rules and start again!”
“Second Brother, the decision to change the rules was Father Emperor’s idea, and it’s impossible that they were leaked,” Crown Prince Duanmu Cheng interjected.
Duanmu Chen knew what Duanmu Cheng was implying: that he, the proposer of the new rules, had leaked information to certain individuals who were still standing on the Combat Stage.
Yet, without any explanation, Duanmu Chen simply smiled and said, “Father Emperor, since the new rules are disputed, might I suggest that after the top three are determined, an additional challenge for them alone be held? Those among the remaining seven who believe they have the strength to challenge the top three may do so.”
Duanmu Chen’s suggestion not only distanced himself from the suspicion of leaking the rules but also silenced Man Ya’s questioning and any doubts about the results after the match.
Duanmu Ao was the first to praise the idea, “Well said!”
Everyone knew that Duanmu Ao was supporting Nian Ruxue.
Even the usually silent Fifth Prince Duanmu Che rarely expressed his opinion in public, “Father Emperor, I also agree with Fourth Brother’s suggestion.”
Lian Shun grinned, looking forward to Nian Ruxue challenging Su Liang and being defeated once more!
Emperor Duanmu Yi gave a slight nod, “Alright, let’s do that.”
Crown Prince Duanmu Cheng expressed his concern with a respectful demeanor, “Father Emperor, if we proceed this way, the remaining seven may be forced to try their luck. It will be a huge drain on their spirit and body if the top three have to face multiple opponents. That would be unfair too!”
Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Cheng didn’t want “Nian Ruxue” to compete again, after all, she was someone he wanted, but was now with someone else.
Furthermore, if Emperor Duanmu Yi accepted Duanmu Chen’s suggestion, that meant Duanmu Chen had won favor with the emperor, which was something Duanmu Cheng was unwilling to see.
Considering all this, Duanmu Chen said with a warm smile, “Crown Prince Brother, your concern is well-founded. The chance to initiate a challenge after a round of fighting is a privilege granted by Father Emperor, not something to be trifled with. Once the challenges fail, their martial exam honors will be revoked, making them think twice. I believe those with real skills have nothing to worry about.”
As Duanmu Chen finished speaking, he smiled at Duanmu Ao.
Duanmu Ao snorted lightly, “Of course!” As if Nian Ruxue was already his woman.
“Then it’s settled,” Duanmu Yi said.
The debate didn’t take long, and there was one less person on the Combat Stage.
Su Liang and Gao Jiabao teamed up, attacking with twin blades and defending with a long staff, their coordination flawless.
This also made people suspect that they had formed an alliance in secret.
But in reality, this situation emerged because Su Liang and Gao Jiabao had come to understand each other through sparring while the others were engaged in chaos.
Gao Jiabao was a smart man, being able to perform so well after changing weapons in just a few days.
The two of them faced three opponents led by Luo Rong. They didn’t target Luo Rong first, because they saw that the other two were true partners and needed to break their combination.
It was Su Liang who chose the target and succeeded.
Muya had been watching the battle closely, her eyes gradually growing profound.
The situation turned into a two-on-two.
Su Liang and Gao Jiabao became even more in sync, while Luo Rong and his partner had less coordination.
As they fought, the other person suddenly turned against Luo Rong, taking advantage of his unpreparedness, and slapped him off the Combat Stage, disregarding the pursuit from Su Liang and Gao Jiabao.
Luo Rong’s uncle quickly rushed to help him. When Luo Rong stood up, he looked relaxed, “I’m not injured. The top three are very strong, and I’m not their match. I didn’t expect to get fourth place!”
The first round of chaos came to an abrupt end. Many spectators had been watching the two-on-two, thinking it would be a close fight, but the situation suddenly changed, and it was over before they could react.
The top three were Su Liang, Gao Jiabao, and Zhao Yang, the burly man who had Imocked Luo Rong off.
Muya took the lead in applauding, “Fantastic! I’m looking forward to the match against the Martial Arts Champion!”
Some people may think that Su Liang and Gao Jiabao had spent most of their time hiding and benefiting from the chaos.
However, those who had watched the entire Military Exam clearly understood that those who had been knocked out early were simply weaker. Su Liang wasn’t targeted by others, not because she stayed far away, but because there were several of her former opponents who didn’t dare to confront her directly.
Gao Jiabao was somewhat carried by Su Liang, which he knew himself.
Even though Su Liang thought he had the strength to make it to the top three, the truth was, if he hadn’t been with her the whole time, Gao Jiabao, who appeared weaker, would have had a hard time escaping being surrounded and attacked.
“Lao Si, tell them the new rules,” Duanmu Yi ordered.
Duanmu Cheng’s eyes grew cold.
Duanmu Chen stood up and announced, “The remaining seven contestants will have one chance to challenge one of the top three, but they must use it wisely.
If they fail the challenge, they will lose their Military Exam merit.”
The ten-person chaos did not take long to finish, followed by a break. The Challenge Contest would take place next, followed by the ranking matches for the top three.
The common people didn’t leave, discussing among themselves.
“Who dares to try? The ones ranked sixth and seventh can still be martial officers. If they lose the challenge, they’ll have nothing left!”
“That’s right!”
“It’s better this way! They can’t be unhappy about losing and want to fight as many matches as they want, can they? One chance, take it if you have the guts. If you lose, you can’t blame anyone else!”
Many people agreed.
Luo Rong came down from the spectator seating and talked to his uncle.
“Shall we stop fighting?” Uncle Luo asked.
Luo Rong looked relaxed, “Let’s stop! This rule benefits me, as the fourth place won’t be challenged. As long as I maintain it, I’ll win!”
“Don’t say that. Even with the original rules, you could have made it into the top five,” Uncle Luo said seriously.
Luo Rong nodded, “Don’t worry, uncle. From now on, I’ll just watch the others fight!”
Uncle Luo sighed, “I thought you had bad luck at first, but now I see the good luck was waiting at the end!”
Duanmu Ao approached “Nian Ruxue,” ‘Your chance has come! Challenge Su Liang!”
“Nian Ruxue” nodded, “That’s what I intend to do.”
Duanmu Ao lowered his voice, his eyes dark, “Your victory or defeat is related to my reputation. If you lose, I will never spare you!” He left after the words.
“Nian Ruxue’s” gaze fell on Su Liang, who was talking to Lady Xing in a low voice. Lady Xing held her hand, her face beaming with joy.
“Fourth sister.” Nian Jinxing called “Nian Ruxue” three times before she regained her senses, realizing he was calling her.
Nian Jinxing walked over and sat next to “Nian Ruxue,” frowning at her, “Who are you going to challenge?”
“The second prince asked me to challenge Su Liang, “Nian Ruxue” said.
However, Nian Jinxing shook his head, “No, don’t choose her. I think she hasn’t used her full strength yet, and you don’t have much chance of winning.” “Nian Ruxue’s” eyes darkened, “What do you mean, big brother?”
“You should choose Old Master Gao’s grandson. He just changed his weapon, and if it weren’t for Su Liang’s alliance, he would have been defeated long ago!” Nian Jinxing said disdainfully, “Make it to the top three first! Then fight Su
Liang, regardless of winning or losing, at least you can keep a third place title!”
“But the Second Prince’s side…” Nian Ruxue hesitated. She originally thought about directly challenging Su Liang, but Nian Jinxing’s words made sense.
“Don’t worry about him. He can’t do anything to you in public,” Nian Jinxing snorted.
As he was about to leave, his gaze inadvertently fell on Nian Ruxue’s ear, and his exDression changed!
“Big brother, is there anything else?” Nian Ruxue asked.
Nian Jinxing frowned deeply, looked at her for a long time, and left her with a warning, “Don’t cause trouble for the Nian Family!” before turning and leaving.
Returning to the Nian family’s seats, Nian Jinxing actively spoke to the composed Nian Jincheng, “Did you teach Fourth Sister’s martial arts?”
Nian Jincheng shook his head, “No. Today is the first time I’ve seen that swordsmanship.”
Nian Jinxing glanced at the masked “Nian Ruxue” again, feeling suddenly uneasy. Nian Ruxue didn’t have a black mole behind her ear, could it be that she really found a substitute? If someone were to find out…
Nian Jinxing didn’t dare to continue his thoughts.
He suddenly had an urge to tell “Nian Ruxue” not to challenge anyone else, return home immediately, and act as if nothing had happened.
But at the same time, he still held out some hope. It had been so long, and no one had noticed. If Nian Jincheng had known, he would have stopped them. If they, as Ruxue’s family, had not discovered it, outsiders would be even less likely to find out.
What if “Nian Ruxue” truly became one of the top three, or even the Martial Arts Champion? The uncle, serving as a concubine in the palace, had not given birth to a child and had not even had the qualification to watch the competition today. Losing favor was just a matter of time. Nian Jincheng was too single-minded to rely on. Nian Jinxing felt that the Nian Family needed Nian Ruxue to step up now.
With that in mind, Nian Jinxing sat firmly and didn’t say anything else.
After talking with Old Madam Xing, Su Liang held Zhengzheng and sat next to Ning Jing, looking like a family of three at first glance.
“Auntie, there are no more little biscuits!” Zhengzheng opened his little pocket and showed Su Liang.
Su Liang smiled, “Do you want more?”
Zhengzheng’s eyes lit up, “Uncle and I both want to eat!”
Ning Jing remained expressionless, seemingly unrelated to him.
Su Liang suspected that it was Ning Jing who had taught Zhengzheng, but she had no evidence.
“All right, I’ll make more tomorrow.” Su Liang pinched Zhengzheng’s little face and asked Ning Jing, “Do you think anyone will challenge me?”
Ning Jing shook his head, “I don’t know.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge from a certain Nian.” Su Liang said.
At this point in the martial arts competition, challenging the top three requires not only strong capabilities but also enough confidence, courage, and determination to gamble.
The temptation was great, and the risk was significant.
When the drum sounded again, the Order Officer announced the names of those participating in the Challenge Contest.
“Tenth place Nian Ruxue challenges Gao Jiabao!”
At these words, Duanmu Ao’s face darkened.
There was also a challenger for fifth place, which was against Zhao Yang. They were long-standing allies and knew each other well.
No one dared to challenge Su Liang.
“I think your weapon is a bit too heavy. Do you want to use mine?” Su Liang asked Gao Jiabao.
Gao Jiabao wasn’t tall and his staff was too long.
Having grown accustomed to long weapons, Gao Jiabao wasn’t used to using swords. But to his surprise, Su Liang pulled out a staff from under her seat.
“It’s mine. I was planning to use it in this match, but I didn’t expect her to choose you.” Su Liang smiled.
The staff was custom-made for Su Liang by Ning Jing. It was not heavy yet
very sturdy, comfortable to hold, and non-slip.
Primarily, it was the perfect length for Su Liang. And Gao Jiabao was about the same size as Su Liang.
Gao Jiabao took it, tested it with a few swings, and felt it suited him quite well. He then accepted Su Liang’s generosity, “Thank you.”
“Her swordsmanship is decent, but her lower body movements are weak.” Su Liang added another piece of advice after having previously seen “Nian
Ruxue’s” swordsmanship and discussed with Ning Jing how to deal with it.
Gao Jiabao frowned slightly, “Do you have a grudge against her?”
Su Liang laughed lightly, “You could say that.”
“I will do my best.” With that, Gao Jiabao took the staff Su Liang provided and headed towards the Combat Stage.
There were two Challenge Contest matches in total. The first one was “Nian Ruxue” against Gao Jiabao, and the competition was about to begin.
Nian Jinxing asked Nian Jincheng, “Do you think the fourth sister has a great chance of winning?”
Nian Jincheng looked calm, “I cannot evaluate something that doesn’t exist.”
Nian Jinxing narrowed his eyes, “What do you mean?”
Nian Jincheng shook his head, “Nothing.”
Lian Shun was a little disappointed, “Why is that woman so timid? She didn’t even dare to challenge Su Xiaoliang?”
“If she wins, she will have a chance to compete against Su Liang,” said Duanmu
Che.
Lian Shun shook his head, “That guy is the grandson of the Imperial Physician who’s been treating you? His strength is quite good too and he is on Su Xiaoliang’s side. I bet he will win. Little Cheche, look at their standards; they don’t look very impressive, but they managed to make it into the top three of the Military Exam. When will you be able to stand up?”
“Stop being noisy and watch the match, ” Duanmu Che frowned.
If “Nian Ruxue” won this match, she could enter the top three, and Gao Jiabao would become the tenth.
The match started, and Gao Jiabao’s stick created a fierce wind as he violently attacked “Nian Ruxue” low and fast.
The swordsmanship of “Nian Ruxue” was still impressive, but somewhat flashy without substance. They soon found themselves retreating under the relentless onslaught of Gao Jiabao, who didn’t even bother probing his opponent’s strength.
Before long, “Nian Ruxue” regained her composure, turned the tables on the disadvantageous situation, and barely managed to fight Gao Jiabao to a standstill. However, her knee had been hit heavily by Gao Jiabao’s stick earlier and, though initially not feeling much, later on, the pain became increasingly unbearable, causing her steps to become disordered.
Su Liang felt that Gao Jiabao would win soon.
But in the next moment, “Nian Ruxue” could have dodged Gao Jiabao’s incoming stick attack and avoided serious injury but instead chose to take another hit, thrusting her sword through Gao Jiabao’s shoulder!
The people in the spectator seats straightened their bodies, and the common people around the Combat Stage widened their eyes!
Until now, although the Military Exam did not restrict the use of weapons, there had been no deaths or serious injuries. All the contestants were martial artists and had a sense of propriety when using force.
It was clear that “Nian Ruxue” knew she would lose and couldn’t accept it, so she opted for a strategy of causing a thousand points of damage to her enemy while receiving eight hundred points of damage to herself!
However, this was not a battlefield, and what was at stake was victory or defeat, not life or death.
This was the first time in the history of the Military Exam that both contestants were seriously injured!
“Nian Ruxue” was struck to the ground, and blood gushed from Gao Jiabao’s shoulder. Moreover, it was on the side where he was using his weapon. If it couldn’t be treated, his arm would be useless!
Old Master Qin, the Imperial Physician, nearly fainted and quickly called for the match to be temporarily stopped.
However, the rules stated that whoever left the stage first would lose.
Duanmu Yi’s face darkened, and a figure flashed by. Su Liang had already landed on the Combat Stage with her medical kit.
“Nian Ruxue” leaned on her sword and stood up, coldly looking at Su Liang, “He hasn’t admitted defeat yet! ”
Su Liang ignored her and skillfully applied medicine to Gao Jiabao to stop the bleeding.
“She is the granddaughter of Su Yuanzhou.”
“I heard that her medical skills are amazing. She even cured Old Master Qin’s stroke,” the commoners whispered among themselves.
On the spectator seats, everyone had their own thoughts.
Duanmu Ao believed that Su Liang violated the rules of the competition and should be disqualified. If Gao Jiabao did not admit defeat, he couldn’t leave the stage.
Old Master Qin spoke up, “Miss Su is just trying her best to save a fellow martial artist.”
Duanmu Yi’s face slightly darkened, “I allow Su Liang to treat Gao Jiabao’s injuries and stop the bleeding. The match will be suspended for a quarter of an hour. ‘Nian Ruxue’ can rest as well. After a quarter of an hour, if no one admits defeat, the match will continue.”
The Order Officer announced Duanmu Yi’s decision loudly.
Su Liang didn’t pay any attention to what they were discussing. While she bandaged Gao Jiabao, she whispered, “I think her injury is more severe than yours. She’s just forcing herself, trying to make you admit defeat first. Can you handle it with your other hand?”
Gao Jiabao’s face was even paler than before, but he coldly replied, “Yes!”
The rules did not require contestants to stop when they had the upper hand. Thus, “Nian Ruxue’s” actions, although despicable, couldn’t disqualify her.
“Just keep fighting. As long as you don’t lose this round, even if you give up in the next one, you’ll at least be a third-place winner. Anyway, the title of Top Scholar is mine, so you don’t stand a chance,” Su Liang joked.
Gao Jiabao snorted, “I know!” He had already lost to Su Liang once before.
The quarter of an hour passed, and Su Liang left the Combat Stage with her medical kit, Gao Jiabao slowly stood up again,— his right arm hanging limply. Picking up the long stick on the ground with his left hand, he pointed it at the other side’s “Nian Ruxue” and said coldly, “I won’t admit defeat!”
“Fight! Don’t admit defeat!”
Many people below the stage cheered and encouraged Gao Jiabao.
Nian Jinxing’s face looked extremely ugly, while Duanmu Ao was silent with a dark expression, no longer speaking.
“The match continues!” announced the Order Officer.
Gao Jiabao walked towards “Nian Ruxue”. “Nian Ruxue”, who was originally sitting on the ground and resting, tried to stand up but ended up falling back down, covered in cold sweat. In order to win, she had deliberately injured Gao Jiabao while also taking another heavy blow to the same knee. That leg had been injured three years ago, and now the bone felt as if it had shattered…
Finally managing to stand up with difficulty, Gao Jiabao had already arrived in front of her.
The long sword that “Nian Ruxue” was using to support her body had not yet been lifted off the ground when Gao Jiabao’s stick swung over.. With one strike, she was sent flying out of the stage!
