Chapter 147 - 109: Ah! Miss Sai, Be Gentle

Chapter 147: Chapter 109: Ah! Miss Sai, Be Gentle

"The academy selection is a joint process between the two institutions to choose the scholars eligible for this year’s imperial examination," Liu Xian explained, looking earnestly at Zeng Anmin. "Otherwise, you’d have to take the entry-level scholar exams first. So, for you, Quan Fu, participating in the selection to secure an examination quota is the fastest route."

"Oh..." Zeng Anmin nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He mused, "In that case, I will have to participate in this academy selection."

Academy selection... To be honest, Zeng Anmin had no desire to participate. As the son of a Minister, if his old man personally put in a word, the Imperial College wouldn’t dare refuse. However, his father’s faction at court had only recently taken shape and still needed time to consolidate. During this period, it was best not to cause any unnecessary trouble.

"If I may be so bold as to ask, which of the Six Arts do you plan to choose for the selection?" Liu Xian looked up at Zeng Anmin cautiously.

"Archery, I suppose?" Zeng Anmin frowned. Among the Six Arts, this was the only one he was actually good at.

"Archery?" Hearing this, Liu Xian’s heart sank slightly, and a hint of worry appeared on his face.

Noticing his expression, Zeng Anmin raised an eyebrow. "What is it? Is there some hidden issue?"

Liu Xian took a deep breath and said, "You might not know this, but there is a scholar at Qi Lin Academy named Li Ru whose archery is unmatched. A Great Confucian Scholar once even remarked that Li Ru is only lacking in cultivation Realm; the day he steps into the Sixth Grade will be the very moment he breaks through to the Fifth Grade and condenses his Confucian Dharma Aspect! In other words, his Archery Skill has already entered the Dao!"

"Oh?" Zeng Anmin pondered, "To think there is actually such a formidable opponent!"

"Humph!" The Little Fatty Crown Prince beside them was displeased. He sneered, his gaze filled with disdain. "Quan Fu’s archery is invincible in this world, hitting the mark every single time. That Li Ru is just a nameless, despicable nobody. How can he possibly compare to Quan Fu?"

Liu Xian frowned, shooting a dissatisfied glare at the Little Fatty Crown Prince. He thought angrily, "I’m talking to Zeng Anmin. What does it have to do with you? Are you just trying to show off? I respect Zeng Anmin, but who do you think you are, Wang Zhi?"

"How can we make the mistake of underestimating the enemy? Although Li Ru is not widely known, I transferred here from Qi Lin Academy. How could I not be clear about this?" Liu Xian glanced at the Little Fatty Crown Prince, his tone filled with earnest admonishment. "It would be best if you refrained from interrupting, Wang Zhi."

Turning back to Zeng Anmin, he continued, "Zeng Anmin, to tell you the truth, I have seen with my own eyes how Li Ru didn’t even look up; from thirty paces away, he merely drew his bow, and all ten arrows struck dead center.

"Moreover, this Li Ru is extremely insidious and cunning. Despite his unmatched Archery Skill, he loves to spout arrogant nonsense before a match to completely fluster his opponent...

"You absolutely cannot underestimate him!"

"If our scores end up being identical, how will the winner be decided?" Zeng Anmin asked, frowning at Liu Xian.

"Then it will be decided by whose arrow is closest to the absolute center of the bullseye," the Crown Prince interjected.

"I see..." Zeng Anmin nodded distractedly. A plan was already faintly forming in his mind, though it came with the risk of exposing his true capabilities.

"There are only three days left until the academy selection. If you need it, Quan Fu, I can lend you a helping hand." Liu Xian’s expression was utterly serious.

"What?" Zeng Anmin looked up instinctively.

"My family has some modest wealth. We can tempt Li Ru with riches and make him give up on this selection."

Zeng Anmin’s eyes lit up. That was actually a great idea.

"Absurd!" The Little Fatty Crown Prince sneered in extreme disdain. "How could Quan Fu be that kind of person?! As an upright official of the state, how could he ever do something so underhanded?!"

Uh... Zeng Anmin clamped his mouth shut. He had almost forgotten his persona as an upright official of the state.

Liu Xian clicked his tongue. He was just about to speak when his gaze was suddenly drawn to the scenery in the distance. He froze and gasped sharply. "How... how could there be such a stunningly beautiful girl in this world?"

Bewildered, Zeng Anmin looked up to see Liu Xian staring blankly into the distance. Turning his head to follow Liu Xian’s gaze, he spotted a familiar figure walking awkwardly in their direction. Her clothes were familiar—the standard uniform of the Profound Array Department. Her expression was evasive, and she walked straight ahead, keeping her eyes fixed forward to mask her social anxiety.

The girl wore a long black robe adorned with flowing gold ribbons stretching from her shoulders down to her waist, where a glossy leather belt cinched her impossibly slender figure. Her loose trousers were tucked into a pair of straight leather boots engraved with deeply profound patterns that glinted dazzlingly with her every step. A jade green Jade Pendant hung from her waist, swaying rhythmically as she walked. As for her face, she had a delicate, high-bridged nose, flushed cheeks, and perfectly proportioned lips that were as vibrant and red as autumn cherries.

Sai Chuxue? Zeng Anmin blinked in surprise, wondering why she had come to the Imperial College.

"That girl is walking this way!" Liu Xian hissed, his breathing growing heavy.

"TCH!" Zeng Anmin and the Little Fatty Crown Prince both shot him a look of utter contempt. He was making a fuss out of nothing.

Liu Xian rapidly adjusted his facial expression, plastering on a faint, enigmatic smile as he tried his hardest to exude masculine charm. He kept his peripheral vision glued to Sai Chuxue’s approaching figure. Just as she was about to pass the three of them...

SWISH!

God knows where he pulled it from, but Liu Xian suddenly snapped open a folding fan. The corners of his mouth curled up into a suave smirk as he spoke loudly.

"To tell you the truth, Quan Fu, back when I secured the top rank in the autumn examinations, I saw over ten thousand troops of the Demon Army in the Illusion Array, ready to devour anyone in their path. Yet, I remained completely calm and unhurried..."