Chapter 127: Tortured Warrior
Chen Yuebai forcibly struggled free from Chu Qiguang's grasp, dislocating his own jaw in the process. However, before he could get away, Chu Qiguang grabbed him by the ankle and began slamming him back and forth into the ground like a rag doll.
Xue Chengdao sighed in frustration. "That's not how you fight an opponent like Chu Qiguang!"
Wu Liangxu was clearly frustrated as well. "You need to be more strategic! Fighting fire with fire will only play to Chu Qiguang's strengths!"
Shang Ziyan's brows were also tightly furrowed. "Back in my day, weapons were allowed in the martial examination. A brainless idiot like Chu Qiguang would've already been hacked to death!"
On the platform, Chen Yuebai was finally thrown off the platform like a discarded rag after suffering extensive abuse at Chu Qiguang's hands.
As he felt his symptoms fade, Chu Qiguang let out a long sigh and thought to himself, I managed to prolong this battle more than the others. Looks like I'm beginning to get used to fighting while under the influence of my condition.
This was the inspiring story of a young boy who refused to bow to fate, continuing to persevere and fight even through the torment of his debilitating mental condition. However, the spectators were unaware of Chu Qiguang's suffering. In their eyes, he was simply going overboard to show off, and as a result, his reputation worsened even further.
Chu Qiguang couldn't care less. After the second battle, he had already abandoned his original plan of keeping a low profile. It was too late for that anyway, and his new top priority was to get used to fighting while under the influence of his condition.
From there, his next battles enraged the other examinees even more. His physical constitution was clearly far superior to that of his peers, yet he insisted on abusing his opponents longer than necessary before throwing them off the platform. All the examinees who had declared that they were going to cripple Chu Qiguang were beginning to deeply regret running their mouths.
***
On the rooftop, Qiao Zhi was watching with glee.
I thought I was going to be bored to death, but I'm having the time of my life right now! Out of the fifty-two examinees, only Jiang Longyu could possibly hope to match Chu Qiguang. He has been nurtured by the imperial court from birth, so he has access to all the best cultivation resources, martial arts masters, and cultivation arts.
On top of that, he's been sparring extensively from a very young age, so he also has far more battle experience than Chu Qiguang. Unless Chu Qiguang reveals his fourth-state cultivation base, there's no way he can win. Does that mean he's bound to end up with a loss?
That was a rather depressing thought for Qiao Zhi. Is there any way I can help Chu Qiguang beat him without revealing his fourth-state cultivation base?
***
Chen Yuebai was receiving treatment for his injuries, and he was still in a daze.
I'm completely no match for him. If there's anyone that can beat him, then it can only be...
He turned a reluctant gaze to Jiang Longyu. Jiang Longyu had also maintained a spotless record thus far, but his victories appeared to have come easier than Chu Qiguang's. Every single opponent of his had been knocked off the platform by that same kick, allowing him to maintain a flawless run without even breaking a sweat.
Chen Yuebai clearly wasn't the only one who had reached this conclusion. Most of the other examinees were also looking to Jiang Longyu with expectant expressions, hoping that he could teach Chu Qiguang a lesson.
In the restaurant, Hao Xiangtong was giggling with excitement as she watched Chu Qiguang overcome one opponent after another, while Hao Yongtai was already completely numb.
It's alright. I bet on Jiang Longyu claiming the top spot and finishing with a flawless record, so I'll still win some money back at least.
***
"They want me to cripple Chu Qiguang?"
Jiang Longyu wasn't surprised to hear this message from his servant. The Great Han Empire had already existed for over two hundred years, and the imperial examinations were no longer anywhere near as clean as they had been during the first few decades after the empire's founding.
However, he still wasn't keen on the idea.
"I'm not interested," he refused with a shake of his head.
"Please reconsider, Young master," the servant urged. "Chu Qiguang may be strong, but he's definitely no match for you. Besides, the entire northern martial arts world resents him. If you cripple him, you'll win the favor of countless martial artists and officials in the north. Why not do it?"
"How much money did you take from them? I've never seen you this persistent before," Jiang Longyu chuckled.
The servant immediately fell to his knees and swore that he hadn't accepted even a single copper coin. He insisted that he was only looking out for Jiang Longyu's best interests.
"Fine," Jiang Longyu said. "Tell them I'll go all-out for three attacks. If he can survive those three attacks, then I'll let him off the hook."
"I don't even think that's necessary, Young Master," the servant immediately flattered. "I'd say a single attack from you is more than enough to leave Chu Qiguang bedridden for the rest of his life!"
Jiang Longyu knew that his servant was flattering him, but he still enjoyed it, and a pleased look appeared on his face.
To the disappointment of all the spectators and examinees, the first day of battles ended without Jiang Longyu and Chu Qiguang being matched against each other.
Everyone went home, eagerly anticipating the next day of battles. Chu Qiguang was exhausted as he trudged back to his rented room. After all, the other examinees had only received brutal beatings at his hands, while he had to fight against his terrible, debilitating illness. Clearly, he had it far worse than them.
As soon as Chu Qiguang returned to the courtyard, he saw Tao Zhiyue in the middle of moving out. Tao Zhiyue shot him a furious glance, then quickly looked away. He couldn't bear the shame of staying in the same courtyard as Chu Qiguang for the next few days, so he was moving elsewhere to preserve what little dignity he had left.
Chu Qiguang ignored Tao Zhiyue and returned straight to his room. He sat down to rest and meditate, feeling truly drained. Never had he fought so much in a single day, and constantly suppressing the symptoms of his condition while fighting had only made him more exhausted.
He opened his eyes an hour later, already back in peak mental condition. His body still hadn't completely recovered, but his mind was sharp and raring to go again.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Qiao Zhi sitting in front of him.
"Do you want to win against Jiang Longyu?"
