A quarter of an hour later, the training ground was completely cleared.
But, after the clearing, the spectators who stayed on had a collective gasp of shock.
Initially, because of the large number of participants, the Daxia Imperial Competition had set up three arenas.
As the matches progressed and more people were eliminated, by the seventh day, only the central arena was needed; the other two were mere decorations.
However, by the end of the fight between Hong Shisan and Hong Mingyue, the central arena was transformed into a massive pit that was several feet deep.
The pit resembled one created by the impact of a meteorite.
This showed just how terrifying the power behind Hong Shisan’s previous strike was.
Upon seeing the crater, the crowd’s expressions varied, and from then on, no one dared mention challenging Hong Shisan again.
Yet, the competition continued, but everyone already understood that this time Hong Shisan was destined to become the champion of the Daxia Imperial Competition.
Hong Fang glanced at his elder brother, Heir Hong, whose face looked pale as gold paper, his previously vibrant expression now dripping with sweat, which pooled together like streams.
Hong Fang sneered secretly, knowing well why Heir Hong looked . This update ıs available on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝕟𝕖𝕥
His elder brother, always so arrogant, had bet heavily on this Imperial Examination through the Wanjing Gambling House he owned, keeping it a secret even from Marquis Hong, and had placed most of the Hong Residence’s wealth on Hong Mingyue.
Hong Mingyue’s loss was merely a loss of reputation for the third branch of the family but was an utter disaster for Heir Hong.
This situation will inevitably force his elder brother into a desperate move.
Hong Fang’s eyes, akin to those of a venomous snake, fixed on Heir Hong, waiting for just the right moment to deliver a fatal blow.
Heir Hong, currently submerged in the immense losses of Wanjing Gambling House, failed to notice the calculating gaze of Hong Fang.
The loss was severe; Heir Hong almost wished he could flatten the useless waste, Hong Mingyue, with a single palm strike.
He had thought too highly of this woman, who failed him at the most critical moment.
With fury in his eyes, Heir Hong calculated the loss—all the bets he placed on Hong Mingyue had vanished into thin air.
However, the situation had not reached the worst-case scenario; as long as he killed Emperor Xia and seized the throne, then the entirety of Daxia would belong to the Hong Family, and a mere few million taels would be trivial.
With this thought, Heir Hong exchanged a sinister look with a few martial artists in the arena.
These four, very discreetly, exchanged glances with Heir Hong.
Everything was ready except for the critical east wind, just waiting for his father to appear...
An old servant of the Hong Family hurriedly came forward; this was Uncle An, whom Hong Fang and the others recognized, always serving Hong Qingyun.
Uncle An whispered a few words into Heir Hong’s ear, and Hong Fang caught a few intermittent words.
"Marquis... breakthrough... take action"
A barely concealed joy appeared between Heir Hong’s brows.
Hong Fang felt reassured, knowing that Hong Qingyun must have achieved a breakthrough.
Heir Hong immediately showed a hint of a cold smile.
Another half an hour passed, and the final results of the Imperial Examination were also out.
Including Hong Shisan, Hong Mingyue, Ye Liuyun, and seven others, they were the top ten winners of this Imperial Examination.
Among them, Hong Shisan, Hong Mingyue, and a Martial Artist named Luo Kang, secured the top three positions.
Emperor Xia, delighted by the Dragon Heart, personally met these ten individuals.
"My subjects, you are all pillars of our great Daxia. Should you be willing to serve our nation, I shall entrust you with important tasks." To show his kindness, Emperor Xia stepped down from his seat and personally approached the ten Martial Artists to bestow rewards.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I, Luo Kang, am willing to join the court." Luo Kang, who came third in the Imperial Examination, immediately bowed and declared his loyalty. Although Emperor Xia was pleased, he noticed that Hong Shisan, who seemed the most promising, remained unmoved.
Beside them, Hong Mingyue also maintained an icy expression.
Emperor Xia could not help feeling somewhat displeased and could only manage a forced smile as he approached Luo Kang.
But at that moment, Luo Kang, who had been eager to serve his country, suddenly changed his expression. With a flick of his wrist, a sharp dagger thrust directly toward Emperor Xia’s chest.
"Assassin, protect the Emperor!"
The dagger had only pierced halfway when it suddenly bent. Crown Prince Xiahou Qi descended from above, his spiritual power sweeping out. The assassin felt his entire arm go numb as he was sent flying by Xiahou Qi’s spiritual power.
Just as that man leapt up, the other Martial Artists who had been kneeling nearby also sprang into action.
Several figures, like moths to a flame, rushed towards Emperor Xia and Xiahou Qi.
In the spectator stands, numerous Martial Artists dressed as civilians also sprang up, and the training ground was thrown into chaos.
Xiahou Qi’s brows furrowed tightly as he shielded Emperor Xia behind him. His Spiritual Power Cultivation was strong, but these assassins had disguised themselves as contestants and lay in wait for so long, making a desperate attack at the last moment, clearly well-prepared.
About a month ago, Xiahou Qi found a secret letter in his study one day.
The letter was signed by the Ghost Sect and warned that the Hong Residence intended to rebel and would assassinate Emperor Xia during the Imperial Examination.
Upon receiving the secret report, Xiahou Qi, unsure of its authenticity, nevertheless was extra cautious. Today’s Imperial Examination was closely monitored by him, and indeed, he noticed Princely Heir Hong and several contestants exchanging looks, prompting him to be on guard.
After the journey to Xingxiu Cave, Xiahou Qi’s Spiritual Power Cultivation had reached the Eighth Rank.
His spiritual power rapidly condensed into a barrier, shielding him from attacks from all directions.
However, having Emperor Xia behind him restricted his movements, and he could only manage to hold a defensive stance.
But at that moment, the expressionless Hong Mingyue suddenly changed.
"Crown Prince, let me help you!" Hong Mingyue’s Jade Flute turned into a streak of green light, whistling as it swept away several Martial Artists.
Xiahou Qi, still in shock, felt a brief relief seeing Hong Mingyue staunchly defending his master.
But at that moment, Hong Mingyue twisted her wrist, and the Jade Flute, aiming at the assassins, suddenly shot out a streak of Primordial Power, which brutally pierced Emperor Xia’s throat.
"Your Majesty! His Majesty has been attacked!"
A wave of panic-stricken shouts followed, and the spectator stands descended into further chaos as the audience frantically ran in all directions.
"Hong Mingyue, you dare rebel!" Xiahou Qi’s heart shattered.
"Crown Prince, your Xiahou family has been emperor for nearly a thousand years; it’s time to abdicate and let others lead." Hong Mingyue’s eyes were cold, and around her, the Power of Reincarnation turned into ripples, instantly shattering Xiahou Qi’s Spiritual Barrier.
Seeing Emperor Xia struck down, Princely Heir Hong, overjoyed, was about to say something.
But just then, he suddenly felt a violent force erupt beneath him before he could react.
Throughout the training ground, several areas simultaneously exploded.
Hundreds of hidden Thunder Bombs under the training ground detonated at the same time, instantly turning the area into a hellish inferno as smoke billowed and severed limbs rained down, transforming the Imperial Palace Training Ground into a fiery hell.