Xylira felt uncertain inside but maintained her composure in that formal setting. Ziyan admitted his loss last time and credited his defeat to his own carelessness and Renyu's cunning tactics, not just luck.
Ziyan looked forward to seeing Renyu's strategy. Developing internal energy took time so he was quietly pleased and kept glancing at Renyu.
"Boss I think Ziyan is planning something," Loran whispered during the break.
"Not a plot," Xylira responded, touched by Loran's concern. She noted Ziyan's status disparity meant he wouldn't bother hiding his intentions.
"Really?" Dongran and Dennis exchanged worried glances. They thought Ziyan's gaze was obvious and serious.
"It's not hidden, it's open," Xylira smiled. Open strategies were for equal foes but she saw herself as insignificant compared to Ziyan.
"Boss don't say that," Loran replied. He thought their boss deserved respect not self-deprecation.
"I won't always be insignificant." Xylira reassured them and reminded them the upcoming tests would reveal all.
"Boss Ziyan won't take chances," Dongran warned. He thought Ziyan was well prepared this time.
"We know," Loran and Dennis echoed. They urged her to be careful, feeling powerless.
"Understood." Xylira smiled gracefully at her sleeve and focused.
Zhaoye chuckled from the throne. He praised the last contest but wanted more variety to showcase talent.
Officials nodded in agreement. Xylira braced herself, sensing her disadvantage.
Zhaoye adjusted the rules. He introduced unarmed and armed martial contests with strict guidelines to protect life.
Xylira sighed then noticed Renyu's worried glance. She returned his look but did not waver.
Loran, Dongran and Dennis cursed under their breath at Ziyan's trickery. They watched Renyu draw the same lot as Xylira and felt despair.
"Renyu go easy," Xylira said. Their playful pre-match banter masked serious intent.
The atmosphere was tense but polite between Xylira and Renyu. The three friends were impressed by her calm courage.
"Don't underestimate me," Xylira warned. Loran, Dongran and Dennis still felt uneasy about her chances.
"Boss you realise no one would pity you," Dongran blurted. They confirmed Xylira lacked internal energy unlike Ziyan and Renyu.
"Belligerent," Xylira muttered, growing determined. She refused to be defeated by circumstance.
"I know nothing of it," she admitted. She framed strategies around her strengths in external martial arts.
"Show us what you know," Loran encouraged. He asked Dongran to demonstrate internal energy moves.
Dongran performed an elegant display of speed and grace. Xylira stared in awe, mouth agape.
"Graceful and elegant," Xylira applauded Dongran. His modesty warmed her spirit.
"We must focus now," Dennis reminded them. He demonstrated jade crushing technique symbolising internal energy's power.
"Terrifying," Xylira gasped and steadied her breath. She resolved not to panic.
"Are you okay boss?" Loran asked. Sweat on her brow showed her nerves.
"I am," she answered, voice trembling slightly. Loran suggested she surrender to avoid ruin.
"I can't," Xylira said firmly. She wouldn't give up despite fear.
"Let's give it our best," she declared. They stood determined and resolute.
Caelen clutched his sword in anger. He bristled at Ziyan's ploy while maintaining loyalty to Xylira.
Despite his conviction, Caelen restrained himself for her sake. He promised to defend her if needed.
Zhaoye watched with interest. He believed his rule limiting fatal harm gave fairness.
Caelen grit his teeth at Ziyan. He prayed never to find a reason for revenge.
Xylira stepped onto the platform with quiet grace. Observers braced for the contest ahead.
RenYu and Xylira stood opposite each other in silence. The scene was dramatic under autumn wind.
"Renyu why don't you start?" Xylira tempted. He hesitated, not wanting to appear ruthless.
"Please precede," Xylira invited politely. Neither wanted to strike first.
Zhaoye broke the tension mercifully. He said the martial stage required action, not politeness.
"Apologies boss," Renyu moved quickly. His fist aimed at her abdomen.
She responded with speed and skill. The match began in earnest.
"Renyu, are you alright?" Lady Mei Lin covered her mouth in shock. She wanted to scold Xyl but swallowed the words when she saw the clear warning in her royal brother's eyes.
If anyone else felt terrible, it was Caelen. He knew well that Renyu had only dislocated his arm, but Xylira's internal injuries were likely serious. Seeing her pale smile made him want to run to her and take her away.
Since that agreement, she had suffered so much. He didn't want to share her with anyone. But if keeping her meant she'd continue getting hurt, Caelen clenched his fists tightly, unsure of what to do.
Zhaoye and Ziyan both looked at Xyl with admiration and excitement in their eyes. She had impressed them beyond expectation. Even if luck played a part this time, they understood from the start that her target had likely been the opponent's joints.
As someone without internal energy, that was the only way she could win in such a competition. And she thought of it and executed it so quickly. It was truly remarkable.
Zhaoye did feel a bit puzzled though. Caelen seemed too tense for just a relative of the woman he cared about. Or maybe, when a man falls for a woman, even someone as cold and rigid as Caelen becomes irrational.
He definitely noticed Caelen secretly instructing someone to pass over the medicinal pill. Thinking about that, Zhaoye gave a bitter smile. Love? Looking at the poised and noble Empress beside him, he knew it was something he'd never experience in his life.
With Renyu eliminated, only five remained: Ziyan, Yarith, Loran, Dongran, and Xyl. "Boss, are you okay?" Loran and the others rushed to her side. Even Yunhua, who had lost, didn't feel too disappointed.
He knew well that the top three rankings were far beyond his reach. Feeling like she was about to cough, Xylira quickly pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and covered her mouth. "Young Master Xyl, this is from our master," Xue Yi said as he arrived just in time.
Truthfully, he was among the few who knew the future Lady was competing in the imperial exams. He never dared to believe it. But after witnessing today, he had to believe it and admire her.
No wonder his master was so enchanted. Even he was nervous just watching her. "Thank you," Xylira wiped her mouth clean and frowned slightly as she looked at the dark pill in Xue Yi's hand.
"Oh," Xue Yi immediately understood. Ignoring everyone else's reactions, he circled around to Caelen and brought back a cup of tea. As for whether the Emperor and others would notice, with such a big scene earlier, they had already sensed something.
But he was confident they wouldn't guess Xyl was their Lady. After all, even their master had to say it himself and confirm it repeatedly with Servant Jin and Servant Xan. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it either.
"Young Master Xyl, this is very effective for internal injuries." "Mm," Xylira didn't act tough anymore. She took the pill and quickly took the tea, drinking a lot to wash away the bitterness.
"Tell your master, I know what I'm doing. I wouldn't risk my life lightly." "Hearing that puts me at ease," Xue Yi replied. He wasn't foolish and had clearly seen the stakes of today's duel.
Things were only going to get harder from here. After Xue Yi left, Loran and the other two were left a bit speechless. They also had acquaintances and even family present, but none dared act so boldly.
Their boss truly lived up to the name. And Caelen was no ordinary figure. They all felt a bit bitter. They were thirsty too. Why hadn't anyone offered them a cup of tea?
"Loran, Dongran, go look at the scores," Xylira said with a smile. She was still in first place. Following closely were Ziyan and Yarith. Renyu ranked just above Loran, and Loran was slightly above Dongran.
"Because Renyu dislocated both arms, he won't be able to compete with Yunhua and the others anymore, meaning he won't score further. When the five winners draw lots, I'll definitely face Ziyan," Xyl said with a pale smile.
"If you two get paired with Yarith, do you think you can beat him?" Loran shook his head. "I thought his skills were average, but his performance just now was totally unexpected. I'd say he's about equal to Xiyan."
"Then listen carefully. Even if I lose the next round, I'll still make the top three," Xylira smiled. "You two can't beat Ziyan. But the top three still has one spot. As long as you knock Yarith out, one of you will get it."
Loran and Dongran exchanged awkward glances. They had agreed to support each other as brothers. But neither of them wanted to give up such an opportunity.
"I know what you're thinking," Xylira said. "There's no need for that. Brothers are brothers. Competition is competition. Even if you draw each other, don't hold back. Go all out."
"That way, the one who loses won't feel bitter. And the one who wins won't feel guilty," she continued. To Xyl, they were all still young and inexperienced. Even if they'd seen a lot, it was different when it came to handling things personally.
Maybe because of family pressure, this kind of situation was bound to happen. "Alright, stop overthinking. If you think that way, then I should feel guilty about being in the top three too," Xylira added.
"Luck is also a form of skill. So whatever happens next, just give it your best. It won't stop you from remaining brothers afterward." Loran and Dongran nodded. After hearing her words, they looked at each other more calmly.
Clearly, they had been troubling themselves over nothing. Sure enough, just as expected, Xylira drew Ziyan. Because of Xue Yi's message, Caelen felt more at ease. But he still wore a dark expression and furrowed brows.
Even when Zhaoye kept glancing at him, he pretended not to notice. "Xyl, you're impressive," Ziyan said. Even dressed in simple student attire, he exuded nobility.
Just standing there on stage made many women blush. But when Xylira saw his striking features, she sighed inwardly again. There really were many handsome men in this ancient time.
"Thank you for the compliment, My Lord," Xyl replied with a smile. "Since you don't have internal energy, I won't use mine either," Ziyan said. He didn't care about her addressing him informally. His status wasn't exactly a secret.
"Don't you think someone like me fighting for the top spot with you people is a bit ridiculous?" He remembered hearing some students talk like that. Now he wanted to see how she viewed it.
"Thank you for showing mercy," Xylira said. Not using internal energy meant she didn't have to give up from the start. She could tell he wanted to settle a previous grudge.
If she really gave up, it would only irritate him more. Besides, without internal energy, she might not necessarily lose. "As for your question, only the weak would say such things."
"Anyone worried about being beaten will never make it to the top." Xylira raised a brow. She could understand Ziyan's choice. As a noble heir, it was his responsibility to carry his role properly.
Whatever else he wanted to do was his right. Others had no right to judge. "I think so too," Ziyan smiled. His charming and slightly wicked face made Xylira feel like flowers were blooming all around him.
"You can choose any weapon. If you have one, I'll use the same. After that, even if your hand is injured, I won't hold back." "Thank you," Xylira genuinely thanked him.
Among all those strange weapons, she could only use one. She walked to the longswords and picked the lightest one. "My Lord, please."
Ziyan laughed more cheerfully. "Xyl, all of Dakan knows my master is a sword expert. And yet you chose the sword. Are you overconfident, or just asking for trouble?"
Xylira pursed her lips and faced him. "If I say that of all the weapons here, I only know how to use the sword, would you believe me?" Ziyan was surprised by that answer.
He suddenly realized he had forgotten. She didn't have any internal energy. How could she be skilled with many weapons? "Then wasn't my concession just now way too generous?"
He finally understood her sincere thanks. "Are you regretting it now?" On stage, the two didn't seem like enemies ready to fight. They looked more like friends. The atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.
Zhaoye smiled with relief. He had said Ziyan wasn't the petty type. Xyl's performance must have earned his respect. That's why he changed his approach.
"Why would I regret it? Even if we're both using swords, you're not my match," Ziyan said confidently. "Let's begin."
"Alright," Xylira replied. She held her sword in a stance that looked strange to others but was elegant and sharp at the same time. It was actually just a fencing salute.
She only knew how to use a sword, and that sword style was fencing. What followed dazzled the crowd. The sword flashes were everywhere. Ziyan's sword was strong and flashy, fast and seamless, the kind they often saw.
But Xylira's movements, from her grip and open arms to her footwork and strikes, were both graceful and quick. "Father, that person on stage is called Xyl, right?" A young woman's voice sounded. She stared dreamily at Xylira's figure on stage.
"So beautiful. This isn't sword fighting. This is dancing. She's stunning." "Third Sister," the woman beside her pulled her gently, reminding her of their surroundings.
Yet her own heart was also racing. And part of her feared that her younger sister might steal such a perfect man away from her.