The people above sighed, covered their foreheads, and gave a wry smile.

“Let’s compete in painting,” Zhao Xi and Zhao Xianyin said in unison.

The male side was represented by Zhang Zhong and another young man, Liu Zizai.

Xiao Zhixing laughed and said, "This king is a warrior."

Mu Wan stepped forward, "I also want to fight!"

Huo Baijun and Xiong Chumo stepped forward, forced to accept the challenge.

Fu Lu immediately ordered people to place eight long tables in front of the high platform for the eight people to compete.

The emperor immediately set a topic for the emperor: "Write an essay on the theme of 'What defines a gentleman'."

The same proposition applies to painting: "Draw a painting with the theme of a gentleman."

The contests all lasted until the incense stick had burned.

The incense was lit, and the eight people in front began to write at the table.

In the middle of the playground.

Mu Wan drew her longsword and pointed it at Huo Baijun, "Shall we have a match?"

Huo Baijun grinned, "Alright, this is a good opportunity for me to experience the Mu family's swordsmanship."

After he finished speaking, he roared at Hawking's sword in the stands, "Dad, lend me your precious sword!"

Hawking, still sharpening his teeth, launched his family heirloom sword at him through the air.

Huo Baijun caught the knife steadily. "Miss Mu, please forgive me."

Mu Wan remained cold and aloof, fearlessly drawing her sword to meet the attack.

The two then began to fight.

The others went to the sidelines to watch.

"Your Highness, who do you think will win?" Xiong Chumo leaned over and asked Xiao Zhixing.

"Both are at the second level of the Earth Rank. Huo Baijun has the advantage in terms of practical experience, but Miss Mu has achieved this through tireless training day and night. It's a 50/50 split."

Li Wenxiu nervously muttered to herself, clutching her handkerchief, "We must win, we must win, we must defeat him!"

Mu Zixi chuckled, "Miss Li, shall we have a game of counting rods later?"

Li Wenxiu's attention was indeed diverted, "Fine, let's compete then."

(Some readers complained in the previous chapter that the female lead was too ruthless. Is she really that ruthless? Hmm?)