The carriage was separated by a thin gauze curtain, through which a beautiful figure could be seen, causing everyone who saw it to have all sorts of fantasies.

Yuan Suiyun, on the other hand, remained calm. As an emperor, he had seen all kinds of beauties, and no matter how beautiful a woman was, she was far less important than consolidating his imperial power at this moment.

"It is truly an honor for the imperial city to honor my humble abode, Miss Xuanji, by gracing us with your presence to witness the sword duel."

"Your Majesty is too kind. It is Xuanji who was invited to the capital and is truly humbled."

"I heard that after today's sword test, Miss Xuanji will choose a husband at the Imperial Pavilion. I wonder which talented man will be so lucky as to catch Miss Xuanji's eye."

"It is easy to find priceless treasures, but all one can seek is a loving man. Xuanji is also a woman, and she also yearns for love. However, the man Xuanji wants to marry must be an outstanding person, one in a million."

"Haha, then I will wait and see. I wish Miss Xuanji success in finding her true love."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty."

After a brief exchange between Yuan Suiyun and Yu Xuanji, seeing that the incense had burned down to one-third of its length, he immediately nodded again.

"Please enter the hall, all sword test participants!"

At the guard's shout, a large number of swordsmen filed in.

Feng Baixue glanced at these people and couldn't help but sigh, "A bunch of restless fellows. It seems that once one becomes self-reliant in the path of swordsmanship, one is destined to be lonely."

Ao Shuyu sneered: "Lord Feng's words are biased. What do you mean by saying that the sword path is destined to be desolate after you?"

"It was clearly from your time that the path of swordsmanship rapidly declined; you don't need to shift the blame."

Feng Baixue was furious: "You surnamed Ao, what do you mean by that?"

I declare Bai Xue the number one in swordsmanship and cultivation, so how can it be said that the way of the sword has begun to decline?

Ao Shuyu sneered: "That's just how it is. After all, other people's cultivation and strength are referred to by outsiders, but you are the only one who refers to yourself, hehe."

"Very well, since that's the case, then I'd like to experience your swordsmanship, Sect Master Ao, and see if your Fine Rain Sword is truly formidable."

"My Lingxiao City's Snow Mountain Swordplay is still superior. Do you dare to come to the sword-testing platform and compete with me?"

"What is there to be afraid of?"

The two were on the verge of exchanging blows, intending to determine who was the male and who was the female beforehand.

"Enough! Stop arguing!"

Xuanyuan Wujin interrupted their argument.

"Today's Imperial Sword Trial is set up by His Majesty to select the most talented people in the world. You, as grandmasters, are arguing like waiters. Aren't you afraid of becoming a laughing stock?"

"snort!"

Feng Baixue and Ao Shuyu exchanged a glance, snorted coldly in unison, and turned their heads away.

At this point, all those selected to participate in the sword test had entered the testing platform.

A total of 123 people took their seats at the waiting table.

Shen Zhao sat on the waiting platform, gently waving a feather fan as he looked at the scene before him, and couldn't help but shake his head.

"It seems the royal family has truly fallen into decline; the sword contestants here are utterly incompetent."

Suddenly, he felt two sharp gazes coming from not far away.

Xu Shuyu and Dong Chao were staring at him with eyes that could kill.

"Foolishness always spreads unconsciously to every corner of the air, which is truly pathetic."

"Sigh, never mind, these are the professor's lines, let's not mix them up."

Shen Zhao didn't care about their gazes at all and leisurely closed his eyes.

Inside Yu Xuanji's carriage, there was also a pair of eyes staring in Shen Zhao's direction.

The maid glanced at Shen Zhao and immediately said to the beautiful figure behind the carriage curtain, "Miss, would you like to call Young Master Ren over for a chat?"

Yu Xuanji's languid voice rang out: "No need. He will know my identity in time. Let's not disturb him for now and just watch his performance quietly."

The maid nodded obediently and replied, "Yes, Miss."

As he spoke, he glanced nervously in Shen Zhao's direction.