How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

Sensing the aura of a Golden Core Immortal, Li Muyun turned his gaze in that direction. The young man appeared to be slightly older than him, but definitely no more than twenty years old, and had already reached the Golden Core cultivation level. It seemed that the Autumn Examination truly produced a wealth of talent, revealing these hidden geniuses.

The Crown Prince, looking at Zhao Tianming from the stands, smiled slightly and said leisurely, "Li Muyun is not the only genius."

The King of Qin, who also valued talent, said, "As long as it is a talent of the Tang Dynasty, it is a good thing."

On the stage, Zhao Tianming's opponent was only at the eighth level of the Earth Profound Realm, and Zhao Tianming sent him flying off the stage with a single move.

The Golden Core realm of immortals is a threshold. Once one crosses the Golden Core, one can use magic weapons and even nurture one's natal magic weapon. Immortals who possess magic weapons are worlds apart from those who use magic tools.

Magical artifacts are nothing more than weapons that can be used to control objects. Immortals can control them with their true essence, manipulate them remotely, or use them as flying swords. Although they can enhance the power of an immortal's magic, their effects are limited.

Magical artifacts are different. On the one hand, they can greatly enhance the power of immortal techniques and reduce the consumption of true essence. On the other hand, each magical artifact has its own unique characteristics, which can increase the combat power of immortals exponentially.

After reaching the Golden Core realm, it is very difficult for martial artists of the same realm to match immortals of the same realm. Only when one reaches the Martial Saint stage, where the path of martial arts also leads to the same destination, can the combat power be equalized again.

Li Muyun sized up Zhao Tianming, who also noticed Li Muyun's gaze. He simply smiled faintly and cupped his hands in response.

The autumn imperial examinations have reached a fever pitch, with each candidate showcasing their unique skills. Ultimately, six people have emerged victorious.

Li Muyun, Zhao Tianming, a bald, muscular man, a pair of identical teenage twins, and a masked woman in a black martial arts uniform.

Qin Wuyang smiled and congratulated the six, holding up a handful of lots. "You are now all successful candidates in this year's Autumn Examination. Next is the competition for the martial arts rankings. There are six lots here. Four of them represent the qualifications to challenge the successors of the four great warlords. Two of them are for the battles between you. Please draw lots, the six martial arts candidates of this Autumn Examination."

Zhao Tianming smiled shyly and said, "Examiner, among these people, I have someone I want to challenge. May I skip the draw and choose to fight this person instead?"

At the same time, on the main stand, Donggong coldly nodded to Qin Wuyang.

Upon seeing this, Qin Wuyang was taken aback, a troubled expression on his face, and slowly said, "This is not in accordance with the rules. However, if the other candidates have no objections, then the Ministry of War will have no objections."

Qin Wuyang looked questioningly at the others, but the other five didn't seem to care. The bald, burly man was even more excited. The remaining opponents were Zhao Tianming and the successors of the four great warlords. Each of them was a strong figure among the younger generation. Those who passed the martial arts examination were all proud and ambitious; who wouldn't want to challenge a renowned expert?

Whoever can defeat the successors of the four great warlords will have unlimited potential!

Seeing that no one had any objections, Qin Wuyang finally felt relieved. Although the Crown Prince's intentions were clear, if he didn't do a good job of dealing with the candidates, and things escalated, he, a mere vice minister, would be in deep trouble.

"In that case, Zhao Tianming, who do you want to challenge?"

With a bright gaze fixed on Li Muyun, Zhao Tianming smiled and said, "Young Master Yun, may I ask for your guidance?"

Li Muyun's lips curled up. Among the immortals in this autumn examination, there were only two of them, him and Zhao Tianming. He had long sensed that Zhao Tianming had been observing him subtly. It was not that he was hostile, but he did have a fighting spirit.

"Okay, I accept the challenge."

So, the others also drew lots, but the matches against the successors of the four great warlords were not today, because they had all experienced several battles today, and their true energy had been depleted. The final match would be held three days later. Only the match between Li Muyun and Zhao Tianming took place today.

Those candidates who had been defeated did not leave; they gathered around the arena, eager to witness the duel between immortals during the autumn imperial examinations. They all wanted to see the upcoming matches.

Qin Wuyang turned a blind eye to this kind of thing, after all, they were all candidates, and it was just that they left the venue a little late, which was not a big deal.

He looked up at the stands: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Qin, shall we begin the final match of the day?"

The prince replied with a smile, "Let's begin. The real fun is just beginning."

The King of Qin frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his eyes. Among the four warlords, the Lü and Li families were clearly part of the Eastern Palace faction, and had repeatedly created obstacles for Li Muyun during the autumn examination. The Zhuge and Huo families had been making unclear moves. Judging from the current situation in the court based on the autumn examination, the situation was not optimistic.

The Four Warlords are the four strongest allies of the Tang Dynasty, and the Crown Prince has already won over two of them. If the opportunity arises, he must win over the other two.

......

On the arena, Zhao Tianming bowed and said apologetically, "I am truly sorry. I am obliged to do what is right because I have been indebted to you. This challenge against Young Master Yun is to repay a favor. However, I have my own principles. I am a Golden Core cultivator and possess magical treasures. It is truly unfair to you."

Cultivation is something one cultivates oneself, a matter of individual ability. However, magical treasures are external possessions, and using them unfairly. Therefore, for the sake of fairness, in this contest with you, I will only rely on my own cultivation and will absolutely not use any magical treasures or artifacts.”

Listening to Zhao Tianming's rambling on and on, Li Muyun was both amused and exasperated. This man was truly simple-minded. He shook his head and said, "Whether it's cultivation level or magic weapons, it's all about individual opportunities. There's nothing unfair about it. Whether you're doing this on someone else's behalf or it's a martial arts competition, just show me what you've got."

Zhao Tianming shook his head repeatedly, "I have my principles..."

......

Destroy the palace.

Six dark figures silently descended, and in an instant, the entire abandoned royal palace was shrouded in thick black mist.

All six were dressed in black robes, and their mere presence stirred up gusts of cold wind and a surge of resentment.

"Your Excellency, all the wronged souls have been dispelled, the corpses of those who stole the souls have been disposed of, and their divine souls have been scattered to the winds."

One of them scouted around and then reported back to the leader.

The leader, expressionless, coldly said, "Useless. Where's the key?"

"The three-headed divine dragon has fallen into a deep sleep, and the key... is gone!"

"Oh? You've guarded this place for ten years, and now you're telling me it's gone? Have I been too lenient with you?"

The leader slowly removed the hood of his black robe, revealing a lifelike white ram's head. A pair of cold, vertical gray pupils stared at the crowd, sending chills down their spines...