The martial duels of past palace examinations were always the most eye-catching major exams, and also the liveliest time of the year in Xijing.
During every martial duel, everywhere was a sea of people. People looked up to watch the showdowns within the Immortal Bridge Blessed Land, and peddlers shuttled through the crowd, selling melon seeds, tea, and various snacks.
At this time, it was also the best opportunity for the young men and women of Xijing to choose their favored partners.
The scholars who entered the Immortal Bridge Blessed Land to compete were often not very old, and many were yet unmarried. They were talents selected by the strength of the entire country.
If one could find a golden turtle son-in-law or marry one back home, it was naturally a blessing cultivated by one's ancestors.
The Ministry of Rites did not forbid watching; in fact, they would even proactively open the Immortal Bridge Blessed Land, leaving it for people to observe as they pleased to show fairness.
"Why are the Senglu Division and Daolu Division here too?"
Eunuch Feng looked into the distance, recognizing the officials of the Senglu Division and Daolu Division. Astonished in his heart, he said to Chen Tang, "This year's grand exam is a bit abnormal. Someone must have meddled behind the scenes!"
Chen Tang's expression was also somewhat solemn. Monks and Daoist priests could also participate in the palace examination, but their assessment content differed from that of ordinary scholars. They were tested on Buddhist dharma and Daoist magic, and thus their exam location was in the Senglu Division and Daolu Division.
For the martial duel grand exam to let the Buddhist and Daoist sects in as well—there had never been any precedent for this in the past!
Previously, everyone was tested separately!
Eunuch