Beyond Lin Hao and the others who heard the deeper meaning in Song Xian's even words, the ordinary Presented Scholars noticed nothing amiss in the atmosphere. They merely bowed and listened to their examiner's admonitions.
Song Xian also gave Lin Hao an extra, meaningful look.
Then he pointed to the five Golden Guards behind him, all possessed of profound auras.
Their armor was also in the style of the Imperial Guards, but theirs was golden yellow.
Being permitted to wear golden armor represented extraordinary standing, even within the imperial palace!
"Come, let me introduce them to you candidates. They are your predecessors from the past five examinations, the five previous Martial Top Scholars. His Majesty personally bestowed their names: Zhongyong, Zhongyi, Zhongguo, Zhongjun, and Zhongxin.
"These predecessors of yours now serve as Commandery Commissioner, associate commissioner, and assistant commissioner of the Imperial Guards, and have been invested as generals of the Golden Guard. They are your examples."
The appearance of five Martial Top Scholars together truly shocked the candidates!
The most senior among them, the Commandery Commissioner of the Imperial Guards, had taken first place fifteen years ago. Now only in his forties, he was in the prime of his life as a martial artist!
After Song Xian spoke, all five gold-armored Top Scholars unleashed their force.
Only five men, yet they seemed about to pin every Presented Scholar beneath them.
In an instant, the surrounding air grew oppressive, even seeming to distort.
Behind the man in the very center, an illusory great cauldron took shape.
His force was as heavy as a cauldron, crushing everything!
Intent Condensation!
Their utter lack of restraint and high spirits truly weighed on the candidates' hearts.
Even though several candidates at Force Gathering and Transforming Force erupted in resistance, before these five they were