Chapter 24

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Xu Zhenyan really wondered what he was going to do.

The next part of the assessment, aside from determining whether one passed or failed, would sort students into departments. There were six—self defense, medicine hall, natural arts, statecraft, internal study and spiritual sacrifice.

Truthfully, which department one landed in wasn't that significant since students could freely take classes from any department.

What departments did determine was 'homeroom' and boarding. For example, each department had different 'professors' assigned to them, meant for guiding students. Students from the same department also roomed together.

'For that reason alone, I should really think about joining Medicine Hall…'

That was simply because all three the academy's most beautiful flowers would be in that department—Gao Yanan, Leng Qiuyu and his fiancée, Qin Xiyue.

Yet, the thought of faking his interest and skills during evaluation just to chase after girls put a bad taste in his mouth.

'What are my interests, though…?'

Truthfully, he wasn't particularly drawn to any of the departments. The only exception being Statecraft, which he absolutely didn't want to join.

'Who the hell wants to study politics in a fantasy world?'

The other department he planned on avoiding was Spiritual Sacrifice.

Their teachings were, as the name implied, related to 'spiritualism'. Given his personality, the idea of eschewing earthly desires to reach enlightenment held little appeal.

There was also the fact that they were essentially the spiritual beast tamers of this world and, not being a pet person, that gave him even more of a reason to stay away.

'Though, I don't want to stare at Lin Xi's face every day, so self defense is out as well.'

Putting his chin in his hands, Xu Zhenyan seriously considered what he was going to do. While he was immersed in his own thoughts, admissions continued, one name being called out after another.

Suddenly, there was a disturbance inside his sea of consciousness. Exerting willpower, he managed to keep surprise of his face. It was something he half-expected, but hoped wouldn't happen.

'Damn…'

Closing his eyes and directing his spirit-sense toward his dantian, he was immediately able to detect faint space-time fluctuations.

'…it's just as I feared.'

Letting out a quiet sight, he glanced around the room, checking for any oddities. And indeed…

"Lin Xi!"

The protagonist's name was suddenly called out for a second time. That could only mean one thing—having screwed up during his evaluation, Lin Xi rewound time to give himself a second chance.

Xu Zhenyan watched the guy stand up, a determined look on his face. However, before he did, he quickly turned to Zhang Ping, giving his 'friend' some advice about what to expect.

'It's really hilarious.'

Feeling a laugh well up in his chest, Xu Zhenyan reflected on the fact that Lin Xi was actually responsible for creating his worst enemy. Zhang Ping, this unassuming, beanpole-looking brat, would one day take all Lin Xi's kindness and throw it back in his face.

'I'm looking forward to seeing that farce play out. Just for that reason Zhang Ping, I'll let you live.'

Yet, Xu Zhenyan's amusement soon turned sour. The fact of the matter was, if he or Lin Xi were close enough to each other, they'd probably be able to notice if the other rewound time. Of course, the protagonist wouldn't know it was him specifically, but the time-space fluctuations would clue him in on the fact that someone was doing it.

'It doesn't matter. I already know what's going to happen. Well, to an extent. A ten minute time-rewind is hardly the biggest cheat anyways.'

Xu Zhenyan didn't really need to use it, aside from crises. However, he was a bit worried about how relevant his future knowledge would be, and if there were indeed changes.

"Xu Zhenyan!"

Eventually, his name was called. Rousing himself from his thoughts, the Xu clan's third young master pushed himself to his feet.

"…huh?!"

Events from earlier replayed themselves as those close to him expressed shock at his presence.

Hearing their exclamations of disbelief, Xu Zhenyan's eyebrows twitched.

'Maybe I should give it a rest. It'd be annoying if people realized something was off.'

Suppressing a sigh, he made his way over to the next room. The only reason he stealthed was because he wasn't interested in interacting with these faceless nobodies.

However, unbeknownst to him, a beautiful girl with long, brown hair in a ponytail was staring at his back. If one had to describe her features in a single word, it would be 'heroic'. Compared to Leng Qiuyu and Gao Yanan, she wasn't lacking in the least.

She was Qin Xiyue, Xu Zhenyan's fiancée.

Having various things on his mind, Xu Zhenyan didn't even notice when her name was announced.

However, the girl's gaze only lasted for a moment before she looked away, her face expressionless.

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The moment he stepped into the room, Xu Zhenyan felt multiple, intense gazes falling on him. It was to the extent that he even felt a bit uncomfortable, unconsciously clenching his fists.

"So you are Xu Tianwang's second son…?"

An aged voice spoke from one corner of the room, drawing his attention.

Looking over, Xu Zhenyan saw a frail-looking old man with a scarred face. The most notable thing about him was his arm, or lack of one. One of the sleeves of his long, embroidered robe dangled loosely, clearly empty.

Immediately realizing who it was, he gave the senior a half bow.

"Yes, Vice Principal. Though, I wasn't aware my father knew your honorable self."

His tone was carefully polite. A disagreeable hooligan he may be, but even Xu Zhenyan knew to offer respect to those deserving of it.

The old man regarded him evenly.

"He doesn't."

Standing smoothly, he made his way over to Xu Zhenyan, abruptly extending a hand and pinching the boy's wrist.

The youth, for his part, didn't protest the action, nor was he dissatisfied. Certainly, he'd prefer if his secrets weren't revealed, but if it was to happen, he knew he could trust this old man.

However, some confusion was revealed on his face.

'…I thought my father organized this?'

Him being let through, his cultivation level being announced and so on—it seemed Xu Tianwang wasn't responsible for it.

However, before he could come to any sort of resolution, the Vice Principal's pupils suddenly enlarged. Given his enhanced senses, Xu Zhenyan immediately knew it for what it was—shock.

However, the old man had long since mastered the art of subterfuge. Before anyone could realize something was off, he calmly released Xu Zhenyan and retreated.

"A mere Soul Expert cultivator—surely there's no need to make such a fuss?"

When the Vice Principal returned to his seat, a heavy-set middle-aged woman suddenly spoke up. Despite her age and being somewhat out of shape, her features were clearly that of a beautiful woman.

Xu Zhenyan turned his gaze toward her. Contrary to expectations, her expression wasn't antagonistic, but amiable. The boy judged that her words were likely a joke.

"It's indeed not worth mentioning compared to senior's."

Assuming a demure attitude, he smiled genially at her. She was the Medicine Hall elder—he knew as much from the novel's description.

The woman laughed pleasantly.

"Not more than a few minutes ago, you were quarreling furiously with your fellow applicants. Yet, now you are as meek as a lamb?"

She gave him a measured look, one eyebrow raised.

Xu Zhenyan straightened his sleeves, not appearing guilty in the least. It seemed she overheard his remark toward Zhang Ping.

"I was simply defending myself, Senior. Some fellows are too fond of gossiping about people they don't even know."

The woman shook her head, a mock sigh escaping her lips.

"Goodness, where is our academy headed, accepting students like you?"

From her words, it was clear she already thought of him as having passed admissions. However, Xu Zhenyan wasn't surprised—even Green Luan academy, the most prominent institution in Yunqin empire, couldn't afford to turn away someone as talented as himself.

"Let's get started."

Suddenly, a dark-haired man with a youthful appearance spoke, interrupting the two of them. Though his face was expressionless, a hint of impatience could be detected in his tone.

The Medicine Hall elder sealed her lips and folded her arms, but gave Xu Zhenyan an encouraging smile. He couldn't help but wonder if there was a reason for her good treatment of him, or if she was simply that friendly to everyone.

"Choose a weapon."

The dark-haired man walked forward, opening his arms to showcase the selection available. His section of the room was covered from floor to roof with countess gleaming masterworks of wood, leather and metal.

Xu Zhenyan pursed his lips, thinking things over before walking toward a sword. It was a slightly curved blade, about three feet long and with a single edge. The metal itself was black, with wavy patterns like wootz steel.

The moment he held it in his hand, he was struck by just how comfortable the grip was. Raising it to his face, he eagerly drank in the sight of the beautiful blade.

'There are plenty things here that are far more interesting… well, if it isn't broke, don't fix it, I suppose.'

Under the watchful eyes of the elders, he made a few deliberate cuts in the air. Consoling himself, he inwardly remarked that he'd at least not chosen the same six-foot, two handed sword as the protagonist.

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