Chapter 26

----------------------------------

The examination only ended the next day.

The same black-robed lecturer who'd replaced the old, curmudgeonly announcer stood at the podium, a scroll in his hands. He scanned the thousand-something applicants, his gaze indifferent.

While the two-day assessment went on, those who finished were free to rest and socialize. However, they weren't allowed to leave the area. For that reason, when the time came to announce those who passed, it only took a few minutes for them to gather.

"Zhang Qin, score: fifteen points, Statecraft. Deng Xin, score: fifteen points, Medicine Hall. Wang Xinlun, score: sixteen points, Self Defense…"

Without preamble, the black-robed lecturer started reading from the scroll.

Xu Zhenyan listened to him with half an ear. Unlike the other students, he wasn't nervous at all. His acceptance was already a done deal—only his score was up in the air.

'Since I didn't get the last question, maybe I won't take first place.'

Stroking his chin idly, he thought it over.

In the novel, Lin Xi tied first place with Wen Xuanyu, the renowned Wen family's scion. Interestingly, he did it despite only having an aptitude of two, while Wen Xuanyu had an aptitude of five.

That meant Wen Xuanyu, having a better aptitude, performed worse in the follow up tests.

'…but my aptitude is better than his and I probably gave better answers as well.'

If it wasn't for one thing, Xu Zhenyan would've confidently put himself in first place—he didn't know how the elders would rate his cultivation aptitude.

Shaking his head internally, he decided not to worry too much. Even if he did take first place, it wouldn't be that much of a problem.

Ultimately, it was fine if people thought he was a genius. It could even be beneficial, them believing he was just that naturally gifted. That way, they wouldn't probe further into his abilities.

'Also, while I'm in the academy, it won't be possible for outside forces to target me.'

It was one of the reasons why he acted so polite in front of the elders. Getting into their good books would certainly be helpful.

There was also the fact that, while some traitors would attempt a coup eventually, to his knowledge, those present at the evaluation were all trustworthy.

'…the Vice Principal should be the only person having suspicions about my 'talent'. However, he'll certainly keep it to himself.'

Xu Zhenyan could say this with certainty because Lin Xi received the same treatment in the novel. As the most promising new student, not only the Vice Principal, but the rest of the elders were on his side.

Of course, he himself was now the most promising student.

"…Leng Qiuyu, score: 27 points, Medicine Department. Yuhua Tianji, score: 27 points, Spiritual Sacrifice…"

While Xu Zhenyan was lost in thought, the beautiful young lady from the Leng family's name was announced, as well as the kid from the Yuhua family. The latter was a bit interesting, standing out because of his golden hair and eyes.

Unexpectedly, despite their extraordinary looks, neither of the two attracted much attention. Or rather, they did, but most students were preoccupied with their sorrow, realizing if their names weren't announced yet, they certainly failed.

'The scores are in ascending order. Everyone who's names weren't announced yet either failed or are among the top achievers.'

Right at this time, there was a commotion around Lin Xi. Having started a conflict with another golden spoon, the person in question was badgering him about his name being absent from the presenter's mouth until now.

"…surely you don't think your name will still be called out?"

The person, having long, straight hair combed behind him and dressed in luxurious robes, gave Lin Xi a mocking smile.

'He should be that guy, Mu Shanzi…'

Xu Zhenyan observed their spat with curiosity. He wasn't that interested in the face-slapping event itself. Rather, he was a bit fond of this 'villain' from the novel.

Although he seemed like the kind of small-time crook that would end up being a stepping stone for the protagonist, that wasn't actually the case.

'Mu Shanzi is, in one word, a tsundere.'

Smiling to himself, Xu Zhenyan made his way over to the rowdy group. Though he was happy keeping his own company, spending the next ten years at the academy without speaking to anyone really sounded too boring.

"This kid is still saying that, even now. Either he just has that much baseless confidence, or he has something up his sleeve."

Naturally, Xu Zhenyan's words referred to Lin Xi.

Suddenly hearing a voice from behind them, the group of boys turned their heads to see him standing there. In truth, having made his 'acquaintance' yesterday, they noticed him a while ago.

The exception was Mu Shanzi, who was too absorbed in his argument with Lin Xi.

"Who is…?"

Giving Xu Zhenyan a once over, his words of displeasure died in his throat. Although the two hadn't spoken, who could forget the Soul Expert cultivator from yesterday?

The atmosphere immediately turned strange. However, instead of looking uncomfortable, Xu Zhenyan stood there calmly, his hands in his sleeves.

"…Gao Yanan, score: 30 points, heaven's choice…"

The rest of the youths were saved from having to react to his sudden appearance when the announcer spoke an unfamiliar phrase. That is, unfamiliar to the bumpkins among them.

"Heaven's choice…?"

Before they even had time to think about what those words meant, an absolutely shocking announcement was made.

"…Lin Xi, score: 31 points, heaven's choice. Wen Xuanyu, score: 31 points, heaven's choice…"

There was an immediate uproar among Lin Xi's friends, staring disbelievingly at him.

Although the boy himself remained confident as time passed, they'd long since lost hope in their hearts. After all, being a peasant from a small village in the middle of nowhere, how would he surpass all these golden spoons, raised on elixirs instead of mother's milk?

Yet, the announcer didn't stop talking. After all, there was one last name on the list, having a score even more shocking than those that came before.

Not knowing that he wasn't finished, the students started chatting crazily among themselves. Some were laughing, some were crying and some even seemed ready to take their own lives, unable to bear the shame of disappointing their families.

"…Xu Zhenyan, score: 40 points, heaven's choice…!"

However, the announcer's voice, bolstered by his cultivation, cut through the din like a knife through butter.

When the thousand-something throng heard the absurd score, they all turned silent. Not even once had there been a gap of more than one point between any of the applicants.

Thousands of eyes swirled in their sockets, locking on to Xu Zhenyan's figure. After witnessing his extraordinary appearance yesterday and hearing about his Soul Expert cultivation, his name was carved firmly into their minds.

Although the youth was surprised himself, having never expected to pull ahead of the pack by such an astonishing amount, Xu Zhenyan maintained outward calm.

With his hands in his black and silver-embroidered sleeves, he stood there placidly, gazing upward at the announcer. For his disposition alone, it seemed he long-since expected such a result.

The black-robed lecturer returned his stare, the look on his face complicated. Of course, as a member of Green Luan Academy, more geniuses were always something to be celebrated, but this…

Although he appeared in his thirties, he was already pushing sixty. Yet, in all his years, he'd never seen a student get such a high score. There was that man, but even he only scored a thirty-four…

Instead of feeling excitement, this unfathomable youth gave him a feeling of unease. Given Xu Zhenyan's age, it wouldn't be strange of him to show a look of pride and superiority. Instead, there was… nothing.

Xu Zhenyan, for his part, also noticed that something was a bit off. There was awe and worship, but he detected something else in the air—like a metaphorical chasm opening up, isolating him from the world.

'Sure enough, it's not good to stand out so much…'

Sighing inwardly, he adjusted the pins on top of his head, keeping his hair in a bun. Then, he turned and slowly walked out of the courtyard.

Not a single person let out so much as a peep until he was gone.

Lin Xi's group of friends exchanged glances with each other, the confrontation with Mu Shanzi all but forgotten.

"To think that arrogant guy was actually so talented…"

Meng Bai whispered the sentence quietly, doing his best not to be overheard.

Lin Xi wore a look of concentration on his face while the others either gave slow nods or shuffled their feet uncomfortably.

People like Gao Yanan and Wen Xuanyu were already like the heavens to them. It was to the extent that, if they almost didn't know how to even begin catching up.

But someone like Xu Zhenyan, scoring forty points and having an unknown aptitude, well… it seemed like a fool's hope, ever wanting to stand on the same level as someone like him.

"The academy must be concealing his cultivation aptitude on purpose…"

Despite himself, Zhang Ping spoke the words softly. However, the moment he did, he regretted it.

Surprisingly, it was Mu Shanzi who turned to him, the look on his face not pleased in the least.

"Shut your mouth, you worthless bumpkin. What do you even know?"

For a moment, he seemed ready to get physical. However, Lin Xi quickly interrupted their argument.

"Instead of lecturing us, you should remember your promise."

The corner of his mouth quirked upwards mischievously.

Mu Shanzi's face first turned white, then red. Yet, instead of flying into a bloody rage, he took a deep breath before turning his back to the group of boys.

"There's something I want to tell you all!"

Given the strangeness of this sudden outburst, all the students who were either caught up in conversations or lost in thought turned to look at him.

Seeing he had everyone's attention, Mu Shanzi bit on his lip, hesitating for a second or two.

"Actually… I'm a pig!"

----------------------------------

Advance chapter available for $1.

https://www.pa tre on.com/user?u=59309466