Chapter 272 - 271: Are There Any Experts?

Words : 1412 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 272: Chapter 271: Are There Any Experts? The gathering around Nezha was growing larger and larger. With No Brainer and Unhappy freed from Sister Yun’s watchful eye, they were completely letting loose—singing and dancing at the foot of Lingshan. Meanwhile, at the entrance to the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation in the distance, immortals were constantly coming and going. This exam had a time limit of about three years. Most immortals finished the exam in a matter of minutes (like No Brainer and Unhappy), while others took a few days at most. Some immortals, believing that an early start meant early success, rushed to enter and confront the challenges. Representing this approach were Yunxiao, Jin Ling, and Luo Xuan of the Jie Sect. Other immortals believed that studying a bit longer would give them some extra advantage; figures like Guanyin, Manjusri, and Puxian followed this philosophy. There was no definitive right or wrong in this—everything depended on one’s own mindset. Nezha and his crew were all about doing things their way, and their motto was simply to have fun. Jinzha and Mu Zha tried giving it a shot too, and both scored just over one thousand points. At least No Brainer and Unhappy’s dismal two-digit scores seemed to have newfound "value" in comparison. The exam wasn’t focused solely on cultivation, but there was still a minimum requirement: Profound Immortal level, the threshold recognized by the Daoist Ancestor. Jinzha and Mu Zha, being Earth Immortals, were obviously hindered by their cultivation. Otherwise, given their study of Buddhist scriptures and years of experience handling governance alongside Old Li, their scores would likely have been higher. The two briefly described the "exam questions" inside, which were wide-ranging and multifaceted, testing an immortal’s overall aptitude. High cultivation undoubtedly conferred an advantage—and a significant one at that—but fairness had never been absolute in the Primordial world. On the second day, golden light flashed at the entrance of the formation, and out came Jin Ling Saint Mother, clad in a regal golden robe and possessing an elegant and captivating face. She surveyed the situation outside with a glance and began walking toward Nezha’s group. Yu Yuan immediately stood up and saluted his teacher. Nezha followed suit, saying, "Greetings, Senior Sister Jin Ling." Jin Ling nodded briefly, as though entirely forgetting the incident on the Sun Star. Without a hint of expression, she made her way to the female immortals’ side. Yu Yuan, blissfully unaware of the history between his teacher and Nezha, tried to smooth things over, "Hahaha, my teacher has always been like this, Junior Master, don’t take it personally." Nezha chuckled dryly, "Not at all! Not at all! We’re all brothers here." Old Li, sharp as ever, alternated his gaze between Nezha and Jin Ling Saint Mother, feeling like something was amiss here! Shortly thereafter, surprised cries came from the female immortals’ side: Jin Ling Saint Mother had scored ninety-eight thousand on the exam. Nezha: "???" Looking at the carefree, bouncing figures of No Brainer and Unhappy, he couldn’t even bring himself to make a snide remark in his head. These two sisters’ hopelessly low scores somehow seemed even "more valuable"! When Nezha glanced in Jin Ling’s direction, she immediately locked eyes with him, giving him a cold and piercing glare. Nezha: Can’t mess with her. Nope, can’t mess with her. Afterward, Huang Long and Ju Liusun emerged, their scores close to one another: Huang Long scored eleven thousand, Ju Liusun thirteen thousand. On the other side, figures like Daji and Deng Chanyu were also persuaded to give it a try. The results came out quickly, and No Brainer and Unhappy eagerly inquired about Deng Chanyu and Daji’s scores. Surely, they thought, they wouldn’t end up scoring lower than two mortals, right? Turned out they really did—unsurprisingly. After all, the Great King of Nantang hadn’t ruled in vain all these years. Daji and Deng Chanyu both scored just over one thousand, clearly hindered by their cultivation levels as well. Their administrative skills were decent, but their cultivation was holding them back. Golden Light and Yang Chan, though weaker in governance, had higher cultivation and managed scores of fifteen hundred. Yang Jian tried the exam and scored three thousand two. He hadn’t studied Buddhist scriptures nor served long as a True Martial General, so while he excelled in battle, his administrative experience was noticeably lacking. Lady Yin joined in for the fun and scored two thousand, proving that her time as an Empress Dowager wasn’t just for show. No Brainer and Unhappy looked on, visibly sulking. Why were the two of them still at rock bottom? Not a single two-digit score, even?! Sulking, they pouted for three seconds— —before resuming their music and dance routines! On the third day, Yunxiao emerged from the formation and caught sight of her two sisters, Qiong Xiao and Bixiao, dancing and swaying as carefree as ever. She was about to call out those two familiar words but paused upon scanning the crowd, realizing there were far too many acquaintances and strangers around. Out of concern for her sisters, she swallowed the words back down. Seeing Yunxiao walking elegantly toward them, Nezha greeted her, "Sister Yun, how did it go?" Yunxiao, poised and composed, replied, "My score was two hundred eighty-four thousand. If I hadn’t been distracted by studying the array formation, it could’ve been even higher." Nezha: "!!!" Two hundred eighty-four thousand! Instinctively, his gaze shifted toward Wolong and Fengchu. Yunxiao frowned and swiftly grabbed hold of her two sisters, pulling them protectively to her side. "Second sister, third sister, how did you two do?" The sisters’ lips quivered like schoolchildren after failing their exams. "Haha, eldest sister, of course, we didn’t score as high as you!" "Second sis is right!" Yunxiao wasn’t about to let them slip away: "What were your scores?" "Uh, I got ninety-six." "I got eighty-five." Yunxiao’s expression darkened, though she composed herself in the presence of Lady Yin and said, "Better luck next time." Internally, though, she vowed to give these two sisters a proper study session later! Seeing this, No Brainer and Unhappy seemingly had an epiphany. They darted left and right, planting themselves firmly on either side of Lady Yin. Yunxiao let out a small sigh and bowed formally to Lady Yin. Lady Yin had taken a liking to Yunxiao for some reason—she saw hints of herself from the days when she guided Jinzha and Mu Zha. Lady Yin took Yunxiao’s hand, along with Jin Ling Saint Mother’s, saying warmly, "Nezha can be quite impulsive in his actions. I truly appreciate you sisters for looking after him." Both women nodded solemnly. From a distance, Nezha couldn’t help but marvel at Lady Yin’s finesse—holding hands with both Yunxiao and Jin Ling Saint Mother. This was something even he would never dare attempt! The last to emerge were Shi Ji and Long Ji. Shi Ji, though a Stubborn Stone by origin with limited intellect and crippling social anxiety, possessed a grit and tenacity reminiscent of Jieyin Saint. Recognized by the formation, her Golden Immortal cultivation earned her a score of thirteen hundred. Long Ji, forever youthful in spirit, had never studied Buddhist scriptures and lacked management experience beyond her stint as Garden Guardian Immortal for the Immortal Peach Orchard. Everyone knew the state of the Peach Orchard these days. She came out within mere moments, scoring eighty points. Long Ji revealed her score, leaving Nezha genuinely stunned. There were still surprises left in store? No Brainer and Unhappy, meanwhile, were beside themselves with glee—they weren’t at the bottom anymore! Long Ji, embarrassed by her low score, racked her brain for an excuse and blurted, "It’s all my dad’s fault—he’s terrible at teaching!" Everyone present, being of high status, naturally knew who her father was. Hao Tian: "???" Reputation undeservedly tarnished! In the Turquoise Pool, the Queen Mother, watching over her daughter, burst out laughing. Good girl—at least during embarrassing moments, you didn’t drag your mother into it. Thank you so much! Finally, only Taiyi, Nezha, and Old Li remained. Taiyi, ever nonchalant, dismissed the matter entirely. As the Chan Sect’s guardian, his responsibilities were weighty, and treasures from the Daoist Ancestor were never meant for him. Nezha and Old Li exchanged a glance before rising together. "Well, we’re already here—how can we miss out on the most famous landmark? Let’s do this." The two strolled up to the grand formation, disappearing into the Light Gate side by side.

Chapter 272 - 271: Are There Any Experts?

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