Book 2: Chapter 15: Chaos in the Assessment

Vol 2 Chapter 15: Chaos in the Assessment Tianyuan New Era, Year 12,345, Second Month, Second Day Under a clear blue sky, numerous young cultivators ascended Flying Dragon Mountain. They were the candidates for this year’s academy assessment. Most climbed alone, while a few were accompanied by elders from their families or sects, eager to witness the spectacle. At the mountain summit, a massive arena had been constructed. Standing at the center was Cao Ziwei, the presiding examiner and academy teacher, flanked by four academy students: Lin Jing, dressed in white with a gourd at his waist.Ziling’er, wearing a fiery alchemist’s robe that exuded a medicinal fragrance.Yuan Jing, clad in black with a sword strapped to his back.Xu Zhizhi, in a scholarly green robe with an air of refinement. “That’s Cao Ziwei, the academy’s teacher. They say he’s at Nascent Soul perfection and a master of Qi Observation techniques!” an elder whispered to a younger companion. “Once, during a family gathering, one of our juniors was hosting a talent selection. Cao Ziwei was invited to judge the candidates. With a single glance, he selected an ordinary physique over a special one, claiming the former had ‘wife-prospering fortune.’ The junior followed his advice, and the two innate ordinary physiques ended up producing a child with the Innate Thunder Spirit Physique—the strongest innate physique!” “After that, many noble families began paying a fortune to consult Cao Ziwei when choosing spouses for their daughters. If you’re lucky enough to catch his eye and he says you bring wife-prospering fortune, you could join any prestigious family without issue!” “That’s incredible!” The younger cultivator’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at Cao Ziwei. “This fortune technique is amazing!” “Are those four the academy students serving as proctors this time? Two at early Foundation Establishment, one at Qi Refinement Stage 9, and one at Stage 7?” Among the candidates, some scrutinized Lin Jing and the others carefully, weighing their options. “Challenging the Foundation Establishment proctors will be tough to win, but even in defeat, a strong performance could score higher than beating that Qi Refinement Stage 7 proctor,” one young cultivator reasoned aloud. Hearing this, his elder smacked him and whispered sharply, “What have I always taught you? Information is key! That Qi Refinement Stage 7 proctor is from the Beast Taming Sect. His strength lies in his contracted beasts. Just months ago, he defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator with his current level of cultivation. His power is extraordinary!” “Moreover, those other three? They were all defeated by him half a year ago—though back then, they were still in Qi Refinement.” “Still, given the fame of that Beast Tamer in Qianlong City, beating him could earn you higher marks. Remember, the academy values reputation and fortune!” “Wha—?” The young cultivator was stunned. “This is so deceptive! The academy’s assessment is too treacherous!” “Exactly. Challenge the Beast Tamer. Low cultivation, big reputation—who else could better showcase your talents and earn you top marks?” While most candidates analyzed their options, a few radiated absolute confidence. Among them stood Wang Xiao of the Wang family, possessing the Heavenly God Physique. His silver armor gleamed, and his aura was so imposing that other candidates instinctively avoided him. With arms crossed, Wang Xiao fixed his gaze on Cao Ziwei, waiting for the announcement. He didn’t spare Lin Jing and the others a single glance. seaʀᴄh thё nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “It’s time!” Hovering in midair, Cao Ziwei addressed the crowd. “I am Cao Ziwei, the chief examiner for this year’s academy assessment. Welcome to all candidates! “Today’s first test will evaluate your personal strength, the foundation of all cultivation. “Each candidate may choose one of the seven academy proctors behind me to challenge. Scores will be based on your performance.” Cao Ziwei paused before adding, “Let us proceed without delay. Who will challenge first?” A sturdy young man stepped forward, leaping onto the arena. “I am Cao Qi, from Thunder Sound Valley in the Dao Domain.” Thunder Sound Valley was a minor sect known not for thunder techniques, but for body refinement through lightning tempering. Sparks of lightning danced across Cao Qi’s skin as he moved. “I choose him,” Cao Qi said, pointing to the slender Xu Zhizhi. “I’ve heard much of your reputation!” Xu Zhizhi ascended the platform gracefully. “You are brave. I assume you know of my exploits in the Cavern Heaven, where I slew a fearsome Snow Plains body cultivator with an innate Myriad Beast Physique. “Are you challenging me to prove yourself superior to them?” As Xu Zhizhi shamelessly boasted, Ziling’er and Yuan Jing twitched in exasperation. They both knew the truth: Lin Jing had done all the work, while Xu Zhizhi merely landed the finishing blow. “Yes!” Cao Qi grinned, eager to prove himself. “Begin!” Cao Ziwei declared. Cao Qi’s body crackled with lightning as he vanished, charging at Xu Zhizhi with terrifying speed. But to everyone’s surprise, Xu Zhizhi had already drawn a Mechanized Bamboo Rifle. His keen eyes locked onto Cao Qi’s movements, and he pulled the trigger. The rifle unleashed a barrage of spirit bean bullets, covering Cao Qi’s trajectory and the surrounding area. Amid the thunderous noise and a burst of spirit bean bombs, the dust cleared to reveal Cao Qi lying unconscious on the ground. He barely understood what had happened. “You’re fast,” Xu Zhizhi remarked, “but I’ve had exceptional vision since childhood. Speed is meaningless to me. “Your body isn’t as strong as that Snow Plains cultivator’s. To avoid injuring you too severely, I defeated you with this rifle instead.” With a flick of his sleeve, Xu Zhizhi returned to his seat, reloading his rifle. Cao Ziwei glanced at him in silence before calling, “Next candidate!” Cao Qi was carried away. Besides his speed, his performance had been unremarkable. The remaining candidates stared at Xu Zhizhi’s rifle in disbelief. “I challenge Xu Zhizhi!” A young man in black robes embroidered with golden tiger patterns stepped forward. “Gao Sheng of the Demon-Slaying Gao family,” he introduced himself, causing a stir among the crowd. Xu Zhizhi smiled, ready for another duel, but froze when he saw Gao Sheng pull out a rifle identical to his. “Haha! I have one too!” Gao Sheng exclaimed, to the shock of everyone present. Xu Zhizhi’s vision darkened. This is bad.