"I’ll head back first to prepare and get myself in the right state of mind."
"See you at the competition in three days."
With that, he turned and left, his back as straight and tall as a pine tree.
Watching his figure recede into the distance, Wang Qingli remained lost in thought for a long time.
She had a premonition.
’This year’s Immortal Official Examination, with this first-year student’s participation, will probably be more spectacular than ever before. It might even... go down in history.’
After bidding farewell to Wang Qingli, Chu Bai first returned to his classroom.
Today was the last General Knowledge class of the school year.
Although Instructor Zhou Changkong was still lecturing from the stage on the same dry facts and geography of the Cultivation Realm, the students below listened with unusual focus. An atmosphere of both excitement and tension filled the air.
"Alright, that’s all for today’s lesson."
Zhou Changkong closed the scroll in his hands, his gentle gaze sweeping over the class. "This not only marks the end of the semester, but it also means your year-long journey as new students is about to come to a close."
"The final examination in three days will be the touchstone that tests the results of your year of hard cultivation. Once you pass, you will officially be second-year students."
At this, Zhou Changkong’s expression turned slightly serious as he reminded them, "The rankings in this major exam are of the utmost importance. Not only will they determine the allocation of resources when you advance to the second year, but the top ten will also receive handsome rewards of Daoist Merit and Dharma Artifacts."
Hearing the word "rewards," many of the students’ eyes lit up.
But soon, most of their gazes, intentionally or not, drifted toward the figure seated front and center in the first row.
Chu Bai.
The youth who had steamrolled the competition ever since enrolling, the one who had the words "first place" practically welded to his name.
"First place... we can forget about that."
"Yeah, with a monster like Chu Bai around, that spot is as solid as a mountain. No one can possibly shake him."
"I’ll be happy just to get a decent rank. Simply graduating smoothly is a success in itself."
Though the whispers from below were hushed, the awe and respect for Chu Bai’s strength were impossible to conceal.
Even the once proud and arrogant Tao Mingzhi was now humbled and submissive, having long lost his will to compete.
Zhou Changkong naturally heard these discussions, but he didn’t stop them. He simply gave Chu Bai a meaningful look before dismissing the class.
The crowd dispersed, leaving only the two of them in the classroom.
"Master Zhou." Chu Bai walked up to the lectern and bowed respectfully.
"Mm."
Zhou Changkong nodded, his expression turning serious. "What I said before was for everyone. Now, I need to speak with you alone about a few things concerning the Immortal Official Examination."
"Your application to participate has been approved by the Deans."
Zhou Changkong took a gilt-edged Qualification Examination Order from his sleeve and handed it to Chu Bai. "Although the Dayuan Prefecture Daoist School has never had a precedent of a first-year student participating, the Deans were quite impressed by your courage to challenge those above your grade and the strength you’ve shown over the past six months. Therefore, they’ve made an exception and approved your entry."
"Thank you for your efforts, Master."
Chu Bai accepted the Token, feeling its slight weight in his hand.
"Don’t be so quick to thank me."
Zhou Changkong waved his hand and said in a grave, heartfelt tone, "Letting you go is a chance for you to gain experience. But if you’re truly outmatched, don’t force it. If you don’t pass this time, don’t lose heart over it. Just do your best."
"After all, your main battlefield is the final examination in a few days. If you get seriously injured over a slim chance at an Immortal Official position and it affects your performance in the finals, the loss would far outweigh the gain."
Chu Bai nodded in agreement but was inwardly unconvinced. ’Since I’m going, I have no intention of returning empty-handed.’
As if seeing the stubborn glint in Chu Bai’s eyes, Zhou Changkong sighed and continued, "There are a few people you need to pay special attention to."
"There is one named Lü Qing. He was born with Divine Power and follows a powerful, direct path of combat. His practical experience is vast, and he has consistently ranked in the top ten among third-year students."
"I’ve met Senior Brother Lü. His combat strength is indeed formidable."
Chu Bai nodded. He was an acquaintance with whom Chu Bai had fought a Rat General; his strength was not to be underestimated.
"Lü Qing is strong, but not invincible. The one who will truly make you despair is this person."
Zhou Changkong’s expression became unprecedentedly solemn as he slowly uttered a name:
"Ji Li."
"Ji Li?" Chu Bai was slightly taken aback.
"That’s right. The eldest son of the Ji Family, the number one Noble Family in Dayuan Prefecture."
Zhou Changkong said gravely, "His background is deeper than you can possibly imagine. His Cultivation Techniques, Magic Techniques, and Dharma Artifacts are all top-tier."
"Furthermore, he himself is exceptionally talented. Ever since he enrolled, in every major examination, he has always been number one by a landslide, never once surpassed."
"In the hearts of the third-year students, he is an insurmountable mountain. Many Instructors even believe privately that with his current strength, if he were to obtain a White Talisman, he would have long since broken through the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation and might even be among the best within that stage."
"’Number one by a landslide...’"
Chu Bai’s eyes narrowed slightly.
’That description sounds a lot like my own situation.’
"If you face him directly in the tournament..."
Zhou Changkong looked at Chu Bai and advised him earnestly, "I hope you can set aside that youthful competitiveness. When it’s time to surrender, surrender."
"There’s no shame in losing to Ji Li. If you fight to the bitter end just to save face and suffer a major setback, it could damage your invincible Dao Heart. It might even leave you with psychological trauma that could affect your future Cultivation."
"Of course, that’s just the worst-case scenario. With your strength, as long as your luck isn’t too bad and you avoid that Great God, you still have a good chance of breaking into the top ten."
Zhou Changkong clapped Chu Bai on the shoulder, went over some more details about the tournament rules, and finally let him go.
Chu Bai walked out of the academic building and looked up at the azure sky.
"Ji Li, eh..."
Not only did he feel no fear, but he could feel the blood in his veins begin to boil with excitement.
’The number one who’s never been surpassed?’
’What a coincidence. So am I.’
Chu Bai tightened his grip on the Qualification Examination Order, the fire of battle igniting in his eyes.
Just as they were parting, Zhou Changkong seemed to remember something and called out to Chu Bai, who was about to turn and leave.
"There are a few more things about the tournament rules I need to tell you in advance, so you don’t get flustered when the time comes."
Zhou Changkong’s expression grew solemn, even tinged with a hint of reverence. "This Immortal Official Examination is no small matter. It directly relates to the Official Status conferred by the Court, so the proctoring standards are extremely high."
"When the time comes, not only will our Daoist School’s headmaster and several Deans be present to observe, but a Judge from the Dayuan Prefecture City’s Merit Department will personally descend to preside over the examination!"
"A Judge?"
A chill went down Chu Bai’s spine.
In the Great Zhou Dynasty’s system, the Merit Department was the core institution in charge of the rewards, punishments, assessments, and promotions of Cultivators.
A Judge was a Great Cultivator at the Late-stage Foundation Establishment at the very least, possibly even higher. They wielded the authority of the Law Net and possessed the terrifying power of Words Become Law.
With such a great figure present, any and all forms of trickery or cheating would be utterly exposed.
"Correct. The Judge’s eyes are like torches, seeing all, and he values fairness above all else."
Zhou Changkong continued to explain, "Therefore, the examination rules are extremely strict."
"To ensure fairness, and also to test the students’ true foundations in Cultivation, during the examination—the use of any personal Dharma Artifacts, Talismans, Pills, or other external aids is strictly forbidden!"
"Upon entry, all external items must be handed over and sealed. Violators will be immediately disqualified and may even have their Daoist Record revoked, never to be employed."
Hearing this rule, Chu Bai didn’t find it particularly troublesome.
"I don’t rely much on external items in my daily practice, so I’m not worried about that," Chu Bai replied calmly.
"That’s good."
Zhou Changkong nodded, but still added a worried reminder, "However, for those who are used to relying on pills for recovery, suddenly being cut off from that supply can be jarring. You should adjust your rhythm over the next few days."
"As for the specific content of the exam..."
Zhou Changkong shook his head. "The content of the Immortal Official Examination changes every year. It could be entering a Secret Realm to slay demons, Magical Combat on a tournament stage, or breaking formations and solving puzzles... It’s always bizarrely varied, and there’s no possibility of a leak beforehand. You’ll only know what it is at the moment the Judge unseals it on site."
"In short, you must counter soldiers with generals and floods with earth. Everything will come down to your true abilities."
"I understand. I will be sure to remember this."
Chu Bai clasped his hands in a solemn salute, engraving each piece of key information into his mind.
Proctored by a Judge, external items forbidden, exam content unknown.
This Immortal Official Examination was even more fair—and more brutal—than he had imagined.
"Go on," Zhou Changkong said with a wave of his hand. "Get yourself into top condition. In three days, I’ll be watching your performance from the viewing platform."
"I will take my leave."

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