For the past three days, Chu Bai had forgone intense training. Instead, he meditated in seclusion, tuning his Spirit, Essence, and Qi to a flawless state of Perfection.
In the early morning, a Bell rang nine times, its chimes echoing across the entire Daoist School.
Led by his Instructor, Zhou Changkong, Chu Bai arrived at the Forbidden Land in the back mountains of the Daoist School—the Celestial Spirit Martial Arts Arena.
This place was normally closed to the public. Only for major assessments of this caliber would its special Spirit Realm be activated.
At this moment, the massive Martial Arts Arena was already buzzing with a clamorous crowd.
Aside from the hundred or so elite students who had passed through layers of selection to qualify for the competition, the surrounding spectator stands were packed with second- and third-year students who hadn’t registered and had come purely to observe and learn.
For them, to personally witness a duel that represented the highest combat prowess of the Daoist School was a rare opportunity in itself.
As soon as Chu Bai entered the arena, he spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd.
"Junior Brother Chu!"
A delighted voice called out. Zhang Shan was standing in the front row of the viewing area, waving at him excitedly.
The two of them had partnered on several missions recently, becoming quite close. But with Chu Bai having spent the last month in secluded, intense cultivation, they hadn’t seen each other for a while.
Zhang Shan hurried over, clapped Chu Bai on the shoulder, and grinned. "Junior Brother, are you here to watch the competition too? Perfect, let’s find a good spot. This is the Immortal Official Examination! A clash of titans. Watching will be a real eye-opener."
He paused, a flicker of longing in his eyes. "I was lucky enough to break through to the Qi Cultivation Third Layer, but I know my foundation isn’t solid enough, so I didn’t sign up this year. I plan to build up my strength for another year and try to make a run for a spot in the next one."
Hearing this, Zhou Changkong, who was standing nearby, gave Zhang Shan a strange look. He shook his head and said softly, "Ah, Zhang Shan, you’ve misjudged the situation this time."
"Chu Bai’s spot in the competition was confirmed by the Deans long ago."
"Huh?"
Zhang Shan was stunned. For a moment, he was completely bewildered, his dazed gaze shifting back and forth between Chu Bai and Zhou Changkong. "In the competition? Junior Brother Chu? A first-year?"
He knew Chu Bai was strong, absurdly strong even, but... this was the Immortal Official Examination!
’Looks like Junior Brother wants to get a feel for this Chaotic Scene ahead of time, to prepare for next year?’
Zhang Shan could only console himself with that thought. His expression turned serious. "Such courage! In that case, I’ll be sure to cheer you on with everything I’ve got!"
Chu Bai just smiled without offering an explanation. He cupped his hands in a salute to Zhang Shan, then turned and walked toward the core area reserved for competitors.
That was the eye of the storm.
Soon, the one hundred competitors had assembled.
Standing in the crowd, Chu Bai’s gaze swept across the others.
Lü Qing, towering like an iron pagoda with a Giant Sword on his back, grinned at him, revealing a mouth full of white teeth. Wang Qingli, dressed in a pale yellow long dress with a cool expression, gave him a slight nod. Both were considered top contenders for the championship.
But the most eye-catching figure was the one at the very front of the group, surrounded by an invisible aura of importance.
He was a handsome young man in fine brocade robes, his expression indifferent. He stood there quietly, yet a vacuum seemed to form around him, with no one daring to get too close.
Ji Li.
The legendary, undefeated number one of the third year.
Chu Bai’s eyes narrowed slightly. ’A gathering of true prodigies, indeed,’ he thought.
Just then, three streaks of light descended from the sky, landing on the high platform.
It was the three Deans, who were usually as elusive as divine dragons.
They were responsible for the final roll call and verification, ensuring the identity of every competitor was correct.
Immediately after, several even more powerful auras descended.
The leader, with white hair and a beard, possessed the air of a transcendent immortal. It was the Headmaster of the Dayuan Prefecture Daoist School.
Behind him were two vice-headmasters. One of them, whose gaze was particularly sharp, was Lu He—a man Chu Bai had met once during his enrollment when he was Receiving his Talisman.
Lu He’s gaze swept casually over the crowd below. When he spotted the somewhat youthful figure standing among a group of senior third-year students, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
’Is that... the Top Scholar from that Humble Family?’
Lu He’s heart stirred. ’The boy has only been enrolled for a year, yet he’s already qualified to stand here? Back when he was Receiving his Talisman, I sensed his disposition was extraordinary. I never imagined his progress would be so rapid. He’s truly a talent worth nurturing.’
However, he said nothing more, merely tucking this observation away in his mind.
"The double-hour has arrived."
The Headmaster stepped forward. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire arena. "This Immortal Official Examination is a grand event for the Court to select talented individuals. To ensure fairness, we have specially invited the venerable Judge from the Merit Department to be present and act as our witness!"
Before his words had even faded, the sky suddenly changed color.
A magnificent beam of golden light pierced through the clouds and descended, transforming into a middle-aged man in a dark red official robe, holding a Judge’s Brush.
His features were stern and righteous, and within his eyes, the Law Net seemed to flow. His mere presence sent a soul-deep pressure through every Cultivator present.
This was the Judge, who controlled the punishments and rewards of an entire prefecture and wielded the authority of the Law Net!
"Greetings, Lord Judge."
The several Deans and Instructors all bowed in unison.
His official authority and status were extremely high, equal to that of the Headmaster.
The Judge nodded slightly, his torch-like gaze sweeping over the entire arena as his voice boomed like a great bell:
"Since this is a selection of talent, fairness must come first."
"I shall preside here and will judge only on true ability. Any form of cheating will not escape the vast reach of the Law Net!"

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