After lunch, under the envious gazes of countless students, Qin Wuyi and Mi Xue went to the training ground together.
To enter the Earth Sect, the written test was just a stepping stone.
Even for the Literature Academy, sufficient cultivation was also required.
The sky was cloudless, and the sun was shining brightly.
The scorching sunlight shone on the training ground, where hundreds of disciples from the Literature Academy were already waiting, and the clamor of discussions about the assessment rose and fell.
Not everyone participated in the assessment; some were purely there to join in the excitement.
Today was the most important day of the year for the Qufu Academy.
On the high platform on the far left of the field sat the teachers of the Qufu Academy and some important figures.
Such as the Guqin Sage Su Wensheng and the Book Maniac Qin Fei…
The most eye-catching among them was the plain-clothed elder in the middle.
His eyes were filled with vicissitudes, his brows mixed with heroic spirit, his temples grizzled, and he was dressed in plain clothes.
His eyes were bright and radiant, emitting a sense of authority with his every move.
This person was none other than one of the seventy-two sages of Confucianism, the vice-principal of the Qufu Academy, Dantai Ming!
He was famous throughout the Spring and Autumn period for his saying, “The art of painting does not know the arrival of an old general; wealth and rank are like floating clouds to me.”
However, on ordinary days, his whereabouts were extremely secretive, and like Principal Nangong Shi, he rarely made an appearance.
Today was a big day for the Qufu Academy, and as the vice-principal, he naturally had to show up.
The students below were discussing and pointing.
“This time, quite a few people in our Literature Academy have reached the cultivation requirement. Today will be exciting.”
“I heard that the waste who has been in the Literature Academy for ten years is also participating?”
“Shut up! He’s not a waste anymore. A few days ago, with a five-star cultivation, he defeated Huang Yang from the Martial Arts Academy, who was an eight-star expert!”
“Yeah, and the key is that Huang Jue, for some unknown reason, not only didn’t cause trouble for Qin Wuyi but even forbade anyone from bullying him again.”
“However, Princess Mi is also participating in the assessment this time and will definitely bring glory to our Literature Academy!”
…
Most of the students’ discussions were basically about Mi Xue, and quite a few people would turn around from time to time to take a look.
Not to mention them, even many teachers of the academy were surprised by Mi Xue’s participation in the assessment this time.
On the high platform, Dantai Ming sat in the front, his low voice carrying the vicissitudes of years as he spoke, “This year, Princess Mi is participating in the assessment, so we can give the king an explanation.”
The teachers behind him nodded, especially Gao Wenhai, who had a wistful expression.
You have to know that over the years, he had been under a lot of pressure.
As the eldest princess of Chu, Mi Xue had not been promoted to the Earth Sect for many years. When the news spread, there were all kinds of rumors.
Because of this, the King of Chu was also quite displeased.
Gao Wenhai had no choice. With Mi Xue’s talent, she could have become a disciple of the Earth Sect five years ago.
Over the years, she had been suppressing her own cultivation progress just to accompany Qin Wuyi.
“Vice-principal, apart from Mi Xue, there is one person in the Literature Academy who is not inferior to her.” Su Wensheng spoke up, which was extremely rare.
Dantai Ming basically did not manage the affairs of the Qufu Academy on a daily basis and did not know who he was talking about, so he became interested. “Oh? Who?”
“Qin Wuyi!”
Upon hearing this name, the teachers of the Literature Academy showed a confused expression.
“Qin Wuyi? I remember he is a student in Teacher Gao’s class. He can recite the Four Books and Five Classics backward, and he has high attainments in guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. In the academy, he is even known as the Divine Brush and the Master of Guqin and Painting. However, he… can’t cultivate, right?”
Dantai Ming was not unfamiliar with this name.
Qin Fei and Su Wensheng looked at each other and said with a smile, “Ten days ago, he had already reached five stars!”
“Oh?” Dantai Ming was initially interested, but in the blink of an eye, his eyes dimmed again. “What a pity. Only by reaching seven stars can one be promoted to the Earth Sect. Ten days have passed, and he will only be eliminated.”
“Haha! Vice-principal, you will know in a moment.”
Qin Fei suddenly laughed. Three days ago, Qin Wuyi had already reached a six-star cultivation.
Moreover, Su Wensheng had given him a Questioning Star Pill, which was enough for him to advance again.
Just in time to meet the conditions for entering the Earth Sect.
Dantai Ming was puzzled, not knowing what tricks they had up their sleeves, but he didn’t pay much attention.
Seeing that the sun had risen three poles high and the time was approaching, the students below were waiting with anticipation.
Many people appeared a bit nervous and anxious, while those participating in the assessment had a calm expression.
Ling Jun’s eyes were filled with coldness, and he occasionally glanced at Qin Wuyi, cursing in a low voice, “After today, you will be expelled from the Qufu Academy! At that time, you will be nothing but a waste!”
The sound of gloating laughter rose and fell.
“He’s still pretending to be calm. I bet he’s panicking inside, right?”
“Speaking of which, what is he doing here wasting time? Anyway, he won’t be able to pass…”
Some students from the Literature Academy who did not participate in the assessment were also mocking him on the side. Their cultivation was insufficient, and participating would only embarrass them.
Therefore, when someone was unable to pass the assessment, they would be very happy.
The reason why so many students came this time was half to see Mi Xue’s promotion to the Earth Sect and the other half to see Qin Wuyi’s joke.
“Two stars in ten days, unheard of!”
“He won’t be able to pass today!”
The hour had arrived, and Dantai Ming slowly walked out.
He opened his right hand, and a bamboo scroll appeared.
“The results of the written test are out. The one who has won the laurel is Qin Wuyi!”
The entire venue fell silent, without any surprise.
Mi Xue excitedly applauded, seeming even more excited than if she had won the championship herself.
Under her lead, many students began to applaud simultaneously, and Qin Fei and Su Wensheng also clapped their hands.
“Next, those whose names are called, come on stage to display your cultivation. If you can reach a seven-star cultivation, you can successfully be promoted to a disciple of the Earth Sect!”
The bamboo scroll shook, and golden names appeared one after another.
Most of them passed directly, without any surprises.
After all, without sufficient cultivation, they wouldn’t have participated in the written test.
“Ling Jun.”
As the name fell, the entire venue immediately became lively.
“Young Master Ling had already reached seven stars three months ago, and now he must be able to reach a higher level!”
“I think he’s at least eight stars!”
Ling Jun’s eyes were filled with a hint of arrogance as he slowly walked onto the stage, glancing at Qin Wuyi below and then at Mi Xue.
Princess, you will be mine!
“Show your cultivation.”
Ling Jun nodded, waved his right hand, and one bright star after another appeared.
In just a moment, there were already seven!
But this was not the end.
Like a fairy, another star popped out!
“Eight stars!”
“So strong!”
“As expected of General Ling’s son, his talent is indeed monstrous!”
But just as they were exclaiming in amazement, another star appeared…
Nine stars!
References:
The Supreme Lord of the Heavens – Chapter 14
The Supreme Lord of the Heavens – Chapter 16
The concept of a school that teaches both martial arts and literature is quite fascinating. It’s an interesting blend of disciplines that you don’t often see together in Western education systems.
Qin Wuyi seems to be a bit of an underdog character, looked down upon by many of his peers. But it appears he may surprise everyone with his abilities in the upcoming assessment. I’m curious to see how he performs.
The description of the various authority figures like Dantai Ming and their reputations helps set the stage and build the world of the story. You can tell status and hierarchy are very important in this society.
I wonder about the backstory between Qin Wuyi and Princess Mi Xue. She seems to really believe in and support him, even holding herself back to stay by his side. There are definitely some complex dynamics and history there.
The idea of being tested and promoted to different sects based on your abilities is an interesting one. In some ways it seems meritocratic, but I imagine those from privileged backgrounds like Ling Jun still have huge advantages. Curious if Qin Wuyi’s talent can overcome his lower status.
Nine stars is clearly an impressive cultivation level, but I have a feeling Qin Wuyi may have a trick up his sleeve to upstage Ling Jun. The story seems to be setting up an underdog triumph moment for him.
The mentions of things like guqin, calligraphy and the Four Books and Five Classics help immerse the story in Chinese cultural elements. Even without being deeply familiar with them, it helps transport the reader to a very different cultural context.
The mix of martial arts and scholarly pursuits in the Qufu Academy is intriguing. It suggests a society that values both physical prowess and intellectual cultivation. I’d be curious to learn more about how these two branches of study interact and complement each other.
Qin Wuyi’s rapid advancement from two stars to five stars in just ten days is astounding. It makes me wonder what kind of special training or techniques he used to achieve such accelerated progress.
The description of the testing grounds and the gathered students helps create a vivid atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. You can really feel the weight and significance of this annual assessment.
I find myself rooting for Qin Wuyi, hoping he can prove his detractors wrong and showcase his true abilities. There’s something satisfying about seeing an underestimated character rise to the occasion and exceed expectations.
The presence of esteemed figures like Dantai Ming and Su Wensheng adds an air of gravity to the proceedings. It underscores just how important this assessment is and how much is at stake for the students.
I’m intrigued by the mention of the Questioning Star Pill that Su Wensheng gave to Qin Wuyi. It suggests there are mystical or alchemical elements in this world that can aid in cultivation. I wonder what other kinds of esoteric practices or artifacts exist.
The tension and rivalry between Qin Wuyi and Ling Jun is palpable. Ling Jun’s arrogance and disdain for Qin Wuyi sets up a classic conflict between the privileged bully and the talented underdog. I’m eager to see how their confrontation will play out.
The fact that Qin Wuyi is known as the Divine Brush and the Master of Guqin and Painting suggests he has a refined artistic side in addition to his martial arts talent. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of skills and makes me curious about how his artistic pursuits might influence his cultivation.