I am a fairy in Journey to the West

The Heavenly Official Examination, held at the foot of Buzhou Mountain, consisted of three parts: the first, the Virtue Examination, lasted one day; the second, the Literary Examination, lasted three days; and the third, the Military Examination, lasted three days.

The written test lasted three days, and the question setter was the Fire Spirit True Immortal. She extracted 108 questions, both big and small, that she had encountered when she was in charge of the Eastern Peak Divine Palace.

However, the answer format is not fixed; instead, candidates are asked to propose their own solutions to these 108 questions.

So when the test takers see the case files in front of them, they feel as if they are not taking an exam, but making a decision.

None of these 108 questions have fixed answers, and the final score will be determined by the Fire Spirit Immortal.

In other words, the examination papers were personally reviewed by the Fire Spirit Immortal, which underscores the importance of the examination to a certain extent.

If your answer is appreciated by the Fire Spirit Immortal, then even if you don't do well in the Morality and Martial Arts tests this time, your future opportunities will be much greater than others.

As for the martial arts test, it was set and administered by Erlang Shen. Erlang Shen was very direct and didn't beat around the bush. He simply used an illusion to recreate the scene where he led the Six Sages of Meishan and Xiaotian Dog to capture Sun Wukong.

This time, however, they won't be facing Sun Wukong, but rather the other examinees. No methods or magic weapons are restricted; use whatever skills you have. The longer you persist, the better your score will be.
Seven days later, all three exams were over, and all the candidates returned to their respective inns to await the results.

Three days later, the results of the moral and martial arts tests were released, but the Fire Spirit Immortal had not yet finished reviewing the papers for the literary test.

Three more days passed, and the Fire Spirit Immortal finally finished reviewing the examination papers. In the end, the Fire Spirit Immortal, along with the civil officials of the Dust Jade Palace, summarized the results of the three examinations and finally drew up the list of successful candidates.

"Is Lu Lingmao from Dongsheng Shenzhou the number one?" said Liu Yan, the Northern Heavenly Lord.

With a flick of his vermilion brush, the name Lu Lingmao appeared below the four characters "Heavenly Trial Champion" on the list.

"The top scholar is Lu Lingmao," said the Fire Spirit Immortal. "I remember he came from a rather unfortunate background?"

Dongtianjun Wenqiong said, "Yes, this person was originally a reed that accidentally absorbed the essence of the sun and moon and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and eventually cultivated and transformed into human form."

"Isn't it a bit inappropriate to let a mere demon be the champion of the Heavenly Trial?" asked the Western Heavenly Emperor Huang Zhou Jun.

Guan Yu, the Southern Heavenly Lord, stroked his long beard and said, “I don’t see anything wrong with it. Prime ministers must rise from the prefectures and counties, and fierce generals must come from the ranks. What’s wrong with having a humble origin? As long as one has talent, one can be given important responsibilities.”

“It’s not that I look down on him,” Huang Zhoujun said. “I’m afraid the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors will object.”

Fire Spirit Immortal said, "Their objections are useless. This is an examination of the Jade Palace of the Mortal Realm. This Lu Lingmao is first in both the moral and literary examinations, only slightly behind in the martial arts examination, but that is related to his background."

How much power can you expect from a reed demon? How long can it withstand the pursuit and interception of the Six Sages of Meishan and the Howling Celestial Dog?

Therefore, True Immortal Huoling determined that Lu Lingmao was the first place, and said, "That's settled then."

Huang Zhoujun nodded and said nothing more. Then came the rankings for the 'Kui Dou' competition, which had a total of sixteen participants, including Xue Ke.

Next came the 'Kuiwei' ranking, which had thirty-two people, including Xue Baoqin and Jia Tanchun.

Finally, there is the 'secondary list,' which is the 'second to the main list.' There are 81 people on the secondary list, which, together with the 49 people on the main list, make a total of 130 people on the list.

As for those who did not make the list, they were considered "failed to pass," and their scores were fixed at the Five Continents and Four Seas Divine Palace level, which is called "top scorer."

They can still be granted official positions by imperial decree from the Five Continents and Four Seas Divine Palace, but their initial official rank cannot exceed the seventh grade.

After the list was finalized, True Immortal Huo Ling handed the golden list of the top scorers and the white list of the second-best scorers to Lu Hanzhi, saying, "The list will be released tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)."

Lu Hanzhi accepted the notice with both hands, then bowed and said, "Yes, sir."

Fire Spirit Immortal waved his hand and said to everyone, "You've all worked hard these past few days reviewing papers and finalizing the list. Now you can all go back and rest."

All the gods and officials bowed and said, "As you command, we take our leave."

Afterwards, all the gods and immortals bid farewell to the Fire Spirit Immortal, and then left the main hall and the Fire Spirit Palace in turn.

But just over an hour later, while True Immortal Huo Ling was still dealing with the accumulated affairs of the past few days, a celestial boy suddenly entered the hall and reported: "Reporting to the True King, the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain is requesting an audience outside the hall."

Without even raising his head, Fire Spirit Immortal said, "Summon."

The celestial boy accepted the order and left. Not long after, the Great Emperor Suiren of the Western Peak stepped in. Upon arriving at the hall, he bowed to the True Immortal Huoling and said, "Greetings, Your Highness, the True King Congshe."

Fire Spirit Immortal then raised his head, gestured for him to rise, and said with a smile, "Great Emperor of the Western Peak, please rise and take a seat."

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak bowed in gratitude, then walked to a sandalwood chair and sat down.

Then, the Fire Spirit Immortal asked the Great Emperor of the Western Peak, "Your Majesty, why have you come to see me so late? Is there something important?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak pondered for a moment, then said, "I have come from the King of Shezhen to ask whether the list of candidates for the Heavenly Official Examination has been finalized?"

Fire Spirit Immortal nodded and said, "The list has been prepared and sealed. It will be released tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)."

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak asked, "Then who is the champion of this Heavenly Official Examination?"

Fire Spirit Immortal laughed and said, "Your Majesty, do not ask. We will know when the results are announced tomorrow."

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak said, "I heard that the leader is a little reed demon?"

Fire Spirit Immortal raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who told the Emperor about this?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak did not hide anything and said directly, "It is Guan Yu, the Heavenly Lord of the Southern Pole."

"Hmm?" Huo Ling Zhenxian asked in surprise, "Guan Tianjun is the Antarctic Yuanshe Tianjun, why would he tell you about this to the Western Mountain Emperor?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak laughed and said, "Although Lord Guan is the Lord of the Southern Heaven, he has a long-standing friendship with us, so he revealed this matter to us during our drinks just now."

Fire Spirit Immortal said, "So what if I revealed it? The results will be released tomorrow anyway. So, is this what you came to me about?"

"Yes." The Great Emperor of the Western Peak asked with a smile, "Could the position of leader be re-established from the position of the True King?"

"Why?" asked the Fire Spirit Immortal. "What's the reason?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak said, "Lu Lingmao is a demon, and the human race should be the leader. My Western Peak Divine Palace opposes appointing Lu Lingmao as the leader."

Fire Spirit Immortal said, "I don't care whether he's human or demon; I only care about results."

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak said, "But humans are the most intelligent of all beings. How can we allow a mere demon to take the top spot in this first Heavenly Official Examination?"

Fire Spirit Immortal gently slapped the table with his right hand and said, "The champion has been decided and cannot be changed."

The Great Emperor of the Western Mountain twitched his eye and immediately cupped his hands in response, "As you command."

As soon as he finished speaking, the celestial boy outside the hall came in and bowed, saying, "True King, the Great Emperor of the Northern Peak and the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak have come to pay their respects."

Fire Spirit Immortal glanced at the Great Emperor of the Western Peak, then said to the celestial child, "Let them in."

Soon, the Great Emperor of the Northern Peak and the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak also entered the main hall. After paying their respects to the True Immortal Fire Spirit, they saw the Great Emperor of the Western Peak sitting to the side. The Great Emperor of the Western Peak smiled at the two of them. At this moment, the True Immortal Fire Spirit offered them seats, and the two thanked him and sat down next to the Great Emperor of the Western Peak.

At this moment, True Immortal Huo Ling spoke up, "The two Emperors have come here to pay their respects, presumably also for the matter of the leader?"

“That’s right,” the Southern Mountain Emperor and the Northern Mountain Emperor nodded in agreement.

Fire Spirit Immortal asked, "And who leaked the information to you two?"

The Great Emperor of Mount Heng said, "It is Lord Huang Zhou."

The Great Emperor of the Northern Peak said, "It is Wen Qiong, the Eastern Heavenly Lord."

"Well, well." Fire Spirit True Immortal's face darkened. "None of you can keep anything to yourself."

At this point, True Immortal Fire Spirit said directly, "I will also tell you frankly, the champion has already been decided and will not be changed."

The Great Emperor of the Northern Mountain said, "It is really too childish to let a little demon win the championship."

"Does the Great Emperor of the Northern Mountain suspect me of favoritism?" asked True Immortal Fire Spirit.

The Great Emperor of the Northern Peak waved his hands repeatedly and said, "I dare not say that. We are convinced of your prestige, King Shezhen. I just feel that letting a little reed demon be the top scholar in the Heavenly Official Examination will discourage many people's Dao hearts."

"So what if we suffer a setback?" Fire Spirit Immortal said, "If you are not as talented as others, you must accept the facts."

"Uh, this..." The Great Emperor of the Northern Mountain was speechless for a moment.

At this moment, the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak said, "I know something about Lu Lingmao from the Shezhen King. This man is without virtue."

Fire Spirit Immortal asked, "How is he without virtue?"

The Great Emperor of Mount Heng said, "This person once demolished the temple of the Great Emperor Shenxiao. Does someone who has no respect for the Great Emperor Shenxiao deserve to be the leader?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak and the Great Emperor of the Northern Peak were taken aback, never expecting that the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak would possess such a serious crime as Lu Lingmao.

You must know that True Immortal Fire Spirit is Zhuang Yan's absolute confidante. She is infinitely loyal to Zhuang Yan, so she would never allow such a thing to happen.

Seeing the sudden change in Huo Ling Zhenxian's expression, the Great Emperor of the Western Peak and the Great Emperor of the Northern Peak couldn't help but secretly give the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak a thumbs up. That move was too ruthless.

If this crime is proven true, Lu Lingmao will not only fail to become the ringleader, but may also be prosecuted.

"Where did you learn about this?" Fire Spirit Immortal asked the Southern Mountain Emperor with a serious expression.

The Great Emperor of the Southern Peak hurriedly said, "I just learned from the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak that he also received a report from the Earth God of Aiqi Mountain in the Eastern Sheng Divine Continent an hour ago, and that Aiqi Mountain is Lu Lingmao's hometown."

"Why doesn't the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak come himself?" asked True Immortal Fire Spirit.

The Great Emperor of the Southern Peak said, "Lu Lingmao is a being from the Eastern Continent of Divine Victory. This matter concerns the Eastern Peak Divine Palace, so the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak wants to avoid suspicion and has therefore ordered me to submit this report on his behalf."

After speaking, the Great Emperor of Nanyue took out a report and presented it: "This is the report from the local deity of Aiqi Mountain."

A celestial official descended, took the report from the Great Emperor of the Southern Peak, turned around, walked up the steps of the palace, and handed it to the True Immortal Fire Spirit.

Fire Spirit Immortal took the report and read it carefully. He was furious because the evidence in the report was extremely detailed and was recorded in the land register. It could not possibly be forged.

Fire Spirit Immortal slammed the report heavily on the table, then roared, "This demon almost succeeded!"

Having said that, the Fire Spirit Immortal immediately issued an edict: "Issue my decree to summon Lu Hanzhi to come to the Hall of Radiant Light with the list of successful candidates and the list of second-successful candidates."

A messenger immediately came to the center of the hall and bowed, saying, "As you command."

Then Fire Spirit Immortal said, "Summon all the righteous immortals who previously reviewed the scrolls and determined the list to come here to see me."

Another messenger stepped forward, bowed to the Fire Spirit Immortal, and said, "As you command."

After the two messengers left, True Immortal Huo Ling signed another edict and summoned another messenger, saying, "Take this edict to the Heavenly Pivot Province and order the Heavenly Pivot Province to immediately send troops to arrest Lu Lingmao. There must be no mistakes."

The celestial official accepted the imperial edict, bowed, and said, "As you command."

After the three messengers had all left, the three Great Emperors of the Northern Mountain, Western Mountain, and Southern Mountain sat upright below, each holding a teacup and sipping their tea slowly.

But not long after, the two messengers who went to summon the righteous gods and officials and to deliver the imperial edict to the Heavenly Pivot Province returned.

The Fire Spirit Immortal looked at the two of them in surprise and said, "The imperial edict was issued so quickly? Where are the righteous immortal officials?"

The messenger on the left bowed and said, "Reporting to King Shezhen, we were stopped by the attendants of Lingtai Palace as soon as we left the palace gate."

Upon hearing this, True Immortal Fire Spirit was taken aback at first, then hurriedly asked, "Where is that boy holding the staff?"

The messenger on the right said, "Go and catch up with the messenger who was sent to the Imperial Secretariat to deliver the imperial edict."

Upon hearing this, the three emperors immediately put down their teacups, exchanged glances, and all sensed that something was amiss.

A moment later, sure enough, the boy holding the staff entered with the first messenger who had left, and then bowed to the Fire Spirit Immortal, saying, "The boy holding the staff greets His Highness the True King of the Imperial Guard."

Fire Spirit Immortal asked, "Baojie, why are you chasing after my three messengers?"

The boy holding the staff took out a golden edict from his sleeve and presented it, saying, "Reporting to Your Highness, I have come here on His Majesty's orders to deliver the edict and to recall the three messengers."

Upon hearing this, True Immortal Huo Ling immediately rose and descended from the palace steps, personally taking the golden edict from the attendant holding the staff and opening it to read.

After reading it, True Immortal Fire Spirit suddenly understood and laughed, "So that's how it is."

After saying this, the Fire Spirit Immortal waved his hand, ordering the three messengers to return to their positions and destroying the three talismans.

Finally, Huo Ling Zhenxian, holding the golden edict, smiled at the three emperors of the Southern Peak, Northern Peak, and Western Peak and said, "Three emperors, Your Majesty has personally issued an edict explaining the reason for Lu Lingmao's destruction of the temple. This matter was caused by a demon occupying the temple to harm people and bewitch their hearts. Therefore, Lu Lingmao contacted the righteous demon cultivators in the surrounding area to destroy the temple and exorcise the evil. This is a virtuous and meritorious act."

After saying this, True Immortal Huo Ling returned to his seat and said, "The three emperors, please return. The top spot in this Heavenly Official Examination belongs to Lu Lingmao without a doubt."

Upon hearing this, the three emperors knew that the matter was truly beyond redemption, and could only sigh inwardly before rising to take their leave.

After the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain returned to his palace, Shennong, the True King of Crimson Flame, and Huangdi, the True King of Xuanyuan, who had accompanied him, immediately came to greet him. "Your Majesty, how did this matter go?"

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak shook his head, walked to the head of the table and sat down, and then told the two of them everything that had happened: "Once the Great Emperor of the Divine Firmament's edict arrived, this matter could not be changed."

At this point, the Great Emperor of the Western Peak looked at the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan and said, "It was destined that Lu Lingmao would be the first among them."

The Yellow Emperor was somewhat disappointed, but the matter was indeed beyond redemption. He could only sigh and say, "What a pity that the champion of the first Heavenly Official Examination was not from our human race."

Upon hearing this, Suirenshi and Shennong felt a pang of regret, for they were both human emperors and naturally favored the human race. (End of Chapter)