I am a fairy in Journey to the West

The results were finally released. Lu Lingmao was thin and wore a gray-blue robe, looking exactly like a young scholar.

His demonic aura disgusted many of the candidates watching the results, who deliberately blocked his way.

Lu Lingmao's face turned red from the crowd, but she still couldn't see the notice in front of her. She could only call out in a soft voice, "Excuse me, excuse me."

But instead of letting him have his way, the people in front of him started to tease him. One of them poked him in the waist, and another tapped him on the head from behind, making Lu Lingmao extremely embarrassed and sweating profusely.

Just then, a startled cry came from ahead: "Who is Lu Lingmao? Who is Lu Lingmao?"

Lu Lingmao raised his head, as if he heard someone calling him. However, all the candidates who came to participate in the Heavenly Official Examination this time were descendants of famous teachers from all over the world, and even the worst among them were outstanding talents of the human race. No one was willing to associate with a little reed demon like him.

Even fellow fairies among the examinees were unwilling to associate with him, simply because he was too ordinary—ordinary in appearance, ordinary in skills, and utterly unremarkable.

Therefore, since arriving at Buzhou Mountain, Lu Lingmao has always been a loner, without any friends.

Upon hearing someone call his name from ahead, Lu Lingmao immediately realized that there was only one possibility: his name was on the list.

Lu Lingmao was very excited and immediately reached out his hand in response, "I'm here, I'm here."

But the surrounding crowd surged forward, and Lu Lingmao was jostled from side to side. Just as he was about to be knocked over, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed him.

Lu Lingmao looked up and saw an unfamiliar face appear before him, a smile on his face. "Are you Lu Lingmao?"

“I am Lu Lingmao,” Lu Lingmao replied.

The man smiled slightly and said, "Yan Junzhi of Lingtai Dao Palace, Brother Lu, congratulations."

Lu Lingmao quickly steadied himself and bowed respectfully. Then Yan Junzhi grabbed him and pushed his way forward, and they soon arrived at the bottom of the notice.

Lu Lingmao immediately looked at the bottom of the secondary list, but his name was not on it. So he quickly looked at the bottom of the list, but his name was not among the thirty-six people at the bottom of the list.

Lu Lingmao immediately clenched his fists, his whole body tense beyond measure. Had he misheard?

No, this fellow Daoist Yan Junzhi just congratulated him, which means he's on the list.

So Lu Lingmao looked at the 'Golden List Champion' again, but his name was still not among the eighteen people listed.

"No!" Lu Lingmao trembled all over. "Impossible, right?" He slowly raised his head, and when the three golden characters "Lu Lingmao" below "Top Scholar" came into view, he suddenly trembled violently.

Seeing Lu Lingmao's constricted orifice and trembling body, Yan Junzhi hurriedly reached out his hands to support him and sent his magic power into Lu Lingmao's body.

As Yan Junzhi's magical power surged into his body, Lu Lingmao's excited emotions and surging magical power immediately began to calm down.

But soon his emotions surged uncontrollably again, "I'm Kui Yuan???"

"I'm Kui Yuan???"

"I am Kui Yuan!!!"

Everyone around was drawn to Lu Lingmao's voice. When they heard that he was the top scholar, no one could believe that this seemingly ordinary little demon with a demonic aura was actually the top scholar in this Heavenly Official Examination!

"It's him? He's Kuiyuan Lu Lingmao?"

"How is this possible?!"

"It must be an imposter. How could Kui Yuan be such an ordinary little demon?"

Despite the doubts around her, Lu Lingmao ignored them, simply tilting her head back as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I'm the champion! Hahaha, I won! I'm number one! Hahaha!" Lu Lingmao was completely out of control at this moment. "I won the champion title! I'm number one!"

Lu Lingmao burst into laughter, laughing and crying at the same time. At this moment, two generals from the Zhechong Camp pushed through the examinees and walked in. Behind the two generals was Zhechong Grand Commandant Chi Ling.

When Chi Ling arrived in front of Lu Lingmao, who was both crying and laughing, she immediately pointed and said, "Please ask Kuiyuan to go to Buzhou Mountain to rest and change clothes, then ride in a carriage through the streets to prepare for the Chenhuan Jade Palace's assessment banquet."

The two generals who had been sent to the front lines acknowledged the order, then reached out and supported Lu Lingmao on either side. Following them, the red silk ribbon flew into the sky and headed straight for Mount Buzhou.

After Lu Lingmao was taken away, the surrounding examinees erupted in an uproar, exclaiming, "Is it really him?"

"Is he really Lu Lingmao, the top scholar in the first Heavenly Official Examination?!"

Everyone was filled with envy and jealousy. Of course, some people questioned the fairness of the exam. They couldn't believe that a little demon with no background and such ordinary cultivation could become the champion.

But they quickly dispelled their doubts when the Fire Spirit Immortal released the exam papers of all the candidates who made the list.

After all the candidates read Lu Lingmao's exam paper, they were all convinced of his abilities, because apart from his poor performance in the martial arts test, which barely passed, Lu Lingmao's answers in the moral and literary tests were all impeccable.

In particular, the article discussing 'killing and virtue' reached a state of returning to simplicity and the ultimate truth.

Furthermore, the review and handling of those case files and events during the written examination were comprehensive and thorough, leaving no stone unturned.

Watching Lu Lingmao review those case files was like watching a high-ranking celestial official handle routine affairs, perfectly resolving all matters in a subtle and pervasive manner.

"I'm impressed." One of the cultivators who had previously pranked Lu Lingmao exclaimed, "You really can't judge a book by its cover. It's no wonder I didn't make the list."

After saying this, the cultivator looked ashamed and said, "Fellow Daoists, we still need to cultivate our virtues more. We will meet again when the 'Heavenly Trial' is held again in the future." After saying this, he turned around and left.

Seeing the monk leave in shame, the remaining examinees also hung their heads and sighed.

Of course, this does not include those candidates who made the list. Although those candidates admired Lu Lingmao's talent, they were still on the list and naturally had the right to be proud and confident.

Just as the candidates were discussing the results in a chaotic manner in the square, a messenger from the Tongcheng Academy suddenly arrived with a talisman and announced loudly, "The Jade Palace of the Mortal Realm has decreed that all candidates who have passed the exam must immediately proceed to the Zhechong Camp to change clothes and prepare their horses, in preparation to accompany the top candidate on the imperial procession."

Upon hearing this, all the successful candidates immediately went to the messenger. After the messenger took out the roster and checked the names one by one, he led the 129 successful candidates to the Zhechong Camp's encampment.

An hour later, nine bells rang out from Mount Buzhou, instantly spreading throughout the imperial road for 90,000 li.

The imperial road was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, with local deities and demons and immortal cultivators from the four continents filling the 90,000-mile-long imperial road. Just after the nine bell tolls, auspicious nine-colored clouds flew across the sky, spreading auspicious energy from all directions, with purple mist rising in all directions.

At the same time, a procession of fairies gracefully floated in the sky, scattering colorful fairy flowers from their flower baskets.

Immediately following was another shout, and then thirty-six elite generals of the Vanguard Battalion, clad in swords and with knives at their waists, rode uniformly white dragon steeds, carrying flags and leading the way.

Behind the thirty-six generals of the Vanguard Camp, leading the group was Lu Lingmao, the champion of this year's competition. He was dressed in the robes of a fifth-rank celestial official, wearing a jade crown, holding a jade ruyi, and riding in Zhuang Yan's 'Ruyi Nine-Colored Jade Carriage'.

At the same time, standing beside Lu Lingmao was a 'Honglu Envoy' who began to chant: "By imperial decree of the Heavenly Venerable of the Spirit Platform and the Law, the Great Emperor of the Divine Firmament, who assists the Three Realms, bestows upon the top scholar Lu Lingmao to ride the 'Nine-Colored Jade Carriage of Ruyi' to tour the Imperial Road and Heavenly Street, to solemnly display his majesty. The Spirit Platform and the Divine Firmament shall obey the decree."

The sound of gongs and drums resounded in all directions in an instant. Lu Lingmao rode the Ruyi Nine-Colored Jade Carriage on the imperial road, followed by another 129 candidates who had passed the exam, riding white dragon horses closely behind the Ruyi Nine-Colored Jade Carriage.

The crowds lining both sides of the imperial road cheered and exclaimed in amazement, with some even looking at Lu Lingmao with deep emotion, saying:
"A true man should ride in the Divine Jade Carriage, draped in nine-colored majesty, to pay homage at Buzhou Mountain, worship the Heavenly Venerable, patrol the Heavenly Street, and roam the Imperial Road, thus fulfilling his lifelong ambition!"

Three days after the imperial procession ended, Zhuang Yan held a banquet on Mount Buzhou to celebrate Lu Lingmao and the other 129 candidates.

At this moment, the head of the Court of State Ceremonies shouted loudly: "His Majesty has decreed that all candidates have been listed and may refer to themselves as 'your subject'."

As soon as he finished speaking, led by the Fire Spirit Immortal, the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors, Erlang Shen, Nezha, the Heavenly Lords of the Five Continents and Four Seas, the Grand Marshals, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, and all the immortal officials and gods of the Jade Palace of the Mortal Realm, as well as all the examinees, paid homage to Zhuang Yan with great respect.

Zhuang Yan sat high above, smiling as he gestured for people to rise, saying, "All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The gods and examinees bowed in gratitude and rose.

Zhuang Yan then offered seats again, and the gods and examinees bowed in gratitude once more before taking their seats.

The table was already laden with celestial fruits and fine wines, delicacies from land and sea, as well as various spiritual roots and fruits, and exotic delicacies. There were also wine-serving boys, graceful dancing fairies, and celestial music played on the sheng and xiao, which was pleasing to the ear.

Zhuang Yan first received toasts from the gods and examinees, and after setting down his wine cup, he laughed and called out, "Where is the top scholar, Lu Lingmao?"

Lu Lingmao hurriedly put down his wine cup, stood up, bowed, and hurried to the steps of the platform, where he kowtowed and said, "Your subject Lu Lingmao is here."

Zhuang Yan laughed and said, "Lu Lingmao, you are the champion of the first Heavenly Official Examination of my Chenhuan Jade Palace. This is extraordinary. In the future, you will be recorded in the Golden Book of Langhuan Pavilion and passed down forever in the river of time."

Although Lu Lingmao was excited, he forced himself to suppress it and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty flatters me. Compared with Your Majesty's 'Jiaxu Decree,' I am but a firefly basking in the bright moonlight."

“You don’t need to be modest,” Zhuang Yan said with a smile. “As the first champion, I have high expectations for you.”

At this point, Zhuang Yan raised his hand and beckoned, and a beam of azure light flashed, and a 'Azure Jade Ruyi' flew down in front of Lu Lingmao.

"This jade ruyi was bestowed upon me by the Jade Emperor when I was first summoned by him as the God of Lingtai Mountain," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. "Today I bestow it upon you. With this jade ruyi, you may freely enter and leave Buzhou Mountain and the Jade Palace in the mortal world, and you may come to see me at Lingtai Dao Palace at any time."

Hearing this, all 129 candidates at the banquet were genuinely envious.

Having this jade ruyi in hand is almost equivalent to having Zhuang Yan's protection; this backer is far greater than Mount Buzhou beneath one's feet.

Lu Lingmao was overjoyed, and even his voice trembled: "Your subject kowtows to thank the Great Emperor Shenxiao for his grace!!!" After saying that, Lu Lingmao bowed three times and kowtowed nine times to Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan laughed heartily and gestured for him to rise, saying, "Please rise, Immortal Minister, and take a seat for a drink."

Lu Lingmao put away the Azure Jade Ruyi, then bowed in thanks, stood up, and returned to his seat with excited steps.

At this moment, a warm spring breeze caressed his face, and Lu Lingmao instantly felt a little tipsy. It was as if the wine itself was intoxicating!
After bestowing his reward upon Lu Lingmao, Zhuang Yan turned to the 129 examinees and said to them, "You have all passed the imperial examination with flying colors. I bestow upon you a golden flower and a pot of imperial wine. I hope that in the future you will serve as gods and officials, be loyal to the Heavenly Court, uphold your true nature, educate all living beings, and transcend yourselves."

The 129 candidates rose in unison and bowed respectfully, saying, "We, your humble servants, kowtow to thank the Great Emperor Shenxiao for his divine grace."

"Alright, alright, please sit down," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. "This banquet is for you all, so there's no need for formalities."

After everyone bowed in thanks and took their seats, a figure rushed straight into the steps and knelt down to bow to Zhuang Yan, saying, "Your subject Xue Ke from Nanzhanbuzhou pays respects to Your Majesty the Great Emperor Shenxiao. I have something to say to Your Majesty."

'patta'

The wine cup in the hand of the Great Emperor of the Southern Mountain above slipped and fell onto the table. The other four Great Emperors immediately looked at him, and then at Xue Ke.

The Great Emperor of Nanyue quickly reviewed in his mind what the Nanyue Divine Palace had done over the years, and only after confirming that there had been no misrule or dereliction of duty did he look at Xue Ke.

When Huo Ling Zhenxian saw Xue Ke suddenly rush out, which was clearly an unexpected event, he immediately looked over at Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Xue Ke and smiled slightly, "Young man, what do you want to say?"

Xue Ke bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to give up the rewards and the academic honors I have received. I only wish to inquire about the whereabouts of one of my uncles and aunts on behalf of Your Majesty."

Zhuang Yan asked, "Whose whereabouts do you want to know?"

Xue Ke bowed and said, "Xue Baochai, the second daughter of Xue Ming of the Xue family in Nanzhanbuzhou."

Upon hearing this name, the Fire Spirit Immortal, Erlang Shen, Guan Yu, and others immediately remembered it.

Zhuang Yan then laughed and said, "Xue Baochai was summoned by the Jade Palace of the Mortal Realm to spy on the situation in the mortal world of the Wind and Thunder Heavenly Dao. She is now serving as a 'Consultant Military Advisor' under Grand Marshal Zhang Tian and Great Sage Huang Feng."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ke was both surprised and delighted. He was surprised that Xue Baochai had actually gone to the mortal realm of the Wind and Thunder Heavenly Dao, which meant she would definitely not be able to return for a while, and might even risk her death.

The good news is that Xue Baochai did not disappear without explanation, but was sent by the Chenhuan Jade Mansion to serve as an official, so at least she is still alive.

After a moment, Xue Ke bowed and kowtowed again, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your advice. I wish to decline the bestowed honors and titles."

Zhuang Yan laughed heartily and said, "You are willing to inquire about your cousin's whereabouts for your uncle and aunt, even at the cost of your own career and future. Well done! Your filial piety is commendable, and your pure heart is praiseworthy."

At this point, Zhuang Yan directly addressed the Fire Spirit Immortal: "I hereby bestow upon Xue Ke the rank of a seventh-grade official, and appoint him accordingly in the future."

Fire Spirit Immortal bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, all the best, good health, and a prosperous and successful Year of the Horse! (End of Chapter)