I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 102 Determining the Fate

Su Suiran snorted coldly and looked at Chu Zhao, "Deputy Commander Chu, what's your opinion?"

He firmly believed that Chu Zhao, who came from the prefecture, would bring him unexpected joy, after all, this man was known for his eloquence.

"I support Director Xue's plan."

After Chu Zhaofeng finished speaking casually, he immediately shone a spot of light at Xue Xiang.

After Xue Xiang's plan was announced, he quickly calculated that, as the newspaper reported, Suiyang's commercial tax revenue would increase tenfold in the coming year.

As the deputy mayor in charge, his achievements will skyrocket, and his benefits will increase dramatically.

He came here to take up an official post, and out of consideration for his friendship with Li Shaobai, he stood opposite Xue Xiang, and naturally became close to Su Suiran.

But this isn't child's play. Since Xue Xiang has offered such enormous benefits, who is Li Shaobai? And who is Su Suiran?

Anyone who stands in his way of making merit or getting rich is his enemy.

Therefore, when Su Suiran glared at him, he remained calm, believing that with Su Suiran's wisdom, she should be able to understand him.

Su Suiran was furious. She snorted coldly and looked at Jin Guang, "Chief Jin, what's your opinion?"

The situation has not yet collapsed.

As long as Jin Guang supports him, it will be three against three.

In this situation, as the town magistrate, he can exercise his own decision-making power.

He firmly believed that Jin Guang would not betray him because Jin Guang needed his help.

Based on Jin Guang's performance record, if he continues for another two years, he will most likely be stripped of his position as the head of the bureaucracy.

I promised to help him make it happen.

Therefore, Jin Guang would never be attracted by any achievements or benefits.

I, Su, am determined to win.

"I agree with Director Xue's opinion."

As if he were a thief, Jin Guang quickly finished speaking and then unleashed a beam of light.

Su Suiran stared at Jin Guang in disbelief, but Jin Guang did not meet his gaze.

Even in this world of cultivation, light still travels in a straight line.

Even though he was walking in a straight line, Su Suiran felt that the golden light, when it was aimed at Xue Xiang, veered off course and pierced through his heart.

Lost!

He lost completely, and his mind went completely blank.

He didn't even hear what Chen Tong was saying.

He wanted to know why this was happening.
Why did Jin Guang also turn against them?

Just because Xue Xiang visited him before the meeting?

In just one hour, Xue Xiang had already explained everything, so how could he possibly persuade Jin Guang?

"Governor, governor..."

Su Suiran's personal secretary called out three times in a row, and only after the secretary shook Su Suiran's shoulder did Su Suiran react. He immediately saw the three spots of light in front of Xue Xiang's desk.

The light spot projected a face onto the desktop that looked so young it made you jealous, and it was even a smiling face!

Two to four.

He lost completely.

It may seem that he only lost a decision regarding the document, but as a seasoned official, he knew all too well that he had already lost control of the situation in Suiyang.

Because, no matter how you look at it, the meeting at Zhangyin Temple is the one that decides everything.

Any town magistrate who does not control the meeting of the Zhangyin Temple is nothing more than a rubber stamp.

Look at the way those room leaders and deputy room leaders are looking at Xue Xiang.

Shock, envy, longing, reverence, fear...

Su Suiran was filled with hatred, so much hatred for why this meeting had to be held...

"Governor!"

Su Suiran's personal secretary was going crazy. He didn't expect Su Suiran to fall into a dream state again so quickly. He must have suffered a huge blow.

Shaked awake again, Su Suiran abruptly uttered two words: Meeting adjourned.

………………

As night deepened and a cool breeze blew, the slender willow branches by the willow pond in front of Xue Xiang's rented room obscured the golden light.

Xue Xiang sat on the bluestone, and Jin Guang talked on and on for a long time. Xue Xiang responded with a couple of words, and Jin Guang bowed before leaving.

As the golden light faded, a tall, slender figure, like a nimble swallow, skimmed across the water from a covered boat on the distant lake and stepped ashore.

"I can't even walk on water without a ripple, but your Wind-Stopping Steps are truly divine."

Xue Xiang looked at Liu Mei with genuine envy.

As a member of the Spirit Clan, Liu Mei seems to be born with the ability to cultivate a sacred body. Not only is her efficiency in drawing spiritual energy into her body extremely high, but her ability to practice divine skills is also extraordinary.

Who would have thought that the graceful fairy before us was just an illiterate housewife a few months ago?

"The Spirit Race is too amazing! I wish I had that cheat code."

Xue looked at this mountain and thought that the other mountain was higher.

"What is the Golden Palm Seal doing here?"

Xue Xiang had already informed her of the results of the Zhangyin Temple meeting, but before Liu Mei could ask any further questions, Jin Guang came looking for her.

"To show loyalty."

Xue Xiang pulled her to sit down.

"Why did he suddenly turn against us? Su Suiran must have given him quite a bit."

Liu Mei was puzzled.

Xue Xiang handed Liu Mei an envelope, which was the one Cai Gaoyi had given him when he visited Cai Gaoyi after he left his job. Because he hadn't treated Cai Gaoyi with the usual cold shoulder after he left, Cai Gaoyi had given it to him.

Liu Mei unfolded the book and examined it carefully.

It turns out that this was a confession.

The writer of the petition was Jin Guang, and the recipient was the former town magistrate Kang Mian.

The specific reason was that Jin Guang embezzled funds, and Kang Mian had caught him red-handed.

With this apology, Jin Guang became Kang Mian's puppet.

Xue Xiang didn't know how Cai Gaoyi obtained this document, but after Cai Gaoyi handed it to him, Xue Xiang felt half-asleep.

No matter how much Su Suiran promised Jin Guang, the Fu Bian in his hand was Jin Guang's lifeline.

With three votes in hand, even if Chu Zhao doesn't betray them...

In a three-on-three situation, Su Suiran exercised her final discretion and won.

Xue Xiang believed that as long as the content published in the newspaper was released,
It was an overwhelming force.

At that time, Wei Yang and Xie Haiya will be able to easily overturn Su Suiran's proposal through the Yunmeng City Zhangyin Temple meeting.

Xue Xiang used an open strategy, having already laid the groundwork outside of the meeting at the Temple of Seals.

However, he did not expect that Chu Zhao would choose to defect.

This made his victory come a little easier.

Liu Mei looked at Xue Xiang with admiration, "No wonder you've been holding back for the past two months, watching Su Sui Ran's performance."
It seems my lord can handle things without my help; I've worried for nothing these past few days.

"Yes, I see that my sister has lost weight because she's worried so much. Let me see."

Xue Xiangcai lunged forward, and Liu Mei dove away a great distance in an instant.

He suddenly felt immense regret for teaching Sister Mei how to cultivate.

It is said that a frightened donkey, a pig for the New Year, a fish that has come ashore, and an angry wife are the four things that cannot be restrained.

His wife, who also had exceptionally high cultivation talent, was now impossible for him to even hug.

........................

On the autumn moon pear tree, a short-tailed magpie chirped incessantly.

Inside Su Suiran's private room, there were four small dishes, a plate of steamed buns, a plate of steamed dumplings, two boiled eggs, and a bowl of millet porridge.

He was enjoying his meal.

When Chen Tong entered the room, he could hardly believe his eyes.

He still remembered how dejected Su Suiran was after the meeting that day.

He came here today on orders; otherwise, he wouldn't have wanted to risk this trouble.

"Wait, just one more bite."

Su Suiran finished the last mouthful of millet porridge, gently wiped her mouth, and invited Chen Tong to sit down.

"The ability of Magistrate Su to cultivate his inner strength is truly admirable."

Chen Tong praised him sincerely.

Su Suiran waved his hand, "It's just an excuse for losers. But a loss is a loss. If you don't even dare to admit defeat, you're not qualified to talk about winning or losing."

I know that in many people's eyes, I should cry and wail, I should sob loudly.

After all, the tide had turned, and it had become a laughing stock.

Su is not that pretentious.

I know why you've come.

"It's simply that Master Hong is worried I'll act impulsively and ruin the good situation at Suiyang Ferry, and destroy the achievements they could all share in, so he sent you to persuade me."

Chen Tong was taken aback; Su Suiran had indeed guessed correctly.

"I don't need your persuasion. I've already figured it out. I deserve to lose. I can do anything Xue Xiang can do."

But one thing he possessed was access to the Cloud Messages, a powerful information amplifier.

I need to use Suiyang Ferry as a selling point to attract merchants to join, which requires patient and earnest persuasion.

In contrast, he only needed to use the cloud to announce to the world, stir up the trend, and cause various business companies to compete spontaneously.

Otherwise, Dingfeng and Zhengda wouldn't be so short-sighted.

After all, there are at least eighteen or twenty ferry crossings like Suiyang Ferry in Canglan Prefecture, so they don't need to lower themselves to cooperate with Xue Xiang.

The real skill lies beyond the poem; Su's defeat was not unjust.

Su Suiran seemed to be explaining, or perhaps comforting herself, "Now that Xue Xiang has gained the upper hand, I won't be foolish enough to confront him head-on."

Besides, there's no need for that.

To be frank, how long can he stay in Suiyang? At the latest, he will leave before the autumn imperial examination next year.

Besides, in every single thing he accomplished in Suiyang, I deserve credit for it.

I won't do something as stupid as being carried in a sedan chair and then hitting the sedan chair bearers.

You can rest assured, Master Hong.

Chen Tong bowed respectfully, saying, "Commander Su is broad-minded and possesses profound wisdom. I admire you."

After saying this, he took his leave.

Just as Chen Tong and Su Suiran were meeting, Xue Xiang was also in the Plum Blossom Hall, meeting with Xie Haiya.

Before meeting Xie Haiya, Xue Xiang had breakfast at Wei Yang's residence. His beautiful teacher's wife warmly invited him to stay, and Xue Xiang could not refuse.

He went there not to see Wei Yang, but to resell to Wei Yang a shareholding certificate of the United Commercial Group.

Madam Wei had long known about the commotion Xue Xiang had caused at Suiyang Ferry. Upon seeing the share certificate from the United Merchants Association, she knew exactly what Xue Xiang was up to. She laughed heartily, wishing she could also get Xue Xiang to invest.

Xue Xiang couldn't resist the beauty of his teacher's wife. After chatting with her for a while, he wanted to escape.

Unexpectedly, Madam Wei insisted on cooking, stewing a large pot of the nourishing soup specially prepared for Wei Yang, and forcing Xue Xiang to drink three large bowls, until his handsome face was flushed from being so full.

Seeing the heat rising from his body, Xue Xiang hurriedly took his leave. Without waiting for Madam Wei's reply, he fled in panic, which made Madam Wei laugh again.

After laughing, a sense of sadness, like "I was born before you were born," gradually arose.

She didn't intend to do anything with Xue Xiangzhen, but Xue Xiangzhen was such a beautiful flower in full bloom, and if she didn't flirt with her, she would seem like she was clueless about romance.

After all, in the spiritual world of poetry and literature, in the realm of freedom, she felt that Xue Xiang was more compatible with her.

“You went to Wei Yang’s house and didn’t even get a meal. That won’t do.”

In the Plum Blossom Hall and the East Warm Pavilion, Xie Haiya held a bowl of spirit rice porridge and ate it with four side dishes from the sauce shop, enjoying it immensely.

Xue Xiang didn't stand on ceremony and did everything himself, thus achieving self-sufficiency.

While eating, he also took a picture of a shareholding certificate and showed it to Xie Haiya.

Xie Haiya's efforts were significant, and the two were very close, unlike ordinary people, so Xue Xiang gave him a particularly large share of the company.

"I have no use for this thing."

As Xie Haiya spoke, before he could finish, the shareholding certificate disappeared.

Xue Xiang scoffed, "That's no fun. Why are you still arguing with me?"

Xie Haiya waved his hand, "I accepted it on behalf of the sect, consider it your tribute to the sect."

Although our Tongjiang School is a loose alliance, its cohesion is much stronger than that of other chaotic sects.

"Rest assured, the shares you donate will not become the private property of any tycoon; they will all be used for the cultivation of young talents and for improving people's livelihoods."

Xue Xiang waved his hand, "I don't care. I don't recognize the Tongjiang School. I only recognize you, my senior brother. How you want to handle it is your business."

As he spoke, he walked straight to the tea table, glanced at the bamboo basket, and couldn't find the tea canister in sight.

Xie Haiya frowned. "I don't have any tea leaves for you. You always come here to make a quick buck. Even if I opened a tea shop, you would have emptied it out long ago."

Xue Xiang activated his Mysterious Night Eye and immediately noticed a barely visible crack under the tea table. He smiled and said, "Senior brother, you're over thirty years old, and you're still playing hide-and-seek with me. It's so boring."

As he spoke, he gently tapped the tea table, and a hidden compartment opened, from which a canister of tea leaves fell out. Xue Xiang leisurely brewed the tea, and with a whoosh, the canister of tea leaves slipped smoothly into his sleeve.

Xie Haiya was stunned. This tea table with a hidden compartment was a new one he had bought, specifically to protect himself from Xue Xiang.

The first time he tried to hide tea leaves inside, he was discovered.

"You little rascal..."

Xie Haiya became anxious.

"Your Excellency, your gracious favor has arrived."

Tong Shouhu, the chief clerk of the Seventh Academy, suddenly appeared outside the door, holding a brown box in his hands.

Xie Haiya waved his hand, and a surge of energy swept the brown box into his palm, knocking away Tong Shouhu, who was returning the greeting to Xue Xiang.

"What kind of favor is this? Let me see."

Xue Xiang leaned closer.

Xie Haiya opened the box, and inside was a pitch-black round cake about the size of a thumb.

As soon as he got close, Xue Xiang smelled a familiar scent.

"This, this is the power of vows."

Xue Xiang's eyes widened in surprise.

Xie Haiya nodded, "The people's patronage of the court, their fervent wishes condensed, can be transformed into tangible things."

This wishing cake is my blessing for the year.

Officials work hard and worry about the country and its people, but their words are often just empty talk. This cake is the real deal.
After all, not everyone has your ability; talent and achievements alone can sustain literary growth.

"Then why haven't I received any preferential treatment?"

He could tell that Xie Haiya had received more favors than he had accumulated in all the good deeds he had done during this period.

Xie Haiya said, "You haven't even reached the rank yet, and you haven't even obtained a Celestial Talisman, so naturally there are no special privileges for you."

So I've always told you to study hard for the exam, to be a good official, and to become a high-ranking official.

Immortals are not born that way; a man should strive to be strong.

Xue Xiang bowed and accepted the instruction.

Xie Haiya nodded, broke the small cake made of condensed wish energy in half, and handed one half to Xue Xiang, saying, "I have received a lot of help from you, kid. After bringing you into the Tongjiang School, the sect has always been rewarding you."

As the senior student, I couldn't just leave without doing something.

Xue Xiang waved his hand.

"You even steal tea leaves, you little brat. This wishing cake is worth a thousand times more than tea leaves."

"Taking tea leaves is just us being friendly with our senior brother, but taking his wish cakes would be foolish."

Xue Xiang laughed and said, "Besides, I got quite a lot of good luck from this batch at Suiyang Ferry."

"With so little, you should keep it for yourself, senior brother."

"Good lad, I've only got a few coins here, you're just a donkey that's fallen but still has a strong frame."

Xie Haiya stopped trying to persuade him and accepted the wish-granting cake.

Xue Xiang brought up the county examination again, asking Xie Haiya if he had heard any news.

Xie Haiya said seriously, "Speaking of the county examination, you really need to pay attention."

Strive for excellence; I dare say the top-ranking candidates will receive far greater rewards than those who take the city-level exam.

Xue Xiang didn't believe it, so he took the city examination and created a Wenxu Blessed Land.

"Of course, the county examination is much more difficult than the city examination."

"They're just the same people. I've seen all the talented young people from the six cities of Canaan during the Qingyuntai trial. They're nothing special."

Xue Xiang certainly had reason to be arrogant. In the Qingyuntai Trial, if he hadn't taken the lead, probably very few of those people would have passed.

Don't think it's that simple.

Xie Haiya said, "The county examination is not only for this year's students; all the students who failed in previous years are included."

Some genuinely failed the exam, while others deliberately gave up their status as county students to try again in order to achieve a better ranking; there were quite a few strong performers.

In addition, a considerable number of privileged students participated in each county examination.

These guys are mostly descendants of meritorious officials, from noble families, and some even come from ancient aristocratic families.

They were born into a noble family and automatically qualified for the prefectural examination without having to participate in the city examination.

As it turns out, none of these nobles were given away for nothing.

According to statistics, the pass rate for those who have received government assistance and participated in the county examinations is over 90% to date.

It's full of brilliant but unknown individuals.

You must not be careless.

Xue Xiang was stern.

Xie Haiya said, "In addition, the imperial examinations were always related to the national conditions at the time."

During times of peace, policy essays tend to prevail.

During times of turmoil, training tests take precedence.

Currently, the country is in turmoil, with factional disputes and the Witch God Cult and the Spirit Clan causing trouble.

Your class of urban students is starting to develop governance skills.

I estimate that next year's county exams will feature a new format for the spiritual practice test, which will take on a more prominent role.

Therefore, your top priority is to quickly improve your cultivation level.

"You're not still only at the third level of Qi Refining, are you?"

"I am but a humble cultivator, and I have reached the fifth level of Qi Refining."

Xue Xiang tried to act cute.

"Good lad, you managed to turn such a bad spiritual root around, you really are a prodigy."

Xie Haiya pulled Xue Xiang along, "Come on, come with me, I'll have someone test your skills."

Half an hour later, Xue Xiang and Xie Haiya arrived at a bright hall on the west side of Jiufen Mountain, where seven burly men in tight-fitting clothes were already waiting.

After exchanging greetings, Xie Haiya introduced the identities of the group.

These men were all strong members of the police force. The tall, muscular man leading them, nicknamed Tong Wei, was Tong Shouhu's cousin.

At the ninth level of Qi Refining, his reputation was so great that even Xue Xiang had heard of him.

In the battle to wipe out Guo Shanfeng, Tong Wei killed two Qi Refining Level 9 experts and only suffered minor injuries.

The others were also skilled fighters in the patrol team, all at the seventh or eighth level of Qi Refining.

When Xie Haiya introduced Xue Xiang as only at the fifth level of Qi Refining, Tong Wei and the others became somewhat disheartened.

But upon hearing that Xue Xiangxiu had developed literary talent, their expressions turned serious.

"Let's stop here and have some fun, but it's real fun. Who wants to go first?"

Xie Haiya clapped his hands lightly, and the clerk beside him manipulated the compass in his hand. Instantly, light and shadow flowed in the bright hall, and the protective array was activated.

"I come."

Kuang Jian was tall and spirited, with sharp eyes. He stood out from the crowd and with a flick of his finger, an Autumn Water Sword appeared out of nowhere and was now in his palm.

"Xiao Kuang, play with Chief Xue for a bit, why are you using weapons?"

Tong Wei shouted.

"I'm not going to say anything more. Let's really have some fun. Brother Kuang, please give me your guidance."

Xue Xiang bowed respectfully, then touched his waist, and the Spirit Serpent Sword seemed to come alive, leaping into his palm.

"please!"

"please!"

Kuang Jian raised his sword, signaling Xue Xiang to attack first.

Xue Xiang flashed forward, unleashing the Spirit Serpent Sword, its blade already pressed against Kuang Jian's neck.

"The Breeze Sword Technique".

Xie Haiya's eyes widened.

This Breath of Wind Sword Technique was given to Xue Xiang by him, but he never expected Xue Xiang to master it.

Kuang Jian's face flushed red. He only saw a blur before the sword was at his neck. How embarrassing!

Tong Wei and the others also looked embarrassed.

Xie Haiya said, "Chief Xue cultivates the extraordinary skills of the Tian Shu Pavilion. In such close combat, if you don't launch a strong attack and don't use your spiritual power to activate your sword energy, it will be difficult for you to contend with him."

Upon hearing the name "Tian Shu Pavilion," Tong Wei and the others' expressions improved somewhat.

"It is not unjust for them to be defeated by the extraordinary feat of the Tian Shu Pavilion."

Tong Wei said, "How about this, Zhao Qi, Deng Wen, you two and Kuang Jian will attack together."

Don't feel ashamed; this is also a rare opportunity for you to experience the extraordinary skills of the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion.

The sturdy Zhao Qi and the imposing Deng Wen stepped forward at the same time; Zhao Qi held a short sword, and Deng Wen held two short halberds.

After a few breaths, the battle began; after three breaths, the battle ended.

Kuang Jian, Zhao Qi, and Deng Wen all had a faint red mark on their necks.

Xue Xiang was completely unharmed. Looking at the Spirit Serpent Sword in his hand, he couldn't help but wonder, "Am I too strong, or are these guys too weak?"

Xie Haiya was taken aback.

This Breath of Wind Sword Technique is so sharp?
When the Tongjiang School obtained the Breath of Wind Sword Technique, he was already at the Foundation Establishment stage, and he had never practiced this sword technique.

"Director Xue is very capable. I would like to ask for your guidance."

Tong Wei stepped forward, his posture calm and imposing, and a five-foot-long, jet-black sword appeared in his hand.

Before Xie Haiya could speak, Xue Xiang cupped his hands and said, "Please, Brother Tong, do not hold back. I also want to see my true abilities."

"I will surely grant Chief Xue's wish. Please!"

Tong Wei let out a muffled shout, swung his long sword, and moved with the blade.

Xue Xiang drew his sword, his movements light and agile, like a ghost.

Tong Wei's broadsword was unparalleled, its wind like a fierce force, forming a protective net. Although Xue Xiang's longsword was fast, it could not reach him.

On the contrary, Tong Wei's broadsword was incredibly fierce, and every time the swords clashed, Xue Xiang's tiger's mouth trembled.

"What immense strength! I, Tong, have cultivated the Vajra Overlord Power Technique since childhood, and my strength is enough to overpower two oxen. Even though Chief Xue used his sword to resist the knife, he was able to keep his hand from slipping. I admire you."

Tong Wei shouted loudly, his sword strikes becoming even fiercer.

"Brother Tong, why hold back? Where is your sword energy?"

Xue shouted loudly.

His recent increase in strength is indeed terrifying, and the changes in his physical body are even more obvious. Ordinary swords and knives can hardly pierce his skin without force.

This is the body-refining effect obtained from the Nebula Overlord Body Technique.

"Accept!"

Tong Wei shouted, "Sweep through the enemy ranks!"

In an instant, the ink blade in his hand seemed to grow tenfold. It turned out that the blade energy gushing out from the ink blade had almost condensed into a giant blade, slashing towards Xue Xiang.

Xie Haiya was shocked. A vortex of energy formed in his palm, ready to rescue him at any moment.

"it is good!"

The sword energy that Xue Xiangling Snake Sword spewed out was instantly swallowed up by the saber energy, and the saber energy rushed straight towards his face.

"shield!"

Xue Xiang gave a low shout, and an invisible shield wall blocked the sword energy.

With a deafening boom, the blade energy cleaved through the shield wall, sending Xue Xiang flying backward. He shouted triumphantly, "Again!"

"Scholarly air!"

Tong Wei's fighting spirit suddenly soared.

"Mid-stage of the Word Realm!"

Xie Haiya gasped.

He was an expert and knew the intricacies of the matter. If Xue Xiang was only at the initial stage of the Word Realm, he would never have been able to shout out the "shield" he wanted.

Because the initial stage of the word realm is merely the realm of all phenomena, the manifestation of word meaning is random.

Only by entering the intermediate stage of the Word Realm, the Realm of Self-Image, can one freely manifest the images one desires.

"Wind and rain from all directions!"

Tong Wei's longsword hummed, and the spiritual patterns engraved on the ink blade lit up one after another.

The surging sword energy suddenly dispersed, shooting towards Xue Xiang like thousands of sharp arrows.

"shield!"

Xue Xiang uttered words, and the words became clear.

This time, he summoned a ring-shaped shield.

In an instant, the sword energy rained down like a storm, and he was like a gasoline barrel rolling downhill, being attacked by the dense sword energy and staggering about.

Having gained the upper hand in one move, Tong Wei charged forward at breakneck speed, attacking Xue Xiang before the power of his blade energy could subside.

Just as the power of the sword energy was waning, he rushed to its edge.

The ink-black blade had just been unleashed when Xue Xiang withdrew his ring-shaped shield. "Light!"

(End of this chapter)