I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 115 Victory
Murong Yu sighed and said with admiration, "Only today do I understand what it means to be awe-inspiring and virtuous."

Although he was old and often entered a dreamlike state, he treated people with kindness and gentleness, displaying the demeanor of an elder.

He possessed vast and profound knowledge, and dozens of Core Formation experts under his tutelage all treated him with the respect due to a disciple. There was also a four-clawed azure dragon listening to his teachings.

When he preached the profound doctrines of Taoism, the mountains and rivers trembled, and the world changed color.

Elder De and I spent a fortune to purchase the celestial book recited by the Master of Mingde Dongxuan, and recorded it as follows:

The Tao that can be spoken of...

The beautiful woman in palace attire seemed lost in thought, while Zeng Yuanshou, hearing the chaotic energy emanating from her body, found himself unable to suppress it.

Guangde said, "Such a person is truly admirable. He could tell at a glance that we were outsiders, but he was not angry and allowed us to listen quietly."

However, the one who led us in was attacked by the crowd.

If he hadn't intervened, there probably would have been a bloody battle.

"It turns out that the one hoping to obtain the inheritance of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan was an unknown nobody, whom Yu'er could defeat. Now it has been proven that he is a great sage. What can we do? What can we do..."

The beautiful woman in palace attire said in a low voice.

Murong Yu's strength is certainly remarkable among the younger generation.

However, he wouldn't rank among the masters of Wenxu.

Ahead of Murong Yu is the Lord of Fangzheng Chongxu, whom Murong Yu cannot defeat, so he is more likely to remain loyal to Jingxiao.

In the past, thanks to the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, there was a stable supply of Wenxu Pearls. Over the years, Murong Yu has accumulated quite a few Wenxu Pearls thanks to the output of his own Wenxu Blessed Land.

Now, the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, who ranks lower, is not only unable to show filial piety, but has also become an entity that cannot be defeated.

Thus, with both sides drawing blood from Murong Yu, relying solely on the annual output of Wenxu Blessed Land means that a loss of five Wenxu Pearls is inevitable every year.

Over the years, one can imagine what would become of Murong Yu.

"Madam, please don't be anxious."

Guangde said, "The Lord of Mingde Dongxuan has already declined to the stage of entering illusion."

At this stage, great powers are beyond saving; decay is only a matter of time.

It will last for two or three years at most, and will never become a major threat to the young master.

On the contrary, this person possesses vast knowledge and his spiritual cultivation is far beyond that of ordinary people.

If used properly, it might become a tremendous asset on the young master's path to advancement.

Zeng Yuanshou nodded slightly, “Brother Guangde’s point is absolutely right. What is called a crisis may very well be a great opportunity.”

The young master is exceptionally gifted and insightful; what he lacks is a top-notch mentor.

My brother Guangde and I have limited abilities, and our ancestor is currently avoiding various calamities and dangers, so we dare not easily escape.

If one could obtain a share of the legacy from the Lord of Mingde Cave before his demise, it would be an absolutely wonderful thing.

“I am willing to admit defeat to the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.”

Murong Yu's face was resolute.

The beautiful woman in palace attire said sternly, "Stop talking nonsense. You are the master of Fusheng Xuanhuang and the head of the Murong family. How can you be so disrespectful?"

"Decent?"

Murong Yu didn't know how she could maintain this dignity.

Guang De and Zeng Yuanshou bowed and withdrew.

………………

As the day of the decisive battle with the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang drew ever closer, Xue Xiang grew worried.

If you fight, you will definitely not be able to defeat him.

How can we gain anything from this doomed battle?

Xue Xiang racked his brains.

For several days in a row, he didn't sleep well. He flipped through a bunch of military strategy books, but still couldn't find a strategy to break the deadlock.

His current situation is like a skilled cook struggling to make a meal without rice.

If you don't have the ability, you can't just talk your way out of a fight.

"Fine, if all else fails, I'll just play the victim."

Xue Xiang felt that this was a solution, and it was bound to be an effective one.

He believed that the Lord of Fortune and Prosperity would certainly not want to be in last place.

With him backing him up, the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang can obtain a stable supply of Wenxu Pearls.

Once you become last, you lose that portion of the supply.

Therefore, if he makes things sound really bad, he should be able to get some benefits.

In the midst of anxious anticipation, the day of the grand competition finally arrived.

Xue Xiang had already prepared himself mentally, so there was no point in delaying. After covering his face with his literary aura, he chose to accept the challenge.

A burst of clear light emanated from the Wenxu Platform, enveloping him. In the next instant, he arrived on a black platform.

The surroundings were empty and desolate, the sky was vast and boundless, and the wind howled like the wailing of ghosts.

Before long, the Lord of Fortune and Prosperity appeared, still covered by a heavy cloak.

Above their heads, a golden battle document floated in the air.

Fearing that the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang would make a move immediately, Xue Xiang took the initiative to cup his hands and said, "Senior, please forgive me. This junior is of low strength and is willing to admit defeat."

"I have something else to say, and I wonder if you would be so kind as to listen quietly."

"Uh……"

Murong Yu was startled at first, but quickly realized what she meant and whispered, "Fellow Daoist, have you fallen into an illusion again?"

He had been to the Bohai Bay, mingled in the crowd, and listened to Xue Xiang discuss metaphysics and Taoism. Naturally, he also learned a lot of details related to the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

One of the most distinctive features of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan is that he is often trapped in illusions.

Moreover, once the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan enters the illusion, he easily enters his younger self and calls everyone he meets "senior".

The moment the words "entering illusion" entered Xue Xiang's ears, they resonated like the grandest bells.

He suddenly realized that the person in front of him knew him or had even seen him before, and was one of Ni Quanwen, Su Jianmo's group.
No, it's the last two, one of the old and one of the young.

Otherwise, no one else would know about the "entering illusion".

If it were an old man and a young man, then it would make sense.

No sooner had I sent out my challenge than a newcomer appeared in the Bohai Bay.

It is entirely reasonable for the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang to come and investigate his background.

Since the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang had seen him discussing metaphysics and the Dao, things became interesting.

Was I too hasty or too early in kneeling down?
Upon thinking of this, Xue Xiang cupped his hands and said, "Aren't we in the sect competition? This junior only has the strength of the sixth level of Qi Refining, how can I defeat you, senior?"
If you still won't admit defeat, when will you?

"Sixth level of Qi Refining? As expected, you've entered the Illusionary Realm. I reckon you haven't even scratched the surface of Qi Refining."

After silently cursing, Murong Yu cupped his hands and said, "Let's wait a bit before we fight."

Murong Yu never intended to take advantage of the situation, because if you can take advantage once, you can't take advantage every time.

After listening to the lecture last time, he was already very impressed by the abilities of the Master of Mingde Dongxuan.

"Wait a minute?"

Xue Xiang looked bewildered. After about a hundred breaths, his body suddenly trembled violently. "Where...where am I?"

"This is the battlefield of Wenxu."

"The Battle Arena of Wenxu? You, you are the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang?"

Xue Xiang cupped his hands and said, "I apologize, I am old and frail and frequently fall into illusions, which has delayed you, fellow Daoist."

"In that case, let's start the war."

"Wait a minute!"

Murong Yu cupped his hands and said, "I have a question. If you can answer my question, I will willingly admit defeat."

He was prepared to admit defeat, but his mother said that the Murong family valued dignity.

Xue Xiang was overjoyed. "Fellow Daoist, please ask."

Murong Yu said in a deep voice: "My father's cultivation was profound. He carried on the family's legacy and brought glory to the family, but in the end... he was nothing but ashes."

"May I ask, senior, what is the true meaning of my father's lifelong spiritual practice?"

He had kept this question in his heart for a long time.

In his view, the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan was not only a strong person but also a rare wise person, and should be able to enlighten him.

"Is there any tea?"

"Ok?"

Murong Yu paused for a moment, then said, "Yes, yes, please wait a moment, fellow Daoist."

With a wave of his hand, Murong Yu conjured up two brocade stools, a jade table, a bronze stove and a golden kettle, red fruit charcoal, and snow-white tea leaves on the battle platform.

Before long, Murong Yu had brewed a pot of tea and poured a cup for Xue Xiang.

Before the tea even touches the throat, the wafting aroma is already intoxicating.

While Murong Yu was brewing tea, he sorted out his thoughts, picked up the teacup, gently blew away the foam, and suddenly asked, "Did your father... ever smile at you?"

Murong Yu looked up, his true face hidden in the heavy cloak, but his surprise was not hard to see: "Fellow Daoist means..."

What is the most heartwarming moment you and your father share deep in your memory?

Murong Yu froze, her gaze shifting from the teacup to the vast emptiness outside the Wenxu platform. Her voice suddenly trembled almost imperceptibly: "Yes... when I was five years old, I fell into an extremely cold pool. My father pulled me out and wrapped me tightly in his robe sleeves. He placed his palms on my back to warm me, even though he was shivering himself, he still laughed and scolded me as a 'little wretch'..."

His voice choked up as a gust of wind swept in, carrying a few snow-white tea leaves that quietly landed on his trembling shoulder.

"This is it."

Xue Xiang picked up his teacup. "He lived, and you remember him. Not because of his high level of understanding or his great achievements."

But the warmth of that moment surpasses the ashes of a thousand years, surpasses all the meaning you seek.

Compared to fighting and killing, Xue Xiang felt that talking was the area where he was most comfortable.

He had already deduced that the master of Fusheng Xuanhuang must be the younger of the two.

He also guessed that Murong Yu must have inherited the Wenxu Blessed Land from his father.

They concluded that this person was inexperienced and likely a "mama's boy" raised by women.

After Xue Xiang finished speaking, Murong Yu remained silent for a long time, then suddenly covered her face with her hand and her shoulders shrugged slightly.

The warmth of his father's palm and the subtle wrinkles between his brows when he scolded him were now incredibly clear to me.

It turns out that the meaning of my father's life was not in the ashes of the peak, but in the warmth of every journey he lived like an ordinary person.

Suddenly, Murong Yu took off his cloak, revealing an exceptionally handsome face.

"Oh it's you."

Xue Xiang feigned shock.

“If it weren’t for you, senior, I would never have been able to understand. Please accept my bow.”

Murong Yu bowed respectfully.

Xue Xiang waved his hand, "Young friend, you flatter me..."

Just then, the challenge letter floating on the Wenxu platform was lit up, and the text on it had changed, recording: The Lord of Mingde Dongxuan will defeat the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang.

Xue Xiang knew that Murong Yu must have used her mind to acknowledge defeat in the challenge. In a flash, the challenge turned into streams of light and scattered.

In an instant, dozens of lords of the Wenxu Blessed Land received the battle report.

Xue Xiang had seen similar battle reports at Wenxu Terrace.

The results of any battle between two pairs of Wenxu Lords will be reported to each other by the Wenxu Platform.

As soon as the battle report was released, the entire Mingde Cave Mystic Blessed Land shook violently, and golden light shone brightly. The battle report, "The Lord of Mingde Cave Mystic wins against the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang," transformed into a stream of light and shone before the cave.

The guards at Fengnuan City were the first to discover the anomaly and immediately notified all parties.

The Azure Dragon, lurking in the Bohai Sea, rose high and danced wildly in the air, roaring towards the sky as if it were also celebrating Xue Xiang's victory.

Before long, Ni Quanwen, Su Jianmo and others arrived one after another. Upon seeing the battle report, a wave of discussion immediately arose.

"I knew you were extraordinary, senior. You were so capable that even in your old age, you were able to destroy another Wenxu Lord."

"Yes, it's only because you, senior, are on the verge of annihilation that you still have such combat power. If you were at your peak, I don't know how terrifying you would be."

"It's laughable, I once even wondered if the senior was actually a young man in disguise, who had just luckily obtained the Wenxu inheritance and was deliberately deceiving us. That's why he concealed his face with literary aura, and that's why there was this talk of entering an illusion. Now it seems that I was really overthinking it."

"Haha, Brother Lao, you really know how to joke. How can a young man speak of heavenly books? How can a young man write 'On Teachers'? We are truly fortunate to have met such a senior."

"Yes, we should congratulate our senior..."

"........."

Outside the Blessed Land of Literature, as everyone was discussing the matter, Xue Xiang and Murong Yu's conversation came to an end.

"...Young friend, rest assured, I only have an unfulfilled wish. Even if I were to receive your Wenxu Pearl, it would only take two or three years at most."

When I pass away, I will surely send you a token of my heartfelt wishes.

Xue Xiang quickly gave Murong Yu a heads-up.

Murong Yu cupped his hands and said, "Senior, you flatter me. I am inferior in skill and should have lost to Senior Wen Xuzhu. There is no need for thanks."

There is something I wish to do. Senior, you are giving a lecture in Bohai, and I wonder if it would be convenient for you to attend.

"Please come, young friend."

Xue Xiang couldn't wait to make many good connections.

Afterwards, the two returned the greeting with clasped hands and left.

Upon returning to Wenxu Blessed Land, Xue Xiang immediately inspected the Wenxu Platform.

Twelve Wenxu beads, arranged neatly.

He was secretly happy.

Immediately afterward, looking out of the cave through the Wenxu Terrace, they discovered a bustling scene outside.

He remained scholarly, his face veiled, and hurried outside the cave.

"Congratulations, senior."

"Congratulations, Senior."

"We are honored by the great victory of our predecessors."

"........."

Xue Xiang pressed his hands down lightly, "You all flatter me. I am old and frail, and if it weren't for some unfulfilled wish..."

I, an old man, am also unwilling to participate in the competition.

To be honest, the number of Wenxu Pearls remaining in Wenxu Blessed Land is very small.

I, an old man, also did not want this blessed land of literature to fall into stagnation again and be scattered to other places, so I made a desperate attempt.

There's no need for words of congratulations.

"I am old and frail, and have expended a great deal of energy. I need to recuperate and try to prolong my life a little longer."

After saying that, he retreated into the cave, and everyone panicked.

"I've heard that once the number of Wenxu Pearls reaches zero, the Wenxu Blessed Land will fall into oblivion. The oblivious Wenxu Blessed Land will not reappear in the world for a while."

"No wonder the senior was willing to risk his old age to fight against the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang."

"To be honest, I was originally hoping that the senior would quickly decide on a successor. But now I don't think so anymore."

Even if my senior does make a decision, my chances are slim.

On the contrary, I learned a lot from my seniors by listening to their teachings and seeking knowledge from them.

If our predecessor has perished, it would be a great loss to us all.

"That makes sense. The Wenxu Blessed Land must not be extinguished, and our predecessors must not be forgotten, at least not now."

“I see that the elder is very frail. We must find a miraculous tonic to help him recover.”

"Gentlemen, this is not a matter for any one person, and we cannot allow anyone to suffer losses because of offering the divine medicine. I think it is appropriate for everyone to share the burden equally."

"That's exactly right. We'll share the cost equally. No matter who gets the miracle drug, everyone will share the cost equally, and no one will be taken advantage of."

"…………"

As the crowd grew excited, Murong Yu's emotions also soared. "Mother, Elder De, Elder Shou, and Senior Mingde Dongxuan are truly enlightened beings. They not only resolved my long-standing confusion but also told me that they would disappear within two or three years at most."

When he stepped onto the Wenxu Battle Platform, he even entered a dreamlike state.

The old master even allowed me to listen to his lectures outside his cave..."

Murong Yu spoke eloquently for a long time. After that, the beautiful woman in palace attire smiled and comforted him for a few words before telling him to go and rest.

As soon as Murong Yu stepped out of the main hall, the beautiful woman in palace attire turned cold. "It's all my fault for spoiling him too much. He's over thirty and still has no cunning whatsoever."

How can someone who so easily trusts others be worthy of the great position of the Lord of Fortune and Prosperity?

"What a pity! The mighty Murong family, with its millennia of history, will decline because of Yu'er."

"Madam is overthinking it. Young Master's sincere heart will surely be blessed."

"Although your cultivation is extraordinary, you are still young and will grow."

Both Guangde and Zeng Yuanshou offered words of comfort.

The beautiful woman in palace attire waved her hand calmly, "What do you two think of this Lord of Mingde Dongxuan?"

Guangde said, "Whether he is a kind and benevolent old man or a treacherous old villain, it is still uncertain."

What is certain is that this person is highly skilled and has profound knowledge.

Even if you can't win over such a person, there's no need to offend them.

Besides, this person is truly accomplished; I am willing to accompany you, young master, to listen to his lecture.”

Zeng Yuanshou scoffed, "In the end, all you're saying is that you, Lao Guang, want to audit the class."

Guangde blushed. "There's nothing shameful about auditing a class; what's shameful is pretending to know what you don't. Old Zeng, would you like to come along?"

Zeng Yuanshou snorted, "I originally wanted to go, but now that you've said that, I'm not going."

But if I don't go, wouldn't that be exactly what you want? So, whether I go or not, I'm not making a decision right now.

"OK OK."

The beautiful woman in palace attire waved her hand and said, "You two shouldn't act like old children. What Elder De said makes sense."

Regardless of the true nature of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, his abilities and knowledge are certainly not lacking.

Yu'er had never encountered a truly great teacher, and he had always looked down on others. Now that he had finally found one who truly convinced him, and he was willing to listen, so let him go.

"promise."

Guangde and Zeng Yuanshou bowed simultaneously and then withdrew.

The beautiful woman in palace attire summoned her personal maid, Ruzhen, and gave her some instructions.

Ru Zhen's eyes widened. "A ten-thousand-year-old stalactite only produces one drop every ten years. How can you give it away so easily?"

The beautiful woman in palace attire said, "If Yu'er is going to study, she will be considered as having taken on a second teacher. Does she expect to go empty-handed?"

"Do you think the Murong family has no dignity left?"

"promise."

………………

Xue Xiang stared at the Wenxu Terrace, watching the crowd discuss getting him some tonics, and a maternal smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

Everyone says I'm old and frail, but what's wrong with pretending to be old and frail?
Upon exiting Wenxu Fudi, Zhao Shuban from Meihua Hall was already waiting outside.

Xue Xiang knew that things had succeeded.

It turned out that the two official documents awarded to him by his superiors had already been issued.

One black and one white, two literary tiles, a slightly awkward situation.

The portrait of the sage that Xue Xiang coveted could be exchanged for with a purple token, while the black token he received was one level lower.

Another item he had his eye on was an unnamed ring, which only required a blue pendant. The white pendant he had obtained was now one level higher.

Therefore, he paid a high price to ask Xie Haiya to help coordinate and replace the two literary tablets, one black and one white, with one purple and one green.

He guessed that Xie Haiya had come to see him because of this matter.

Half an incense stick later, he met Xie Haiya in the East Warm Pavilion of the Plum Blossom Hall.

Half a month later, Xie Haiya's eyes were sunken, he had lost a lot of weight, and his face was full of fatigue, but his eyes were still bright and piercing.

Before Xue Xiang could even bow, two official documents, one purple and one blue, flew into his palm. "After asking around, it was only after Wei Yang intervened that we were able to exchange them successfully."

What treasures does the Faculty of Arts have that you're so interested in?

Xue Xiang said, "There's no treasure at all. It's just something that others wouldn't even look at, but I happen to find useful."

"Senior brother, have you been spending a lot of time at the flower shop lately?"

"How dare you just spout nonsense like that?"

Xie Haiya glared, "You're slandering someone's innocence out of thin air."

"Then why do you look so haggard?"

"Busy, busy from the end of the year to the beginning of the year. To be honest, it's all thanks to the big gift you gave us. The commercial prosperity of Suiyangdu is explosive. Your eight thousand acres of wasteland have brought in too much tax revenue."

Last year, Yunmeng's listing profits and taxes far exceeded those of other places, and I, as a senior student, also benefited from it.

Let me give you a heads-up: my position might be changing this year.

"That's perfect."

Xue Xiang was overjoyed.

No one wanted Xie Haiya to move up in rank more than him.

On the tenth day of the month, the Academy of Arts was open to the public. He went inside and first exchanged the portraits of sages for his own.

Then, seizing the opportunity, he summoned the Black Tiger of Literary Qi to wash away the dust from the ring.

Thus, the two treasures he had long coveted were finally in his hands.

He first examined the portrait, which was of the great sage Fan Xiping. He tried reciting classical texts, and sure enough, a blessed spiritual realm opened.

With the Blessed Spirit Realm activated, Xue Xiang attempted to cultivate the Nebula Overlord Body Technique.

After practicing for a while, the speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy indeed improved significantly.

After examining the portrait of the sage, Xue Xiang began to examine the ring.

The ring is more delicate than ordinary rings, with silver threads engraved on it.

Xue Xiang tried to send his thoughts into the ring, but was blocked. The ring was soaked with blood and emitted wisps of blue smoke.

(End of this chapter)