I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 123: Strategy
Inside the examination hall, the noise was like a surging tide, and the discussions were like a vast ocean.

Suddenly, three drumbeats sounded, and everyone returned to their cells.

After a four-hour rest, the second round of the policy essay examination will begin.

Xue Xiang lay on the stone bed, with the cell door open.

A gentle breeze rustled the clear water inside the bamboo tube, creating a gurgling sound that accentuated the tranquil and secluded atmosphere.

The room was dimly lit, with an oil lamp burning slowly. The flame flickered in the wind and cast a shadow on the corner of the wall, like the still shadow of a beast.

Xue Xiang suddenly wondered why the results weren't announced all at once after all three exams, instead of being announced separately for each exam session.

After a moment's thought, he understood.

This kind of segmented distribution of points is more like urging a horse to chase a deer.

The desire to win or lose drives people to strive harder.

With this thought in mind, Xue Xiang then thought of Wei Fan.

Actually, he didn't know it was Wei Fan who came, but it didn't matter who came.

His request to review the exam papers was certainly not a thoughtless act.

It turned out that he had gone to Wenxu Blessed Land on the eve of entering the examination hall and summoned the Canglan Academy through Fengnuan City, who was on duty.

The city examination, the prefecture examination, and the academy examination were all preliminary examinations. The ultimate result of these examinations was to be promoted to the rank of Xiushi Gong.

These three examinations were all administered by the academies of each prefecture.

The academies in each prefecture were in charge of the academic records and examinations of students below the rank of Xiushi Gong in their respective prefectures, wielding astonishing power.

To be honest, Xue Xiang's preparation for the county examination was not very thorough.

At least in terms of writing the final essay, he wasn't as focused as he was during the city examination.

Firstly, I'm really busy.

Secondly, since becoming the master of Wenxu Blessed Land and recruiting the big shots of Canglan Academy as his students, he has become extremely confident.

If Xue Xiang had not been certain of the rule that "the written examination determines one's fate, and the spiritual test distinguishes one's merits," he would not have been able to use Ni Quanwen and others to set the questions for this county examination himself.

After all, the examination papers and examination methods for the entire Canglan Prefecture's science and technology examinations were determined by the Canglan Academy.

Of course, Xue Xiang isn't that outrageous, going to such lengths to pull off such a stunt.

But I still took out an insurance policy for myself.

Using poetry as a starting point, he told Ni Quanwen and the others from Canglan Academy that he had recently been traveling in spirit to the eight directions and had come across many wonderful poems.

These poems are naturally Xue Xiang's own masterpieces.

Then he asked the author.

Xue Xiang's name was then brought to the forefront.

Next, in his capacity as the master of Mingde Dongxuan, he expressed his admiration for Xue Xiang, inquired about Xue Xiang's life, praised Xue Xiang enthusiastically, and extolled that Xue Xiang must be the darling of the local literary tradition, and asked Ni Quanwen and others to take good care of him.

He also said that he hoped to meet Xue Xiang when the opportunity arose.

Ni Quanwen and others were no strangers to Xue Xiang.

After the Earth Witch was killed, the chaotic literary energy formed by the low-hanging literary veins and the Heavenly Dao was so difficult for Ni Quanwen and others to sort out even with their combined efforts.

It was only with Xue Xiang's brilliant and soaring work that the chaotic flow of the writing was straightened out.

At that time, Xue Xiang left a very deep impression on Ni Quanwen and other bigwigs of Canglan Academy.

After Xue Xiang transformed into the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan and gave himself a strong promotion, Ni Quanwen and others naturally paid even more attention to Xue Xiang.

After all, this was someone whom the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan rarely specifically requested to take care of.

Therefore, when Wei Fan heard Xu Changying, Wang Zongjing and others report that they wanted to take down Xue Xiang, he immediately turned hostile.

What has been stripped away is not just Xue Xiang's academic record, but also the opportunity that Lord Wei had in front of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, and the destiny that Wei himself had for immortality. This is absolutely intolerable.

"Wei Fan is actually a pretty good guy."

Inside the cell, Xue Xiang silently gave Wei Fan a thumbs up, turned over, straightened his sleeves, and looked at the moonlight outside the door.

The moonlight outside the window was as bright as water, and all was quiet.

Before long, he fell into a deep sleep.

The morning bell awakens people, its gentle sound drifting from the horizon like a ray of light piercing through the clouds, resonating deep within their hearts.

Xue Xiang opened his eyes. The first rays of dawn broke, and a few strands of pale golden light pierced through the bamboo leaves and the gaps in the curtains, landing beside the stone bed.

The door was half open, and a gust of wind blew in, making him feel refreshed.

He took some water from the bamboo tube, quickly washed his face, and then took out two pieces of lard cakes and started eating.

With his cultivation level, he could go without food for ten days or half a month without any ill effects, let alone two or three days.

But he considers himself a person who loves life; to put it bluntly, he is a hedonist.

He could have eaten his fill, but he didn't want to go hungry, so he forced himself to endure the hardship.

Although the lard cake had cooled down, it was still fragrant and crispy, with a golden sheen on the crust. With a gentle bite, the oil and aroma of the cake filled my mouth, slightly salty and slightly sweet. When I swallowed it with water, I felt warm all over.

He ate slowly and deliberately, as if he were still savoring the events of yesterday.

Half an hour later, the sound of drums came, and a message came from their document rings, telling them to leave their cells and gather in the outer room.

Xue Xiang walked out of his cell and followed the flow of people. After passing a row of stone houses, a huge square suddenly appeared in front of him.

In the square, dozens of huge stone slabs are suspended in mid-air at varying heights.

Stone steps lead up to the stone platform, below which are rows of cushions and long tables, densely packed like seedlings sprouting in spring.

Each table was set with writing brushes, inkstones, and scrolls, and the cushions were neat and spotless.

The sky was cloudless, the sun was shining brightly, and the sky was covered with dense array patterns that emitted a faint golden glow when the sun shone on them.

The stone platform was surrounded by suspended stones on all four sides, where a group of proctors stood.

Before long, the document ring sent another message, instructing the candidates to take their seats according to their examination numbers.

On the huge stone slabs, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are written, making them very easy to identify.

Xue Xiang quickly ascended the stone platform marked "B" and, after about ten breaths, found the seat corresponding to his cell number.

Just as he was wondering why the second exam was to be held here, the Wenlu Jie sent another message into his mind: "The format of this exam is different from the past. The Wenqi Array is open, and the quality of the essays is determined by how the words attract the Wenqi to the paper. The one with the most essays wins."

Please note that all exam papers will be reviewed by the examiners.

Those who attempt to use clever tricks, relying on poetry or prose to evoke literary flair, and whose answers are irrelevant to the question, will be immediately disqualified.

Instantly, a murmur rippled through the room.

Immediately afterwards, a message was sent out: "After deliberation by the academy, the top ten in the written examination may be the first to enter the Armory Hall to select equipment to prepare for the cultivation test."

This news caused an uproar throughout the venue.

After the first round, all the information was compiled.

The consensus is that the written exam determines whether someone stays or leaves, while the spiritual practice exam determines their level of achievement.

But what everyone is discussing is whether the rules for determining whether someone stays or leaves based on the written exam are too simple, and that new rules are likely to be introduced.

After all, in order to prevent anyone from getting a head start on the selection process, many rules for such a talent selection ceremony are decided by the examiners through discussion during the examination.

Therefore, information is transmitted little by little through written records and precepts.

Previously, everyone only knew that the cultivation test was important, and they were rather careless about the written test that determined whether someone would stay or leave.

At this moment, the news broke, and the atmosphere of competition in the written exam immediately intensified.

Before the murmurs had subsided, another message arrived from the talismanic ring.
"The top-ranked player will receive a Trial Grounds Teleportation Talisman in addition to the priority selection."

boom!
A thunderous uproar erupted.

"A teleportation talisman? Doesn't that mean I have an extra life in the training grounds?!"

"That's so unfair! Why should they get the credit?"

"I think it's quite fair. Whoever has the ability should go and take first place."

Some were surprised, some were shocked, some were envious, and some even looked solemn, quietly clenching their fists under their sleeves.

Xue Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm and serene, without any ripples.

The throbbing in his heart was like waves rising on a mirror-like lake, one wave pushing another aside.

Those who excel in the written exam receive such benefits.

He naturally had to give it his all in this policy exam.

The bell rang three times, and the sky brightened, with the rosy light seeping into the sky from the mountainside.

Xue Xiang sat on a futon, closing his eyes to rest. After a moment, a grand and steady voice resounded from all directions:

“When students begin to write their policy essays, they do so with genuine sincerity and literary flair. Those essays that resonate with the nation’s policies and the people’s sentiments will naturally be reflected in the paper with literary grace.”

The moment the sound faded, it was as if glass had shattered, and the runes above the examination hall began to ripple.

Strands of curved golden "literary energy" slowly descended from the sky, as radiant as the sunset, floating in mid-air.

Before long, the talisman ring emitted a faint light again, shining into the foreheads of everyone. The test question was: Please write an essay on the topic of "Governance and Virtue," combining classical allusions.

Xue Xiang felt a chill run down his spine.

This question may seem ordinary, but it is actually quite dangerous.

In the hands of an ordinary person, such writings are nothing more than quoting classics and speaking with certainty, but they rarely offer anything new.

Only true knowledge can break the deadlock.

Immediately, he began to scribble and draw on the manuscript paper, trying to think of a way to solve the problem.

Speaking of Dingwen, he can now be considered an expert in the field.

Otherwise, the current topic wouldn't be so compelling.

However, the requirements for policy essay questions are higher, and they emphasize the importance of having a good teacher to produce outstanding students.

He developed it entirely on his own, without much practice.

He didn't have much of an advantage in this exam.

However, they were already behind in the first game, and even with bonus points, they only had 98 points.

If they fall behind again in the second round, and with a total score of only 30 points in the final round, it would be incredibly difficult to make a comeback and win the written exam.

This anxiety and uncertainty made his thoughts increasingly stagnant. Xue Xiang wrote several drafts, all of which were rejected.

Before he knew it, time had passed, and he hadn't written a single sentence on his manuscript.

Suddenly, a strange phenomenon rose from the east side of the examination hall.

It was a golden ray that suddenly rose from Shen Nansheng's desk, like the rising sun, with countless rays of light converging on the paper.

Under Shen Nansheng's pen, the characters were vigorous and powerful like seal script, flowing like clouds, like a gentle breeze brushing against the mountains, carrying the momentum of mountains and rivers.

"Government is based on righteousness, and virtue is rooted in benevolence. If virtue is not established first, governance cannot be carried out. If governance loses virtue, the law becomes a tiger and a wolf."

Rows of text, surprisingly, took shape through their literary quality, shining brightly in the sky.

After a mere dozen or so sentences, another strange phenomenon appeared on the horizon:
Above his head, a wisp of white crane materialized, its wings outstretched, fluttering and dancing, its feathers as clear as glass.

The literary spirit, drawn by it, swirls downwards, golden light like a ribbon, converging onto the paper.

White cranes circled overhead, and literary energy swirled around them, as if the righteous path had taken form between heaven and earth!
Exclamations erupted in the examination hall.

"It's Shen Nansheng from the Shen family... It's said that he recited the Six Classics in Chongwen Hall when he was young, and he memorized every word. Now it's true that his reputation is well-deserved."

"He actually attracted the strange phenomenon of the white crane... That is the 'manifestation of a virtuous bird,' and only when the meaning of the text matches 'pure virtue' can this phenomenon be triggered!"

At the southwest proctoring station, an elderly scholar nodded slightly, “His writing is like a gentle breeze and nourishing rain, restrained yet not arrogant, with a heart of benevolence hidden within the rules… Shen Nansheng, his reputation is well-deserved.”

Almost at the same moment, from the northwest, a streak of dark blue aura shot into the sky.

That's Lou Changqing.

His clothes were half-open, his eyes were like cold stars, and the opening and closing of his brushstrokes sounded like the clash of swords.

The article begins by quoting classical texts to establish that "the foundation of governance is propriety," then refutes the outdated argument that "virtue can replace governance," flowing smoothly and powerfully, each word like a spear in a well-organized battle.
"Government is what the people rely on, and virtue is what government is respected for. Without virtue, governance declines; without governance, virtue is lost. The two must advance together, like a boat and its oars; neither can be neglected..."

He paused for a moment, then shifted to a general overview in the second paragraph, and began to discuss the coexistence of the three teachings and the rule of rites as the guiding principle, concluding with the Confucian concept of "inner sage and outer king".

Its grand scale resembles a thousand-year-old chronicle of officialdom, spanning the past and present.

boom!
A magnificent phantom appeared overhead, a palace with jade steps and golden beams, where officials stood in shadow, their literary aura shining like the rising sun.

Amidst the strange phenomena, the air was filled with the sounds of bells and drums, ethereal and solemn.

"It's actually a sign of 'the return of power after nine reigns'!"

An old scholar's eyes widened in shock. "This phenomenon is extremely rare. It can only be seen in writings that encompass the proper order of rites, respect for the ruler and integrity of his ministers, and effective governance of the people!"

"Lou Changqing indeed seized power with his talent. Although his writing was cold, there was fire in his bones. It was the writing of a tyrant."

Among the crowd, the examinees gazed at the floating palace, feeling as if they were standing beneath a king's throne, and several unconsciously lowered their heads in silence.

Immediately afterwards, another soft sound came from the north corner of the square, like ice beads shattering, followed by an extremely cold atmosphere.

Ling Xueyi was writing furiously at her desk, her expression calm and composed.

He was dressed in plain clothes, like a plum blossom in the snow. His brushstrokes were calm and even, yet the characters were like carved jade, each sentence sharp and uncompromising.

"Virtue resides in the hearts of the people, and governance is determined by the people. Governance that does not care for the people is abandoning its foundation; virtue that does not restrain oneself is disgracing one's name." He did not quote the words of sages or list precedents, but instead discussed the responsibilities of officials. He began with a case of "a state official forcibly collecting relief grain," directly pointing out its evils and deducing the suffering of the people of the demon race. His words were piercing and heartbreaking.

Then, the story takes a turn, telling the tale of an upright official who, unafraid of powerful figures, sets an example by winning back the hearts of the demon people, stabilizing the prefecture, and earning praise from the imperial court.

This policy essay, like a sudden thunderclap in the snow, is calm and restrained, yet it touches upon the sharp edge of "official morality" in every sentence.

Suddenly, a long river of literary energy appeared in the sky, clear as a mirror, with starlight faintly visible.

A lone boat appears on it, with a dim light inside. A scholar sits alone, holding a book, deep in thought.

That long river resembles the image of "clean and upright political achievements," and only articles with "a clear mind, upright writing, and sound reasoning" can evoke this extraordinary sight.

On the proctor's seat, an old scholar exclaimed, "Although Ling Xueyi is a demon, she has mastered the orthodox methods of my Confucian school. She is extremely talented and can compose a case in a short time, with the transitions flowing like a river, and complete it in one go."

This is not the work of a talented writer, but rather a sign of practical action.

He will likely rise to high positions in the future, becoming a powerful figure among the demon race.

On the examination hall, as three strange phenomena appeared in turn, the literary energy surged, attracting the attention of all, and the entire hall was in an uproar.

One candidate whispered, "These three have exhibited such extraordinary phenomena, absorbing so much literary energy into their papers. It's unlikely that anyone else can surpass them."

"Incredible! As expected of a scion of a noble family, inheriting the legacy of a powerful demon clan, years of hard work, all for this test. Truly amazing."

"Where did Xue Xiang go? Why haven't we seen him create any strange phenomena?"

"........."

Whispers rang out in the examination room, but the invigilators did not speak up to stop them.

They were even happy to see this competition; otherwise, there would have been no need to bring everyone together for this second round.

What we want is for a thousand sails to compete and a hundred boats to race.

On the stone platform marked "Bing", Xue Xiang sat quietly.

On a brand new sheet of paper, the pen had not been used and the paper was unstained.

Only a faint wisp of literary elegance floats on the paper, seemingly about to gather but not quite, as light as a gossamer thread.

He did not look at the strange phenomena arising from the articles written by others, nor did he look up at the palaces, white cranes, and clear streams in the sky.

Instead, he stared quietly at the empty manuscript paper, as if it contained profound cosmic meaning and the ultimate truths of Confucianism and Taoism.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain between his eyebrows. This was because his cultivation had been successful and his six senses were heightened, so he knew that many people were watching him.

"Dear candidates, concentrate on answering the questions. Your writing skills are limited, and those who try to outdo others later may find themselves without any literary flair on the paper."

The invigilator's voice came, and the whispers in the room immediately ceased.

Xue Xiang still didn't pick up a pen; he was searching for the emotions that moved him.

It's unlikely that one can plagiarize policy essays and surpass the brilliant talents of those born into privilege through shepherd families.

Only by finding one's strengths can one have the power to fight.

Xue Xiang knew clearly that he had two strengths.

First, one must have vision that transcends the times, and be able to come up with innovative ideas without falling into the trap of "being half a step ahead is genius, being a full step ahead is madness."

Second, he had real experience in governing a region. Although he was nominally the head of the Eleventh Office, he actually did the work of a town magistrate in the later stages.

He was fully aware of the successes and failures of governance and the effectiveness of the central government's policies at the grassroots level.

He had already sorted out his thoughts on the strategy, but had not yet put pen to paper, simply because of the emotions he felt in his heart.

Words devoid of emotion can neither move readers nor resonate with the world; even if they do possess literary spirit, they will only amount to little.

Xue Xiang closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting away.

Before long, there was the old beggar who gave him half a steamed bun, the woman who opened the door for him to take shelter from the rain, the little girl who shared porridge with him, the greedy birds in the golden wheat field, and the first ray of sunshine from the snow-capped mountain that shone into his heart.

More and more images, like ten thousand rushing mountain springs, crash into my heart, and with a thunderous roar, flow eastward into the sea.

Xue Xiang suddenly opened his eyes, no longer looking at the swirling literary atmosphere around him, nor listening to the whispers around him.

At this moment, those eye-catching phenomena—white cranes, palaces, and clear streams—seemed to have nothing to do with him.

He only looks at his own piece of paper, his pen, and his heart.

In his mind, the bustling scene of Suiyang Ferry came to mind.

That was his real battlefield.

Rather than just talking about it on paper, he had already acquired real weapons in Suiyang Town.

He started writing.

The pen begins calmly, like still water, yet each word falls as firmly as a bell.
"Government is about giving; virtue is about influencing. Governance that does not move people is like a drum that has no sound; virtue that is not practiced is like incense that has no fragrance."

Upon hearing this, all was still.

He did not quote from "Zhengyan" or describe "Fengya", but simply wrote down his personal experiences in a light and understated manner.

"In the past, when I was in Suiyang, the people were trapped by the river when they went to trade. The people's resentment accumulated day by day, goods were stuck for thousands of miles, and merchants did not come. So when I took office, I transferred the various departments and guided the river merchants to land..."

Without pausing, he moved on to the second paragraph.

"In March, the ferry crossing was transformed, with merchants coming and going in droves. The people cooked porridge and gave it away, and the merchants spontaneously practiced Taoism. This was not due to the power of my government, but to the genuine feelings of the people who benefited. For government is a tool for facilitating prosperity; virtue is a wind that nourishes the heart."

At this moment, wisps of literary energy began to gather on the paper. Although they were far from the surging and magnificent style of Shen, Lou, and Ling, they gradually formed threads that entwined the words and sentences, like a light rain after a storm.

Xue Xiang ignored him and continued writing:

"There was once a case in which two families were fighting over land, and the litigation lasted for many months..."

Xue Xiang's handwriting is steady and his emotions are restrained. Every word is full of emotion, yet it seems to shake the pages.

Within the magic array on the stone platform, a faint golden light suddenly appeared, slowly rotating at the edge of his manuscript paper, like a flickering candle flame, weak yet clear.

Someone exclaimed in a low voice, "That's... the Flame of Resonance?!"

"No...that is 'sincere sentiment.' Only by truthfully recording political achievements and writing with genuine sincerity can this phenomenon occur."

On the proctoring table, several elderly scholars exchanged glances. One of them said slowly, "This young man's writing is unadorned and every sentence is based on facts. Although he does not have the appearance of a celestial being, he has a 'fragrance of the earth' about him."

Another veteran proctor said calmly, "His writing, though lacking in ornate language, is meticulously organized and clearly structured. This is what is meant by 'practical application of knowledge,' which is extremely rare."

"But in terms of overall strength, they are no match for Shen Nansheng and his two companions. This situation is ultimately difficult to break."

"not necessarily."

After a long silence, a white-bearded scholar suddenly spoke. He looked at Xue Xiang's paper with a deep gaze, "The intensity of strange phenomena is often as short as a shooting star."

This child's energy is like a gushing spring, not dazzling, but enduring.

If he can achieve a unified approach and break through the current impasse, his potential is limitless.

"You mean—this child has the potential to write a great work?"

"Only after the piece is completed can we judge its success or failure by how much energy it retains."

In the examination room, the strange phenomenon above Shen Nansheng and the other two remained, shining brightly.

The three of them also saw the strange phenomenon above Xue Xiang's head.

At this moment, all three had finished writing and were quietly observing the strange phenomenon unfolding above Xue Xiang's head.

The three were only slightly surprised, not shocked, after all, the outcome was already decided.

No matter how talented Xue Xiang is, he cannot turn the tide.

This is because there is very little literary energy left floating in the air at this moment.

Xue Xiang remained motionless, silently wielding his brush.

Like an old tree in the mountains, it bears fruit in the still of the night, without blooming flowers.

His pen moved swiftly, and the words slowly emerged on the paper:

"Today's discourse does not lie in the words of sages and worthies, but in the feelings of the common people. If governance does not begin from the bottom up, and if virtue does not arise from the heart, then even the most intricate plans are like weaving an empty net."

In that instant, the wind stirred.

A gentle breeze rustled the prayer mat, causing the ink in Xue Xiang's inkstone to ripple slightly, reflecting the slowly rotating golden glint in the air.

Finally, a slender stream of literary energy descended slowly from the sky, landing precisely on his brush tip before disappearing into the paper.

It made no sound, yet it instantly silenced the entire No. C stone platform for three breaths.

It wasn't shock, but confusion.

what is this?
This is not a vision, nor is it a display of talent.

It's like a spark, falling quietly, yet capable of burning through the heavens and earth.

On the proctor's seat, the white-bearded old scholar smiled gently: "A wisp of literary talent, a spark that could start a prairie fire. Let's see how he fares in his next piece."

The candidates who had finished their essays remained silent, all turning their gazes toward Xue Xiang.

Under the watchful eyes of millions, he remained as calm as ever, his brush never stopping, the ink still wet.

Xue Xiang paused, and a sentence of immense weight emerged:

"The hearts of the people are won not by bribery or coercion, but by nurturing them with trust and righteousness, and by governing them with benevolence."

Almost instantly, he was enveloped by that wisp of pale golden energy, which had been drifting away like cooking smoke, but suddenly condensed and then exploded!

hum-

An extraordinary sound rose from his pen!
It was as if some unseen "structure" had been shaken.

The first to sense it was Shen Nansheng.

His exam paper was originally filled with surging light, like a golden dragon coiling around it.

At this moment, Jinlong was suddenly pulled away from his scroll and drifted straight towards the C-grade stone platform, slowly disappearing into Xue Xiangwen's scroll!
“Stripped of literary talent!”

Shen Nansheng suddenly looked up, her eyes flashing with a sharp light, a hint of disbelief in them.

It's not just him.

Lou Changqing's exam paper, brimming with literary spirit, formed a phantom of a city tower, majestic and radiant.

At that moment, a corner suddenly collapsed, and a beam of solid golden energy drifted away, heading straight for Xue Xiang!

"That's unreasonable!"

Lou Changqing was furious.

Ling Xueyi's scroll, originally light and airy, with imagery of "clear streams winding around the inkstone" and "bamboo shadows reflected on the paper" between the lines, was particularly elegant and moving.

But the thin, thread-like stream suddenly broke off, as if intercepted by someone, quietly changing its course and falling into Xue Xiang's desk!
"Well done, stripping me of my literary talent. I am completely convinced."

Ling Xueyi smiled gracefully.

Immediately following, Ning Qianjun's aura was not as fiery as the previous three, but rather quite solid, like a drawn sword, ready to unleash its power.

He had already finished his exam and was watching Xue Xiang's excitement with a smile when suddenly, the literary style on his exam paper began to sway lightly, as if summoned by a "calling," and drifted away diagonally, turning into golden threads that floated southeast!
"You ride on the horse!"

Ning Qianjun was furious, muttering angrily, "You surnamed Xue, you can fight with the three of them, why are you causing trouble for me? I've only saved up so much."

He slammed his fist on the table in anger, causing the prayer mat beside him to shake violently and splash ink everywhere!

Just then, many people noticed the strange phenomenon.

"Someone is stealing our literary talent!"

"It was Xue Xiang; he stole the literary talent from those few papers."

"This is allowed? Isn't that cheating?"

"Cheating? If you're so capable, why don't you try cheating yourself?"

Someone exclaimed in surprise, and all eyes turned to Xue Xiang.

Even now, he still keeps his head down, his brush moving with the grace of a dragon.

The literary atmosphere on the desk was swirling, and what was originally a gentle, lingering rain had transformed into a state of "a phoenix being drawn by a faint light." Although there were no wild or strange phenomena, there was a profound and weighty feeling, as deep as the sea!

Even more strangely, the golden energy that drifted over did not clash with the scroll directly. Instead, as it approached Xue Xiang's scroll, it slowly swirled around on its own, as if recognizing its master and returning to its nest!
One of the elders who was supervising the examination stood up and read aloud the words written by Xue Xiang: "My words are not based on eloquence, nor on the advice of books, but solely on a heart full of loyalty and forgiveness."

To speak out for the people, to cry out for justice for the suffering—if one's heart remains unmoved by heaven and earth, what need is there for studying to become an official?

boom!
The air in the examination hall was thick with the sound of writing, like thunderclaps.

"He didn't establish a theory, he made a vow!"

"He is not writing a policy document; he is writing a petition to the world!"

Inside the examination hall, Wei Fan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze seemingly penetrating the walls and landing on the stone platform where Xue Xiang was.

For the first time, an undisguised look of admiration appeared in his eyes.

Shen Nansheng frowned and gritted her teeth.

Lou Changqing's eyes were solemn, and he did not utter a word.

Ling Xueyi gently put down her pen, silently looked at Xue Xiang, and revealed a deep appreciation in her eyes.

Regardless of doubt, shock, or admiration, the atmosphere in the room had subtly changed at that moment.

Xue Xiang wrote more and more urgently, faster and faster, until the last sentence, "Therefore it is said: If the people are well-off, how can the ruler be lacking?"

The pen fell, and the text was completed.

On the exam paper, the literary spirit condensed into a faint trace of light, like the dawn breaking, spanning the entire page, like the sharpening of a dagger, pointing straight to the heart.

In that instant, a thought arose in the minds of many:
No need to compete anymore, the champion has already been decided!
(End of this chapter)