I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 126 Where is Fairness?
"Ok?"

Xue Xiang was taken aback.

The information transmitted from the document ring was about the individual's acquisition of crystal cores, and it was ranked.

The written exam had its results announced in separate sessions, and now the ranking of the crystal cores has been announced. Both have the same purpose: to provoke the competitive spirit of the audience.

As expected, Xue Xiang was not surprised.

There were three points that surprised him.

First, he wasn't number one, or even number ten; he was thirteenth.

You should know that he had hunted down nine cyan crystal cores and one white crystal core.

According to the rules, the price of a cyan crystal core increases fivefold when it is upgraded to a white crystal core, so he now has fourteen cyan crystal cores in his possession.

With such a result, he only ranked thirteenth.

Second, those ranked ahead of him were almost all students from privileged backgrounds, plus two demon race candidates.

There wasn't a single ordinary Confucian scholar among them.

Third, the one ranked first is not Shen Nansheng, nor Lou Changqing, but someone named Lü Wenhou.

Xue Xiang had a very weak impression of this person, only remembering that he ranked ninth in the written examination.

At this moment, this person has obtained thirty-five cyan crystal cores, far ahead of Ling Xueyi, who is in second place, by more than ten.

If the situation continues to develop in this way, the top scorer in the county examination will be none other than the unassuming Marquis Lü Wen.

"No, we must hurry up and find high-level monsters. Killing only small monsters won't suffice."

Xue Xiang suspected that a considerable number of the monsters hunted by Lu Wenhou were of the White level, after all, one White level monster is worth five Green level monsters.

A gentle breeze blows, a thin mist swirls through the forest, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of earth and pine needles.

Xue Xiang waved away the mist, unleashed the Wind-Stopping Step, and moved forward quickly.

He had only walked two miles when he heard a commotion behind him. He turned around and saw a figure rushing towards him at an extremely fast speed.

A few breaths later, the man rushed over; it was none other than Pan Feng, who had returned.

"Brother Xue, you are truly amazing! I saw the remains of the spider monsters. You single-handedly swept them all away. It's terrifying."

Pan Feng gave a thumbs up.

He was also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, so in terms of skill, he wouldn't really be no match for a spider monster.

The main reason was that the spider monster's appearance was terrifying, and he was afraid even before the battle.

"Brother Pan, you flatter me."

Xue Xiang didn't have much affection for Pan Feng, after all, he was also a protégé.

Pan Feng noticed Xue Xiang's mood. "Brother Xue, Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing, Ning Qianjun, and the others hold the hopes of an entire province."

They were vying for the top spot, so naturally they were always eager to show their talents; Mr. Pan didn't have such grand ambitions.

I just want to get a good ranking, so I decided to team up with Brother Xue.

The proceeds are divided 20/80.

Brother Xue is second, and I am eighth.

Xue Xiang glanced at him as if he were a fool, but then thought to himself, how could someone who could pass the county examination be a fool?

I knew this guy was just making a fuss.

"Get to the point, I don't have time for your jokes."

Xue Xiang frowned.

Pan Feng laughed and said, "Just kidding, Brother Xue, please don't take offense."

I'm being honest about forming a team. As for the split, Xue Xiang will get eight, and I'll get two.

Xue Xiang, don't rush to refuse, let me explain.

"Brother Xue, have you ever considered why this cultivation test was chosen in this place of demonic obstacles?"

Xue Xiang shook his head.

Pan Feng said, "It's because magic crystals are precious."

These magic crystals are all formed from pure literary energy. Anyone who obtains a magic crystal can recite poems to stimulate their talent, and then refine the magic crystal, transforming it into literary energy and absorbing it into their body.

Brother Xue has participated in the city examination. Among those who have taken the city examination, only one in ten can acquire literary talent and establish a literary career.

The release of these demons during the county examinations and the cultivation tests is tantamount to directly opening up the supply of literary energy.

This is a huge investment.

"You mean, this is a convenient door opened by the higher-ups for those who benefit from privilege, and we poor kids are getting a taste of it?"

Xue Xiang was extremely quick-witted.

Pan Feng nodded. "The truth is harsh, but it's true."

If it weren't for the large number of Yinsheng participating this time, the officials in the central government would not have agreed to open the Demon Barrier Land as a testing ground.

In fact, it's not just us who are undergoing trials here; all eighteen prefectures of Canglan Prefecture are undergoing trials here.

They were simply separated by a restrictive array.

The Land of Demonic Barriers is not a secret place outside the realm; the ancestors of powerful families have all entered it to hunt for demonic crystals.

"I'm very familiar with the geographical distribution within. If my elders are not mistaken, the demonic land that Canglan Prefecture has designated this time should be the Black Mountain area of ​​the Demon Realm..."

"I understand."

Xue Xiang frowned and said, "Lu Wenhou, Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing and their gang of shady characters are able to quickly hunt down monsters."

It's because they know the layout of the Demon Land perfectly, so they can quickly find the monsters.

No wonder Yin Sheng was able to stay far ahead in the process of acquiring crystal cores.

Pan Feng shrugged. "Brother Xue is very clever. Not only that, the Yin Sheng know where the monsters are and will quickly gather around them."

Once they come together, they can cooperate with each other, which is a great advantage in the trials.

"If I hadn't met Brother Xue, I would be seeking cooperation with Yinsheng by now."

"Brother Pan, it's not too late to go now."

Xue Xiang seemed to be deep in thought.

Pan Feng shook his head, "If Brother Xue can accept me, why should I choose something lower?"

I am willing to work together with Brother Xue, united in purpose, to conquer the Trial Realm.

Xue Xiangdao said, "Let's not talk about the cooperation for now."

"You powerful and influential families are interfering so much in this crucial examination; doesn't the central government care?"

Pan Feng waved his hand, "It's not interference, at most it's guiding the situation, making the outcome of the big test develop in a direction that is favorable to Yin Sheng."

I know Brother Xue is not convinced and will feel it's unfair.

But that's just how the world is.

My ancestors often said, "Why should those poor families think that their ten years of hard study are comparable to my family's five generations of officials?"

They were powerful and influential families with deep roots and extensive connections in the imperial court.

With the central government opening up the borders this time, a large number of official positions have become vacant in the north, and everyone wants a piece of the pie.

This attracted many powerful families to join forces and open up the Demonic Land as a testing ground.

It's already considered a great honor for scholars from humble backgrounds; it's fair that we, those born into privilege, have an advantage.

Of course, whether it's fair or not is not something we can control.

Brother Xue, if you are angry, please don't hold a grudge against me, Pan.

Pan Feng, as expected of someone from a prominent family, delivered a well-reasoned and clear speech.

Xue Xiang laughed and said, "It's too far to talk about holding a grudge."

I understand now. Brother Pan wants to use this map of the Black Mountain in the Demon Realm as a pretext to reach a cooperation agreement with me.

Pan Feng nodded, "Not only that, I can also tell you about the strength of the best among the students."

For example, Lu Wenhou was a master of pretending to be weak while actually being strong.

Although he is not well-known, I heard that he has been studying in secret.

Looking at his achievements, I wasn't surprised to learn that he was in the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

As for Shen Nansheng and Lou Changqing, both of them are in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

While their cultivation levels are one aspect, these two also possess numerous secret techniques, making them extremely difficult to defeat.

There's also Ning Qianjun, who's always been at odds with Brother Xue. He's at the early Foundation Establishment stage and possesses a family secret technique with unparalleled power..."

"Stop, stop, stop, don't waste time, let's talk on the way."

Xue waved.

Pan Feng was overjoyed, "So, our cooperation is on?"

"It's done."

Xue Xiang acknowledged Pan Feng's contributions.

Having just arrived in your esteemed place, nothing is more important than accurate information.

Pan Feng pointed to the west, "One hundred and fifty li ahead lies the Miasma Valley."

There lives a group of two-winged ghost-faced monkeys there—as strong as mountains and as fast as eagles, but most greedy for blood fruits. Thirty miles south lies a blood fruit forest; let's gather the blood fruits first, then lure and capture the ghost-faced monkeys.”

Xue Xiang readily accepted good advice.

The two traveled south, the forest mist gradually thinning, but the deathly silence between heaven and earth grew ever stronger.

The ground was scorched and cracked, and the grayish-white gravel crunched underfoot. The sky was pressed low, as if covered by a lead-colored lid.

Thirty miles later, all that came into view were towering, deep purple maple trees.

The branches were laden with bright red, juicy fruits, like lanterns filled with the glow of blood. The air was thick with a sweet, pungent odor that made one's heart race.

"arrive."

Pan Feng picked a blood fruit, put it in his mouth, and bit into it, the juice overflowing. "Brother Xue, eat quickly, this thing is much better than the fruits on the market, it can be called a spiritual fruit."

Xue Xiang picked one, put it in his mouth, and the juice burst out, like fresh blood. It tasted similar to mango, but had a unique fragrance.

The two ate and picked as they went, and soon returned home with their bounty full.

Fearing that other students might seize the initiative, neither dared to delay and sped off at breakneck speed.

Pan Feng lived up to his reputation as a benefactor. Even when Xue Xiang unleashed his full power with the Wind-Stopping Step, Pan Feng managed to keep up steadily.

After about half an incense stick's time, the trees in front gradually thinned out, and a thin layer of mist appeared in the air.

The two quickened their pace, following the path through the valley and climbing over two steep slopes.

The fog ahead grew thicker, as dense as a gray-white curtain, blurring the world into a hazy expanse.

The sand and gravel underfoot were slippery, and occasionally large patches of scarlet fruit pits could be seen that had been gnawed clean and were scattered on the ground.

Faint noises came from the other side of the valley entrance.

Xue Xiang paused, his Xuan Ye Tong opened, the mist immediately thinned, and the shadowy figures in the distance became crystal clear in his eyes.

At the other end of the valley, four figures were hunting three two-winged, ghost-faced monkeys. The monkeys roared, and rocks flew everywhere.

The leader was Ning Qianjun.

He was dressed in a blue battle robe, with an arrogant expression on his face. His spear was like thunder in his hand. With a thrust of the spear, the gale at the tip of the spear sent sand and gravel flying from the ground.

Each thrust of the spear pierced through the two-winged, demon-faced monkey.

"It's Ning Qianjun and his group."

Pan Feng lowered his voice even further as he shrank behind a tree, "Brother Xue, these people don't get along with you, so it's inconvenient for me to show myself."

Having said that, he flashed and disappeared directly into the forest.

Xue Xiang remained calm and said nothing more.

He stepped out, his feet treading on dry branches, making a slight sound.

Ning Qianjun had just sheathed his spear when he saw Xue Xiang emerge from the mist, and a mocking smile flashed in his eyes.

He laughed heartily: "Isn't this Brother Xue, who came first in the written exam? It's true what they say, enemies are destined to meet."

His voice was extremely loud, echoing throughout the valley.

The three students standing beside him all had cold and stern expressions.

Ning Qianjun slammed his spear on the ground, his expression filled with undisguised contempt: "What, Chief Xue is also here to fight over the monkey? I advise you to be sensible."

This isn't a place for empty words; this is a place for strength and skill!

If it weren't for the rules prohibiting candidates from attacking each other, Ning Qianjun would have already resorted to violence.

Xue Xiang smiled slightly, not bothering to pay any attention.

Ning Qianjun raised his chin and said as if bestowing a favor, "Never mind, I'm in a good mood now."

"Didn't you want a monkey? Here you go."

As he spoke, he casually flicked his wrist and tossed a bag of blood fruits toward Xue Xiang.

In mid-air, the blood fruit exploded, turning into blood plasma that sprayed out like rain and mist.

In an instant, the air was filled with the scent of blood, and a lot of blood splattered onto Xue Xiang's clothes.

"Brother Ning, why bother?"

The speaker, whose full name was Su Zhongsheng, had a rather honest and kind appearance.

"Don't push things too far."

Another student, Xia Lichong, cupped his hands and said to Xue Xiang, "Brother Xue, the two-winged ghost-faced monkey is no ordinary creature. Since you have blood and juice on you, they will target you."

Please quickly shatter the teleportation talisman.

Xue Xiang remained unmoved.

Ning Qianjun stared at Xue Xiang with amusement and said with a smile, "You're still reluctant to use the teleportation talisman? I'd like to see what you're capable of."

Before he finished speaking, mist billowed from the valley, and a group of two-winged, ghost-faced monkeys rushed out.

The monkeys roared like thunder, shaking the mountains and forests. Dozens of monkey shadows pounced from all directions, their wings flapping and buzzing, their eyes blood red, like a raging torrent of beasts rushing straight toward Xue Xiang.

The mist was churned up by the winged wind, and figures slashed down from the sky, their sharp claws whistling through the air as if to tear people to shreds.

Ning Qianjun's eyes widened in surprise. He was astonished to find that even at this point, Xue Xiang still hadn't crushed the teleportation talisman.

Xue Xiang held his longsword horizontally in front of him, exhaled slightly, and began to unleash his Wind-Stopping Step.

The next instant, he was like a wisp of smoke swept up by the wind.

Xue Xiang held his sword in his hand, the sound of the wind and the sword's ringing almost overlapping, the golden sword drawing a sharp arc of light in the mist!

The first masked monkey pounced from the side, its claws whistling as they tore through the air. Before the claws even arrived, the wind was already stinging one's cheeks.

Xue Xiang did not retreat. Instead, he pushed off the ground with one foot, stepping on the fallen leaves and pebbles, and moved his body to the limit. Then, with a reverse spin, his sword light slashed diagonally from bottom to top!

"Oh!"

The golden sword clashed head-on with the monkey's claws, creating a white shockwave that sent the withered trees on either side snapping with a cracking sound!
That two-winged, ghost-faced monkey weighed a good eight or nine hundred pounds and had terrifying strength; it could crush rocks with a single swipe of its claw.

But at this moment, Xue Xiang only took a step back, and his sharp golden sword sliced ​​the ghost-faced monkey in two.

"What a fast sword!"

"What a sharp sword!"

"What kind of swordsmanship is this? It's as fast as a ghost."

Ning Qianjun remained silent, while the other students discussed amongst themselves.

Just then, the thirteen demon-faced monkeys arrived, some soaring into the air, others darting across the ground, their wings shaking the heavens and earth.

The air suddenly solidified.

Xue Xiang paused slightly, then turned sharply, like a willow leaf fluttering in the wind, finding the only gap in the midst of the onslaught.

He took three steps in quick succession, and with each step, the surrounding mist was shaken into a vortex.

The sword light flashed like thunder and lightning, instantly drawing three arcs of light, so fast that almost no one could catch it.

The three monkeys stopped in mid-air before they could even touch the hem of his clothes.

The next moment, blood splattered, and three enormous corpses fell to the ground simultaneously, splashing up a stench of mud and blood.

"The Breath of Wind Sword Technique! A secret treasure of the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion!"

Ning Qianjun's expression changed from initial disdain to solemnity. He had heard his elders in the clan talk about this sword technique, saying that it was extremely difficult to master, but once mastered, it was an invincible close-combat killing technique.

Ning Qianjun's gaze pierced through the chaotic monkey troop, fixed on the figure moving in the wind.

He could tell that Xue Xiang was not yet at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, but the offensive and defensive capabilities he displayed were enough to withstand the terrifying power of the Ghost-Faced Monkey. All of this showed that Xue Xiang was by no means a simple Qi Refining cultivator.

The strange golden sword in his hand didn't feel like a sword at all, but rather like the core of a storm.

Each slash generated a powerful shockwave, sending surrounding leaves and dust flying.

The winged, masked monkeys gathered in greater numbers, their sharp claws and whipping tails seemingly tearing through the sky.

Xue Xiang, armed only with a sharp golden sword and without summoning any magical energy, calmly moved among the monkeys.

Xue Xiang's eyes flashed like lightning, his sword light swirled, and with one step, he transformed into a gust of wind!
A fierce wind howled, golden light flashed, and amidst the swirling sword energy, the monkey troop seemed to be swept into a ferocious tornado.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Blood and flesh flew everywhere, and scattered streaks of blood and broken wings were everywhere in the dust and mist.

In the mist, a blurry figure in white could sometimes be seen, sword light bursting forth from his body like a tide. With each swing of his hand, a monkey would fall, as if being harvested.

Ten breaths.

Twenty breaths.

Thirty breaths.

With a final, piercing howl, the last demon-faced monkey was cleaved in two, its massive body crashing to the ground, leaving behind a deep crater with its still-warm blood and dust.

The blood mist slowly dissipated in the valley, leaving only a strong stench and scorching killing intent in the air.

Xue Xiang sheathed his sword and stood there, his body covered in blood, but he showed no sign of dishevelment, his eyes remaining as calm as ever.

The wind brushed past his shoulder, causing the hem of his clothes to flutter.

"Brother Ning, thank you for the monkey. Do you have any more Blood Fruit? I'd like to lend you another hand."

Xue Xiang stared at Ning Qianjun and said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)