I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 131 Betrayal
Jiangzuo, Kuaiji Mountain.

Mirror Lake is like the sea, its waters vast and misty.

The mist of late spring slowly rises from the lake, making a mansion hidden deep in the greenery look like a fairyland.

Within the high walls, winding corridors, carved beams and painted rafters, koi fish swimming in the meandering pond, and the stone path shrouded in the fresh mist after the first rain.

In the main hall of the mansion, on the head seat of a nanmu chair with gold lacquer carvings, sat a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples. His brows and eyes were dignified, and his clothes were elegant. He was Xue Yuanling, the current head of the Jiangzuo Xue family.

On the long table, a letter from Canglan lay quietly, with several large characters prominently written at the beginning.

The expressions of everyone in the hall were complex, ranging from amazement to regret, and even disgust.

The smoke curled from the incense burner, making the atmosphere in the hall even more solemn.

"It is clearly stated on this letter that Xue Xiang was the top scorer in the county examination."

Xue Yuanling's voice was not loud, but it had a heavy, oppressive quality, like dark clouds slowly pressing down on the river.

An elderly man with white hair and beard slowly exhaled and stroked his beard, saying, "My Xue family has never lacked scholars. Yuan Shan was unfilial and was expelled from the family."

But his child is still of the Xue family bloodline. My opinion is that we should bring Xue Xiang back as soon as possible and raise him properly.”

This man was an elder of the Xue family, named Xue Anbei, who was one generation above Xue Yuanling in terms of seniority.

“That’s ridiculous. Xue Yuanshan cut himself off from his family, so his bloodline can’t be considered part of the Xue family.”

Some elders voiced their opposition.

"Seventh Brother Xue, do you really think that winning the county examination is so easy?"

If Xue Xiang had merely passed the county-level examination, I would not have uttered a word.

However, historically, no top scorer in the county-level examination has ever failed to become a scholar.

Above the Xiushi (秀士) level is the Jushi (举士), and my Xue family is known for having six Jushi, making us a prominent family in Jiangnan.

In reality, it's been almost twenty years since a single person passed the imperial examination. Wake up, everyone!

Xue Anbei shouted loudly, filled with righteous indignation, and everyone fell silent.

"What Third Uncle said is absolutely right. Yuanshan was also bewitched back then. In any case, Xue Xiang has the blood of my Xue family. If he makes it onto the Bronze List and becomes a scholar, I will welcome him home."

Xue Yuanling made the final decision.

The crowd dispersed.

Moonlight streamed through the high windows, casting a cold glow on the gold-brick floor.

A tall, slender young man slowly emerged from behind the screen, dressed impeccably, yet his brows held a sharp, ruthless glint.

This man was Xue Yuanling's eldest son, Xue Zhao.

"Father."

Xue Zhao bowed deeply, his voice low, "If this boy is not eliminated soon, he may become a major threat in the future."

Xue Yuanling picked up the teacup, his fingertips gently stroking the rim, as if caressing an invisible knife.

"His reputation as the top scholar is too conspicuous, and the scions of noble families already hate him to the bone."

Xue Yuanling slowly raised his eyes, a cold, unfathomable light flashing in them. "Back when Xue Yuanshan left, many people in the clan still resented me."

Now that Xue Xiang has risen to power, countless eyes are watching me. The more we do, the more mistakes we make; the less we do, the better.

"Just wait for Xue Xiang to be defeated on his own."

Xue Zhao's eyes remained cold. "If Xue Xiang manages to hold on..."

"Then welcome him back to his clan. What is there to worry about if the tiger is put in its cage?"
Outside the window, the night breeze stirred the curtains.

The lights of the Xue family in Jiangzuo shone brightly, illuminating this ancient and prosperous family, but also revealing the murderous intent hidden within.

…………

As night fell, the Ning family manor in the western suburbs of Yong'an resembled a giant beast lying in wait, its many courtyards resembling a silent, imposing beast.

The room was dimly lit, with sandalwood incense rising in a winding path. The shadow of the bronze crane on the wall was stretched extremely long by the firelight, as if it were about to peck at something.

Ning Qianjun, dressed in a long blue robe, had veins throbbing on his forehead and his knuckles gripping the chair handle tightly.

Those eyes, which had originally held a hint of arrogance, were now filled with an uncontainable rage.

"Why!"

He suddenly slammed his fist on the table, causing the heavy rosewood table to tremble slightly, and the tea in the cup spilled out, rippling across the tabletop.

“I, Ning Qianjun, a scion of a prestigious family, have been defeated by a poor scholar. What is Xue Xiang anyway!”

His voice sounded like it was being forced out of his throat.

Sitting opposite him was the eldest elder of the Ning family.

His white hair reached his shoulders, his beard and eyebrows were all white, but his eyes were as deep as a cold pool. At this moment, he simply raised his eyelids slowly and looked at Ning Qianjun.

“A thousand troops, anger is useless.”

The old man's voice was like an ancient bell, its gentle yet heavy tolling on the heart: "Losing is losing, there's no need to lose your mind over it."

Ning Qianjun's chest heaved violently. "If it weren't for that monkey king... if I hadn't been unprepared, how could he have enjoyed such glory!"
If I seize the Monkey King's crystal core, I will be number one!

Xue Xiang stole my first place and disgraced the Ning family!

The thought that he was only half a step away from being first in the county examination made Ning Qianjun feel so heartbroken that he couldn't breathe.

The elder picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Losing now doesn't mean losing in the future."

The opening of the virgin territory of the next land of demonic obstacles will be the real watershed moment for the younger generation.

As far as I know, the privileged students achieved great success in this county examination.

Not only in Canaan County, nor only in Canglan Prefecture, but throughout the entire Great Xia Divine Kingdom, the achievements of the students born under the Yin Sheng banner are far ahead.

Originally, the top ten newly promoted candidates in the county examination would all be able to enter the virgin land.

However, in terms of test scores, almost all of the top ten were students who had received special treatment.

Thus, the storm gathered, causing a huge uproar, and the second trial was finally suppressed.

But opening the trial is only a matter of time.

Where there is debate, there will be compromise.

At that time, it will definitely be more than just the top ten in the county exam who will get in.

There will definitely be additional metrics.

"With the Ning family's status, obtaining a quota is a piece of cake!"

He slowly put down his teacup, his gaze turning to Ning Qianjun, his eyes flashing like cold lightning. "The Ning family's descendants must have an indomitable spirit."

If you're not satisfied, then use your strength to crush Xue Xiang in the second trial.

"The second trial..."

Ning Qianjun lowered his voice, but the fierceness in his eyes grew stronger. "Elder, I want to enter the family's secret area."

Ning Qianjun gritted his teeth, enunciating each word as if he were forcing them out from between his teeth, "I want to refine the Phoenix Blood!"

The room fell silent for a moment, so quiet that you could hear the faint crackling of the charcoal fire.

The Grand Elder narrowed his eyes, a complex glint flashing deep within them: "Phoenix Blood!"

"Yes."

Ning Qianjun raised his head, his eyes showing no sign of backing down. "I don't have time left."

"The only way to improve my cultivation level in a short time is to borrow the phoenix blood to reshape my meridians and break through these shackles."

The Grand Elder remained silent for a long time before sighing, "Phoenix blood is extraordinary. If one is not careful, one's bloodline will reverse and one's soul will be destroyed."

Do you understand? "

Ning Qianjun's eyes were bloodshot. "Even if my bloodline is burned to ashes, I'm going to take this gamble."

A hint of relief slowly appeared in the old man's eyes. "Alright, I promise you."

Once you enter the secret realm, I will personally obtain a trial token for you.

………………

A winter rain, like beads on a broken string, fell around Loujiawen Pagoda, resembling a watercolor painting washed clean of its artifice.

The Loujiawen Pagoda soars into the clouds, with seven exquisite layers. Its body is like jade carved from stone, densely engraved with countless poems and scriptures.

Every word and every stroke carries a century of cultural heritage and a grand spirit. From afar, it seems as if the entire tower is immersed in a silent sea of ​​light.

More than ten members of the Lou family stood silently guarding the stone steps in front of the tower.

In the misty rain, only the tower gate remained closed.

On the first floor of the tower, Lou Changqing sat on the ground, his green robe resembling a crescent moon, exuding an ancient and rustic air.

At this moment, his eyes were closed, and his whole body was like a silent bronze statue.

The scriptures on the tower walls flowed, each word turning into golden threads that seeped into his body and connected with his mind.

Each ray of light seemed to peel away his sea of ​​consciousness bit by bit with a knife, revealing the hidden distractions in his heart and laying them bare between heaven and earth.

The pain was like a needle piercing my heart.

However, Lou Changqing's expression remained unchanged.

On the second floor of the tower, the literary atmosphere is as vast as the sea, and the light of the characters is even more concentrated.

That is a realm where divine consciousness and literary reasoning are integrated, and only those with truly flawless minds can reach it.

The elders of the Lou family, who were guarding the tower from the outside, looked at the center of the tower from afar and sighed inwardly: "Changqing, that child, had already reached the edge of the second floor half a month ago, but he still refused to retreat."

The rain intensified, as if someone were striking an invisible drum, repeatedly producing heart-wrenching sounds.

However, Lou Changqing did not stop.

He gritted his teeth, his spiritual energy transforming into wisps that flowed throughout his body, repairing his torn soul again and again, forcibly propelling himself into the second level.

"Xue Xiang..."

In the depths of a heart unheard by anyone, only this name burns into an obsession, bit by bit.

Lou Changqing slowly opened his eyes, a raging fire seemingly burning within them. "The second trial, let's see how I crush you into the dust."

…………

Unlike the tranquility of Loujia Wenta, Shenjia Secret Forest is a place where life and death coexist.

This dense forest has been sealed off in the back mountain of the Shen family since ancient times, with trees so tall that even sunlight cannot penetrate it.

Dark red vines, intertwined and gnarled, coiled around the towering ancient tree like a venomous snake.

The air was filled with a sweet and pungent fruity aroma, mixed with the stench of ancient beasts, making one's heart race.

In the heart of the forest, there stands an ancient tree that reaches the heavens.

The trunk is as thick as a mountain, and the branches and leaves are like burning flames.

Hanging on it were not ordinary fruits, but thousand-year-old beast fruits.

One tree, one fruit, one thousand years.

Shen Nansheng sat barefoot under the ancient tree, his hands and feet flat on the ground, sweat rolling down his shoulders and back like a stream.

His body was trembling slightly.

The medicinal power of the beast fruit is as domineering as a torrent, washing over the bones and blood inch by inch along the meridians.

The bones beneath the skin seemed to be being relentlessly honed, and each vibration was accompanied by a very faint bone creak.

A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of Shen Nansheng's lips. But his eyes were more terrifying than the beasts in the forest.

He knew that consuming the beast fruit was a path with a slim chance of survival. But he also knew that if he didn't, his name would forever be buried in Xue Xiang's shadow.

He doesn't allow it.

His eyes were tightly closed, and he gradually lost all hearing of the outside world, leaving only the thunderous roar in his heart, "Stronger, even stronger."

The medicinal power of the beast fruit surged like a tide, his blood seemed to be burning, and his meridians were torn apart and reshaped.

As night fell, moonlight shone through the gaps in the trees onto his bloodstained shoulders, casting a cold, silvery glow.

"Xue Xiang, next time we meet, I'll show you just who Shen Nansheng really is!"

…………

In the far north of the desert, in the icy pool of Xuanwu.

It's winter all year round here, and only the howling cold wind remains between heaven and earth.

The entire lake was surrounded by ice and snow, a vast expanse of white. The wind howled like knives, cutting into people's faces.

In the heart of the pool, Marquis Lü Wen sat peacefully on a floating ice floe.

He was shirtless, his skin red from the cold, yet he remained motionless like a sculpted stone statue.

He has broad shoulders and a steady, understated physique; every breath he takes is like the drumbeat of heaven and earth.

The water in the Cold Pool is extremely cold and yin; it is said that even a Core Formation cultivator who falls into it will instantly freeze into an ice sculpture.

Meanwhile, Lu Wenhou was using his true form to suppress the icy pool, forcibly allowing the power of extreme cold to invade his body and temper his bone marrow.

With each breath, the cold air seeped into his bones along his meridians, causing him to tremble all over, and his blood was forced to condense again in his bone marrow.

Extreme cold can give rise to intense heat.

His eyes were tightly closed, and his eyelashes were covered with tiny ice beads.

Only the sound of a heartbeat, thumping loudly, seemed to shatter the deathly silence.

Since his defeat to Xue Xiang, he has been begging his family to open this secret place.

Ignoring all warnings about the immense risks of tempering one's body in the icy pool.

Compared to the risks, he couldn't bear them; he was defeated by someone from a poor family.

Lu Wenhou exhaled, his breath turning to frost and snow. He opened his eyes, and the hazy, cold air before him seemed to coalesce into the figure of Xue Xiang. He coldly shouted, "Xue Xiang, in the second trial, I will show you who the true champion is!"

………………

Halfway up Jiufen Mountain, the Wei residence nestles quietly among the rocks and verdant cypresses.

The early winter wind blew through the valley, stirring up white mist that was already damp by the time it reached the corridor.

That night, Wei Yang, the city magistrate of Yunmeng City, sat alone in his study.

On the table, a palace lantern burned quietly, its flickering candlelight making his face appear slightly tired.

On the table lay a letter, its wax seal broken, revealing a bold and unrestrained handwriting on the paper.

"The position of Chief of the Canaan Prefecture, concurrently holding the title of Eleven Hall Masters, is hereby conferred the Rank Six Immortal Talisman. He shall assume his post immediately."

Wei Yang stared at the few lines of text, her fingers slowly stroking the letter paper, her fingertips growing cold.

The difference between the seventh and sixth ranks may seem like just one rank, but in the official career, it's like heaven and earth.

In particular, he was not a Confucian scholar, and his rank within the military system was not high.

Taking this step is like a fish leaping over the dragon gate.

He also knew that there were two reasons why this opportunity had suddenly come to him.

First, Yunmeng has been developing exceptionally well lately, especially with the sudden rise of Suiyang Town, which has brought Wei Yang a great deal of credit.

Second, someone needs to use him to perform some kind of magic.

Both of these reasons can be attributed to one person: his prized student, Xue Xiang.

Because the conditions they offered were also clearly stated.

I hope he will personally recommend Xue Xiang and go through the procedures in Yunmeng City to transfer Xue Xiang's personnel file to the Second Hall of Canaan County.

Originally, as Xue Xiang was the top scorer in the county examination, according to custom, his personnel records should have been transferred to Canglan Academy first.

After deliberation by all parties at the academy, the matter is then transferred to the prefecture, where it is assigned to substantive positions.

Of course, if Wei Yang were to make a move, it would simply be breaking with convention.

After all, going through the academy is just a custom, not a rule explicitly stipulated by law.

The law clearly stipulates only one rule: those who are born in the prefecture can serve as officials close to the people, and can be promoted in rank based on their merits, with the highest rank being the ninth grade of the Immortal Talisman.

Xue Xiang was the top candidate in the county examination, with a rich resume and outstanding achievements.

Wei Yang transferred his personnel records to the Second Hall of Canaan County.

The second meeting will immediately issue Immortal Talismans, confirming at least the tenth rank of Immortal Talisman. (Note: Xue Xiang was originally only acting as the seal-bearer; his actual position was at the level of a principal wife, and he was not qualified to receive an Immortal Talisman.)

Even so, he allowed Xue to use his personnel connections to go through the academy.

Ultimately, Xue Xiang will not be immediately granted a ninth-grade immortal talisman; he will only receive a tenth-grade immortal talisman.

Although they appear to be the same, Wei Yang knew that there was a big difference between them.

Wei Yang would naturally also pay attention to the results of the county examination.

In almost all the prefectures of Canglan Prefecture, the top spot was taken by Yin Sheng, except in Canaan Prefecture, where Xue Xiang suddenly rose to prominence and snatched the top spot.

These powerful families in Canaan were naturally utterly humiliated.

It was expected that they would not give up easily.

This time, they've connected with the magistrates of the town government, putting Wei Yang under a lot of pressure.

Suddenly, the door opened softly, and Madam Wei walked in carrying a small palace lantern.

She changed into a moon-white casual dress, her hair loosely tied into a low bun, adorned with a plain jade hairpin. Under the lamplight, her skin was so white it almost glowed.

Her waist was slender as a willow, her movements graceful and fluid, and her eyes, illuminated by the candlelight, appeared as clear as glass.

Wei Yang looked back at her, and the weariness in his eyes softened slightly in an instant.

"I've read the letter."

Madam Wei put down the lamp, her voice soft, yet carrying a hint of the chill of fine sand in the wind, "What do you plan to do?"

Wei Yang raised his head, his gaze complex: "A seventh-rank hall master... this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me."

Madam Wei's lips moved slightly, but she didn't say anything.

Her eyelashes were long, casting shadows that obscured her emotions. "So, you want to betray Xue Xiang?"

"How can you call it betrayal?"

Wei Yang raised his hand, wanting to take her hand.

But she gently took a step back, as naturally and subtly as water ripples pushing aside rocks on the shore.

Wei Yang paused, her hand hanging in mid-air. "I didn't want to do this either. I know Xue Xiang has done a great service to me, but I have also repaid him."

Besides, I'm not trying to harm him. Whether he goes to the academy or the second hall of Canaan County, he will receive a tenth-grade immortal talisman.

"Now that I, as his teacher, have arrived in Canaan, how could I not take care of him?"

Looking at her, Wei Yang suddenly felt an indescribable sense of distance.

Half a year ago, after she recommended that he cultivate the Pure Jade Profound Technique, Wei Yang was forced to abstain from sex, and for some reason, their relationship suddenly became distant.

The candlelight flickered, casting its light on Madam Wei's profile.

She turned to the side, her gaze falling to the window, as if looking at the misty valley. "Whether it's betrayal or not, you know in your heart."

They went to great lengths to lure Xue Xiang into the second hall, wasn't that because they had already arranged a backup plan, waiting for him to fall into the tiger's den?

As Teacher Xue Xiang, instead of trying to save your student, you...

Madam Wei couldn't continue speaking; her fingers gently gripped her cuffs, her fingertips turning white.

She was suddenly shocked. What was wrong with her? Why was she thinking entirely from Xue Xiang's perspective and not about her husband's future?

"I've made up my mind."

Wei Yang slammed his hand on the table. “A real man makes a decision when he needs to. I will make it up to him for what I owe him.”

After saying that, he left without looking back.

Outside, the fog was thick and the wind had died down. Madam Wei gazed at the rising mist and seemed to see a figure with a faint, melancholy smile.

She remembered how he protected her at the peony festival...

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

The early winter sun slanted into the courtyard, bringing a touch of gentle warmth.

The Xue family courtyard was not large, with bluestone paving and half-withered morning glory vines climbing all over the walls.

Strings of dried corn hung under the eaves, their golden kernels gleaming like tiny pieces of gold in the sunlight, filling the entire courtyard with warmth.

The courtyard was unusually lively today.

On the stone table against the wall, a cutting board, a cleaver, and jars were lined up, and the aroma of spices, chili peppers, ginger, and garlic filled the courtyard.

The flames crackled and leaped in the stove, making the red bricks glow with heat.

Xue Xiang rolled up his sleeves, holding a large piece of fresh pork rib in his hand. The blood had just faded, and the meat was glistening with oil.

His movements were steady, and his knife skills were swift. With one stroke, the bone cracked with a crisp sound, and the entire piece of meat was divided into even strips.

Liu Mei sat on a small bamboo stool to the side, deftly peeling garlic cloves with both hands.

He would steal glances at Xue Xiang every now and then, and suddenly remember the absurd article on that ridiculous paper, and his face would immediately turn pale.

Xiao Shi sat on a small stool under the tree, her little face red from the cold, holding a small bamboo basket containing freshly peeled garlic and a few scallions, as if displaying some precious treasure.

Not far away, the younger sister, Xue Wan, was carrying a jar of chopped cabbage.

On the other side of the stove, Fan Youyi had already prepared a large bowl of bright red seasoning, which contained minced garlic, ginger, chili powder, fish sauce, apple puree, and a spoonful of honey-infused glutinous rice paste.

The aroma is spicy with a hint of sweetness, instantly filling the air with an irresistible scent.

Before long, the meat was skewered and Xue Xiang turned it over the charcoal fire. The fat sizzled and sparks flew everywhere, filling the courtyard with a delicious aroma.

A gust of wind blew by, and the copper bells under the eaves rang softly, their clear, crisp sound like accompaniment to the lively atmosphere in the courtyard.

The firelight shone on everyone's faces, and warmth filled their hearts as well.

Xue Xiang suddenly felt that this kind of life was really good.

There were no weapons, no intrigue, only the charcoal fire in the courtyard and a group of relatives.

Half an hour later, after everyone had eaten their fill of meat and soup, Xiao Shi helped Xiao Wan clean up the mess, while Liu Mei covered her face with a bamboo hat and went to the Song family to pick up Xue's mother, who was playing cards there.

Xue Xiangliu spoke to Fan Youyi.

As the sun gradually set, the evening glow painted half the sky red.

The entire city of Yunmeng was gently enveloped in twilight. In this small courtyard, the aroma of firewood, rice, oil, and salt surpassed all glory.

Fan Youyi failed the city examination in April, but he did not give up on the path of taking the imperial examination. He continued to prepare for the exam and planned to try again next year.

Besides, he also didn't let go of the United Trading Company in Suiyang Town.

Although the annual dividends were quite substantial under Dong Jiacun's management, Xue Xiang was still uneasy without Fan Youyi, one of his own people, keeping an eye on things.

After chatting with Fan Youyi for half an incense stick's time, Liu Mei brought Xue's mother back. Xue Xiang was about to wash up and go to bed when a carriage appeared outside the door.

(End of this chapter)