I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 209 Xue Xiang has not yet entered the Core Formation Realm

Viewing the monument is undoubtedly a grand event.

No one would want to be a supporting actor on such a grand stage.

If the examination of teaching and literature is to be conducted, there is only one protagonist, and that is Xue Xiang; everyone else will become a supporting character.

Therefore, Kuang Beiming's sophistry not only won the cheers of the Confucian scholars in the central camp, but also received a response from the Jiannan Academy camp.

Even within the Canglan Academy, Confucian scholars, including Yin Tianci, voiced their support.

"Ni Gongguan, given the current situation, what should we do?"

Mu Qingniu said in a deep voice, "Why don't we let the younger generation have a competition? It won't take long anyway."

Shen Sanshan said, "It's rare to have such a big stage. Young people want to make a name for themselves. If we old guys forcefully stop them, we'll be hated."

"That's how it should be."

Fan Xingchen, the magistrate of Jiannan Academy, also had no objection.

With all parties having expressed their opinions, Ni Quanwen couldn't very well insist on his position.

The four of them then discussed how to hold the competition.

This time, contemplating the Wendao Stele is the main task; competing for a position on the star map obviously cannot take too long.

Before long, the four of them came up with a solution that was acceptable to all parties. Ni Quanwen announced it to the public: "After discussion among all parties, Canglan Academy, Jiannan Academy, and the Central Camp will form three camps. Each camp will select personnel to represent their respective camps in the battle."

The three factions fought three battles in pairs.

Each player may only participate once and may not participate repeatedly. One point is awarded for each win; no points are deducted for losses. The final order of map selection will be determined by the total points.

Ni Quanwen's voice was not loud, but it clearly carried throughout the entire Xingheguan Square.

After he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the square, which then erupted like boiling water.

"it is good!"

"This is the way we cultivators should compete!"

"Gentlemen, on the grand stage for viewing the monument, let's give it our all!"

For a time, the Confucian scholars were all eager and excited.

Suddenly, a long cry of a phoenix came from the sky.

The phoenix's cry was clear and melodious, penetrating straight to the soul, as if it came from beyond the nine heavens.

Immediately, a golden light fell from the sky, like a shooting star breaking through the clouds, illuminating the entire Xingheguan Square.

A magnificent azure phoenix carriage appeared in the sky, and a handsome middle-aged man stepped down from it.

He was clad in golden armor, standing on auspicious clouds, with the seal "Seal of the Confucian Temple" hanging on his chest.

Holding a golden scroll, he loudly proclaimed, "Is there an imperial decree?"

Ni Quanwen, Shen Sanshan, Fan Xingchen, and Mu Qingniu led the scholars in bowing respectfully.

The messenger unfurled the scroll, and holy light poured forth from its pages; the golden characters, like dragons, resounded throughout heaven and earth.

"In accordance with the Way of Heaven to illuminate the principles of literature, this edict is issued to all Confucian scholars throughout the land:"
The ceremony to view the monument is held once every three years.

It is determined by the sacred way and is the foundation of the literary tradition.

Those who gain enlightenment from viewing the stele and are guided to the next generation of literary talent…

The messenger read aloud the decree from the central government in a series of parallel phrases, and everyone listened intently with wide ears.

After the short imperial edict was read aloud, everyone became excited, including Xue Xiang.

The imperial edict stated that Confucian scholars in each prefecture should contemplate the literary stele, and those who excel in guiding the literary lineage and produce abundant and high-quality works, and who win the top prize, will be promoted one rank in officialdom, regardless of their past achievements.

After the decree was announced, a brief silence followed, then deafening cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Promoted by one rank!"

"Can you see it? The imperial decree encourages competition!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The word "promotion" ignited a spark in everyone's hearts.

Among the countless Confucian scholars of the dynasty, the word "promotion" was of utmost importance.

It's just that getting promoted in the imperial court is extremely difficult.

One must possess both qualifications and achievements, and must also pass the examination of the Confucian Temple and be recommended by the imperial court.

Without extraordinary achievements, one will remain stagnant for ten or twenty years.

Now, a single visit to the stele has yielded an imperial edict, decreeing that whoever possesses the most "flowers of literary talent" will be directly promoted one rank in officialdom!
This is a multifaceted reward.

After the cheers, the crowd respectfully received the decree. The angel, riding in a blue phoenix chariot, vanished in a flash of golden light.

Xue Xiang was also greatly encouraged.

Official rank is extremely important, as it not only means more resources being allocated to one another, but also more say and greater power.

Only when he was inside the government office did he realize how difficult it was to get promoted.

Originally, after communicating with Xue Antai, he had considerable concerns about winning over the flower of the literary tradition.

He was willing to take the risk of being betrayed by the cultural tradition, even if it meant getting promoted.

After all, such an opportunity is truly rare.

It wasn't just Confucian scholars like Xue Xiang who were excited; in fact, even the officials were restless.

They were all seasoned veterans in the government offices.

At this critical moment, the imperial edict arrived.

This is enough to show that the central government is paying close attention to this grand event of various states contemplating the Wendao Stele.

Moreover, the central government's decree at this time was clearly intended to encourage Confucian scholars to compete with each other and strive to collect more of the flowers of the literary tradition.

Once these adults understood the central government's intentions, they naturally knew how to claim credit.

In the Jiannan Academy camp, the Palace Master Fan Xingchen had returned to the formation. He looked solemnly at the Confucian scholars of Jiannan Academy and said in a deep voice: "This battle is not only to win face for the academy, but also to fight for your future."

Whoever accumulates the points, I will personally write an evaluation and personally intervene to secure a suitable official position for them.

As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous roar erupted.

…………

The central camp was also displaying overwhelming momentum.

Shen Sanshan smiled, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable weight: "The imperial edict has arrived. Whoever comes out on top will not only become famous throughout the land, but the central government officials will also hear of it."

This three-way competition has resulted not only in honors but also in future prospects.

Please do not make a mistake for yourselves.

Wang Baxian smiled lightly, "Rest assured, Your Excellency, the ladder to heaven has been laid out, and you will all strive to be the first."

"war!"

"I will certainly not disgrace my family."

The central camp members were filled with fighting spirit.

…………

In the Canglan Academy camp, Ni Quanwen's expression was solemn as he spoke in a deep voice, "

I won't say much more to encourage you.

"Just one thing: this is our territory. If someone else wins, and word gets out, how will you all feel?"

Master Pei Wei of Xinghe Temple quickly added fuel to the fire, saying, "If someone can win first place, the academy will allow them to recommend one person to enter the academy and update their student status."

The moment the words were spoken, it was like adding fuel to the fire.

That's a spot for "recommendation to enter Canglan"!

For ordinary people, it is absolutely a path to heaven that can change their fate.

"For my brother, I have to give it my all!"

"To recommend someone! What a great favor this is!"

"Fight!"

The crowd was in high spirits, and both literary talent and inspiration were boiling over.

The three factions were filled with such intense fighting spirit that they could almost shatter the starlight in the sky.

The young Confucian scholars were all filled with enthusiasm and eagerly volunteered for the battle.

"To win the battle for the literary lineage of the Wendao Stele, one must occupy a favorable position in the star chart."

"The Juque Star Chart is one we must contend for."

"Let me go first!"

"I'm willing to start the academy's journey!"

"I will fight and take a point!"

The scene was instantly filled with a clamor, a surge of literary energy, and overflowing with inspiration.

If it weren't for the protective array sealing it off, the entire square would probably have been overturned by the shockwave.

Ni Quanwen raised his hand, "Master Pei, you will preside over the battle."

"As ordered."

Master Pei Wei of Xinghe Temple walked up to the group of Confucian scholars of Canglan Academy and said, "Gentlemen, please listen to me. This battle for the Star Chart will surely be a grand event that attracts attention from all sides after the imperial decree is issued."

One must act with utmost care.

"Alright then, those who have reached the Core Formation stage, step forward. Those who haven't, please don't interfere."

Upon hearing this, more than twenty people stepped forward from the crowd.

Xue Xiang was stunned.

He knew that Canglan Academy was full of hidden talents, but he never expected that it housed so many dragons and so many tigers.

He cultivated diligently, relied on accumulating resources, and used the Wenxu Platform to break through his cultivation realm, avoiding countless detours. He thought he would definitely be among the top performers, but unexpectedly, he was still inferior to others.

On second thought, he felt relieved.

These people are either born into noble families or have a long family tradition of learning. They are all children who have mastered the basics of cultivation. They have already reached the eighth level of Foundation Establishment in just over two years. If they are still not satisfied with their cultivation speed, they will probably be scolded by others.

"Yin Tianci, didn't you hear? Those at the Core Formation stage, step forward! What are you doing there?"

A Confucian scholar who was acquainted with Yin Tianci reminded him. Yin Tianci smiled smugly, "I am but a humble person, and just a month ago, I broke through to the Core Formation Realm."

After saying that, he glanced at Xue Xiang, his smugness evident in his eyes.

In fact, it wasn't just Yin Tianci who broke through; as many as five people rushed to break through in front of the stele and stood in the ranks of Core Formation.

Normally, it's not unusual for someone to push themselves to a higher level just before viewing the stele, thus laying a good foundation for the viewing experience.

However, the fact that as many as five people temporarily broke through to the Core Formation Realm was still quite astonishing.

Yin Tianci stood among the Core Formation cultivators. The more he looked at Song Tingfang in front of him, with her delicate and graceful figure, the more he felt resentment.

He suddenly turned around and waved eagerly at Xue Xiang, "Brother Xue, come here! How can you, a man of such high standing as the 'Sorrowful Autumn Guest,' not come over?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "I have not yet entered the Core Formation Realm."

"What a joke."

Yin Tianci laughed loudly, "Who doesn't know your great name, Bei Qiu Ke? Even someone as foolish as me has reached the Core Formation stage. You couldn't possibly have failed. Come on!"

His voice grew louder, drawing attention from all directions.

He did indeed still have Fu Bian, which remained in Xue Xiang's hands.

But times have changed. His father, Yin Zhuangchou, has already taken care of all the necessary connections. He is confident that even if Xue Xiang were to present his defense, he wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble.

At this juncture, what does he have to fear?

No matter how high Xue Xiangwen's reputation was, his actual strength was still meager.

He, Yin, has now broken through to the Core Formation Realm, and Xue Xiang is now a nobody in his eyes.

There's no need to be timid or hesitant when dealing with such minor characters.

"The name of the 'Lament for Autumn' is known throughout the world, but if one can claim to be a genius simply by writing a few good poems, wouldn't that be laughable to the world?"

Kuangzhan followed up with a tirade, saying that Xue Xiang had humiliated him during the grand banquet.

This grudge was deeply etched into his narrow-mindedness.

Originally, Xue Xiang displayed powerful finger strength, and Kuang Zhan verbally disagreed but was actually quite wary of him.

He never dreamed that Xue Xiang wasn't even at the Core Formation stage. He was immediately thrilled and shouted sarcastically, "Haha, haha... What a joke!"

A man of great stature, renowned among scholars, I had always assumed he must be a hero of his time.

Unexpectedly, he hadn't even reached the Core Formation stage; he was just a pedantic scholar who knew how to talk a good game.

For a moment, laughter and whispers filled the square.

"I overestimated him; he's truly disappointing."

"So-called literary fame cannot be converted into real power."

"Haha, what's the difference between someone who only talks the talk but fails miserably in action and a mediocre person who is invincible in words but utterly defeated in deeds?"

"........."

Since ancient times, scholars have been prone to mutual disdain. Xue Xiang was renowned throughout the land, so naturally, many people were jealous of him.

Moreover, he has offended powerful families, and there are plenty of people looking for opportunities to kick him while he's down.

Instantly, the entire audience erupted in mockery.

These noises delighted Shen Sanshan so much that he almost exploded with joy.

Having witnessed Xue Xiang writing with his fingers on the Xuan Tie womb, he also thought that Xue Xiang's cultivation level was off the charts.

Now that we've not even reached the Core Formation stage, what is there to fear?

Song Tingfang said loudly, "Xue Xiang has only been studying for two or three years, yet he has achieved what he has today. How can you possibly catch up with him?"
Settling the golden body of Dao Yun, ranking among the top ten on the academic credit list, having a poem that has overshadowed three hundred years and shaken half of Canglan City—which of these things, which of these achievements, is easy to accomplish?

You all have the audacity to mock Xue Xiang; you are utterly shameless.

"Sir Song, stop talking nonsense!"

Yin Tianci said coldly.

"Shut up."

Pei Wei angrily pointed at Yin Tianci, "The great battle hasn't even started yet, and you dare to fight amongst yourselves. I'll remember this debt for now. If you dare to cause trouble again, we'll settle all the old and new scores together."

Pei Wei was well aware of how much Ni Gongguan valued Xue Xiang, after all, it was rumored that Xue Xiang was someone favored by the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

Who is the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan?
After the Battle of Wenyuan in the Chaotic Sea, the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan has become a newly promoted Confucian sage.

Countless people are preparing to visit him when the Mingde Dongxuan Blessed Land opens its lecture hall next time.

Yin Tianci was unaware of the gravity of the situation, and Pei Wei didn't want to get caught up in the drama.

After Yin Tianci was reprimanded, the jeers directed at Xue Xiang subsided.

Xu Yifan quietly walked to Xue Xiang's side and whispered, "Brother Xue, don't take it to heart. That kid has a sharp tongue, he'll get what's coming to him sooner or later."

Xue Xiang smiled slightly, "It's alright, I'm the kind of person who doesn't hold grudges."

Yin Tianci is just outspoken, and we both belong to the Tongjiang School of thought; we're quite close friends.

Xu Yifan shivered; no matter how he listened, it didn't sound like a compliment.

Xue Xiang pointed to the Wendao Stele floating in the ancient starry sky and said, "I admire Brother Xu's knowledge. May I ask what the difficulty is in visualizing the Wendao Stele?"

And what are the uses of this flower of cultural heritage?

Xu Yifan was stunned for a moment, then laughed out loud: "I really admire your mentality."

Xu Yifan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the dome where the shadows of the monument and the star map intertwined, as if he hadn't heard Xue Xiang's question.

Xue Xiang knew that this guy was the kind of person who would reach into a coffin and only care about money.

If you expect this guy to teach you basic literacy, you're bound to bleed money.

But he was short of money right now and could only rely on his reputation. "I understand what Brother Xu means, but I'm short of spirit stones right now. But can't you trust my reputation?"

Xu Yifan laughed and said, "It's good that Brother Xue is willing to follow the rules."

I can't trust anyone but you, Brother Xue.

Yesterday, at the grand banquet to view the monument, Brother Xue managed to take away so many wishing cakes. Brother Xue, you've certainly made a fortune again.

Okay, we'll settle the accounts later.

As the two were talking, the arena and protective formations were all set up, with three arenas set up and three battles starting simultaneously.

Xue Xiang was not concerned with the battle on the field; he continued to press Xu Yifan for knowledge about the Wendao Stele.

Xu Yifan watched the battle on the field with great interest. "No rush, wait until the visualization of the Wendao Stele begins, and I will give you a live explanation."

Don't worry, it's done in batches; we have plenty of time.

Time flew by as the two talked.

Suddenly, with the hum of the array plate, all the spiritual patterns on the Star River Temple Square lit up.

The three arenas clashed simultaneously, a fierce battle erupted, spiritual energy surged like a tide, and the sound waves instantly engulfed the entire arena.

Sword energy, runes, and literary energy collided layer by layer in the sky, causing the spiritual barrier to roar.

Some people use words to create forms, resulting in countless variations;

Some people use their literary talent to form an army, unleashing a storm of swords and spears;
Some cultivators, with their sleeves billowing, wielded their brushes with the power of dragons and snakes, creating thunder, wind, and fire.

Cheers, exclamations, and roars mingled together, and a wave of excitement swept across the entire Star River Observatory.

Xue Xiang remained calm.

He glanced at the figures fighting in the arena and felt that although the scene was impressive, it was ultimately no match for the earth-shattering destruction that Wen Yuan had witnessed in the chaotic sea.

For him, this kind of sparring is just a bit of fun.

The methods of several Confucian scholars also caught his eye.

One person wielded the brush with the speed of the wind, writing the character "frost." With a flash of light, a chill immediately enveloped the air.
Another person, relying on talismans, frantically scattered strange talismans, causing thunder to roar and golden snakes to tumble;
What attracted Xue Xiang the most was the Mad Warrior. He made a wild entrance, wielding a black, cold blade that constantly unleashed a sharp blade aura, which was wrapped in a layer of yellow light.

According to Xu Yifan, it's called something like "Quenching Weapon Essence," and it can break through literary attacks.

In fact, the Confucian scholar from Canglan Academy who fought against Kuangzhan did not last more than two moves against him before his bones were broken and blood gushed out from the force of the blade's energy.

Before leaving the arena triumphantly, the blade pointed diagonally, aimed at Xue Xiang from afar.

Xue Xiang didn't even bother to look at Kuang Zhan. He simply found a quiet step to sit on and gazed at the distant mountain scenery.

Before long, the noise in the venue subsided considerably.

Xue Xiang stared intently, and saw that all three arenas had stopped.

Xue Xiang glanced at the scoreboard standing upright in the center.

Jiannan Academy has already completed six matches, with a record of two wins and four losses, accumulating only two points.

Clearly, it was a crushing defeat.

Both Canglan Academy and the Central Camp only completed four battles.

The central camp has two wins and two losses, accumulating two points.

Canglan Academy, on the other hand, has three wins and one loss, accumulating three points.

In other words, Canglan Academy also won the next battle, making it four wins and one loss.

Even though they forfeited in the final round, they still firmly secured first place.

Conversely, the central faction must not only win the ongoing battle but also win the next round in order to secure first place.

The Canglan Academy seemed to have victory in its grasp, and the Canglan camp was shouting and cheering loudly.

Just then, Yin Tianci looked around the room, searching for Xue Xiang.

It turns out that Yin Tianci also participated in the battle.

As the son of a prominent figure in the Tongjiang School, he possessed unparalleled secret techniques. Although he was only at the initial stage of Core Formation, he still managed to secure a spot to appear thanks to his father's reputation.

From the very beginning, he launched a fierce attack, enhanced by secret techniques, and defeated his opponent.

Amidst the thunderous cheers, Yin Tianci almost lost his senses.

If it weren't for the fact that he never saw Xue Xiang look in his direction and didn't get any pleasure from Xue Xiang, Yin Tianci would have laughed himself silly.

Now that he is a meritorious official, he is no longer worried about being scolded by the Master of Xinghe Temple. As soon as he stepped off the stage, he wished Xue Xiang would appear in front of him immediately so that he could show off properly.

After searching around, he found Xue Xiang on the outermost edge of the square.

(End of this chapter)