https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-123-Foundation-Establishment-Qualification-Certificate/13686583/
Chapter 124: Evil God Shares Secrets
Hearing Evil God’s voice in his mind, Zhang Yu blinked in mild surprise.
Earlier, this very same Evil God had fiercely opposed his decision to abandon the Prodigy Class and stay in Songyang City. What had changed?
Feeling Zhang Yu’s confusion, Evil God continued in his mind:
“After hearing what Zhang Pianpian said, I suddenly remembered something.”
“Back then, I once heard the Evil God Wang from the third underground layer speak of a fierce conflict that had once erupted in the upper Kunxu—something directly tied to the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam.”
Evil God recalled how, at the time, he had been reduced to working in the third underground layer, scraping by.
But thanks to a single telephone and an old phonebook, he’d managed to become the top salesperson of the month—fooling even university PhDs. He’d earned a reward from Evil God Wang, attended the immortal’s banquet, and over wine and laughter, learned many forbidden secrets.
Evil God sighed inwardly:
“Damn it… next month, that Evil God Wang tricked me out of my sales skill and bonus. Then he sold the skill to a bunch of failed university dropouts stranded in the third underground layer, hired them to work for him, and kicked me out. I had to start over from scratch…”
The memory flashed through his mind.
Now, continuing, Evil God said:
“I remember Evil God Wang once lamented that the Immortal Sovereign had pushed for reforms in the qualification exam system—specifically to increase mobility among the lower tiers of Kunxu.”
“But balancing the interests of various immortal descendants, bloodline heirs, Top Ten Sects’ student quotas, and factional power struggles in the Heavenly Court? The web of politics was incredibly complex. There were countless battles—some immortals went bankrupt through gambling, others went mad and died in their cultivation caves, and some even fled into the unknown depths of Kunxu’s lower layers.”
“Yet, precisely because of such fierce competition, the final version of the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam became highly authoritative—representing the unified will of the Top Ten Sects and the Heavenly Court they formed.”
“So don’t worry about safety when you take this exam. Just like Zhang Pianpian said: the top-tier powers on the first level won’t dare break the rules or cheat. At most, they might hide information outside the exam hall, then focus on strengthening their own students.”
Feeling Zhang Yu mulling over these words, Evil God added quickly:
“And if you obtain this certificate before entering university? That’s a massive advantage. The exam itself, set by the Heavenly Court, carries immense prestige—almost like an official seal of approval that you’re among the strongest high schoolers on the first level.”
“With this certificate in hand, your treatment, course access, and resources at university will be completely different.”
“Especially—you’ll be able to enter the Foundation-Building Class directly, start learning foundation-building courses, and receive foundation-level support. That’ll give you a huge edge in the early university years—far greater than staying in the Prodigy Class.”
Zhang Yu understood. This wasn’t just about the difference between Key High School and ordinary high schools—it was a leap in scale.
“Besides,” Evil God continued, “neither Bai Zhenzhen nor Zhang Pianpian has any idea of just how monstrous your talent has become after my guidance.”
“From my observations, the more cultivation techniques you master, the faster your progress will be. I’m certain you’ll become the strongest high schooler in Kunxu’s first level—and winning this Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam will be a breeze.”
“In fact, competing against high schoolers who’ve only been in the Dao path for under three years? That’s probably easier than facing dozens of Qi-Cultivation peak students at university.”
Evil God sighed wistfully:
“If I still had money, I’d go all-in on you.”
Of course, there were things Evil God didn’t say—things she kept buried in her mind, driven by her own hidden agenda.
The truth was: once Zhang Pianpian left, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen would remain in Songyang City, facing ever-increasing pressure. Zhang Yu would inevitably grow desperate for stronger power, greater talent, and higher potential.
In that scenario, Evil God was certain Zhang Yu would eventually follow her guidance—seeking to hunt down other Evil Gods—to unlock even greater strength.
And then there was the matter of Zhen Linggen.
“Not even your closest high school friend would betray you, yet you still want to climb higher in Kunxu? Such a saintly fool. If it weren’t for your insane potential, I wouldn’t waste a single thought on you.”
Evil God knew Zhang Yu refused to kill and steal roots. Even if he went solo in the Prodigy Class, without Zhen Linggen’s help, he’d be at a disadvantage. But by staying to take the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam, he could still use Zhen Linggen for cultivation.
That was why she’d ultimately approved of Zhang Yu’s decision to stay.
And her words had struck a chord with Zhang Yu.
“My greatest advantage,” he realized, “is my ability to quickly learn any technique and push it to level 10.”
“That’s something no high schooler could match in just three years.”
“But once I enter university? Those students have been cultivating longer—many have already reached peak Qi Cultivation. They’ve mastered countless techniques.”
“For Dao Heart, Martial Energy, and Physical Strength already maxed out at the Qi Cultivation level, one of the main ways to distinguish strength is… the number and power of their techniques.”
“At that point, my edge over them won’t be as clear-cut as it is now against high schoolers.”
The thought solidified in his mind. He was growing more inclined than ever to stay.
Meanwhile, Zhang Pianpian, who had been silently observing, finally spoke:
“So you’ve made your decision? You’re staying with Bai Zhenzhen?”
Zhang Yu paused, then nodded slowly. A strange emotion stirred within him—a quiet guilt.
It felt… as if by choosing to stay with Bai Zhenzhen instead of going with Zhang Pianpian, he was betraying her.
Like he was saying: Sister, I’d rather stay with A Zhen. If I had to pick one of you to follow, I’d pick A Zhen.
And Zhang Pianpian had protected them for the past four months…
That guilt welled up inside him, making him feel uneasy under her gaze.
Beside him, Bai Zhenzhen’s heart fluttered. A warm current surged through her body.
Yuzi really is staying with me… to take the Foundation Establishment Certificate exam together.
All the loneliness, the icy darkness she’d felt deep beneath the frozen river—vanished. In its place, a deep sense of peace.
And with that peace came a surge of emotion. Even Zhen Linggen in her stomach trembled slightly.
Why are you so excited, you damn Spirit Root? So eager to stay in Yuzi’s body? You miss his flesh that much?
But then Bai Zhenzhen realized—perhaps Zhen Linggen wasn’t reacting to her body, but to her own feelings.
The desire to protect Zhang Yu, to help him—was so strong, it was leaking into Zhen Linggen’s awareness.
And the best way to help him? By offering Zhen Linggen—her most precious possession—into his body.
After all, in Kunxu, giving away your most valuable parts—your mind, heart, kidneys—was something even close family rarely did. It usually required a binding contract.
Bai Zhenzhen suddenly understood her own thoughts. Her eyes softened as she looked at Zhang Yu.
Yuzi… from now on, your favor level in my heart will always be #1. You’ll be my number one. And every day, I’ll call you dad—just like that.
Zhang Pianpian watched them both, her expression calm.
“Since you’ve decided to stay, then stay. The immortal path is one you must choose yourself, one you walk step by step.”
“But once you’ve chosen, don’t look back.”
“From now on, use every second, every coin, every moment to cultivate.”
“The Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam in Kunxu’s first level consists of three rounds.”
“It’s now mid-April. Registration opens in mid-June, with the first round in August—testing comprehensive abilities. It’s the easiest of the three, but you’ll still need to reach senior high school level at minimum to pass.”
“The second round is the specialty exam in October—students are tested separately in Dao Heart, Martial Energy, Sports, and Martial Arts. You’ll need to reach the level of top scorer in the city’s senior high school competition to qualify.”
“The final round takes place in early January next year. The remaining candidates compete head-to-head, and the top performer in each of the four categories—the Dao Heart, Martial Energy, Sports, and Martial Arts tracks—will be awarded the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate.”
Zhang Yu listened, piecing together the structure of the exam in his mind.
“So this competition isn’t about overall excellence. The real filter is strength in four specific areas.”
“Of course. High schoolers aren’t expected to be well-rounded like university students who’ve spent years refining their Qi Cultivation. This exam is designed to identify four truly exceptional geniuses—each a master in one of these four fields.”
“The key to passing? How long your strengths are.”
Curious, Zhang Yu asked:
“Where exactly is the exam held?”
Zhang Pianpian replied:
“Registration and all exams take place in Xian Du.”
Xian Du—a metropolis on an unimaginable scale, the most prosperous and massive city in Kunxu’s first level, far surpassing Songyang City in size and grandeur.
Zhang Yu remembered: Xian Du was roughly 1,500 kilometers from Songyang.
The thought hit him—three rounds, spanning half a year, held over a thousand kilometers away.
Bai Zhenzhen sighed, voicing the same thought:
“This exam really is a marathon. We’ll need to take a lot of leave. And then there’s travel, accommodation, food—costs will add up fast. I heard Xian Du’s prices are sky-high.”
Zhang Pianpian nodded.
“The exam location and schedule are themselves a form of screening.”
“Like you don’t have an Inter-City Travel Permit yet? To leave the city—especially to go to Xian Du—you’ll need to apply. You’ll need to provide proof of education, income, and either rental or property ownership.”
Zhang Yu nodded slowly.
Hearing all this, he suddenly understood the unspoken message:
If you don’t have spare time, spare cash, or even a place to rent—don’t even think about taking this exam. Stay home, work hard, and forget the dream.
(End of Chapter)
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