Chapter 407: Breaking Limits, Swift Wind and Thunder, Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination

Chapter 407: Breaking Limits, Swift Wind and Thunder, Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination

The next day.

The sky remained overcast with continuous rain.

As dawn broke, the world seemed to be engulfed in darkness.

Source Energy: 8404 (6703→8404)



Gazing at his status panel, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Indeed, he had surpassed the 8,000 mark.

A daily increase of 1701 Source Energy points.

However, the cost-effectiveness was not as good as the Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan, nor was it comparable to the ancient immortal treasures he had purchased in Wan Hua Lou.

"But it's still good!"

He nodded again.

Compared to Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan, the immortal herb Xuan Yang Shen had almost no negative effects.

Unlike Bao Tai Yi Qi Dan, which would leave subtle impurities and dan toxins in the human body.

Over time, this could significantly affect the body.

Afterward, he got up and continued his marrow refinement, maintaining his strength.

For now, he could only hope for the merit reward from Bai Luoyu to replenish his Source Energy points.

He could only patiently wait in this regard.

In the blink of an eye.

Two days later.

The rain had been incessant for these two days.

Dong Ling Cheng became livelier, hosting numerous literary gatherings, poetry meetings, elegant assemblies, and banquets.

However, none of these events had anything to do with Jiang Ning.

These past few days, he had been practicing and cultivating at home, rarely venturing beyond his own courtyard to watch Jiang Ning's training.

He had not taken a single step outside the main gate.

Initially, he had been concerned that Lin Qingyi might cause some trouble, but after a few days, he felt more at ease.

Upon waking up that day.

He noticed that the morning light was much brighter than the previous days.

He immediately looked out the window.

Although the sky was still chaotic and dawn had not yet broken, the clouds were dispersing, and the continuous rain had stopped.

Especially in the distance, the eastern sky was glowing with a crimson sunrise, indicating a perfect day ahead.

A smile instantly appeared on his face.

The continuous rain over the past few days had prevented him from absorbing the essence of the sun, hindering his progress in Nourishing Life with Inner Dan.

This crucial cultivation method in his eyes had been delayed significantly.

Now, with the rain gone and the sky clear, he could get back on track, absorb the sun's essence, and increase his experience in Nourishing Life with Inner Dan.

After getting up.

He glanced at his status panel again.

Source Energy: 8429

His Source Energy points had barely increased in the past few days, rising by only a couple of dozen points.

Technique: Gale Thunder Step + (1st Break Limit 2000/2000) (Trait: Feng Shui Breath)



The most noticeable change was in the Gale Thunder Step, as its experience had reached the maximum, allowing for an immediate break limit.

Aside from that, the most significant improvement was in his marrow refinement progress.

Realm: 4th Grade Refining Marrow (931/1999)



His marrow refinement progress was about to reach a thousand.

These past few days, his training and cultivation had primarily focused on refining his marrow.

The vague threat from Xiao Qiushui kept him vigilant, never daring to relax.

If Xiao Qiushui succeeded, he would become the first Divine Human Master in Dong Ling County in recent years.

Such an existence warranted his utmost caution.

This was just a possibility.

However, Xiao Qiushui had exceptional talent, having stayed at the peak of the 4th Grade for so long, and his accumulation of experience was likely profound.

Recently, he had even sent Xiao Qiuyue to her death, solely to help her sever her emotions and desires, attain Supreme Forgetfulness, and enter the realm of Divine Human Transformation and Union with Heaven.

This event significantly increased Xiao Qiushui's chances of reaching the 3rd Grade and achieving Divine Human status.

After getting up.

Jiang Ning opened the door and took a deep breath of the fresh post-rain air, feeling refreshed.

He looked at his status panel again.

Source Energy: 8429

Technique: Gale Thunder Step + (1st Break Limit 2000/2000) (Trait: Feng Shui Breath)



Ever since yesterday, when the Gale Thunder Step's experience reached its maximum, he had been contemplating whether to allow it to break the limit for the second time.

For him at present, the cost of the second break limit for Gale Thunder Step seemed insignificant.

It would only require two hundred Source Energy points.

Two hundred Source Energy points didn't seem like much compared to eight thousand.

However, before reaching ten thousand Source Energy points, every single point was precious, let alone two hundred.

This was why he had been contemplating and hesitating.

At the same time, while the break limit would undoubtedly enhance his strength, the improvement might not be very noticeable.

This was also the reason for his hesitation.

Now, seeing the rain-cleared sky, he suddenly had an epiphany and made a decision.

His mind moved.

Instantly, two hundred Source Energy points were deducted.

Source Energy: 8229 (8420→8229)



A moment later.

All changes on the status panel had settled.

Technique: Gale Thunder Step (2nd Break Limit 66/3000) (Traits: Feng Shui Breath, Swift Wind and Thunder)



Swift Wind and Thunder: Extremely high talent in movement techniques, greatly enhancing learning and comprehension abilities in related cultivation methods.

Gazing at the straightforward introduction on the panel, he nodded repeatedly.

A useful and practical trait!

This was his insight into this particular trait.

Then, he leaped up and began testing the changes after breaking the limits of Gale Thunder Step.

In an instant, his entire body turned into a trail of green smoke, swiftly darting out beyond the courtyard walls.

The twice-limit-broken Gale Thunder Step seemed to break free from some invisible shackles. As the morning breeze howled in his ears, he suddenly experienced a strange enlightenment, as if he could hear the wind's breath.

In the blink of an eye, amidst the fluttering sound of his robes, he had already stepped onto a tree branch ten zhang away.

The moment his toes touched the leaves, invisible True Energy rippled out like ripples, causing the branches and leaves to tilt uniformly towards the southeast, as if guiding him in the direction of the wind.

A smile lifted the corners of his mouth, and his footsteps lightly tapped on the dew-laden branches.

With each step, his True Energy resonated subtly with the surrounding airflow.

At this moment, his body movements were as natural as breathing.

In a flash, his figure rushed towards the mountain peak.

The morning mist on the peak suddenly churned violently, torn apart by the cyclone generated by his sprint.

Chi—

His afterimage streaked past the bamboo forest, and dozens of bamboo leaves suddenly hovered eerily in mid-air.

He continued his journey, stepping on the surging waves, causing them to explode with each step.

It was as if there were projectiles booming beneath his feet.

After crossing the waterfall, his figure transformed into layer upon layer of afterimages, and he then plunged into the forest.

With each step, visible ripples spread out in the air beneath his feet.

At this moment, he seemed to be riding the wind.

A cyclone formed behind him, and the evergreen leaves in his wake transformed into a long dragon of azure.

He ran through the mountains, from treetop to treetop.

Savoring the beauty of the morning forest and listening to the wind's breath, the more he ran, the smoother his heart felt.

When he reached the summit of a high mountain—

The azure dragon-like cyclone behind him, carrying countless leaves, tore through the clouds like a giant dragon.

He turned back to take one last look, then leaped down from the peak once more.

As countless leaves exploded on the summit, scattering and falling, before they had all settled—

He had already landed gracefully on the green stone slabs in the courtyard.

At this moment, the morning sun pierced through the clouds, bathing him in a faint golden glow, highlighting the fine electric sparks surrounding his body.

Looking down, he noticed that not a single drop of dew had touched the soles of his shoes.

Suddenly, he turned his head towards the corner of the wall where a sea-buckthorn flower budded, waiting to bloom.

During the earlier test of his body technique, he clearly remembered a petal being swept away by the force of his qi, but now he saw that crimson petal lying quietly in the spot where he had just jumped from.

It turned out that after running wildly for twenty li into the mountains, he had returned in the blink of an eye.

March 5th.

The transition between winter and spring.

The morning sun shone like golden light piercing through the clouds, illuminating the ancient city walls.

The once quiet Dong Ling Cheng had already become bustling with activity. The main roads were filled with vendors' cries, and the scene was lively everywhere.

Today was the annual Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination in Daxia.

This day was also one of the most eagerly awaited by scholars across the realm.

Years of hard work would bear fruit today.

Success meant an instant leap across social classes for commoners. With fame and honor, they would become nobles, leaving behind the backbreaking life of toiling under the sun. No more would they end the year with just a few pounds of grain left, the bottom of the jar visible through the earthenware.

Outside the Jiang Ning Mansion.

Liu Wanwan carefully straightened Jiang Yiming's collar and smoothed out the wrinkles on his clothes.

"Yiming, did you bring the pancakes?" Liu Wanwan reminded him.

"Mom, don't worry! I've got them!" Jiang Yiming patted his chest.

The pancakes for lunch and dinner were now tucked securely against his body.

"Young Master, why don't you bring some too!" Lvyi spoke up.

"No need!" Jiang Ning smiled, "Me, you don't have to worry about. I can go ten or half a month without eating or drinking, so it's not just for today!"

The Imperial Academy Preliminary Examination.

Entrance at the Hour of the Snake.

Examination of the Six Arts: Etiquette, Music, Archery, Horsemanship, Calligraphy, and Mathematics.

End at the Hour of the Pig.

The examination lasted the entire day, so scholars needed to bring their own provisions.

Then, Lvyi helped Jiang Ning straighten his Confucian scholar's robe, specially tailored for the occasion.

With the Confucian robe, Jiang Ning exuded a scholarly air, and his demeanor became gentler.

"Go on, go with your uncle to the Imperial Examination Hall!" Liu Wanwan patted Jiang Yiming's shoulder.

Jiang Yiming nodded and approached Jiang Ning.

"Uncle!"

"Let's go!" Jiang Ning smiled.

He picked up a package, and his Sumeru Ring had already been handed to Lvyi.

Upon entering the Imperial Examination Hall, a body search was conducted to prevent cheating.

Any form of cheating would result in severe consequences.

The Sumeru Ring, in particular, was strictly prohibited.

If any violations were discovered, the penalties ranged from disqualification and expulsion from the hall to a ban on retaking the examination for three to five years.

More severe cases could result in a lifetime ban and imprisonment.

The Imperial Examination Hall had three sets of grand gates.

The vermillion lacquered copper-studded dragon gates exuded a chilling aura, each adorned with dragon-patterned carvings.

Two bronze statues of Xiezhi beasts stood tall on both sides of the grand entrance.

At the entrance, a crowd gathered, each holding their identification papers and entry tokens.

The hour of the snake.

The bright sunlight bathed the crowd, and the vermillion-painted copper-studded dragon gate slowly opened.

A moment later...

After verifying their identities, Jiang Ning passed through the dragon gate.

"Open your collar! Remove your shoes!" an official ordered.

Jiang Ning complied, taking off his shoes and scholar's robe, revealing a white undergarment.

Just then, a section head hurried over.

He waved away the officials who were about to conduct a body search and quickly approached Jiang Ning.

"Commander Jiang!" he said, bowing slightly.

Jiang Ning was taken aback.

"I don't recognize you, but I know who you are. I didn't expect you to participate in the preliminary examination. The brothers below were being rude and disrespectful, please forgive them!" he said in a low voice, loud enough for the nearby students being searched to hear.

One of the students glared at Jiang Ning with anger.

At that moment, Jiang Ning nodded.

"Just conduct a normal inspection!" he instructed.

"Yes, sir! My name is Li Chao, and I will conduct the search according to the rules," the official replied, then leaned in.

"Forgive me, sir!" he apologized again.

He then conducted a perfunctory search through Jiang Ning's clothes.

"No problem!" he said, pulling out a bamboo slip and handing it to Jiang Ning.

"Sir, this is your exam hall sequence number! You can go inside and change into your clothes!" Li Chao said respectfully.

Jiang Ning nodded and headed inside.

Not only his clothes but also his writing utensils—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—would be thoroughly inspected.

Behind him, he faintly heard a few words.

"This is unfair!" someone protested.

Soon, the officials' reprimands could be heard, followed by a loud voice.

"Take him inside for a full body search! He's suspected of carrying forbidden items!"

Hearing the commotion behind him, Jiang Ning couldn't help but shake his head.

Whether it was fair or not, he didn't feel the need to comment, but he had a clear conscience.

That was enough!

Moreover, the person behind him didn't speak of justice, but at least he wasn't being smart.

When one doesn't possess sufficient strength, any resistance against injustice is often futile.

It could even lead to needless sacrifice.

At the very least, one should have a plan and strategy to make such actions meaningful.

Inside the hall, Jiang Ning put on his scholar's robe and boots, then picked up his writing utensils.

He looked at the bamboo slip Li Chao had given him.

Class J-9.

J-9?

It seemed the environment should be decent! Jiang Ning nodded.

As far as he knew, the examination hall was divided into four levels: Class A, B, C, and D.

There wasn't much difference between them, except that Class A halls were cleaner, neater, and more spacious.

Class D halls, on the other hand, were dirtier and more chaotic.

Accordingly, the allocation of examination halls was based on the individual's status.

There was no real fairness in this system.

True fairness was a rarity in this world.

Even relative fairness was scarce.

Class J-9.

Jiang Ning looked up at the markings on the roof and then entered the hall.

The spacious hall, covering hundreds of square feet, was divided into individual compartments.

Jiang Ning scanned the entire hall and nodded slightly.

Although not luxurious, it was clean and tidy, obviously having been recently cleaned.

He soon found his compartment, J-9, and sat down.

He quietly waited for the preliminary examination to begin.

One by one, candidates entered the bustling Class A hall until it was filled.

...

The hour of the boar.

The night sky was filled with countless stars.

As the clock struck, Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes.

The image of the rising sun he had been visualizing in his mind gradually dissipated.

Even before the hour of the boar, long before the hour of the dog, he had already completed the entire examination.

His efficiency was due to his divine writing skills.

The preliminary examination focused on foundational knowledge.

As long as he had thoroughly memorized the interpretations of the classics and could recite them fluently, passing the examination would be effortless.

But reciting fluently and effortlessly was incredibly challenging.

This kind of reference was not limited to the classics; it required the ability to cite any sentence or paragraph at will.

With a single sentence or paragraph, one should know the source book, page, and paragraph.

Only then would the requirements be met.

For ordinary students, this step was immensely difficult.

However, for Jiang Ning, it was incredibly simple.

His photographic memory allowed him to deeply imprint what he read in his mind, making it extremely challenging to forget.

Therefore, the preliminary examination was a mere matter of copying answers for Jiang Ning, and he naturally finished early.

Finally, he could leave! Seeing the proctor standing up and scanning the room with a sharp gaze, Jiang Ning knew the examination was over, and he could soon depart.

Last night and today, during the Lunar New Year celebrations, he had managed to squeeze out time to write this chapter.

Thank you, dear readers, for your monthly votes of encouragement!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end