“It’s… it’s real?” The second-turn Tribulation realm monk’s face went white as Hall Master He’s words sank in.
The score hit like a bomb—blasting his skull.
His first place—gone?
Snatched by a third-rank Mahayana kid!
The world spun—he reeled.
Every candidate gawked at Lin Yun in the distance.
His 38 stages smashed their minds—critical hit, shock maxed out!
The red-haired bruiser—who’d clashed with Lin Yun outside—stared, dazed, grasping at straws.
He’d mocked Lin Yun—sneered.
A first-turn Tribulation realm, he’d oozed superiority.
Now, Lin Yun’s score stomped his pride into the dirt.
Chu Libai too—eyes wide with awe.
He’d chatted with Lin Yun—the only one here who’d clicked with him.
He’d asked Lin Yun’s goal—champion, he’d said—Chu sensed he was special.
But 38? Beyond wildest dreams.
Lin Yun strolled back to the candidates’ seats.
Their looks—transformed!
He sat.
“Lin Yun, 38 stages—you proper jolted me,” Chu Libai, beside him, sighed.
“Cheers, Chu—too kind,” Lin Yun smiled.
Then—several candidates swarmed over.
“Congrats, mate Lin Yun—top spot’s yours, locked!”
“Congrats, Lin Yun—I’m Zhang Cai, Dahe Prefecture.”
…
Smiles everywhere—tones dripping with courtesy—angling to cosy up.
Before, with no shine, they’d pegged him as a bog-standard third-rank Mahayana—ignored him, barely clocked him.
Now, blazing bright—they flocked, all grins and greetings.
That’s life!
Earth or cultivation land—same game.
Once beneath notice—now out of their league.
The exam rolled on.
Left were third-rank Mahayana—most hit teens.
Last—Chu Libai.
He stepped in.
“Wonder how Chu’ll do,” Lin Yun mused.
He had a hunch—Chu was no slouch.
Twenty minutes—Chu returned.
Hall Master He boomed, “Chu Libai—29 stages!”
Gasps erupted.
Another third-rank Mahayana—this good?
Not Lin Yun’s league—but terrifying!
“29—how’d he pull that?” Lin Yun pondered, curious—what tricks did Chu have?
Judges’ stand.
“Chu Libai’s a genius too.”
“Without Lin Yun, he’d be this year’s dark horse—Lin’s just eclipsed him.”
Envoys sighed.
Chu’s run wrapped—the exam closed.
Lin Yun—champion, no contest!
Hall Master He stood, “This year’s exam’s done—rankings set, first, congrats to Lin Yun—our champion!”
Claps rang out.
Only the second-turn monk’s eyes dimmed—first was his dream!
Lin Yun shattered it.
First to second—one rank, worlds apart in perks!
“It’s late—rest up, tomorrow the Exam Hall throws a grand bash, we’ll dish out empire posts and rewards!” Hall Master He said.
“Yes, sir.”
Most buzzed—eager.
This was the prize they’d chased!
Post-announcement—Exam Hall staff led candidates to guest rooms.
They’d bunk here tonight.
Lin Yun got his own.
“Here’s your room, sir,” the maid said.
“Ta,” Lin Yun smiled politely.
“No trouble—my job,” she stammered—shocked the champion was this nice.
She left—Lin Yun glanced up—a plaque read ‘Champion’s Loft.’
Top dog’s digs.
He pushed in.
Spacious—old-school charm, classy—huge bookshelf stuffed with tomes.
“Got the crown—wonder what’s next,” Lin Yun muttered.
Champions scored the best loot and posts each year.
But rewards varied—tied to strength, performance.
Stand out enough? Maybe a summons from Emperor Star Martial—maybe even his disciple!
Rare, though.
Footsteps outside.
Lin Yun turned—Liang Yuan, grinning wide, strode in.
“Brother Liang,” Lin Yun clasped his fists.
“Lin Yun—congrats! Congrats! Champion—and you’ve shocked us silly!” Liang Yuan beamed.
His ‘investment’—spot on!
“Brother Liang, you’re too much,” Lin Yun chuckled, sheepish.
“No modesty—you were unreal, even Hall Master He’s singing your praises!” Liang Yuan buzzed.
“Really?” Lin Yun grinned.
Back at the prefecture hall—its master barely glanced at Lin Yun’s file once he saw third-rank Mahayana.
Strength flipped status—night and day.
“Oh—came to tell you—Hall Master He’s gone to the palace to report, you might get Emperor Star Martial’s summons!” Liang Yuan said.
“Oh?” Lin Yun murmured.
“Exam’s yearly—champions too—but not every champ gets the Emperor’s call,” Liang Yuan explained.
He added, “Get that summons—your post, your rewards—leagues better than unsummoned champs, you’ve got a shot!”
“Got it,” Lin Yun clicked.
“Wait for word—too late today, tomorrow’ll tell if the Emperor calls!” Liang Yuan said.
