Chapter 77: Written Exam (2)

The Academy Head, Do Seung, twirled his ashen beard with his fingers. It was a habit that emerged whenever he was deep in thought.

He was looking at the answer sheet submitted by Yi-gang, who had come from the Baek Clan.

Normally, the answer sheets were usually stamped with several bright red seals. This was because the Taoist flower disciples evaluating the exams at Academy Hall stamped each element that required a deduction.

However, Yi-gang’s answer sheet had no such stamps.

Wondering, Do Seung asked again, “…Haven’t the assessments been done yet?”

A second-generation disciple from Academy Hall replied softly to Do Seung’s question, “Three of us have tried. But with our insight, we couldn’t find any elements to deduct points.”

“This child is definitely… said to turn fifteen this year.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“He is still young.”

“At first, we thought there might have been cheating. But there were no reports of such.”

Do Seung carefully read the answer sheet written by Yi-gang. To him, who was counted among the most learned in the Azure Forest, the answers were nothing extraordinary.

If anything, they were of a quality that one would believe were written by the second-generation disciples belonging to Academy Hall.

The problem was that this was written by a mere 15-year-old boy.

“Let’s set aside the Book of Changes since it can be learned from the secular world. But the ‘Treasure Catalog’ and ‘Introduction to Formation Techniques’… These are books authored by our Academy Hall. This child couldn’t have studied them in advance!”

He would have believed it if they said it was written by one of the top third-generation disciples of the Azure Forest. At least they would have had the basic knowledge.

But this was none other than a young master of the Baek Clan. The knowledge displayed was not something that could be acquired at a basic level of education.

Considering that, this answer sheet was almost incomprehensible.

“Well… As soon as Yi-gang arrived, we did hand him some books.”

“What? Which ones?”

“We gave him all the scriptures of the ‘Introduction to Formation Techniques,’ ‘Treasure Catalog,’ and ‘Book of Changes.’”

“How could he possibly go through all that in just three days?”

“He said he would read them all. Frankly, we gave them to him thinking ‘let’s see him try…’”

Do Seung eventually burst into hollow laughter.

“He was born with meridian blockage disease…”

The amount was not something that could be handled in just three days.

“He must have been born with wisdom from heaven.”

Genius. There was no other way to describe it.

Academy Head, Do Seung, closed his eyes tightly. All the hardships he had faced flashed before him like a passing horse lantern.

Due to the nature of Academy Hall, Do Seung and his disciples had always been treated like leftovers in the Azure Forest. Even though the study of scriptures and academics was important for the Taoist sect. The budget had been reduced every year, and more than anything, the number of disciples supporting them had dwindled.

The disciples already belonging to Academy Hall were subtly trying to switch their affiliations. The Academy Hall needed a new wave.

“That child wants to become an honor flower disciple, right?”

“He seems to be heading to the Grand Library.”

“There’s no rule that says an honor flower disciple can’t enter Academy Hall. Right?”

“Uh? Well…”

“Did I say something wrong? Is there a rule like that? Is it written somewhere that an honor flower disciple cannot enter the Academy Hall?”

The Academy Head’s intimidating questioning made the Academy Hall’s second-generation disciple respond in a fluster.

“There’s no such rule…”

“Good!”

Do Seung rose abruptly from his seat.

“Everyone must have gathered by now to check the results. Let’s go.”

“Are we, are we going?”

“Surely, the others will soon rush to make their mark. We’ll stake our claim first!”

Once officially recognized as disciples, they were assigned to subsidiary institutions of Blue Flower Palace or Snowflake Hermit Palace. Exceptional children were always snatched away by Wisdom Sword Pavilion or Bright Sun Pavilion.

“In my opinion, this guy is the future of our Academy Hall!”

It was fortunate that Academy Hall was in charge of the first written exam.

With that thought, Do Seung went to find Yi-gang.

That was just a moment ago.

“I don’t want to.”

“Come on, think about it a bit more.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Academy Hall is such a great place. It’s comfortable, while the others are sweating and bustling around, you can sit comfortably on the cool wooden porch. Huh? Enjoy a cold tea while delving into the scriptures. It’s even better than the Grand Library.”

Hearing the Academy Head, the accompanying Academy Hall second-generation disciples opened their mouths in shock.

‘The Academy Hall members comfortably study the scriptures. How nice.’

This was the same Academy Head who would get furiously angry whenever he heard such remarks.

“Still, I am not interested.”

But Yi-gang was even more remarkable.

How could he put up such a strong front in front of the Academy Head, a place considered an unpopular path?

“And please put me down first.”

Especially while being held up high by the Academy Head.

“Ah, sorry.”

After being put down, Yi-gang straightened his clothes as if nothing had happened.

“I have a promise with sir Golden Needle Phantom. I’ll be going first.”

While saying so, he performed a formal bow with his hands.

Due to Yi-gang’s firm response, Do Seung had no choice but to let him go.

“Ah… what a pity.”

Do Seung sighed with this sentiment.

The third-generation disciples, who had been watching dejectedly, murmured among themselves.

No one expected a person of the Academy Head’s stature to appear here and personally invite someone to join.

“He just leaves even after the Academy Head went to such lengths.”

“Isn’t that too disrespectful?”

Some even expressed their discontent. Yi-gang’s unflinching demeanor seemed to displease them.

Among them was Son Hee-il.

“Academy Hall is such a great place. Really now.”

He muttered under his breath, just so happening to be right next to Do Seung.

It was not something that Do Seung couldn’t hear.

“Ah, such kind words.”

“Eh? Ah… Yes!”

Do Seung’s eyes warmed. Though Yi-gang had slipped away, he had encountered a third-generation disciple speaking well of Academy Hall.

“What’s your name?”

“S-Son Hee-il.”

“Oh, aren’t you the one who secured the third rank this time!”

Recognized by the Academy Head, Son Hee-il became anxious.

His comment about Academy Hall being good was just a reactionary statement about Yi-gang.

“Good, you should join Academy Hall.”

“Ah… That’s. Well, that’s.”

“Don’t worry, I will take good care of you.”

As Son Hee-il looked around, the other third-generation disciples retreated like the tide. Jun Myung and Yu Su-rin were just whistling, looking at distant mountains.

In this moment of dire crisis, unexpected people came to Son Hee-il’s rescue.

“Senior Brother Do Seung, you should maintain your dignity.”

“Do Seon…!”

The Bright Sun Pavilion Master, Do Seon, appeared. The well-built Sage Do Seon was wearing a pleasant smile.

“Children have their pride too. Would it be right to take one as a substitute for another?”

“Insolent boy. When have I ever done that!”

“And I am also interested in Yi-gang. Of course, there are many other talented children too.”

Do Seon said that and winked at Yu Su-rin.

Yu Su-rin responded with a smile. Bright Sun Pavilion of Snowflake Hermit Palace was the most popular place among the Taoist flower disciples.

Another figure joined the dispute between the two masters.

“Ahem. They are both making a fuss.”

The one with fierce eyes was Sage Do Gang.

“Senior Brother Do Gang!”

“You haven’t seen his skill with the sword properly. He should rightfully be brought to Wisdom Sword Pavilion.”

“Even senior brother is showing greed.”

Wisdom Sword Pavilion, affiliated with Blue Flower Palace, was particularly popular among the martial flower disciples. And now, the Wisdom Sword Pavilion Master had also appeared.

“There are many remarkable children this year.”

He glanced sharply at the third-generation disciples. Those aspiring to join Wisdom Sword Pavilion straightened their posture.

The leaders of the two most popular institutions were here. The Academy Head became more anxious.

“Yes, that Hee-il. I will definitely remember your name…”

He tried to take care of Son Hee-il, but he had seemingly vanished as if he had run away.

“…Where did he go, this…”

Do Seung could only sigh with a bitter taste.

“Yeah, so all my senior brothers gathered there.”

Golden Needle Phantom laughed with a long golden needle in hand.

Yi-gang tensed up for a moment, worrying that the needle might be placed wrongly due to the laughter.

“Of course, I refused and quickly left.”

“The Academy Head, Senior Brother Do Seung, has been having a hard time lately. Still, I didn’t expect that proud man to be so blatant. You must have done exceptionally well in the exam.”

“I wrote diligently.”

A golden needle was deeply inserted into Yi-gang’s arm.

At the sudden pain, Yi-gang tightly closed his eyes.

“Your physical condition is a mess. The dark circles under your eyes suggest you haven’t slept for days.”

“There was no time.”

Yi-gang was very intelligent. He was called a genius by those around him.

However, being a genius did not mean he didn’t put in effort.

Yi-gang was given only three days. During these days and nights, he did not sleep at all and immersed himself in reading the books.

Yu Su-rin, Son Hee-il, and Jun Myung also reduced their sleep to study for a week, but Yi-gang’s level of focus was on a different scale.

Even before reincarnation, he studied quite a bit, but it had never gone this well. Could it be true that effort was also a talent?

「This kid, really. There’s never been someone in our family who achieved great success in academics.」

Even the Immortal Divine Sword watching the process couldn’t help but be amazed.

Yi-gang did not lose his focus for a single moment during those three days. That was why he could impress the Academy Head.

‘It seems I inherited it from my mother’s side.’

「Well, your maternal family is…」

Yi-gang felt an overwhelming wave of sleepiness. He was on the verge of falling asleep while receiving the acupuncture.

Golden Needle Phantom kept talking, which somehow kept Yi-gang from dozing off.

“But why did you try so hard? You could have just done enough.”

“I can’t have those guys as senior brothers, can I?”

“What?”

“Yu Su-rin, Jun Myung. Those guys.”

Just as they were concerned about serving Yi-gang as their senior brother, Yi-gang felt the same way.

“Ha ha ha! I don’t know about Su-rin, but Jun Myung is older than you.”

“He just seemed like a kid to me.”

Yi-gang did not want to have to respect them as senior brothers at all. That’s why he prepared so diligently for the first exam.

Then, a voice different from Golden Needle Phantom was heard.

“Haha. So that’s what you were thinking.”

Yi-gang turned his head while lying down. Azure Forest Lord Im Gi-hak was there.

“Forest Lord!”

Golden Needle Phantom quickly got up and showed respect.

However, Yi-gang, who was lying down receiving acupuncture, couldn’t do the same.

“Stay comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

“So, you didn’t want to have those children as senior brothers?”

“They are just little kids.”

“Uh-huh-huh. They are indeed cute kids.”

Although Yi-gang was actually younger in terms of age, Forest Lord didn’t point that out.

Instead, he nodded with a pleased look.

“Don’t worry too much.”

“Yes…”

Yi-gang nodded in response.

“So, I heard you fulfilled the long-held wish of the Immortal Divine Sword.”

“I was just lucky.”

The Golden Needle Phantom here was the person who would heal Yi-gang’s body.

Knowing about the Immortal Divine Sword’s matter, Yi-gang spoke frankly, “Finally, I can proceed with connecting the major meridian.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. When he achieves Nirvana, he will leave behind immense spiritual energy. I can use that to heal my body.”

Once a major meridian is connected, Yi-gang’s physical condition would greatly improve. He might even be able to use some internal energy.

“I must achieve good results in the exam. I should hurry and perform the ritual.”

“…”

Yi-gang suddenly fell silent.

The Immortal Divine Sword also remained quiet.

“You don’t look too good.”

“When will it start?”

“Your body will need time to recover. As soon as possible. Even tomorrow if necessary.”

“…”

Yi-gang quietly closed his eyes.

His contemplation was brief.

“I will connect the major meridian later.”

“Hmm? Aren’t you in a hurry?”

“There’s still much I haven’t learned from the Immortal Divine Sword. Let’s postpone it by two more months.”

“Then… the second exam might be difficult for you.”

The second exam, the martial arts test, was not easy. While academic studies required diligent reading, it was not easy for Yi-gang, who was physically weak, to take the martial arts test.

The other third-generation disciples would certainly give their best.

“I will have to manage somehow.”

“Ah…”

Forest Lord expressed an inexplicable admiration at Yi-gang’s calm tone.

The Immortal Divine Sword felt the same.

「This kid… Did he dislike parting from me that much? Come here, let me give you a hug!」

‘I still need to learn the Heaven’s Shadow Sword Technique.’

Though Yi-gang spoke coldly, the Immortal Divine Sword could only smile broadly.

Forest Lord slapped his knee.

“Indeed, such determination is admirable. I should extend that much consideration then.”

“Consideration?”

Surprised by the unexpected words, Yi-gang’s eyes widened.

“If you are imposing restrictions on yourself in this way, it means I’ll help you that much more.”

“If you would help me, then…”

“Hmm, they should be arriving soon.”

After Forest Lord said this, someone made their presence known outside shortly after.

“Forest Lord, may I enter?”

“Come in.”

Then the door opened with a slide.

Yi-gang, still lying down, widened his eyes in surprise.

“This person will help you.”

Forest Lord spoke confidently.

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