He looked at those few clergy members from the Education Board who were tasked with reviewing the academic results, his expression solemn, and said: “In no other aspects could a difference be determined, but Gou Han Shi’s wording was extremely rigorous and well structured, especially for common terms with regards to the classics, even duplicate words that had been proscribed were correct.
He continued: “Though Chen Chang Sheng did not have anything wrong with his answers, his wording was too archaic; according to the criteria of edits undertaken during the great revisions, it would naturally be marked down.”
Results for the academic phase had already been sent out of Li Palace and announced to the world, it was obviously no longer possible to change them. Gou Han Shi and Chen Chang Sheng, whom had both been evaluated as outstanding, became figures of praise for everyone.
Shortly after, once the participants of the final round were confirmed, everyone was extraordinarily shocked, chatter abounded; that’s because it was also Gou Han Shi and Chen Chang Sheng, this meant that this year’s first upon the First Banner would definitely be from one of these two.
One is the world renowned Second Law of the Divine State’s Seven Laws; Li Shan Sword Sect’s savant youth; someone that had read the scriptures in their entirety; Gou Han Shi.
One is Orthodox Academy’s first new student in many years; a target of heavy nurture for the Orthodoxy’s tradition faction; Xu You Rong’s fiancé; Chen Chang Sheng.
From just fame alone, the two were equals, and being able to reach this point was proof of their respective strength and learning; yet, the amount of people that looked favourably upon Chen Chang Sheng remained few.
In the latest pay-out rates revealed by the four major gambling venues: Gou Han Shi was 1 and a third; Chen Chang Sheng was 7; the difference was exceedingly stark, it could even be said that the situation was an easy win for Gou Han Shi.
Hearing the rambunctious sounds that were being transmitted from below, Tian Hai Sheng Xue’s face revealed a reflective expression. Though he had placed a lot of money on Chen Chang Sheng, he didn’t actually consider the possibility of that youth from Orthodox Academy being able to reach this point; but even he, couldn’t be optimistic over Chen Chang Sheng’s chances of getting another win.
The reason why no one looked favourably upon Chen Chang Sheng even at this stage, was because everyone, including Tian Hai Sheng Xue, knew that there existed a hurdle between Gou Han Shi and Chen Chang Sheng.
That hurdle was extremely high.
That hurdle was linked to life and death, and also exceeded life and death.
Within the Hall of Zhao Wen, His Eminence, Archbishop Mei Li Sha slowly opened his eyes, staring at the results of the academic phase that were displayed upon the mirror, he peacefully remained silent for a long time before laughing out.
He got up after much difficulty with the support of Minister Xin, leaving the hall and heading towards the Hall of Clear Virtue.
He had originally only wanted to use the Grand Examination to make Chen Chang Sheng mature faster, but never expected that Chen Chang Sheng would really be able to pluck that plump and juicy fruit. If there wasn’t any hope, then so be it, but since there was hope, he naturally wouldn’t allow anyone to ruin it. No one.
Deep within Li Palace, the Holy Crown laid upon the table, bearing the heavens that were descending from atop the hall, glimmering with a glorious dazzle that bewitched the eyes.
The Holy Rod upon the platform, reflected a reversed image of the water pool, as if it were within the deep sea.
In comparison to these two divine artefacts, the green leaf within the clay flowerpot inevitably looked rather tacky, but His Holiness did not look at the Holy Crown or Holy Rod, but peacefully gazed upon the green leaf, silently, slightly entranced.
He had his hands held behind him, resembling some elderly gardener.
Nearby, was the clear water pool, the wooden ladle gently bobbed upon the water, akin to a boat. At any moment, it could immediately be filled with water, that water could be used on the green leaf, it could also be used to cause a spell of rain.
At a location most distant from the Capital, there is an overgrown and desolate mountain range, between the mountains were endless forests.
White mist enveloped the area and the mountain paths were damp and slippery making it difficult to trek, it was also eerily quiet.
If it weren’t for the fact that tapping sounds would occasionally break out on the path, it would perhaps appear even more sinister and horrifying.
That tapping sound was from a staff landing upon the wet stones on the path.
Yu Ren leaned onto his crutch and struggled along the mountain path. His and Chen Chang Sheng’s master, that secretive Taoist Ji, was currently walking ahead with his arms held together in front of him horizontally, see