Era of Mist

The Provincial Examination was a more critical assessment than the preliminary one—it was the second step to leaping the Dragon Gate. Only those who had achieved a ’Good’ rating or higher in the third tier of all Six Basic Heart Techniques were eligible to participate. All six techniques—it was a difficult standard to meet. Only by passing the Provincial Examination could one be considered a "Scholar" in the truest sense, a rank higher than a "Student."

Once someone obtained the status of a Scholar, their employment prospects and priority for joining various sects and associations were far superior to those of a Student. For instance, that time Shi Tiexin applied to be a supermarket cashier—the girl who was so good at math probably didn’t have official Scholar status. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have needed to compete with acolytes like them and would have been hired directly.

Shi Tiexin dreamed of obtaining the status of a Scholar. It would instantly lift his social standing out of the very bottom tier. Even if he took a corporate job, promotions and raises would be easier to come by. In Tumu Castle, at least, Scholars were already part of the junior elite. Even the functionaries from the Star Worker Group’s branch companies, who came to the Orphanage to pick out people, probably didn’t carry themselves with the same air as an official Scholar.

Not to mention the ability to study at higher-level academies after becoming a Scholar. Shi Tiexin could only fantasize about such lofty benefits; he didn’t know the specifics.

Of course, all of this was still too far off for Shi Tiexin. His mind was completely preoccupied with the qualification test for the Preliminary Provincial Examination. He didn’t feel the distant Provincial Examination had anything to do with him, so he had no idea it was being held today.

’Who would’ve thought I’d end up making a small profit from the Provincial Examination today? These thirty points, plus the side gig writing the business cards, and having the security uniform rental fee waived... The first repayment should be covered.’

’The perks are piling up.’

But as Shi Tiexin calculated his petty gains, he had no idea what a precious opportunity observing the Provincial Examination was for an acolyte about to face the preliminary version. The benefits were worth far more than just thirty value points.

By nine in the morning, a massive crowd had already formed a sea of people at the entrance to Tumu Castle’s Number One Academy. There were parents seeing off the examinees and teachers leading their teams, but most were acolytes and students preparing for the Preliminary Provincial Examination—or future ones—hoping to glean some information to increase their own chances of success.

However, not just anyone was allowed through the main gate.

Imposing security guards formed a defensive line at the entrance, strictly checking everyone who passed through. Other than the examinees themselves, only those with an observer’s permit could enter. The number of permits allotted was a direct reflection of the reputation and strength of the various acolyte schools and academies.

Setting aside the non-competing students from the academies, let’s first look at the acolyte candidates from the preparatory schools. At 9:20 AM, the acolytes from each school began to enter in their respective groups. One could tell the caliber of each district simply from their bearing and morale.

The crowd of onlookers at the school gate buzzed with discussion, letting out gasps of admiration from time to time. Among them, a conversation between two students who weren’t taking the exam this year was particularly insightful.

"Look, isn’t that the group from the Upper City District’s Number One Preparatory School? A full sixty people, how spectacular!"

"The strength of the Number One Preparatory School is unquestionable, of course. And these sixty are the cream of the crop from that school. Every one of them is brimming with confidence, truly extraordinary."

"Why don’t I see Shen Xingye?"

"Does Eldest Young Master Shen even need to come here to observe the Provincial Examination? He’s already the undisputed number one, isn’t he?"

"Heh, true. None of the direct heirs from the other five great families are participating this year, so Eldest Young Master Shen has first place in the Upper City District’s Preliminary Provincial Examination locked down. Of course, if this were two years ago and he had to go up against that one from the Si Family, it would be a different story."

"Careful, careful, let’s not discuss that kind of topic. Hey, look, aren’t those the people from the North City District? They look like a force to be reckoned with, too."

"The North City District is probably the strongest contender in this Preliminary Provincial Examination, aside from the Upper City District. If you ask me, the fight for first place in the North City District will be far more intense than in the Upper City District. At least there’s some suspense."

"Look, the South City District has arrived. The four South City schools brought over a hundred people combined. That’s pretty impressive too!"

"The South City is strong, too. The rivalry between the north and south never ends."

"Huh? Who are those few over there?"

"Oh, them? They’re from the Star Worker Union School in the Mu Yuan District. The school is garbage; they only got ten observer slots. I hear there’s a kid named He Chong whose cultivation isn’t half-bad, though. He’s a strong contender for first place in the Mu Yuan District."

"Heh, the Mu Yuan District’s economy is passable, but their education system is a real joke. Of the Tumu District Nine, Mu Yuan is the weakest—that’s no exaggeration. If the Student Union didn’t prohibit cross-district examinations, the Mu Yuan District would have become a score-farming ground for the other districts long ago!"

"Even so, anyone who can take first in their district is no ordinary character. If this He Chong comes to the Number One Academy for further studies in the future, we’ll have to keep an eye on him."

At the entrance of the Number One Academy, the Star Worker Union School had only ten people in total, a pathetic showing compared to the other schools, which arrived in contingents of dozens. Most of these ten didn’t feel particularly ashamed, however. They weren’t that ambitious and had no illusions about competing with the masters from every path. They would be satisfied just to pass the exam to become Students, earn their degrees, and secure better jobs in the future.

Only He Chong, leading the group, was energized and full of drive.

Ever since he’d dealt with that tough nut, Shi Tiexin, his prestige at school had been at an all-time high. His orders were followed without question. He was feeling pretty good about himself lately, and he walked with an even more imposing swagger as he quickly reached the main gate of the Number One Academy.

"Please show your permit," a guard at the entrance said, holding out a hand to stop him.

He Chong glanced to his side and slightly behind him, politely addressing a quiet and gentle-looking young man. "Brother Gu, please, after you."

The Star Worker Union was a coalition of factories under the Star Engineering United Group. This smiling, seemingly harmless young man was the only son of Director Gu from the Star Engineering United Group’s head office. He Chong, meanwhile, was the son of the executive vice president of Star Worker Industry, a subsidiary of the group.

In terms of official rank, He Chong’s father was half a step above Gu’s father. But in terms of role, Gu’s father held a much more critical position. An official at headquarters always outranks an official in the provinces, so in the end, it was hard to say who truly had more influence. Moreover, the Director of the Head Office was no ordinary post; it was a position with a bright future. If they were to meet, He Chong’s father would have to greet Gu’s father with a deferential smile.

Therefore, in their entire grade at the Star Worker School, the only person who gave He Chong even a moment’s pause was this "Brother Gu," who had only recently enrolled.

’Fortunately, the guy seemed naturally timid and had no intention of competing with me. He always kept to his place, readily ceding the spotlight to others. Perfectly docile.’

’This time, as expected, was no different.’

"Brother He, you flatter me. You are the renowned number one of the Star Worker School. Of course, you should be first." The young man bowed slightly and took a half-step back, his expression one of meek deference.

"Haha, then I won’t stand on ceremony!"

The young man’s deferential posture greatly pleased He Chong. He flicked his hand to show his permit and, with a swagger, became the first to walk through the gates of the Number One Academy.