Volume One, Chapter 16: Li Rouxue

The usual training grounds where everyone practiced their basic exercises looked vastly different than before. Along the edges of each field were long examiner tables, and placed nearby was a sand-colored spirit jar. This sand-colored jar’s primary function was to measure cultivation levels.

The annual examination was quite similar to the initial awakening. Students only needed to gently place their hands on either side of the jar, which would then emit a glowing light.

“Remember what I told you before? The intensity of the light from the test jar reflects the strength of the spirit jar within your Sea of Consciousness,” Zhang Kai encouraged them. “Today is the critical moment to test your achievements over the past year. Bring out your full spirit and showcase your results.”

At that moment, a male student standing nearby sobbed quietly. Wiping the tears from his face, he spoke with reluctance, “Teacher Zhang, this is the last time I’ll call you that. I’m afraid there won’t be another chance.”

“Don’t be pessimistic. Whether the mule runs or not, just take it for a walk; maybe a miracle will happen,” Zhang Kai reassured him.

“But I’m really slow. Even though I train hard every day, the light from my spirit jar is still so faint,” said the student named Niu Dali.

“Dali, don’t be afraid... I’m your roommate; keep that in your heart.”

“If you drop out, I’ll study hard. When I graduate, you can follow me, and you’ll still enjoy the good life every day!”

His roommate, Ji Ba, said confidently.

“Come on! Don’t laugh too soon; you might be the one who gets kicked out first. That would be a real joke.”

“Relax! With my dazzling talent, I’ll definitely rank in the top ten of the year. You’d better start currying favor with me early, don’t wait until the results come out.”

“People like that, I’d just think you’re scheming villains. When the time comes, trying to win my friendship will be hard,” Ji Ba said confidently.

You have to admit, his confidence was quite intimidating. A large group gathered around him, showering him with compliments. Ji Ba thoroughly enjoyed the attention and was clearly in his element.

Soon, the academy's leaders and examiners took their places. The assessment was about to begin.

Amid the noisy training ground, an examiner stood up and cleared his throat a few times.

The crowd instantly quieted down. Seeing everyone’s attention fixed on him, the examiner nodded with satisfaction.

“This year’s annual assessment will be inspected by the Board of Trustees. We hope you will fully demonstrate the spirit and essence of being a spirit master.”

After the examiner finished speaking, the principal gave a speech.

After a lengthy address, the principal’s tone shifted as he said, “Today, I have invited a mysterious guest to give a speech before the exam begins.”

“She is known as the Little Angel of Jiang City—Li Rouxue. Although she should be in the same cohort as you, she was admitted early by the Imperial Spirit Master Academy,” the principal announced loudly. “Let us welcome her with a warm round of applause.”

At his words, the audience erupted in a wave of applause.

“Oh my god! It’s Li Rouxue from the Li family! I heard that at her awakening, heaven and earth cried together, the mountains and rivers mourned, and even the sun chose to hide its brilliance.”

“Why don’t you say the Tao and the gods sang together, and the divine spirits gathered as well?”

Seeing people around him exaggerate more and more, almost turning Li Rouxue into a fairy incarnate, someone interrupted, “You’re missing the point. The key is, she has the backing of the Li family—wealthy, beautiful, and not only that... she’s both talented and stunning, practically the heroine of a perfect story.”

Chen Tianming tilted his head upward to look at the stage. Indeed, he saw a figure of breathtaking beauty standing there. She wore a fiery red cloud-patterned robe bearing the Li family insignia. Far from appearing bulky, it gave her an aura of elegance and nobility.

What was most striking was not her youthful figure exuding girlish charm, but rather her stunning red hair paired with a cold expression that created a striking contrast.

One could not help but sigh: this woman seems to belong only in the heavens; mortals are unsettled just from one glimpse.

This was Li Rouxue???

An undeniable aura of noble grace radiated from her very bones, making most people feel ashamed at just a glance.

Chen Tianming was mesmerized. This must have been the first time he had seen her since that incident.

Five years had passed in the blink of an eye.

The changes over these five years were immense. Seeing the once familiar her on stage now felt strangely unfamiliar.

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