Chapter 426: The Prefectural Examination
In an unnamed street within the Jade Spring District, Tang Huanhuan tugged desperately at Wu Mang’s sleeve, pleading, “Master, please, I beg you, help me find a way. I’ll pay whatever it takes!”
Wu Mang’s face was etched with feigned difficulty. “Ah, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but the Prefectural Examination requires passing the preliminary assessment. Since you didn’t participate, your name isn’t on the list. It’s… complicated.”
Wu Mang had said “complicated,” not “impossible,” a subtle distinction that carried significant weight.
Tang Huanhuan understood his meaning perfectly—he was simply angling for a bribe. Damn that old geezer, she cursed inwardly. She would have participated in the preliminary assessment if she’d known it was arranged privately. As a rogue cultivator, she hadn’t even been eligible to apply!
When has anything good ever come my way?
Despite her inner turmoil, she maintained a practiced smile. “You have connections that reach the heavens and enjoy the Junior High Priest’s complete trust. If you can’t handle this, Master, no one can. Please, help me out.”
As she spoke, she twisted her body closer, her voluptuous figure brushing against Wu Mang’s, stirring his Heart-Ape into a frenzy. He longed to take her right there and then, but he never dared to cross that final line, contenting himself with a fleeting touch—a perfect embodiment of “having the desire but lacking the courage.”
“Sigh, I’ll do my best,” Wu Mang said, “but let’s be clear: even if it fails, it won’t be cheap.”
Tang Huanhuan’s heart leaped at his softening tone. “I understand, Elder Wu. Just do what you can. Even if it doesn’t work out, I’ll never forget your kindness.”
Her desperate pleas to Wu Mang were all about seizing an opportunity—a chance at fate!
According to the news Wu Mang had brought, this year’s Prefectural Examination was different. In previous years, those who passed were typically assigned to local positions: either as clerks in the prefectural office, officials in the Grand Temple of Eternal Harmony, or, if less fortunate, to minor posts in nearby towns.
This time was different. Those who excelled in the Prefectural Examination would have the opportunity to enter the capital, where the Qian Kingdom would invest heavily in nurturing exceptional talents!
The requirements for participating in the Prefectural Examination were clear: applicants must be under forty years old, regardless of gender, and possess a cultivation level of Foundation Establishment or higher, with no upper limit.
Additional skills, such as proficiency in Formation Dao, pill dao, artifact refinement, or talisman script, would earn extra points.
Although Tang Huanhuan lacked expertise in these areas, she possessed a unique advantage:
—a battle intuition honed through life-and-death struggles.
Her current achievements were forged through relentless combat. While her mystical arts might lag behind those of the city’s noble clans, her combat experience more than compensated.
The scions of those noble clans were pampered treasures, sheltered from the constant brink of life and death.
Therefore, Tang Huanhuan was confident that if she could secure a chance to participate in the Prefectural Examination, she would undoubtedly stand out!
Wu Mang withdrew his hand, suppressing his inner turmoil. “Let’s wait for news. The Prefectural Examination begins the day after tomorrow. This old man must hurry and make arrangements.”
Tang Huanhuan forced a strained smile, retrieved a storage pouch, and pressed it into his hand. “Please take extra care.”
As Wu Mang strode away, Tang Huanhuan’s smile vanished, her eyes turning icy. She vigorously rubbed her chest, as if trying to erase his lingering presence.
Her life had been deeply entangled with the Wu surname. In her early years as a bandit, she had been controlled by her adoptive father, Wu Jue. Now, she was being extorted by Wu Mang. In her heart, she believed no one named Wu could be trusted.
Yet for this opportunity, she had staked everything she owned. She had just handed over all the wealth she had accumulated over the years.
She was betting it all on this one chance!
Born a bandit, she had never lacked the courage to risk her life. If securing this opportunity meant sacrificing everything, then so be it.
If she succeeded, she would make Wu Mang repay tenfold what he had swallowed today!
“The Prefectural Examination…”
Tang Huanhuan clenched her fist, her resolve hardening.
For someone without connections like her, every step forward required unimaginable effort. Each decision felt like a high-stakes gamble: win, and everyone rejoices; lose, and she would have to start all over again.
Or perhaps there would be no chance to start over…
Two days later,
Qin Shutong bounced up to the door and knocked, her clear voice ringing out, “Brother Liang, hurry up! The Prefectural Examination is about to start!”
“Coming!”
Xu Sanyan pushed open the door, his gaze sweeping across the room. His eyes lit up instantly.
Qin Shutong’s attire today was exceptionally dashing. Her black and crimson martial robes exuded a heroic aura, while a black sash draped around her waist added a touch of carefree elegance, accentuating the fullness of her chest.
Her sky-blue ankle boots made her small feet appear exquisitely delicate, stirring an urge to remove them and admire them closely.
Noticing his unwavering gaze, Qin Shutong’s cheeks flushed crimson. The two stood in awkward silence, the air thick with unspoken tension.
“Brother Liang, let’s go,” she murmured. “We’ll be late.”
“Oh, right. Let’s go,” Xu Sanyan stammered, as if just snapping out of a trance. He forced a sheepish smile and hurried out, his steps hurried, as if embarrassed.
“Hehe~”
Qin Shutong found his hasty retreat amusing and covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. She hadn’t expected Brother Liang to be so innocent. Her playful spirit ignited, and she scurried after him, calling out, “Brother Liang, slow down! Wait for me!”
Unseen by her, Xu Sanyan’s lips curled into a faint smile. He had learned this act from Lin Fan; feigning innocence was surprisingly easy.
The pair arrived at the prefectural office amidst playful banter. Xu Sanyan composed himself, adopting a more solemn demeanor, while Qin Shutong abandoned her lively manner, obediently walking beside him.
The prefectural office was unusually crowded today, with representatives from nearly every major clan in the city present to cheer on their family’s candidates.
“Sister Qin?”
A voice called out from nearby. They turned to see a handsome young man waving with a smile. His gaze shifted to Xu Sanyan beside her, his brow furrowing instinctively before he forced another smile, though this one lacked warmth and carried a hint of hostility.
Qin Shutong pouted, her expression tinged with resignation, and whispered, “This is He Wenshu, Commander He’s son. He’s also here for the Prefectural Examination.”
Xu Sanyan nodded slowly, his mind utterly indifferent. He thought, Even my father would treat me with utmost respect, let alone this mere son.
Though they were roughly the same age, their actual status had long diverged beyond comparison, placing them on entirely different planes of existence.
He Wenshu straightened his back, cast a deliberately casual glance at Xu Sanyan, and then ignored him completely. Turning to Qin Shutong, he smiled and asked, “Sister Qin, are you feeling confident today?”
Qin Shutong’s lips curved into a confident smile. “Of course! If you happen to face me, you’d better be careful—I won’t hold back.”
“Heh, Sister, if you face me, you can rest assured. This elder brother wouldn’t dream of harming you.”
He Wenshu carried on his conversation with Qin Shutong as if Xu Sanyan weren’t even there, either oblivious to his presence or simply dismissing him as insignificant.
He knew most of the talented young men in the Prefectural City, having at least exchanged greetings with them. He didn’t recall ever seeing this person before, likely some distant relative from a forgotten corner of the associate magistrate’s household, brazenly trying to make an appearance in high society.
(End of the Chapter)