Chapter 388: Two Essays
In the classroom, countless teachers were grading national college entrance exam papers displayed on computer screens.
The grading criteria for other subjects were clear-cut and straightforward with minimal subjectivity, but the Chinese language exam proved exceptionally difficult due to its highly variable scoring standards.
The exam employed a double-blind grading system where two teachers independently scored each paper. If their scores were close, the average would be taken. For significant discrepancies, the papers would be forwarded to the grading team leader for final judgment.
Two teachers now faced such a situation.
“On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage? What kind of bizarre title is this?” one teacher muttered internally, having never encountered such a peculiar essay topic in all his years of grading.
“Who knows what goes through kids’ minds these days.”
After some hesitation, he gave it 25 points.
…
“On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage? Now this is an interesting title,” remarked the second teacher, immediately snapping out of his drowsy state.
“Exactly! Writing should be creative. What’s the point of following tired old templates and clichés?”
Growing more impressed as he read, the teacher decisively awarded the full 60 points – the maximum score for essays.
…
“Hmm? Two essays automatically forwarded to me? Must be cases of extreme scoring disparity.”
The grading team leader chuckled as he opened both documents.
“On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage and How to Cultivate Immortality… Fascinating, though I don’t quite understand these terms about Tribulation Transcendence Stage, Mahayana Stage, or cultivating immortality.”
“Ah, so it’s assuming a world where people can become immortals through cultivation, with Tribulation Transcendence being the final stage before ascension. Quite rigorous.”
“The first essay demonstrates exceptional writing and imagination – it genuinely reads like serious contemplation about defeating a Mahayana cultivator.”
“But this second one… it’s practically a step-by-step guide on beginning immortal cultivation.”
“So this is how you guide Qi into the body… I wonder if I could try… Let me check the omens… Auspicious?”
Few knew the grading team leader possessed the superpower of divining fortunes.
Not all superhumans joined the Superhuman Management Bureau or Superhuman Cult – some, like the team leader, registered but lived ordinary lives.
“Let me try… Something’s entering my body?!” The leader suddenly stood up in shock.
Other teachers looked at him in confusion.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, the leader waved off their concern while struggling to contain his excitement.
“According to How to Cultivate Immortality, this must be Qi guidance – I’ve reached the Qi Refining Stage!”
He could feel continuous energy flowing through him, making his body years younger while alleviating various chronic ailments.
And this was merely the most basic foundation of cultivation.
“What comes next? Where’s the rest?!” Frantically scrolling down, he found the instructions abruptly cut off.
“Who limited essays to 800 words?!” he internally raged, eyes bloodshot with unprecedented hatred for word limits. Had the author been allowed to continue, the benefits to humanity would have been immeasurable.
Frustrated beyond measure, he tried checking the author’s identity but lacked sufficient clearance. Accessing that information required climbing bureaucratic ladders.
Using his power, he divined that reporting this to the education department would yield neither good nor bad results – meaning wasted effort.
“Those fools would never believe me,” he grumbled, well acquainted with bureaucrats’ tendency to avoid extra work.
He tried another divination – reporting to the Superhuman Management Bureau instead.
“Auspicious?”
His spirits lifted – the Bureau was reliable. Unlike bureaucrats, they actively sought interesting cases and never shied from complications. This would definitely pique their interest.
…
To prevent favoritism, exam papers were scanned and distributed to teachers in distant cities for grading. The team leader’s location was thousands of kilometers from Bihai City.
As predicted, the Superhuman Management Bureau showed keen interest in his report, especially after witnessing his demonstration of Qi guidance – breaking stones on his chest.
The fifty-something leader, with his beer belly, bald spot, and weathered appearance, looked ridiculous shirtless with a boulder on his chest. Observing superhumans found the spectacle unnerving.
Everyone held their breath – would the stone break his chest, or his chest break the stone?
“You there – you look strongest.” The leader pointed at a brawny superhuman who seemed perfect for wielding sledgehammers.
“Got it,” the muscular man rumbled.
As the man raised the hammer, the leader suddenly asked, “What’s your superpower?”
“Striking through obstacles to hit targets.”
“…Get someone else!”
They eventually found another hammer-wielder.
Being a genuine Qi Refining First Stage cultivator, the leader succeeded spectacularly – the stone shattered while he coughed up blood from the impact.
After all, he only had basic cultivation, not an iron body.
Nearby healing-type superhumans rushed to treat him.
This dramatic demonstration convinced everyone of his claims.
As a first-tier superhuman with an ordinary physique, surviving such punishment proved his body had undergone revolutionary changes.
Recognizing How to Cultivate Immortality’s immense value, the Bureau prepared to escalate the matter.
“Let’s include On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage too – as a bonus.”
…
The Bureau worked with remarkable efficiency. Within hours, a deputy director took charge.
“Director, we have a major situation.” The deputy brought the grading leader to the director’s office, where two guests were being received.
Considering the matter’s importance, the deputy insisted on interrupting.
“Please review these two essays written by exam candidates. Their identities are currently shielded by education authorities. Should we use our clearance to uncover them now, or wait until results are published?”
The director examined the essays, then looked at his guests with indescribable expression.
Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu observed the grading leader with great interest, motioning him over.
“You handle exam grading?”
“Yes.” The leader answered cautiously, knowing guests in the director’s office must be exceptionally important.
“So tell us – which of these two essays is better?”