Chapter 389: Endless "Hmm"s
The grading team leader instinctively used his superpower.
He said “On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage” was well-written, but couldn’t determine its auspiciousness.
He said “How to Cultivate Immortality” was well-written, but similarly couldn’t determine its auspiciousness.
“Strange,” the grading team leader muttered. Having used his ability his entire life, he’d never encountered this situation before.
It was as if anything related to these two people became impossible to evaluate.
What he didn’t know was that discerning fortune and misfortune fell within the domain of karma. Even the Yin-Yang Heaven Seal, most versed in the Dao of Karma, couldn’t trace Jiang Li’s karma—how could a mere first-tier superpower hope to investigate him?
Jiang Li’s karma was imperceptible, invisible, inaudible—a complete void.
After pondering for a moment, he said, “The writing quality between these two essays is comparable. We need to consider other aspects.”
The grading team leader’s first comment made Bai Hongtu and Jiang Li raise their eyebrows.
What did he mean “comparable”? As the Human Sovereign (and Dao Sect Master), how could his writing be on the same level? Clearly his was superior.
“In terms of imagination, ‘On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage’ stands out. One can tell the author is wildly creative, fond of fantasizing about impractical things.”
“Hmm?” Bai Hongtu made a questioning sound, raising his pitch.
What did he mean “impractical”?
Though not using his superpower, the grading team leader suddenly felt uneasy, as if something bad might happen. Professionalism compelled him to continue.
“While ‘How to Cultivate Immortality’ appears imaginative at first glance, I could actually practice according to its contents. This shows the essay isn’t purely imaginative, making it inferior in that aspect.”
“Hmm.” Bai Hongtu hummed again, his tone descending.
“‘On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage’ cites fabricated quotes from supposed famous figures—things like ‘Immortal Elder Changcun once said this’ or ‘The Dao Sect Master said that.’ I’ve never heard of these celebrities, which is problematic.”
“Hmm?” Bai Hongtu’s pitch rose again.
“Though unfamiliar, upon reflection these quotes prove remarkably insightful. They must stem from the author’s personal experience, offering profound perspective.”
“Hmm.” The tone fell once more.
“However, the handwriting in ‘On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage’ is rather…flamboyant, not particularly elegant…”
“Hmm?” The questioning tone returned.
Smack!
Jiang Li finally couldn’t take it anymore and swatted the back of Bai Hongtu’s head.
This Bai fellow’s endless “hmms” were more annoying than mosquitoes, instantly irritating.
“Overall, I believe ‘On How Tribulation Transcendence Stage Can Defeat Mahayana Stage’ is slightly superior.”
“I knew at first glance you were an objective, fair-minded teacher with excellent judgment.” Bai Hongtu preened, suddenly finding the grading team leader’s beer belly quite endearing.
Bai Hongtu pointed at the team leader—his beer belly gradually disappeared, replaced by thick, dark hair.
“This is…” The grading team leader thrilled at such miraculous power.
“Do I look handsomer? Thinner?”
“Yes.”
Bai Hongtu nodded: “This is an illusion I cast. From now on, this is how you’ll see yourself.”
“And how will others see me?”
“Obviously still with a beer belly and balding head.”
“…”
Jiang Li moved to swat Bai Hongtu again, but this time he ducked.
Seeing the team leader’s disappointment, Jiang Li explained: “He lied. That wasn’t an illusion but a Body Sculpting Art—your current appearance is real.”
To prevent Bai Hongtu from getting too smug, Jiang Li maintained composure despite inner frustration.
Winners enjoy observing losers’ expressions—a principle Jiang Li understood well.
Body Sculpting Art originated from a beautiful female cultivator who loved eating.
Delicious foods often contain high energy. Overeating led to weight gain, so she developed this technique to maintain her figure.
Its creation caused a sensation among female cultivators.
Meanwhile, the deputy director continued extolling the essays’ importance to the director with exaggerated praise.
He thought he was exaggerating, but the director understood cultivation’s terrifying implications better than anyone.
“Enough, Lao Zheng. I’m aware. The grading team leader stays—you may leave.”
With that dismissal, the deputy director had no choice but to depart.
“Playing among mortals must be quite relaxing for you two,” the director said amiably, having learned about them from Director Shao. Coinciding with their capital visit, he’d politely invited them over.
Their conversation was promptly interrupted by the deputy director.
“You wanted to find the essays’ authors? Here they are.”
The director gazed fervently at the grading team leader—their world’s first cultivator held monumental significance.
The team leader stood dumbfounded at the coincidence.
“You’ve enlightened me in the Dao. Please accept this disciple’s bow.”
Neither would allow it.
Bai Hongtu had only one disciple—Yu Youxian, the Dao Sect Envoy currently streaming in Mingzhong World.
Jiang Li had none at all.
They wouldn’t casually accept disciples.
Teaching cultivation? Fine.
Formal apprenticeship? No.
Recognizing recluses’ temperaments, the team leader reluctantly gave up.
“Seeking subsequent cultivation methods?” Jiang Li smiled, addressing both the team leader and director.
The director was ecstatic at obtaining cultivation techniques.
Assuming they followed strict lineage traditions, he never expected such easy access.
“But who will you teach?”
This question gave the director pause.
Indeed—who should learn cultivation? Superpower holders? Selected talented ordinary people? Or nationwide implementation?
Each option had pros and cons—the director couldn’t immediately weigh them.
Jiang Li easily discerned his dilemma.
“Any suggestions, sir?” The director humbly sought advice.
“Your world, your decision. I won’t interfere. Still want the methods?”
The director smiled bitterly. Jiang Li’s question made the responsibility feel crushing—acquiring the methods might lead to sleepless nights and rash decisions.
They’d only recently achieved delicate balance between superpowered and ordinary people, ending six thousand years of conflict.
Mishandling cultivation could restart that cycle.
“My apologies for the indecision. Please allow me time to consider before requesting the methods.”
“Very well.”