Chapter 43: The Immortal Examination Begins: First Round Test!

Hearing that the Heavenly Dao Immortal Examination had begun, Old Li shot up abruptly, squinting into the distance, trying to see through the mist-shrouded Immortal Ascension Platform.

But seemingly restricted by his cultivation level, no matter how hard he stared, he could not see the scene atop the Immortal Ascension Platform.

Meng Xianzhang chuckled and said, “Little Li, don’t rush—just watch the reflection in the mirror and the moon in the water.”

With that, he waved one hand, channeling true qi into the stone table placed at the center of the pavilion; its surface instantly turned into a pool of water.

Within the water, the overhead view of the Immortal Ascension Platform was clearly reflected.

Looking across, every single Immortal candidate could be seen in perfect clarity.

Zhu Xiao exclaimed in awe, “Remarkable technique, Meng Xianzhang—your immortal arts are exquisite.”

Meng Xianzhang smiled faintly at the flattery: “Merely a minor trick, nothing worth mentioning.”

Before Zhu Xiao could continue praising, Feng Xianzhang spoke up: “It’s just a minor spell—anyone with hands can do it.”

Everyone: “...”

Feng Xianzhang looked at them in confusion. Did I say something wrong again?

Meng Xianzhang didn’t mind; he merely chuckled and moved past the topic:

“Time’s about up. Let’s watch the Immortal Examination.”

As he spoke, he tapped his fingers lightly on the table’s surface and smiled: “Found them—Little Chu and the others.”

After several rotations of the mirror-and-moon image, it finally stabilized on the “region” of Xichuan Province.

Among the hundred or so candidates, they instantly spotted Chu Wange in her bright red robe, then saw Lin Mo standing beside her.

Meng Xianzhang’s expression grew slightly complex: “These two young friends really are... inseparable.”

Hearing this, Zhu Xiao and Old Li exchanged glances; the latter instantly understood.

Old Li spoke respectfully: “Two Xianzhang, is our earlier agreement still valid?”

He was not referring to the deal made with Chu Wange, but the one made with the “bonus item”—Lin Mo.

Especially after a single glance at the Immortal Ascension Platform, both Zhu Xiao and Old Li felt a flicker of concern.

Qinzhou is brimming with talent; this year’s Immortal candidates seem far more numerous than in past years.

At a glance, there may be over ten thousand.

Yet the combined enrollment capacity of the Nine Great Academies never exceeds one thousand.

In other words, at least ninety percent of these ten thousand candidates will fail to enter any of the Nine Great Academies.

Even Ye Chen, bearing the title of [Yellow-Rank Destiny Child], cannot guarantee admission to the Nine Great Academies.

Before arriving, Zhu Xiao had already discussed this with Old Li.

Chu Wange need not worry—if she fails, then few of these ten thousand candidates will succeed.

Ye Chen’s cultivation is average among the candidates, but he is still a Destiny Child, so he has a chance.

Only Lin Mo—though his fortune surged dramatically over the past month and he rose unexpectedly—still cannot escape his mediocre innate talent.

To pass the Nine Great Academies by his own strength alone is nearly impossible.

If Lin Mo could secure a direct admission slot beforehand, it would be a great benefit for Nanshan No. 4 High.

Thus, today their goal is to fully “assist” Lin Mo and secure that direct admission slot!

But events did not unfold as smoothly as they had imagined.

Upon hearing Old Li’s question, Meng Xianzhang’s expression showed clear hesitation:

“Regarding Little Lin, I reported his case to the academy upon returning, but his cultivation and talent are truly...”

He paused, glancing at Feng Xianzhang beside him, who looked back in confusion.

That oaf—why didn’t he jump in?

He silently grumbled in his mind.

Old Li pressed urgently: “Meng Xianzhang, you’re not going back on your word, are you?”

Before the other could reply, Zhu Xiao shot him a sharp look:

“Old Li, how dare you speak like that? Meng Xianzhang represents the Nine Great Academies—how could he break his word?”

Meng Xianzhang clearly saw their act; he waved a hand:

“Little Li, don’t rush—it’s not that the agreement is invalid, but for Lin Mo to earn a direct admission slot, he must score over five hundred points in the Heavenly Dao Immortal Examination. This is the lowest threshold set by the Wenda Academy.”

He stressed the words “lowest,” making it clear this was no excuse—it was the academy’s final, agreed-upon decision.

Unexpectedly, Feng Xianzhang nodded and added: “Qingshan Sect agrees as well.”

Clearly, this was not merely the Wenda Academy’s stance—it was an unspoken rule among all Nine Great Academies.

Five hundred points... Zhu Xiao and Old Li exchanged glances, each seeing the worry in the other’s eyes.

Though the total score of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Examination is one thousand, its difficulty far exceeds that of ordinary Immortal Exams.

Many candidates who score six or seven hundred in ordinary exams may still fail to reach five hundred here.

Just as they were about to speak again, the Immortal Ascension Platform suddenly shifted—golden light blazed fiercely from the heavens, and the bell’s resonance once again echoed through the clouds.

A golden scroll radiating vast immortal energy slowly unfurled atop the platform, its radiance engulfing the entire structure; every candidate standing upon it was instantly bathed in golden light.

“It’s beginning.”

Both Meng Xianzhang and Feng Xianzhang’s expressions grew more serious.

Not just them—even the Immortal Masters from all the academies atop Great Ming Mountain wore similar expressions.

Beyond the awe-inspiring might of the Heavenly Dao, their solemnity stemmed from “performance metrics.”

Direct admissions before the Heavenly Dao Immortal Examination were a disguised form of “betting.”

Each academy selected promising candidates beforehand and extended offers—this was a form of “betting.”

The Immortal Ascension Platform, in a sense, was a gambling table, where the prize was who had bet on the candidate who would claim first place on this year’s Immortal Ranking.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Zhu Xiao and Old Li held their breath, eyes locked on the mirror-and-moon image, their hearts tightening with tension...

Especially Old Li—his palms clenched tight as he silently urged: Lin Mo, we’ve done all we can. You’d better step up!

Upon the Immortal Ascension Platform, gentle golden light poured down; Lin Mo felt a warm current flow through his body, and Chu Wange’s voice reached his ears:

“Don’t resist—the first round test has begun.”

This was the first round test?

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Mo’s eyes; the Heavenly Dao’s first round test seemed more direct than he’d imagined.

The sensation of golden light was similar to when Meng Xianzhang had tested him before, yet far gentler.

The Heavenly Dao’s testing light was like the lingering glow of dawn—brilliant yet not blinding, warm and irresistible.

Moments later, Lin Mo’s first-round test results appeared on his panel:

[Cultivation]: Qi Refining 7th Layer... Score: 180

[Talent]: Five-Element Spirit Roots (Purity 39%), no special traits... Score: 118

[Destiny Points]: 35... Bonus: +5

[Current Total Score]: 303