Chapter 57: Becoming the Empire

Li Mingyu never even dreamed that after taking the gaokao he would end up with a poor rating; his strength isn't lacking, right?

A single poor rating in the Trial directly ruined Li Mingyu's chance of getting into a top higher education institution.

Now he's been expelled; let alone a top school, even a higher education institution ranked in the top hundred won't take him.

Even if his family has connections, even if it's the Imperial Guild, they can't compete with the higher education institutions.

Li Mingyu's future is easy to imagine; the best outcome is that he ends up at an ordinary higher education institution.

The rankings were announced one by one; apart from Jiang Chen and Lu Qingyu, Baiyun Shi Di Yi Zhong Xue's overall score was still decent.

Yue Dapeng placed 67th, which is average.

The others were a bit lower, but still could get into higher education institutions.

After the scores were posted, the Examiner's voice sounded again.

This announcement made everyone present perk up their ears to listen.

"Combat-type profession, this year's Jiangbei Province Provincial Top Scholar, Jiang Chen."

The Examiner solemnly declared Jiang Chen the Provincial Top Scholar of this gaokao, prompting another burst of clamor.

Then came thunderous applause, everyone congratulating Jiang Chen.

Becoming a Provincial Top Scholar is exceptionally hard, and Jiang Chen's score crushed the competition to take first place.

From today onward, Jiang Chen's name will likely be forever etched in Shenlong Empire's history; his brilliance is so dazzling it eclipses everyone else's radiance.

The five who entered the Battle Space together— the combined scores of the other four still didn't match his alone; the advantage was glaring.

Amid the applause, the Examiner's voice rang again, as if to grant Jiang Chen a double celebration today.

"The Empire sends a command

, Jiang Chen becomes this year's gaokao National Top Scholar."

Wow! Cheng Rushan leapt up again, a burst of flame erupted over his head; he was so excited that fire spouted from his crown.

Even Jiang Chen himself felt a faint ripple of excitement in his heart.

"National... National Top Scholar."

"Jiang Chen is the National Top Scholar!"

"Is this real? I can't have misheard."

For a moment he could barely speak; Cheng Rushan simply couldn't believe his ears.

He opened his mouth in astonishment, his brain awash with an overwhelming sudden happiness; he never even dreamed that, as principal of Baiyun No. 1 Middle School in Baiyun City, today he would finally have such a highlight moment.

"Lao Cheng, are you okay?"

"Don't get too worked up, take care of yourself."

"Really, Jiang Chen truly is the National Top Scholar."

"You didn't mishear; from now on you can brag for a lifetime."

"Your First Middle School could even rename itself Top Scholar School; producing a National Top Scholar is truly a treasure find."

The principals of surrounding schools hurriedly offered words of comfort to Cheng Rushan; being a principal already at an advanced age, they themselves also suffered from hypertension and coronary issues...

They were genuinely worried that Cheng Rushan's overexcitement might cause some sudden accident, which would be truly bad.

Each of them felt both envy and jealousy; the flame atop Cheng Rushan's head lingered, mirroring his bubbling excitement.

Outside the Trial Tower, the applause sounded like exploding thunder.

"National Top Scholar! Our Jiangbei Province has produced a National Top Scholar."

"My god, how many years has our Jiangbei Province gone without a National Top Scholar?"

"Jiang Chen is so amazing, to think he could become the National Top Scholar

."

Jiang Chen remained calm and composed; when he received the Provincial Top Scholar title, he already sensed that the National Top Scholar might also fall onto his head, and indeed it did.

Lu Qingyu exclaimed in surprise, "You've become the National Top Scholar, why aren't you happy?"

"I am happy," Jiang Chen said lightly.

Lu Qingyu pursed her lips, "You're happy yet you don't even smile."

Jiang Chen, still calm, replied, "I have smiled, in my heart."

Lu Qingyu hummed, "Nevertheless, congratulations, Lin Top Scholar."

Han Li and Ye Xiuwen arrived together.

"Jiang Chen, congratulations!"

Han Li was slightly petite, her voice a bit chilly.

The aura she exuded perfectly matched her profession—Assassin!

Ye Xiuwen extended a hand, "Thanks for this time; if it weren't for you, we'd be in big trouble."

Han Li also expressed her thanks.

Jiang Chen shook his hand, "It's only natural."

Ye Xiuwen asked, "You're probably aiming for Shenlong University, right?"

Jiang Chen nodded.

"Alright then, see you at Shenlong University; I'll treat you to a meal then."

"Mm." Jiang Chen replied lightly.

Jiang Chen was too cold, even colder than Han Li; the atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

Lu Qingyu hurriedly laughed, "He doesn't like to talk; I've been classmates with him for three years, and together we've exchanged fewer than ten sentences."

Jiang Chen shook his head, "Nineteen sentences."

Poof...

Ye Xiuwen and Han Li couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Jiang Chen, this guy, besides not liking to talk, seems rather amusing.

The college entrance exam ended, and they teleported back to school.

Cheng Rushan did not return with them.

The support‑track exam is still continuing, and he still has to stay with it.

Jiang Chen returned home and rested properly.

He can register tomorrow.

His goal is Shenlong University, and

as a National Top Scholar, he will surely get in.

If even he can't get in, then others shouldn't even think about it.

Silently summoned four Skeleton Warriors and then stored them in the Summoning Space.

The Skeleton Warriors in the Summon Queue have already reached 104.

Earlier, in the Battle Space, when fighting Filin Beastman Warriors, the Skeleton Warriors sustained varying degrees of injury.

In the Summoning Space, their wounds healed rapidly.

Thump thump thump.

The knocking sound pulled Jiang Chen out of the Meditation State.

The Flame atop Cheng Rushan finally went out.

But the excitement on his face had not yet faded.

This man, already over sixty, had never been as excited as today.

"Why did you come over?"

It was already deep night at this time.

In the quiet of the deep night, Cheng Rushan suddenly came over, surely with a purpose.

It wasn't only Cheng Rushan who came; there was also a person Jiang Chen didn't recognize.

When Jiang Chen saw the person, his hair stood on end.

The newcomer exuded a terrifying aura, making his breathing somewhat difficult.

It seemed that in the next second, he would suffocate.

Jiang Chen didn't just sit and wait for death; a Skeleton Warrior instantly appeared before him and shielded him.

"Good reaction."

He couldn't see the other's face clearly, yet Jiang Chen recognized the voice.

His previously tense spirit instantly relaxed.

Jiang Chen respectfully bowed to the newcomer, "Greetings, Lord Hong Shen."

Hong Jishi withdrew his aura, revealing his figure from the darkness, "How did you know it was me?"

Jiang Chen also withdrew the Skeleton Warrior, "I recognized your voice."

"Hehe."

Hong Jishi laughed out loud, pleased with Jiang Chen's answer.

He had seen Jiang Chen during a replay in the Battle Space.

Now face to face, Hong Jishi is even more

satisfied.

Jiang Chen was calm and composed.

His instinctive reactions all earned him a perfect score.

"Very good, very good."

"This time I came to discuss matters of Shenlong University with you."