Chapter 106: The Sages' Entrance Examination

What?!

You're the one who got me full marks in both subjects?

Upon hearing Nadixa mention this, Luo De almost jumped up.

You said you wouldn't help me cheat.

How did this suddenly change?

No wonder I could still get a perfect score even though I confirmed I got a question wrong!

So the reason is here!

Fortunately, this is happening in Nadixa's dream world.

If they found out about this while Dixiya and Di Nazedai were celebrating for me during the day, Luo De's shouting would definitely arouse their suspicion.

But even so.

Luo De still couldn't get over the fact that Nadixa had given him a backdoor, turning his imperfect Liberal Arts score into a perfect one, even after half a day.

It's not that this wouldn't work.

Luo De actually doesn't have any particular objection to cheating.

It's just that he can't figure out why Nadixa, with her perfectionist academic nature, would do this.

Regarding this doubt.

Nadixa gave her explanation: "Because a single subject perfect score wouldn't draw A Zhaer's attention."

Huh?

A Zhaer?

You mean my double perfect scores have already caught the Great Sage's attention?

Luo De stared for a moment, then immediately realized this from Nadixa's words.

If that's correct.

That would mean he's already been marked by the Great Sage even before enrolling?

Good grief.

If that's really the case, it'd be better not to aim for double perfect scores.

Don't worry.

A Zhaer isn't temporarily interested in you; he just recorded your name there.

The person I really want you to pay attention to is her.

Seeing Luo De's doubts, Nadixa made a gesture, and shortly after, an image synthesized from grass elemental energy appeared before her.

What is this?

The face on the picture looks somewhat familiar, but it's not someone Luo De knows very well; he couldn't recall who it was at the moment.

Sai Talei, A Zhaer's assistant.

Oh, her.

Upon hearing that name, Luo De immediately remembered.

Isn't that the unlucky guy from 'Stop, the outside is full of Red King believers'?

If it's her, then it makes sense.

As the Great Sage's assistant, Sai Talei is the person closest to A Zhaer in the Academy, and because she feels deep guilt over her desert homeland, working with her is tantamount to planting a mole beside A Zhaer, making it indeed easier to find his weaknesses.

She's of desert people origin.

Are we supposed to make use of this Red King emissary identity?

Luo De roughly guessed some of Nadixa's plans.

Hmm.

I've always liked observing all kinds of people, and Sai Talei is a particularly special one.

The main point Nadixa will talk about next is the part about Sai Talei's deep-seated guilt over the desert that Luo De is familiar with.

Don't rush to look for her first.

Given my understanding of her, she should come to you on her own.

Right, before gaining her absolute trust, don't temporarily use this fake Red King emissary identity, lest complications arise.

You can show her the recent reports and video materials from A Ru Cun that you brought; I believe she'll have her own thoughts after seeing them.

Nadixa laid out everything clearly, arranging all of Luo De's future tasks and what he can do.

It has to be said.

When the Wisdom God personally plans strategies, it's satisfying.

After agreeing to these matters, Luo De continued with Nadixa to start a new subject simulation.

This time.

Their research topic is called desert soilization, concerning how to bind loose sand into plantable soil.

The day after the Academy's entrance exam results were announced.

The Hu Mai Jia household then welcomed two distinguished guests.

Upon receiving the servant's notice, Sha Zaman hurriedly ran out the door to greet the two guests with the utmost ceremony.

Na Feisi and Ju Leshi.

Two of the Academy's Six Great Sages, and also among the few with the greatest influence in Sumeru today.

Let alone that they came together.

Even if only one of them came, Sha Zaman would have to receive them with the highest etiquette.

This is the status of a Sage in Sumeru.

Gazing across all of Sumeru, perhaps only Duoli, this merchant whose size is astonishing, can remain composed before a Sage; everyone else, upon first seeing a Sage, must be as respectful as Shazaman.

That kid from the desert, have him come out to see me.

Nafis didn't come here just to chat with Shazaman; he got straight to the point as soon as he spoke.

Jules, not to be outdone, retorted: 'His name is Luo De; what "kid from the desert"—if you can't speak, say less.'

I'll call him whatever I want; what's it to you?

Nafis gave Jules a look and said irritably, 'Just because I said his name doesn't mean he's not from the desert.'

Since the meeting yesterday about Luo De ended.

The two of them have been arguing ever since.

Their goal is singular: to decide which subject Luo De will major in after enrollment.

Having self-studied to perfect scores, plus his identity as a desert dweller, Luo De is, in their eyes, a superb prospect with double buffs; both have taken a liking to him.

Although the Academy does not forbid students from studying multiple subjects, they generally advise against it.

After all, a person's energy is limited.

If you want to achieve something in a subject, it's best to focus your energy solely on that subject.

Indeed, the Academy is not lacking such top-tier geniuses who master multiple disciplines; indeed, long ago there even appeared a super-genius whose learning qualified him to hold two Sage positions.

But such geniuses are exceedingly rare.

In Nafis and Jules's view, they still think it more suitable for Luo De to major in one subject and minor in another.

Therefore.

It's precisely over this question of who should teach Luo De's major that the two argued all day, finally reaching agreement.

That is, they personally came to test Luo De's aptitude in the Life Theory School and the Simple Theory School; whichever shows greater potential will be his major.

This is a very fair solution.

And thus just now this scene occurred.

In front of Shazaman, the two completely lacked the bearing of Academy Sages, bickering like children without cease.

Shazaman had never seen such a scene.

In his impression, Sages ought to be lofty, speaking with solemnity, possessing great dignity and oppressive presence.

To speak frankly.

Had he not previously seen Nafis and Jules, he would hardly believe that these two incessantly chattering old‑childlike people are actually Academy Sages.

"Is this something I can see?"

After silently comparing this to his last encounter with Nafis and Jules, Shazaman laughed through tears and said, 'Two Sages, Luo De left early, saying he was going to the Adventurers' Association for a trip; he hasn't returned yet.'

"Adventurers' Association?"

"What is he doing there?"

"Could he possibly want to be an adventurer?"

Jules raised an eyebrow, immediately looking displeased: 'No way; if you're going to be a scholar, be a scholar—why run off to become an adventurer?'

On this point.

Nafis, rarely agreeing with him, echoed: 'Exactly, just focus on studies and research; why waste energy on useless things?'

The two exchanged remarks back and forth.

Even before formally taking Luo De as a disciple, they had already begun all sorts of criticism and instruction.

But Nafis and Jules seem unaware of this.

Standing before them is not Luo De, but Shazaman.

Faced with these two Sages whose actions defy common sense, Shazaman truly has no recourse—he can't offend them nor out‑argue them, so he bows and scrapes: 'Two Sages, please rest here awhile; I'll send someone to fetch Luo De back.'

"We aren't in a hurry; why are you rushing?"

Upon hearing that, Nafis glanced at Shazaman and said blandly, 'Let him pursue his extracurricular hobbies; why rush to call him back?'

Seeing Jules also not object to that.

Truly unable to fathom these two Sages' thoughts, Shazaman resignedly said, 'Two Sages, please rest a moment; when Luo De returns, I'll have him come see you directly.'

"Fine, go about your business; no need to keep us two old fogeys company here."

At last he managed to get away from Nafis and Jules.

As soon as Shazaman stepped out the door, he summoned his fastest guard and ordered: 'At your top speed, go to the Adventurers' Association and recall Luo De; tell him two Sages await at home, so he must not miss this opportunity.'

Having done that.

Watching the guard's swift disappearance outside the door, Shazaman still felt somewhat unreal.

"That desert‑born kid, is he about to become a Sage's disciple? Or are the two Sages fighting over him as a student?"

"Really."

"Unbelievable."

Not long after.

Luo De, who was in the midst of qualifying as an adventurer at the Adventurers' Association, hurried back in a panic.

Actually, when that double‑perfect score came out.

He realized he might be taken as a disciple by both Sages simultaneously.

But he never imagined they would personally come to his door.

He originally thought he would, like other students, report to the Academy and then seek a teacher.

He didn't expect to meet those two Sages so soon.

Upon receiving the news, he dared not delay in the slightest, returning before finishing his affairs.

This is no time to put on airs as in some novel plot.

Other sages are already willing to come interview me in person, so there's no reason to keep playing some overpowered protagonist plot that would make them dislike me.

"Two venerable sages, I am Luo De."

Upon meeting them, Luo De, following desert folk etiquette, offered a salute to Nafis and Ju Le Shi.

Out of professional habit.

Upon seeing Luo De, the first thing Nafis looked at was his hand.

After seeing the cocoon on Luo De's hand, he couldn't help but brighten, nodding satisfied: "Hmm, not bad, not bad."

Among the six major schools, the Life Theory School places the greatest emphasis on practice.

Moreover, what the Life Theory School studies—whether agronomy, botany, zoology, or medicine—are all closely tied to people's livelihood, and its practical demands are quite high.

As the most experienced sage of the Life Theory School, Nafis could tell at a glance that the cocoon on Luo De's hand came from long-term use of farm tools.

That's good.

This shows that while studying theory, Luo De also had practical experience—he's not just a bookworm who memorizes knowledge.

Unlike Nafis's focus.

What Ju Le Shi noticed was the Ice Elemental Vision on Luo De's waist.

However, he did not show the same attitude as Nafis.

The Plain Theory School's curriculum isn't limited to elemental studies; alchemy and geomancy are also major subjects.

Nafis has looked over Luo De's exam paper.

Just from that one exam paper, he could tell Luo De's major was elemental studies, while alchemy and geomancy remained at the level of theoretical knowledge.

But that was enough.

Possessing a Vision himself, his grasp of elemental studies is also excellent.

Now only a small test remains.

"Display your elemental energy, and let me see how many variations you can produce."

A very simple test question.

Luo De complied, raising his hand to unleash Ice Elemental Energy.

As he moved his hand, the Ice Elemental Energy first appeared as a point, then expanded into a surface, continuing to develop into a solid, polygon, sphere, and then stretched into other shapes.

Within just two minutes of demonstration time.

Luo De evolved the fixed amount of Ice Elemental Energy in his hand into nearly a hundred variations; the most complex was a snowflake compressed to the size of a grain of rice, its stable Ice Elemental Energy structure and delicate construction eliciting praise even from Ju Le Shi.

This was deliberately made larger so they could see it clearly.

Given Luo De's current control, in extreme conditions he could completely compress this ice crystal to a point invisible to the naked eye.

"Sometimes, the dangers you cannot see are the greatest dangers."

This is what Nadixa told Luo De when teaching him.

"Show me the limits of your control."

Having personally witnessed Luo De's mastery over elemental energy control, Ju Le Shi's face instantly lit up with satisfaction.

Without sufficient theoretical knowledge, it would be impossible to transform into so many variations in such a short time.

Excellent, able to put learning into practice.

However, regarding the demand to push the limits of his Ice Elemental Energy control, Luo De did not act immediately but asked, "Here?"

"Not possible?" Ju Le Shi countered.

"It would destroy this place."

Luo De scratched his head and said frankly, "I still can't fully control this limit; it's easy to lose control."

"Then show whatever you can control."

Ju Le Shi didn't mind that much, casually waving his hand to signal Luo De could begin.

Having received his go-ahead.

Without Luo De making any visible move, the room's temperature suddenly began to drop, thick frost rapidly spreading across walls, furniture, and every visible surface, and within moments the room became colder than the Academy's coldest ice cellar.

This was Luo De straining to keep all the cold air confined around his body.

Otherwise.

Ju Le Shi had no doubt that if Luo De released such cold air recklessly, this place would instantly turn into a Mondstadt Dragonspine Snow Mountain-like icy wasteland where one could not stand.

"Excellent, excellent."

"I am Ju Le Shi, sage of the Plain Theory School; from today onward, Luo De, you are my disciple."

Just as Luo De was retracting his elemental energy, Ju Le Shi seized the moment while Nafis was still recovering from the numbness of the freeze, and quickly claimed Luo De as his disciple.

"Ju Le Shi!"

"Get out of my way!"

"I haven't even asked yet, why are you rushing?"

Nafis couldn't tolerate this; suppressing the urge to shiver, after scolding Ju Le Shi he turned to Luo De and said, "Look at your hands—you must have done some research for the Life Theory School, right? If you have any findings, you can show them to me now."

Luo De's Life Theory School exam answered those subjective questions excellently; although his ideas were a bit whimsical, Nafis liked them after reading.

Moreover, from the reasoning in those questions, he could easily see that Luo De had definitely practiced Life Theory knowledge firsthand—a very valuable experience and a fine habit.

The Life Theory School is a research-oriented school, lacking the martial demands of the Plain Theory School.

Thus Nafis very much wanted to see Luo De's practical results.

Regarding this matter.

Luo De said, "Please wait a moment, I'll go get something."

Having said that, he ran back to his room, selected several experimental reports already tested in A Ru Cun, plus some video footage taken at the time, and handed them all to Nafis.

These fully tested new knowledge were then displayed.

The effect is obvious.

Even some exceed Luo De's expectations.

Nafisi merely flipped a few pages, then exclaimed excitedly: "Come major in the Life Theory School; this place is more suitable for someone like you, a genius, to shine and thrive."

"Lean on me from now on!"

"Such a talent with astonishing accomplishment in element studies, not coming to major in the Element Theory School, is simply wasting heavenly gifts!"

Gulesh rebutted without mercy.

"What's the point of studying your Element Theory School? Become a discipline officer like your disciple? Hehe, Gulesh, isn't wasting one talent enough? Are you planning to waste a second?"

"You're full of shit, how has the Element Theory School offended you? Did you eat our rice? Our Element Theory School's element studies are unrivaled in Teyvat; by then Luo De will supplement with studying earth pulse and alchemy, and when I retire, he'll have the chance to become a new generation sage of the Element Theory School!"

"Yo, you haven't stepped down yet but you're preparing to give up the sage position? Well, you think you're incapable and want to retire, then why not quickly hand over the student to me? Anyway, I'm not retiring yet, I have plenty of time to teach him."

"."

Just like that.

The two sages again argued over the same issue.

The only good news.

It's that they seem to have a good private relationship; no matter how red-faced and thick-necked they get from arguing, they don't directly resort to violence like they did with Kawa Jia.

Finally, under Luo De's earnest persuasion, the two finally stopped arguing and made a decision: thereafter Luo De will spend three days a week studying the Life Theory School, three days studying the Element Theory School, and the remaining day is a day off for rest, distributing study time evenly; everyone simply won't focus on a major, then after a semester we'll see his learning results, whichever field shows greater improvement, next semester Luo De will focus on that field.

Just like that

Without obtaining Luo De's consent, the two sages readily reached a rare agreement on Luo De's academic matter.

(End of chapter)