[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-108":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Star Martial Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2274966,4448,"Chapter 108: Disciple of the Former National Master and the First Test (Request Subscription)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-108",108,"\u003Cp>After entering the Star-Picking Tower’s Autumn Exam realm, Xu Jin merely glanced around and blurted out, “Holy shit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this so-called Autumn Exam realm was unbelievably real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around him, in every direction, people kept appearing, and all around was already a dense, dark sea of heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After one quick look, he understood the general layout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All disciples entering the Autumn Exam realm were positioned according to their home state or prefecture; different identities meant different locations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Xu Jin’s current position was right at the location of the Yanzhou State Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large banner bearing the characters “Yanzhou” fluttered not far behind him, and closer still, a smaller banner fluttered with the words “Jinshan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the Jinshan Academy banner, disciples continued to appear, but they were divided into two zones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciples like Xu Jin, the exam participants, stood at the very front under the banner’s coverage; all thirty-five Jinshan Academy candidates for this Autumn Exam had arrived, while the Jinshan Academy spectators stood behind the banner—numbering several hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin tried to move backward, but an invisible barrier blocked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, seven other large banners fluttered in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five of them were state banners: Songzhou, Xihaizhou, Danzhou, Leizhou, and Jingzhou; beneath each state banner were smaller banners of varying numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All sixty-seven prefectures of Chen Guo’s six states had sent their academies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two large banners were one for Wanyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanyi was the capital of Chen Guo, so the Wanyi Academy was granted the same status as a state academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final large banner bore five large characters: “Chen Guo National Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the Chen Guo National Academy banner, the position for exam participants was a dense, dark mass—over a thousand people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number of participants from each state academy was also large; those far away were indistinct, but the Yanzhou Academy’s section, close at hand, had at least three hundred heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number of participants from each prefecture academy varied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, among the twelve prefectures under Yanzhou, some had as many as fifty-six participants, while others, like Jinshan Academy, had only thirty or forty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The total number of Yanzhou participants in this Autumn Exam was close to a thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What stunned Xu Jin was the scene of this Autumn Exam realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fucking incredible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the most hyped virtual reality from his past life couldn’t compare to this Autumn Exam realm’s little finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to what Xu Jin knew, this world did have some technology—like star-powered airships and a few star-driven devices—but overall, its technological level lagged behind his past world by over a thousand years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Star-Picking Tower was just too powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The information Xu Jin already knew about the Star-Picking Tower couldn’t be matched by anything from his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how had this Star-Picking Tower, so far beyond the current world’s level, come into existence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was this just how supernatural abilities worked?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first round of the Autumn Exam is usually an ability test. As long as you perform normally, over eighty percent of participants will pass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once the specific test details are announced, just do your best.” At some point, Ning Yuchan, the chief instructor, appeared in the Jinshan Academy’s test zone and sat behind Xu Jin, giving the disciples last-minute reminders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, while taking the exam, pay slight attention to your fellow examinees nearby—don’t get too close to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because there are so many participants, sometimes they might interfere with your performance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But whether intentional or accidental, you only get one chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The National Academy’s Autumn Exam rules follow one guiding principle: everything must be grounded in real combat.” Ning Yuchan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin listened, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interference from others?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Ning Yuchan giving a normal warning—or a deliberate hint?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was there a tradition of internal rivalry in this Autumn Exam?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, beneath the Chen Guo National Academy banner, Dong Zhao, the head of Jinshan Academy, had just arrived. After bowing respectfully to each of the high-ranking officials seated above, he found his seat in the fifth row.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, an elderly man in the front row turned around and grinned at Dong Zhao, “Little Dong, you’ve done well this year—two major merits and one special merit. If you get an A-rank in your official duties this Autumn Exam, you’ll be promoted back to the National Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, any confidence?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker was Chen Liao, the National Academy’s Inspector, who had a decent relationship with Dong Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Chen, hard to say! But this year, Jinshan Academy has produced a few promising disciples—they’ll likely perform well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But whether I’ll get an A-rank? That’s still uncertain.” Dong Zhao replied with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, you—you’re as modest as ever! Even when you’re certain, you only claim six-tenths confidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like your return to the National Academy this year is guaranteed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interested in becoming my deputy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao lowered his eyes and smiled, “That would require an A-middle or even A-top rating to qualify me for promotion—I don’t have that much confidence, Master Chen, you’re overestimating me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, you!” Chen Liao pointed at Dong Zhao and chuckled, then fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Chen Liao, not far away, Lu Chenfeng, the head of Yanzhou State Academy, listened to their exchange with a gloomy expression, glancing toward the Yanzhou State Academy’s direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chenfeng, how have you been managing this year?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another voice spoke up—it was Song Bing, the Right Sacrificial Officer of the National Academy. He pointed at Dong Zhao, but was addressing Lu Chenfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at little Dong—he’s earned two major merits and one special merit this year; with an A-rank, he’ll leap straight up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about you? You’ve been reprimanded twice already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you being too lax?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or are you tired of your position at the state academy and don’t want to stay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Bing’s question was clearly an accusation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of so many people, Lu Chenfeng immediately flushed with shame and stood up quickly, “I’ve been negligent—I’ve brought shame upon my teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sit, sit, sit!” Song Bing waved his hand. “Shaming me is minor, but neglecting state affairs is serious. Your Yanzhou Academy must remain united—families torn apart by internal rivalry never thrive. Little Dong, isn’t that right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a clear reprimand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao bowed slightly and replied, “Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Bing waved his hand again. “I wasn’t talking about you—I just mentioned it in passing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But within the National Academy, we value results—everything depends on your achievements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope your Yanzhou Academy performs well this Autumn Exam, otherwise—” Dong Zhao lowered his eyes; Lu Chenfeng immediately spoke again to assure him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The high-ranking officials seated on the Observation Platform had long grown used to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Competition—this happened every year, it was common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The National Academy was so large; factions were only natural. No factions would be strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Song Bing’s remarks were deliberate, his favoritism obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, it was human nature—not just because of his teacher-student relationship with Lu Chenfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two reprimands Lu Chenfeng received this year were both tied to Dong Zhao’s merits; it was no surprise he held resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two reprimands, Lu Chenfeng was lucky just to keep his position as head of the state academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Dong Zhao’s status was somewhat unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once been the direct disciple of the former Grand National Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Dong Zhao should have been seated in the first two rows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relationships behind this were extremely complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, he could only sit in the fifth row.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, beneath the Yanzhou State Academy banner, the chief instructor Chai Yuanchang was giving special pre-exam instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the Star-Picking Token trembled slightly, and Chai Yuanchang received a starlight message—it was from Headmaster Lu Chenfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Headmaster, rest assured—it’s all arranged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About ten minutes later, a figure with long hair flowing over his shoulders landed on the central, most prominent position of the front row of the Observation Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, all the elders, headmasters, and academy directors on the platform rose to pay their respects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, Grand National Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, Grand National Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voices spread, and in the next instant, beneath every state and prefecture banner—including the spectators—all disciples, under the guidance of their instructors, bowed to the newly arrived Grand National Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the cries of “Welcome, Grand National Master” surged through the realm like a tidal wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they all here?” the Grand National Master suddenly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, a man with a wasp waist, simian arms, clad in battle armor, stood up and replied, “Your Majesty, this year’s Autumn Exam has nine thousand three hundred forty-five participants from all academies—all present. When shall we begin, Your Majesty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Yu Da, the Chief Instructor of the Chen Guo National Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, over nine thousand—several hundred more than last year. Looks like all academies have been diligent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have the exam plans been finalized?” the Grand National Master asked—but this question was directed at others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Liao stood up. “Your Majesty, the two Sacrificial Officers and four Academic Directors submitted twelve combined plans. I labeled them One through Twelve; all have been constructed within the Star-Picking Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please choose which plan to use.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Chen Liao waved his hand, and twelve glowing orbs appeared before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Master Chen.” The Grand National Master, Cheng Yuexiao, casually pulled forward five orbs. They flickered briefly, and he selected one, pushing it toward Chen Liao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use this one. I like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Liao took the orb, glanced at it, and shouted loudly, “By the Grand National Master’s order, this year’s Autumn Exam will use Plan Five!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Plan Five, execute immediately.” Chief Instructor Yu Da took the orb and instantly hurled it into the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, countless brilliant starlight beams erupted from the Autumn Exam realm, swirling and gathering at its center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, Xu Jin’s expression turned stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this autumn examination’s trial realm be generated in real time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has the Star-Picking Tower’s trial realm become this advanced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are they even playing sandbox now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, a vast scene appeared before the tens of thousands of examinees and spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was stunned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was somewhat like a realm within a realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them, especially every spectator, could look down upon this newly generated autumn examination trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously, several streaks of starlight messages popped up before Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Xu Jin, the first autumn examination trial is the Grand Selection. Enter from your starting point and reach the military banner within one hundred breaths to pass. The shorter the time, the higher your rank. The top one hundred, and especially the top ten, receive rewards.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The first autumn examination trial may present dangers from all directions. Beware and respond accordingly.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading both messages, instantly, beneath the distant Chen Guo Academy flag, a shimmering starlight screen appeared with a string of text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Autumn Examination Grand Selection Rankings】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【First place: reward one hundred strands of starlight】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Second to third place: reward eighty strands of starlight】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Fourth to tenth place: reward sixty strands of starlight】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Eleventh to hundredth place: reward thirty strands of starlight】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【All who pass receive five strands of starlight as reward】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reading this ranking list, Xu Jin’s eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rewards looked quite tempting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hundred strands of starlight equaled ten thousand taels of silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even making the top one hundred meant a reward of three thousand taels of silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad, not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, Xu Jin’s motivation surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Xu Jin, the first autumn examination trial is about to begin. Enter the trial within one hundred breaths.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, starlight messages appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1937,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8cca2947cda79a5ebde76b6dbb2f8ae7a06294ad10a765ba4b8c39de0ce6818c","the-star-martial-era-chapter-109","the-star-martial-era-chapter-107",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]