[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-115":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},2274973,4448,"Chapter 115: Performance Review and Selection (Subscription Request)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-115",115,"\u003Cp>In the autumn examination realm, all eyes were fixed on the center of the wasteland battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the largest-scale battle visible so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the battlefield, Xu Jin, Wang Weisheng, Lu Xianbing, and others advanced at a steady pace, not using Flying Star Step to surge ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples of the Chen Guo Dao Academy did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever dared surge ahead now would face concentrated fire from the entire opposing side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how strong you are, a single star arrow from each of them could overwhelm and kill you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hundred meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sixty meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty meters—close combat imminent. The Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples formed a fan-shaped encirclement, every one of them shimmering with starlight, star arts primed and ready to unleash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides accelerated simultaneously, Flying Star Step exploding in waves of rapid charges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final death battle began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, Xu Jin detonated Flying Star Step, flashing sixty meters in a single burst, instantly appearing behind the Chen Guo Dao Academy formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost as soon as he landed, a star ring surged outward from his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, his ten fingers flickered in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star rings rippled out, nine-pulse divine swords unleashed in sequence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the most star-energy-efficient method—the star ring was currently the strongest area-of-effect star art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no choice; Xu Jin’s star energy was nearly gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s sudden flash behind the Chen Guo Dao Academy formation caught them completely off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He landed—and a star ring erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just any star ring—a powerful, wide-radius one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, seven or eight Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples were flung off balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star ring broke defenses; star arrows finished them off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the space of a single moment, Xu Jin eliminated seven Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xu Jin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right before their eyes, Xu Jin had instantly killed seven or eight fellow disciples—how could they face their own people now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen whirled around and charged toward Xu Jin, firing star cords and star arrows in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Xu Jin unleashed his second wave of star rings, which shattered Yan Chen’s star cords and star arrows, and the remaining star arrows eliminated five more Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples—two of them aimed directly at Yan Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Yan Chen was also strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those two star arrows only shattered the star arrows Yan Chen fired, broke his star shield, and forced him back two steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that two-second opening, Fang Mingchun and Yuan Feiqing reacted instantly, dashing forward and swiftly surrounding Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the Jin Shan Dao Academy disciples seized the chance to finish off the wounded—especially those already broken or heavily damaged by Xu Jin’s star rings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Yan Chen launched two star cords like venomous snakes toward Xu Jin; Yuan Feiqing charged forward with rapid star arrow volleys; Fang Mingchun flashed close, unleashing a star ring while his longsword already slashed toward Xu Jin with lightning speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he slashed at Xu Jin, his toe flicked out two additional star arrows aimed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin swept his left-hand star cord horizontally, scattering Yan Chen’s cords and shattering Yuan Feiqing’s arrows; beneath his feet, Flying Star Step exploded, letting him dodge Fang Mingchun’s attack entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mid-air, his fifteen-chi-long ultra-long star cord shot out like lightning, wrapping around the neck of a nearby Chen Guo Dao Academy disciple, and starlight detonated at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another kite-ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, his ten fingers flickered in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xu Jin did not stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star energy poured out like a flood—his fingers fired nonstop, star arrows raining down relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until every last trace of star energy in his body was completely expended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighteen star arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After firing the final eighteen star arrows, Xu Jin’s star energy was utterly drained; the four pills he’d taken were long gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star energy exhausted!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those eighteen star arrows had achieved their purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven star arrows in rapid succession directly eliminated Yan Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Yan Chen had erected three star shields and activated his personal star barrier in an instant, he was still wiped out by Xu Jin’s six star arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One wasted arrow—that was Xu Jin’s thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, seven star arrows targeted Yuan Feiqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Feiqing’s reaction was slightly faster than Yan Chen’s—he shattered one of Xu Jin’s star arrows with his blade and erected layered defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was still taken out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After forcibly enduring seven star arrows in one second, he was eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other four star arrows targeted Fang Mingchun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They barely pierced his defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One or two more star arrows would have definitely killed Fang Mingchun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, no star energy remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a drop left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without star energy didn’t mean the fight was over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his star energy was gone, the star cord had snapped; Xu Jin lunged forward instantly, raised his waist blade, and beheaded the disciple whose neck he’d just ensnared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he flashed toward Fang Mingchun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mingchun, snapping out of his daze, immediately met him head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He unleashed a star ring and fired consecutive star arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One star ring plus one star arrow shattered Xu Jin’s protective star barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that very moment, Xu Jin’s longsword had already slashed Fang Mingchun three times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But without star energy to empower it, even a star weapon’s power was greatly diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three slashes—none of them broke Fang Mingchun’s star shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Fang Mingchun unleashed another star ring and fired a star arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The star ring flung Xu Jin backward; the star arrow struck him, turning him into countless scattered starlights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin eliminated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after eliminating Xu Jin, Fang Mingchun froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No energy left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kill felt utterly pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it felt deeply wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d expected to shatter tempered steel, but ended up feeling like he’d smashed through paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had Xu Jin fought like he was begging to be killed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they that close?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Fang Mingchun couldn’t process it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he himself had no shortage of star energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this point, his star energy was still abundant—he’d only consumed one of the four pills issued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Fang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mingchun snapped his head around from his daze, his expression turning utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Wang Weisheng just have slain a Chen Guo Dao Academy disciple; the other four Jin Shan Dao Academy disciples had just killed two more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just this short time, the Jin Shan Dao Academy disciples had already wiped out the Chen Guo Dao Academy forces!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight versus twenty-three!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been an assured victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was six versus two!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Shan Dao Academy: six. Chen Guo Dao Academy: two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Fang Mingchun felt a chill crawl up his scalp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he knew clearly—this entire situation was Xu Jin’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then how strong had Xu Jin truly been?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had he been so easily killed just now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Fang Mingchun turned and charged toward Wang Weisheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One minute later, Fang Mingchun died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mingchun had just gained a massive point boost for killing Xu Jin—but now, it was Wang Weisheng’s turn to gain a massive point boost for killing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In actual strength, Fang Mingchun had firmly surpassed Wang Weisheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fang Mingchun could not possibly kill Wang Weisheng in a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhang Han, Lu Xianbing, and others eliminated the remaining Chen Guo Dao Academy disciple, they rushed over to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six against one!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mingchun is not Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambushed and annihilated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far across the stone beach, Meng Qingqiu, senior sister of the Jinshan Dao Academy, had been watching from a kilometer away and never joined the battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when Fang Mingchun was slain, she did not intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Fang Mingchun was killed did she turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for points, she was certain hers ranked in the top three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First place was impossible to claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing to fight would be meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining disciples of Jinshan Dao Academy, including Wang Weisheng, were beneath Meng Qingqiu’s notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could be wiped out in a few moves—no challenge at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qingqiu had come here originally to fight Xu Jin in a true duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she never expected Xu Jin had died in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an observer, Meng Qingqiu had already seen the true reason Xu Jin died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed she would have to wait for the autumn examination battle to finally fight Xu Jin properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Autumn Examination Realm, Song Bing, Lu Chenfeng, and the academy heads of Yanzhou all wore grim expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their disciples had been eliminated early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to their earlier excitement, they now felt nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the teaching staff of Chen Guo Dao Academy—academy heads and deputy heads—were deeply embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Guo Dao Academy’s disciples had indeed killed Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, three against one had slain Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who were they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The very top teachers of Chen Guo—the weakest among them were fifth-rank Gathered Star mid-stage experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious: Xu Jin hadn’t died in battle—he had simply run out of star energy at the last moment and surrendered his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this had been real combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Guo Dao Academy’s disciples would have been wiped out long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in real combat, Xu Jin could restore star energy anytime, anywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even just a few minutes of rest to recover ten or twenty percent of his star energy would have been enough to exterminate Chen Guo’s disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, what a loss of face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for deputy academy head Liu Qingzhu, besides burying her face in her chest, she had no other option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Grand Master weren’t still here, she would have left already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stay here to be seen losing face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Master, in the third phase of the Autumn Examination—the Blood Battle on the Wasteland—fewer than a hundred disciples remain. Shall we end the examination?” Yu Da, chief instructor of Chen Guo Dao Academy, bowed and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“End it,” Grand Master Cheng said, waving his hand lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At your command.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Da bowed, subtly activating his Star-Plucking Token—instantly, every disciple on the wasteland battlefield shattered into starlight and vanished; the battlefield disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starlight waterfall ranking suspended in the sky began flashing rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xu Jin, he now stood in the spectator zone of Jinshan Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was nearly surrounded by his junior disciples’ congratulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother, mighty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother, divine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First place! Congratulations, Senior Brother, you’ve taken first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though faces were indistinct in the stone beach battle, everyone knew: the most dazzling performer was surely Xu Jin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Xu Jin felt slightly socially anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If faced with criticism or even insults, Xu Jin would definitely retaliate—or kill back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with nothing but praise, he didn’t know how to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spectator zone of Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen, Guan Li, Yuan Feiqing, Fang Mingchun, Ceng Yao, and others exchanged silent glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin had been killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, from their senior sisters and teachers, they learned Xu Jin had been slain only because his star energy was completely drained—they’d gotten their chance only then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, it would have been them who died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it should have been Fang Mingchun who died—everyone else had already perished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left the group of geniuses seething with frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, they had resented Senior Sister Meng Qingqiu for not joining the ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they didn’t resent her anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank goodness she hadn’t joined—if she had, they’d have been even more humiliated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even their teacher, Liu Qingzhu, wasn’t scolding them now—they felt worse than ever!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Liu Qingzhu scolded or beat them, it would be fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if she didn’t strike or speak, that meant real trouble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Lu Kun, he was even more frustrated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought his fellow disciples killing Xu Jin would vent some of their bitterness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, Yan Chen and Yuan Feiqing were killed, Chen Guo Dao Academy’s entire team of twenty-three was wiped out, and now even the reason Xu Jin died was star energy depletion—they’d merely picked up a corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling was unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They thought they were eating meat, only to find maggots in their mouths!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better not to have killed him at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustration!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#1: Xu Jin, 697.5 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#2: Fang Mingchun, 453 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#3: Meng Qingqiu, 325 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#4: Wang Weisheng, 281 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#5: Ji Hongli, 142 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#6: Yan Chen, 113.4 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#7: Yuan Feiqing, 109 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#8: Guan Li, 102 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#9: Ying Ge, 97 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#10: Ceng Yao, 92 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#42: Zhang Han, 71 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#99: Zhang Ming, 59 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#145: Lu Xianbing, 43 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#560: Miao Long, 31.4 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starlight waterfall ranking hung high in the sky, displaying every participant’s points and rank—but only the names of the top eight hundred glowed with starlight, signifying they had officially passed the screening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter their performance in future phases, these eight hundred were now guaranteed admission into Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And their minimum status would be inner-disciple of Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academy’s higher-tier disciples—core disciples and true heirs—would be chosen from among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their fates now diverged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who failed to pass, especially those from county academies, could still be selected into provincial academies if their rank was high enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they performed exceptionally later, they might still enter the national academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those who didn’t enter provincial academies could only begin accumulating resources and forging star energy at their county academies; after forging, they’d be assigned roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they failed to forge star energy within two years, they’d still be assigned—but at a lower rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone waited silently for the final admission tally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Lu Chenfeng, he no longer wanted to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number of admissions from Yanzhou Dao Academy—even from all of Yanzhou—could no longer be described as merely tragic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Master, the admission quotas for each province and county academy have been tallied. Shall we display them now, or wait until the disciples disperse?” Examiner Chen Liao turned and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen Lao, it’s no secret—show it,” Grand Master Cheng chuckled, stroking his long hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Examiner Chen Liao waved his hand—and another starlight waterfall appeared beside the ranking on the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【National Dao Academy: 203 admitted disciples】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Wanyi: 106 admitted disciples】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Songzhou: 100 admitted disciples】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Leizhou: 98 admitted disciples】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[West Sea Province: 91 disciples admitted to the trial]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Jingzhou: 89 disciples admitted to the trial]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Danzhou: 86 disciples admitted to the trial]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yanzhou: 27 disciples admitted to the trial]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When this ranking was revealed, Lu Chenfeng and all the heads of the Yanzhou Dao Academies turned black with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Bing’s face also turned black instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he knew better than anyone how this ranking would impact his disciple, Lu Chenfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the ranking of admitted disciples among the prefectural Dao Academies, Jinshan Dao Academy led by a staggering nine disciples!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao wore a faint smile, ignoring the furious glares from the heads of the Yanzhou Dao Academies and Lu Chenfeng, while already plotting how to make a grand spectacle soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I really need to draw some hatred toward my disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This disciple has brought me such glory—I must protect him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao looked at the ranking, then suddenly turned and swept his gaze toward Lu Chenfeng, head of the Yanzhou State Dao Academy, seated not far behind him—immediately, Lu Chenfeng felt as if sitting on needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Chenfeng was both shocked and furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only turn back and glare once more at Dong Zhao—this bastard was to blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao had been looking for a chance to draw some hatred toward Xu Jin; seeing Lu Chenfeng turn around, he immediately grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the consequence of daring to provoke me, Director Lu. Are you satisfied now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After delivering the taunt via voice projection, Dong Zhao felt a strange sense of shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this too blunt? Too crude?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it felt so good!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Chenfeng’s temple veins throbbed violently; had Grand Master Cheng not been beside him, he would have charged forward and fought Dong Zhao three hundred rounds—or even rallied all the heads of Yanzhou’s Dao Academies to beat him half to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by beating him senseless could he vent even a fraction of his rage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only swallow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Liu, how satisfying was today? I let you compete with me for credit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Zhou, how satisfying was today? Last time I asked you to join forces, you did nothing. If you don’t get a taste of color, you really think I, Dong Zhao, am made of mud!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Wu, how stimulating was today? Back in the National Dao Academy, you used your earlier cultivation to force me to be your sparring partner—did you finally get stimulated today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old He, how satisfying was today? Last time we drank, you secretly cursed me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Ma, how satisfying was today? Remember twenty-one years ago in Wanyi, when you went to brothels and didn’t invite me? Today I repay you tenfold—how does it feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other eleven Dao Academy heads, Dong Zhao meticulously retaliated against each one; for the last few, he had no real reason, so he dragged up old grievances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao felt his intelligence was plummeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His former image as a wise, all-knowing master was slowly crumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no choice—he had to draw some hatred for his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao was a big, strong man; even if all of them came at him one by one—or all at once—he wasn’t afraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether open or covert, Dong Zhao would take it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, Xu Jin was still growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a teacher, he naturally had to shoulder more of the burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stupidity? Let it be stupid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, distribute the rewards to the disciples,” said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master. I shall execute it immediately,” replied Chu Xuan, Director of the External Affairs Hall of the Great Chen National Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously, a series of starlight messages appeared before the disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xu Jin: Congratulations on securing first place in the second phase of the Autumn Trial. Reward: Three Casting-Star Pills. This is a physical reward; it will be delivered to your Dao Academy’s External Affairs Hall shortly. Please collect it using your Star-Picking Token.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xu Jin: Congratulations on securing first place in the third phase of the Autumn Trial. Reward: One hundred and fifty strands of Starlight.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Starlight: 437 strands]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xu Jin: Congratulations on qualifying for the Autumn Trial. Continue participating to achieve your final rank.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three starlight messages appeared one after another before Xu Jin, instantly making him grin from ear to ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reward of one hundred and fifty strands of Starlight had been credited immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a considerable fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin estimated that with this base of Starlight, his cultivation resources for the next six months after Casting-Star would be sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, all disciples’ rewards have been distributed,” said Director Chu Xuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao nodded, glanced at the two jade tablets before him, then turned to Chief Instructor Yu Da. “Bring Xu Jin here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving the order, Chief Instructor Yu Da suddenly bellowed, “Disciple Xu Jin of Jinshan Dao Academy, come quickly to the Observation Stage to pay respects to Grand Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang like thunder; instantly, the entire Autumn Trial realm fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the viewing area of Jinshan Dao Academy, Xu Jin froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was Grand Master summoning him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because he had gone too far in the Wasteland Battlefield? Was he about to be reprimanded?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or had Lu Chenfeng filed a false complaint against him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, everyone had seen the number of admitted disciples per province—Yanzhou’s tally was utterly abysmal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Xu Jin’s first thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go quickly,” Ning Yuchan pushed Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin exploded into Starlight Steps, appearing before the Observation Stage like a falling star, then bowed deeply. “Disciple Xu Jin, pays respects to Grand Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao did not speak immediately, studying Xu Jin for several breaths, then turned and smiled at Dong Zhao. “Little Dong, you’ve trained an excellent student.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao immediately rose to speak, but Grand Master waved him back to sit, then turned to Xu Jin. “Xu Jin, you’ve also found an excellent teacher. Look—the rewards your teacher secured for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fourth-rank Rainveil Star Pattern is now yours. You may cultivate it at your discretion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one thing: absolutely no leaking this to outsiders!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you dare, I will be the first to punish you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Grand Master Cheng’s aura surged violently; instantly, Xu Jin felt as if crushed beneath a mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt he was nothing but an ant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was only a feeling—he felt no fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you remember?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disciple remembers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the fourth-rank Rainveil Star Pattern that Song Bing had surrendered floated into Xu Jin’s hand. Then Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao lifted the jade tablet containing the Whale-Swallow Star Pattern that Dong Zhao had submitted, preparing to return it to Dong Zhao—when Supervisor Chen Liao suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little Dong, you’re not going to take back that Whale-Swallow Star Pattern, are you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your disciple earned you great honor—just give it to him. After all, you’ll have to pass it on eventually, won’t you?” Chen Liao chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s only right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please, Your Majesty, give your instruction.” Dong Zhao rose, smiled, and bowed slightly to Supervisor Chen Liao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After drawing hatred earlier, Dong Zhao still felt it wasn’t enough, so he secretly contacted Supervisor Chen Liao to help him draw even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, upon hearing this, the heads of the Yanzhou Dao Academies now glared at Dong Zhao as if he were their sworn enemy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes were nearly red!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was all this vile bastard’s scheme!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao accepted each of those knife-like, sword-like glares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could endure the occasional hidden arrows in the future!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xu Jin, take this one too. Remember: no leaking it!” Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao casually tossed the jade tablet to Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disciple remembers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao glanced at Chief Instructor Yu Da, who immediately roared, “The Autumn Trial is concluded today. Continue tomorrow. All disciples, depart immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Autumn Trial would naturally span several days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Star-Picking Tower’s trials prevented casualties, combat within the tower still drained the participants’ spiritual essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three phases had already been completed today—enough for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten breaths later, all disciples, along with the instructors and trainers from every province and prefecture, vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Autumn Trial realm now held only the senior officials of the Great Chen National Dao Academy, and the heads and academy directors of each province and prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, the first round of performance evaluations for the heads and directors of each province and prefecture’s Dao Academies is complete. Please review,” said Supervisor Chen Liao, handing over a list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Publish it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supervisor Chen Liao waved his hand, and a list composed of starlight appeared in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Jinshan Dao Academy Head Dong Zhao: First Round Autumn Trial Performance: Jia-Upper]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Wanyi Dao Academy Director Ji Bang: First Round Autumn Trial Performance: Jia-Middle]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yanzhou State Dao Academy Director Lu Chenfeng: First Round Autumn Trial Performance: Bing-Lower]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nine individuals received a Bing-level evaluation; seven of them were from Yanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Lu Chenfeng’s evaluation ranked last among all provincial Dao Academy directors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When this ranking was revealed, Right Sacrificer Song Bing’s face turned grim, while Lu Chenfeng clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Bing-Lower evaluation means—no need to wait for the next rounds—he will surely be removed from his position as Director of the State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next evaluation will determine what rank he will be demoted to and where he will be sent after being removed from this position!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Preceptor\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right Sacrificial Officer Song Bing was just about to speak up for his disciple Lu Chenfeng, but Grand Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao’s gaze pinned him, and he fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui, who had been watching silently, spoke slowly, “Grand Preceptor, by precedent, tomorrow representatives from the Tianyang and Cangming Star Palaces and their branch halls will arrive to observe the contest and select the best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How should this matter be arranged? Please, Grand Preceptor, give your instruction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as this question was posed, the atmosphere within the Autumn Examination Realm instantly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the one thing the Dao Academy of Chen Guo dreaded most each year!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4095,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c3ba2c0e50924c474c5038cc3c68f4bef1ce5f359e5c4e3599c410e8b55cbe89","the-star-martial-era-chapter-116","the-star-martial-era-chapter-114",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]