Chapter 116: The Father

Jinshan Dao Academy.

After the disciples exited the Zhaixing Tower, they all seemed to awaken from a great dream, staring at Xu Jin, who had just stepped out as well.

The next instant, cheers erupted everywhere.

“Senior Brother is mighty!”

“Senior Brother is mighty!”

Even Wang Weisheng, who had previously been resentful, swung his fists and roared out loud.

He was truly convinced—and truly delighted.

On today’s wasteland battlefield, Xu Jin had literally rewritten his fate.

No one knows his own strength better than himself.

Without considering luck or external interference, Wang Weisheng believed his own power gave him a thirty percent chance to enter the top fifty, and an eighty percent chance to enter the top one hundred.

But entering the top ten? Absolutely impossible.

Top five? He never dared dream of it.

Yet Xu Jin had made real what he had never dared to dream of.

Fourth place in the Autumn Examination!

The star-pattern reward was minor; according to the academy’s past Autumn Examination rules, fourth place guaranteed a Core Disciple slot regardless of later rankings.

He had always thought becoming a Core Disciple of the National Dao Academy was something only luck could bring—like smoke rising from ancestral graves.

And now it had actually happened.

No wonder he was convinced.

Other examinees, including Zhang Han, Zhang Ming, Lu Xianbing, and Yue Daqi, felt both gratitude and excitement toward Xu Jin.

Even Yue Daqi had already prepared himself mentally to suppress his cultivation for a year and waste that time.

He was still young; if he failed to enter the National Dao Academy this year, he’d waste a full year, suppressing his cultivation like Wang Weisheng, and try again next autumn.

But preparation was preparation—wasting a whole year? Who wouldn’t be anxious?

One step behind, and you fall further behind—this wasn’t a joke.

Unexpectedly, following Senior Brother, he had actually passed the examination, and with a surprisingly high rank.

Meanwhile, the disciples waiting outside the Martial Hall without Star-Picking Tokens were frantic.

They rushed over, desperate to learn the details.

But all they got were cheers—no one told them anything.

Several instructors, including Ning Yuchan, were also thrilled.

In past years, Jinshan Dao Academy was lucky to have three students pass the examination; four was considered an excellent result.

That was enough for the Headmaster and instructors to earn an A-class evaluation.

Now there were nine.

Nine students passed.

Last year, Yanzhou Provincial Dao Academy had 450 examinees, and only 39 passed—less than one-tenth.

Our prefectural academy had only 35 examinees, yet nine passed—a rate nearing thirty percent.

This result would let them brag for the rest of their lives.

An A-class evaluation was a certainty.

Ning Yuchan looked at Xu Jin, her heart stirred, and she couldn’t help glancing at her crippled leg.

This achievement brought her one step closer to that opportunity.

Xu Jin’s face had gone numb from smiling before he finally broke free from his junior disciples’ congratulations and hurried to the Jinshan Dao Academy’s External Affairs Hall to find its head, Ceng Shuo.

Unexpectedly, the moment he met Ceng Shuo, the chubby External Affairs Hall chief launched into another round of lavish praise.

“You’re here for the Zhaixing Pill, right? The National Dao Academy just sent it over—it’s already prepared.” Ceng Shuo handed Xu Jin a pill vial with both hands.

“By the way, don’t use the Zhaixing Pill right away—wait until the Autumn Examination is fully over.”

“And with your results, you’ll definitely enter the Secret Realm for Star Forging.”

“Enter the Secret Realm for Star Forging, combine it with the Zhaixing Pill, and forging a high-grade Star Core becomes much easier.” Ceng Shuo reminded him.

“Thank you, Chief Ceng! By the way, may I ask—does our academy sell Zhaixing Pills?” Xu Jin asked.

Ceng Shuo shook his head, his plump cheeks wobbling, giving off an oddly endearing vibe.

“This is top-tier military-controlled material, difficult to produce. It can only be exchanged for Dao Merits, and each person’s exchange limit is strictly capped.” Ceng Shuo said.

“Thank you, Chief Ceng. Chief Ceng, may I ask—does our academy sell Si Xuan Fu Xing Pills?” Xu Jin asked.

Si Xuan Fu Xing Pills were another type of pill to restore Star Power, higher-grade than San Yuan Hui Xing Pills, typically used by Star-Forge or Star-Condensation cultivators.

Xu Jin asked because he had suffered severely from depleted Star Power in the second and third rounds.

Fortunately, it was only a simulated combat—if this had been real battlefield combat, Xu Jin would have been finished.

That’s why he asked now: he wanted to stock up on higher-grade Star Power recovery pills, just in case.

Although Starlight from the Combat Platform could be used in the real world, he still wanted to keep some on hand—better safe than sorry.

Moreover, after storing them, their effects should improve further.

For example, one San Yuan Hui Xing Pill restores two to three tenths of Xu Jin’s Star Power; after one storage cycle, it restores half.

The Si Xuan Fu Xing Pill, after storage, should restore his Star Power fully with just one pill.

“Si Xuan Fu Xing Pills? We have them, but you must purchase them at the Wanxing Hall of the Great Chen National Dao Academy using Dao Merits and Starlight. One pill costs four strands of Starlight or forty Dao Merits.” Ceng Shuo said.

“Huh? I looked before—why didn’t I find these pills at the Wanxing Hall?” Xu Jin asked, puzzled.

Ceng Shuo chuckled. “That’s normal—you lack the required cultivation level. Buying pills or controlled items in the Zhaixing Tower requires not only a Star-Picking Token but also a minimum cultivation threshold.”

“The minimum cultivation to purchase Si Xuan Fu Xing Pills is Star-Forge.”

“I see. Thank you, Chief.”

As Xu Jin turned to leave, Chief Ceng suddenly called him back. “Here, take this.” Ceng Shuo handed him another pill vial.

“What’s this?”

“Five Si Xuan Fu Xing Pills inside. Use them first.”

“Thank you, Chief—I’ll transfer you twenty strands of Starlight.”

Xu Jin was about to operate, but Ceng Shuo stopped him. “No, no—gifted to you. Why transfer Starlight? You’d pay taxes—waste!”

Xu Jin insisted on paying.

He had enough Starlight now—he didn’t want to owe anyone a favor over such a small thing.

Ceng Shuo’s face darkened. “What, you look down on this old chief, do you?”

“No—”

“If you respect me, take it! No need to repay me. Honestly, your Autumn Examination performance has brought us great honor—I’ve basked in your glory, and it’s worth far more than five pills.”

An A-class evaluation? Not even a thousand gold pieces could replace it!”

“Go, go quickly!”

“Next time you have free time, just come back to Jinshan Prefecture or Jinshan Dao Academy.” As he spoke, Ceng Shuo pushed and pulled Xu Jin out of the External Affairs Hall.

Xu Jin had no choice but to accept.

Soon after leaving the External Affairs Hall, his Star-Picking Token trembled slightly—a Starlight message arrived.

【Dong Zhao, Headmaster of Jinshan Dao Academy, Great Chen Yanzhou, requests to add you as a friend. Accept?】

【Accept】

After deducting one Dao Merit, Xu Jin became friends with the Headmaster and immediately received a Starlight message.

【I’m in the Lecture Hall. Come quickly.】

A few minutes later, Xu Jin arrived at the Lecture Hall—only Headmaster Dong Zhao was inside.

“Disciple Xu Jin, bows to Headmaster.”

“Hmm, sit. I have something to tell you.”

A few minutes later, Xu Jin left the Lecture Hall, his hand touching the two jade talismans in his chest—he already had his own thoughts.

Dong Zhao had summoned him primarily to explain the two Star Pattern Jade Talismans.

They contained two Star Patterns: one was a fourth-rank-high Rain Curtain Star Pattern, the other a fifth-rank-mid Whale Swallow Star Pattern.

Neither was a unique pattern, but both were among the highest-ranked Star Patterns in the current era.

The Great Chen National Dao Academy also possessed the Rain Curtain Star Pattern—but only at third-rank-low; the Whale Swallow Star Pattern was also present, but only at third-rank-mid.

The former, fourth-rank-high, was a secret transmission of the Song family; the latter, fifth-rank-mid Whale Swallow Star Pattern, was the secret transmission of Dong Zhao’s former master, the Grand National Preceptor.

He told him two things: First, absolutely no external transmission.

Especially the Rain Curtain Star Pattern—if Xu Jin leaked it, even Grand National Preceptor Cheng Yuexiao couldn’t save him.

It was the Song family’s foundational secret.

He must be extra cautious around Song family members and matters.

As for the Whale Swallow Star Pattern, Xu Jin must not transmit it externally without Dong Zhao’s permission.

The second matter: Dong Zhao explained the cultivation methods for both Star Patterns.

The Rain Curtain Star Pattern could be used for offense or defense, especially powerful for defense.

The third-rank-low Rain Curtain Star Pattern could enhance the power of Basic Star Shield and Basic Star Veil by fifty percent; the fourth-rank-high version could double their defensive power.

He advised Xu Jin to engrave it as soon as he reached Star-Forge.

He could even engrave it on his Lower Star Palace, then replace it with another Star Pattern as his main one after Star Condensation.

As for the Whale Swallow Star Pattern, it would imbue Xu Jin’s Star Arts with powerful suction, making all his Star Arts far more elusive and difficult to defend against—extremely practical in combat.

After refining the star, then inscribe the star pattern.

He also mentioned the Casting-Star Elixir—exactly as Zeng Shuo had said.

As for tomorrow’s autumn examination, let Xu Jin perform normally.

Xu Jin had just left Headmaster Dong Zhao when he received another starlight message from Ning Yuchan.

Xu Jin hurried again.

Ning Yuchan’s instructions were identical to Dong Zhao’s.

They also reminded Xu Jin about the two star patterns.

But she elaborated more on star pattern knowledge.

Many high-grade star arts are combinations of star patterns and basic star techniques.

Ning Yuchan told Xu Jin that when inscribing star patterns, he must consult his elders frequently and never rush to inscribe a pattern just because he obtained it.

Once a star pattern is inscribed, removing it is extremely difficult—unless he scatters his cultivation and starts over.

Yet star pattern combinations are endlessly variable.

Some combinations have the power to transform decay into wonder; when a few star patterns interact, supporting and enhancing each other, the star art’s power surges dramatically.

But some star patterns not only fail to support each other—they even suppress or counteract one another.

When inscribing a new star pattern, be extremely cautious.

Especially before reaching the Condensing-Star realm.

Before Condensing-Star, each cultivator can inscribe only a limited number of star patterns.

Even if one has cast stars in the Lower Star Palace, the total will not exceed twenty.

After memorizing all of this, Xu Jin left and returned home.

As soon as he stepped through the door, hoping for quiet, Xu Jin let out a bitter laugh.

Because Xu’s household was already decorated with lanterns and streamers.

The courtyard was piled high with gifts, yet visitors kept arriving without pause.

His sister Jiang Er and his father Xu Dajiang were overwhelmed with work.

“Jin’er, you’re finally back! So many people came to offer gifts, saying you’re the autumn exam champion—I’m thrilled, but I can’t handle them all! So many high officials! Even the steward from the Commandant’s office came to deliver gifts!” Xu Dajiang was drenched in sweat.

Xu Jin smiled bitterly—this scene, he couldn’t handle it either, let alone Xu Dajiang.

“Brother, don’t worry, I’ll handle it. Tell me which gifts I must refuse. If you say not to accept them, I won’t. For everyone else, I’ll take the gifts, make a list, and show it to you.” His sister Xu Jiang’er was even more capable than Xu Jin had imagined.

“Brother, look—this is the gift list I’ve already written.”

At this point, Xu Jin understood.

These gift-givers weren’t trying to make Xu Jin owe them favors—they simply wanted to build goodwill and connections.

Refusing would only offend them.

“Mm, Jiang’er, you’ve worked hard.”

“You’re the one who worked hard—if it weren’t for you—”

Xiao Jiang’er fell silent, glancing around—the meaning was clear.

Xu Jin casually took the list and glanced at it.

Most weren’t significant gifts; in comparison, the five elixirs given by Zeng Shuo, head of the External Affairs Hall, were truly substantial.

Many Dao Academy instructors, junior disciples, and Star Patrol colleagues had sent congratulatory gifts.

The gift from Commandant Lu Chang made Xu Jin’s eyes light up.

Eight Treasures Health Pill.

It came with dosage instructions and effects.

It was specially crafted by star elixir masters for ordinary people—one pill per day, long-term use strengthens the body, replenishes deficiencies, solidifies the foundation, and extends lifespan.

He sent five hundred pills.

Xu Jin was overjoyed.

This Commandant not only raised his son well—he knew exactly how to give gifts.

This gift struck right at Xu Jin’s heart.

He’d been worrying about how to care for his father and improve his health—and here came the Eight Treasures Health Pill.

And his sister could use it too.

Years ago, when the family was poor, all the good food went to Xu Jin.

That left Jiang Er weak; she’d only just begun recovering recently.

Perfect.

The elixirs would go to his father Xu Dajiang and his sister Jiang Er.

Xu Jin would remember this favor.

After instructing Jiang Er and his father to take one pill daily, Xu Jin left Jiang Er to manage things and retreated to the back courtyard for peace.

It wasn’t just for peace.

The battle he experienced in today’s autumn exam was unlike anything he’d ever faced. Though he achieved an excellent ranking, he noticed numerous tactical flaws during the fight.

Including timing of star art deployment and transitions between techniques.

Tiny improvements in combat can mean the difference between life and death.

After quiet contemplation for half an hour, Xu Jin wrote down every problem he found, then devised solutions and improvements for each one.

The rest was simple.

Just field testing.

Xu Jin placed his three newly acquired Casting-Star Elixirs and five Four-Xuan Revive-Star Elixirs into the Star Lamp to nurture, then retrieved the Star-Picking Token and reentered the Star-Picking Tower—this time, entering the Battle Simulation Realm.

Immediately, a starlight message arrived.

【Great Sage Equaling Heaven: Congratulations on maintaining first place in the First-Rank Battle Simulation Realm for seven days. Reward: Seven strands of starlight.】

In the next instant, Xu Jin’s starlight count changed.

Hmm—this was a wealth increase. Xu Jin was delighted.

Half an hour later, Xu Jin waited for the Drunken Moon Immortal.

Without a word, they began fighting.

Xu Jin repeatedly practiced the tactical flaws he’d discovered today against the Drunken Moon Immortal, corrected them, and repeated the experiments to test improvements.

Honestly, the Drunken Moon Immortal was an exceptionally perfect sparring partner.

Today, Xu Jin fought eight straight rounds with her.

“Huh? Why are you so generous today? You actually fought me all eight rounds?” As the eighth round neared its end, the Drunken Moon Immortal looked astonished.

“You’re good!” Xu Jin replied casually, making the Drunken Moon Immortal blush furiously.

Actually, Xu Jin was telling the truth.

The Drunken Moon Immortal was truly excellent—she was the perfect tool.

In the entire First-Rank Battle Simulation Realm, Xu Jin couldn’t find a second such tool.

Strong, always available, and could endure any abuse.

Where else could he find such a tool?

Ten Lu Xianbing couldn’t match her.

Who would dare say the Drunken Moon Immortal wasn’t good?

Minutes after the eighth round ended, the Drunken Moon Immortal hurriedly left the Battle Simulation Realm.

In a palace, the Drunken Moon Immortal hurled her white pillow across the room again. “Scoundrel! Pervert! How dare you flirt with me!”

As she cursed, she threw the pillow, her face flushed red.

After the Drunken Moon Immortal left, Xu Jin didn’t immediately exit the Star-Picking Tower.

Actually, Xu Jin had another reason for fighting eight rounds with her today.

Meng Qingqiu, the senior disciple of the Chen Guo Dao Academy.

Xu Jin wanted to see if the Drunken Moon Immortal was Meng Qingqiu.

Though he hadn’t fought her in today’s autumn exam, he’d already learned her distinctive traits.

It didn’t feel like her!

Then who was the Drunken Moon Immortal?

With her strength, she was undoubtedly an elite genius from some powerful faction!

After thinking for a moment, Xu Jin prepared to leave—but just as he did, a starlight message arrived. He was surprised.

From Old Qi.

It was actually from Old Qi.

【During tomorrow’s autumn exam, high-ranking officials from various Star Palaces will likely attend. Watch carefully—if you see Hu Xuechuan, the head of the Yanzhou Tianyang Branch, appear, immediately send me a starlight message. Fu Li Tongzi】

Xu Jin’s brow instantly knotted.

(End of Chapter)