Chapter 202: The Day of the Imperial Examination

Guan Kou.

It is the Dujiangyan area of Sichuan Province.

The Min River shimmers with rippling moonlight, the distant mountains look like indigo, and occasional fishing lights flicker on the water.

By the riverbank, the two sit beside the water.

One rides a white horse, his features handsome, a faint golden line between his brows like a third eye.

The other sits cross‑legged, eyes closed, concentrating as if in a light sleep.

Suddenly, a streak of light flashes across the sky, and a figure identical to the sitter drifts in, merging with the flesh.

The person opens his eyes and smiles at the man on the white horse: "Sorry to keep Brother Zhao waiting."

The white‑horse rider asks curiously: "Yu brother, what have you gone to do? Your out‑of‑body method seems like you've cultivated the Yang Deity?"

He says this while raising his fishing rod, pulling a palm‑sized fish into the grass basket.

Yu Lin replies, "Just going to teach a fellow a lesson."

"My out‑of‑body method isn't a true Yang Deity; it only glimpses the Yang Deity's essence. I can travel in daylight, pluck flowers and gather leaves, but its power is far weaker than the Yang Deity's."

The man nods, "I see."

He doesn't press further, just continues casting his line.

Yu Lin looks at the babbling water and suddenly says, "Brother Zhao, may I ask you a question."

"Please go ahead."

"Do you know Yang Jian?"

The man smiles faintly, points to the sky, "I know him."

"Precisely, he is me; I am not him."

"After I attained transcendence, the heavens were cold and boring. I didn't want to serve in the Heavenly Court, so I split a strand of Soul into reincarnation, took the name Yang Jian, and entered the Heavenly Court on my behalf."

"Now this carefree life is what I pursue and desire."

He turns his head toward Yu Lin, curiosity thick in his eyes:

"Yu brother, which deity are you? Or perhaps an Imperial Lord incarnate?"

Yu Lin shakes his head, "I have no avatar, I'm not an Imperial Lord, I'm just myself."

"Brother Zhao, you're overthinking."

The man nods, whether he believes or not unknown, and smiles, "I see."

"Today's catch is enough; let's head back to cook."

He glances at Yu Lin's empty grass basket:

"Yu brother, would you like me to share some with you?"

Yu Lin: "............"

"No need, I'll draw a few more from the water later."

"You can't spoil this fish; the more you indulge it, the harder to catch."

The man twitches his lip slightly, says nothing, just nods, "I know Yu brother's skill; let's part for now and meet again tomorrow."

"Fine, let's go."

As the words end, the white horse beneath him neighs, strides across the river, and gradually fades into the mist.

Yu Lin watches the direction he left, and hears the Dragon Lord's voice beside his ear:

"Who is this person?"

"Zhao Yu."

"Oh, that Zhao Lord Immortal Master, Prince of Red City, Marquis Xianying, True Lord of the Wonderful Way of Clear Source, Zhao Lord Holy Master, known as the Emei Sword Immortal…right?"

"Hmm."

"He's not bad."

The Dragon Lord nods, showing no surprise.

Zhao Yu, a native of Emei in Shu during the Eastern Jin, studied under Master Li Jue of the High Dao with his brother Zhao Mian, cultivated on Qingcheng Mountain; Emperor Yang of Sui, aware of his lofty Dao and virtue, summoned him to serve, but he declined.

Later the Governor of Yizhou forced him to the capital, offered him a high title, still he refused, begged for a low post, and was appointed Governor of Meishan County in Shu.

During the chaotic end of Sui, Zhao Yu vanished again, his fate unknown.

In early Tang, whenever the Min River rose, people would see Zhao Yu riding a white horse, his followers appearing in the clouds, and the water level would instantly drop.

Thus Emperor Taizong of Tang conferred upon him the title Divine Brave Grand General, enshrined him at Guan Kou, popularly called "Guan Kou Second Lord."

Later he gradually became Left Prime Minister of the Ten Thousand Rivers, the Great Emperor of Benevolent Governance, the Red City Literary‑Military Hero, the King of Accumulated Broad‑Beneficial Righteous Valor, and True Lord of the Wonderful Way of Clear Source.

He was the Northern Emperor's Left Prime Minister, commanding the armies of the Three Origins across the Nine Provinces.

After passing down the Profound Origin Dharma Lineage, it developed into the Primordial Emperor's Enlightened Sect.

Any one taken out is extraordinarily illustrious.

However, the Dragon Lord, when he was beside Da Yu, truly visited the primal Heavenly Court; having connections there, it's normal not to be surprised.

That's the seniority!

Yu Lin, seeing the Qilin absent, asks:

"Where is the Qilin?"

The Dragon Lord waves a claw: "That fellow met a few juniors and went to cultivate them."

"Don't mind it."

"First, do my business."

Yu Lin raises an eyebrow: "What business is that?"

"Take me to the Moon; my sister Chang'e has made some osmanthus cakes for me."

...... Alright, give me a bite then.

Of course, who's with whom? I'll even introduce Chang'e to you.

Dragon Lord, you're too sentimental.

Hey, let me tell you, back in the day............

One person and one dragon chatted, gradually moving toward the bright moon in the sky.

Until they vanished into the clouds.

Time rushed.

In the blink of an eye, the year turned, and today is the day of the imperial examination.

Zhong Kui got up early.

This year's New Year's Eve is his first in years without spending it with Zhong Xiao Mei, but with a goal in mind, he doesn't feel lonely.

He finished the last spoonful of plain porridge, rose, and walked with Zhang Haoxue and the others toward the imperial examination site—the Ministry of Personnel.

In front of the Ministry of Personnel's office gate.

Li Jiancheng had long been waiting here with a group of officials.

These examinees might become his future team, so naturally he comes early to boost goodwill.

He stepped forward to make small talk with the examinees, gently encouraging them, wishing them success on the honor roll, then voluntarily cleared the path ahead, standing with the officials to see the examinees enter.

Doing it that way directly maxes out most examinees' goodwill.

The current Crown Prince personally yields the way for you—what an honor!

In an instant, the crowd's emotions surged, and everyone silently resolved to secure a top rank!

When Zhong Kui walked with the crowd, Li Jiancheng gave him an extra glance and nodded slightly.

Zhong Kui returned the salute without humility or arrogance, then continued forward.

Zhang Haoxue whispered beside him:

"His Highness the Crown Prince truly honors the worthy..."

Zhong Kui merely gave a faint smile, saying nothing more.

He always felt that Li Jiancheng's gaze held an unusual emotion toward him.

Though he didn't know what emotion it was, now is not the time to think about it.

Zhong Kui suppressed his thoughts, took a big stride, and entered the doorway.

But he was nowhere to be seen.

At a small building behind him to the right.

Li Yuanji stood at the balcony, his broken sternum largely healed, yet waves of pain still surged, causing a fierce glint to flash in his eyes.

Muttering under his breath:

"Give you a rank, then let you fail; later I'll watch you suffer immensely........... hm."

He flicked his sleeve, strode into the attic.