Chapter 8, Student Association (II)

Chu Xian bowed and thanked Mr. Cai, who waved his hand, said nothing more, and simply sighed before turning to leave. Chu Xian then looked over at Bai Zijing and walked over to her.

What they do not know is that starting today, the question is not whether Feng Kuai can deal with Chu Xian, but whether Chu Xian will let Feng Kuai go

To speak frankly, his smile is exceptionally charming, a beauty that others cannot replicate. At that moment, a thought unexpectedly arose in Chu Xian's mind.

The other party is quite formidable, and Chu Xian is currently unable to make a hasty judgment. However, they must possess at least twenty years of skill, and they can even be compared to the self who has trained in martial arts for many years in dreams

Of course, there are those who harbor doubts, but their status and identity naturally cannot verify this matter. Moreover, it seems that Mr. Cai from the academy can also confirm this matter, so it is better to remain silent.

In the dream, separated for thirty years, I see Bai Zijing again. Chu Xian naturally feels a deep sense of emotion, as both his vision and state of mind have changed completely. Therefore, when Chu Xian looks at Bai Zijing this time, he always feels that something is amiss, yet he cannot pinpoint what exactly is wrong.

Especially those who can be evaluated by the chief examiner with the phrase "upright character, exemplary student" are indeed very few. This is a great honor. If they continue to mock, would it not be an attack on the chief examiner of the imperial examination? That would be self-inflicted suffering

The two exchanged a smile, remaining silent for a long time

Upon returning home, Chu Xian continued to ponder this matter. The Lord of Dongyue in her dreams was not merely a figment of imagination; the "Ghost Gate Cloud Rising Fist" practiced for over twenty years was not without purpose.

Regarding the Bai family, Chu Xian increasingly felt that they were unfathomable

Serving as an official in the Heavenly Tang Dynasty has its advantages, one of which is that once one attains a rank, their name can be entered into the official records. Being recorded in the official records allows one to receive the sacred power that purifies the marrow and enhances the meridians, to gain the blessings of official techniques, and even to achieve the "Dharma Body." This is unparalleled by other secular cultivators. Moreover, with the protection and blessings of the official records, those willing to cultivate can achieve results with half the effort, while those unwilling to cultivate can still utilize official techniques, far surpassing ordinary individuals.

As he spoke, he also touched his face with his fingers

This time, Chu Xian came specifically to meet Bai Zijing

The person referred to by Bai Zijing as talking nonsense is naturally Feng Kuai

It is unclear what Bai Zijing is thinking, as her originally smiling face unexpectedly carries a hint of worry. In the past, Chu Xian would not have noticed this, but after thirty years of dreaming, Chu Xian has long since learned to read between the lines.

At this moment, Bai Zijing unusually took the initiative to speak: "I only took one subject. Although theoretically there is still a possibility of making the list, the difficulty is such that it is beyond the reach of ordinary people. I hope Brother Chu will not be discouraged. If not, we can always try again next year!"

At this moment, Chu Xian did not pay much attention to it; the urgent matter was to obtain money to buy medicinal materials to help his mother improve her health

Upon seeing the old coachman enter and whisper a few words to Bai Zijing, the latter let out a soft sigh, bid farewell to Chu Xian, and simply stated that there was a matter at home that required her immediate return

This old coachman is actually a master of martial arts

After the recent turmoil, many people are aware that Feng Kuai will not let this matter rest easily. Although Chu Xian has temporarily shown his capabilities, he is bound to face misfortune in the future. In Ling County, how could Chu Xian possibly compete with Feng Kuai

Feng Kuai let out a cold laugh without making a definitive statement, and did not speak further. Instead, he turned to leave, but not before casting a glance back at Chu Xian, one filled with evident hatred.

It was indeed that Chu Xian had been lost in thought, staring at Bai Zijing. At this moment, he came to his senses and hurriedly smiled, saying: "I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I lost focus. By the way, thank you, Brother Bai, for your righteous words just now."

However, this aloofness is not reflected in the demeanor of Chu Xian

What Chu Xian said is not nonsense; Bai Zijing in the dream ranked first in the provincial examination in Ling County, with Ancheng coming in second, indeed making it onto the list as a successful candidate

Hearing these somewhat narcissistic words, Bai Zijing smiled

Chu Xian knew that Bai Zijing was comforting herself. For someone who was usually taciturn, this was quite surprising. Chu Xian nodded and said, "The pursuit of the path to sanctity through study is a long-term endeavor; why should one be overly concerned with the gains of a single day? With an additional year, perhaps next time I could even achieve the top rank in the examination."

In an instant, Bai Zijing became increasingly mysterious in Chu Xian's heart

Chu Xian knew that Bai Zijing was very mysterious, but he did not expect that he had even read the records of the tribute examination. Is it something that an ordinary person can easily browse through?

This time, Bai Zijing shook his head: "It is too difficult to enter the rankings in one subject; such extraordinary talent has not emerged in at least a hundred years. People say that there are extraordinary talents every hundred years and divine talents every thousand years. If it were that easy to find, there wouldn't be such a saying. However, I still hope that Brother Chu will bring this good fortune."

Bai Zijing merely smiled, saying nothing and offering no explanation, as always

Just as Chu Xian was contemplating whether to ask, an old man walked in from outside. Chu Xian recognized him as the coachman of Bai Zijing, someone he often saw and could be considered an acquaintance

Bai Zijing smiled and did not speak of himself. In Chu Xian's view, this was a manifestation of confidence

However, Chu Xian's character is such that when it comes to true friends, he will never ask if the other party does not speak up

After entering officialdom in his dreams, Chu Xian experienced numerous struggles and hardships before achieving extraordinary success. The Heavenly Tang Dynasty reveres the path of immortality, which is defined as possessing the strength of mountains and standing shoulder to shoulder with deities and spirits, embodying the great Dao

Su Ji was quite perceptive; at this moment, he took the opportunity to engage in conversation with another familiar student and departed.

Bai Zijing is clearly troubled by something

For a moment, I was somewhat lost in thought

Chu Xian suddenly found his idea quite amusing, and then he said seriously: "Moreover, Brother Bai also mentioned that with one subject's results, it might be possible to create a miracle and make the list. Perhaps I, Chu Xian, also have such an opportunity."

At this moment, Chu Xian said again, "Brother Bai, you should be able to make the list this time."

Su Ji, standing nearby, seemed to have become accustomed to this atmosphere. He remained silent because he understood that Bai Zijing appeared to be friendly to everyone, yet this friendliness was laced with a kind of aloofness that kept others at a distance.

As for himself, Su Ji still had self-awareness and knew that Bai Zijing "looked down upon" him

The old coachman of the Bai family is a master of martial arts

"Brother Chu, this Feng Kuai will not let it go easily, and just now, if it weren't for Mr. Cai arriving in time, you would have been in trouble" Su Ji said softly at that moment

Such a character, if found in a small place like Ling County, would undoubtedly be a top figure, yet ironically, the other party is merely a coachman

It is a pity that he is a man; if he were a woman, such a smile would be enough to captivate a nation and a city.

At this moment, the students present fell silent; just a moment ago, they had merely echoed each other, joining in the mockery of Chu Xian. However, if there is solid evidence proving that Chu Xian genuinely missed the exam due to illness, then it would be inappropriate to use this matter as a topic for discussion.

To put it plainly, Chu Xian has two friends here, one is himself, and the other is Bai Zijing. However, Bai Zijing is even worse off than Chu Xian; he has only one friend, which is Chu Xian

Chu Xian had a lot to say but did not voice any of it. Instead, he glanced at the old coachman, narrowing his eyes. Today, Chu Xian's gaze was extraordinary; it was something that could not be perceived before. However, upon looking at the old coachman again, he surprisingly noticed that although the man appeared aged and somewhat hunched, he walked steadily, full of vitality, with a robust breath, and his energy and blood were strong.

Chu Xian smiled and said, "Indeed, if it weren't for Mr. Cai's arrival, I would have been able to give that Feng Kuai a good beating."

Upon hearing this, Su Ji secretly laughed at Chu Xian for boasting. Little did he know that Chu Xian was indeed not exaggerating; now, he truly did not need to exert much effort to deal with Feng Kuai.

Yet, Chu Xian did not feel that anything was amiss; on the contrary, he quite enjoyed this feeling, the feeling of being understood. Some things need not be spoken; everything is understood without words.

On the contrary, the person opposite Bai Zijing spoke up: "Brother Chu, you seem a bit off today. Is there something on my face?"

As for martial arts, Chu Xian understood quite a bit; at least with his keen eyesight, he could discern the depth of a martial arts expert.