Chapter 94

When Lian Fei walked out of the grand hall, the back of his robe was already drenched in cold sweat.

The conversation with Yao Tuohai, though brief, lasting less than a quarter of an hour, made Lian Fei feel the pressure of a powerful person.

Yao Tuohai had a refined appearance and a gentle demeanor, sitting casually without any condescending air. However, facing him felt like an ant looking up at a towering mountain.

This was the无形 pressure that arose from a cultivation level reaching a certain height, something Lian Fei could neither resist nor dispel.

"Are you okay?" Yao Susu asked with concern.

Lian Fei shook his head and forced a smile, his face still slightly pale. "I didn't expect your father to be Lord Yao Tuohai; it was quite a surprise."

Yao Susu casually replied, "I've never hidden it from you; you just never asked."

Lian Fei smiled bitterly, recalling the conversation with Yao Tuohai, his heart pounding with wild joy. If he could marry Yao Susu in the future, wouldn't he be able to rise to prominence under Yao Tuohai's influence?

"Was everything you said just now true?" Yao Susu suddenly asked.

Lian Fei was taken aback, but quickly recovered, his expression firm. "Susu, if I can't avenge my father's death personally, how could I be worthy of you?"

During their conversation, Yao Tuohai had bluntly stated that he was aware of Lian Fei's feud with Lin Xun and clearly indicated that he would not help Lian Fei take action. Lian Fei, however, was more direct, swearing in front of Yao Tuohai that he would take revenge himself, which earned him a bit of Yao Tuohai's admiration.

Yao Susu nodded and said, "Although my father said he won't directly help you take revenge, you should know that with our Yao family's influence, we can certainly provide you with various forms of assistance. Don't waste this opportunity; strive to gain my father's recognition."

Lian Fei took a deep breath and solemnly said, "Susu, rest assured, I will not only win Uncle Yao's recognition, but I will also marry you!"

Yao Susu smiled sweetly and said no more.

Lian Fei felt incredibly elated and full of ambition. With Yao Tuohai as his backing, what could he not achieve in the future?

As for Lin Xun, he was merely an ant on his path forward. Once Lian Fei rose to prominence, he could easily crush him!

"Look over there, it seems to be the patriarch of the Wu clan."

Yao Susu suddenly stopped and turned to look into the distance.

Lian Fei looked up and saw the headmaster of Donglin Academy, Yu Canglin, and a middle-aged man wearing a black hat walking toward them. The man in the black hat was the current patriarch of the Wu clan, Wu Chaoqun.

Lian Fei's face immediately turned cold; he had no good feelings toward the Wu family.

"Susu, have you finished talking?" At this moment, Yu Canglin also saw the two of them and walked over with a smile.

Yao Susu nodded and bowed, saying, "We're done."

"Lian Fei, you're here too." Wu Chaoqun greeted with a smile, his expression quite amiable.

He had already learned from Yu Canglin about Lian Fei's relationship with Yao Susu and that Yao Susu's father was the renowned Yao Tuohai of the southwestern province of the empire.

Wu Chaoqun was quite surprised by this. Lian Fei had truly hit the jackpot by attaching himself to Yao Tuohai, a testament to the unpredictability of life.

Lian Fei's face was somewhat cold, and he only responded with a "hmm" before taking Yao Susu and leaving.

Instantly, Wu Chaoqun's face turned sour, and he clenched his teeth in his heart. What a presumptuous brat! If it weren't for my support, how could you have gotten to where you are today?

At the same time, Lian Fei also sneered inwardly. Wu Chaoqun, you old dog, thinking of using me as a pawn? Dream on!

"I have a general understanding of your situation. With Lord Yao Tuohai personally overseeing it, I believe you will receive a satisfactory response." At this moment, Yu Canglin spoke in a serious tone.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Brother Yu." Wu Chaoqun smiled and clasped his hands, feeling a sense of relief.

"There's no need for formalities. Lin Xun has bullied our Donglin Academy, and as the headmaster, I will not tolerate such scoundrels." Yu Canglin waved his hand, his words full of disdain.

...

The next morning.

The sky was just beginning to brighten when Lin Xun got up, washed up, and had breakfast with Xia Zhi.

Today was the start of the prefectural examination, but Lin Xun remained as calm as ever, showing no signs of excitement or anticipation.

"Will we leave after the prefectural examination is over?" Xia Zhi asked.

Lin Xun nodded and added, "I've offended many people, and Donglin City has become a place of conflict. We need to leave as soon as possible."

Xia Zhi said with a hint of regret, "It's only half a month until I can merge all the gangs in this civilian area."

Lin Xun was speechless.

After breakfast, as Lin Xun was about to leave, Xia Zhi suddenly said, "I want to go with you."

Lin Xun was taken aback. "You're worried?"

Xia Zhi nodded, her large, black eyes serious. "I feel that our opponents won't let you pass the prefectural examination easily."

She had learned about the incident at the entrance of Donglin Academy yesterday and knew how much of a stir Lin Xun had caused.

Lin Xun smiled. "This is the prefectural examination, one of the most important events in the empire. Who would dare to cause chaos during it? Besides, with a figure like Yao Tuohai overseeing it, no one would dare to obstruct my participation."

Xia Zhi said, "Then I'll go and see. Since entering Donglin City, I've never left this civilian area."

Lin Xun's heart softened, and he readily agreed.

Indeed, Xia Zhi rarely showed herself, even when merging the gangs in the civilian area, she only acted at night.

Now that she wanted to accompany him to Donglin Academy, how could Lin Xun refuse?

Immediately, Lin Xun took Xia Zhi's hand and left home, heading toward Donglin Academy.

The streets were bustling, even in the early morning, with many people converging in the same direction.

Today was the day of the prefectural examination, one of the most significant events in Donglin City, attracting the attention of the entire city. The level of excitement was naturally extraordinary.

When Lin Xun arrived at the entrance of Donglin Academy, it was already crowded with people, a sea of heads, a spectacular scene.

Most were there to watch the excitement, while others were parents and relatives accompanying the examinees.

Lin Xun took out the token he received during registration and smoothly entered Donglin Academy with Xia Zhi, without any hindrance.

Following a wide, stone-paved path for a moment, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a large square that could accommodate ten thousand people.

At this time, the square was already filled with figures, almost all young men and women, numbering in the thousands, their faces filled with anticipation and hope.

At the front of the square, a high platform was built, overlooking the entire area. When the prefectural examination began, the chief examiner would personally sit on the platform, and the VIPs who came to attend would also be seated on the platform, accompanying the chief examiner.

About ten zhang away from the platform, two stone steles stood, each over ten zhang tall, emitting different spiritual energy fluctuations.

These three stone steles were the "Bone Age Testing Stele" for measuring bone age and the "Spiritual Realm Stele" for measuring cultivation.

After the prefectural examination began, the cultivators who had registered would be tested at these two steles, under the watchful eyes of everyone, ensuring fairness and integrity.

"I'll wait for you here."

Xia Zhi stopped at the edge of the square, chose a spot, and said quietly.

Lin Xun nodded, feeling reassured. The little girl had extraordinary wisdom and would not cause trouble in such a setting.

Xia Zhi stood in a secluded corner, the morning breeze gently blowing her clothes. No one would notice this girl in a windbreaker, her face hidden under a cap, who possessed an incomparable beauty.

She stood quietly, her gaze fixed solely on Lin Xun amidst the vastness of the world.

Watching Lin Xun's figure gradually disappear into the crowded square, Xia Zhi's delicate eyebrows furrowed, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

Since last night, she had been aware of this unease. She trusted her intuition, which was why she had come with Lin Xun today.

She didn't know what would happen today, but no matter what, she wanted to see it with her own eyes. As long as she was with Lin Xun, she was fearless.

There was still half an hour before the prefectural examination began, but the square was already filled with cultivators, all discussing something.

Lin Xun stood alone, looking at the empty seats on the high platform, knowing that today's prefectural examination was the last chance for his opponents to act. It remained to be seen whether they would dare to cause trouble under the watchful eyes of everyone.

This was the imperial prefectural examination, one of the most important events, not just in Donglin City but in all major cities across the empire, held on the same day. No one would dare to cause chaos, as it would invite severe punishment from the imperial authorities.

Lin Xun wasn't worried about his safety, but he was concerned that his opponents might prevent him from passing the examination.

After all, there were nine thousand cultivators registered for the prefectural examination, and only one thousand would be selected. If they wanted to target him, the chief examiner could easily find a reason to eliminate him.

Would they dare?

Lin Xun wasn't sure.

Suddenly, Lin Xun sensed something and turned to see Lian Fei staring at him with a cold, resentful look, accompanied by a well-dressed Yao Susu.

Lin Xun smiled silently and walked over, saying, "We meet again, friend. I said a few days ago that coincidences always have a cause. I feel there's still a lot of unresolved connection between us."

Lian Fei was slightly taken aback, not expecting Lin Xun to approach him so boldly. His face then turned grim. "Is that so? I don't think so!"

Yao Susu curiously examined Lin Xun and then smiled lightly. "I see that your forehead is dark and your brows carry a sign of misfortune. You're likely to have bad luck today."

Then, she took Lian Fei's arm and walked forward.

Lin Xun narrowed his eyes, watching them leave, lost in thought.

---

PS: Thank you, Daozhang, for your generous support. Also, I want to announce that the book will soon be available for purchase. This is a critical moment for the new book's performance, and I'm extremely nervous. I hope everyone will support it when it's released.