Chapter 96

Surprised and doubtful voices were few and far between, scattered across different areas of the square.

All of this only proved that Lin Xun, at the age of thirteen, possessing the cultivation of the Sixth Level of True Martial, was not particularly outstanding, merely slightly above average, and thus did not cause any significant commotion or uproar.

However, those who knew Lin Xun's name could not remain calm at this moment, not because of his outstanding performance in the assessment, but because of the name Lin Xun!

To most people present, Lin Xun was just a stranger, but to those who knew the details about him, Lin Xun made many of them feel intense hatred and resentment.

Just like at this moment, the surprised and doubtful voices came from Yang Qun and his group. These young gentlemen from Donglin City were captured by Xia Zhi yesterday and were paraded in front of Donglin Academy, becoming the most pitiful clowns in a farce. How could they not hate Lin Xun?

At the same time, the principal of Donglin Academy, Yu Canglin, suddenly looked up and glanced thoughtfully at Lin Xun's back as he returned to the square. He recalled his conversation with Wu Chaoqun, the head of the Wu Clan, from the previous day.

Soon, he remembered the incident that happened in front of Donglin Academy yesterday, and his brows furrowed, falling into deep thought.

Yu Canglin did not notice that Yao Tuohai, who was beside him, also cast a glance at Lin Xun's back at that moment. His expression remained calm, but he couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. What could a Sixth Level True Martial youth do to make his daughter and Lian Fei suffer at his hands?

Wu Chaoqun's eyes twitched slightly, and he clearly remembered the intelligence report stating that Lin Xun had only reached the Fifth Level of True Martial when he entered Donglin City a month ago. Who would have thought that in just one month, this boy had already broken through to the next level!

A young person with such potential, as well as cunning and skill, would surely become a major threat once he grew up!

Wu Chaoqun had already decided to eliminate him, but his expression showed no sign of it.

Mu Wansu's expression was even more complex. If she remembered correctly, the first time she met Lin Xun in Fiyun Village, he was only at the Third Level of True Martial. It was with the help of Daxiushen's "Four Seasons Precious Brew" that he suddenly enlightened and reached the Fourth Level of True Martial.

And now, after just a few months, he had already reached the Sixth Level of True Martial. This rapid progress in cultivation left Mu Wansu deeply shaken. She realized for the first time that, in her previous focus on competing with Lin Xun, she had failed to notice that this boy had an extremely outstanding talent in cultivation.

Lin Xun seemed unaware of all this, returning to his original position, eyes lowered, silent.

He didn't need to guess that when his name was called, it would be like a whiff of blood, instantly attracting the attention of those lurking wolves.

However, Lin Xun was not worried that they would cause trouble during the assessment.

As Lin Xun had predicted, his appearance did not cause any significant upheaval. The assessment continued, with one young man and woman after another, filled with excitement, anticipation, and nervousness, undergoing the test, receiving their scores, and then returning to their original positions.

In response to the assessment results, some were delighted, some sighed in disappointment, and some were uncertain, creating a variety of reactions.

As the time approached noon, the assessment, which involved over 9,300 participants, was completed. However, the final results of the assessment had not yet been announced, and no one in the square left. The atmosphere became tense and oppressive, more so than the previous waiting and boredom.

Everyone was on edge, their eyes fixed on the distant platform, their expressions filled with longing, tension, and anticipation.

The final assessment results were about to be announced, and it would be revealed who would be eliminated and who would be admitted.

On the platform, the chief examiner, Yao Tuohai, did not keep them waiting for long. He stood up, his gaze sweeping across the square, and said, "This assessment has broadened my horizons, and I have indeed discovered many promising young cultivators. Unfortunately, the final results can only admit 1,000 people. I hope those who fail do not be discouraged, but continue to strive, and can participate in the assessment again next year. As for those who pass, do not be arrogant or complacent. You must understand that the assessment is just the first step, and you will face many more challenges in the future..."

After a long speech, Yao Tuohai's expression turned serious, and he instructed, "Brother Canglin, you will announce the results of this assessment."

Saying this, he handed a scroll, already written, to Yu Canglin beside him.

Yu Canglin's spirit was lifted, and he accepted the task with a smile. However, when he stood up and opened the scroll, his expression became solemn and authoritative, his gaze sharp.

"In this assessment, those aged fifteen with cultivation below the Fifth Level of True Martial are eliminated!

"Those aged fourteen with cultivation below the Fourth Level of True Martial are eliminated!

"Those aged thirteen with cultivation below the Third Level of True Martial are eliminated!

"Those aged twelve and below with cultivation below the Second Level of True Martial are all eliminated!"

His words were delivered at a steady pace, but each word was like a thunderclap, echoing through the square. The word "eliminated" in particular left many of the young men and women present trembling with shock and unable to calm down.

Those who were directly declared to have failed the assessment had pale faces, expressions of bitter disappointment, and many even shed tears on the spot.

Crying, indeed, seemed ridiculous and easily provoked ridicule, but it also showed that these young men and women were still children, inexperienced and naive. If they were experienced adults, no matter how disappointed they were, they would not shed tears in public.

"Now, please those who failed the assessment leave the square!"

Yu Canglin's voice was solemn. The scene in the square was filled with sorrow and easily led to chaos. If the failed participants did not leave, they might become resentful when they heard the names of those who passed, causing some disorder.

Soon, over 7,000 people left the square in disappointment.

Many felt sorry for them, as some of these 7,000 failed participants had scores that would have easily passed in previous assessments.

Unfortunately, this year's assessment was different. Due to Yao Tuohai, the number of participants in the assessment had surged, and many cultivators from other cities had also come, making the competition more intense and stringent than before.

Lin Xun did not feel the impact much, but at this moment, he couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. The results were already being announced; could those people still hold back and not act?

Of course, if they were willing to let him pass the assessment smoothly, that would be best, but Lin Xun did not think this would happen.

At this moment, there were still over 2,000 young men and women in the square. In other words, in the time to come, another 1,000 people would still be eliminated!

Soon, Yu Canglin spoke again, "There are still over 2,000 people in the square. Most of you are of the same age and cultivation, making it difficult to decide. To ensure fairness, Lord Yao Tuohai has decided to conduct an additional test!"

An additional test!

The entire square was in an uproar. No one expected that at this critical moment, another test would be conducted, which was quite rare.

In the empire's previous assessments, such a situation had occurred, and additional tests were used to determine the final candidates.

However, in Donglin City, this was the first time an additional test was conducted for the assessment!

Lin Xun narrowed his eyes, suddenly feeling that this additional test might not be peaceful for him.

"Of course, before the additional test, I will announce a list. Those whose names appear on the list are all outstanding performers. Based on their performance, they do not need to take the additional test and can directly pass the assessment!"

When Yu Canglin said this, the entire square was in an uproar again. However, upon reflection, it seemed fair. Top performers like Wu Feichong, Yu Miao, and Xiao Hen, who had caused a stir in the square, would definitely pass the assessment. Conducting an additional test for them would be meaningless and a waste of time.

After the commotion, everyone in the square couldn't help but hold their breath, eagerly hoping their names would appear on the list, so they wouldn't have to take the additional test.

Soon, Yu Canglin began to announce the list: "Wu Feichong, Yu Miao, Xiao Hen..."

One name after another was announced, totaling over 600 people, causing waves of surprise and commotion. Some were envious and jealous, while others were disappointed and sighed.

When Lin Xun confirmed that his name was not on the list, he couldn't help but sneer. Indeed, it was a targeted move!

During the assessment, Lin Xun seemed somewhat distracted, but in reality, he had already memorized the names, ages, and cultivation levels of every participant, and had a good idea of his own performance.

In the list announced by Yu Canglin, many people had the same age and cultivation as Lin Xun. They could pass the assessment, but Lin Xun could not, which was clearly abnormal!

After all, the list only announced over 600 people, and the final number to be admitted was 1,000. There were still many spots left. Why wasn't his name on the list?

Lin Xun did not expose this. He knew that exposing it would be useless, as no one in the square would speak up for him. Moreover, the list announced by Yu Canglin, though biased, did not violate any rules.

This was not the final list of admitted candidates, but only a part of it! Yu Canglin had various reasons to explain everything!

In Lin Xun's view, perhaps the other party was deliberately trying to provoke and anger him, so they could have a reason to eliminate and suppress him.

Lin Xun would not let them have their way.

However, what surprised Lin Xun was that he did not plan to expose this, but someone stood up to speak up for him, and it was someone he least expected—

Mu Wansu!

However, when he saw this, Lin Xun's heart sank, and he inwardly called out, "Not good!"

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PS: Sorry for the late update. I accidentally caught a cold and slept the whole day. No matter what, I will try to write more tonight.