A bad review during the trial shattered Wang Zihao's dream of attending a prestigious institution. Expelled, his chances of getting into a top 100 university were now zero. Even with family connections or guild affiliations, there was no way to salvage his academic future. His best hope was an ordinary institution.
As the rankings were announced, the gap became clearer. Beyond Lin Moyu and Xia Xue, the students of Xihai No. 1 Middle School performed decently. Gao Yang ranked 61st, a respectable middle-ground position. The rest, though further down, still had solid prospects of admission to universities.
Then, the examiner's voice echoed again: "The provincial champion for combat professions in Jiangning Province is Lin Moyu." The crowd buzzed, followed by a wave of applause. Becoming the number one scholar in a province was a massive achievement, but Lin Moyu hadn't just won—he dominated. His score alone far surpassed the combined points of the other four candidates who entered the battle space with him.
As the applause continued, the examiner made another shocking announcement: "Lin Moyu is this year's national champion!"
The crowd erupted into chaos. Lu Yun, his teacher, leaped from his seat, his face flushed with excitement. "National champion! Moyu is the national number one!" His voice trembled as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. For a moment, he was too overwhelmed to speak clearly.
"Old Lu, are you alright?" one of his colleagues teased.
"Take it easy, don't faint now," another added with a laugh. But the excitement was infectious. "Lin Moyu's victory means you're set for life, Old Lu. Your school could even be renamed National Champion High!"
As the applause grew louder, people couldn't believe it. "Our Jiangning Province has a national champion!" "Lin Moyu is incredible!" But while everyone celebrated, Lin Moyu remained calm. He had anticipated this moment ever since winning the provincial title, so the national recognition, though thrilling, didn't surprise him.
Xia Xue, wide-eyed, turned to him, "You just became the top student in the whole country—how can you stay so calm?"
"I'm happy," Lin Moyu said quietly.
Xia Xue scoffed, "Happy? You don't even smile when you're happy."
"I smiled… inside," he replied, leaving Xia Xue rolling her eyes.
"Idiot." She snorted but added, "Still, congratulations, Lin Zhuangyuan."
Just then, Zuo Mei and Feng Xiu approached. Zuo Mei, cold as always, gave a formal nod, "Congratulations, Lin Moyu."
Feng Xiu reached out a hand, "We owe you, Moyu. If it weren't for you, we'd be in serious trouble back there."
Lin Moyu shook his hand, "It's nothing."
Feng Xiu continued, "I guess you'll be applying to Xia Jing Academy?"
Lin Moyu nodded.
"See you there then! I owe you dinner," Feng Xiu said with a grin.
Their conversation fell into awkward silence as Lin Moyu's reserved nature made things uncomfortable. But Xia Xue laughed, "This guy barely talks. We've been classmates for three years, and we've spoken maybe ten sentences in total."
"Sixteen," Lin Moyu corrected, drawing laughter from everyone.
After the excitement of the rankings, Lin Moyu returned home to rest. His goal was clear: Xia Jing Academy. As the national champion, he had no doubts about his acceptance.
Later that night, as Lin Moyu meditated, a knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. It was Lu Yun, his excitement still visible. But he wasn't alone. With him was an unfamiliar man who radiated such a powerful aura that Lin Moyu felt like he was suffocating. Instinctively, he summoned his skeleton warriors for protection.
"Good reaction," said the man, stepping forward.
Lin Moyu relaxed upon recognizing the voice. "Lord Baishen," he greeted respectfully.
Bai Yiyuan emerged from the shadows, smiling. "How did you know it was me?"
"I recognized your voice."
Bai Yiyuan chuckled, clearly pleased with Lin Moyu's response. He had observed Lin Moyu in the battle space, but now, standing face to face, he was even more impressed. Lin Moyu's composure, instincts, and quick thinking had earned him full marks in Baishen's eyes.
"Very good," Bai Yiyuan said approvingly. "I'm here to talk to you about Xia Jing Academy."