In the end, Confucian Immortal Gu Chen remained completely unharmed and never truly realized that life-and-death partings were what the jianghu was really about.
Only by possessing sufficient strength
could one protect the people one cared about most!
However, since Jiang Mu Ming had been entrusted by Confucian Immortal Gu Chen to teach Baili Dongjun,
he naturally would not stand by and watch him slack off.
"The so-called Autumn Water Art is based on the saying: 'When autumn water arrives, all streams pour into the river. With the Jing River swollen, the banks on either side are so far apart that cattle and horses cannot be distinguished.'"
"It is an extremely profound internal cultivation technique."
"You must practice diligently. Do not slack off."
"Also..." Jiang Mu Ming glanced at Baili Dongjun and warned him, "Don't assume that because I'm setting the questions for this Academy Grand Examination, I'll go easy on you."
"If you truly cannot pass the Academy Grand Examination, then obediently return to Gan Dong City."
"Just be a young master of the marquis's residence and enjoy a life of peace."
As Li Changsheng's chosen final disciple and Confucian Immortal Gu Chen's disciple,
Baili Dongjun had been sent to live in the Academy
the moment he arrived in Tian Qi City.
Jiang Mu Ming had even taught him the Autumn Water Art cultivated by Confucian Immortal Gu Chen.
Even so,
Jiang Mu Ming would not go easy on him in this Academy Grand Examination. He would treat him exactly as he should.
In the end, there could only be one person
who became Li Changsheng's final disciple!
Aside from that, however, Jiang Mu Ming did not mind offering some personal help to let Baili Dongjun become Li Changsheng's final disciple.
Hearing the sternness in Jiang Mu Ming's words,
Baili Dongjun hurriedly adjusted his mindset.
"Don't worry, Mister Jiang. Dongjun will definitely work hard!"
At last, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation.
Seeing his serious expression, Jiang Mu Ming nodded in satisfaction.
But Jiang Mu Ming himself could no longer concentrate wholeheartedly on reading.
Because Young Master Zhuo Mo, Lei Mengsha—the most talkative of the Eight Princes of Northern Li—had arrived outside the little courtyard!
"Boss Jiang! No, Second Mister!"
"There are less than two days left before the Academy Grand Examination. Why haven't you announced the examination questions yet?"
"Are you really going to wait until the examination begins to announce them?"
As soon as Lei Mengsha arrived,
a long string of words poured from his mouth.
He kept talking nonstop beside Jiang Mu Ming.
"Stop!"
Jiang Mu Ming helplessly made a stopping gesture.
He said, "What, does Young Master Zhuo Mo Lei Mengsha need to make a living by selling the examination questions in advance?"
"Though, that's actually a good idea."
"We could sell the examination questions outright. One thousand taels per person."
"That would also generate some income for the Academy."
After all, Jiang Mu Ming had seen plenty of things like this in his previous life.
They were the ones who handled the black market.
They were also the ones who handled the legitimate business.
They took both sides! How could that be anything but wildly profitable?
"Huh?" Lei Mengsha was dumbfounded. He had not expected Jiang Mu Ming to come up with such an idea.
He waved his hands and hurriedly explained.
"Second Mister, this isn't some kind of business. Most of those coming to take the Academy Grand Examination are merely noble sons and daughters seeking prestige."
"They only need to achieve a decent result in the Preliminary Test."
"So every year around this time, the examination questions are released in advance."
Jiang Mu Ming sneered disdainfully.
Those so-called noble sons and daughters were utterly insignificant in his eyes.
"That's unfortunate."
"There really isn't anything to prepare for in the questions I set this time."
"Just tell everyone."
"For this Academy Grand Examination, no preparation is necessary."
"Tell them to simply be themselves."
Be themselves?
Lei Mengsha thought about it. Could that be the subject of the Preliminary Test?
But how could one prepare to be oneself?
There was simply no way to prepare!
Besides, how could one be tested on being oneself?
"This..." Lei Mengsha felt utterly helpless.
But he could not very well offer any suggestions.
After all, the person standing before him was the Academy Second Master, who stood on equal footing with his own master, Li Changsheng.
As for his strength... it was most likely unfathomable as well!
"Fine. I'll go convey the Second Master's instructions to everyone right away."
At the side,
Baili Dongjun suddenly opened his eyes and asked curiously, "Be yourself? Mister Jiang, what kind of examination is that?"
Before you continue