Chapter 34

But in the end, Confucian Immortal Gu Chen emerged unscathed, never truly realizing that partings through life and death are the real jianghu.

Only with enough strength

can one protect those they care about most!

Still, since Jiang Mu Ming had been entrusted by Confucian Immortal Gu Chen to teach Baili Dongjun, he naturally wouldn't just let him slack off.

"The so-called Autumn Water Art goes: 'When autumn waters come, a hundred streams pour into the river; its torrents are so vast that between the two banks and the islets, one cannot tell ox from horse.'"

"It is an extremely profound inner cultivation technique."

"You must train diligently and not be lazy."

"Also." Jiang Mu Ming shot a glance at Baili Dongjun, warning him, "Don't think that just because I'm setting the exam for this Academy assessment, I'll go easy on you."

"If you truly can't pass the Academy assessment, then obediently head back to Gan Dong City."

"Live as a carefree young marquis in peace."

As Li Changsheng's chosen closed-door disciple and the student of his old friend Confucian Immortal Gu Chen, the moment Baili Dongjun arrived in Tian Qi City, Jiang Mu Ming had him move into the Academy.

He even passed on the Autumn Water Art that Confucian Immortal Gu Chen had cultivated.

But despite all this, Jiang Mu Ming wouldn't go easy on this Academy assessment—what's fair is fair.

In the end, only one person

could become Li Changsheng's closed-door disciple!

Still, aside from that, Jiang Mu Ming didn't mind offering some personal help to let Baili Dongjun earn that spot.

Hearing Jiang Mu Ming's somewhat stern words, Baili Dongjun quickly adjusted his mindset.

"Mister Jiang, rest assured—Dongjun will work hard!"

He finally threw himself fully into cultivation.

Watching his earnest expression, Jiang Mu Ming nodded with satisfaction.

But he himself couldn't focus on reading anymore.

Because outside the small courtyard, the most talkative of the Eight Princes of Northern Li—Young Master Zhuo Mo, Lei Mengsha—had arrived!

"Boss Jiang! No, Second Mister!"

"There's less than two days left until the Academy assessment—why haven't you announced the exam topics yet?"

"Are you really going to wait until the assessment starts to reveal them?"

The moment Lei Mengsha showed up, a long string of words poured out, endlessly chattering in Jiang Mu Ming's ear.

"Stop!"

Jiang Mu Ming helplessly made a halting gesture.

He said, "What, are you, Young Master Zhuo Mo Lei Mengsha, relying on selling exam topics in advance to make a living?"

"Still, that's not a bad idea."

"We could totally sell the exam topics—one thousand taels per person."

"Consider it revenue for the Academy."

After all, in his past life, Jiang Mu Ming had seen plenty of this kind of thing.

They played both sides—

black and white.

Double-dipping both ends! Far more than just profiteering.

"Huh?" Lei Mengsha was stunned; he hadn't expected Jiang Mu Ming to come up with that idea.

Waving his hands, he quickly explained.

"Second Mister, this isn't about business. Most of those taking the Academy assessment are noble sons and daughters just looking to gild their résumés."

"They only need a decent score in the preliminary round."

"So every year at this time, the exam topics are released early."

Jiang Mu Ming gave a disdainful smirk.

Noble sons and daughters? In his eyes, they weren't worth mentioning.

"That really is unfortunate."

"The topic I've set this time doesn't really require any preparation."

"Just tell everyone."

"For this major exam, there's no need to prepare."

"Let them simply be themselves."

Be themselves?

Lei Mengsha pondered—was this the preliminary exam's topic?

But how could one prepare to be themselves?

There was simply no way to prepare at all!

And moreover, how could being themselves be tested?

"This..." Lei Mengsha felt utterly helpless inside.

Yet he couldn't very well offer any suggestions.

After all, the man before him was the Academy Second Master, ranked alongside his own master, Li Changsheng.

As for his strength... it was likely unfathomably deep!

"Alright, then I'll go relay the Second Master's intent to everyone."

Off to the side.

Baili Dongjun suddenly opened his eyes, curious. "Be themselves? Mister Jiang, what kind of exam is that?"