Deng Blackface had repeatedly stressed the importance of scores in the imperial examinations during their days of instruction at the Octagonal Tower.
Whoever earned the highest score would become the top scholar of the imperial examinations, with boundless honor and rewards.
Next, Xu Yi tried controlling the clouds with his soul sense. Sure enough, they responded with ease. Whatever kind of formation had been laid upon them, it clearly rendered them completely unaffected by his weight. Controlling a cloud felt as light and effortless as steering a wisp of mist.
As Xu Yi manipulated the clouds, he saw everyone else trying it too. Clearly, he wasn't the only one who had received the words that had appeared in their minds; everyone had seen them.
Suddenly, he recalled the green-robed man's warning. He sent a voice transmission to the Huaixi contingent. "Everyone, scores aren't important. Staying alive is. This Gale Force Canyon is no ordinary place. Once we move forward, we should stick together—"
Before Xu Yi could finish, Tu Lao San sneered. "Better to leave it to fate." He immediately urged his cloud forward and shot ahead.
At the same time, people from each of the other four contingents rushed out as well.
However fierce the gale, it was still only wind. How could Yin Venerables possibly fear a mere gust? Countless people had thought that way; some were willing to follow orders, while others insisted on going their own way.
Tu Lao San streaked ahead. Several others looked eager to follow, but when they saw that most people stayed put, they didn't dare move rashly.
Disobeying Xu Yi alone might not mean much. Defying the entire group, however, would be sheer folly. After all, this wasn't the only event in the imperial examinations.
Ignoring Tu Lao San as he