The chief examiner swept his gaze over the remaining eight people, then let it settle on the Devil Cultivator ranked in the top ten. "Does anyone still wish to challenge for the top scholar?"
The Devil Cultivator singled out by the chief examiner immediately lowered his head and carefully studied how the patterns on the blades of grass changed beneath the evening breeze.
The other seven gently shook their heads.
"The Azure Cloud Examination values fairness above all else. If anyone below the stage remains unconvinced, you may sign a Life-and-Death Writ and come up to measure yourselves against Li Qingxian." The chief examiner swept his gaze over the Devil Sect disciples.
The Devil Sect disciples either lowered their heads or looked elsewhere.
Some of the competitive Literary Cultivators and Dao Cultivators let out a chorus of jeers.
"Very well. I hereby announce that the top scholar of this Azure Cloud Examination is Li Qingxian."
"Congratulations, Brother Li!" Those who had spoken with Li Qingxian earlier cheered loudly.
"Congratulations to Li Ke for taking the top scholar spot!" the Night Guard brothers shouted.
After that, the others fought over second and third place.
As evening drew near, the rankings were decided, and the Eighth Rank Azure Cloud Examination officially came to an end.
The barriers around the examination grounds fell, and the people outside surged in like a flood, heading toward the grand arena and the Top Scholar Platform.
Before long, more than a hundred thousand people had gathered before the Top Scholar Platform, all asking who had claimed this year's Eighth Rank top scholar title.
When they learned it was Li Qingxian, Song Baige and the others cheered and leaped with joy.
Not far away, a group followed at the very back of the crowd, slowly making their way