Immortal Clerk Appointments and the Power They Hold (Bonus Chapter)

The heavy stone door shut out the thunderous cheers.

This Quiet Chamber lay deep within the Dao Academy. Formations carved into its walls calmed the mind, and a faint trace of Sandalwood Incense lingered in the air.

At that moment, though, the room was almost unnaturally quiet.

The ten victors, led by Chu Bai, stood respectfully. They had just fought through one brutal battle after another. Their breathing was somewhat unsteady, but the vigor tempered by blood and Killing Intent was like a blade drawn from its sheath. They could not have hidden it if they tried.

Judge Li sat in the seat of honor, with Lu He and the other two vice deans beside him.

His gaze swept over the ten young faces before him and paused on Chu Bai's pale but composed face. He gave a slight nod.

"Sit."

Judge Li raised a hand, palm down. His voice was measured, yet carried an authority that brooked no argument. "Now that you've claimed the ten places, it's time to speak plainly about matters that concern your futures."

Everyone sat. Even Ji Li, proud as ever, reined in his edge and looked solemn.

"Now that the White Ordination has entered your bodies, you must feel the difference."

Chu Bai looked inward. In his sea of consciousness, the glowing white talisman gave off gentle pulses that faintly resonated with the Law Net of heaven and earth.

When the others nodded, Judge Li continued:

"In Great Zhou, the White Ordination is official standing—and a key. Only with it have you truly crossed the threshold of cultivation.

"Though both paths grant ordination, the places you earned through the Immortal Official Examination differ in one respect from those gained through the usual Heavenly Examination."

Judge Li paused, then put more weight behind his words.