Chapter 101: The Spirit Refinement Scripture Tests the Map of Mountains and Rivers—Could This Child's Primordial Spirit Truly Be So Potent?! [Please Support with Subscriptions and Monthly Votes]

The attendant called out to Ji Ying, as the uneven palace roofs gleamed like the morning glow. Facing the vermilion steps, three thousand characters were inscribed under the sun; with cloud wings and high winds, the journey spanned ninety thousand miles.

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In the 512th year of the Great Zhao dynasty, on the sixth day of the third month, late spring.

Today marked the grand imperial examination of the Great Zhao, the prelude to the palace-level test. It was the most magnificent day across the entire empire, where countless scholars who had traveled to Lin’an to take the exams would finally see their efforts culminate.

A dense procession of carriages moved along the long street, gradually slowing and stopping as they approached Jing Street.

The candidates who had made it onto the esteemed list of first and second rank Jinshi disembarked from their carriages and proceeded on foot, walking deep into the heart of Jing Street toward the continuous palace halls.

The imperial palace of Lin’an Prefecture was vast, nestled against the towering Phoenix Mountain, gazing northward—a symbol laden with special meaning.

Five centuries ago, the Great Zhao had migrated southward, finally establishing its capital in Lin’an. At that time, no grand palace had been built; only simple halls for managing state affairs were erected.

The civil and military officials, as well as the imperial clan, still harbored hopes of crossing the river one day to reclaim the Central Plains and restore the northern capital.

However, as the years passed, more and more palace halls were constructed at the foot of Phoenix Mountain. Built with earth and timber, these majestic and imposing palaces stretched further and wider, symbolizing royal authority.

The ever-expanding imperial city cast a shadow like a dark ambition, swallowing all hopes of marching north to reclaim the Central Plains.

Gradually, the rallying cry of “Reclaim the Central Plains” became a slogan uttered from time to time.

The increasingly lavish Lin’an grew ever more lost in the eyes of its ministers and royal family.

Today, the Lin’an imperial city covered an extensive area. Beyond Jing Street lay the residences of many high-ranking officials and nobles, where even the humblest mansion might house generals or princes.

The procession proceeded until it reached the majestic imperial city adorned with vermilion walls and glazed tiles.

At the end of Jing Street stood a towering inner city gatehouse, its flying eaves and upturned corners gleaming with golden tiles reflecting the spring morning sun.

Beneath the gate stood armored palace guards, swords at their hips, their presence fierce and imposing.

On the gatehouse, soldiers stood with weapons drawn, their aura overwhelming, eyes sharp as hawks, instilling fear and respect.

They stopped all who sought entry, inspecting each candidate who wished to pass through the Heavenly Mystery Gate—a standard procedure.

Beyond the Heavenly Mystery Gate lay a narrow imperial path paved with white jade stones, leading to the vast White Jade Plaza. At its center stood the vermilion steps, intricately carved with auspicious beasts so lifelike they seemed ready to spring forth snarling.

Above the white jade steps rose the Heavenly Mystery Palace, its golden roof and red walls flanked by golden glazed tiles sloping downward. A grand imperial road stretched tens of miles from front to back, cutting through the palace complex and ascending to the peak of Phoenix Mountain, offering a view to the north.

The current emperor of the Great Zhao dynasty sat proudly on the throne within the Heavenly Mystery Palace, overlooking the Three Lords, Nine Ministers, and all civil and military officials, listening to the affairs of the realm.

Before the palace, auspicious clouds spread radiance. Figures dressed in court robes strode forward with heads held high, their steps resolute as they ascended the palace halls.

The Heavenly Mystery Palace was vast and magnificent. For many candidates who had failed to reach the palace-level exam, this might be their only chance in life to witness such grandeur.

Officials had already filed inside.

Prime Minister Qin Lishi, Vice Prime Minister Ouyang Xiangru, and other senior civil ministers were present, alongside generals like Li You’an and Military Champion Di Cang, as well as dukes and princes of various ranks and noble status.

Also standing nearby were the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and other dignitaries.

Clearly, all held varying degrees of solemnity toward the spring imperial examination.

Suddenly, beside the seated emperor stood a figure clad in purple robes—the palace attendant. His gaze swept outside the Heavenly Mystery Palace.

There, a trembling figure holding a dragon-headed cane slowly ascended the hall. It was none other than the matriarch of the Lin family.

Beside her, Madam Hua, dressed in luxurious garments, quietly stepped into the grand hall.

Also present were Madam Ye and other titled consorts from the Ye household, who likewise entered the palace.

The gazes of the civil and military officials shifted subtly; the presence of these titled consorts signaled that this year’s palace-level exam would be unlike any before.

Many eyes then turned to the palace attendant beside the emperor, where a spear, a sword, and a bow rested.

A mysterious aura surrounded these treasures; these three were no ordinary objects, clearly rewards for the palace-level exam.

Most attention focused on the golden-backed great blade lying silently there, unattended yet radiating oppressive power and terrifying sharpness.

This blade was the second-rank treasured sword “Calming the Storm,” one of the royal treasury’s prized artifacts. It had once been awarded to Lin family’s eldest son who fell in battle; the blade was lost to the Yuan-Mong army but changed hands multiple times before finally returning to the royal treasury.

Now it was presented as a reward, carrying deep significance.

Many officials whispered quietly, their eyes reflecting complex emotions as they looked upon the golden sword.

Everyone knew that the decision to use this blade as a prize, strongly advocated by Prime Minister Qin Lishi, also embodied the emperor’s sentiment—declaring the Lin family’s once-glorious peak now utterly fallen.

Madam Hua’s clear eyes fixed on the golden sword beside the palace attendant, her thoughts unreadable.

The matriarch coughed softly, her aged face inscrutable.

Li You’an stood quietly in scholar’s robes, though among military ranks, while Military Champion Di Cang’s fierce gaze and tattooed face emitted a forbidding aura.

As all officials assembled and the sun climbed high, the palace attendant finally spoke, his voice controlled by spiritual will, booming throughout the imperial city.

“The palace-level examination is now open. Candidates of the first and second ranks, please enter the hall.”

His words thundered, resonating with spiritual energy.

Simultaneously, an ancient, melodious bell tolled throughout the imperial city.

At the Heavenly Mystery Gate, the palace guards fully opened the way. Excited first and second rank candidates took deep breaths, eyes fixed on the white jade imperial path, yet hesitated to step forward.

Suddenly, one stepped forth—a solemn-faced young man in scholar’s robes, sword at his side—Qin Hua’an, sole son of the prime minister.

Qin Hua’an strode onto the imperial path, a breeze seeming to lift his robes.

He gazed at the Heavenly Mystery Palace; beneath his calm eyes flickered a tremor—excitement.

If he could claim the top rank in the palace exam, he might earn the chance to converse with the Sacred Teacher, soaring from a tragic childhood as a servant’s son to become a legendary figure recognized by all.

With Qin Hua’an leading, others soon followed, including first and second rank candidates and recommended cultivators.

A vast procession advanced along the imperial path, solemn and dignified, footsteps echoing on the white stones.

When An Le arrived at the Heavenly Mystery Gate, the first and second rank candidates were already orderly advancing along the imperial path toward the palace.

The palace guards glanced at An Le, recognizing the renowned An family of Lin’an Prefecture, and offered no obstruction.

Prime Minister Qin had not resorted to petty schemes on such a solemn day.

An Le passed under the arch. At the entrance to the path, several figures waited quietly.

Among them were Ye Wenxi, wearing a small Zhongshan sword at his waist; Ye Yinping, carrying a red-sleeved spear; and Liu Yue, whom An Le had not seen for several days.

Besides these three were three more.

One, dressed in scholar’s robes with an elegant bearing and a slender sword at his waist, was Sima Pudu, fifth on the Lesser Sage List.

Another wore splendid attire, exuding a fierce pride—Wang Qilin, sixth on the Lesser Sage List and scion of the Wang family.

The last wore simple, fitted clothes, muscles bulging like forged iron—Zhong Taohua, seventh on the Lesser Sage List, a poetic name matched by a ferocious physique.

Among these, only Liu Yue was not a Lesser Sage List holder; the rest ranked within the top ten.

The Ye sisters awaited An Le.

Sima Pudu, Wang Qilin, and Zhong Taohua came to see An Le, curious about this undefeated prodigy forging an invincible path and seeking legendary status.

An Le observed them, sensing their powerful aura—none were ordinary.

No words were exchanged; their glances locked, as if fierce spiritual wills clashed silently.

Then Wang Qilin turned and stepped onto the imperial path.

Sima Pudu chuckled and followed.

Zhong Taohua nodded to An Le, harboring no hostility toward someone who could activate the Martial Champion Stone. After all, the Zhong family had once produced a Martial Champion, though now fallen in battle. The Martial Champion Stone held special significance for them.

Zhong Taohua, Ye Wenxi, and Ye Yinping nodded to An Le before stepping onto the imperial path.

Liu Yue, sweating heavily, was no cultivator and felt immense pressure among these Lesser Sage prodigies. The clash of spiritual wills nearly unbalanced him.

Yet he persevered, managing a strained smile toward An Le.

He remained to thank An Le, for it was thanks to him that his wrongful accusation was cleared, allowing him to leave the Dali Court’s cold prison and even gain the Master’s favor.

The Master had told him that his acceptance as a student was partly to atone for the literary academy’s scholars’ false accusations, partly for his talent, and largely because of An Le.

An Le patted Liu Yue’s shoulder, signaling no thanks was needed.

“The pure remain pure. Even without me, I believe you, Brother Liu, could have left the cold prison.”

Liu Yue’s eyes brimmed with gratitude.

“Brother An, though I am no cultivator, if I become an official, I will be a good one, using all my strength to change this era.”

“The spring imperial exam’s questions taught me not to betray my heart. When I was imprisoned, I thought deeply, even lost hope. I believed my imprisonment was punishment for abandoning my principles and following the powerful.”

Liu Yue sighed.

“To govern is to seek good policies.”

“Though you ranked only first in the second list, making high office difficult, every post has meaning. You must do your utmost and remain true to yourself.”

An Le advised.

Hearing this, Liu Yue’s expression turned serious and grateful.

“Thank you, Young Master An, for your guidance.”

“The palace-level exam… Young Master An, do your best! I hope to see you crowned top scholar!”

Facing the bright morning sun, Liu Yue smiled, offering blessings.

An Le smiled in return.

“Much obliged for your kind words.”

He waved gently, robes fluttering, and stepped onto the imperial path.

He proceeded toward the Heavenly Mystery Palace.

Outside the palace, on the vast White Jade Plaza, first and second rank candidates reached a halt, stopped by numerous palace attendants in official robes.

Those ranked second or below the top ten among the first rank stopped here.

Only the top ten first rank candidates and many recommended cultivators continued forward to the plaza’s center, facing the white jade steps and the Heavenly Mystery Palace rising like a lotus cradled by Buddha’s hand.

In truth, only about a dozen people made it this far.

Besides Qin Hua’an, Sima Pudu, and Wang Qilin, no others were recommended.

To be recommended for the palace-level exam without sufficient talent was impossible; others had to accept their fate in the spring imperial exam.

“Dong—”

Another bell rang.

Within the grand Heavenly Mystery Palace, the palace attendant in purple robes slowly emerged.

His aged, pale, beardless face bore sharp, catlike eyes.

“The palace-level exam consists of a literary test and a martial test.”

“In fifteen minutes, the literary test will commence, presided over by the Academy’s Second Master. It will take place within one of the Academy’s three great treasures—the ‘Map of Mountains and Rivers.’ The Academy’s spirit-refining techniques relate to the mind, so all are advised to prepare well.”

“The martial test, set by the Martial Temple’s Martial Champion, will take two rounds of ranking; the top two will compete for the ultimate title of top scholar.”

“Do you all understand clearly?”

The palace attendant’s voice was sharp, somewhat piercing, yet reinforced by spiritual power, ringing clearly in every candidate’s ears.

Within the palace, many nobles were surprised. They had no knowledge of the exam’s content.

In past years, the emperor himself had set the exam questions. Now, the written test was replaced by spirit refining, and the martial test by physical forging.

Moreover, the Academy and Martial Temple—two factions intertwined with the court—were rarely called upon to set exam questions.

In the White Jade Plaza’s center, the dozen candidates showed no dissent, bowing politely, their expressions solemn.

Those who had passed by the spring imperial exam and reached the palace-level exam smiled bitterly.

They knew the rules: they were mere participants, with no chance of victory.

Although their cultivation was not weak, without the traditional essay questions, and with the literary test focusing on spirit refining and the martial test on physical forging, they stood no chance.

How could they compare to the prodigies on the Lesser Sage List?

Becoming top scholar seemed an unattainable dream, but they did not give up. After all, the palace-level exam rankings affected future court careers, easing their path.

At that moment, a figure approached gracefully from beyond the imperial city.

In fluttering scholar’s robes and flowing white hair, it was the Academy’s Second Master, Pang Ji.

Holding a scroll painting, he floated down onto the white jade steps.

First, he bowed slightly to the Zhao emperor seated within the Heavenly Mystery Palace.

The emperor smiled and nodded.

“Thank you, Second Master.”

“Selecting talent for the empire is the Academy’s duty. Your Majesty is too kind.”

The Second Master smiled gently.

Then turning to the dozen candidates standing on the plaza, he explained the rules:

“I will lead you into the ‘Map of Mountains and Rivers,’ where your minds will be divided between two zones—‘Mountains’ and ‘Rivers.’ There, your spiritual wills will duel; only one side’s will may endure. Scores will be assigned according to how long each survives.”

The Academy’s ‘Map of Mountains and Rivers’ was an immensely powerful binding treasure, capable of forcibly trapping the minds of the strongest.

This palace-level exam used such a treasure as the battlefield.

All their expressions shifted slightly.

An Le’s eyes flickered. He had not expected the first test to be like this—a direct spiritual duel within the map.

Though called spirit refining, it was a fierce contest.

The longer one lasted inside, the higher the score. But for those confident in their strength, extinguishing others’ minds held the key.

This exam was clearly designed for the prodigies of the Lesser Sage List, ensuring the top scholar was worthy of conversing with the Sacred Teacher.

Thus, those with lower spirit refining cultivation had little chance.

Many believed An Le’s spirit refining was barely at the fourth level, just able to condense a primordial spirit. This literary test was unfavorable for him.

As An Le pondered, he suddenly sensed a cold gaze. Turning, he met Qin Hua’an’s glare.

“I promised my father I would not let you reach the top three,” Qin Hua’an said coldly and directly.

“I hope we meet within the same zone of the map, so I can crush your mind at the fastest speed.”

He did not mention revenge for Qin Qianqiu, only that he bore his father’s expectations.

Qin Hua’an’s words caused a stir among the candidates. They knew of An Le’s ties with the prime minister, so while surprised, they were not shocked.

An Le, in his snowy-white robes, did not look at Qin Hua’an nor respond.

Qin Hua’an paid no mind, turning his gaze to the Second Master standing on the white jade steps.

The Second Master’s spiritual energy surged, and the scroll he held rose, floating before the Heavenly Mystery Palace.

Slowly, the scroll unfurled, revealing ink-painted mountains and rivers shrouded in mist—a vast world captured in brush strokes, magnificent landscapes seemingly encompassing all the empire’s beauty.

“The first palace-level test: the spirit refining literary test.”

“Candidates, enter the map.”

After a brief silence, Qin Hua’an sat cross-legged, spirit surging within. His primordial spirit leapt from his Dantian, stepping toward the map—a radiant figure surrounded by flowing light, the hallmark of a fifth-level spirit refiner with a sitting meditation primordial spirit.

As Qin Hua’an’s spirit reached the map, he paused, glancing at the snowy-white An Le, then stepped into the mountains and rivers, transforming into a scholarly ink figure.

With Qin Hua’an leading, others no longer hesitated.

Sima Pudu smiled, his primordial spirit glowing with brilliant light, and entered the map.

Wang Qilin, Ye Yinping, Ye Wenxi, and others released their primordial spirits.

For a moment, the White Jade Plaza shone with light, like celestial beings descending.

Of course, many had only third-level spirit refining or had not condensed primordial spirits, entering with mere spiritual wills.

An Le admired the map briefly, then sat cross-legged.

He raised his hand, touching his brow.

Instantly, sword qi rang out sharply.

Within his sword furnace, An Le’s primordial spirit opened its eyes.

Surrounded by sword qi, the spirit stepped forth, walking on air, each step blooming like a lotus, moving toward the map.

As An Le’s spirit emerged, many powerful observers within the Heavenly Mystery Palace stiffened in disbelief.

A fourth-level primordial spirit?!

How could his spirit be so strong?!

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PS: This chapter was quite dense, so the update came slowly. Also, please consider supporting the new book with monthly and recommendation votes—the month is nearly over! Your support is much appreciated!