Chapter 135: Chen Chao’s Adventures

Xi Qiuchen looked at Jiang Shuchan and said, "I don't know how you found out that the martial exam is going to be reformed this year, but even with the reforms, it won't be easy for you alone to kill him."

Xi Qiuchen fixed his gaze on Jiang Shuchan's graceful figure and continued, "I investigated him. Before entering the Divine Capital, he served as the warden in Tianqing County and killed many demons. Otherwise... he wouldn't have easily killed your friend like that."

He clicked his tongue and said, "It wasn't just him, but four qi refiners in total, two of them at the same cultivation realm, and he killed them just like that?"

Upon hearing Xi Qiuchen's words, several traces of frost appeared in Jiang Shuchan's eyes, but she remained silent.

Xi Qiuchen smiled and said, "Looks like Fairy Jiang wasn't that close to that friend of yours."

Jiang Shuchan asked calmly, "What do you want?"

Xi Qiuchen smiled and replied, "There are rumors that I, Xi Qiuchen, am a lecherous demon, but there are countless paths in the world, and that is simply my way of cultivation. Many people appear righteous on the surface, but who knows what they are truly like behind closed doors?"

"No need to beat around the bush."

Jiang Shuchan looked at him with no visible emotions in her eyes.

Xi Qiuchen chuckled and said, "I genuinely admire you, Fairy Jiang. That's why I want to do something for you. It's not blackmail, I simply hope that you can see my sincere heart. If I succeed in this matter, how about spending a day together at the lake?"

Jiang Shuchan furrowed her brows. She was somewhat surprised too. She had not expected Xi Qiuchen's request to be so straightforward.

She looked at Xi Qiuchen, her eyes wavering a little.

Xi Qiuchen smiled and said, "That uncivilized martial artist dared to attack immortal cultivators. As cultivators, it is our duty to take a stand in such matters."

"If you can really kill him, I may consider your request..."

Jiang Shuchan quickly made up her mind. She looked at the man in front of her and suddenly found him less detestable.

Xi Qiuchen smiled and said, "Whether or not I can kill that martial artist depends on your abilities, Fairy Jiang. I believe that since Fairy Jiang already knew about the martial exam reforms in advance, you'll probably have a way to neutralize the bamboo token too."

Jiang Shuchan did not speak, she just cast a glance around her rather silently.

......

......

The first day of the literary exam quickly came to an end.

A total of six preliminary exams were conducted today. Zhu Xia and Xie Nandu ranked first in their respective rounds. Apart from these two girls, the other top performers were all men. They appeared cultured and scholarly, resembling scholars rather than cultivators.

The Left Guard's news was transmitted extremely quickly. Chen Chao was in the courtyard in the academy when he soon received news from the Left Guard. It was delivered by Weng Quan. After handing over the message, this constable from the Left Guard wanted to say something but was promptly dismissed by Chen Chao.

Closing the courtyard gate, Chen Chao picked up a bag of honey dates and sat down on a chair in the courtyard. He opened the envelope, glanced through the contents, and handed the honey dates and letter to Xie Nandu.

"I read it. It seems that there are only a few women among the top ten in the six rounds. What's going on?" Chen Chao asked curiously as he spat out the date pit.

Xie Nandu set the letter aside and said calmly, "What's so strange about that?"

Among cultivators in the world, the number of men far exceeded the number of women by a large margin. This was especially true when it comes to the proportion of powerhouses. However, when it came to the literary exam, it fundamentally tested one's knowledge and learning. If we talk about studying, women's thoughts are generally more meticulous than men's, so this kind of situation should not occur.

Why did it seem like men were more skilled even in the literary exam?

Xie Nandu calmly said, "If one's talent is sufficient, no one would think of participating in the literary exam. The difference between the literary exam and the martial exam is significant. You saw with your own eyes the difference in attention they receive too. How can they be mentioned in the same breath?"

Chen Chao smiled, waved his hand, and asked, "Can you get first place today?"

Zhu Xia pondered for a moment and replied seriously, "I should be able to."

Chen Chao was satisfied and said, "Then go ahead, answer the questions well!"

Zhu Xia smiled and left. Xie Nandu approached, looking at this scene as she asked, "Did you also bet on her victory?"

Last night, Chen Chao went to the largest gambling house in the Divine Capital and placed a bet. In addition to Xie Nandu, he also bet that Zhu Xia would get first place today while he was at it.

"I hope you both achieve good results. I am actively supporting you girls with my actions."

Chen Chao looked at the cultivators by the lakeside, feeling rather happy.

Soon, the sound of a bell rang, indicating the end of the examination. Xie Nandu was about to participate in the next session of the literary exam.

After waving to her, Chen Chao went straight to the place where the rankings were posted, waiting for the list.

After a moment, the person in charge of posting the list walked over with the list in hand.

Chen Chao was stunned, looking at the person holding the list, feeling surprised.

"Why is it you?!"

The person posting the list was none other than Weng Quan.

Weng Quan clasped his hands and smiled, "Deputy Commander, the Ministry of Rites said they were short-handed, so they asked me to come over. Otherwise, this subordinate would be patrolling by the lakeside right now. You have no idea how scorching the sun is today..."

Chen Chao waved his hand and frowned as he said, "Quickly post the list. Where did all this nonsense come from?"

Weng Quan nodded and hurriedly hung up the list. He pulled the string and the list unfolded. There was no surprise—the top spot was still Zhu Xia.

Chen Chao let out a sigh of relief.

Weng Quan walked over and lowered his voice, "Did Deputy Commander place a bet at the gambling house last night?"

Chen Chao furrowed his brows.

Weng Quan said in a low voice, "You must have bet on Miss Xie getting first place."

Chen Chao said impatiently, "Just get to the point."

"It won't be an easy win for Miss Xie in the next session. From yesterday's six preliminary exams, there are a total of three top performers in her upcoming session."

Weng Quan smiled bitterly, "Deputy Commander, it seems like you're going to lose today."

On the first day of the literary exam, there were six top performers. Apart from Xie Nandu and Zhu Xia, three of the remaining four were in the upcoming session. Adding Xie Nandu, that made four.

This session of the literary exam would undoubtedly be very dangerous.

Chen Chao exclaimed angrily, "What kind of rules does the Myriad Willow Convention have? Isn't there a principle of avoiding clashes between top performers?"

Weng Quan looked surprised, "Didn't the Deputy Commander inquire about this beforehand?"

Chen Chao replied irritably, "I'm not participating in this literary exam, why would I bother understanding it?!"