Chapter 117

Chapter 117 - Proverb Championship

Ye Hao was feeling downcast, wondering to himself, “Why does no one believe me when I speak the truth?”

Seeing Leng Xue fuming, Ye Hao opted to remain silent.

As they neared the classroom, Ye Hao texted Xu Mengmeng. Within seconds, Xu Mengmeng hurried over, clutching the documents.

“Ye Hao.” Xu Mengmeng's eyes shone with barely hidden delight as she looked at him.

With a smile, Ye Hao handed the documents back to Xu Mengmeng.

After giving Ye Hao the three books she was carrying, Xu Mengmeng inquired in a gentle voice, “Were you okay yesterday?”

“I'm fine.”

“But I heard you passed out from fear?”

“I wasn't scared into fainting. I was knocked out by something,” Ye Hao murmured.

“Is there really a ghost?” Xu Mengmeng gasped.

“Why would I lie to you?”

“I'm scared,” Xu Mengmeng admitted, her face turning ashen.

Ye Hao immediately realized he shouldn't have joked with Xu Mengmeng like that.

After pondering for a moment, he retrieved the sachet Tang Pianpian had sewn for him. He then emptied the protective amulet and soybeans from the sachet.

“What's this?”

“It's a protective amulet crafted by a renowned master. If you keep it with you, no evil spirits or demons will dare come near,” Ye Hao explained.

“Is it really?”

“Yes,” Ye Hao assured her earnestly, “You must always carry it with you.”

“I will,” Xu Mengmeng promised, nodding vigorously.

“These soybeans are inscribed with runes. If you encounter a ghost, throw the soybeans at it.”

“Isn't this very valuable?” Xu Mengmeng asked anxiously.

“I have more,” Ye Hao assured her, though he wouldn't admit he was out of soybeans.

Ye Hao had given the amulet and soybeans to Xu Mengmeng because he no longer needed such a low-level magic treasure.

Xu Mengmeng carefully placed the soybeans and amulet in her pocket. After a quick glance behind Ye Hao, she departed.

“I'm out of them,” Ye Hao admitted, showing his empty hands.

“These talismans aren't easy to come by. The master can only create one per day.”

“Understood.” Zhang Lan now grasped that the talismans were not as readily available as she had assumed.

Returning to her seat, she apologized with a look of remorse, “Sorry, Ye Hao is out of talismans.”

Despite feeling somewhat disheartened, Bai Hehua replied, “No worries.”

This competition was a joint venture among all the major universities in Ubliasia. Each iteration successfully captivated the nation, as the winner would receive a staggering five million yuan—a sum most ordinary people wouldn't earn in a lifetime.

Ye Hao and Xu Mengmeng collected their number plates in turn.

“I'm in examination hall eight,” Ye Hao murmured.

“I'm in examination hall nine,” Xu Mengmeng said with a smile.

“Good luck.”

“Good luck to you too.”

Over twelve hundred institutions took part in the Proverb Championship. Each school was allowed to send two students, totaling over two thousand five hundred contestants.

Consequently, the first round was a knockout phase.

Only 512 students would advance, eliminating three-quarters of the competitors.

The exam comprised a thousand questions on classical poetry, making it a daunting challenge for those without extensive reading experience.

Ye Hao skimmed the questions and swiftly penned his answers. He had memorized all available materials in the preceding fortnight.

After 90 minutes, he had answered all but three questions—questions he had never encountered before.

“There are ten minutes remaining,” announced the invigilator, prompting groans throughout the hall.

Even Ye Hao found the exam exceedingly tough, having spent the full 90 minutes without a moment's waste. For those who pondered too long, finishing was a genuine concern.

In the third examination hall, an unremarkable young man set down his paper with a confident gleam in his eye. Lee Xun, who had previously secured third place in the SAT, was determined to demonstrate his championship potential to the nation.

Meanwhile, in the second hall, an elegant young woman sat upright, her chin in hand, as she contemplated a challenging question. She was Ming Yue, the proud runner-up from Glento in the SAT.

In the first examination hall, a young man exuded an air of scholarly elegance as he gently blew on the wet ink. A powerful self-assurance shone in his eyes.

He had emerged as the champion in the SATs, and he was just as confident about claiming victory in the Proverb Championship.

“I will demonstrate that my title as champion is well-deserved,” declared Faang Wen, his striking features taking on an assertive edge. “Whether it's Lee Xun or Ming Yue from Glento, they will merely be stepping stones on my journey to success.”

“Is Ye Hao competing in the Proverb Championship this time?” Faang Wen couldn't conceal a flicker of eagerness in his gaze. “I'm eager to best him.”