152 The Beginning (2/2)
He did not hesitate upon reaching the fog and continued walking through it. After a while, the extremely curious young monk from Yuelun kingdom who had been looking around arrived before the fog as well. He did not know how far the fog extended, nor did he know how many ancient spirits of old trees laid behind it. While he had looked apathetic before, he now looked slightly concerned. He looked at the fog quietly but did not move forth to enter it.
...
...
Prince Long Qing disappeared into the fog. There wasn't a second person who had completed the path in the lower mountains who chose to enter the fog.
Over half of those who wished to enter the Second floor had been brought back by the deacons. Only Xie Chengyun and a few were still trudging on the path. The promising young monk whom many had pinned on hopes had encountered a difficult problem. He stood before the fog, wavering slightly.
Those watching in the Academy had already come to a decision looking at the current state of things. Nobody could defeat Prince Long Qing. While this was expected by many, watching Prince Long Qing's abilities that surpassed his peers still shocked many speechless.
”The West-Hill Divine Kingdom is indeed a forerunner in the art of cultivation. It deserves the respect of many. The Revelation Institute is also one of the best schools in metaphysics. Who can compete with Prince Long Qing, for he has ascended the mountain so quickly? He is indeed second to none.”
The envoy from the Yan Kingdom was very pleased as he watched his prince with pride. However, he did not forget to flatter those from the West-Hill Divine Palace.
Priest Moli stroked his beard and was more quiet than usual. Only the glitter in his eyes revealed his pride and delight as he said, ”Long Qing is indeed talented and favored by Haotian. The Divine Hall has been granted much responsibility in the judging. While the Academy is a place of mysteries, the ability to ascend a mountain behind it does not deserve such praise.”
Everyone knew that he was praising the prince even as he said that. The envoy from the Yan Kingdom chirped in and made some small talk before turning to look at the Tang official beside him. He said blandly, ”Everyone famous from the Tang Empire has gathered today. It is such a pity that there is no one particularly outstanding in this batch of students from the Academy.”
To those from the Yan Kingdom, the Tang Empire was like a cruel beast. They have never liked them and would never miss the opportunity to poke at the other's confidence and ambitions.
The envoy did not dare to provoke the prince or princess directly and did not say this loudly. However, he did not make the effort to control his volume as well. His sarcastic jibe floated over to where the Tang officials were sitting.
The officials of Tang sat under a large umbrella. Their faces were filled with displeasure. There were five from the course of magic skills of the Academy who had failed the test. The only person left was Xie Chengyun and he was from the South Jin Kingdom. Furthermore, he was no match for Prince Long Qing. It could be said that the younger generation of Tang had failed miserably in today's examination.
The expression on Prince Lee Peiyan's face was dark. He tugged on his sleeves and said in a low voice, ”If I had known this would happen, I would have written to Xu Shi and had him send Wang Jinglue back. At least we wouldn't lose so badly.”
Lee Yu who was sitting beside him looked at him from the corner of her eyes and said sarcastically, ”Uncle, isn't it your fault that Wang Jinglue had been sent to work under the Defender-general of the State?”
Lee Peiyan looked at her with displeasure. He fell into silence for a while before answering with knitted brows, ”Why would you mention this again? While it is known that Jinglue is second to none in the Knowing Destiny State. Long Qing had long entered the Knowing Destiny State. Even if he were to return, he might be no match for the Prince.”
”Is he no match, or do you wish for him to be no match?” Lee Yu's lips curled as she said sarcastically, ”Uncle, you've come today to witness Prince Long Qing entering the Second floor personally... just so you'll be more at ease, no?”
Lee Peiyan answered normally, ”You have to understand, this is what His Majesty wanted.”
Lee Yu remained silent upon hearing that.
Prince Long Qing had taken the lead in the opening of the Second floor as expected. While this was agreed upon by the Tang Empire and the West-Hill Divine Palace, the princess was still displeased hearing what the envoy of the Yan Kingdom had said and watching priest Moli's undecipherable expression. However, since Wang Jinglue had yet to return, and the students of the Academy could not help, who could regain the reputation of the Tang Empire?
She looked at the subdued students subconsciously. She was unsure who she was looking at or looking for, but she wanted to find the last ray of hope amongst a face within the crowd of students.
In the old library within the Academy, the window beside the west window had been pushed open. Along with the scent of spring breeze and flowers wafting in, came a chubby lad.
Exceptional young cultivators from various lands had walked by the old library, but neither Prince Long Qing nor the young monk had noticed him.
”Chen Pipi scanned through the lake and the squared roof of the study room and landed on Ning Que's figure in a dark corner. He held a bun to his mouth and chewed on it, murmuring to himself, ”When are you going to be done with your preparations?”
In the meadows away from the Academy, Sangsang had already opened the big black umbrella. She stood under the shade silently. She would look at the blue skies and the piercing sunlight occasionally to keep track of time before spraying sunscreen from Chenjinji Cosmetics Store on her face and spreading it evenly with her small hands.
She knew that the exam to enter the Second floor was to ascend the mountain. She also knew that her young master would definitely do so. Why would she worry then?
”He has to be the last to set off and surpass people along the way to become the first to reach the peak. The prince's pretentiousness is really disgusting.”
Chu Youxian retrieved a handkerchief full of exquisite snacks from within his robes. He took a piece before offering one to Ning Que.
Ning Que thought that if being the last to ascend the mountain was pretentious and disgusting, what would he be then?
The faces of the officials of Tang within the Academy were filled with displeasure while the faces of Situ Yilan's and the other students of the academy had shame painted on them.
Ning Que looked at everyone and muttered, ”I shall... give it a try.”
His voice might have been soft, but Chu Youxian heard it clearly. His hand that was holding onto the snacks stiffened and he stared at Ning Que's face, saying incredulously, ”What did you say? You want to give it a try? Do you want to ascend the mountain?”
Everyone heard Chu Youxian's exclamation in the quiet courtyard and were shocked. They turned to face where the voice came from.
Ning Que looked at Chu Youxian and said helplessly, ”Xian, can your voice get any louder?”
Chu Youxian was really startled, and he shouted loudly, ”Do you really want to ascend the mountain? Do you really want to enter the Second floor?”
Everyone in the Academy had heard him clearly and saw the whole situation clearly as well. Numerous eyes looked at the corner where Ning Que was. Their mouths were wide open in shock.
Ning Que took the handkerchief full of snacks from Chu Youxian and wrapped it up as he said smilingly, ”I'll take these as provisions for the journey.”
With that, he walked towards the mountain behind the Academy.