The capital's Purification Square was built at the southern end of the central axis—spacious, flat, simple, and dignified. It was often used by the Seven-Leaf royal family for purification rituals, which involved sprinkling water infused with specific fragrances like white sandalwood, aloeswood, and borneol onto altars and ritual vessels to cleanse palaces and halls.Today, however, was different from the usual quiet ceremonies. Commoners packed the square, a solid mass of bodies. They were eager yet restrained, their gazes both curious and greedy. For today marked the beginning of Zhouku Academy's Fourth Great Trial—the Court Examination.The participating cultivators, a considerable number of them, were gathered at the center of the square.They were a diverse lot: portly middle-aged men, slender mature women, even individuals with skin dark as charcoal or pale with broad eyes. It seemed all the different peoples of the world had gathered here. The only commonality was that each carried their own magical treasures, and every one looked battle-hardened and formidable. They made the current Zhouku disciples standing in formation behind them seem like newborn chicks, unable to compare on the path of cultivation."To receive the Mandate of Heaven is to be bestowed with Heaven's will; to exhaust one's duty in human form is to act for the salvation of the world."A dignified male voice descended from the high platform. Someone seemed to have used a spell to amplify his voice manifold, projecting it into every corner of the square.Youshui, standing behind the platform, sensed something amiss.
"Why is that the voice of the Seven-Leaf Crown Prince? Shouldn't the Old Principal be announcing the trial?"Court Supervisor Beimen, standing nearby, smiled. "The Crown Prince is grown; he needs to show his face occasionally. With such a crowd here, it's a perfect opportunity.""But he's not a cultivator..." Having him announce the opening of something so important made it seem as if the Academy was currying favor with the powerful, something cultivators were supposed to avoid. Youshui shook his head inwardly.Noting this, Beimen changed the subject. "I wonder where the examination site will be this time?""Likely one of the ten celestial courts." The naming of the Four Great Trials was always related to their venue; there were seldom surprises.No sooner had he spoken than the Crown Prince proclaimed from above: "All disciples shall proceed to Yongle Country to subdue demons and aid the world. The merit accrued from this journey shall determine your results in the Court Examination."Youshui's face showed astonishment. "Sending the disciples out directly... to subdue demons and aid the world?!"His words were drowned out by the thunderous applause of the commoners. Beimen, however, heard him. Clapping along, he said, "What's wrong with that? They'll have to do it after becoming Practitioners anyway. Besides, we, as examiners, will follow them discreetly. Nothing will happen.""That's not what worries me," Youshui frowned. "This means all teachers and students will be deployed, leaving the Academy unguarded.""Set your mind at ease. Among the four countries of the continent, the Seven-Leaf Kingdom is likely the safest, especially with the Imperial Constabulary here." Beimen asked, "By the way, which direction are you planning to supervise? East, West, North, or South?""Probably East. My hometown is there; I'm more familiar with it." Youshui rubbed his neck, still uneasy. He looked around. "Where is Court Supervisor Zhongli?""The Constabulary discovered she is a scion of the Water-aligned Zhongli Clan and requested her assistance in bringing rain to a drought-stricken region."The Teams Are FormedThe declaration ceremony concluded, followed by a lengthy
oath-taking assembly. By the time it ended, it was nearly noon. The spectators, though tired, were thoroughly satisfied, discussing the events animatedly.As the crowd dispersed, a minor incident occurred. An azure sword descended from the sky, choosing Yeluo, the prized disciple of Court Supervisor Chiluo, as its master. The Instructors declared the sword was a lost item from the Royal Underground Palace that had somehow escaped the thieves, directly engaging in the legendary phenomenon of "Divine Weapon Chooses Its Master."This was a major, documented Serendipitous Encounter. Court Supervisor Chiluo, making her way through the crowd, was beaming with delight. Though she couldn't discern anything particularly special about the sword, she was overjoyed for her disciple's fortune."Don't worry, I'll speak to the Royal Palace on your behalf. You may keep this sword!""Thank you, Master!" Yeluo was ecstatic, promptly offering a formal bow.Chiluo looked at her with affection. "Your master only hopes you feel no pressure and can grow up happily."Faced with her master's sincere kindness, Yeluo could only feel a pang of secret shame. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted someone waving at her from between the legs of the dispersing crowd. Looking closer... it was Bensheng, crouched down, grinning widely with his white teeth.Yeluo couldn't help but smile back.Operation "Divine Weapon Chooses Its Master" was a resounding success! Bensheng stood up and stretched. The dispersing crowd flowed past him, discussing the announced Court Examination arrangements in small groups."Working in five-person teams... do they think our individual strength isn't sufficient?""To ensure balanced team strength, the members are assigned personally by the Court Supervisors. Ah, I wonder who my teammates will be!""Now that you mention it, I'm getting excited too. I hope we get a seasoned Practitioner to guide us!"Five-person teams? Bensheng's interest was piqued. He followed the crowd towards the registration area.Before he could get close, he heard Instructor Xiao Bai's faint voice: "Don't push, line up to receive your scrolls..." But the surging crowd was nearly overwhelming her.
Suddenly, a fierce wind sprang from the ground, lifting several disciples who had been jostling for position into the air."Ah...!"The sharp wind stung their faces. Bensheng instinctively moved into the line, finding it more bearable. Looking up, he saw everyone else had done the same. The line instantly became neat and orderly, even leaving a few wide aisles.With aisles cleared, the crowd could now see the young master in white standing beside Instructor Xiao Bai.He calmly folded his fan, his gaze sweeping coolly over the crowd. "Instructor Xiao Bai told you to line up. Did you not hear?"The female disciple beside Bensheng couldn't help but clasp her hands to her chest and squeal, "Senior Brother Lucang is so handsome!""Yes! He sent people flying with one move!""Ah, if only I could be in his team!"Bensheng fumed inwardly. "Although what he did was right, his show-off attitude is so irritating!" he muttered under his breath.Ananda poked its head out of his pocket, understanding dawning as it saw Bensheng's expression. It recalled how, after the Land Trial ended and Bensheng reached the finish line within the time limit, the two of them had been just as hostile towards each other."Beast-clan sure are fast runners!""I see your lack of muscle made you light enough to fly!""Hmph!""Hmph!"Ai... Ananda shook its head and retreated into the pocket.The line finally reached Bensheng. He grinned widely. "Instructor Xiao Bai, tell me who my teammates are!""First, check if the information on the scroll is correct!"Bensheng took the scroll. It read: Name: Lu Bensheng. Age: 12. Place of Birth: Chaoyun Country... Five Sciences—Internal Science? "Instructor Xiao Bai, what does this entry mean?""That represents your best subject." Instructor Xiao Bai blinked, thinking awkwardly that the registrar had probably listed Internal Science as Bensheng's strength because of those two secret arts, even though he'd only passed the exam yesterday... But then, he wasn't particularly outstanding in the other four sciences either, so she let it go.She cleared her throat and explained, raising a finger. "The five-person teams are formed based on the Five Sciences. Because
the Five Sciences represent the complete skill set needed to subdue demons and aid the world, a team composed of specialists from each science can most effectively help the common people.""I see! So I, representing Internal Science, am the only one in the team who can use supernatural powers in combat. I'll do my best to protect everyone!" Bensheng said, patting his chest heroically.Instructor Xiao Bai couldn't help but laugh. She picked up the team assignment scroll, scanned through it, found Bensheng's team, and her smile instantly froze."Eh? That's strange... Why are there three Internal Science disciples?!""Ah?" Bensheng deflated.Instructor Xiao Bai hurried to console him. "This happened in previous years too. Although we aim for the Five Sciences, disciples from the other four are always fewer, so...""Alright, alright." Bensheng pouted and waved a hand. "I get it.""Let me see..." Instructor Xiao Bai's finger traced the names on the scroll. "Yeluo. She's in your group.""WHAT?!" Bensheng was overjoyed, almost jumping on the spot, when a cold voice sounded beside him."Yeluo is my teammate."Bensheng turned. Lucang stood at another Instructor's desk, also listening to his team assignment.Bensheng flared up immediately, crossing his arms. "Hmph, how could Yeluo possibly be in a team with a beanpole like you?"Lucang raised an eyebrow arrogantly. "I hadn't heard she kept pets.""What if Yeluo gets injured? You wouldn't even be able to carry her!""Heh. What if Yeluo gets hungry? Are you going to offer your own flesh? Ah, I forgot, eating venison is against the precepts. Better not lead her into transgression."What...! Bensheng's veins bulged in anger. Lucang glared back with equal ferocity."Your spells will only mess up Yeluo's hair!""Your secret arts are only good for helping Yeluo run away!""You...""You..."Instructor Xiao Bai felt a headache coming on. "You two, stop arguing..." she pleaded with a pained smile, but the intense aura between them was impenetrable. Moreover, their accusations grew
more and more absurd, making it sound as if Yeluo was a cowardly, weak, incompetent, and picky nag...Suddenly, a flash of red appeared in the crowd. Instructor Xiao Bai stiffened, not daring to move. Bensheng and Lucang involuntarily lowered their voices and turned stiffly. "Y-Y-Yeluo!!!""I really... ought to thank you both!" Yeluo clenched her fists tightly.Thump! Thump!Two solid hits landed."Alright, here is your team roster." Instructor Xiao Bai, eyeing the large bumps on the boys' heads, nervously handed the scroll to Yeluo."What do you know, we're all in the same group!" Yeluo said with a resigned laugh."Ah?!" Bensheng and Lucang exclaimed in unison. They glanced at each other, snorted, and turned their backs on one another."And the remaining two teammates?""Yaoshi and Ruoqiao," Yeluo said. "Yaoshi is the child of my neighbor. He grew up among medicinal herbs; his Mastery of Medicine is exceptional. As for Ruoqiao, I'm not too familiar with him...""Don't underestimate Ruoqiao," Instructor Xiao Bai reminded them. "He's also from the Seven-Leaf Country, and he excels in the Five Sciences. Compared to Bensheng, he's caused me much less worry! This time, he's listed for the team as mastering Logic & Debate, Arts & Crafts, and External Sciences. You'll be relying on him a lot!"Just then, Yaoshi and Ruoqiao arrived. Yaoshi wore a loose hemp robe, his long hair falling over his chest. He let out a huge yawn, seeming half-asleep. Yeluo explained that his large robe concealed many herbs, and his obsession with studying them often led to keeping irregular hours.Ruoqiao was dressed properly, indistinguishable from the capital's commoners. Upon seeing Lucang, he greeted him, "Young Master Lucang."Lucang sniffed. "Two beast-clan in one team? How did the Court Supervisors assign this?"Instructor Xiao Bai hurriedly said, "Perhaps they saw we have top disciples like Yeluo and you, and wanted to balance the team's strength." As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them.Sure enough, Bensheng was now the one puffing up angrily. "Instructor Xiao Bai, I should be the Academy's top disciple now! How could it be him!""Hmph!"
"Lucang, I challenge you to a duel!""Bring it on!"What a headache... Instructor Xiao Bai rubbed her forehead. Suddenly, she spotted an object under the desk.She picked it up, looking at Bensheng, who was noisily arguing with Lucang, and wondered how best to give it to him.Departure on Golden-Winged BirdsThe next day, the Purification Square.The square was once again bustling. Flocks of divine Golden-Winged Birds, their feathers shining brilliantly, stood magnificently on the square.These birds, capable of traveling a thousand miles in an instant, had been summoned by the Court Supervisors to carry the participating disciples to Yongle Country.Bensheng wore a wide-brimmed hat and carried a pack on his shoulder. "Found it!" he called out excitedly. "Yeluo, over here! Our Golden-Winged Bird is this way!"With that, he reached the bird first, used his staff for leverage, and nimbly jumped onto its back.Yeluo asked, surprised, "Bensheng, where did you get that staff?"Lucang sneered. "Perhaps he realized everyone else had a magical tool and picked up a stick to make do!"Bensheng raised his head proudly. "This was given to me by the Celestial Sister! She asked Instructor Xiao Bai to pass it to me before she left! From now on, this staff is my magical tool!"Yeluo was puzzled. "Celestial Sister? Who's that?"The Golden-Winged Bird let out a clear, loud cry. Amidst the lively chatter of the disciples, it spread its magnificent wings. The golden light was so dazzling it was hard to look at directly. It soared into the air and flew off into the distance."Yongle Country, here we come!"