Chapter 96

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Chapter 96: Target of Everyone’s Criticism

With Yi Qianmo’s true identity revealed, Guan Shanqing promptly chose to align himself with him. From that moment on, his actions began to lean toward the royal family.

Minister Professor Yu could only watch helplessly as everyone he had hoped to recruit shifted their allegiance to the royal side.

“They didn’t even verify his identity properly! What a bunch of fools!”

Back at the academy, Minister Professor Yu was livid. The examiners from the Mansion Master department stood silently, enduring his scolding.

After a long tirade, Minister Professor Yu’s anger subsided slightly. One of the Deacons cautiously spoke, “Although Yi Qianmo disrupted the big exam, he has also offended the Mansion Master faction. Even if he enters the inner mansion, his path won’t be smooth.”

“Exactly. The Qi Refining Stage disciples in the inner mansion are exceptionally talented. Each one is comparable to the inner disciples of the four great sects. It won’t be hard to make his life difficult if we act discreetly.”

“The inner mansion disciples are proud, and many admire the Grand Princess. With his perfect score and Minister Professor Zhou calling him the best in history, he’s bound to become everyone’s target!”

Hearing this, Minister Professor Yu’s expression improved slightly. He sneered, “That wretched little creature dared to conspire with Su Muyu and ruin my plans. Even if he makes it into the inner mansion, I’ll ensure he suffers every step of the way!”

Back at the academy, Yi Qianmo and Guan Shanqing were relocated. From this moment forward, they were officially part of Tianyuan Academy.

“After the grand ceremony tomorrow, you’ll join the inner mansion for cultivation,” Su Muyu said. “But be cautious. Minister Professor Yu won’t let this go so easily.”

She looked at him approvingly. Yi Qianmo’s actions had saved the royal faction from a major setback, allowing them to maintain a strong position within the academy.

“When enemies come, we’ll block them; when the water rises, we’ll cover it with dirt!” Yi Qianmo replied confidently. “Can they really harm me?”

“On the surface, they won’t dare touch you directly, but behind the scenes, there will be plenty of schemes. You’ve already become a target, and the inner mansion disciples won’t make things easy for you,” Su Muyu warned. “It’s better to stay vigilant.”

“Honestly, I’m more interested in the reward,” Yi Qianmo said with a grin. “Didn’t they promise a prize for first place? Where is it?”

Su Muyu sighed, smiling faintly. “You’ve already received it.”

“Received it?” Yi Qianmo asked, puzzled. “Was it just the title of prince?”

Seeing his disdainful expression, Su Muyu felt a twinge of irritation. Does being a prince seem so insignificant to him?

She forced a smile and explained, “Of course not. Do you remember the ten thousand points Minister Professor Zhou awarded you?”

“Hmm?” Yi Qianmo’s curiosity was piqued. “Are those ten thousand points the reward? And that title of ‘best ever’? I’d prefer something more practical.”

Su Muyu chuckled. “The exam points can be directly converted into contribution points within the academy. Contribution points are the key to everything here—they’re your currency for resources.”

“So those ten thousand points…?” Yi Qianmo’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, they become ten thousand contribution points,” Su Muyu confirmed. “That’s an incredible asset. Outer disciples could spend a lifetime and never accumulate that many. Even for an inner mansion disciple, it’s quite substantial.”

“Minister Professor Zhou could have awarded you far less, maybe just two or three thousand, but he gave you the full ten thousand. You should thank him.”

Yi Qianmo grinned. “I’ll pay him a visit when I get the chance.”

“And one more thing,” Su Muyu added. “After tonight, you’ll be famous across the Yan Kingdom. Be prepared.”

After she left, Guan Shanqing entered the room. His demeanor toward Yi Qianmo had completely shifted—he dared not even look him in the eye.

“Don’t be so formal,” Yi Qianmo said with a smile. “I’m still the same person.”

Guan Shanqing looked up briefly before lowering his gaze again. “Thank you, Brother Yi, for your care. I know I’m not worthy to stand by your side, but if you ever need me, I’ll go through fire and water for you—”

“Stop,” Yi Qianmo interrupted, chuckling. “I’m not interested in you risking your life for me. Just stay my friend. If you need help, come find me.”

Guan Shanqing’s eyes reddened with emotion. He nodded firmly before leaving.

The next morning, Yi Qianmo was summoned to the grand ceremony.

The event was hosted by the Mansion Master himself, but an unexpected decree from King Yan elevated Yi Qianmo’s status, naming him the first in the history of the great exam. This recognition was even greater than what Minister Professor Zhou had received.

As Su Muyu had predicted, news of Yi Qianmo spread quickly across the capital and throughout the Yan Kingdom.

At first, many dismissed him as a weak son-in-law who relied on the royal family for power. But after this event, they began to see him in a new light—a genius cultivator with formidable strength.

Still, skepticism lingered. Some believed his achievements were the result of royal interference, not his own ability.

On Xuandu Mountain, far west of the Yan Kingdom, a woman received the news. Beside her stood a young man in a purple robe, exuding a powerful aura indicative of his Foundation Establishment Stage.

“In just one month, he advanced from the third to the sixth level of the Qi Refining Stage. His cultivation speed is astonishing,” the young man remarked.

The woman, dressed in ethereal white, frowned slightly. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, her presence celestial.

“Rapid cultivation doesn’t equate to true strength,” she replied coolly.

This was Yu Xuanji, formerly Yu Youwei. After joining the Xuanyuan Sect, she had earned her title.

The man in the purple robe continued, “Don’t underestimate him. He killed Xiao Xiao, who was at the ninth level, while he was only at the sixth. It seems he even gave you trouble during your last encounter.”

Yu Xuanji’s expression darkened. “That was only because my Xuan Yuan True Method hadn’t fully matured.”

“Do you want me to deal with him?” the man offered.

“No need,” she replied. “I’ll handle him myself. Once he’s dead, I’ll fulfill my promise and marry you.”

“But I don’t want to wait another three years,” the man said coldly.

Yu Xuanji’s voice remained calm. “This delay isn’t because of him—it’s for my training. The Master agrees.”

Hearing her mention their Master, the man’s arrogance faded, though his dissatisfaction lingered.

Meanwhile, in a distant mansion in Qin Land, an elderly man read the same news and broke into a smile.

“So, he’s still alive… and at the sixth level of the Qi Refining Stage.”

The old man’s eyes gleamed with determination. “It seems I must personally visit the Yan Kingdom.”