Chapter 229: Jiangwu Hall

After winning three rounds in a row, Mu Feng passed the Policy Discourse examination without any suspense.

Soon, the five high-ranking officials sitting on the elevated platform showed their respective scores.

The Old Woman in the center, who had kept a straight face throughout, gave the lowest score—only three marks. The Grand Master He Xuangao, whom he had met once at the Shangling Terrace in Jianning City, gave the highest score—five marks. The woman in white on the far right, who had kept her face veiled, surprisingly chose to abstain and gave no evaluation. The other two gave four marks.

In the end, the overall evaluation was four marks. This meant that as soon as Mu Feng joined the Scholastic Palace, he could have an emblem of four books embroidered on his left sleeve and be given the title Mu Four Books. Such a high evaluation placed him far above countless ordinary students!

“How impressive! Right from the start, he got the fourth level—just one step away from graduation!”

“Of course! Who do you think he is? He’s the Jianning First Scholar who appears once in centuries. How can ordinary people compare with his learning?”

“That’s true. It seems our Xiangshan Academy is really going to produce a great scholar. I wonder how Mu Feng is in cultivation?”

“Indeed! If his cultivation is equally outstanding, that would be truly remarkable and would surely cause a sensation across the land. If it were me, even if my meridians were shattered and I could never cultivate for life, I would still want such profound knowledge!”

…

Watching Mu Feng’s calm and composed demeanor on the Tiance Platform, where he displayed the elegance of a true scholar, people were filled with admiration.

To be evaluated at the fourth level upon joining the Scholastic Palace, just one step away from the fifth level required for graduation—such a student was truly unique in thousands of years. Amid their admiration, no one held any resentment toward Mu Feng standing on the elevated platform.

This was a completely open debate, and Mu Feng’s talent was evident to all! It might have seemed like just a few words and a heated debate, but every word and sentence he spoke reflected his vast knowledge, unique insights, and exceptional talent. This was by no means mere empty rhetoric!

While people were chatting and praising him, among the disciples of the Civil and Martial Hall, a few young disciples standing close together had unusual expressions that stood out from the crowd.

“Mu Feng, Jianning First Scholar Mu Feng—so it’s actually him!”

Looking at Mu Feng on the platform, who was making a big splash with the Black Inscription Heavy Sword on his back, Liu Lei’s face turned gloomy.

Early that morning, upon hearing that the renowned Jianning First Scholar Mu Feng had finally arrived and would publicly debate on the Tiance Platform, he hurried over. He had been eager to witness the so-called Jianning First Scholar’s style, only to realize that Mu Feng was actually the young man with whom he had clashed at Wangjiang Tower!

Yesterday at Wangjiang Tower, instead of humiliating Mu Feng, he had been thoroughly intimidated by him. Given his status, he naturally felt disgraced.

At the time, he did not immediately retaliate for two reasons: first, he had no strong fighters with him and feared Mu Feng’s unfathomable strength; second, the Ghost Prodigy Lu Xuanfeng was present, and he did not want to cause trouble on the day of his welcoming banquet. Instead, he secretly sent people to investigate Mu Feng’s identity and whereabouts.

Who would have thought that Mu Feng, who looked plain and travel-worn at the time, was actually the famous Jianning First Scholar renowned throughout the Southern Borderlands?

Given Mu Feng’s status and reputation, how could he possibly take action against him in the future?

Watching Mu Feng’s rising fame on the platform, Liu Lei’s expression grew increasingly sour.

If Mu Feng were just a rustic wanderer or an ordinary Scholastic Palace student, he would have plenty of ways to deal with him. He could even arrest him on false charges and torment him slowly. However, with Mu Feng’s current status and reputation, he had to be cautious.

If he made a mistake, not only would he face dire consequences, but even his father, the Prefect of Jiangling, might be impeached!

“His writing reflects profound learning, but what about his martial skills? Is he at the mid-stage of the Elite Realm, the late stage, or perhaps even the peak of the Elite Realm?”

Looking at the immensely talented Mu Feng on the platform, the short-statured Ghost Prodigy Lu Xuanfeng nodded slightly, silently guessing Mu Feng’s strength.

Others only knew of Mu Feng’s astonishing literary talent, but he had already witnessed Mu Feng’s even more incredible cultivation.

The stunning sword strike Mu Feng executed at Wangjiang Tower the day before left a deep impression on him. The seemingly low-key and composed Mu Feng was undoubtedly accomplished in both literary and martial arts. What remained to be seen was what level of cultivation he had actually reached.

Noticing Liu Lei’s dark expression beside him, Lu Xuanfeng sighed inwardly. He understood Liu Lei’s thoughts and initially considered offering a word of caution, but after some thought, he decided against it.

Some people were born into privilege and had everything go their way from childhood. Without experiencing hardship, they would never learn to reflect.

Amid the discussions, a woman in white gracefully walked onto the platform and bowed to Mu Feng. “Young Master Mu, congratulations on passing the examination. Our Xiangshan Academy has always advocated for excellence in both literary and martial arts. We have heard that Young Master Mu’s cultivation is also outstanding. May I ask if you are willing to undergo the next assessment to evaluate your cultivation?”

At her words, the chattering students immediately fell silent, all eyes fixed intently on Mu Feng.

The Jianning Mu Family Manor held significant influence throughout the Southern Borderlands, and its disciples were known for their dedication to martial training. Mu Feng’s literary talent had already amazed everyone, showcasing his remarkable intellect. But what about his cultivation?

Was he merely a scholar, or was he accomplished in both areas, excelling in cultivation as well?

People were filled with anticipation regarding Mu Feng’s strength and cultivation potential.

Some observant individuals had already taken note of the Black Inscription Heavy Sword on Mu Feng’s back and were inwardly startled. They eagerly looked forward to witnessing his prowess in cultivation, almost unable to wait.

“Very well, no problem!”

Mu Feng nodded, not refusing the woman in white’s suggestion.

He had traveled far this time, partly to fulfill his mother’s wish, but more importantly, to lay a solid foundation and seek breakthroughs in his cultivation. Though he usually preferred to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention, if the assessment could help tailor his training and benefit his cultivation, he would not refuse.

Seeing him agree so readily, clearly not just a bookish scholar, the students below buzzed with excitement, growing even more eager to see his abilities.

Everyone had a feeling that today they might witness a miracle—the arrival of a true genius!

“The examination for cultivation will take place inside the Jiangwu Hall. Young Master Mu, this way, please!”

The woman in white bowed and gestured for Mu Feng to head to the right.

Following her lead, Mu Feng descended from the Tiance Platform and walked toward a grand palace not far away. Behind him, thousands of students stood up in unison and swiftly followed.

The Jianning First Scholar was also a low-key cultivation expert, and now he was about to publicly display his astounding skills. Who would want to miss such an opportunity?

Dong, dong, dong…

The melodious bell rang out once more, resounding through the skies.

This time, it rang nine times again, but each time it chimed five times in succession. Compared to before, the bell sounded louder and more urgent. More students streamed out of their bright and clean classrooms, converging on the majestic Jiangwu Hall.

All eyes were on him!

People were filled with anticipation for Mu Feng, the remarkably talented Jianning First Scholar.