Eternal Life: I Have the Favor System

Chapter 537: Chapter 227: First Place in the Imperial Examination, Shattered Worldviews

Yan Zhen was only holding on because his Sword Momentum was still intact. Once it was broken, he would be either dead or grievously wounded.

In that instant, an image surfaced in Chu Lingguang’s mind: Yan Zhen, all alone at the National Border, crossing the Turkic Border Defense Army’s line to intercept the Little Prince for him at the last possible second.

It didn’t matter what Yan Zhen’s motive had been—whether he had simply saved him in passing, or even if his true goal was just to spar with the Little Prince. Regardless, Chu Lingguang owed Yan Zhen his life.

It was a debt he had to repay.

Fighting his way to face Yan Zhen in the Provincial Martial Arts Examination had just been about fulfilling a promise, about not letting Yan Zhen down. It wasn’t about repaying the debt.

On the contrary, during the final round of the Provincial Martial Arts Examination, Yan Zhen had helped him perfectly fuse his Flesh and Blood Divine Abilities with his Sea of Consciousness Power. That was the only reason his spear strike had intimidated the adult Greedy Tiger just moments ago. Otherwise, how could his Consciousness Manipulation Power alone have scared the beast into ordering its four young to abandon their pursuit?

For a moment, Chu Lingguang hesitated.

’I’m not some selfless saint.’

’First place in the Imperial Examination means the Court’s favor, preferential treatment in future official appointments, and even a month of training with a master from Yuanchu Mountain.’

’It’s a straight path to power and a massive leap in my Martial Arts.’

Having clawed his way up from being a commoner in Liu Family Gully, Chu Lingguang understood the importance of power and martial prowess all too well.

He couldn’t just brush aside such a massive temptation.

But after only a moment’s hesitation, he found he couldn’t stop himself. He wheeled his horse around and charged back toward Yan Zhen. Only a single thought now dominated his mind: ’Help Yan Zhen. Repay the debt.’

’As for the top three spots?’

’That can wait.’

"Yah!"

Chu Lingguang roared.

His Consciousness Manipulation Power merged perfectly with the great black horse. The beast beneath him was filled with a powerful urge to charge to Yan Zhen’s side at once. In the face of this, the five Greedy Tigers seemed like mere decorations. All its fear evaporated in the heat of Chu Lingguang’s resolve.

"What are you doing?"

Qin Yu cried out in alarm.

He’d found it strange when Chu Lingguang suddenly stopped. ’Is this guy really going to stop and laugh at me? Just keep running!’

But to his surprise, Chu Lingguang suddenly charged back. He pinned his Long Spear under his thigh and unslung the bow from his back, his gaze fixed on something behind Qin Yu, completely ignoring him.

"Yan Zhen?"

He glanced back and saw that Yan Zhen was in peril, surrounded by five Greedy Tigers. His Sword Momentum showed signs of collapsing, and none of their fellow examinees dared to help. They were all taking a detour to get past.

"Chu Lingguang, do you have any idea what you’re doing?"

Qin Yu instantly understood Chu Lingguang’s intent and asked in disbelief.

"Yah!"

The only answer Qin Yu received was the sound of Chu Lingguang urging his great black horse on. They passed each other in the blink of an eye—one heading north, the other south. One had just lost first place; the other had just gained it.

Both were resolute.

In the distance, the Young Master Jin Yi and the old man beside him emerged from the Canopy Attic and leaped onto its roof. They stared at the lone figure moving against the tide of riders on the grassy path, their expressions a mixture of shock and horror. They were even more stunned and incredulous than when they had watched Chu Lingguang break free from the adult Greedy Tiger.

This seemed to defy all logic. They couldn’t imagine anyone would willingly give up first place in the Imperial Examination—let alone the opportunity to train alongside a master from Yuanchu Mountain.

And yet, such a scene was unfolding right before their eyes.

This person was Chu Lingguang.

Chu Lingguang didn’t know or care what others thought of him. Seeing Yan Zhen’s imminent danger and closing the distance, he quickly drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and fired his first shot from horseback.

"SWOOSH!"

The arrow, carrying all of Chu Lingguang’s boundless fury, shot toward the point between the adult Greedy Tiger’s eyes.