Eternal Life: I Have the Favor System

Chapter 542: Chapter 229: Saber Technique Inheritance, The Prince’s Favor

「Outside the Hunting Ground.」

Dignitaries and nobles gathered.

The chief examiners waited at the finish line, while dozens of officials inside the Hunting Ground relayed the events concerning each candidate back to them.

Outside the Hunting Ground, the crowd was abuzz with excited discussion.

Several chief examiners gathered together, seemingly discussing something.

This year’s Imperial Examination had been full of surprises for them.

First, there was Chu Lingguang. He had been in a league of his own, successively breaking out of encirclements by Silver Moon Wolves, Iron-Armored Bulls, and Greedy Tigers. Everyone believed the title of Hui Yuan was his for the taking, but then, just as he neared the finish line, he unexpectedly turned back to rescue Yan Zhen.

He had ceded the position of Hui Yuan to Qin Yu.

Just as everyone was lamenting the fate of Chu Lingguang and Yan Zhen, Qin Yu drew his saber and made a stand, single-handedly blocking the finish line. He held off Tuoba Yunhong and several other strong competitors, helping Chu Lingguang and Yan Zhen secure spots in the top three.

The course of events had taken several jaw-dropping turns.

However, the results were beyond doubt.

And while the outcome sparked some controversy, most people felt that Chu Lingguang and his two companions had earned their places fair and square.

In the end, Qin Yu took first, Chu Lingguang took second, and Yan Zhen took third.

"Master."

Guo Wei had been waiting outside the Hunting Ground for some time. Having taken second place, Chu Lingguang hurried over to his master.

"Lin Guang, well done."

Guo Wei said, hugging Chu Lingguang.

’Fortune favors fools,’ he thought, ’and heaven truly looks after the loyal and righteous.’ When he’d learned that Chu Lingguang had given up the title of Hui Yuan to turn back and rescue Yan Zhen, he had approved of the action, but still thought his disciple was a bit naive.

And it was precisely this naivety that had moved Qin Yu to block the path of Tuoba Yunhong’s group before the finish line, ultimately helping Chu Lingguang and Yan Zhen take second and third place.

"It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master."

Chu Lingguang said with a smile, noticing that everyone was looking at him as if he were the true Hui Yuan.

"Congratulations, Master Guo! You’ve found yourself a fine disciple!"

"Master Guo, your disciple was brilliant in the Imperial Examination. Your esteemed name will soon be known far and wide."

"Heaven truly favors the loyal and righteous. You are a fortunate man, Master Guo."

"Congratulations Master Guo on your disciple’s success!"

...

Everyone crowded around to congratulate Guo Wei.

Having been named a Martial Arts Grandmaster, Guo Wei already had some renown in the Imperial City. Now, bolstered by Chu Lingguang’s success, he was destined to become famous throughout the Great Yuan and truly make a name for himself.

"My lords, my fellow masters, you flatter me. Lin Guang is still young and will need to rely on all of your help in the future."

"I am hosting a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Tower tonight and hope all of you can grace me with your presence."

Guo Wei was swarmed with well-wishers, clasping hands and patting backs.

He had already held a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Tower when Chu Lingguang became a Martial Scholar. Now, with Chu Lingguang taking second place in the Imperial Examination and earning the right to train with an expert from Yuanchu Mountain for a month, how could he not celebrate such a joyous occasion with another feast?

Besides, in a month, Chu Lingguang would participate in the Palace Examination. Even if he didn’t place as the Runner-up or Third Place Scholar, becoming a Military Scholar was practically a certainty.

At that point, Chu Lingguang would have become an Advanced Scholar in a single attempt, another great honor for the master and disciple.

The Martial Arts Examination system was strict, and the competition was fierce.

Becoming an Advanced Scholar in a single cycle meant passing the Daoist Examination, Provincial Examination, Imperial Examination, and Palace Examination all in one go. While not as prestigious as being the Martial Champion Scholar or Third Place Scholar, it was a brilliant mark on one’s record. If the candidate was young, it could even become the stuff of legends.

In any case, becoming an Advanced Scholar by passing all four exams in a single cycle was something even Yan Zhen couldn’t have done at Chu Lingguang’s age. On top of that, Chu Lingguang had placed in the top three in the Daoist Examination, Provincial Examination, and Imperial Examination.

If he passed the Palace Examination with high marks, people would weave the story of Chu Lingguang’s cultivation and his journey through the Martial Arts Examination into a grand tale, spreading it throughout the Great Yuan until he was a household name.

He might even become a legend.

And as Chu Lingguang’s master, he too would become a celebrated figure whose name was on everyone’s lips.

"Fifth Brother, congratulations!"

Chu Lingguang embraced Mo Shan and his three companions in a group hug.

"Master, your disciple has not disappointed you."

Yan Zhen knelt before an exceptionally martial-looking middle-aged man.

"Your Sword Momentum has taken form. If nothing unexpected happens, this year’s Martial Champion Scholar will be none other than you."

The man was none other than the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Wei Yongguang.

As a major figure in the Imperial City, he had seen everything that transpired within the Hunting Ground.

"I have to thank Chu Lingguang for helping me achieve a breakthrough," Yan Zhen said.

"Chu Lingguang is indeed remarkable. As for that business with his master, I am already looking into it. We should have some results within a few days."

Wei Yongguang, too, had been won over by Chu Lingguang’s character.

He was determined to bring Chu Lingguang into his fold.

"Master, are you referring to...?"

Yan Zhen was overjoyed. He knew his master was referring to Guo Xiaotian’s situation.

"Mm."

Wei Yongguang nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "Chu Lingguang is exceptionally talented, loyal, and righteous. Everyone knows his value. Now, it’s just a matter of who can rescue Guo Xiaotian first."

"Master, I know what to do."

Yan Zhen understood. ’The people who want to win over Chu Lingguang now aren’t limited to the Wei Family and Mr. Du; there are other major powers in the Imperial City as well. My fate is now tied to Chu Lingguang’s, which gives me a better chance than most to secure his allegiance.’

「That night.」

Guo Wei held his banquet at the Drunken Immortal Tower, having invited Eunuch Liu to attend as a guest of honor.

Meanwhile, Chu Lingguang was at Eunuch Liu’s residence, drinking and celebrating with Mo Shan’s group of four and Xuanyuan Jinkang.

Partway through their celebration, Yan Zhen arrived.

"Yan!"

Chu Lingguang went out to greet him.

"Young Master Yan."

Mo Shan and his three companions said, clasping their fists in greeting.

Yan Zhen was a renowned figure. He had saved Chu Lingguang at the National Border and helped him achieve a breakthrough in the final round of the Provincial Examination’s martial arts test. Furthermore, he was the Direct Disciple of Wei Yongguang and the man many expected to become this year’s Martial Champion Scholar. No one dared to disrespect him.