Chapter 215

Tang Chen stared blankly at the thick stack of exam papers in his hands, still frozen in the posture of someone receiving an award, completely unable to react.

Seeing him motionless, Yun Jiao added helpfully, “Don’t worry. Didn’t your father say you liked formation studies? Half of these are formation papers—you must be delighted.” She patted his shoulder approvingly, genuinely gratified to find another student interested in formations. “Work hard. If these aren’t enough, you can always come back for more.”

Tang Chen’s hands trembled so hard he nearly threw the papers out. Then he suddenly remembered his father “selling him out” just a few days earlier. So this was all because Master Yun had misunderstood—thinking he liked formation study after learning the Five Elements Demon-Subduing Formation—and rewarded him accordingly?

His gaze darted to a certain someone who had pit him not long ago. His expression hardened, and he looked back at Yun Jiao with righteous resolve.

“Thank you for your generosity, Master Yun,” he said solemnly. “However, I’ve only recently begun studying formations. I fear there are questions here I won’t fully comprehend. I dare not trouble Master Yun to explain them personally, so might I ask permission to complete the papers alongside my father?”

If he was going down, he wasn’t going alone!

“What?!” Tang Yi, who had just been proudly showing off his son moments earlier, blurted out in shock. “I’m your father!” What kind of unfilial nonsense was this?!

But Tang Chen ignored him completely and continued earnestly, “Among the sect leaders and family heads, my father is one of the few who received your personal instruction in formations, Master Yun. I humbly request that you allow him to study with me, for mutual progress!”

“Tang—Chen!” Tang Yi cried out, his face twisting in panic.

But it was too late. Yun Jiao nodded thoughtfully. “You make a fair point.” After all, Tang Yi’s formation grades were in need of improvement. And since they were father and son, studying together would be convenient—they could even help each other. “Very well, let’s do as you say.”

“Master Yun!” Tang Yi nearly burst into tears, his voice rising in panic as he grabbed his son. “No, no, absolutely not! I—uh—I have classes to teach! No time at all!”

“Aren’t you on a rotating schedule?” Yun Jiao asked blandly before he could finish. “There are fifty teachers split into two groups, and you’re not teaching next term.”

“Uh, but…” Cold sweat soaked Tang Yi’s back. “There’s only one set of test papers! If I do them too, wouldn’t I be stealing my student’s prize? Hehe…”

“Hm… you have a point,” Yun Jiao said, lowering her head in apparent thought. “There’s only one set of papers…”

Tang Yi exhaled in relief. “Exactly! A teacher shouldn’t take a student’s reward!”

“Then let’s do this instead…” Yun Jiao turned back toward Tang Chen. “The papers are designed from easy to hard, so naturally they can’t be divided. But since it’s your reward, you have the right to copy them. You may make up to three copies and select suitable companions to study with you. You’ll report their names to me, and every month you’ll hand in part of your work for grading. To avoid taking too much of your study time, limit your group to no more than three people—disciples or teachers alike.”

Everyone: “……”

What?!

The crowd collectively gasped.

(⊙_⊙)

That meant Tang Chen could make three copies of the tests and choose any three people—anyone he wanted—to “study with” him. And those chosen couldn’t refuse! Even sect masters were included!

This wasn’t a champion’s reward—this was the most terrifying weapon in the entire Celestial Sect! Forget immortal artifacts—this was far deadlier!

w(Д)w

Once the meaning sank in, Tang Chen—previously weighed down by the mountain of papers—suddenly straightened his back. With loud, spirited confidence, he declared, “Yes, Master Yun!”

Come then—let’s suffer together!

A wicked grin slowly spread across his face as he turned his gaze upon the audience. Instantly, everyone he looked at stepped back in unison, retreating several meters. Even the instructors on stage instinctively moved ten feet away.

You can’t see me, you can’t see me, you can’t see me…

Too terrifying!

∑q|Д|p

This “supreme reward” instantly made Tang Chen the single most fearsome person in the entire Celestial Sect. Offend him, and he could drag you straight into the pit of exam hell—with full official approval—and you couldn’t refuse!

Tang Chen didn’t immediately name his co-sufferers. Instead, he calmly glanced at his father, then split the pile of papers in half and placed them in his father’s hands.

“Teacher Tang,” he said, smiling ever so sweetly, “please guide me well.”

Tang Yi: “……”

You little brat… just wait until we get home—I’ll tan your hide till it blooms!

(╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻

Tang Chen: “……”

Old man, you started this. A family should share everything—even misery!

凸(艹皿艹)

Everyone else: “……”

Why did this suddenly feel like watching a domestic drama about father-son vengeance?!

“Hall Master Xu? Hall Master Xu!” Yun Jiao stepped forward and nudged the dazed Xu Qingfeng. “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Ah? Ah?” Xu blinked, staring at the father and son glaring daggers at each other, then looked back at Yun Jiao. “Wh-what is it?”

“The ceremony’s over.” She gestured toward the test papers in their hands, hinting that he should wrap things up.

“Oh! Right, right!” Xu snapped back to attention. His carefully prepared closing speech vanished from his mind. He stammered, “Then… this concludes our Celestial Sect Grand Competition! Everyone, continue to work hard and strive for the next championship! Also, classes for the new term begin on the first of March—don’t forget to return on time to attend lectures!”

Just as he was about to wave his hand to dismiss everyone—

Boom!

A deafening crack split the sky. A blinding bolt of white lightning struck down straight toward the stage.

“Watch out!” the old man shouted. He reacted instantly, whipping out a defensive talisman. Golden light flared, forming a transparent barrier that enveloped everyone on the platform. The thunderbolt slammed into it and dispersed harmlessly.

The sudden attack shocked everyone—disciples and masters alike looked up in alarm.

The sky had gone dark. Heavy storm clouds rolled in, churning and crashing against each other. The wind howled violently, and flickers of lightning crackled through the clouds as if ready to unleash a downpour of thunderbolts.

“Who goes there?!” Hall Master Xu stepped forward, eyes narrowing at the sky. Such an omen—could a great demon be manifesting? But why was there no trace of demonic energy?

Yun Jiao, however, turned toward the center of the stage—toward the father and son still holding the papers. Her heart tightened. The direction of that thunderbolt… it had been aimed at Tang Chen! And that aura—

A thought struck her like ice. Her expression changed sharply as she shouted,

“Class Leader Jiao Heng—quick! Activate the Mountain Protection Array!”

(End of Chapter)