ASER - Chapter 48
Chapter 48: Suona
A'Diao, still unaware of her social death, had meticulously read through all the unearthed posts when she heard the testing queue had reached number 28.
"Number 24, Cheng Zhang."
A'Diao looked up and saw Cheng Zhang go in.
This person was formidable. In terms of cunning, he was even more to be feared than Song Ling, who was aloof and disliked getting involved in disputes. A'Diao was also curious about what kind of talent this person would possess.
The procedure was more or less the same. They were all a bunch of rookies; no matter how good their talent, it wouldn't be earth-shattering. Most importantly, the testing had been underway for some time, so the concentration of spiritual enzymes inside was relatively high, leading to faster awakenings.
But ten minutes passed, and Cheng Zhang's talent still hadn't manifested.
Cui Yun and Xu Luo both wore peculiar expressions: was it a lack of talent, or was his talent exceptionally strong? They hoped for the latter.
Among the top ten, Bai He and Zhao Lingyun were the most low-key, with the least presence. The former was always squatting in a corner, dressed plainly, his rustic appearance rivaling A'Diao's. Zhao Lingyun, on the other hand, was purely cold and reserved, as if deliberately trying to conceal himself, fearing he'd be targeted.
But regardless, they were still somewhat curious about Cheng Zhang's talent.
Everyone watched. No matter how reserved Cheng Zhang was, he felt a degree of nervousness, though he didn't show it. He methodically absorbed the spiritual enzymes, letting them settle, preparing, transforming, until the fifteenth minute... He suddenly opened his eyes and made a beckoning gesture with his hand.
Several weapons on the rack vibrated, emitting sharp sounds. Then, with a whoosh, a staff hummed and landed in his hand. His slender fingers twirled it, the staff spun once, and its jeweled end aimed at the instrument. With his other hand, he formed a sword finger in the air, touched his glabella, and as spiritual light flared, he began to draw a talisman in mid-air.
This talisman was very simple; it was clearly a lightning-attribute Daoist talisman.
"Taiyi Heavenly Dipper, Zi-Zhen Summer-Autumn, Descend!"
Crackle, snap! A bolt of lightning, as thick as a little finger, suddenly struck down from a height of seven or eight meters!
It struck the equipment.
Oh god, did the equipment explode?
No, this equipment was incredible. It was made from a metallic substance ranked among the top ten hardest in the interstellar ratings and could absorb spiritual energy for self-testing. It didn't explode; instead, it absorbed the lightning's energy, enabling monitoring, and finally displayed the three categories of test results: A, B, and C.
89, 78, 89.
Holy crap!
That was terrifying.
The entire place was shocked. Even many of the teachers were stirred, those seated standing up.
This talent was so strong, truly so strong, and it was lightning magic, the most offensive type.
"It's not lightning magic; it's the Daoist magic branch within the control-type talents. He himself is most attuned to lightning magic, but in reality, he should be able to use techniques of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Daoist magic talents have no five-element restrictions, only differences in affinity."
A teacher proactively explained.
This was even stronger than lightning magic, wasn't it? The Daoist magic branch! That was reputed to be the strongest faction in the world of spiritual energy cultivation.
The Daoist sects had the largest number of practitioners and the most powerful individuals. Of course, there were also numerous sects and factions, leading to more internal strife. However, they were undeniably the most powerful circle and had been the main force in resisting the demon spirits in the past.
But this score was truly enviable.
"I think Song Ling's first place might be snatched by him. Originally, their rankings in yesterday's and this morning's assessments weren't that far apart."
Many people had this thought; even the teachers speculated this way.
After all, Cheng Zhang's talent score was too high.
And this score also frightened Wang Wei and the others who were peeking.
"It can't be real, how is that possible? These external examinees are so strong? Who is that Cheng Zhang?"
"He's from the prestigious Cheng family. They can't compare to your Song, Wang, and Cui clans, but they are still very strong, mainly because they're low-key. It's unexpected that they nurtured such a strong descendant."
They were all from prominent families in Danzhou. Wang Wei and his group felt immense pressure, and their sense of superiority from being internally selected took a blow.
"What's there to panic about? With 3000 people taking the exam, there are bound to be one or two formidable ones. It's not like all of them are like this."
This made sense, so the few of them continued to watch.
Indeed, a few rather unimpressive candidates followed. Wang Wei and the others felt considerably better, their sense of superiority returning, until it was number 32, Cui Yun's turn.
Cui Yun glanced at Cheng Zhang and went in.
As for Cui Yun, although his aptitude assessment had suffered considerably from being caught between Song Ling and A'Diao, leading him to rank seventh, no one dared to truly underestimate him.
Cui Yun took 13 minutes for his test, and the commotion he caused was not insignificant either. A sword flew from the weapon rack. As he formed a sword finger and swiped, the sword streaked like light, and he similarly controlled it to strike the equipment.
The ABC scores came out.
87, 76, 79.
Very high, but Cui Yun's expression was ugly because he was weaker than Cheng Zhang.
How could this be!
It shouldn't be.
He didn't allow anyone to be stronger than him.
If he had known these people were a threat... if he had known earlier, he would have killed them all.
Cui Yun now even felt that he and his parents shouldn't have focused their attention on A'Diao. She was just a woman; marrying her was just that, not a particularly significant loss. Although she was a bit ugly, finding a few beautiful women on the side was no big deal. However, Cheng Zhang posed too great a threat to him.
"His total score will definitely be below Cheng Zhang's. The aptitude and talent assessments carry significant weight."
"Indeed, he is weaker than Cheng Zhang. Mainly because Cheng Zhang was so unexpectedly strong."
"Let's see about the others. But for now, only Song Ling can pose a threat to Cheng Zhang. The other candidates' aptitudes are inferior to his, and it will be extremely difficult to surpass him in talent."
Now, everyone's attention was solely on who could surpass Cheng Zhang. No one cared whom Cui Yun surpassed, or who might surpass Cui Yun.
For Cui Yun, who had always been the center of attention and the focal point since the recruitment began, this was a torment akin to death.
Of course, the equally proud and arrogant Xu Luo also felt disheartened. He was calculating how he could surpass everyone to become number one.
He probably needed full marks, 100 points for A, B, and C.
While Xu Luo was feeling unsettled, it was his turn.
Number 37.
After Xu Luo went in, relying on the mental fortitude honed by years of intensive exam preparation and various competitions, he quickly calmed down and began the test.
People also had expectations for him, especially some of the first and second-year students from Jinling Academy. Initially, these students had been proud and arrogant, believing that since they were neither rejects from the internal selection nor uncultured outsiders, but rather the cream of the crop from Jinling Academy's first and second years, they would surely dominate the top ten.
The reality, however, was a harsh slap in the face. Apart from Xu Luo, who made it into the top ten, the rest were mostly scattered within the top 200.
It was clear that studying didn't decide everything.
Now, to regain their confidence, they hoped Xu Luo would achieve an excellent score. If not first or second, securing third place would be good enough!
Currently, neither of the recognized first nor second-place holders were from Jinling Academy. The mere thought was embarrassing.
Wang Wei and his companions shared this sentiment, silently praying for Xu Luo. And then...
Daoist magic branch, ABC scores: 59, 59, 59 respectively.
Xu Luo: "..."
Everyone: "..."
A top student since childhood, one who aimed to compete with the heavens in academic achievement, he had never been so utterly speechless.
Failing grades! All of them damn failing grades?!
Tian Zhongye, being rather simple-minded, spoke frankly, "A'Xiang, A'Diao, I think he did very well, much better than many others. Why does he look so terrible?"
That was probably because despite exuding the aura of a top-tier super-student, whenever it came to these tests... he was consistently outperformed, thoroughly crushed.
Tian Zhongxiang whispered to Tian Zhongye, "Perhaps it's because 59 is less auspicious than 60."
How sharp of you!
A'Diao lowered her head and chuckled softly.
From Xu Luo +666!
Wang Hai: "Number 38, Chen A'Diao."
The emerging Xu Luo swept a cold glance over her. As they brushed past each other, Xu Luo had already concealed his inner 'holy crap' emotions. However, seeing A'Diao's smile, his pride was wounded anew. Recalling how A'Diao had ranked one place above him in the aptitude assessment, new and old grudges surged, and he snapped, "I hope your talent matches your arrogance."
A'Diao: "???"
What's it got to do with me? Tian Zhongxiang said it, not me!
But since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, I won't be polite.
A'Diao glanced at him and asked sweetly, "Thank you for your blessing, Big Brother. In that case, could I trouble Big Brother to pray later that I score 666666?"
From Xu Luo +666!
A'Diao, having successfully 'fleeced' him, didn't wait for the dark-faced Xu Luo's reply and walked into Fuxiang Garden. The moment she entered, she felt the pulsating spiritual enzymes.
No way, is it this strong?
A'Diao was somewhat alarmed.
Toilet: "You've been in contact with Daoist talismans and related matters for years, so your talent is already close to the surface, making you very sensitive. Pay attention, you should awaken very soon!"
A'Diao had sensed it too, but she still asked Toilet, "How does the power of that bug compare to an illusionary realm?"
Toilet: "No comparison."
Very good. A'Diao suddenly turned her head to Wang Hai and the others and asked, "Are there any other procedures?"
Wang Hai and the others noted her strange expression and the cold sweat beading on her forehead. One teacher, looking suspicious, said, "There are no more procedures. Just absorb the spiritual enzymes. What's wrong with you? Could it be..."
A'Diao put on a woeful expression. "Teacher, what should I do? I think I'm about to awaken! If I awaken this quickly, will my talent be utter trash?!"
Her voice wasn't soft, panicked and helpless, allowing those outside to hear.
"Surely not? Her aptitude is so strong, yet her talent is this weak?"
"She hasn't even been inside for thirty seconds!"
"The fastest to awaken... Awakening this quickly must mean her talent is utterly useless!"
"Oh heavens, what a waste!"
Everyone was extremely shocked. After all, the savage scene from that morning, where A'Diao had shockingly surged from 470th place to 9th, was still vivid in their minds. Furthermore, her words and actions suggested she likely came from a humble background, which only enhanced the perceived value of her aptitude. Even Cui Yun, who utterly detested her, feared she might possess high talent. After all, individuals with high aptitude were more likely to have high talent; protagonists in novels who were singularly untalented despite other strengths were a rarity.
Unfortunately, she was still a dud?
Oh well, what a cause for widespread celebration!
From Cui Yun +1309!
From Xu Luo +666!
From Zhao Lingyun +1200!
From Wang Wei +...
She wouldn't have known if she hadn't seen the notifications, but now she realized so many people disliked her?
However, A'Diao could already feel her talent awakening. It was stirring restlessly, like something about to burst forth from the ground, but she was suppressing it. She had spoken out just now precisely to alert a certain someone.
My talent is about to awaken, so make your damn move now!
Miss this chance, and you won't get another.
At this moment, Cui Yun, who was outside, heard A'Diao's words and saw her condition. Although surprised by how quickly she was awakening, he also wondered if her talent was indeed useless.
If it was truly useless, perhaps he wouldn't need to act?
But her aptitude was too high. Generally, one might have useless aptitude, but rarely an absolutely useless talent if the aptitude was high.
While Cui Yun was wavering, he suddenly saw A'Diao drawing a talisman in mid-air with her right hand!
Damn it! Daoist magic branch?!
In everyone's eyes, A'Diao now looked extremely like a standard practitioner of the Daoist magic branch.
The Daoist magic branch was the most common and also hailed as an exceedingly versatile talent—offensive or defensive, with a wide scope, an expansive doctrinal tradition, and comprehensive learning paths. One could learn almost anything within it. All three major systems had Daoist magic inheritances, which were rigorous. As long as one possessed aptitude, they could find a suitable Daoist magic path, achieve a balance of offense and defense, and generally attain some level of accomplishment.
Therefore, the Daoist magic branch was also the talent most desired by the public in online polls and, indeed, the one they were most likely to obtain.
Seemingly mediocre and unremarkable, it was, in fact, exceedingly practical and reliable.
Cui Yun suddenly made up his mind. He stealthily activated a button on his ring, connecting to his spiritual body—a transmission medium!
At that moment, A'Diao, who was deliberately drawing the talisman, felt a sensation akin to what she had experienced when entering the gymnasium building.
It's here.
Her spiritual body was subjected to hallucinations, and Cui Yun's voice echoed in her mind.
He said, "You lowly wretch, a mere concubine's daughter raised in some rural backwater, yet you dare to dream of becoming my, Cui Yun's, wife with your meager aptitude? A woman like you? I'd find you too shabby even to be my concubine! Even with the lights off, I'd despise the reek of the countryside on you! It's a pity your father is so intent on currying favor with the powerful, dead set on offering you to me. But alas, even if you were given to me, I wouldn't want you. Marrying an ugly freak like you would be worse than marrying a sow!"
A'Diao had initially been quite curious about how Cui Yun would mentally assault her with hallucinations. She was also apprehensive, fearing she might genuinely be driven into qi deviation by him, so she had remained constantly vigilant. However, upon hearing his opening tirade, she almost burst out laughing.
Was this some childish name-calling, like a primary schooler's tantrum?
She had conducted countless funerals in several towns and hundreds of villages around Qishan. Being cursed at was as common as eating a meal for her; what kind of scene hadn't she witnessed? Thus, such words were utterly insignificant to her. As for Chen Ran's supposed intentions, not only was that cunning man not so foolish, but even if he were truly looking to marry her off to the highest bidder, he would absolutely look down on the current Cui Yun.
However... Cui Yun's final words nearly broke through A'Diao's composure. But the special effect of the Mind Ladybug was undoubtedly also at play, effortlessly stirring her emotions. She even felt as if Cui Yun himself was standing before her, hurling insults.
Ugly freak! Who are you calling an ugly freak?!!!
Toilet: "Steady, steady! We have evidence now! You can report this to the academy. At the very least, his exam results will be nullified, and the Cui Clan will have to pay a price! Wait, what are you doing?!"
At this moment, Toilet thought A'Diao had failed to control herself and, having lost control, was succumbing to qi deviation. Thus, it was frantic with worry.
Before Toilet could finish speaking, A'Diao's talisman-drawing finger suddenly froze. She wore an expression of extreme agony and shook her head as if trapped in some illusion. The spiritual talisman, moments ago perfectly formed at her fingertip, twisted. The pale golden light warped, crackling menacingly. In an instant, chaotic black-red flames ignited, and a violent, scorching fire erupted forth.
Several teachers were experienced; one look at this scene and they knew something was wrong.
"Chen A'Diao, Chen A'Diao! Calm down quickly!"
"She might be succumbing to qi deviation!"
"Quick!"
The Tian siblings and Rao Xueya were among the few on good terms with A'Diao. They were extremely worried and even ran towards the testing enclosure. Cheng Zhang and the others were primarily surprised. Song Ling frowned, touched the bracelet on her wrist, hesitated for a moment, and then also moved to the edge of the enclosure.
More people... were perhaps secretly rejoicing.
Outside the testing area, Cui Yun remained still, but the corner of his mouth curled up slightly—pure ecstasy!
This Chen A'Diao was finished.
A teacher rapidly formed hand seals. A jade tablet, previously concealed beneath his clothes, floated out. As the seals completed, it released a three-meter diameter formation that spun and descended over A'Diao, attempting to calm her. However, before it could take effect, A'Diao had already opened her left hand, palm facing a specific direction.
A strange rhythm emanated from her palm, instantly connecting with the spiritual enzymes. The spiritual enzymes, in turn, connected with the spiritual plants in the garden, which then formed a dense spiritual network.
Within this spiritual network, any object amenable to spiritual influence could have its form and control perversely altered, moving freely according to her will, ready to unleash destruction at her whim!
Unleash destruction!
Hummm!
All the staves on the weapon rack vibrated wildly. From the instrument rack, a clear and resonant... suona melody pierced the air.
The sound of a suona echoed throughout Jinling Academy, simultaneously stirring all the wind chimes hanging beneath the eaves.
People outside the academy gates: "???"
Wait, is someone holding a funeral feast inside your Jinling Academy?
This blasted suona... it sounded incredibly mournful, yet also exceptionally domineering—so domineering that it drowned out all other sounds, leaving only its continuous, piercing cry. Both mournful and imperious, it was unmistakably the melody played by professional musicians at rural funerals.
Meanwhile, inside the enclosure, A'Diao formed a sword finger with her left hand and traced a vertical semicircle upwards to her left.
As her fingers swept upwards...
Outside the enclosure, the crowd suddenly screamed in terror, because the ground began to writhe! Rustle!
The moment Cui Yun saw A'Diao's fingers pointing in his direction, he had a terrible premonition. Sure enough, the soil beneath his feet suddenly writhed and split open, like a living quagmire. Panicked, Cui Yun leaped up to dodge. But as he jumped more than a meter high, the writhing earth shot up frantically, enveloped his legs, and dragged him downwards. After he landed, Cui Yun stared at the gaping pit beneath him, watching it deepen, his face finally contorting in terror. He desperately grabbed the edge of the hole, his fingertips splitting, and screamed, "Help!"
Desperately trying to climb up!
Not far away, Wang Wei and the others, who had been secretly watching, were scared out of their wits. "Holy crap, holy crap! What's going on?!"
"Quick, get away! The soil over here seems to be moving too!"
Several of these 'favored children of heaven' trembled with fear, darting towards trees and other elevated spots.
In terms of agility and reaction speed, they were indeed far superior to the other examinees, but they were also visibly terrified.
Unfortunately, while A'Diao had at least the Tian siblings and a few others who might be considered friendly, Cui Yun had no one here willing to risk helping him. Or perhaps... no one could even react in time. The ground was too terrifying, soft and yielding like a quicksand bog; everyone felt they could barely save themselves.
Cheng Zhang actually had an opportunity, and he possessed treasures that might have helped. However, in that brief instant, he made his decision.
Among Jinling's three great clans, the Cui Clan was already in decline. Siding with the Cui Clan would mean offending the Song and Wang clans. Moreover, the Chen family, currently on the ascent, also maintained a nuanced stance towards the Cui Clan.
Not worth the risk.
So... Cheng Zhang took a step back.
And just as the onlookers were struggling to ensure their own safety, inside the enclosure, Wang Hai and the other teachers had already reacted. Some teachers rushed out, intending to save Cui Yun, while Wang Hai and a few others charged towards A'Diao.
Wang Hai was the fastest, already closing in on A'Diao. But A'Diao brought her joined fingers slicing straight down. Her small mouth, usually quick with sharp, irritating retorts, moved, forming words, but no sound emerged.
However, some still discerned what she was mouthing... Song Ling, for instance, understood lip-reading and thus recognized A'Diao's words.
"Bury him!"
No superfluous fancy moves, no unnecessary omens.
As she sliced downwards with two pale fingers, the surrounding suona music shattered the academy's profound, tranquil silence, culminating in that instant in a precise killing intent, like an arrow piercing armor.
"Ah!!"
Following a terrified, shrill scream, the soil entangling Cui Yun's legs swarmed up to his head and violently, forcibly pressed it downwards.
Bones and flesh were suppressed with overwhelming, crushing force.
His body, his head—all were engulfed and buried by the frantically writhing earth.
Visibly, he sank deeper and deeper, as the earth above rapidly mended and smoothed over.
Only the sound of the suona persisted, from beginning to end.
Thanks for the long-distance delivery of your head; full funeral services, all-inclusive.
A live burial, just for you. Don't mention it.
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