ASER - Chapter 52
Chapter 52: The First
After Song Ling entered Fuxiang Garden, the usually talkative Jiang Chao also settled down considerably. Not far away, Wang Wei and the others had now calmed their shocked hearts from the impact of the Cui brothers, restraining their usual arrogant demeanor. However, Wang Wei still clung to his original hope.
He hoped Song Ling's results wouldn't be that good, and his few friends felt much the same. This was because most of them belonged to the Wang family's sphere of influence. Although they coexisted peacefully with the Song family, this was predicated on their strengths being roughly equal.
If one side were to overwhelmingly surpass the other, that peace would cease to exist.
Song Ling was the trump card the Song family had unearthed, and the Wang family naturally hoped her hand wouldn't be too strong.
For this reason, Wang Wei, who often hunted and roasted wild pheasants in important Buddhist sites, even clasped his hands together, silently chanting "Amitabha Buddha..."
His friends beside him: "..."
Zhou Jiang was actually observing Song Ling. He had noticed earlier that when Cui Liang was overwhelming the Chen siblings, she had used an ice-type Spiritual Vessel, one that was internalized.
The Song family ancestors possessed the bloodline of Forbidden Masters. For this girl to internalize a Spiritual Vessel prematurely indicated a very high bloodline talent.
He just didn't know exactly how high.
While they waited, Chen Xun had already finished applying medicine for A'Diao and was carrying the first-aid kit elsewhere to wash his hands. As he was washing, an old man strolled out, smiling. But the first thing he said upon meeting Chen Xun was,
"Your sister, she intentionally killed Cui Yun."
Searching his information online, she appeared naive, ignorant, and flamboyant, but in reality, she was effectively assessing his social standing and personality. Only after confirming he wasn't intimidated by the Cui Clan did she make her move. Of course, before that, she must have also deduced that her attacker was a teacher. Furthermore, after the Cui Clan's failed assassination attempt, Cui Yun—or rather, the Cui family—would surely be unwilling to let her successfully test well and turn her fortunes around. They would likely try to tamper with the exam. Perhaps she already knew about the Mind Ladybug's existence, so she brought it in with her.
When the Mind Ladybug wasn't detected, she confirmed her suspicion—that teacher was involved.
Then, she only needed to unleash enough talent and power to forcefully kill Cui Yun.
It was very risky, but she was certain she wouldn't pay a price.
1. The existence of the Mind Ladybug was evidence, proving she was a victim, that she had suffered a cultivation deviation.
2. The Cui Clan violating regulations and disrupting the exam was a crime; the Cui Clan would be too preoccupied to deal with her.
3. After the restroom attack, she revealed crucial information to Zhou Jiang, enabling him to promptly identify the mole. This, in turn, ensured that after burying Cui Yun alive, she could withstand the mole's attack. With a teacher as a mole and her being targeted during the exam, the responsibility would shift to Jinling Academy. Jinling Academy, to absolve itself of responsibility, would then have to pressure the Cui Clan and also protect her to appease the examinees and public sentiment.
4. He, the principal, would not yield, because autonomous enrollment was a right the academy had fought for. At such a critical juncture, the academy alliance would not concede to the powerful and influential.
All things considered, she wouldn't face any trouble. At most, she would incur the Cui Clan's hatred, but they had already made a lethal attempt on her life, so it made little difference. Instead, she could use this opportunity to display her talents and abilities, gaining more attention.
The sound of splashing water. Chen Xun turned off the faucet, dried his hands, and said to the principal, "I remember after the resurgence of Spiritual Energy, Teacher, you once said: In this world, some people's power and strength come from inheritance, while others are born to acquire them only through plunder, and this plunder is often a counterattack realized in the process of being trampled upon."
"I've always felt the latter are more worthy of awe."
"Because this world has always been eliminating the kind and weak; it has never changed."
The principal, of course, hadn't come to question him. Hearing this, he continued to smile. "Yes, a cruel world."
As the two were talking, the results from Fuxiang Garden came out.
The principal glanced over, slightly surprised. "Hmm, such strong frost energy. But it's not from the control-type... This fluctuation, is it mind-type?"
Soon, both of them saw Song Ling's ABC talent assessment results.
Cheng Zhang's expression stiffened slightly.
90, 90, 90.
Song Ling's talent was surprisingly balanced, a "triple high." Though not at the extreme limit, it was incredibly, terrifyingly balanced!
"My heavens, three 90s!"
"She must have surpassed Chen A'Diao!!"
As the crowd exclaimed in amazement, they discovered... Song Ling's name had surpassed Cheng Zhang and the others, jumping to second place.
Only second.
How could that be! The crowd burst into discussion.
Huh?
Even A'Diao, who had shamelessly finished her second cup of milk tea, was stunned. This couldn't be right.
However, Jiang Chao beside her wasn't surprised. "Indeed, the suppression by a high score of 99 is real. No wonder those kids with a single 100-point talent are so arrogant. A'Diao, in the future, if you encounter someone with 100-point talent, be careful. Those are freaks."
"99 can suppress 90, but 100 can also suppress 99. It's not just a matter of 1 point."
Perspective determines everything.
Jiang Chao's reminder gave A'Diao a deeper understanding of the ABC talent assessment and made her wary of those geniuses who had passed the internal selection.
At this moment, Zhou Jiang was in an excellent mood and was about to proactively share some knowledge with these examinees when he noticed "Dr. Cheng" was "online" again.
"The ABC talent assessment has a tiered scoring model. Scores above 90, above 95, and 99, 100 are all different small tiers. These different small tiers are calculated using different proportional point models. The higher the score, the greater its intrinsic value. However, her three scores are all 90, which is exceptionally balanced. Her development will be much easier than others, unrestricted in all aspects. And if I'm not mistaken, the frost she just summoned wasn't an actual frost element, but a mind-affecting mind frost. That's why our thinking was much slower than usual just now... Mind talent is very difficult to defend against."
Cheng Zhang felt that compared to Chen A'Diao, he was more wary of Song Ling.
Because Chen A'Diao's weaknesses were still quite obvious, but Song Ling... was too strong in all aspects, possessing the standard aptitude of a powerful individual.
Being regarded so highly by Cheng Zhang, Song Ling didn't react much, merely glancing at the leaderboard.
Unsurprisingly, she could only be second for now.
From the moment Chen A'Diao had been able to copy the spirit-absorbing technique from her and Cui Yun's hand seals, she had faintly sensed she was no match for her. Then, seeing the methods A'Diao used to bury Cui Yun alive and the subsequent cleanup...
She became even more certain.
Song Ling lowered her gaze and turned to walk back.
On the other side, the principal's insight was far superior to others. Even from a great distance, he could discern Song Ling's situation. "That Spiritual Vessel can release frost flowers. Although tangible, they can be controlled by Song Ling and make contact with the human body, thereby affecting the mind. It looks like a type of channeling ability, which fits her talent for a strong mental state."
"Speaking of which, your sister's mental state is even stronger. I originally thought she also had a mind-type talent, but now it seems more like a control-type leaning towards earth elements, and a bit like the common Daoist magic school. But actually, it leans more towards the Aberrant type—that suona was triggered by her. Such accompanying abilities usually fit the characteristics of the Aberrant type. And the shredded potatoes and such, even if using a Spiritual Vessel or a Forbidden Item, it's impossible to have no trace of Spiritual Energy fluctuation. It's a bit complicated, likely a special Aberrant type. What do you think?"
The so-called "Aberrant type" referred to unconventional talents. All talents not falling under the control type or mind type were classified as Aberrant type.
The principal chatted with his student as if gossiping, but Chen Xun seemed uninterested. "Uncovering her talent is a matter for her teachers and herself. She isn't outstanding enough for you, Principal, to personally analyze and research her."
"Alright then," the principal smiled and changed the subject. "This time, my Jinling Academy has good feng shui. The future looks promising." He was in a cheerful mood and slowly strolled away again, each step leaving an afterimage, but without making any sound.
If Cui Liang were here, he would surely be horrified, because the principal of Jinling Academy... he had been there all along.
Near Fuxiang Garden.
Meaning, he had been watching them from beginning to end, watching them run amok and scheme against each other.
A'Diao said she wanted to watch everyone else's exams, and she really did. Afterwards, she watched the test results of the Tian siblings and others.
It had to be said, the methods passed down from the first generation were very traditional, but traditional sometimes also meant effective. Those who excelled in the earlier physical fitness tests, illusionary realms, and various aptitude tests rarely faltered in the final talent test.
Those who truly faltered, that would be a plot for a "trash-to-treasure comeback" Mary Sue story.
The biggest dark horse currently was Chen A'Diao, but she hadn't been "trash" since the physical fitness test. And the Tian siblings also didn't falter.
Spiritual Energy surged. A strong golden light emanated from Tian Zhongye, his aura extremely powerful. Everyone almost thought something was about to descend upon him, until...
With a loud thud, Tian Zhongye knelt.
So young, performing such a grand salutation, why go to such lengths!
Zhou Jiang and the others were startled, but soon discovered Tian Zhongye's legs were covered in a layer of heavy metal. Under the immense weight, he directly knelt, shattering several floor tiles.
"Huh, it's metal enhancement from the control type. Not bad, it suits your temperament."
It was quite good; he looked like he'd be hard to damage. Just a bit taxing on the legs.
It was Tian Zhongxiang's turn. Her aptitude was slightly better than Tian Zhongye's, mainly her growth potential was two or three points higher. But she had a control-type talent for manipulating physical objects, meaning she could directly control materials, like nearby stones and the bread in Zhou Jiang's hand.
"This kind of talent can be used to directly control flying daggers and other highly lethal weapons in the future. Also very good. You two siblings have complementary combat talents."
One for close combat, one for ranged attacks.
Their parents really knew how to have children.
Both of them, like Cheng Zhang, had clear specializations. Such people can often focus their talent development, which also aligns with the potential of the strong. However, many now thought Chen A'Diao might also belong to this category, guessing her talent might lean towards controlling earth or something similar. Anyway, it was hard to say. For talents, instruments only test the data; overall development depends on experienced guidance and acquired education.
Even Chen A'Diao wasn't sure which type she belonged to. She lacked knowledge in this area. Anyway, there would always be experts to guide her in the future.
But A'Diao wanted to ask the toilet, then she suddenly heard the crowd exclaim.
Spiritual Energy fluctuated, faint but steady. However, the information on the leaderboard shocked many, including Song Ling, who looked up.
Bai He, ABC talent assessment results: 91, 90, 90 respectively.
In terms of talent, he was higher than Song Ling, second only to... A'Diao.
He was second; A'Diao was still first.
But Song Ling and Cheng Zhang were both pushed back one place.
Cheng Zhang's expression was slightly heavy. He finally shook his head with a wry smile. The elders in his family were naive. This Danzhou... was indeed a place of outstanding people and spiritual efficacy.
After Bai He, the rest were mostly average. Even people like Lin Yunmo were not within Cheng Zhang and his group's focus of attention.
The results for all 500 people were out. Except for the two deceased, 498 people knew their talent test rankings.
Some were resentful; some felt resentful on behalf of others.
Xu Luo stood beside Bai He, gritted his teeth, and said in a low voice, "I don't quite understand this ranking. Your three scores are so strong, how are you still below her? It's too unfair. But looking at it now, your total score should be above hers, right?"
Bai He, with a wooden expression, glanced at him as if chewing dry bread. "You're ranked so far behind, why worry so much?"
From Xu Luo +999!
On the other side, A'Diao, also surprised by Bai He's results, was a bit dumbfounded.
I didn't do anything, why does this Xu guy suddenly hate me again?
However, all exam segments were over, and all assessment scores were out. Now, the most important thing was the total score.
No one would calculate it; the system did. Zhou Jiang just needed to click confirm. However, following tradition, he still informed the 498 examinees present, and also notified the teachers and guards at the Jinling Academy gate to manage the upcoming impact.
There were too many people at the school gate now. The entire Danzhou, the entire Jinling, was focused on this. No school's assessment results were more important—unless the upcoming national college entrance exam could break its popularity. Anyway, the top trending topic online in the Danzhou region was "Jinling Academy Entrance Exam Results."
Many people were waiting.
"After the total scores are out, our academy will admit 200 students. The top 200 will automatically be enrolled and officially become third-year high school students of Jinling Academy. I hope everyone accepts the reality and waits for the Ministry of Education's next instructions. Remember, don't panic."
They were actually only admitting 200 people! From 3000 in the preliminary exam to only 200 in the end, this ratio was far too low, a hundred fewer than the minimum number admitted in previous years.
Many examinees felt very gloomy; many were afraid of not being selected.
Hopefully, the total score calculation method would be favorable to them.
Only after finishing the announcement did Zhou Jiang click confirm. After clicking, his gaze swept over the examinees in front, lingering a little longer on A'Diao and the others.
Who would be first in the total score?
Actually, he was also very curious.
Currently, no one seemed to have an absolute, crushing advantage.
After Cui Yun was gone, Song Ling and Cheng Zhang seemed roughly on par overall. But Bai He was faintly catching up and had the potential to surpass them. Yet, Chen A'Diao had counterattacked as a super dark horse, from aptitude to talent.
Each had their advantages; it was really hard to say.
But thankfully, the system's function was exceptionally powerful, completing the calculation in just one second.
No one knew its algorithm, but the final result was an ironclad fact.
From 1 to 10, the names were simple, the order neat: Chen A'Diao, Bai He, Song Ling, Cheng Zhang, Tian Zhongxiang, Tian Zhongye, Lin Yunmo, Rao Xueya, Xu Luo, Wang Shen.
Xu Luo: I actually managed to squeeze into the top ten? No, how can I think like that, I should have been first! Right, if Cui Yun and Zhao Lingyun hadn't died and been disqualified, I wouldn't have even made the top ten.
Wang Shen: I'm a direct descendant of the Wang family, an elite specially transferred back from out of town! Only tenth, is this really just an entrance exam?!!
What others thought, A'Diao didn't know. Anyway, she was first.
Oh ho, she, who had been looked down upon since childhood and unwelcome wherever she went, turned out to be first.
Amidst the crowd's fervent exclamations and discussions, A'Diao smiled lightly.
This smile made her face, which seemed unremarkable among the group of good-looking examinees from influential families, possess a touch of heart-stirring uniqueness.
A hint of artful coyness, the slightly upturned corners of her mouth holding a secret smugness, a perfectly feigned air. No words needed. Come, watch me smile.
The group of people who disliked her were speechless, so disgusted they felt like vomiting, and could only frantically send her their "thought power."
Very good, A'Diao was pleased. Drinking two cups of milk tea while waiting, wasn't it all for "shearing the wool" in the end?
With my faint smile, I provoke the deep jealousy and resentment in your hearts, letting those hidden emotions explode, becoming my thought power, becoming my stepping stone.
A'Diao sucked dry the last drop of milk tea and burped.
Jiang Chao: "..."
This little sister really has something to her.
Not far away, Bai He, who had narrowly lost and ended up second, watched A'Diao for a good while, then finally lowered his eyes, deeply concealing his resentment.
He was still lacking a bit, but there would always be opportunities in the future.
There has never been an eternal first place.
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