54: Chapter 54 The Big Test Begins!

In the distance, three figures stood tall upon a high platform.

Despite the considerable distance, the powerful aura naturally radiating from those three...

...seemed to envelop the entire square like something tangible, causing the boisterous crowd to instinctively lower their voices.

The figure on the left wore a crisp, deep blue military uniform, the general's stars on his epaulets shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.

He stood straight as a pine, hands clasped behind his back.

Just by standing there, a murderous aura of iron and blood washed over everyone.

In the center was a middle-aged man wearing the uniform of a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Education.

His expression was gentle, with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

However, those seemingly easygoing eyes held a shrewdness that saw through everything as they swept over the tens of thousands of examinees below.

On the far right was an elderly man draped in dark purple mage robes.

Complex star patterns were embroidered onto the robes, and he held an ancient, simple staff in his hand.

He sat with eyes closed, resting his spirit as if merging with his surroundings, yet he faintly emitted heart-pounding energy fluctuations.

“The Big Three of the Eastern Province.”

Bai Luer followed Lu Yin's gaze and sighed softly.

Lu Yin nodded slightly; he had long heard that for the Grand Exam every year, the highest-ranking officials of the province would personally oversee the proceedings.

But this time, it seemed exceptionally solemn.

Especially that big shot in the military uniform—he was clearly the Commander Xiao Wanguo had mentioned before.

He had created many legends within the military and was a modern-day hero beyond reproach.

Perhaps sensing Lu Yin's gaze, Bai Luer's voice carried a hint of imperceptible tension as she spoke.

“That general is the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Province Military Region, Ye Fenghua, Commander.”

“I heard that in his youth, he once charged into the Abyss alone, slaying a hundred thousand demons and forcing an Abyssal Demon King into a pathetic retreat.”

Lu Yin nodded slightly upon hearing this; it was recorded in the textbooks.

He was also aware of this figure—a powerhouse no weaker than the Undying Sword God.

And it was at that moment that Ye Fenghua, Commander's gaze suddenly met Lu Yin's.

In that instant, Lu Yin felt a chill rise from his spine.

Ye Fenghua, Commander's eyes were as sharp as blades, as if they could pierce through a person's soul.

But strangely, within that fierce gaze, Lu Yin seemed to catch a subtle, hard-to-discern feeling.

It was a complex emotion, containing both scrutiny and a certain unspeakable expectation.

“He’s looking at you.” Bai Luer also sensed this strange feeling, her voice tinged with surprise.

Lu Yin calmly withdrew his gaze, but ripples formed in his heart.

Why would this Commander-in-Chief, who shook the Eastern Province, pay attention to an obscure examinee like him?

Had Xiao Wanguo mentioned him?

It was possible, after all, he had slain an Abyssal Demon General while only being around level ten.

And the moment the two locked eyes, the two big shots standing beside him also cast their gazes over, seemingly inadvertently.

But it was only for a split second before they returned to normal.

Just then, a dazzling light suddenly lit up in the center of the square.

A massive pillar of energy soared into the sky, blooming into magnificent runes in the air.

The boisterous square instantly fell silent as everyone's eyes focused on that light.

“The Grand Exam is starting.” Bai Luer whispered, her tone carrying a hint of nervousness.

On the high platform, the man in the center slowly spoke.

His voice wasn't loud, but his gentle words spread clearly across the entire square.

“Everyone, there are some changes to this year's assessment; we will not be setting an upper limit for the exam.”

“You should have heard rumors; as long as you have the ability, you can keep increasing the difficulty of the assessment.”

“Until you have exhausted everything and drained your potential.”

“But similarly, truly capable Professionals will make their brilliance shine to the maximum extent.”

“So children, let me see your potential.”

“Additionally, you should also know the standards for a normal Grand Exam.”

“Once you enter, you can only use your own personal equipment; all other buff items are strictly prohibited.”

“You only need to face your true abilities; do not think about taking shortcuts.”

“I now declare the Grand Exam officially started. Chosen ones from each school, step forward!”

As the man's voice fell, the energy pillar in the square suddenly expanded.

It turned into countless fine lines of light, wrapping around every examinee's wrist like living things.

Lu Yin looked down at the rune on his wrist and could clearly feel the spatial power contained within it.

This power was gentle yet strong, clearly the work of the mage on the high platform.

And the first batch of chosen ones all took a step forward.

The illusion tower could open up tens of thousands of planes, so the first batch of examinees was roughly ten thousand people.

As the first batch of examinees was teleported to the illusion tower, the three giants on the high platform also began to converse in low voices.

“The Eastern Province has seventeen Mythic Classes this year, which has already surpassed historical records.”

“There are a few prospects I’m quite optimistic about.”

The uniformed commander, Ye Fenghua, Commander, spoke with a smile.

“Indeed, I heard Tianyang City produced a Mythic Class Professional with full Life Marks. I wonder if he can create a new miracle again.”

The elder in the mage robes, Hong Feng, said lazily with his eyes closed.

“Full Imprints are rare, but that child is a Summoner. You should know that Summoner classes are very weak in the late game.”

“On the other hand, in our provincial capital, Tianjing City, a very strong Mythic Class has appeared.”

The middle-aged man from the Ministry of Education, Lin Haina, said with meaningful intent.

“Are you talking about that Xiang Cang? The descendant of the Overlord?”

“Exactly. Full-skill Super Armor, plus True Damage. He’s both tanky and has high output. Crucially, he also has area-of-effect skills.”

“In my view, he’s our province’s top scholar.”

Hong Feng smiled slightly, possessing the confidence of someone with a plan in mind.

“Elder Hong, not necessarily. I’m actually optimistic about a child named Baili Qiansheng.”

“Though he’s a long-range class, his critical hit output is even more terrifying than an Assassin’s.”

“I’ve actually seen him insta-kill a BOSS of the same level with a single hit.”

“Oh? I didn't expect Brother Lin to have such a newcomer under him. Then I shall wait and see.”

Hong Feng nodded and turned his gaze back to the hundred thousand plus examinees below.

“Does Ye Fenghua, Commander have any newcomers he’s optimistic about this year?”

Lin Haina also smiled and then suddenly looked to his side.

Ye Fenghua, Commander cast his gaze toward the surging crowd below, a nearly imperceptible curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

“My opinion is the exact opposite of you two. The only one I’m optimistic about is that child from Tianyang City.”

“The shortcomings of the Summoner Class you mentioned might just be reversed with him.”

As they were talking, the illusory panel above the illusion tower suddenly erupted with a piercing golden light.

The leaderboard recording the examinees' scores fluctuated violently, and a name soared like a burning meteor, directly reaching the top spot.

【Xiang Cang (Level 2), Round 1! Time: 2 seconds! Points: 30!】