msmithbooks Chapter 971 Hidden Dragon Should Not Be Used, Dragon Appears in the Field
Chapter 971 Hidden Dragon Should Not Be Used, Dragon Appears in the Field
The academy buildings are beautiful and have an elegant feel to them.
Chen Zhaoheng held a book in his hands as he walked up the white jade steps of the academy.
"If the Heavenly Trigrams shift, the celestial phenomena will change. Since ancient times, the will of Heaven has been difficult to discern. The way of celestial phenomena is profound and difficult to explain. However, if we start from the Earthly Fiends and the Five Elements, and the theory of Yin and Yang, perhaps..."
Chen Zhaoheng pondered and digested the content of the sermon given by the master today, transforming it into the outline of his own system.
Students walked by from time to time, but she was not conspicuous in the crowd.
Judging by her looks alone, the young girl is outstanding, especially her scholarly air, which adds a touch of elegance and poetry.
However, as a royal academy and a Yin-Yang academy, it is a place of outstanding people and talents, and those who can be here are all exceptional individuals.
It's unlikely that this alone will attract a lot of attention.
“Zhaoheng”.
Chen Zhaoheng had just passed by a bookstore building and hadn't walked a few steps when he heard a surprised voice beside him.
Upon hearing the news, Chen Zhaoheng turned his head and saw a pretty young woman dressed in academy attire standing not far away. She put down the book in her hand and smiled slightly.
"It's Ye Ping."
"Zhaoheng, it's been so long! How have you been?"
The woman acted very intimately, and her words were mostly warm and friendly.
"The class placement exam is coming up soon. How about it? Are you confident that you can take another step forward and get into Class B?"
"Haha, Zhaoheng, there shouldn't be any problem with you, right?"
Chen Zhaoheng smiled and shook his head, not dwelling on the topic. He simply smiled and asked the woman, "Ye Ping, what about you?"
"For me, getting a C grade this time is already an exceptional performance." A hint of self-deprecation appeared on the woman's face, along with a hidden sadness.
When they first entered the academy, they were all full of confidence and ambition, feeling that the future belonged to them.
The academy was graded into A, B, C, and D, with upper, middle, lower, and lower ranks, but all that was visible was the character "A".
But a year is enough time for them to learn so much.
It turns out that not everyone is qualified to see that character "甲".
Some things are already decided from the very beginning.
The world is vast and full of wonders; dynasties are numerous and ancient. When can we ever lack literary geniuses?
During their conversation, the two also mentioned their former dormitory members.
"By the way, Zhaoheng, did you know that Liu Qing has joined the Zhishi Society? After a few more school years, she will have the opportunity to become a full member." A hint of envy appeared on Luo Yeping's face.
When they first entered the school, they shared a dormitory, but a placement test changed their fates in completely different ways.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoheng simply nodded and did not say anything more.
The Zhishi Society is a literary and moral group spontaneously organized by students within the academy. It has been passed down from generation to generation and has been preserved for many years. Among the many groups and societies of the academy's students, it is extremely famous and has a great influence.
Among them are many senior students who achieved high scores, and I've heard that some of them have already graduated and often return to the academy to discuss and exchange ideas, maintaining very frequent contact.
Some outstanding students within the academy also used this channel to gain early access to high-quality resources and the world of literature and art. Among them, some used it as a springboard, leveraging the connections of their senior brothers and sisters to connect with truly prestigious sects, families, and institutions.
Similar to academic societies and religious groups, their operations are extremely large. They involve literary exchanges, resource sharing, promises of benefits, and various interpersonal relationships.
It encompasses not only the cultivation of literature and morality, but also a highly concentrated microcosm of society.
Liu Qing has only been in the academy for a year, yet he has already joined such a renowned academy. Although he is only an outer member, this alone clearly puts him ahead of many other students.
If one can build a network of connections and relationships within this network, then the future prospects will be extremely promising.
"I heard that Liu Qing was able to get into the Zhishi Society because her brother had some connections with a senior member of the society. The senior recommended her, and that's how Liu Qing got in," Luo Yeping whispered among himself, gossiping.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoheng simply nodded, showing little interest in the matter.
Liu Qing's elder brother was known to all the members of her academy; he was a prodigy who had been included in the Hidden Dragon Second List and held a very high reputation and status in the Liu family.
At the level of the Yin-Yang Academy, even a large family like the Liu family, which spans hundreds of states, finds it extremely difficult to extend their influence.
Not to mention the academy, even the student groups and societies spontaneously organized by the academy's students cannot be affected.
After all, apart from a few exceptions, which one of those who can enter the Yin-Yang Academy doesn't have a family background and favorable conditions?
Not to mention, these academies and schools have been passed down from generation to generation, and many of them are senior students who have graduated and are now working in the system, exerting their influence.
For a family of Liu's caliber to have any influence, it would mostly be limited to a particular student.
Clearly, this time, Liu Qing's entry into the Zhishi Society was not due to family connections, but rather to her elder brother.
A prodigy ranked second on the Hidden Dragon list!
These exceptional talents, backed by their families and relying on their natural gifts, are likely to make many friends if they enjoy socializing.
It's not surprising that someone would intentionally befriend a few students of literature and art.
Offering a price and asking the other party to pave the way for his cousin was a natural and inevitable thing to do.
As for what has an impact, it's simply a matter of how much or how little the price is.
Making friends is just one channel.
What truly touches people's hearts is the word "price".
Of course, there are also situations where the other party, citing friendship, does not ask for any benefits.
This doesn't mean the other party doesn't need a price, but rather that in their eyes, your favor is far more valuable than any monetary price.
Especially for a prodigy like this who can be included in the Hidden Dragon Second Ranking.
The favors owed now will increase in value as one's martial arts skills improve.
This is called investing in personal relationships.
Faced with Luo Yeping's gossip, Chen Zhaoheng simply smiled politely and didn't press for details.
Seeing that Chen Zhaoheng wasn't very interested, Luo Yeping, knowing how to assess the situation, said no more.
When we were talking about Liu Qing joining the Zhishi Society, there was one thing she didn't mention.
That is herself. Now her family is also trying to find connections for her and find a way out for her through academia.
Compared to the Liu Qing family, the Luo family actually wields greater influence.
However, her status within the clan was not as high as Liu Qing's; when she entered the academy, the clan did not truly exert any effort in her education.
But now, I've heard that she took the placement exam and was placed in the third tier. Although it's only the lowest third tier, her potential and value are clearly incomparable to what she was before, and she is worth the family's expectations.
The academy is full of geniuses. Students are divided into classes based on their level and assessed based on their ranking. She was able to be ranked in the third grade, which means that she has the potential to see more of the world in her literary cultivation.
Against this backdrop, the family's support for her, as well as the corresponding level of treatment and assistance, increased significantly.
The fact that they are currently building connections and paving the way for her is the best proof of this.
According to the latest news from the family, they have now connected her with the Mingjing Pavilion. If she can be recommended to join the society, and after a few years of preparation, she may be able to secure a future as a formal member.
By patiently cultivating this approach for several years, one can establish an extremely large network of connections within the academy, starting with the academy itself.
The academy had a long academic system, so she had plenty of time to manage it.
Her Luo family is not like Liu Qing's Liu family; it is one of the thirteen core decision-making forces in Wangyue Immortal City.
They even had some regular dealings with the Ruan family in the southern border.
Coupled with the advantages of being local, if her family were willing, she could live a very comfortable life within the academy.
Even after graduating from the academy, they will benefit from it for the rest of their lives.
The only limitation is whether the family is willing to do everything in its power to support her.
All of this requires her to fight for it herself.
With this thought in mind, Luo Yeping's smile became even more fervent.
The girl in front of them was one of the two students in their academy with the highest talent in literature and art.
In the placement exam at the entrance palace, I achieved a grade of C or above.
Since she was determined to expand her online presence, she had been diligently working on it since early on.
The girl in front of him was clearly part of the chain.
Unlike the other person who quickly cut ties after gaining power, Chen Zhaoheng was very easy to get along with and worth cultivating a good relationship with.
Unexpectedly, that inconspicuous girl from the school dormitory has now become one of the people she is trying to win over and befriend.
Thinking about it carefully, the eight students in the dormitory back then have all found themselves in different circumstances in just one year.
With the help of her family, she is seeking access to the Mingjing Pavilion, while Liu Qing joins the Zhishi Society through her brother's connections. Yu Huixin, another student with literary talent in the academy, uses her talent as a stepping stone to become the lover and appendage of a senior student.
The girl in front of him, however, was engrossed in her studies and lived a life of peace and quiet.
Within a year, the four of them went their separate ways and embarked on their own life trajectories.
As for the other four, after entering the academy, their former glory faded quickly, and they have now become mediocre.
There are connections, but not that many; there are methods, but not that many; there is talent, but not that much talent.
Everything was mediocre; in the outside world, it might have been impressive for a time, but within the academy, it was utterly ordinary.
Of the original students who first entered the academy, only four of them remain as competitive members.
As for the future...
Of the four, Liu Qing knows how to leverage connections and has some influence, but it's not that strong. Yu Huixin is talented, knows how to scheme, and has a senior brother to rely on, making her a formidable opponent.
As for Zhao Heng, who stood before him, he was far more pure than the previous two. He was devoted to his studies, cultivating his literary skills, neither competing nor vying for anything, and indifferent to worldly affairs.
just
In this academy, in this world, purity alone is not enough.
To achieve something, you have to compete, you have to seize opportunities, you have to have strategies, you have to know how to manage things, and you have to cultivate relationships.
Upon careful consideration, among the four, the one under the most pressure was Yu Huixin.
Liu Qing came next, and then there was Chen Zhaoheng standing before him.
She had already made a reservation for him as one of the people she was grooming and cultivating relationships with in advance.
The other party is indifferent now and has no intention of getting closer to her.
But if she lays the groundwork in advance, and becomes a formal member of Mingjing Pavilion, then relying on her family background and influence, she won't have to worry about the other party not complying.
At this thought, Luo Yeping's heart leaped with joy and confidence, feeling that the future was bright. Although she hadn't mentioned Zhao Heng, she knew from their previous interactions that her family background was quite ordinary, even considered poor among the students of the academy.
In terms of expenses and accumulated resources, they are far inferior to them.
However, the other party clearly knew this as well, knew how to change their fate, devoted themselves to their studies, and hoped to make a better future.
Mastering literature and art, one can sell oneself to the emperor!
With this understanding set in mind, Luo Yeping was already certain that as long as she made a name for herself, the other party would become her core team.
Now, all she needs to do is extend goodwill and win people's hearts.
With this in mind, Luo Yeping couldn't help but talk more about the academy, intentionally or unintentionally revealing her knowledge and information channels.
Chen Zhaoheng listened quietly, nodding occasionally and revealing a slight smile.
Just as the two were talking, a commotion arose in the distance. Although not loud, it was quite noticeable in the tranquil atmosphere of the academy.
"What's wrong?" Luo Yeping looked up curiously.
She intentionally cultivates and builds her network, and she is always very sensitive to such matters.
She quickly discovered the source of the noise and excitedly chatted with Chen Zhaoheng, who was standing beside her.
"Zhaoheng, look! It's Zuo Xinyu!"
Luo Yeping's beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement.
Zuo Xinyu was a classmate of theirs.
However, the difference is that the other party was recruited by the academy in advance, and as soon as he entered the academy, he was ranked as a first-class student, causing a great uproar.
Many senior students stepped forward to protect him and recommended him.
While they had just entered the dormitory and were still struggling with their first placement exam, the other party had already entered the top academy within the academy, the String and Song Pavilion. The abbot and vice-abbot of the Jixianzhai Academy were filled with regret, wishing they had acted sooner.
The String and Song Terrace, the Gathering of Worthies Hall, and the Lingyun Pavilion are the three top-tier academic societies within the academy. Their overall rank far surpasses that of the next-ranking societies, such as the Hall of Crafts, the Hall of Light, and the Apricot Altar Society. As for the Hall of Crafts, where Liu Qing entered, and the Hall of Crafts, which she is currently planning to establish, their standards are vastly different.
These top-tier academies include not only students from the academy but also instructors from the academy.
Within the academy, ranks and levels were clearly defined, and the same applied to the academy's instructors.
From the lowest-ranking teaching assistant to the instructor who can give lectures, to the master who sits in a pavilion, and the highly respected master with a self-contained system, the ranks are all clearly defined.
Of course, below the teaching assistant rank, there is also the rank of "commander-in-chief," which is intended to guide subordinates and is not considered a formally employed position.
Among all ranks, the academy teacher stands at the very top.
The fact that Confucius was involved is enough to demonstrate the prestige of these top-tier academic societies.
Even for students who are nearing graduation and have less than a few years left, it is extremely difficult to gain more experience and join such a top-tier academic institution before graduation.
Compared to someone like Zuo Xinyu, who received such special favor the moment she entered the hall, the difference between the two is not even a little bit.
Special admissions and early admissions by the academy have always been practiced.
But someone like Zuo Xinyu is truly rare.
Some people are ranked in the top grade by chance, while others are ranked in the highest order because they belong to the highest rank.
Even among all the scholars in the vast academy throughout history, Zuo Xinyu's literary talent is outstanding.
Now, after a year, he has become famous throughout the academy. It is said that a teacher wanted to take him as his last disciple, but he could not.
Such exceptional talents are extremely rare, even in a place as blessed with outstanding people and resources as an academy.
It's not surprising that this incident caused such a stir.
Compared to Luo Yeping's joy and excitement, Chen Zhaoheng's emotions were much calmer. She glanced at the girl in the distance, dressed in a sky-blue dress with a light yellow and pale pink lining, and then looked away with a calm expression.
In the distance, the girl stood like a star surrounded by the moon, her black hair as dark as ink, soft and fine, exuding an exquisite nobility. Her features were delicate, with a touch of baby fat, and her eyes were slightly upturned, revealing intelligence and talent.
The moment Chen Zhaoheng looked over, she seemed to sense something as well.
Her amber eyes, misty and watery, appeared innocent and focused to onlookers.
Her pale, delicate skin evokes a sense of tenderness and protectiveness.
"Junior sister, what's wrong?"
A tall young man standing nearby asked him carefully.
"It's nothing." Zuo Xinyu gently raised her head and looked away.
Because of Zuo Xinyu's appearance, Luo Yeping was temporarily distracted and didn't feel like talking to Chen Zhaoheng.
"Zhaoheng, the placement test is coming up soon, so I won't bother you anymore."
Luo Yeping chuckled softly, thus ending the conversation.
Opportunities to befriend Chen Zhaoheng will come at any time. But observing Zuo Xinyu up close like this is a rare treat.
She could still tell which was more important and which was less important.
Chen Zhaoheng glanced at Luo Yeping's departing figure, then quickly looked away and focused his gaze on the book in his hands.
"Tiered testing".
Her eyes were clear and bright, as intelligent and graceful as still water.
"In this year, I have made up for most of the knowledge gaps I had."
This time, we'll start with a Grade B.
There are assessments in various places within the academy.
There's a small test every month, a middle school exam every three months, and a major exam every year.
And now, the day of the big test has arrived.
Small tests determine rank, while large tests categorize grades.
She was initially assigned to a grade C in the preliminary examination, but after a year, she improved to grade C+.
Now, with the big test and other exams, she plans to get a Grade B first.
Then, over the course of a year, through monthly quizzes, I gradually worked my way up until I reached Grade B.
"We should have waited a little longer, but the pace of instruction in Grade C is just too slow."
Chen Zhaoheng's eyes were like water, like the Sheng Luo River.
The Yin-Yang Academy was a place she had longed to visit, the perfect place for her to study diligently and seek the Way of Literature.
But after entering the academy, she discovered that it was far from as innocent as she had imagined.
Within the academy, numerous factions and sects arose, and disputes over doctrines and ideologies frequently occurred.
Right now, she is still too young and needs to accumulate experience and grow little by little.
Growing to the point where one day it will be big enough to become a towering tree.
Chen Zhaoheng raised the book in her hand. At this moment, what she saw was not the words on the book, but the monotonous training her brother had done day after day in the small courtyard by the Wei River.
In the sweltering heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter, in the passing of spring and the arrival of winter, everything is the same.
Her expression was relaxed, her eyes curved, and she smiled sincerely.
"elder brother."
When I first entered the academy, I kept a low profile and remained humble. Now that a year has passed, it's time to proceed slowly and methodically.
The former is "a hidden dragon should not be used."
The latter, "The dragon appears in the sky, it is auspicious to see a great man!"
Wait another day, be diligent and cautious all day long, and you will be free from blame!
Then, or leap into the abyss, until...
Flying dragon in the sky!
"Hidden Dragon Seventh".
Chen Ping'an quickly saw his name on the Hidden Dragon Ranking screen.
This ranking is neither high nor low, and it's roughly in line with his expectations.
Quickly skipping over his own information, Chen Ping'an looked down.
The eighth of the Hidden Dragons, the proud daughter of the Ruan family, the legacy of the Great Sage, Ruan Yushu, the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant, and the Spring Thunder Burning Tail.
The ninth in the Hidden Dragon rank is Li Wangchen, the Swordsman of Yunlu.
The tenth of the Hidden Dragons, the Holy Son of the Tide, Ye Hanxing.
Chen Ping'an's gaze quickly swept across the area until he saw the thirteenth member of the Hidden Dragon Clan, the Heavenly Luo Saintess, Qu Feiyan.
A light screen appears, displaying information.
Chen Ping'an stared intently for a long time before finally smiling slowly and looking away.
"The thirteenth."
In the battle against the Dark Netherworld, the Heavenly Luo Saintess displayed the power of a half-step Grand Cultivator, and her combat strength caught his attention.
He even suspected that even without him, she could have single-handedly suppressed and killed the White Bone Cultivator in the Black Nether Mountains.
Such combat power, Hidden Dragon Thirteen?
Chen Ping'an smiled silently.
It was at this moment that he truly began to question the prestige of the Hidden Dragon List.
He is one example on the Hidden Dragon List, the Heavenly Net Saintess is another, so what about the others?
Will there be more?!
If this is the case for the current list of potential dragons, what about the list of potential dragons throughout history?
As the family line is passed down through generations, how many "fish will slip through the net"?
buzz~
Inside the public room, all was quiet and still, while the light from the screen flickered continuously, reflecting the deep and unfathomable features of Chen Ping'an's face.
Until a certain moment, the light curtain dissipated, and the spiritual light vanished.
Chen Pingan slowly raised his eyes, his gaze filled with a deeply hidden excitement.
"The world."
On the third day after the Hidden Dragon Ranking was updated, a special dispatch from Bi Cang Prefecture City arrived on Chen Ping'an's desk. (End of Chapter)