"Extend the rankings down another ninety spots.

"We’re accepting ninety-five this time.

"That’s six more than last year.

"Aside from those accepted, the Yunqian Bureau will be responsible for arranging a livelihood for at least the next thirty-five in line."

As she spoke, she took out some envelopes. "These are the official decrees for this year’s arrangements. Next year’s examiners will come to review them. Also, I’ve obtained last year’s records and will begin reviewing them tonight.

"Additionally, the Yunqian Bureau is also responsible for basic education in the villages. We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity for Cultivation.

"The search of the mountain range must also continue to ensure no ordinary people have been left behind.

"There’s also a new decree: anyone who wishes to serve as an instructor for the Yunqian Bureau must have experience teaching basic education in the villages."

After relaying these matters, Yu Wanyi departed via Sword Control. She needed to follow up on last year’s business.

Although this kind of assignment was difficult, plenty of people were willing to take it.

Yu Wanyi fiddled with the Spiritual Source in her hand, speeding up her investigation.

***

With the practical combat session over, Jiang Man headed back to the courtyard.

This was their final lesson.

After today, everyone would go their separate ways.

Of course, some people weren’t exactly eager to leave.

Especially those who hadn’t been selected.

At least half of them would fail to make the cut.

Just qualifying didn’t guarantee entry into the Sect.

Just as he stepped into the Cyan Cloud Pavilion’s Sixth Courtyard, Cheng Yu walked over with a book in hand. "Young Master Jiang, would you care to write a few words?"

Jiang Man was about to refuse.

But the book was opened to the first page, which was reserved for the top-ranked student.

He supposed he could write something after all.

However, he was a bit curious. "Just me?"

"Everyone is writing something—anything is fine. Then I’ll make twenty-six copies, one for each person," Cheng Yu said with a smile.

Since the whole courtyard was contributing, Jiang Man naturally had to participate.

They were all Student Cultivators who had pulled all-nighters together.

’So, what should I write?’

’Something about the present, or the future? Or maybe some life philosophy?’

Cheng Yu didn’t rush him, instead telling the others to think about what they wanted to write.

Just then, Jiang Man put his brush to paper and began to write.

Everyone around him was curious to see what Jiang Man would write.

Fang Yong watched as Jiang Man wrote, reading the words aloud: "When the last bleak rays of sunset are gathered, so too is the time to scatter the blazing morning glory!"

Jiang Man finished his last stroke and signed his name.

"What does that mean?" Xiaopang asked.

Jiang Man handed the book to Fang Yong, then turned to Xiaopang and said, "No idea. I copied it from somewhere."

Xiaopang was speechless.

Soon, everyone had finished writing their messages.

Cheng Yu immediately had someone take it to be copied.

Meanwhile, Jiang Man started talking to Xiaopang about the Spirit Gathering Pills, mentioning that he would have Chang Qiweng bring them back later.

But Xiaopang replied, "No need. I’m going to the Sect too."

Jiang Man froze, finding this hard to believe.

"Not to join the Sect as a disciple. My uncle has a shop in the Sect, and I’m going to help him run it and earn some Spiritual Source," Xiaopang said with a grin. "We’ll still be able to see each other then."

Jiang Man was speechless.

’Damn rich kids.’

’He never imagined someone could get into the Sect like that.’

’Even the young masters and ladies of the great families in Luoyun City would have a hard time getting that kind of treatment.’

After a while, Mr. Zhao arrived. This time, he wasn’t so stern and just spoke a few ordinary words.

His first question was whether everyone was present.

Then he said that for many of them, this class would be the last time they would see each other.

He said that some were headed for the mountains, and others for the sea, but there was no need to dwell on it. As long as they cherished the present, every path offered a fine view.

He also said that once the gates of the Sixth Courtyard closed behind them, the stories within would no longer be theirs when they reopened.

Finally, he said that since they had all met in the Sixth Courtyard in summer, it was only fitting they should part in the Sixth Courtyard in summer.

And so, the final lesson came to an end.

As they left the Sixth Courtyard, many of them were filled with emotion.

Once the gate was shut, no one looked back.

Once they left, they would not be returning.

Even if they did, it would no longer be *their* Sixth Courtyard.

The books Cheng Yu had arranged for were also distributed to everyone before they left.

Xiaopang looked at Jiang Man, then balled up his fist. "Brother Jiang, we’ll definitely be able to see each other all the time! When the time comes, I’ll save up Elixirs for you, and you can teach me about Cultivation."

Jiang Man replied righteously, "We’re good friends. It’s what I should do."

Chang Qiweng stared at Jiang Man for a long moment before finally saying, "Remember to pay me back. I have to get to work, my time is up."

Jiang Man was speechless.

Song Qing, on the other hand, was overjoyed. "I’ve reached the Qi Refining Fourth Layer! I finally found a job as a guard."

"Which family hired you?" Xiaopang asked curiously.

"A great family," Song Qing said, looking at Jiang Man gratefully. "The Gao Family. I wouldn’t have gotten in if it weren’t for Jiang Man."

Xiaopang looked skeptical. "The Gao Family?"

"Yeah, a great family. Xiaopang, your surname is Gao too. Are you a distant relative of the Gao Family?" Song Qing asked.

Xiaopang gave an awkward smile and handed a piece of meat to Song Qing.

Afterward, Jiang Man bid them farewell and went to find Mr. Zhao.

He naturally put the book away.

’I’ll see what everyone wrote when I have time.’

Now, he had a big problem.

Namely, how to get the Old Yellow Ox to the Sect.

He was, of course, aware that they were to set out tomorrow.

But there was no way they would let him bring the Old Yellow Ox along.

’Would it be dangerous to travel alone?’

’If Meng Qiewei made a move during the journey, he would be in big trouble.’

’I’ll just have to ask Mr. Zhao. Besides, it’s about time I gave him something.’

He owed a great deal to Mr. Zhao’s help during this time.

Otherwise, he would have faced a lot more trouble.

"These two books are a gift for you, sir." Upon seeing Mr. Zhao, Jiang Man didn’t hesitate to take out the books.

There were two books. One was on ordinary methods of raising beasts, useful for most Spirit Beasts.

The other was on special methods of raising beasts, which covered all the common Spiritual Steeds found in Luoyun City.

Any problems that couldn’t be solved in the city could be answered by these books.

But it would take a certain amount of time to fully comprehend them.