Dream King

Chapter 85

After obtaining the halberd, Xuan Yuanpo was overjoyed. Upon learning that the halberd did not yet have a name, he excitedly asked Luo Luo and the others for one. In the end, the majestic and imposing halberd was successfully named "Cold Bear." "Cold" refers to the halberd's characteristic, while "Bear" represents Xuan Yuanpo's race.

Tang Thirty-Six's pearl was a deep-sea pearl the size of a thumb, which had the effect of calming the mind and nourishing the spirit. It also allowed people to move freely underwater. Tang Thirty-Six was very satisfied with it and planned to build a submarine based on the characteristics of the pearl to go to the bottom of the sea.

Finally, Mo Mo held up a palm-sized box in his hand, his expression somewhat complicated, and said, "Chang Sheng, your gift is the one I've been choosing for the longest time. Even now, I still haven't been able to decide what to give you, so I've decided to let you decide for yourself."

"Is that so? I'm sorry to have troubled you, sir. What is it that makes it so difficult for you to make a decision?" Chen Changsheng recalled the memories that came to mind when he heard Mo Mo's words, while Bai Luoheng and the others also pricked up their ears.

"I want to give you three things. The first is a treasure in the box I have, a treasure that can change a person's life. The second is a promise I make. As long as it doesn't go against my conscience and I can keep it, you can ask me to make it. The third is an opportunity, an opportunity that you can't even imagine." After Mo Mo finished speaking, he looked calmly at Chen Changsheng, waiting for his final choice.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 195 The Morning When the Grand Examination Begins

"A treasure that can change a person's life, a promise, a chance encounter," Chen Changsheng pondered after hearing Mo Mo's words.

“I don’t lack treasures for now, but the master said that this treasure can change a person’s life. Given the master’s character, there is an 80% chance that this treasure can change my fate. One is the promise of a student, and the other is the promise of a master who may have already surpassed the level of a Saint. Although the master’s promise seems to have many restrictions, I think it is not impossible for me to succeed if I ask the master to change my fate. Finally, that opportunity may be the opportunity for me to reach the level of a Saint. I have already extended my lifespan by several years by sitting in meditation. If I reach the level of a Saint, I may be able to have the same lifespan as an ordinary person, or even longer.”

Each of these three items represents an unimaginable opportunity, and each could potentially change his fate. Not to mention Chen Changsheng, even Bai Luoheng and the others standing nearby were extremely envious and wished they could agree to help Chen Changsheng. However, they understood that this was a major turning point in Chen Changsheng's life, and they did not want to interfere with him and cause him to regret it in the future. Therefore, they all kept their lips tightly closed and did not make a sound.

Ten minutes passed before Chen Changsheng finally raised his head and said firmly, "I choose the second one, a promise from the master."

"Have you thought it through? Are you sure you want my promise instead of this treasure or a great opportunity? How about I give you another chance to choose? This treasure is guaranteed to fulfill your greatest wish. As for that opportunity, it's something that even some top-tier experts would desperately want. As long as you're not too unlucky, breaking free from your fate and becoming a legend is practically guaranteed. Do you want to choose again?" Mo Mo didn't directly agree to Chen Changsheng's request, but instead confirmed it with him again.

"Sir, I've made up my mind. I choose the second option. As for destiny, I will break free of it myself. Besides, I have a promise to you. If I fail, I can ask you to give me this treasure again." Chen Changsheng said firmly.

Mo Mo smiled and said, "You've really got a good plan. I've agreed, but from now on, it's up to you. Whether you succeed or not depends on your luck."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir." Chen Changsheng bowed deeply to Mo Mo with sincere gratitude.

Mo Mo waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities. Then Bai Luoheng, Xuan Yuanpo, and Tang Thirty-Six ran off quickly, eager to experience their new treasures. Chen Changsheng was also pulled away by Bai Luoheng.

After Chen Changsheng and the other three left, only Xiao Heilong, Xu Yourong, Qingyue and Mo Mo remained in the hall. Xu Yourong and Xiao Heilong were staring at him expectantly, while Qingyue, holding a cup of tea, changed to a more comfortable sitting position and watched Mo Mo and the other two with a look of anticipation.

Mo Mo: "..."

"Why are you all looking at me like that? You can take whatever you want from the house. If you like it, just take it. I feel weird looking at me like that."

“That’s different. When you take something yourself, it’s like taking your own stuff, you don’t feel anything. But it’s different when you give it to us. Your things become our things after they pass through your hands. How can that feel the same? Besides, the things you have are all good things, they can’t be compared to those things that can be taken casually.” The little black dragon refuted Mo Mo’s words and also revealed the real reason.

Mo Mo: "..."

"What you said makes so much sense, I'm speechless."

In the end, Mo Mo gave the little black dragon a dragon pearl and Xu Yourong a large bag of melon seeds. Yes, melon seeds, but these seeds were carefully cultivated by Mo Mo and then roasted with various spiritual materials. They not only tasted delicious, but also promoted the absorption of energy, making them one of Xu Yourong's favorite snacks.

Mo Mo has now started planting these sunflower seeds in large quantities. He has specially created a small world for planting them. Sunflowers are blooming in the small world now, and they will be ready for harvest soon. He can watch a show, sell sunflower seeds and spicy snacks, and maybe even pick up some treasures along the way. It's just too wonderful.

After Xu Yourong and the little black dragon got their things, they left, and no one knew where they would go off to have fun. After Xu Yourong and the little black dragon left, only Qingyue and him remained in the hall. At this moment, Qingyue was wearing a white dress, and when Mo Mo looked at her, she changed to a very alluring sitting posture.

At this moment, Qingyue's dress was draped on the ground, one of her long, snow-white legs was exposed to the air, and a small section of her other long leg, which was also covered in snow-white and crystal clear skin, was also visible. The scenery above her thighs was also faintly visible, making Mo Mo feel embarrassed.

"Qingyue, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now." Faced with such a bold Qingyue, Mo Mo was a little overwhelmed. He was afraid that if he stayed here any longer, he would really be unable to resist eating Qingyue. If that happened, how could he teach his disciple as a strict teacher in the future? Although Xu Yourong had never been afraid of him, there were not only Xu Yourong here, but also Chen Changsheng and the others. He was not about to let his noble and righteous image completely collapse.

"Wait!"

With a delicate shout, Qingyue instantly appeared in front of Momo, pressing him down as he was about to stand up. Meanwhile, a lingering image slowly dissipated from Qingyue's original spot.

At this moment, Qingyue leaned down, placing one jade-like hand on Momo's shoulder and the other lifting Momo's chin. She gently bit her red lips, looking at Momo with a resentful expression. After a full breath, Qingyue said softly, "You still can't forgive me for what I did back then? Or am I not pretty enough? Why won't you accept me even now? You know my feelings for you perfectly well."

"How could that be? You only did that because you were afraid I wouldn't be able to teach Yourong and would harm her. How could I really blame you? Besides, we've been together for so many years, don't you know my personality? And you are first-rate in both appearance and temperament, it's just..." Mo Mo hesitated for a moment.

"But what?" Qingyue asked anxiously.

"But I already have a family, and Yourong is still young. I hope she can focus on her cultivation and don't want her to be exposed to these things too early." In the end, Mo Mo told the truth; he didn't want to delay Qingyue any longer.

"Do you already have a family? But why haven't I seen them all these years?" Qingyue's expression was somewhat downcast.

"They are not in this world, and as for where they are, I don't know right now." Thinking of Yan Fei and the others who went on adventures in other worlds with Zheng Nuwa, Mo Mo's lips curled into a smile, but a hint of heartache was hidden in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. From now on, I'll take care of you in this world." Qingyue's tone was unusually gentle, and at the same time, a look of heartache flashed in her eyes. Her jade hand, which had been holding Mo Mo's chin, gently stroked Mo Mo's face.

"Qingyue, you..." A tempting softness blocked Mo Mo's prepared explanation, and a smooth, tender tongue slipped into his mouth as he opened his lips.

Feeling the beauty's tenderness, Mo Mo swallowed back all his words and began to savor this delicious meal that had been delivered to his door. After a long while, their lips parted, and Qingyue, unlike her usual gentle self, said domineeringly, "From today onwards, you are mine."

After this incident, Mo Mo stopped rejecting Qing Yue, and their relationship quickly warmed up. However, although Qing Yue had always been unusually bold and proactive, she became unusually shy when it came to the actual situation. So now, the two of them would at most kiss, hold hands, or lean together to admire the vast night sky.

Leisurely time always passes exceptionally quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the Grand Examination is about to begin. All the major academies and sects are already eager to show their skills in the Grand Examination, while the demon race is also itching to make its move.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 196, Article 197: The Imperial Examination Begins

In the original drama, Mo Yu, who was entrusted by Xu Yourong to take care of Chen Changsheng, planned to use the Grand Examination to prevent Chen Changsheng from winning the championship and force him to die. This would indirectly help Qiu Shanjun and allow him to be with Xu Yourong, thus fulfilling the Holy Empress's wish to match the two of them and make them the Holy Empress's right-hand men to assist her in governing the entire Great Zhou. Meanwhile, the Black Robe also ordered two members of the Seven Killers to disguise themselves as disciples of the academy and infiltrate the Grand Examination to assassinate the masters on the Qingyun Ranking.

Now, although Mo Yu grew up with Xu Yourong and was entrusted with important responsibilities by the Holy Empress, serving as the Imperial Order's female official and in charge of the Imperial Seal, unlike in the original drama, Xu Yourong's master was Mo Mo, who never went to Saintess Peak to cultivate. Mo Yu also frequently came into contact with Mo Mo, and although she was deeply influenced by the Holy Empress, she was more influenced by Mo Mo.

Therefore, although Mo Yu is very loyal to the Empress, she does not regard the Empress as everything and obey her alone. Moreover, she knows that Xu Yourong has never liked Qiushan Jun. When Mo Mo rejected Qiushan Jun on Xu Yourong's behalf, she was also a little happy. After all, she really regarded Xu Yourong as her sister and hoped that Xu Yourong could be happy.

Furthermore, although the Holy Empress was somewhat disappointed by the loss of the Dragon and Phoenix Harmony, she gained Mo Mo, who was far more powerful than the still-developing Xu Yourong and Qiushan Jun. As long as Mo Mo remained in the capital, he would be a formidable deterrent to others. The Holy Empress was too busy trying to win him over to do anything that would disgust him. Therefore, Chen Changsheng and his group would face significantly less resistance during the Grand Examination. As for the demons who might infiltrate, Mo Mo said that he had never seen a living demon before. If they did come, he would capture them and study them to see how they differed from humans and other demon races.

Today was the day the Grand Examination began. Just as dawn broke, a series of noises came from Xuan Yuanpo's room, followed by the creaking sound of the door opening. Then, Tang Thirty-Six's helpless voice came from the next room: "Big idiot, can't you get up a little later? The Grand Examination doesn't start for another hour. What's the rush?"

"I'm so excited! The thought of showing off our skills and dominating the imperial examination keeps me awake. A student even said he'll be in charge of breakfast today, so I need to get up early and prepare plenty of ingredients, otherwise we won't have enough to eat later." Xuan Yuanpo's honest voice had barely faded when Tang Thirty-Six's door creaked open.

"I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it. This is a big deal. Go check how much food we have in the kitchen, and I'll go to the garden to pick some fresh vegetables."

Just then, Chen Changsheng also came out of his room and said helplessly, "Count me in, otherwise we'll be in trouble if the master just uses the ingredients he has stored. I don't want to participate in the Grand Examination while having a nosebleed."

Tang Thirty-Six and Xuan Yuanpo nodded, agreeing with Chen Changsheng's words. The three then divided the work: Tang Thirty-Six went to the vegetable garden to pick vegetables, Xuan Yuanpo went to the kitchen to check the food storage and make some preparations in advance, and Chen Changsheng went to the morning market to buy some fresh meat and live fish.

Meanwhile, in Mo Mo's room, Mo Mo, who was lying quietly on the bed, couldn't help but mutter to himself as he listened to Chen Changsheng's words: "These kids really don't know what's good for them. They actually complain about the extra ingredients I specially added to this meal. This is a highly nutritious food that others would love to eat. It's incredibly rich in spiritual energy. One meal of this is equivalent to several months of hard cultivation for others."

Before Mo Mo could finish speaking, Qing Yue pushed open the door and walked in, picking up where he left off, saying, "Yes, your feast is indeed a highly nourishing dish, rich in spiritual energy and mild in medicinal properties, making it very suitable for absorption. But the problem is that the spiritual energy in your dish is excessively abundant. After eating it, they simply cannot fully absorb it in a short time. Last time, after they ate it, their bodies were immediately filled with spiritual energy. That night, they ran around the academy all night to absorb even a small portion of the spiritual energy in their bodies. If you do something like that again today, it would be strange if they didn't have a surge of adrenaline and nosebleeds."

"This isn't my fault. They absorbed energy too slowly. Little Black Dragon and You Rong were fine after a while, and Luo Luo recovered by midnight. It's just that they absorbed energy too slowly." Mo Mo tried to argue, refusing to admit that it was his fault.

"Can they compare to Little Black Dragon and You Rong? One of them is a dragon, so she can withstand a huge amount of spiritual energy. And You Rong has grown up eating your cooking since she was a child, and she eats elixirs and magic pills like candy. This amount of spiritual energy is nothing to her. But Chen Changsheng and the others are different. They have never absorbed so much spiritual energy at once. It's already good that they haven't been overwhelmed. As for the others, they won't be able to recover for several days." Qingyue couldn't help but roll her eyes at Mo Mo.

"I'll definitely pay attention next time and try to make it just right for them to absorb," Mo Mo replied to Qing Yue somewhat insincerely. As he spoke, Mo Mo had already sat down at the table by the window.

Seeing Mo Mo sit down on the stool, Qingyue naturally took out a comb and started combing Mo Mo's hair. A few minutes later, she had styled Mo Mo's hair neatly. After Qingyue's styling, Mo Mo looked more dignified and less easygoing than usual.

Looking at himself in the mirror, still carefree but now with a touch more dignity, Mo Mo said helplessly, "Is it really necessary, Qingyue? I think it's fine as usual. Besides, you don't need to come and help me with my hair and makeup every day. I can do it myself."

Looking at the handsome, dignified yet carefree Mo Mo, Qing Yue was very satisfied. Upon hearing Mo Mo's words, she immediately replied, "Of course it's necessary. And haven't you noticed? Just by changing your clothes, your usual lazy demeanor has completely disappeared. Now you look like a dignified superior. Now you look like a teacher."

Qingyue did not answer Momo's next question, and Momo regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. Although his original intention was not to make Qingyue get up early every morning to do his hair and makeup, it was Qingyue's favorite thing to do.

"Qingyue, I didn't mean anything by it. I just don't want you to get up so early every day to wash and dress me." Mo Mo turned around, took Qingyue's small hand, and said sincerely.

Qingyue, who was initially a little disappointed, felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey when she heard Mo Mo's words. However, she pouted and said unhappily, "I'll work hard to help you get ready tomorrow, but you're complaining that I'm a nuisance."

Mo Mo knew Qingyue wasn't really angry, but she still went along with her and said, "I didn't mean that. What do you want me to do to believe me?"

Qingyue tilted her head, thought for about a breath, and said, "Unless you also help me with my grooming every day from now on."

"Okay." Mo Mo agreed without hesitation.

Thank you @Dragon for the donation.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 197 A Storm That Isn't a Storm

The Grand Examination was held in a place somewhat like a gladiatorial arena, with high sides and a low center, and gates at both ends. A viewing platform was set up on one side of the gate tower, and several circular viewing platforms were set up on both sides, where the participants of the Grand Examination stood quietly.

Below is a wide open space, in the center of which stands a circular platform about half a meter high. At each of the four corners of the space is a large drum, and on another gate tower opposite the one with the stands, a huge horn protrudes beyond the city wall.

As everyone arrived, horns and drums sounded in unison, and people began to dance on the large drum on the central platform. Watching the dance, the students participating in the Grand Examination whispered among themselves.

"Hey, Changsheng, has the master changed his ways? Why is he so nice today? He actually made one of our favorite dishes for each of us, and what's even more remarkable is that they're all just right for us to absorb without overflowing. This isn't like the master at all!" Tang Thirty-Six, carrying the Wenshui Sword, bumped Chen Changsheng with his shoulder, his words filled with disbelief.

Before Chen Changsheng could speak, Xuan Yuanpo interrupted, "Perhaps the master sees that we are going to participate in the Grand Examination and wants us to get a good ranking."

"I think it's impossible. Although Mr. is very reliable in serious matters and the outcome is very satisfactory, as for the process, I think everyone has experienced it firsthand, so I don't need to say more!" Tang Thirty-Six directly rejected Xuan Yuanpo's conjecture.

"Perhaps it really is as Xuanyuan said. After all, the Grand Examination is different from the past. Perhaps the Master doesn't want us to make a fool of ourselves, because that would be embarrassing for him too." Chen Changsheng glanced at Mo Mo, who was sitting calmly on the platform of the gate tower, and said somewhat uncertainly.

“Master is right, but not entirely right. Besides what you just said, there’s another reason, which is because Sister Qingyue specifically instructed us to do so. Also, Master, you’ve already prepared enough ingredients. Otherwise, the teacher would probably have added more ingredients to keep us excited throughout the Grand Examination.” Finally, Bai Luoheng revealed the truth.

Then, Bai Luoheng spoke with some uncertainty, "I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I've noticed that Mr. and Sister Qingyue seem to be getting a little too close lately."

“Your feeling is right, but isn’t that normal? They’ve been together for over ten years, and now it’s just a matter of time before they tie the knot.” Chen Changsheng confirmed Bai Luoheng’s guess.

At that moment, the drums and dances ceased, and the Pope's right-hand man, Priest Sin, stood on the high platform in the center and announced that the Grand Exam had officially begun, and read out the rules of the exam.

After Priest Xin explained the exam rules, a squad of soldiers, each carrying a tray with two books, came forward and placed it on the round platform. After the soldiers left, Priest Xin, with his hands behind his back, said loudly, "The first round is a battle of divine sense. These eighteen books are the secret treasures of the Great Zhou royal family, never circulated in the world before, and no one has ever read them. You must use your divine sense to memorize the contents of the pages before the sand in the hourglass runs out. Now, begin." As he spoke, Priest Xin used his true energy to lift all the pages up, making them float in the air.

After the pages floated, all the academies fell silent and began to frantically memorize the contents of the pages. The National Academy had a clear advantage in this regard because Chen Changsheng's divine sense was naturally powerful and unparalleled. It could be said that no one in the younger generation could rival him, and even some of the older generation could not compare.

Just then, for some unknown reason, Tianhai Ya'er ordered his Tianhai family's private army to disrupt Chen Changsheng and the others' memories, just like in the original drama. Mo Yu was about to order someone to stop him, but Mo Mo stopped her. After stopping Mo Yu, Mo Mo said with a smile, "Since others can interfere with you, you can interfere with them too. Don't be polite, just go all out. As long as no one dies, consider it as eliminating some people in advance."

Chen Changsheng and the others understood Mo Mo's meaning perfectly well. So they split up: Xuan Yuanpo stopped the Tianhai family's private army that was rushing over, while Tang Thirty-Six went straight to the Tiandao Academy's viewing platform, leaving Chen Changsheng and Bai Luoheng to continue studying.

Tang Thirty-Six had learned a lot at the National Academy these past few days. He didn't rush to the Heavenly Dao Academy's stands at all. Instead, he stopped outside, took out a roll of firecrackers from his spatial ring, lit them, and quickly threw them towards the Heavenly Dao Academy's stands. Immediately, cries of agony rang out from the Heavenly Dao Academy's stands. These firecrackers were not ordinary gunpowder at all, but refined and quite powerful. Moreover, Tang Thirty-Six had added a lot of pepper and other spices to them.

However, this string of firecrackers only caused a stir for a moment or two. After all, those who could sense the Grand Examination were all elites. They were just caught off guard. Now that they had reacted, they quickly threw out the firecrackers and assigned two or three people to keep a close eye on Tang Thirty-Six to prevent him from launching another surprise attack.

Seeing this, Tang Thirty-Six knew that even if he made another move, he wouldn't be able to interfere with them. So he decisively returned to the National Academy's stands and, while there was still time, tried to memorize as many notes as he could. Anyway, he had already achieved his goal, and Xuan Yuanpo had already beaten those private soldiers of the Tianhai family so badly that they were running away with their tails between their legs.

After this commotion, the atmosphere suddenly became tense, and time quietly slipped through the pages of memory. The sand in the hourglass had quietly run out, and with Priest Xin's shout of "Stop!", the various colleges stopped reciting, and the floating pages quietly disappeared.

After everyone stopped, Priest Xin said, "Now each of you will receive a jade slip. There will be various questions on the jade slip. You can simply place your hand on the jade slip and silently recite the answer. Each time you answer a question correctly, you will light up a piece on any chessboard. Lighting up two adjacent pieces will form a line. Connect the lines to form a closed pattern. The more areas of the pattern you form, the better."

After a pause, Priest Xin continued, "Each candidate must answer thirty questions correctly, or they will be eliminated immediately. The college with the largest sum of the areas of all the patterns will win and can advance to the second round an incense stick's time earlier. The college with the smallest sum of the areas will be eliminated immediately. That's the rule. Do you have any questions?"

After the rules were explained, the other academies all looked towards the Heavenly Dao Academy, or more precisely, towards Tianhai Ya'er. Since the chess pieces could form patterns, they could also destroy other people's patterns. They were afraid that Tianhai Ya'er would target them.

After waiting a short while and seeing that no one raised any objections, Father Xin said, "In that case, let's begin the question-and-answer session."

After the question-and-answer session began, Chen Changsheng didn't rush to answer. Instead, he guided Bai Luoheng and the others to light up the chess pieces. Tian Haiya'er had indeed planned to destroy the National Academy's pattern, but seeing that the National Academy's chess pieces were scattered and none of them looked decent, she chuckled and said, "I thought they were so powerful. What a waste of my time." Then she ignored Chen Changsheng and the others and focused on answering the questions.

Seeing that the pieces of the National Academy were scattered, Mo Yu couldn't help but whisper to Mo Mo, "Are your students even capable? Other academies have formed so many patterns, while your academy's pieces are just a few scattered dots. Do you want me to give your academy a little extra? Just one can of dragon blood."

"Yu-ya, how about we make a bet? How about a month's worth of meals? Whoever loses has to cook for a month." Mo Mo didn't answer Mo Yu directly, but instead wanted to make a bet with her.