Clap clap clap clap clap!!
The applause began with the old principal himself. The teachers followed immediately, and soon the entire student body joined in — a thunderous wave of sound that filled the playground.
Though many still carried disappointment in their hearts over their own results, in this moment they couldn't help but feel proud.
After all, this year's top scholar truly deserved the title.
In this era, with the rise of cultivation culture, the Federation had strict laws about who qualified as a true top scorer.
Even if someone achieved perfect scores in every academic subject, they could not claim the title unless they also completed the Fundamental Cultivation Program and ranked first in total score across the city.
In other words, only one student — the highest scorer combining academics and cultivation — could bear that title.
And this year, that person was Liang Xiao.
Reporters stationed on both sides of the stage hurriedly raised their cameras, flashes bursting as they captured the moment.
"Look, everyone! That's my deskmate!" Wu Jun shouted proudly. "I always asked him for help — that's why I got 620 points!"
He clapped until his palms turned red, grinning from ear to ear. "Go on, Liang Xiao! Changlin City hasn't had a top scholar in three years — you're making history!"
"This is my classmate too!"
"I studied with him before the exams!"
"Yeah, me too! He explained the formation section to me once!"
One after another, students scrambled to claim association, basking in reflected glory.
Ironically, many of them were Tan Weifeng's former followers — people Liang Xiao barely even knew by name.
Still, he didn't act arrogant.
Since they hadn't wronged him, he smiled politely, greeting them as he made his way toward the stage.
As for Tan Weifeng, who had once been the center of attention, he now stood completely ignored.
Even the sycophants who used to flatter him had deserted his side, rushing to ingratiate themselves with the new star.
For many, the logic was simple: with admissions officers likely watching, attaching themselves to the top scholar could help their own futures.
And the second-place finisher, even if only one point behind, no longer shone.
Amidst thunderous applause, Liang Xiao stepped onto the stage.
To tell the truth, in both his past life and his current one, this was the first time he had ever stood under the spotlight before so many people. His heart beat faster, not from fear — but from genuine excitement.
In his previous life, he had been nothing but an ordinary man.
In this one, through persistence and the wisdom he'd carried from his old world, he had clawed his way up — step by step — to this moment.
Outside the school gate, Liang Wen watched through his cheap binoculars, tears streaming freely down his face.
"My Liang family has finally made something of itself!" he choked out, voice trembling.
Beside him, Liang Yuan gripped his sleeve. "Grandpa, did my brother go on stage? I want to see him! I want to see it!"
The boy's tone was bright, but the regret in his cloudy eyes was painful to witness.
He could barely make out shapes and light — not the proud figure standing at the center of the world.
Elsewhere, Captain Huang also stood outside the crowd, watching Liang Xiao step onto the stage through the barrier of onlookers.
A faint smile tugged at his lips, but his brows were furrowed.
Joy — because Liang Xiao had fulfilled his potential.
Worry — because every year, the top scholar was placed in a high-risk position.
The Longevity Cult never ignored new geniuses.
'I just hope the kid doesn't draw too much attention,' Huang thought grimly.
"Hello, Liang Xiao."
The old principal personally extended his hand, shaking Liang Xiao's firmly before accepting an envelope from a nearby teacher.
"This is the first top scorer in Changlin City in three years," the principal said, his voice proud and strong. "According to Federation regulations, the school awards a 100,000 Federal Credit scholarship to the top scholar."
He handed the envelope to Liang Xiao himself, smiling. "Liang Xiao, would you like to say a few words to everyone?"
Reporters tensed, microphones raised, cameras ready.
All eyes were on him.
Liang Xiao accepted the envelope, smiled faintly, and leaned toward the microphone.
"Thank you to the school for giving me this opportunity," he said simply. "And thank you to the mayor and the Federation. That's all. Thank you, Principal."
A beat of silence.
Reporters: "???"
The crowd blinked. The old principal stared for a second — then burst out laughing.
He clapped heartily, and the audience followed.
Clap clap clap clap clap!!
The applause rolled across the field again, more genuine this time.
Even those who had failed couldn't help but smile. In this instant, the entire school was proud.
At the edge of the crowd, Tan Weifeng stood frozen, expression twisted.
As he watched Liang Xiao — radiant under the lights, beloved by all — he felt like the world's cruelest joke.
A clown.
The word echoed in his mind.
His jaw tightened, nails digging into his palms until blood welled.
"Damn it! Damn it! That glory should have been mine!"
His voice was a low snarl, trembling with fury.
Why couldn't you just stay a useless nobody? Why did you have to take this from me?! Damn you!
"Liang Xiao," the old principal said with a benevolent smile, "I hope you remember what you said — that it was the school, the mayor, and the Federation who gave you this opportunity. Strive to cultivate diligently and contribute to Changlin City and the Federation in the future."
He turned to the crowd, his voice booming:
"Well then — congratulations to Liang Xiao, and congratulations to all students present. You have officially graduated!"
Applause thundered again.
"You may now begin filling out your college applications through the campus network," the principal added. "Best wishes to all students for a bright and prosperous future! Dismissed!"
He gave Liang Xiao one last approving nod before stepping down.
"Liang Xiao, you're really going to be rich this time!" Wu Jun bounded up the steps, laughing. "And that speech — short, but killer!"
He made to throw an arm around Liang Xiao, then paused mid-motion, realizing who he was dealing with. He awkwardly scratched his head. "Right, cultivator… gotta show respect."
Before Liang Xiao could reply, a man in a sleek suit hurried forward.
"Liang Xiao, would you consider Huanyun University?" the admissions officer said enthusiastically. "If you enroll with us, we'll grant a one million credit scholarship immediately!"
"Huanyun University? Nonsense. Tianheng University is closer to Changlin — you'd have family nearby," another representative interjected quickly.
Within seconds, a small crowd of recruiters surrounded Liang Xiao, each vying for his attention.
But Liang Xiao's expression remained calm. His eyes swept the crowd — searching for a specific emblem.
None appeared.
No one from True Dragon Academy had come.
Of course, he told himself, they didn't need to.
True Dragon Academy was one of the two top cultivation academies in the entire China region. Their admissions process was invitation-only. The geniuses fought for them — not the other way around.
So be it, Liang Xiao thought. A true cultivator doesn't rely on easy paths.
He politely declined all offers, took out his phone, and opened the campus network.
A new option appeared: [College Application Submission].
He tapped it and scrolled through the academies.
Sure enough, both True Dragon Academy and Great Luo Academy were listed.
The True Dragon Academy's introduction was detailed — the same prestigious benefits he'd heard about before.
The Great Luo Academy, however, was cloaked in mystery. Almost no information was available.
After some thought, he stuck to his decision and selected True Dragon Academy.
With his score and title as top scholar, his acceptance was almost guaranteed.
Outside the campus, Tan Weifeng walked alone, his face dark and clouded.
He didn't bother filling out his application — he had three days, after all. For now, rage churned too violently in his chest.
Then, a familiar voice drifted from nearby.
"Grandpa, has my brother come out yet?"
"It'll be soon, it'll be soon — I saw Ah Xiao…"
Tan froze. His gaze flicked toward the sound.
The old man and the boy.
He recognized them instantly — Liang Xiao's family.
A cold glint flickered in his eyes.
He clenched his fists, spiritual energy trembling faintly at his fingertips… but he forced it back down.
Federal law was clear: cultivators were forbidden from harming mortals, especially those without citizenship.
Grinding his teeth, he turned away.
But then, the boy's innocent voice rang out again:
"Did my brother really become the top scorer? That's amazing! We'll be able to move to the rich district soon, right?"
"Haha, absolutely!" Liang Wen laughed proudly. "Your brother has made something of himself — the top scholar of the entire city!"
Something inside Tan snapped.
His mind went blank — drowned in jealousy and hatred.
Without thinking, he raised his palm.
A burst of True Qi surged forward.
"Ah—Grandpa!!"
The scream cut through the air like lightning.
Liang Xiao's heart seized. His face drained of color.
He spun around — and saw them.
His grandfather and younger brother were thrown violently backward by a Qi shockwave at the school gate.
And there — hand still extended — was Tan Weifeng.
"Tan Weifeng!! You're asking for death!!!"
Murderous intent exploded from Liang Xiao like a storm.
He shoved aside the people in front of him, sprinting forward as True Qi gathered at his fingertips.
He flicked his hand.