novel bin Chapter 106 Ranking Hidden Hands
Chapter 106 Ranking Hidden Hands
Chapter 106 Ranking Hidden Hands
The morning mist had not yet dissipated, but the square in front of Tingtao Pavilion was already bustling with people.
That huge red banner, like a crimson dragon, hung high above the white marble screen wall.
Countless eyes were fixed on the name at the very top of the list.
The place was gleaming with gold, as if it were going to sting the eyes of some people.
First place: Gu Shenyan.
These three characters were written with powerful strokes, penetrating the paper, leaving no room for doubt.
Second on the list is Han Sushuang.
Her family background was indeed profound. Although she was not as amazing as Gu Shenyan in the talisman drawing process, she was as steady as a mountain.
A murmur rippled through the crowd; some expressed admiration, while others harbored resentment.
But at the end of the list, things really got heated.
"Fifth place—Jia Shouren?!"
Someone rubbed their eyes and read out the name in disbelief.
"How is that possible? That fat bastard?"
"That Jia Shouren, who only knows how to do business and reeks of money?"
In a corner of the crowd, Jia Shouren, dressed in a brand-new brocade robe, held a folding fan in his hand, his chubby face beaming with a smile.
"Thank you for your concession."
He cupped his hands in greeting to those around him, looking incredibly irritating.
"Luck is also a kind of ability."
"Besides, our team managed to latch onto a powerful ally during the trial, didn't we?"
He made no secret of the fact that he was carried by Gu Shenyan, and on the contrary, he was proud of it.
Under the shade of a tree not far away, several disciples dressed in magnificent robes had faces so gloomy they looked like they were about to burst with tears.
Those were Song Qingyuan's cronies.
"Damn it, how did he manage to squeeze in?"
"Although Young Master Song is under house arrest, that fifth place should have belonged to Senior Brother Zhang!"
The disciple known as Senior Brother Zhang was staring intently at the seventh place on the list; that was his name.
Seventh place means elimination.
This means missing the chance to leap over the dragon gate like a carp.
"Don't rush."
A sinister voice sounded behind them.
Everyone turned around and saw a gaunt-faced young man, Chen An, who ranked sixth this time.
Chen An was usually taciturn, but at this moment his eyes were flashing with an inexplicable light.
"The list is only temporary."
"Until the very last moment, who knows what might happen?"
After saying this, he gathered his sleeves, turned and left, leaving behind only a seemingly ordinary yet unfathomable figure.
Half an hour later.
Listening to the Waves Pavilion, a side hall inside the main hall.
Liu Wenyuan sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the five disciples standing below.
Gu Shenyan, Han Sushuang, a usually low-profile senior brother, Chen An (Logical correction here: Chen An was not in the top five; the top five were Gu, Han, Jia, and two other passersby. Chen An was an undercover agent operating outside, so only the top five were summoned here), and Jia Shouren, who was peeking around.
Congratulations!
Liu Wenyuan's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a calming power.
"You have qualified to represent Tingtao Pavilion in the provincial capital selection competition."
"This is not only an honor, but also a responsibility."
Having said that, he waved his sleeve.
Five jade tokens engraved with the words "Listening to the Waves" flew steadily into the hands of the five people.
"There are some rules you need to know in advance regarding the selection process."
Liu Wenyuan's expression turned serious.
"Round 1: Identifying Symbols and Formations."
"This test not only your eyesight, but also your knowledge."
"The provincial capital will bring out many ancient books and fragments, and even array patterns rubbings from ancient ruins, for you to identify."
"Only those with extensive knowledge and a strong memory can pass the test."
Gu Shenyan nodded slightly, feeling quite relieved.
Comparing knowledge reserves?
Who can compare to him with his massive database?
"Round Two: Timed Symbol Drawing."
"This level may seem simple, but it is actually the most dangerous."
"Because it's not just about being fast, it's also about being steady."
"Drawing a talisman of a specified quality in an extremely short time is crucial; even a slight tremor in the hand can lead to complete failure."
Liu Wenyuan paused, his gaze lingering on Jia Shouren for a moment.
Jia Shouren shrank back and gave an awkward laugh.
"As for the third round—"
"Real-world combat showdown."
Liu Wenyuan's tone carried a hint of murderous intent.
"Two people draw lots and then fight each other."
"Remember, do not use the high-level talismans that come with you."
"All you can use are the basic talisman paper and cinnabar provided on site."
"Whoever can make the most basic fireball and water shield spells into something fancy is the winner."
At this point, Liu Wenyuan suddenly changed the subject.
A meaningful smile appeared on his face.
"This time, in addition to the usual rewards..."
"In the provincial capital, there was an additional special bonus."
Everyone pricked up their ears.
"The top three in this selection competition."
"You will be granted one day's opportunity to enter the outer area of the Provincial Government's Secret Treasury of Talismans."
Upon hearing this, even someone as composed as Han Sushuang couldn't help but breathe more rapidly.
The Provincial Government's Secret Collection of Talismans!
That is the holy land in the hearts of all talisman masters!
Legend has it that it contains manuscripts and unique copies left by countless brilliant talisman masters since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty.
Even just a glance at the periphery can be beneficial for a lifetime.
"Not just for reference."
Liu Wenyuan then dropped a bombshell.
"They are also qualified to request a 'letter of recommendation' from the guardian of the Secret Treasury."
"With this letter, you will be able to enter the headquarters of the Xuanzheng Division or study at various top sects without any obstacles in the future."
Gu Shenyan's pupils contracted slightly.
This reward is too tempting.
It's too hot to handle.
Such generous rewards mean the competition will be fiercer than anyone can imagine.
This is more than just a selection process.
This is a war without gunfire.
Night falls in the courtyard.
The candlelight flickered in Gu Shenyan's room.
There was a gentle knock on the window three times.
That's a specific code.
Gu Shenyan pushed open the window, and an inconspicuous paper crane fluttered its wings and flew in.
The paper crane landed in his palm and instantly transformed into a faint divine thought, which entered his mind.
It was Chen An's voice.
His voice was very low and slightly hurried.
"careful."
"The Song family hasn't given up."
"Although Song Qingyuan was imprisoned, an old friend of his father stepped in."
"Wang Daolin, the vice president of the Talisman Guild."
"This person is manipulating events, attempting to force a wildcard entry under the pretext that one of the top five might withdraw due to injury."
Limited spots available.
"The target is that disciple surnamed Zhang who is ranked seventh."
"Moreover, the Tonghai Trading Company isn't clean either."
"I found that several underground banks in the west of the city have recently experienced unusually frequent fund flows."
"A large number of gold notes of unknown origin are being collected, with their source pointing directly to the South China Sea."
"They are raising money, probably to make money in the betting on the selection competition, or to bribe some key figures."
The divine thought dissipated.
Gu Shenyan sat at the table, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface.
"Wildcard slots —"
"Bribing the referee—"
"They're going to play dirty tricks."
He sneered, a glint of blue light flashing in his eyes.
"system."
"Initiate simulation exercise."
The system has responded.
[Current Task: Provincial Capital Selection Competition Preparation Simulation.]
[Database loading — Data provided by Liu Wenyuan has been imported.]
Gu Shenyan closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank into a virtual space.
"Round 1: Unorthodox talismans."
"Search all rare array patterns in the database and create a specialized question bank."
[Generating————]
[The host is advised to pay close attention to: fragments of ancient witch clan totem scrolls, variants of insect patterns from the Southern Wilderness, and — 108 variants of forbidden talismans from the previous dynasty.]
"Okay, add it to your daily memorization list."
"Round Two: Speed and Quality"
In Gu Shenyan's mind, countless virtual versions of himself were frantically drawing talismans.
Some were as fast as lightning, but the talisman shattered.
Some are exquisitely crafted, yet take forever to complete.
[Analysis conclusion: The host needs to optimize the connection between the beginning and end of each stroke.]
[By simplifying the drawing of the "cloud pattern" to three strokes and guiding the ink flow with one's spiritual awareness, 15% of the time can be saved, while the stability is actually increased.]
"Adopt Option B."
"Round Three: Real Combat"
Gu Shenyan frowned.
That's the biggest variable.
Basic talisman battles may seem fair, but they actually test your adaptability the most.
"Since we can only use basic symbols—"
"Then we need to focus on the combination."
"System, simulate the feasibility of the 'Ice and Fire' tactic."
Methods to counter "Simulated Earth Trap Style".
"Simulation — The 'Kite' Tactic Against Aggressive Opponents."
That night, the light in Gu Shenyan's room remained on all night.