Half a month passed swiftly, and the day of the final trial arrived.
The carriage stopped outside the Academic Palace gate, lined up alongside other vehicles bringing students.
Li Ang ruffled Chai Chai's hair—she pursed her lips tightly—nodded to Galuo, then hopped out of the carriage. He crossed the square, went over Chuiyun Bridge, passed the Book Collection Pavilion, and finally arrived at the open ground outside Dongjun Tower.
On the open ground, most candidates had already arrived, unconsciously forming several groups. Students from Jing Country huddled together, chatting. Ashina Que Teqin sat alone on a massive rock in the corner, eyes closed in deep concentration. Shangguan Yangyao, Bian Chenpei, and other disciples from Taihao Mountain stood at the front, facing the morning sun, diligently performing their worship of Haotian. Bian Chenpei's gaze swept towards Li Ang as he appeared, a flicker of resentment in his eyes.
