"Humph," Ren Daoyuan's gaze fell on a distant spot as he suddenly let out two soft chuckles. "Old Shen has really given birth to a smart and perceptive daughter."
The teacher beside him nodded. Logically speaking, the most outstanding one in this mission should have been Liu Ruyan. After all, on a daily basis, this disciple reincarnated from the Goddess of the Dark was the focus of attention throughout the academy. Teachers and fellow students all favored her, and any opportunities would be considered for her first.
On the contrary, Shen Cuiyu had always been quiet. Her aptitude was only at the Yellow stage, so he hadn't paid much attention to her.
But in this mission, she had really surprised everyone. He had truly underestimated her.
Ren Daoyuan pointed vaguely at the Wen Shi Hall not far away.
"Xiao Chen, look over there."
The teacher followed his gaze.
In the center of the Wen Shi Hall, there was a huge picture scroll made of spiritual stones that glowed with spiritual light. On it were clearly outlined more than a hundred thin lines, each representing a disciple group in the academy.
This was the "Wen Shi List," which was closely connected to a wisp of spiritual breath left by each disciple when they entered the academy. It could directly reflect the real achievements and the recognition of heaven and earth of each group in solving metaphysical events and accumulating merits.
The ranking rule on it was also simple: whoever truly solved the problem and achieved a perfect merit would have their ranking rise.
He had seen this picture scroll as early as when the new students first entered the academy.
He didn't remember the first and second places. After all, it was common for the younger generation to take turns competing for the top positions. He only remembered the last - ranked group. That was the thin line representing Shen Cuiyu, Pei Yu, Dongfang Xiao, and Zhong Shengwan. Without a doubt, it was at the very bottom, almost merging with the bottom edge of the frame.
However, at this moment, on the picture scroll, the thin line that was originally at the lowest position had steadily risen by more than two inches!
Although the increase was not large, it had truly propelled them from the last place to the third - last place!
On the other hand, the ranking line of the group that Liu Ruyan was in remained motionless, still staying in its original position.
Words could be embellished, and appearances could deceive people, but this Wen Shi List, which was condensed by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and merits, would never lie.
Chen Sheng suddenly opened his eyes wide in surprise and pointed at the picture scroll in disbelief. "This... How could this be? Didn't Liu Ruyan even use a very powerful red talisman? The momentum was so great that everyone witnessed it!"
Ren Daoyuan calmly stroked his beard, and a glint of insight flashed in his eyes. "So, sometimes, seeing is not necessarily believing. No matter how powerful that red talisman is, if it is used inappropriately, it will instead damage one's merits. What can truly touch heaven and earth and accumulate merits is the good deed of resolving grievances, not the grandeur on the surface."
He paused for a moment, and his tone was full of meaning. "It seems that the key to this mission does not lie in who has the loudest voice or the most powerful talisman."
After saying that, Ren Daoyuan didn't look at the picture scroll any more. He turned around and was about to leave. Before leaving, his voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority as he made the final arrangement. "By the way, bring that child... Ji Xiaoqi, to the academy. Although he is young, he is calm and composed, with a bit of spiritual sense and foundation. First, teach him to read and understand principles. If he is fated to practice the Dao in the future, just accept him as a disciple."
...
After this matter was settled, the students resumed their academy life, but there was an indescribable feeling in their hearts.
No matter how many scriptures and incantations they had learned from books, nothing was more unforgettable than experiencing a life - and - death salvation in person.
Almost at the same time, a lot of information praising Liu Ruyan quickly emerged in the communication talisman. The contents were all similar, something like "Liu Ruyan, the reincarnation of the Goddess of the Dark, remained calm in the face of danger. She used a high - level talisman to shock the evil spirit and generously promised to raise the orphan. Her benevolence and thunderous means coexisted. She is truly a role model for us all!"
There were also many unanimous echoes below.
[Junior Sister Ruyan is truly the reincarnation of the Goddess of the Dark. She is beautiful, kind - hearted, and powerful!]
[Support Junior Sister Ruyan! That Shen Cuiyu just took advantage of the situation after Junior Sister Ruyan stabilized it.]
[That's right. Without Junior Sister Ruyan's early suppression, how could a Yellow - stage disciple like her have a chance to speak?]
Shen Cuiyu scanned through a few messages and then put away the communication talisman.
Shen Cuiyu had experienced this set of tactics of Liu Ruyan countless times in her previous life - seizing the opportunity, creating a stir, and guiding public opinion. That was all.
Strangely enough, the attitude of the students in the academy towards Shen Cuiyu had also subtly changed.
Those who used to mock Shen Cuiyu because of her family background would now greet her actively when they saw her.
On the road, there were obviously more strangers who would suddenly call out her name. Even in the cafeteria, some people would look at her curiously.
Shen Cuiyu was puzzled for several days until Cui Rui rushed over to find her and stuffed the communication talisman into Shen Cuiyu's hand. She said excitedly,
"A Cui, look quickly! You're famous!"
Shen Cuiyu took it and saw that in the communication talisman gathered by spiritual energy, there was a message that was pushed to the top. The title clearly read - "Stories of How the Missy Saved the Evil Spirit".
Shen Cuiyu's eyebrows twitched.
[It was a dark and windy night when you couldn't even see your own hands! Shen Cuiyu, the missy I just recognized, faced the extremely resentful evil spirit alone outside the mourning hall in Yongding Village. She remained calm and composed. With just three sticks of incense, she summoned the soul back! What courage! What a bold and perceptive little missy!...]
Shen Cuiyu: ...
It vividly described many details of this mission, especially exaggerating the process of Shen Cuiyu "setting up an altar" and "communicating with the underworld". Although it was slightly different from the facts, the general process was almost the same!
And the replies to this message had already reached two or three hundred. It was very lively!
[Shen Cuiyu? Do you mean that beautiful Yellow - stage female disciple who got in because of her family background? Is she really that powerful? Don't be kidding!] A reply full of doubt was at the top.
[Did this fellow student get poisoned by the spicy mushroom soup in the cafeteria? My friend also signed up for this mission. According to him, it was all thanks to Liu Ruyan's thunderous talisman that controlled the situation. The one surnamed Shen just assisted from the side.]
[Hehe, I was right on the spot. That thunderous talisman of the one surnamed Liu made the evil spirit completely go berserk, and the mission almost failed completely. Taking credit? How dare she mention it?]
Shen Cuiyu twitched the corner of her mouth and seriously suspected that this one was sent by Zhong Shengwan.
[Am I the only one who is curious about her altar with three sticks of incense? It sounds so amazing, like a simplified version from the book. How on earth did she do it?]
[Is it true or false? Shen Cuiyu has been hiding her strength! She and I are in the same elective course. She just sat quietly near me. I didn't expect her to be so fierce!]
...
The two viewpoints were arguing on the communication talisman, and for a moment, it seemed a bit chaotic!
Shen Cuiyu thoughtfully handed the communication talisman to Cui Rui.