As for the five martial artists, four were Innate-realm experts and one was a Grandmaster.
No matter if it's Buddhist, Daoist, or martial cultivation, anyone who reaches the Grandmaster level can become a dominant force in their region.
After exchanging names, Ian Song said to the eight people, "Everyone, I still have things to do, so I'll be leaving now!"
With a single stride, Ian Song instantly appeared a hundred meters away. After a few more steps, he completely vanished from everyone's sight.
"Congratulations, Abbot Yu! Your Daoist sect has produced a Golden Core Realman. From now on, your sect is sure to regain its glory!"
The martial Grandmaster said this to the Daoist Grandmaster, envy showing on his face.
But the shabby old monk looked puzzled. Just earlier, this Golden Core Realman had clearly claimed to be a disciple of the Cloudwater Sword Sect—so how did he suddenly become a Daoist Golden Core?
He even faintly sensed a trace of Buddhist power from Ian Song.
"Could it be that this Realman is cultivating all three paths—Buddhism, Daoism, and martial arts?"
But then he found the idea absurd. Cultivators do live longer than ordinary people, but most of that time is spent on cultivation. Even if he practiced only Buddhism, he often sighed at how little time there was; if someone tried to cultivate all three paths, no matter how much of a genius they were, it would just be a waste.
Returning to normal, he listened to the martial and Daoist Grandmasters chatting and couldn't help but feel a little wistful.
In the Valeguard Kingdom, martial cultivation is the most prosperous—of the ten top Grandmasters, seven are martial experts.
Next comes Daoism, but it's far behind martial cultivation. Of the ten Grandmasters, Daoism only claims two. However, now that they have a Golden Core Realman, their strength will surely grow.
Last is Buddhism.
Of the ten Grandmasters, Buddhism holds only one spot.
Below Grandmaster level, there are very few Buddhist experts as well. A thousand years ago, Buddhism was at its peak—even if you combined martial and Daoist cultivation, they couldn't compare.
Unfortunately, a monstrous disaster struck the Buddhist path, wiping out most of its top experts. Now, Buddhism has declined to the point of being nearly unrecognizable—ruined temples can be seen everywhere.
Soon after—
Ian Song returned to the inn in the Provincial Capital.
Chloe Cao was waiting at the door. As soon as she saw him, she hurried over and asked, "Junior brother, are you alright?"
At five o'clock the next afternoon, Ian Song joined the flow of candidates exiting the exam hall. Among them, some were jubilant, some anxious, and a few even burst into tears—clearly, they'd done poorly.
Ian shook his head at the scene, found Chloe in the crowd, and together they returned to the inn.
Back at the inn, Ian washed up quickly and changed into fresh clothes. Unexpectedly, the steward of the Wade Residence arrived with a formal invitation for Ian to attend a banquet that evening.
The fact that the steward came in person was a mark of high respect, so Ian readily accepted.
That night, he happily brought Chloe along to the Wade Residence.
Upon arrival, Ian discovered that Master Wade had invited not just him, but more than a dozen other young men—all handsome scholars who had sat the same juren exam. Ian recognized their faces from the exam hall.
He couldn't help but wonder, "Why did Master Wade invite me and all these scholars?"
Suddenly, he thought of Lydia Wade—she was already sixteen, well past the age to marry. Could Master Wade be selecting a husband for his daughter?
And if he was included, did Master Wade want Ian himself as a potential son-in-law?
The thought amused him.
Just then, a friendly scholar beside him spoke up, "Brother, my name is Kevin Zhou from Jademont Prefecture. May I ask your name?"
"Nice to meet you, Brother Zhou. I'm Ian Song from Huangshan County!"
In these times, it was customary to introduce oneself along with one's county.
Kevin Zhou didn't look down on Ian's rural origins at all, and continued chatting warmly with him.
They talked for about a quarter of an hour.
Suddenly, a voice called from outside, "Master Wade has arrived!"
Soon, Master Wade entered, flanked by his steward and two guards. All the scholars stood respectfully. Though Master Wade held no official rank, he was the host—and the richest man in the Provincial Capital.
"Greetings, Master Wade!" everyone chorused.
"Honors to Master Wade!"
Smiling, Master Wade gestured for everyone to sit: "Gentlemen, no need for formalities. Please, take your seats!"