C34 Oppression Disapproval

Zhang Xing paused briefly, pondering. Cliff had covered most of the remaining points, leaving little for him to add.

Moreover, it seemed they were all oblivious to the magical history of Zhang Xing's continent.

Their knowledge was centered around the Heavenly Star Empire, but they failed to realize that within the vast Holy Dragon Continent, the Empire was but a speck.

How should he regard them? Presumptuous, perhaps?

"Alright, I've said all I needed to," he declared.

With that, he settled back into his seat at a measured pace.

Silence enveloped the room for a full five seconds. No one spoke up; there was no applause.

The students had been engrossed, as if he were reciting some divine scripture. Zhang Xing had concluded so swiftly, they seemed eager for more.

The Deans of the jury were at a loss for words.

Exchanging puzzled glances, they were uncertain whether his statements were factual, leaving them unable to render a verdict.

"We can't ascertain the truth of Zhang Xing's statements. Therefore, we'll default to Cliff being correct," one of them announced, casting a furtive glance toward the main entrance.

Noting that Your Honor offered no reaction, he continued, "Due to significant disagreement on the second question, the Panellists and the chief examiner have cast nine votes for Cliff and two for Zhang Xing. Cliff earns one point, while Zhang Xing neither gains nor loses points."

Zhang Xing remained seated, expressionless, though a tinge of disappointment lingered within him. What could he possibly learn in such a setting, surrounded by these so-called mentors who were nothing more than sycophants to power?

Clearly, the mentor named Ta Er was nothing more than a stooge for the Linder-Cleef family.

Why should he grovel for a mere test?

Cliff shot him a smug look and muttered under his breath, "You lack scholarship. It's all gibberish!"

Solina offered Zhang Xing a smile tinged with resignation. Bound by the rules, she had little choice.

She vaguely recalled the details Zhang Xing had shared; they were from a time when she was young and found such dry texts uninteresting.

Yet, she believed Zhang Xing deserved her backing.

"The examination proceeds. Now, for the third question: follow the Spell I provide and execute the magic within one minute. Then, identify the type of magic and its historical origins."

After Solina concluded her instructions, she gestured with a wave of her hand. A spell consisting of a dozen or so characters materialized on the magic boards in front of each group.

Zhang Xing glanced at the board and instantly knew it was a piece of cake. Not giving Cliff any opportunity, he buzzed in with his answer.

All eyes turned to the source of the buzz in astonishment. Someone had chimed in with an answer the moment the question appeared, leaving some students without even a chance to read it.

"Mr. Zhang, please proceed with your answer!"

Zhang Xing stepped forward to a cleared space in front of his group and positioned himself.

With a hint of theatrics, he muttered, "God, save me!"

Solina's brow furrowed as she listened. What was this jumble of sounds he was uttering? How could it be that she couldn't decipher a single word? Was it even possible for him to cast the spell with such gibberish?

It would indeed be odd if she understood; Zhang Xing was speaking in Earth's Mandarin.

After stalling for a bit, he judged that enough time had passed. He spread his arms wide and gazed heavenward.

A silvery-white shield of light enveloped him completely.

"He's done already? He truly is a prodigy!"

"I only got halfway through."

"I read the whole thing but couldn't memorize it."

"He must have known this spell beforehand!"

Zhang Xing went on to explain.

"This spell is a form of supplementary magic within the primary magic category, known as Shield Arts. It's a defensive spell common to all five magic types."

"Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it remains one of the few widely practiced spells from the five types that have been handed down through the ages."

"It is part of the Wasses Castle Magic System, which closely follows the Oredo Magic System."

"I have finished my response!"