371 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

### Chapter 371: The Assessment Begins! Submitting a Blank Test! The registration for the Immortal Spirit Academy continued for three days. During this time, many people flocked to the central city to sign up, making Feng Li envious of the staggering registration fees the academy must be collecting. The sheer profitability of this ability was unparalleled; just from the registration fees alone, they were making a fortune. Over these days, Ye Ling Long also took the opportunity to refine some more pills, specifically focusing on Spirit Breaking Pills. However, with the imminent academy entrance exam, she supplemented her knowledge with intense study sessions in the Alchemy Tower. After all, if she failed the assessment due to some unexpected mishap, it would be incredibly embarrassing. However, on the day of the assessment, when Ye Ling Long stood in front of the alchemy exam list and scanned it several times from top to bottom without finding her name, she immediately sensed something was amiss. Feng Li eventually discovered his name on the list for the Physical Training Division, which surprised him despite knowing that, as a phoenix divine beast, his physical prowess far surpassed that of humans. Passing shouldn't be an issue for him. He then continued to search for Ye Ling Long's name. After checking the lists of several other divisions, he finally found it. "Found it," Feng Li’s voice drew Ye Ling Long’s attention. "Where?" She followed his voice and stood next to him, looking up at the assessment list for the Array Division. “This isn’t right. Why is your name on the Array Division’s list?” Feng Li sounded loud and displeased. “I clearly signed up for the Alchemy Division. Why am I in the Array Division? And you, who applied for Fire Techniques, ended up on the Physical Training list. These are completely different disciplines!” Feng Li furrowed his brows. Nearby, a petite girl softly chimed in, "Did you two offend the person handling the registration by any chance?" Instantly, Feng Li’s expression darkened as if he recalled something. "Could it be that guy's doing?" The girl gave them a sympathetic look. "If you did cross him, then it's no wonder. He's notoriously petty." "Ah, such a pity," she sighed, casting another sympathetic glance at Ye Ling Long and Feng Li. Ye Ling Long frowned, pondering over the matter. She did know some array techniques, but this was the Immortal Realm, and what she knew were only mortal-grade techniques from the lower realms. Her array level was merely equivalent to the lower-tier here, not like the popular alchemy discipline, where the tutelage was strict. Without a good mentor, learning was impossible. Had it not been for the Alchemy Tower, her alchemy skills wouldn't have advanced so swiftly. To be safe, she had more confidence in her alchemy skills. Aiming to address the issue, Ye Ling Long approached the entrance of the Array Academy and explained her situation to the attendee, mentioning she had actually signed up for the Alchemy Division but somehow ended up on the Array Division’s list. She inquired about the possibility of changing it. The answer, of course, was no. The Array Academy received far fewer applicants compared to the Alchemy Academy, and its funding was likewise limited. For a candidate to claim they had mistakenly registered in this academy, wanting instead to be in the Alchemy Academy, was outlandish. “Impossible, impossible,” the staff said impatiently. With discussions proving futile, Feng Li, in a bout of impatience, prepared to confront the person in charge of registration, only to be stopped by Ye Ling Long. "Wait, the exam is about to begin. You go ahead and take your assessment. Changing anything now is impossible. At least one of us should get through." Ye Ling Long gave a wry smile. There was no other choice but to treat a mere possibility as certain. At least Feng Li had gotten into the Physical Training Academy by a twist of fate, and given his strong phoenix physique, he should do well. As for the array assessment, she'd have to face it head-on. As the examination bells rang, Feng Li had no choice but to enter the Physical Training Academy's exam hall, albeit fuming. Meanwhile, Ye Ling Long entered the Array Academy under sympathetic gazes from the crowd. As she was about to enter, she vaguely heard someone lamenting behind her, "What a pity, such a good alchemist, forced to take the array assessment." "Isn't that the case? Heard she offended someone." "Ah, she'll have to wait until next year." Ye Ling Long shook her head wearily and entered the Array Academy. The assessment in the Array Academy consisted of two parts: a written test and a practical test, where candidates would set up an array based on diagrams provided by the academy. The final score would depend on the completeness of the array setup. Sitting in the exam hall, as the paper with the rich aroma of ink was distributed, Ye Ling Long felt a sense of helplessness. She knew the words on the page individually, but as they were arranged, they made no sense. Questions asked about the core of the Spring Rain Array, the creator of the Golden Light Array, among others—she hadn’t even seen these arrays, so how could she know the answers? Meanwhile, she heard someone nearby mutter how easy this year's paper was. Ye Ling Long: “...” Silence loomed over Cambridge tonight; it wasn’t easy at all for her. In the end, she handed in a blank paper disgracefully. Not that she didn’t consider cheating, but with two invigilators standing at each corner vigilantly watching all movements, relying on the next practical test seemed her only option. ... As the exam papers were collected, Ye Ling Long noticed one invigilator looking at her in surprise, perhaps never having seen a candidate submit a blank paper, especially not one as beautifully dressed as she was. Ye Ling Long inwardly lamented; it wasn't that she didn't want to answer, she simply couldn't. The second part of the exam began quickly. Candidates were taken to a large open space, each standing in their designated numbered spot with ample room to set up their array. Once everyone was in place, each received an array diagram. Ye Ling Long also received one—it was a high-grade Yellow Tier Golden Light Array, a defensive array mentioned in the written test. As the name suggests, the array emitted a golden light, resembling a shield that protected whoever was inside it. The assessment allowed for three attempts. As long as the array worked in the end, it was considered a pass, with the final score based on its completeness and effectiveness. Ye Ling Long studied the array diagram carefully, her eyes soon lighting up with mysterious lines that seemed to mimic the diagram patterns, rotating and appearing to imprint the patterns from the array diagram. After absorbing the entire content, Ye Ling Long set down the diagram, her eyes filled with solemnity, and began setting up the array. With a series of array incantations, the Golden Light Array gradually took shape. Her peers watched in astonishment, their mouths agape as if ready to fit an egg, all wondering if this was the same person who had just submitted a blank paper.