Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return-Chapter 1056 - 556: Deliberately Provoking and Setting Traps

"Woo..." Three melodious horn sounds echoed.

The square, which had been bustling with noise and commotion, instantly quieted down. Those young people preparing to participate in the selection wore expressions of excitement. If you listened closely, you could even hear the rapid beating of their hearts.

Everyone knew that when the horn stopped, Long Yan Academy’s grand admission selection would officially begin.

Simultaneously with the sound of the horn, ten massive longswords were carried into the selection arena and erected high.

"What are these, what are they used for?"

"Could they be for the assessment? How come I’ve never seen them in previous admission selections?"

The square that had just quieted down once again buzzed with discussion. Amazement was etched on everyone’s faces.

"Silence!" Before they could come to any conclusions, a majestic voice rang out. An elder dressed in a dark black sword robe slowly stepped onto the sole high platform behind the viewing area, quietly observing those below.

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it sounded like a shocking thunder, resounding in everyone’s hearts. His form did not appear tall, but like an ancient pine, vigorous and strong, demanding respect, leaving no place for contempt.

The entire square returned to tranquility.

"I am Gong Hongru. This Long Yan Academy admission selection will be overseen by me. Regardless of being a noble family’s son or a commoner’s child, all will be treated equally. Anyone found to be engaging in favoritism or fraud will receive no leniency from me, even before Long Yan Academy takes action." Gong Hongru’s voice echoed throughout the space.

The Sword Light Swordsmen queuing for the selection were struck with a jolt, especially those who had hoped to leverage family connections to find an easy way, their faces turned pale.

Although both Long Yan Academy and the other three major academies always profess impartiality and prohibit favoritism or fraud in their admissions, it is easier said than done. The Four Great Academies may hold a lofty status, but they are not detached from the world, always having some interactions with various aristocratic families. Academy instructors do not simply emerge from stone, but have friends and relatives.

Thus, the rules are often rigid while people are flexible. As long as one’s qualifications and abilities are somewhat adequate, even if lacking slightly, they might still be selected by the academy if someone speaks on their behalf.

But this time is evidently different. The supervisor this time is none other than Gong Hongru, renowned for his ironclad impartiality. As one of the three rumored top masters of Long Yan Academy, even the dean must concede to him at times. His words carry considerable weight. Forget about ordinary noble families, even the Eight Great Families of the Capital, and the Royal Family, must not expect favors.

Gong Hongru’s initial words laid out the harsh truth, clearly warning the various aristocratic noble families, also posing a threat. Didn’t you hear him? Even before the academy takes action, he will show no leniency himself. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Meaning, if one’s favoritism or fraud is caught by others, for the academy’s overall interests, there might still be room for maneuver, but if caught by Gong Hongru personally, he won’t consider the bigger picture. Even if it means relinquishing the identity of a Holy Dragon Master and leaving the academy, he would stick to his word, disregarding the prestige of noble families, royal ministers.

"I’d rather not participate this time. You guys go ahead." said a young man at the front, wiping sweat from his forehead with an awkward smile.

Clearly, this person was one of the noble family’s son ready to engage in dubious dealings in the admissions selection, deterred by Gong Hongru’s unabashed warning or threat. Who would dare take the risk? Falling on Gong Hongru’s bad side, forget himself, even his family might suffer as a result.

"We won’t go either. At worst, we’ll try other academies in a few days." The others also said with an awkward smile, their foreheads drenched in sweat.

Soon, several noble family’s sons left the queue.

Seeing this, a wave of boos swept across the square.

With them gone, the remaining people in the lineup gained a spark in their eyes. Originally, the slots were limited. With some favor-seekers gone, those left had a somewhat better chance.

"Hmph, a bunch of useless fools, completely disgracing us noble family’s sons!" At this moment, several young swordsmen in fancy clothing pushed into the lineup, walking forward while speaking disdainfully.

Upon seeing them coming, the few at the very front hurriedly stepped out and courteously handed their number plates to them.

Witnessing this scene, it became clear to everyone that these individuals were undoubtedly from noble families. Not only had someone pre-claimed number plates for them, even the task of queueing was avoided.

"Good dogs don’t block the way! Get lost far away. With goods like these, you dare participate in Long Yan Academy’s selection? Overestimating yourselves!" The entrance was crowded to begin with, and as they pushed forward, those helping made way by squeezing backward, making it even more crowded. The leading young man impatiently cursed and kicked a young swordsman in the back.

"What are you doing?" The young swordsman turned around, shockingly revealing Tang Bufan.

"Didn’t you hear Mr. Qiu’s words? Good dogs don’t block the way, get lost far away." A few accompanying noble family’s sons glanced at Tang Bufan contemptuously, saying.

"Don’t push people too far!" Tang Bufan angrily glared at them.

"I am bullying you. What can you do? Just a lowly Ninth-Order Swordsman, and you dare come to participate in Long Yan Academy’s selection? Don’t you fear disgrace? Being in the same selection with you people is simply our shame." The young man scoffed condescendingly.

"What did you say!" Tang Bufan’s face showed even more anger.

Not only him, but other young swordsmen from common backgrounds also showed anger, even other noble family’s sons frowned.

Gong Hongru had just stated that this selection would treat everyone equally, yet this person still flaunted his noble family’s son status. It was overly arrogant.

To be fair, among the lineup, there were many noble family’s sons of notable background. Having a servant claim the number plate wasn’t such a big deal. But as the selection was about to start, to forcibly push forward and speak so rudely, it was indeed excessive.

"Need me to say it again? Ignorant lowly men, get lost immediately, or I’ll ruin you!" The young man’s face turned cold, stating coldly.

"Fine, fine, I’d like to see how you’ll ruin me." Tang Bufan flicked his wrist and grip on the sword handle tightened.

Seeing Tang Bufan about to strike, Han Yan moved to stand in front of Tang Bufan.

Tang Bufan was merely Ninth Rank Swordsman, whereas the young man before them, if Han Yan guessed correctly, was at least a master in the Sword Master Realm. Tang Bufan stood no chance in a fight.

"Oh, someone actually dares to meddle in this young master’s affairs, quite bold." The young man’s eyes scanned Han Yan, speaking disdainfully.

"Apologize." Han Yan, unwilling to waste words, coldly demanded.