At the gateway of the imposing trial tower, Lin materialized alongside Xia Xue, Zuo Mei, Wang Zihao, and the valiant cultivators, marking the end of their arduous journey. The tower's entrance sealed shut behind them, a silent testament to their trials overcome.
"The contest of arms concludes. Await your judgment," thundered the examiner's voice, a prelude to the much-anticipated verdicts.
The revelation of the scores was a moment fraught with tension. Lin's and Xia Xue's exceptional performance had already stirred whispers of awe, but the fate of others hung in balance.
A harsh verdict on the test spelt the end of Wang Zihao's dreams, his expulsion casting a shadow over his future. His prospects of attending any prestigious institution now shattered, leaving him to grapple with a path fraught with uncertainty.
As the candidates' rankings unfurled, beyond Lin and Xia Xue, Xihai's No. 1 Middle School shone brightly, with Gaoyang clinching the 61st spot, a commendable feat.
Amidst palpable suspense, the examiner's voice once more pierced the silence, declaring Lin the provincial champion of Jiangning. A wave of applause erupted, an ode to the Herculean feat of emerging as the province's paramount scholar.
But the crescendo of accolades was far from over. "By imperial decree, Lin is heralded as the national topper of this year's examination," announced the examiner, igniting a fervor unmatched. Lu Yun's excitement knew no bounds, his elation a beacon of pride.
Outside the trial tower, the applause resonated like thunder, a collective celebration of Jiangning's pride. "A national champion from our province!" they marveled, a sentiment echoed far and wide.
Amid the jubilation, Lin remained an oasis of tranquility, his heart quietly basking in the triumph. Xia Xue's teasing couldn't pierce his calm demeanor, her congratulations tinged with a rare sincerity.
The accolades for Lin drew in Feng Xiu and Zuo Mei, their gestures of gratitude underlining the collective relief and respect Lin had earned.
The declaration of Lin as the nation's topper was a moment Lu Yun would cherish for a lifetime, a tale of victory that would echo through the halls of Xihai No. 1 Middle School.
As Lin retreated to solitude, summoning his skeletal warriors for a moment of reflection, an unexpected visitor disrupted the tranquility of the night. Lu Yun, accompanied by a stranger whose aura was suffocatingly powerful, stood at Lin's door.
The presence of this newcomer, emitting a formidable aura, put Lin on high alert, summoning his skeletal protectors instinctively. But the recognition of the voice eased his tension, a respectful greeting escaping his lips, "Mr. Bai Shen, an honor."
Bai Yiyuan, stepping from the shadows, chuckled, pleased by Lin's sharp intuition. Their meeting, anticipated yet unexpected, was a pivot towards a future brimming with promise.
Bai Yiyuan's visit wasn't just a courtesy; it was an invitation to discuss the prospects at Xia Jing Academy, a conversation that would shape Lin's path forward.