The news spread like wildfire.
A **14-year-old boy** with no dantian, no noble status, and no official rank had been personally chosen by the **emperor** to take the **Assistant Minister Exam**—a test meant for scholars trained for **years** in governance.
The reaction was instant.
**Disbelief. Outrage. Mockery.**
Nobles and scholars whispered that the emperor had gone mad. Warriors sneered, saying a boy who couldn't even fight had no place in politics. Some accused Xiao of bribing his way in.
But **one reaction stood out the most**—
**The No. 1 Genius of the Nation, Lu Jian, had taken an interest.**
---
### **Back at Emperor School**
Xiao walked through the **Ministry Section**, feeling the eyes of students and teachers on him. Some openly sneered. Others whispered behind his back.
His sister, **Won Zui**, was furious. "Tch. A bunch of cowards. They wouldn't dare say this to your face."
Xiao smirked. "They don't need to. Their expressions say enough."
He wasn't angry. If anything, he **expected this reaction**.
But Zui? She wanted to break bones. "Just give me a name, Xiao. I'll 'convince' them to shut up."
Xiao laughed. "Zui, your solution to everything is violence."
"It works."
"I need my enemies to talk," Xiao said, his eyes gleaming. "That's how I know their weaknesses."
Zui scoffed, but her lips curled into a proud smile. "Fine. But if anyone touches you, I'll make them regret it."
Xiao patted her shoulder. "I'd expect nothing less."
---
### **The First Threat**
Later that evening, Xiao found himself in the **school's archives**, researching past exams.
That's when he noticed **someone standing at the entrance**.
A boy dressed in **luxurious white robes** stepped forward, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp. **Lu Jian.**
The **Number 1 Genius** of the empire.
Xiao raised an eyebrow. "I assume you're not here to borrow books."
Lu Jian smirked. "You're interesting, Won Xiao." He walked closer, voice smooth yet cold. "But you're also… an insult."
Xiao leaned back in his chair. "Oh? Do explain."
Lu Jian's smirk widened. "The Assistant Minister Exam is for those who have spent their lives mastering governance. You? You're just a **kid with a lucky opportunity**."
Xiao chuckled. "And yet, you're here. Worried about me?"
Lu Jian's eyes flashed. "No. I'm just letting you know… you don't belong in this world."
Xiao's smile didn't waver. "I'll be the judge of that."
Lu Jian studied him for a moment, then laughed softly. "Very well. Let's see how far you can go before you **break**."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Xiao's fingers tapped against the wooden table.
**Lu Jian wasn't just a genius. He was a threat.**
And threats… needed to be dealt with carefully.
---
### **A Sister's Promise**
That night, Zui sat beside Xiao on the rooftop of their dormitory, watching the moon.
She glanced at him. "You met Lu Jian today, didn't you?"
Xiao nodded. "He sees me as an obstacle."
Zui scoffed. "Then I'll take care of him."
Xiao chuckled. "You can't solve all my problems with your spear, Zui."
She sighed. "I know. But you're my little brother. It's my job to protect you."
Xiao turned to her, his usual smirk replaced with something softer. "You already do. More than you know."
Zui was silent for a moment, then smirked. "Good. Because if anyone tries to stop you, I'll remind them why the **War Goddess of the Future** is your sister."
Xiao laughed. "Then I'll make sure to give you plenty of people to 'remind'."
As they sat under the stars, Xiao's mind was already working.
The exam was only **three months away**.
And if Lu Jian wanted a **battle of minds**…
Xiao would **gladly** accept.