CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81: TOP THE GOLDEN LIST! NOW THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS YOUR NAME!!

Blue Star calendar, June 8th, 3024, 8 PM.

An announcement.

It echoed throughout Xia!

On the 9.6 billion square kilometers of land, as long as they are professionals, and not in special dungeons, and have defaulted to receive important announcements across Xia’s territory.

They can receive this announcement:

[Xia Zone Announcement!]

[Notice to all Xia professionals, the 3024 National College Entrance Examination for Professionals is now complete!]

[The top ten nationwide will be announced sequentially below!]

[Look up to the sky! Let’s wish these ten young talents a bright future!]

As this notice reached the ears of millions of professionals across Xia, Lin Yi also saw a golden scroll in the sky, still slowly unfolding!

And its brilliance was growing stronger.

It seemed intent on spanning the entire firmament before it would rest!

Lin Yi was somewhat surprised.

He initially thought that the nationwide ranking would be similar to the provincial ranking, just a formality with an announcement.

Never expected such a grand spectacle!

With special effects?

Are these effects visible only in the Imperial Capital?

Seemingly to resolve Lin Yi’s doubt, Li Yuanjing lowered his car window, leaned his head out, looked at the golden list in the sky, and smiled: "Never seen it before, huh?"

Seeing Lin Yi shake his head, Li Yuanjing continued: "This is sent using Spirit Crystal Messaging and Imaging Spirit Crystal to transmit images to the minds of all registered Xia nationality professionals, using cutting-edge Spirit Crystal Technology."

"Non-professionals, of course, can’t see it."

Lin Yi understood.

A month ago, he was just an ordinary person, never having witnessed such a grand scene during the first eighteen years traversing this world.

"You might wonder, as a nation that values talent protection so much, why do we make such a big deal about rankings."

Lin Yi was indeed contemplating this question.

From what Meng Yuanzhou told him before, he could sense Xia’s top echelons’ intentions.

And he didn’t think it’s mere official rhetoric.

Believing Xia’s top echelons took extreme measures to value promising juniors like him.

Yet, this process really was somewhat contradictory to this principle.

"The fundamental reason is that making a name on the golden list is the most romantic embodiment of our deep-rooted Xia culture, especially for students who achieve excellent results in the annual college entrance exams."

"This is also their moment of glory in life."

"In a broader sense, achieving this golden list ranking becomes a family’s source of pride for a century!"

Lin Yi nodded.

Honestly speaking, not about others but himself.

Seeing the nation arranging such a grand event for him, showcasing him to the public, he also felt thrilled.

"Then there is the exposure issue you are concerned about."

"This is a problem we must face no matter what; even if we don’t announce it, other countries and entities will seek ways to gather intel related to you."

"So, better that you experience a moment of glory!"

"Ultimately, our national strength must be substantial, the overall strength of professionals robust, making us fearless of petty enemies, even daring to say execute vengeance from afar."

"You were born in a fortunate era; at least, within Xia’s domain, you all will certainly be safe and sound."

"Rewind history a century back, and it’s completely different..."

"Alright, the ranking list has completely unfolded now, enjoy this moment!"

Li Yuanjing’s words carried deep envy.

This honor, among the millions of candidates across Xia every year, only ten can enjoy.

Clearly, he was not among them.

Lin Yi noticed the avenues outside the car window.

All pedestrians were stopping to gaze at the sky.

Whoosh—Bang!

A brilliant firework soared into the night sky, exploding into a riot of radiant streams, kicking off the first celebration blast.

Soon, more and more fireworks ascended into the sky, lighting up the entire Imperial Capital’s night!

In the sky, on the huge golden list, someone’s name slowly began to emerge from the bottom.

[Tenth place, Zhao Zan, sent from Xijiang Province, five-round score: 17988, final evaluation: Excellent!]

The crowd began cheering and applauding.

Fireworks dazzling, golden list striking, with one name appearing after another.

The atmosphere on the entire street was pushed to a climax!

At this moment, similar scenes played out all over Xia.

No matter how busy today’s work, no matter how much pain and suffering life holds, they all chose this annually special moment.

To walk onto the streets, find a wide-view location, and offer their most heartfelt blessings to Xia’s future!

"So amazing!"

"Go for it!"

"The future of our country depends on you!"

"Wishing you a bright future!"

"May you soar to great heights!!"

The traffic halted, the crowd holding cups with smiles on their faces, celebrating loudly amidst the dazzling lights of golden glow and fireworks.

Immersed in such a milieu.

Lin Yi suddenly understood the profound significance of the golden list, a cultural tradition that spans thousands of years in Xia’s history.

It carries the purest aspirations and expectations of countless Xia people for the pillars of the nation, and the rising morning sun!

Lin Yi felt a force named ’belief’!

Also feeling something weighty added to his shoulders in this instant!

Currently, it’s been less than two hours since the end of the fifth round.

Most of the top ten candidates from provinces nationwide hadn’t left the Imperial Capital.

At the moment, they were just like Lin Yi, standing under the golden list, looking up at all this.

However, their expressions varied from excitement, anticipation, to some already starting celebrations.

But on most faces were written regrets, remorse, even sadness.

Even if they ranked top ten in their respective provinces, even if they had been famed talents, when compared to these names on the list now, they paled in comparison.

Inside a hospital ward in the Imperial Capital.

Thanks to Meng Yuanzhou’s protective measures, and numerous professional healer-type professionals and doctors’ care.

Xia Yuyan had already woken up.

Moreover, her injuries were mostly healed.

Outside the ward window, fireworks were splendid.

As she looked outside the window, the golden list had just arrived at the second position.

[Second place, Xia Yuyan, sent from Imperial Capital, five-round score: 606835, final evaluation: Perfect!]

Wow—!

"Such a high score!"

"Xia Yuyan, this name sounds familiar...!"

"Isn’t she the granddaughter of Chao Yuan War God, everyone in the Imperial Capital’s professional circle knows her!"

"Huh? Isn’t she supposed to be the best among Xia’s cohort of young talents this year??"

"How is she only second...?"

The street outside the ward echoed with hot discussions.

The name Xia Yuyan was too famous around the capital circle!

Or it could be said, his grandfather Xia Chaoyuan’s reputation was too large and loud, making it hard for her not to be famous.

The discussions sounded like daggers.

Causing Xia Yuyan to shiver uncontrollably.

I... am trembling?

I... am scared??

Next moment, Xia Yuyan was completely surprised.

Fear, dread...

This emotion had been completely eradicated from the age of nine.

Now, she found herself seemingly becoming a normal person again.

She, too, had things to fear!

A lazy, handsome face appeared, Xia Yuyan bit her lip hard, unable to forget this face!