Chapter Nineteen: The Fear of Being Ruled by the A and B Exams

This day marked a turning point in the history of the Azure Realm, an event so momentous that its impact would be etched in bold strokes across the annals of time. From this day forward, two ominous symbols began to circulate throughout the realm. Alongside them, the title of Zhang Ning spread, for it was commonly believed that Zhang Ning possessed a profound insight into the human heart, a clarity few could match in centuries past.

To him, the thoughts of ordinary people were like an open book, nothing concealed, their secrets laid bare as clearly as the lines on one's palm. Thus, the fifth prince of the Grand Freedom Demon Sect, disciple of the Demon Lord Chu Hanyu, was dubbed the Demon of the Palm. This title remained with Zhang Ning for many years, evolving from Demon Emperor of the Palm to Demon Sovereign of the Palm, among others. Though Zhang Ning disliked the moniker, he never denied it in time, so it endured.

And what were these terrifying symbols? They were none other than the two symbols Zhang Ning used during his test. Later generations analyzed them at length, attributing to each mysterious powers: whether one was good or evil, one's character and personality—all would be revealed under these symbols. Some scholars even claimed these were the signs that appeared when Zhang Ning employed his mind-reading demonic arts. Theories multiplied like grains of sand on the riverbank, countless in number.

The two symbols were A and B.

A Scroll

1. In unusual circumstances, a righteous sword cultivator slaughtered an entire city to protect a nation. Elders judged him according to the sect’s rules, sentencing him to death by suicide. The sword cultivator could have fled the sect, but he believed that obeying the judgment was a duty for a sect member. Even though the judgment was flawed and unjust, he took his own life.

Do you think this sword cultivator:
A: Is worthy of admiration. If it were me, I might do the same!
B: It’s normal; this is the common practice among the righteous. But if it were me, I’d probably escape first.
C: He’s out of his mind!

2. When the Demon Lord of All Phenomena first came to power, he issued an ordinance to reorganize the fractured Grand Freedom Demon Sect, adopting the presumption of guilt. That is, if you cannot prove you did not betray the sect, you are considered to have betrayed it. His subordinates soon fell into line, and even the cities saw rapid improvement in public order. In such chaos, do you think the presumption of guilt is justified?

A: Better to make mistakes in execution than let traitors escape! The Demon Lord is a true man, great deeds require overlooking minor details.
B: Depends on the situation; if things are truly unmanageable...
C: The blood of innocents should never be the price for order! His martial prowess is admirable, but he handled this poorly.

3. In the current society, martial strength is revered, and the majority must obey the minority. What do you think of this norm?

A: It’s fine; the basic lives of the majority are still ensured. After all, they are the foundation of martial society.
B: It’s acceptable; generally nothing goes terribly wrong.
C: It’s terrible—both righteous and demonic paths ignore the voices of ordinary people. Those in lofty positions cannot always see the lowest stratum!

4. The reason the revered are revered is because we kneel before them.

A: That’s not true; they genuinely have admirable qualities.
B: There’s some truth to that statement.
C: What does it matter? I can become one of them!

5. During several great battles of the revered, disciples of minor sects committed unspeakable crimes in the chaos, excusing their actions by claiming it was under orders, not their own will. What do you think?

A: It’s understandable; these small sects were caught up in the turmoil. Sometimes survival is just too difficult—what can one insignificant person do?
B: I don’t know; I hope I never have to experience such a situation.
C: Scum! All just excuses!

6. Your close friend is addicted to a harmful pastime. You wish to persuade him. What would you do?

A: Offer gentle advice, after all, he is my friend.
B: It depends on the situation.
C: Beat him up.

7. You and your friend have a misunderstanding. If you tell him the truth, he will feel deeply guilty; if you don’t, you feel wronged. What would you do?

A: Endure it, after all, he is my friend.
B: With time, perhaps he’ll realize on his own.
C: I refuse to be wronged—let him feel guilty!

8. When you realize your opinion differs from everyone else’s, what do you do?

A: Maybe I’m really wrong.
B: Nothing happens.
C: They’re all wrong; I’m right!

9. As long as the intention is good, the means don’t matter! What do you think of this statement?

A: Are you mad? That would plunge the world into chaos.
B: Sometimes breaking the rules a bit isn’t a big deal.
C: That’s exactly how things should be.

10. Two sects are at war, and some people are trapped. Without overwhelming strength, rescuing them will endanger many more. What will you do?

A: Rest in peace, I must consider the greater good. But I will never forgive myself.
B: Attempt a rescue, but warn subordinates to prioritize their own safety if things go wrong.
C: Every life is precious, worth any price!

B Scroll

1. Have you ever bullied the weak for no reason? (Counting from the time you became aware of your actions)

A: I haven’t done that since I became aware.
B: Occasionally, but only because they got caught up in things—after all, they’re weak as ants.
C: The weak should serve the strong.

2. You suffer a great failure in life for some reason. Your first thought is:

A: My strength isn’t enough; it’s my responsibility.
B: It’s fate.
C: Perhaps someone schemed against me!

3. Someone you once helped betrays you. When you encounter others from his sect who need help, what do you do?

A: One person doesn’t represent the whole sect; perhaps most are good people.
B: I’ll help if I can, but I won’t trust that sect as much.
C: Get lost!

4. You strive to break through a realm but fail for a long time; meanwhile, your best friend succeeds easily. How long will your envy last?

A: Just a moment, then I’ll sincerely be happy for my friend.
B: I don’t know, maybe it’ll pass after a while.
C: I might stop talking to him.

5. A person covered in blood and cursed by talismans—reeking, their body covered in sores (but the curse doesn’t harm you)—asks for help. What do you do?

A: Help without hesitation.
B: It’s a bit disgusting.
C: Get lost!

6. A revered one appears before you and promises to grant three wishes. What do you do?

A: In these times, if a revered one appears, I’d ask them what their true intentions are. Are they planning to plunge the Azure Realm into war? I’d make them promise not to implicate too many!
B: My mind would go blank from sheer surprise.
C: I’d rack my brains to maximize my own benefit.

7. The revered are about to wage a war in a month that will implicate everyone! What do you do?

A: Save as many as possible—my sect, my friends’ sects, even those from the demonic path. Not only more martial cultivators, but the small worlds beneath the Azure Realm, and ordinary people in the heavens—I’ll save them all!
B: Try to strengthen myself, and while others don’t know the news, maximize my own interests—buy healing pills cheaply, and so on.
C: Prepare thoroughly, then, as long as I don’t hit a dead end, seize as many resources as I can, find a place to hide, and when the real war comes, no one will chase me. Then, well!