The examination continues.

Even as it nears its end, there is no pause. After expelling all irrelevant individuals, the place is sealed off, completely isolated.

At this moment, within the black box, where no satellite signal can be detected.

Ji Jue opened his eyes.

Under the brilliant and dazzling sunlight, the seawater washed over the golden sands, and amidst the roaring tides, the sound of seagulls echoed from afar.

The workshop had disappeared, and the blessings were also nowhere to be found.

All works were gone.

But both the Mechanical Descent and the Not-To-Attack had still not returned...

"Huh?"

Ji Jue got up dazedly, looked around: "What is this place?"

The examination isn't over?

Or did I accidentally travel again?!

Is this still the present world?!

"This place, is still within the simulation."

A hoarse voice came from behind him, sounding like metal scraping against metal, so low and familiar that it sent chills down Ji Jue's spine.

As Ji Jue stood stunned, an old man dressed in black, with his hands behind his back, slowly walked out. His pitch-black eyes seemed to burn with a deep green fire. He looked down, his gaze contemptuous: "Did you think that eliminating everyone meant it was over?"

"Oh my God, Jian—"

Ji Jue exclaimed in shock, jumping up from the sand in disbelief.

"Huh?"

Jian Yuan raised an eyebrow, seemingly waiting for Ji Jue to finish his sentence.

"Well, well!"

Ji Jue immediately grinned broadly, his warmth and enthusiasm evident as he approached: "Isn't this the esteemed guide of Zhi Fu, Mr. Jian Yuan?! How did you get here after just a few days? How irresponsible of you to be out! What if someone neglects respect and you get hurt? Wouldn't it be a great loss to the present world?"

"What now? Do you think those clowns of the association can stop me?"

Jian Yuan glanced at him with a faint smile: "I should thank you. If those useless members of the association weren't busy with the examination, I wouldn't have entered so smoothly. So, should I thank you?"

"Not at all, You Sui Craftsman Grandmaster, with your extraordinary talents and prowess. Unifying the embers, you'll soon be a force to be reckoned with! It's my great honor to contribute to the grand cause even if—"

He hesitated slightly in his motion.

His eyebrows raising slowly.

In front of him, Jian Yuan's lifelike appearance gradually crumbled, revealing a stern and solemn face, ageless and carrying an elusive aura of change.

As if an illusion, but undeniably real.

"Is that so?"

The newcomer nodded in understanding: "So, you're a mole within the association."

"No, no!"

Ji Jue rebuked sternly, his previous sycophantic attitude replaced with solemn dignity: "This gentleman misunderstands. I was merely feigning allegiance to wily individuals. Though I would serve the enemy, it was only a ruse. I am mortal foes with that old dog Jian Yuan!

In my heart, there is only the Embers, no, only the association as the single sun!"

"Is that so?" the newcomer questioned.

Ji Jue nodded resolutely: "Of course, it's all a misunderstanding! Misunderstanding!"

"Such flexibility, such agility, is truly rare..."

The newcomer's face broke into a slight smile: "Since it's a misunderstanding, let's clarify it. But, why are you gripping that dagger behind your back more tightly?"

"No, I'm not!"

Ji Jue shook his head in confusion, clenching his fist and crumbling the dagger made from gravel into powder, disintegrating it and shaking off the residue.

He smiled with an honest, straightforward cheer.

Innocent and friendly, with no shadows.

He blinked curiously, brimming with purity: "May I ask your name, sir?"

"Hmm, you can call me the examiner."

The examiner smiled warmly, informing him: "The original host caught a cold and couldn't come to work, so today's task falls to me."

"Strange, isn't it?"

Ji Jue sighed in amazement, "Every single one of my math teachers has said the same since my childhood."

The examiner continued to smile, seemingly unaware of Ji Jue's sarcasm, and clapped his hands in relief: "In any case, congratulations on passing the examination and emerging victorious! From today on, you are a genuine Ember Craftsman! It's no exaggeration to say that overnight, you'll be famous in the world!

Well, moving forward, it's possible that the craftsman generation might see you as their leader. With careful management, a board position within your lifetime might be within reach."

"Excuse me, I have a weak stomach and don't like being flattered. Can we refrain from this?"

Ji Jue scanned the surroundings, "I'd like to ask—what's the situation now?"

"Well... maybe an additional segment?"

The examiner's smile grew more joyful, appreciating his expression. Suddenly, he said: "By the way, you don't need to be so cautious. Though Jian Yuan was a bit radical, what he taught you, apart from utilizing the Mutated, was genuinely part of your rightful legacy.

Even if it's fraught with dangers, it counts as a proper path."

He comforted: "You need not be so vigilant."

"Sorry, I don't understand a word you're saying."

Ji Jue shook his head decisively, sternly correcting: "I am mortal foes with that old dog Jian Yuan. How could I be associated with him? Besides, what do you mean by 'your' rightful legacy?

The association is so vast; surely, it can accommodate someone like me?"

"..."

This time, it was the examiner who fell silent.

He looked at Ji Jue for a long while, his expression subtly changing, seemingly in disbelief. After a while, he sighed softly: "It seems they have told you nothing."

"My apologies, please speak plainly. Don't be cryptic."

"Haha, but I like it."

The examiner laughed heartily, barely masking his delight.

Taking pleasure in bullying a child, he seemed to find it thoroughly amusing.

Ji Jue remained silent, watching him.

The examiner waved a hand, conjuring a set of tables and chairs, and sat down leisurely, toasting Ji Jue with a glass in hand.

Indeed, a glass of lemonade appeared in Ji Jue's hand as well.

"I told you, this is just an additional segment, no need to be nervous, just relax."

The examiner took a light sip from his glass, "Just like an extra question at the end of an exam, you can choose to do it or not. It won't affect your score or rank.

Think of it as... a small challenge, how about that?"

"What do you want me to do?" Ji Jue placed the lemonade on the table, unmoved.

"Do whatever you wish, anything at all—"

The examiner raised his hand, gesturing towards him and the ocean, the blue sky, the infinite shimmering waves, and everything else: "Don't you want to try it, Ji Jue?

True freedom, holding infinite possibilities in your hands."

He guaranteed: "The entire world belongs to you. You can do whatever you wish."

"Are you sure?"

Ji Jue hesitated.

"Absolutely." The examiner nodded decisively.

So, Ji Jue nodded without hesitation: "Since you said so, can I first break away, leave the sound of tides, establish my own legacy, and sever all ties with the past?"

"..."

The examiner's expression stiffened momentarily. He looked at Ji Jue, who also gazed at him.

In the silence, neither spoke.

Until the examiner raised his hand, rubbed his temples, and his expression grew increasingly complex.

"...Damn it, is breaking away and establishing a legacy a part of the inheritance too?"

The examiner hesitated several times, finally sighed in resignation: "Besides, isn't it too late to dissociate now?"

"It's my choice, none of your business!" Ji Jue retorted: "Didn't you say I could do whatever I wished?"

"..."

The examiner sighed and shrugged: "Looking at you, it seems your lineage truly flourishes."

Ji Jue's expression was indifferent: "I've dissociated, where's the talent?"

Once being obstinate, then carry it through to the end. Whatever happens, Ji Jue was dead-set on not letting his mentor be implicated because of his mess.

"Birds of a feather flock together. Isn't that why your lineage exists?"

The examiner shook his head: "Jian Yuan sought knowledge, lost himself, and joined Zhi Fu to establish a separate legacy. Ye Xian sought truth, broke away to create a new path, despising the pretentious games of others.

And now there's you..."

He looked over with curiosity: "What are you seeking?"

"Money!"

Ji Jue answered without hesitation, his response entirely random.

"Good." The examiner nodded, seemingly pleased, without a trace of disdain for material obsession. He even approved: "Contentment brings happiness. It's good to be easily satisfied."

Ji Jue's eyebrow twitched: "What about mass murder?"

"Well, that's a bit extreme, but it doesn't hinder." The examiner approved: "Utilizing everything to the fullest is also commendable."

"Prosper those who follow me, perish those who resist?"

The examiner clapped: "Great ambition and admirable goals!"

Ji Jue was amused, "And if I want to commit all kinds of vile deeds?"

"While not very classy, at your age, it's normal."

The examiner propped his chin, scrutinizing Ji Jue with a mischievous smile: "But if you could truly indulge in such vices with insects and beasts, there's no need to struggle this much, right?"

"Is this some kind of association's interview?" Ji Jue coldly questioned: "Can I decline to answer?"

The examiner slightly spread his hands, simply and directly questioning: "Do you think you have a choice?"

"..."

Ji Jue had no words, glancing at him.

So you're not even pretending?".

"Indeed, continually pestering the examinee isn't right."

The examiner feigned a sigh: "So, let's return to our original topic—if absolute freedom unsettles you, then how about setting a goal?"

"I don't need goals."

Ji Jue looked at him earnestly: "I feel that I need a lawyer. May I ask what compensation I can get for suing the association for illegal detention and inhumane mental torture, resulting in severe depression and inability to live independently?"

"Hmm, it seems you're eager for a goal."

The examiner smiled, suddenly raised his hand, and pointed at Ji Jue's face:

"You, go kill the Nether Sea Worm."

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