In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Wang Yan took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and focused all his attention on the exam paper.

First, answer the basic knowledge questions from the Taoist Academy.

Then, Wang Yan began to answer the formal test questions.

Translation question: Please translate the ancient Sumerian language below into the common language, ensuring that the meaning is clear and easy to understand.

The so-called ancient Sumerian language is actually a long string of pictographic symbols.

【?????????????????????????????????????????????】

Wang Yan glanced at them, and without using his cheat code, picked up his pen to answer.

Wisdom does not belong solely to scholars; it also resides in ordinary speech. Speech is not merely empty rhetoric, but a vessel carrying truth.

It's not that Wang Yan translated it quickly, but rather that this sentence was written in the preface of the book "A History of the Epistemological School: The Legacy of Philologists".

Wang Yan looks at it every day, so naturally he can recognize it.

I pick up my pen and continue.

Etymological analysis questions:

[Please analyze the semantic evolution of the character "?" in the later inscriptions of the Red King Civilization in three different contexts, and explain its potential connection with the modern Sumerian word "???".]

Wang Yan pondered for a moment, recalling what he had read in "A Study of the Language System of the Red King".

The character “?” in the Red King language family symbolizes life and sand.

The word “???” also means sand in modern Sumerian, and is transliterated as 'raml' in Common Language.

After a moment's thought, Wang Yan picked up his pen and replied:

The original form of this character was '?', which in sacrificial texts specifically referred to 'the sand of life bestowed by the Red King'; in civilian contracts, it was simplified to '?', meaning 'cultivable sandy land'; in later inscriptions, it was combined with '?' (water) to form '??', symbolizing 'oasis'. The modern Sumerian word '???' may have originated from the dialectal pronunciation of this character 'ram-l', which lost its final consonant over hundreds of years of sound changes.

After finishing writing, Wang Yan read it again to make sure there were no problems before moving on to the next question.

The next question is an application of runic studies.

The question presented a simplified rune symbol that looked familiar to Wang Yan. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was similar to the Yin-Yang spell on Shahak's body.

It should be a symbol derived from Yin-Yang magic or Liyue Anemo magic.

Looking at the question again, the requirements are: 1. Explain its basic meaning; 2. Explain the principle of the elemental reaction that may occur if this symbol is combined with the Liyue cloud symbol 'fire'.

There's no doubt about it; this symbol was taken from a Celestial Art in Liyue.

Wang Yan pondered for a moment, then picked up his pen and replied:

[1. This symbol is the 'carrying' rune in the rune system, and its function is to guide and stably store external elemental forces in a medium.]

2. When combined with the Liyue Cloud Rune 'Fire', it forms a 'Fire Elemental Loading Formation'. The principle is to use the 'Loading' rune to bind the fire elemental force, giving the medium the ability to use the fire element.

After writing it down, Wang Yan glanced at it and added a sentence: "To complete the full spell, additional runes are needed."

One 'carrying' and one 'fire' are not enough to form a complete talisman. At least one 'release' is needed to complete the most basic talisman construction.

One problem after another was solved by Wang Yan's pen. The more Wang Yan wrote, the smoother the writing became, and even a hint of pleasure appeared.

As long as the flow is smooth enough, doing problems can be a great experience.

Many of the other test takers around were either frowning in deep thought or looking away with great difficulty.

Wang Yan's focused posture also caught the attention of Reginald on stage.

The [Heban Tu] slowly walked past Wang Yan, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over his test paper. When he saw the neat and accurate answers, a hint of surprise and appreciation flashed in his eyes.

The questions on the exam paper were naturally no challenge for him, [Heban Tu]. He could tell whether Wang Yan's answers were right or wrong at a glance.

Although he had heard of Wang Yan's reputation before, Reginald was still somewhat surprised when he saw the contents of the exam paper.

Is it really possible for a young person who has not received a formal education to learn writing and language to this extent?

This kid... he's got talent. Maybe I can take him under my wing.

Reginald pondered for a moment, glanced at Wang Yan again, and then turned to the other examinees.

Time slipped by quietly, and the hands of the clock had passed more than halfway.

After answering all the questions, Wang Yan carefully checked them again to make sure there were no omissions.

When the final bell rang, Wang Yan calmly put down his pen, already knowing in his heart that he had passed the exam.

After submitting the paper.

Wang Yan got up to leave.

Before he even left the examination room, the proctor from before came to him.

"Hello, Wang Yan, can we talk?"

Chapter 44 Goodbye Tinari and Cole

Wang Yan turned around, and the person who called out to him was none other than the epistemologist, Reginald, who was supervising the examination.

The scholar approached with a solemn expression and unhurried steps, his eyes revealing a scrutinizing yet appreciative gaze.

Before Wang Yan could ask a question, he cut to the chase: "I just took a look at your answer sheet. Whether it is the translation of ancient characters or the analysis of runes, it is quite accurate and insightful. In fact, your insights on certain details are even more thorough than I expected. With your talent, if you were to study in the epistemological school, your future achievements would be limitless."

"I am currently looking to recruit several promising male law students..."

He paused briefly, his gaze landing on Wang Yan's face, his tone gentle and earnest. "You can come directly to my research group later. I promise to give you access to all my academic resources."

A [Hebantu] possesses considerable academic resources, including, but not limited to, some unpublished ancient corpora, high-level rune research manuscripts, and opportunities to participate in international academic exchanges.

It's clear that he really likes Wang Yan, this new student, and wants to take him under his wing and train him properly.

After all, as a [Heban Tu], if he makes a promise but breaks it, it could lead to a decline in his reputation within the academy, thereby losing more academic resources.

You must understand, now it's the time when Little Lucky Grass King is in charge, not the time when Great Sage Hazard was in charge.

Although academic crimes still cannot be suppressed, the academic atmosphere in the Academy has finally improved.

However, after hearing this, Wang bowed slightly to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your high regard, Your Excellency Reginald. I am deeply honored by your invitation."

After a slight pause, he finally declined, saying, "However, before that, I was introduced to Senior Erosanne by Mr. Tinali, the forest ranger of Huacheng, and accepted her invitation to study under her after enrolling in the school."

Upon hearing this, Reginald's expression remained unchanged, though a faint trace of regret flashed in his eyes.

He nodded slightly, his voice still calm: "I see. Senior Erosan is very knowledgeable, especially in the field of ancient mechanisms and rune combinations. It's a good thing that you can get her guidance."

Although both are of the [Habantu] lineage, Reginald has to address Erossan as a senior.

In the academic field, seniority is always a factor. You can break out of this rule if you have enough ability.

Clearly, Reginald was not the academic genius Kapilavastu, and he was still inferior to Erossan.

Reginald paused for a moment, then said, “Since we have already made an agreement, I will not insist. However, if you encounter any academic difficulties in the future, or need to borrow some obscure literature, you can still come to me at any time. I have high hopes for your potential and look forward to you going further in the path of writing.”

After speaking, Reginald nodded slightly to Wang Yan, then turned and slowly walked to the podium to continue organizing the exam papers.

Wang Yan bowed again and calmly left the examination room.

Outside the examination hall, a large crowd had already gathered.

As soon as Wang Yan came out, he saw two familiar faces.

"Tinari, Kolei!" Wang Yan strode over, a hint of joy on his face. "You...were waiting for me?"

As one of the first friends he made after coming to this world, Wang Yan couldn't help but feel happy looking at the two master and disciple.

Although Tinali was initially wary of Wang Yan, his help to Wang Yan is undeniable.

If it weren't for Tina, Wang Yan's start would never have been so smooth.

“I just happened to be passing by and saw that the exams had ended, so I waited here for a while,” Tina said softly.

Ke Lai, on the other hand, was much more lively: "Mr. Wang Yan, how did you do on the exam?"

She used to be very introverted, but as she resolved her inner conflicts and made more friends, she naturally became more outgoing.

Ultimately, she was just a young girl in the prime of her life.

Wang Yan smiled and said, "I think it's pretty good. I should be able to pass."

After saying that, Wang Yan added, "The timing is perfect. Let's go to the Lambad Restaurant. I'll treat you to dinner!"

He had received so much kindness from Daochenglin before, and now that they were waiting for him here, he naturally had to reciprocate.

Tina nodded, not refusing: "Okay."

Cole beamed, "I want a Lombard fish roll!"

“No problem, order whatever you like!” Wang Yanhao waved his hand generously.

Tina looked at him with a smile: "It seems you're doing quite well in Sumeru City."

"Haha, thanks to your introduction, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to settle down so quickly." Wang Yan's tone was filled with gratitude. "By the way, how are Amir and Iraz?"

These two forest rangers were the first two people Wang Yan encountered.

It was also Amir who entrusted Tinali to take care of Wang Yan, so Wang Yan always kept it in mind.

Tina nodded: "It's the same as always, nothing has changed."

No change means stability, which is a good thing!

Wang Yan nodded: "I'll go back and see them when I have less to do here."

"Then they will be very happy."

"I'm happy too!"

...

The three chatted and soon arrived at Baoshang Street from the Church of Christ, and then crossed Baoshang Street to the square above Tianbi Pond, which is where the Lombard Tavern is located.

It was right after the end of the high school entrance exams, and there were quite a few people here, mostly scholars who had taken the exams today.

The room was filled with the noise of people discussing today's exam content.

There were scholars from all schools of thought, who gathered in twos and threes to discuss answers, joke around, or drink to drown their sorrows, creating quite a lively atmosphere.

The three of them finally found an empty table in the corner and sat down.

Wang Yan pushed the menu in front of Ke Lai and said with a smile, "Come on, Ke Lai, order whatever you want to eat."

Cole's eyes lit up, and he took the menu and began to look through it carefully.

Wang Yan then looked at Tina Li and said, "You don't need to be so polite either."

Tina shook her head: "Let Cole have it."

Klein was his disciple, so he naturally knew his tastes and couldn't be wrong.

Wang Yan nodded and poured a glass of water for each of the three: "Your return to the Order Academy this time shouldn't just be for reporting on the forest patrol work, right?"

Tina's expression softened slightly. She picked up her water cup, took a small sip, and said in a low voice, "Indeed. When I came back this time, I also went to Jingshan Palace to see Lord Little Auspicious Grass King."

"Oh? Is there something important?"

Wang Yan's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless.

He thought that the Little Lucky Grass King might ask Tinari some questions about himself.

However, Tinari's answer did not mention this aspect, perhaps because Nasita did not ask, or perhaps because Tinari intentionally avoided this topic.

"The main purpose is to report on the current situation of sinners such as the former great sage Azhar, who was exiled to Dochenam."

Tina's voice was calm, but Wang Yan could hear a hint of complex emotion in it: "During this time, Hazard and the others... have become increasingly haggard."

In fact, many scholars have very complex feelings about the great sage Hazard.

On the one hand, the crimes of Azar and others are beyond doubt—imprisoning one's own god is an unforgivable sin in the world of Teyvat, under any circumstances.

However, it cannot be denied that he did do a lot during Hazard's time.

A bad person can become a great sage, but it is unlikely that a very bad person will become a great sage.

To become a great sage must mean that one's achievements and knowledge have been recognized by the vast majority of scholars.

Merits cannot outweigh faults, and faults cannot negate merits either.

Therefore, when talking about the former great sage Hazard, Tinari's tone was somewhat complicated.