He couldn’t apply?

Why didn’t you say so earlier? Teacher, you saw that, right? It’s not that I don’t want to take the exam—the association won’t let me! 

The corners of Ji Jue’s mouth curled upward, but almost immediately, he frowned, his expression turning serious. 

Why couldn’t he apply?

It was the same principle as saying, “Accepting your gift doesn’t mean I agreed to anything.” 

Thinking he wasn’t ready for the exam was one thing. It was another for the association to tell him he couldn’t even try!

Besides, no matter how much he claimed he wasn’t confident, a part of Ji Jue had still been thinking, It’s only the craftsman exam. If I work hard enough, I can probably pass.

It was just as Professor Ye had said. Deep down, Ji Jue had never been the kind of person who could sit still and settle for less. He couldn’t stand the thought of resigning himself to mediocrity or incompetence, nor could he tolerate wasting his days doing nothing. If his teacher believed he could get the license, then there was no reason for him to shrink back in fear.

Even setting aside the protection that recognition from the association would provide, the record set by the Grandmaster Divine Furnace was right there in front of him. If there was a chance, who wouldn’t want to try breaking it?

Sure, Divine Furnace had somehow spent three months preparing for the Imperial civil service...