Chapter 149: The Official Assessment
Time passed. Nearly three months had gone by since White Cloud Academy publicly began recruiting teachers. During this period, countless people came to apply, taking the written test as the first round screening. However, in each round, the number of those who passed was abysmally low sometimes fewer than ten, and on some days, not a single person succeeded.
By the time the third month came to an end, Sun Zhongjing compiled the results and found that, out of all the applicants, only a mere 300 had successfully passed the first screening. And this was just the first round. He couldn't help but sigh. Out of these 300, how many would actually make it through the final selection and officially become academy teachers?
"Sigh, whatever," he muttered.
With that, he handed over the finalized list to his subordinates, instructing them to send out notifications. In three days, the second round assessment would take place.
Time flew by.
On the appointed day, over 300 applicants who had passed the initial screening gathered early at the assessment site an open air arena.
The first round had been a written test. Now, the second round would be a combat trial.
Although a teacher's strength wasn't the sole determining factor of their competence, a higher level of power gave them distinct advantages in guiding students, aiding in spirit ring hunts, and answering advanced questions. After all, if a teacher was only a Grandmaster Spirit Master but had students at the Spirit Elder or even Spirit King level, how could they offer proper guidance when they themselves had never experienced those higher realms?
For this reason, White Cloud Academy set the minimum qualification for teachers at Spirit King level. This ensured that students would receive the best education possible.
The crowd was massive. A sea of people gathered at the arena, while numerous high ranking academy guards maintained order. At the center, the presence of a battle stage confirmed that combat was an unavoidable part of this assessment. Many of the lower ranked applicants began to grow nervous, fearing that the test would be purely based on winning fights.
If that were the case, those with weaker cultivation levels would have no chance.
Soon, the chief examiner, Sun Zhongjing, arrived.
As soon as he stepped onto the high platform, the once noisy scene fell into complete silence. All eyes were on him, eager to hear the assessment criteria. Many feared that they would be thrown into one on one death matches, where only the strongest would prevail.
If that were the case, weaker applicants could already consider themselves eliminated.
Standing on the platform, Sun Zhongjing swept his gaze over the crowd of neatly assembled applicants. Without any change in expression, he began to explain the assessment process.
"This round of assessment is a combat test."
"As teachers, you are not required to be overwhelmingly powerful. However, if your cultivation is too weak, your vision will be limited, and your knowledge restricted."
"That being said, a high cultivation level alone does not equate to a deep understanding of one's martial spirit or strong teaching capabilities. Therefore, this test will not be based purely on who wins or loses."
"Each of you will enter the arena and face an assigned opponent arranged by the academy. The goal is not to win but to showcase your combat awareness, martial spirit application, and overall battle comprehension. As the chief examiner, I will evaluate your performance and assign a score accordingly. Those who meet the required standard will officially become teachers at White Cloud Academy."
"Remember winning does not guarantee success. This assessment is not about victory or defeat but about how well you understand and utilize your martial spirit. If your performance meets the academy's requirements, you will pass, regardless of whether you win or lose."
"Conversely, even if you defeat your opponent, if your battle awareness is poor, you will fail the assessment."
"Is that clear?"
"Yes!"
The applicants responded in unison.
Many of the lower level applicants, who had initially been filled with anxiety, suddenly had renewed confidence. If they had been required to win against stronger opponents, they wouldn't have stood a chance. But if the key was to demonstrate combat proficiency, they felt they could definitely perform well.
They believed this test was completely manageable.
Many were already convinced that their passage into the academy was guaranteed.
Sun Zhongjing merely smirked internally.
They really thought it was that easy? That combat proficiency was just about throwing punches and hoping for the best? Some of these people were clearly delusional.
He flipped open the list in his hands and began calling names.
"The first candidate Yu Xiaogang. Step onto the stage."
There was only one battle arena, meaning each applicant would go up one at a time.
A man slowly stepped onto the stage.
He had a plain appearance, an ordinary aura, yet an exaggeratedly arrogant posture. Hands clasped behind his back, he walked slowly and deliberately, trying to present himself as a "grand scholar."
But it was so forced, it was unbearable.
Many people in the audience felt an uncontrollable urge to punch him.
"Who is this guy?"
"Why does he act so smug?"
"Wait a minute Yu Xiaogang?!"
"You mean that 'Grandmaster'? The one from the so called 'Golden Iron Triangle'?"
"Yeah! They had a rare three person martial spirit fusion technique, remember?"
As soon as the name was spoken, the crowd buzzed with whispers.
On the platform, Sun Zhongjing glanced at Yu Xiaogang and immediately saw through him completely.
"Hmm… a Level 29 Grandmaster Spirit Master?"
Sun Zhongjing raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
"I'm a bit surprised. With such a low cultivation level, you still managed to pass the written test. You must have some remarkable qualities. I look forward to seeing what you can do."
"I will not disappoint you, Medicine King Your Excellency!" Yu Xiaogang responded with forced composure.
But inside, he was panicking.
Under Sun Zhongjing's gaze, he felt as though his very soul was being stripped bare. It was as if all his thoughts and secrets were completely exposed.
'As expected of an old monster who's lived over 150 years!'
He secretly wiped away a cold sweat.
Yu Xiaogang's true purpose in joining White Cloud Academy was not only to gain prestige, but also to unlock the secrets of cultivating twin martial spirits.
If he succeeded, he would then use his position to help his disciple, Tang San, join the academy as well.
Because if Tang San could gain access to White Cloud Academy's resources, he could form his own faction and oppose the Spirit Hall!
Yu Xiaogang's plan was to use White Cloud City as a protective umbrella, shielding his disciple. At the same time, any future students of White Cloud Academy could potentially be recruited into Tang San's forces.
He was already thinking ten steps ahead.
No one could say he wasn't a dedicated master.
"Wait… what?"
"The so called 'Grandmaster' is only Level 29?"
"You're kidding, right? Wasn't the 'Golden Iron Triangle' supposed to be famous across the continent?"
"Yeah! This guy was supposed to be some martial spirit expert, right?"
"Hmph. Let's wait and see. Medicine King Your Excellency said that if he passed the written test, he must have some unique skills. Let's see if he's actually worth anything or just a joke."
"Let's hope he doesn't embarrass himself."
The audience fell silent as all eyes focused on Yu Xiaogang, waiting to see what he could do.
(End of Chapter)
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