Chapter 153: Recruitment Complete
As Yu Xiaogang's lost and broken figure disappeared into the distance, Sun Zhongjing's expression remained calm. His analysis earlier wasn't mere nonsense it was based on solid facts. If an ordinary Plant Spirit were to absorb Beast Spirit Rings, then yes, it would be ruined.
But Tang San's martial spirit wasn't just ordinary Blue Silver Grass it was the unawakened Blue Silver Emperor. Once his bloodline awakened, his spirit would naturally refine itself, absorbing the essence of other Blue Silver Grass and purging impurities. This meant that absorbing Beast Spirit Rings wouldn't affect him much.
Yu Xiaogang had simply been ignorant, leading him to believe that he had ruined his disciple's future.
Of course, if Tang San hadn't awakened his Blue Silver Emperor bloodline, then following Yu Xiaogang's method would have indeed limited him to Spirit Emperor at best. On this point, Sun Zhongjing hadn't been wrong at all.
But Yu Xiaogang's disgraceful departure didn't hold the crowd's attention for long. Soon, the remaining candidates refocused on the arena, waiting for the next name to be called.
As Sun Zhongjing announced the next participant, the second candidate leaped onto the stage. This time, it was a Spirit Emperor level challenger. Naturally, the previous Spirit King opponent stepped down, making way for another Spirit Emperor to take his place.
The second battle began.
After a fierce exchange, the applicant emerged victorious.
But Sun Zhongjing merely shook his head and commented, "Your combat techniques are crude, your understanding of your own martial spirit is shallow, and your sixth spirit ring's attribute is incompatible with your own abilities. This severely disrupts the balance of your internal energy. I suggest that you hold off on absorbing your next spirit ring for now. Instead, refine your spirit power first. When you do seek your seventh spirit ring, a fire attribute tiger type beast would be your best choice. This will enhance your martial spirit's core essence and dilute the negative effects of your sixth ring."
"Thank you, Medicine King!"
Hearing this, the Spirit Emperor applicant's face lit up with realization. He bowed deeply, his gratitude evident. Though he failed the test, he didn't leave empty handed Sun Zhongjing's advice was like a beacon in the darkness, helping him see the flaws in his cultivation.
Before, after obtaining his sixth spirit ring, he had always felt off his energy flow felt sluggish, and even his cultivation speed had slowed slightly. Originally, he had planned to rush toward his seventh spirit ring as soon as possible, but now, after hearing Sun Zhongjing's expert opinion, he realized that doing so would have been a grave mistake.
Seeing how this candidate had received invaluable advice, the remaining applicants' eyes gleamed with anticipation.
A top tier expert's personal guidance wasn't something one could easily obtain!
Some flaws in one's own cultivation path might go unnoticed for years, but a single glance from a true master could instantly expose them.
For them, even if they failed to join White Cloud Academy, just gaining this level of insight would make their journey worth it.
Of course, Sun Zhongjing wasn't offering this guidance out of sheer kindness. These candidates had already proven themselves by passing the initial screening it wouldn't be fair to simply dismiss them with a single rejection. So, as a gesture of appreciation, he gave each participant tailored advice a reward for their efforts.
One by one, candidates stepped onto the stage.
Fights unfolded.
Victories and defeats followed.
Regardless of the outcome, Sun Zhongjing assessed their strengths and weaknesses and provided individualized recommendations. Many left with a newfound clarity, feeling that the experience had been priceless.
Finally, after all 300+ participants had completed their evaluations, the sun was already setting.
And in the end…
Only thirty something applicants passed.
Barely one tenth of the original number successfully became official teachers of White Cloud Academy.
For those who passed, the joy was indescribable they felt as if they had reached the peak of their lives.
For those who failed, while there was some disappointment, none of them felt bitter. Instead, they left feeling deeply satisfied because they hadn't walked away empty handed.
A brief encounter with an Extreme Douluo had given them insights they might never have realized on their own.
They now had a clear direction for their future cultivation, ensuring they wouldn't waste time on the wrong path.
In their eyes, they had profited immensely.
The Next Day
The newly appointed teachers of White Cloud Academy arrived at the designated location.
The academy's architecture followed the traditional style of White Cloud City, featuring curved eaves and intricate carvings reminiscent of ancient Chinese palaces. Despite being recently built, the campus exuded an air of antiquity and elegance, standing out starkly from the Western style fantasy architecture prevalent in the Douluo Continent.
At this moment, the academy grounds were still empty student enrollment had yet to begin. Aside from the staff handling administrative affairs, the vast school grounds felt eerily quiet, lacking the liveliness expected of an academy.
Guided by designated academy personnel, the new teachers were led through spacious courtyards, past lush gardens, and across a massive training field, eventually arriving at a grand palace like building the main administration hall.
There, they finally met the academy's headmaster.
The Lord of White Cloud City Ye Cheng.
"Greetings, Your Eminence!"
The newly appointed teachers greeted him in unison, bowing with deep respect.
Since Ye Cheng had never officially declared a title for himself, the world had no specific honorific to address him with. As a result, they used the general term "Your Eminence" a respectful way to address a Titled Douluo.
But Ye Cheng himself had never cared for such titles.
Given his current level, reaching godhood was only a matter of time.
A Douluo title?
What was the point?
To him, the whole concept of naming oneself after some grand title felt pretentious like something out of a childish fantasy novel.
Instead, he preferred being called "Lord of White Cloud City."
It sounded powerful yet dignified, and more importantly, it was a title that carried real weight.
"No need for formalities."
Ye Cheng lifted a hand slightly, and an invisible force gently raised everyone back to their feet.
"From today onward, you are all official teachers of White Cloud Academy," he said in a calm, steady voice. "We are all colleagues here. You may simply refer to me as Headmaster."
His tone was warm and approachable, even carrying a hint of a smile.
He showed no arrogance, nor did he carry himself with the aloof superiority common among Titled Douluo.
And yet, paradoxically, it was this very lack of arrogance that commanded true respect.
Many of these spirit masters had interacted with powerful figures before most were prideful, treating lower ranked individuals like insects.
Even those who weren't overtly condescending still radiated an aura of superiority, making it impossible to forget their status.
But Ye Cheng…
His calm demeanor and gentle authority set him apart.
This…
This was what a true powerhouse looked like.
(End of Chapter)
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