The scene was silent.
Regardless of whether they were young or old, all of the Hunter-class experts who were able to participate in this seemingly unceremonious tournament were stretching their bodies. From time to time, a copper bell or a piece of talisman paper could be seen fluttering in the air, emitting a faint white glow of true energy.
Qin Ye raised his eyebrows quizzically. Then, he interlocked his fingers and straightened his arms, causing his bones to creak.
Dregs, today, I'll show you what it means to be an expert who has broken through nine hunting zones in a row!
Just as he was moving, a voice suddenly sounded, "Mr. Qin."
Qin Ye turned around, only to discover that Su Feng was already standing right behind him and snapping his fingers.
"What's up?"
Su Feng didn't answer. Instead, he walked to his side and looked around for a few seconds. Suddenly, he whispered, "Do you know why they're so enthusiastic?"
Without waiting for Qin Ye's response, he continued, "It's just a ranking competition. You could've chosen not to show up. So … why is everyone here today?"
"Of course it's because the ranking determines the distribution of resources."
Qin Ye furrowed his brows and glanced at Arthis, "You're not here just to tell me something so obvious, are you?"
Su Feng smiled faintly and shook his head as he lowered his voice, "That's only one aspect of it. What I'm trying to say is that … the entire First Academy of Cultivators is rife with unwritten rules and regulations. This place may seem like a paradise, but it's actually no different from a pot of poison. It's just that it's a lot gentler."
"For example, the statistics of the Job Title Contribution Points for each semester, the Merit Points for completing each mission, and whether a tutor's students have improved.
For example, each instructor's performance, teaching methods, and so on.
The school won't say anything about it, but if you think you can sit back and relax after entering this school, then you are gravely mistaken. "
"The leaders have a balance in their hearts.
We are only the first batch of mentors. We test the students, and the leaders test us.
Key instructors … might even receive some preferential treatment from the rules.
Whether he was qualified or not would depend on the final exam of the first semester.
Believe me, a lot of people will leave, and then you'll see a lot of new faces. "
Preferential treatment within the rules?
Qin Ye narrowed his eyes and asked, "For instance?"
"For example … the school's internal merit points discount," Su Feng said calmly.
Qin Ye's eyes flickered brightly. It was as though he had finally understood the First Academy of Cultivators' mission statement.
They would only talk about the general situation and not the details. The details would have to be dug out bit by bit by the teachers.
If one always thought of muddling through, then one would never be able to obtain the true power of a teacher.
"Have you found your conscience?" He smiled and looked at Su Feng. "Is this a belated apology for the false information?"
Su Feng instantly felt stifled.
There were some things that should be kept in the back of one's mind. Was there a need to bring it up? Wasn't this a slap in the face on the spot?
Do you know that … you're so unruly?
"I'm just reminding you that the Flame Squad is in the same faculty as you, and there are only five of us instructors in this faculty for now," Su Feng said coldly.
"Oh?"
Su Feng said sternly, "Mister Qin, we know that you are very strong, but this time, we will definitely go all out. You don't have to worry about our face."
With that, he swaggered off.
Qin Ye shrugged his shoulders.
You're thinking too much, dear. Why would I give you face?
For a person like me who haggles over every penny … no, who separates public and private interests, how could I abandon public interests for private interests?
"Don't worry. If I can use one move, I definitely won't use two."
At nine o 'clock sharp, two figures slowly walked onto the arena. They were the Principal and Vice-Principal Xu Anguo and Li Tao.
Xu Anguo's expression was placid as he glanced around. Hellguard-class true energy swept across the entire arena. At once, the entire arena fell silent.
"Very good. Not a single one is missing." Li Tao smiled meaningfully, "It seems like everyone's pretty smart."
"There will be no ceremony this time, no fireworks, and no cheers. Everyone, relax. This is just an intra-academy competition.
Don't take it too seriously. We're just going to go through the academy's rules and regulations.
It looks like everyone's more or less done with their activities. Then … I'm going to go ahead and state two rules. "
"Firstly, don't go overboard."
Li Tao stroked his long beard and smiled brightly, "Secondly, regardless of the outcome, you are not to engage in private duels.
The First Academy of Cultivators prohibits all private duels.
You are not to harbor any grudges over today's sparring session, and you are not to abuse your position for personal gain in future work.
Principal Xu … "
He turned to Xu Anguo and smiled, "Shall we begin?"
Xu Anguo smiled amiably and nodded, "Let's begin. I can't wait any longer. All Soul Hunters below the age of thirty-five are S-class. I'd like to see the performance of the new generation of geniuses."
The two of them walked down the arena in unison. Then, just as they stepped onto the last step of the arena, Xu Anguo suddenly recalled something, "Oh, that's right."
"The First Academy of Cultivators' invitations have already been prepared. The first batch of students is not open to the public. Instead, it is open to all sects, lineages, and underworldly craftsmen. Sects and lineages only require a letter of recommendation.
From B-class to S-class, the sea of cultivation can accommodate all rivers.
The Seven Great Underworldly Craftsmen are too widespread in their respective professions. Apart from a few major clans, all of you will need to prove that your qualifications are at least B +.
If any of the instructors have someone in mind, feel free to make a recommendation. "
Qin Ye gazed deeply at the two old men, and then lowered his gaze once more.
There was no place in life without competition.
This was a principle that Qin Ye had known for a long time. It was just that his lifespan was far too long, and there wasn't much that was worth his time.
That said, the competition for the First Academy of Cultivators had already begun.
The two old men were cunning. Whether it was the layout of the venue, the opening speech, or even the opening ceremony, they didn't even mention anything about it.
Every single one of them was hinting to Qin Ye that the competition wasn't important, and that it was merely a formality. Don't take it to heart, and just go through the motions.
However …
If not for the last two sentences, Qin Ye would have almost believed them.
"Lineages and lineages … from B to S … Does that mean that the last instructor would be assigned an S-class student?" Qin Ye chuckled coldly as he glanced at the two old men who were chatting merrily on the two chairs below him.
There were no such exceptions.
Even ordinary schools would know that students with good results would be handed over to key instructors for nurturing.
What's more, this was a world of cultivation where the strong preyed on the weak.
"There are differences between the students as well … S-class students are able to achieve twice the results with half the effort. Their breathing and circulatory circulations are all much faster than those with A, B, and C grades.
And at the end of the semester … we're going to talk about our results.
There should also be all sorts of assessments and assessments … The supply of students isn't good, the instructors aren't doing well, and the resources are dwindling. I'm afraid that we'll end up with a flat salary.
It's a vicious cycle … This isn't about not competing. It's basically a hint to us that we should strive to be number one in all faculties … "
Qin Ye lowered his head and continued to ponder.
Why did the academy do this?
Simple. The competition this time wasn't just about strength. It was also about … the sensitivity of the instructors!
Their sensitivity to matters of the heart, as well as their characters.
Ghosts could transform into a myriad of forms, and they would encounter all sorts of strange occurrences. This was a necessary condition for cultivators like Yang Jian. Only those who were able to think of these things under the subtle hints of the instructors would be able to wield great power in the future.
Qin Ye continued to think about it. Why did they have to nurture such talents who could shoulder great responsibilities?
"It looks like they're not just grooming new students. They're also grooming instructors like finding a needle in a haystack. This … must be the 'Huangpu Military Academy' of the Special Investigations Department and the SRC."
And should he fight for it?
He smiled faintly.
He had to fight for it!
The Special Investigations Department was the greatest treasure trove that he could use to rebuild Hell!
He wouldn't be staying here for too long. After all, he had consumed the taisui fungus to achieve immortality. He would only be able to stay here for five to eight years at most before he had to find an excuse to leave. But before that, he had to reap enough benefits!
Even if he couldn't empty the entire treasure trove of the Special Investigations Department, he had to at least empty a corner of it … Otherwise, he would be letting himself down.
Even a hamster had its own pride!
"The first round of competition will be held by the five instructors from the Faculty of Combat." Xu Anguo smiled brightly, "The Faculty of Combat is the most important of all the faculties.
Everything that the students hear in class and learn from books must be put into practice in actual combat.
It is their responsibility to ensure that the instructors of the Faculty of Combat can help them return safely, and that they are able to master and master everything.
Therefore, we've specially selected five instructors with rich combat experience. "
"The first battle is between S9527, Instructor Qin Ye, and S8541, Instructor Lin Han."
Am I going to be the first one?
Qin Ye heaved a sigh of relief and stood on the stage. Opposite him, Lin Han also stood up with a grave expression on his face.
Li Tao smiled, "Instructor Lin belongs to the Blaze Team. As everyone knows, the Blaze Team is one of the most efficient and quickest S-class teams in completing missions.
I'm sure I don't need to introduce them any further. "
Him?
Qin Ye secretly pursed his lips. He can't even finish off a Hunter-class expert in half an hour? Are cultivators of the same level in the mortal realm really that weak?
"Instructor Qin, on the other hand, was able to take down nine hunting zones in a single night. His speed and efficiency are unprecedented.
That's why we've specially evaluated him as an S-class … "
Before he could even finish speaking, a murmur of discussion immediately broke out below the stage, and everyone turned to look at Qin Ye with eager eyes.
"Well then … begin!"
With a single command, the entire arena quietened down. True energy erupted from Lin Han's body, and he stared intently at Qin Ye like a ferocious tiger on the hunt.
Whoosh … With a soft sound, hundreds of copper coins quietly flew out from his clothes and spun gently in the air, aiming straight at Qin Ye.
"I won't hold back."
Lin Han gritted his teeth, "Although I know I'm no match for you, but … I don't want to be last."
Qin Ye smiled and crooked his finger at her.
I'm not looking down on anyone.
Everyone here is trash!
As soon as he made his move, Lin Han's figure suddenly vanished from where he was. Qin Ye's eyes flickered, and Lin Han's figure appeared right next to Qin Ye. His leg whizzed through the air as he kicked Qin Ye's shoulder.
Qin Ye knew full well that he couldn't afford to hold back against an opponent like Lin Han.
Boom!!
There was a muffled sound. Qin Ye casually raised his left arm to block Lin Han's kick, only to hear the sound of something tearing through the ground.
Dead silence.
Dead silence.
Lin Han was completely dumbfounded. Xu Anguo and Li Tao's jaws dropped, and they immediately shot up from their seats.
"No way …" Su Feng blinked vacantly, "Am I … seeing a fake S9527?"
Qin Ye was also completely stunned.
The arena was still the same as before.
The people were still the same.
But he … had actually been sent flying more than ten meters away by a single kick!
The impact had even created a ten-meter trench in the ground.
And his left hand … felt as though it were on fire. The pain was terrifying!
Bloody hell … something's not right …
How … are the geniuses of the mortal realm so powerful?
Hang on … did I get the wrong script?
Not even Hunter-class ghosts can send me flying so far away with a single kick, can they?
They can't do it at all!
You're just a piece of trash who can't even deal with a Hunter-class ghost for more than half an hour. How can you possibly kick me like that?
Your strength and speed are far superior to that of a Hunter-class ghost!
Lin Han blinked vacantly, and then his face flushed red.
"Qin Ye!!"
He bellowed, "I know you're strong … but there's no need for you to show me any mercy!!"
"Are you … trying to humiliate me?"
Before he could even finish speaking, the countless coins around him suddenly coalesced into a dazzling golden whip that whizzed straight towards Qin Ye's waist.
Qin Ye's heart was stifled to the extreme - Hang on … can't you just look at the scene?!!
I've already given it my all, alright?!
How did things turn out like this?!