Xiao Qi smiled and said, “Precious things should be used on suitable people. I really like this kid and didn’t expect that among all the students this time, there would be one that would surprise me. Chen Yu, did you know? When I first came to Shrek, I was just like him and relied on luck to get into the semi-finals. But at that time, I told myself that I must get into Shrek Academy no matter what. I was sure I could do it. So, I chose the same path as him; I also chose Willpower. Then, I got through, and he did better than I did in the past. After all, my teacher wasn’t so brutal as I was today. Don’t just look at his ordinary skills. With this nature, we have many opportunities for him at Shrek. The future is limitless for this child.”
“Perhaps it is because of my origin that I am not very interested in those geniuses or those extremely gifted kids. Instead, I like this kind of kid with perseverance, persistence, and a kind heart. Not only do I want to take him in as my apprentice, but I also want him as my disciple. So this petal of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum shall be considered my gift to him for our first time meeting one another.”
As he spoke, he passed the petal in his hand to Zhang Chenyu.
“You have thought over this earnestly.” Zhang Chenyu smiled. Liu Feng’s injuries were severe, but with this petal, it didn’t matter how severe his injuries were. Using this petal especially at his young age would not only cure his injuries, but it would also do more than that.
Shrek Guesthouse.
“Why isn’t Liu Feng back yet? The sky is almost dark.” Lan Xuanyu looked at the sky outside anxiously. But Shrek Academy was simply too big, and even if he wanted to go look for him, he didn’t know where he should start.
Ji Hongbin said, “Don’t panic, there shouldn’t be any problem. It’s a good thing that he’s not back so early. It proves that the longer he perseveres for his test of willpower, the possibility of him getting through would be higher.”
“En, let’s hope he gets through.” Lan Xuanyu nodded.
Qian Lei was there too, and everybody was waiting together.
Then, there was a knock on the door, “Is the teacher-in-charge of Heaven Luo Academy around? Please pick up your student.”
Ji Hongbin shot up immediately, opened the door, and rushed outside.
In just a moment, a somewhat dazed Liu Feng was supported back in the room. When Lan Xuanyu and Qian Lei saw him covered in blood and his clothes torn, they were flabbergasted.
“Liu Feng!” Lan Xuanyu quickly ran forward but was blocked by Ji Hongbin’s arm.
“Don’t worry, he’s fine.” Ji Hongbin said in a deep voice.
He helped Liu Feng onto the bed and pressed his wrist to feel for a moment then said, “He’s fine; just slightly weak, but his vital energy and Soul Power are abundant. He should have received excellent treatment. He’ll be fine after some rest.”
“Thank you, Teacher Ji!” Liu Feng said weakly. Then, he turned to Lan Xuanyu and Qian Lei, who were both looking very concerned by the bed, and he smiled all of a sudden—it was a very wide smile.
“Brothers, I’ve passed. I’ve gotten through.”
Lan Xuanyu and Qian Lei’s eyes lit up, and Qian Lei asked urgently, “Really? So amazing? Xuanyu and I got through as well. Does it mean that we can really study in Shrek together?”
Liu Feng forced a smile and said, “I… I’ll get some rest first, I’m so tired.”
When he woke up previously, Xiao Qi was already gone. It was Zhang Chenyu who told him that he passed the solo assessment.
“Alright, Liu Feng’s back, so you guys can relax. But passing the solo assessment only means that your individual abilities are good enough. It doesn’t mean that you guys are accepted because there is still the most important comprehensive assessment. You’re only accepted once you pass the comprehensive assessment.” Ji Hongbin said sternly. And when he mentioned the comprehensive assessment, his face was slightly grave.
Lan Xuanyu looked at Ji Hongbin and asked, “Teacher, do you know what the comprehensive assessment is about?”
Ji Hongbin hesitated then nodded and said, “I’m not going to lie to you guys. I know what it is, but I can’t tell you. This is Shrek Academy’s rule. You guys must go and experience it for yourselves; that is the only way to find out.”
Qian Lei exclaimed out of curiosity, “So mysterious, huh!”
Ji Hongbin took a deep breath and said, “The only tip I can give all of you is that the comprehensive assessment is indeed dangerous and might even be life-threatening. So, all of you must be mentally prepared. If you’re afraid, then it’s better to back out now. You guys are only 12 years old and have to think about your families.”
Life-threatening comprehensive assessment? Lan Xuanyu and Qian Lei looked at each other, and there was a tinge of shock on both their faces. Just sort of assessment would threaten their lives, huh? Isn’t this just an enrollment test?
Ji Hongbin sighed softly and said, “The reason why Shrek Academy only recruits 30 students every year isn’t only because of the issue with resources. More importantly, there are simply too few people who could qualify. Sometimes, they may not even be able to fill up the 30 slots; and if there are really more than 30 people who qualify, then it is possible that they will increase the slots. The key is ability. Alright, you guys don’t have to go back today. Stay here and meditate. You can rest for two days before the comprehensive assessment. After that, you guys will have to rely on yourselves.”
Qian Lei wanted to ask more, but Lan Xuanyu stopped him. Since Ji Hongbin was not allowed to reveal, then there was no point asking more.
Surprisingly, there wasn’t any announcement regarding the results of the individual test, but all the candidates who took part in it were called to the Guesthouse’s conference room for a meeting.
“After the tournament for team assessment and an individual assessment of your individual abilities, the academy now has a preliminary understanding of you. Today, I have two things to announce, and at least one of which is good news for you. But as for the other, you will need to choose for yourself.”
On the stage, Xiao Qi stood there and spoke plainly as his calm gaze looked across all hundred over candidates.
Liu Feng sat together with Qian Lei and Lan Xuanyu. He had clearly recovered, but when he looked at Xiao Qi, there was a complex feeling in his heart. He could remember vividly how this teacher tortured him yesterday. It was impossible to say that he didn’t have any bit of detest for him, but when he remembered that he got through the test, he felt much better.
Xiao Qi continued, “The good news is that no matter what your results are for the individual assessment, it will not get you eliminated. Hence, those who didn’t perform well for the individual assessment yesterday, all of you still have a chance.”
The moment he said that, there were naturally some people who were overjoyed, and some who were upset. Lan Xuanyu, Qian Lei, and Liu Feng looked at one another. This meant that their hard work yesterday all went down the drain, right? Especially Liu Feng—his face turned nasty.
Not a single person was eliminated, which meant that they still had so many competitors!
On the other hand, those candidates who didn’t do well for the individual assessment heaved a sigh of relief. ‘There is still a chance, that’s good!’
Xiao Qi paused before continuing, “The second news is regarding the upcoming comprehensive assessment. From this moment on, each of you could only represent yourself. All of your communications will be cut off. Within the next hour, all of you will have to give me an answer.”
“For the comprehensive assessment, you will be sent to a real place, facing real enemies and battling in real life. Please note that this is not held in a simulator. It is not the simulated Soul World but a real battlefield. Hence, on a real battlefield, all of you will encounter crises that may be fatal. If something goes wrong, you might possibly die there. The results of the comprehensive assessment would be the most crucial for this test, and you will only be accepted once you get through.”
“Simply put, the comprehensive assessment is life-threatening, and you may now choose whether to take part in it or not. For those who chose not to, you will be sent back home. Those who chose to take part may stay, participate in the comprehensive assessment, and see if they are qualified to enroll in Shrek Academy.”
“You have an hour to consider, and you can also discuss with your teammates. However, you are not allowed to contact your teachers or family members. You must make the decision yourself. Starting from now, you must be responsible for your own decision.”
The moment he said that, the candidates were in an uproar.
Be responsible for your own decision—what exactly is the comprehensive assessment going to be like? Shrek Academy was the top school in the Federation. Why must an enrollment test be life-threatening, ah!