Chapter 50: Choices for Further Study

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed, and the end-of-month exam had arrived once again. This time, the test held special significance for the third-year students of Weston Academy—it was their final end-of-month exam before graduation. What awaited them next was the all-important graduation examination.

The results of the graduation exam would directly determine the fate of each student. Its importance was on par with the critical entrance exams of the ancient civilizations, perhaps even greater, for in this era, the opportunity to study was exceedingly precious. Not everyone would have the chance to advance to a higher martial arts academy.

On the continent of Canglan, there were twenty-four elementary martial arts academies, but only six advanced martial arts academies. Although the latter admitted more students than the former, even so, nearly sixty-five percent of the students would be eliminated. Only a fraction—just over a third—would earn the coveted ticket to continue their studies through fierce competition.

It was a harsh probability: without truly outstanding results, students would have no choice but to leave school and make their way in the world.

Naturally, every student hoped to move on to an advanced martial arts academy. Three more years of study would grant them greater resources, better prospects, and a brighter future. To lose that chance now would mean, unless blessed by extraordinary luck, their future achievements would be severely limited.

Traditionally, unless something unexpected occurred, those who reached the fourth level of spiritual energy could be almost certain of admission into an advanced martial arts academy. However, which academy one could enter was another matter entirely, for the six advanced academies varied greatly in prestige.

For example, Yale Academy, barely thirty years old, lagged behind in reputation, faculty, experience, and equipment. Its standards for entry were lower, and it even admitted many students with only level three spiritual energy. On the other hand, the venerable Blue Emperor Academy, with a history spanning over four hundred years, was the most sought-after choice for all junior students on the continent. In terms borrowed from the ancient world, Blue Emperor was a top-tier academy, admitting only the very best from the elementary schools. Those less capable were simply left out, and to dream otherwise was folly.

This final end-of-month exam was, for all intents and purposes, a prelude to the graduation exam. With only ten days left, it would be difficult to improve one’s results dramatically unless one happened to break through to a higher spiritual energy level.

On the evening before the test, Luo Chen did not enter the illusionary realm for virtual combat as usual. After an entire night of deep, dreamless sleep, he woke refreshed. Once he had completed his usual breathing exercises, his body and mind were in peak condition.

Luo Chen, keep it up—you will succeed!

He had once thought that simply gaining admission to any advanced martial arts academy would be a blessing, but now Luo Chen had set his sights higher: he hoped to become a member of Blue Emperor Academy. His results in the last end-of-month exam had been above average but still short of Blue Emperor’s stringent requirements for top students. This month, however, he had studied Aura Control and martial techniques, and his command over spiritual energy had improved markedly. Luo Chen intended to use this last test to measure his progress.

As he encouraged himself, Luo Chen stepped out of his room and immediately ran into Shi Feng. Even with the last end-of-month test upon them, Shi Feng, the infamous playboy, was as carefree as ever, yawning with an air of nonchalance, as if he hadn’t a care in the world about the impending exam. But with his talent and strength, his entry into Blue Emperor Academy was virtually guaranteed—there was no need for nerves.

“Hey, brat, graduation’s coming up soon. So, which academy are you planning to apply to?” Shi Feng asked.

“Ha! So you actually remember the graduation exam is near? I thought you’d been so busy chasing girls you’d forgotten your own name!” Luo Chen retorted before continuing, “If I can, of course I want Blue Emperor Academy. Anyone with half a brain could tell you that—why even ask?”

Shi Feng shook his head. “Not necessarily. Take me, for example. I’m considering Dallas Academy.”

“Dallas Academy?” Luo Chen looked at Shi Feng in surprise, his gaze tinged with suspicion.

Shi Feng felt a chill run down his spine. “What are you staring at, beast? Is there something on my face?”

“No, I just wanted to see if your brains had been squeezed flat by a door,” Luo Chen replied, exasperated. “Seriously, do you realize that among the six advanced martial arts academies on Canglan, Blue Emperor is the undisputed top school? The other five are a good deal behind. Passing up Blue Emperor for Dallas Academy—are you out of your mind?”

“Get lost! You’re the crazy one!” Shi Feng shot back with a laugh. “You think I don’t know about Dallas Academy? I know more than you do. Did you know Dallas has a very liberal atmosphere? Male students can freely visit the girls’ dormitories—no other academy is as wise and considerate in its rules. Thanks to this, the girls at Dallas Academy are lively and open-minded. Do you understand the benefits?”

Seeing Shi Feng’s animated expression, Luo Chen finally understood: it was Dallas Academy’s free-spirited beauties and progressive rules, not the academy itself, that attracted him. Luo Chen couldn’t help but shake his head. “Tell me, are you going there to breed or to study?”

“Why not both? That’s the secret to a happy life!” Shi Feng replied with a sly grin. “Why don’t you consider Dallas Academy too? I promise you won’t regret it—it’s a man’s paradise!”

Luo Chen didn’t hesitate to shoot down the idea. “Forget it. I’m not as much of a playboy as you. The best academy is the one that’ll help me earn the most money. That’s my paradise.”

“Ha! You’re no better than me. My passion is for women, yours is for money. We’re cut from the same cloth!”

As the two left, Shi Feng continued to persuade Luo Chen along the way. “Money-grubber, what’s the point of earning all that cash? Isn’t it just for the sake of women? So why not go straight to a place where you can chase girls to your heart’s content?”

Luo Chen shook his head. “You’ve got it backwards. Once I have money, chasing girls will be easy. These days, most girls are practical—who would want a penniless guy?”

Shi Feng paused, considering this. “You know, you might have a point. I’ll have to reconsider.”

Previously, Luo Chen’s arguments had fallen on deaf ears, but tie the subject to women and even nonsense began to make sense.

At that moment, a cold snort sounded behind them. “Looks like all men in the world are the same.”

Luo Chen turned to see Joanna, her face frosty with displeasure. “Luo Chen, would you please not lump everyone together? Not all girls are that practical!”

At her side was Alice, and clearly, they’d overheard the conversation. Luo Chen felt a wave of embarrassment and rushed to make amends. “Sorry, Joanna, I was talking nonsense and misspoke. Please don’t take it to heart. I admit, there are girls as talented, beautiful, dignified, cultured, and virtuous as you and Alice. Although, to find a few like you within a thousand miles would be rare indeed.”

Luo Chen had known Joanna for some time and understood her personality. When you’d said something you shouldn’t, it was best to scold yourself first—then Joanna would usually let it slide.

[Chapter Two delivered. There are so many strong contenders in this week’s ranking battle! Although the Thief hasn’t been completely defeated, he’s hanging on by a thread. I have no choice but to keep asking for your recommendation votes!]