Chapter 53: The Struggle for Talent

Exceptional talents are incredibly important to the reputation of a non-elite higher academy. Take, for example, Dallas Academy, which Shi Feng had been considering for its open-minded atmosphere and bold beauties. Sixteen years ago, it produced a figure of legendary status—now one of the world-renowned members of the Hall of Sacred Martial Arts—Valentine the Storm Swordsman. Thanks to him, Dallas Academy’s renown soared, allowing its members to proudly proclaim to all, “Storm Swordsman, the celestial Valentine, is one of our own.” This brought an influx of outstanding students eager to join.

But Valentine was always an odd one. He’d been a top student at a lower-tier academy, yet instead of attending the prestigious Blue Emperor Academy, he deliberately chose a second-rate school. Regardless, Dallas Academy, having tasted the fruits of nurturing such talent, became determined to never let such an opportunity slip by again. They would go to great lengths to recruit prodigies—especially those with eccentric personalities like Shi Feng, who might, like Valentine, eschew Blue Emperor Academy. This year, Dallas Academy sent their most impressive recruitment team yet, hoping to persuade Shi Feng to join. Of course, the other academies were also prepared and waiting for their chance.

The recruitment mentors from Blue Emperor Academy, on the other hand, were always the most relaxed. With their prestigious name, they need do nothing; the best students would come knocking on their door by themselves. Their presence was often just a formality, and most years, their five direct-admit spots were symbolically handed to the top students without any effort.

Peter, the Dean of Academic Affairs and head of the recruitment team, lounged in the VIP section, sipping tea as if on holiday.

Indeed, this year Weston Academy had produced some remarkable talents: Elige from the Louis family, Joanna from the Golan family, and Kevin from the DeRozan family—each among the very best of their age group on the Azure Continent. Barring any surprises, those three would likely receive the direct-admit spots, and Peter was confident that, regardless, they would choose Blue Emperor Academy.

But Shi Feng…

Peter set down his teacup and picked up a file from the table beside him.

"Shi Feng, seventeen years old, male, third-year, class one at Weston Academy. Family background unknown. Accent suggests he’s from another continental region. Easygoing personality, lazy with his studies, fond of flirting with female students, self-proclaimed top of Azure..."

Every detail was listed, from his name, age, and family background, to even his penchant for chasing girls. Attached was a chart of his results from mid-month and end-of-month assessments over the years.

Shi Feng’s grades were beyond reproach. The real question was whether this eccentric, who had pioneered a unique two-step approach in extreme leaps, would choose Blue Emperor Academy at all.

Peter absently twisted the jade ring on his left ring finger—a habit he had when deep in thought.

In the past, Blue Emperor Academy cared little for distinctions between top students and ordinary ones; every beginning student on the Azure Continent dreamed of joining them. But exceptions happened. And when an exception occurs with a prodigy, who then goes on to become a celestial-level powerhouse and a member of the Hall of Sacred Martial Arts, it’s a hard lesson indeed.

That exception was none other than Valentine the Storm Swordsman.

Although Valentine was somewhat reclusive, Blue Emperor Academy had been his first choice as graduation neared. However, the head of the academy’s recruitment team at the time was arrogant, saw Valentine as dull and rustic, and even mocked him during their discussions about direct admission. Valentine, immensely proud, was enraged and instead accepted Dallas Academy’s earnest offer. He went on to win every martial arts college competition on the Azure Continent, a feat that had never happened in centuries, bringing Dallas Academy immense glory and leaving Blue Emperor Academy with an indelible shame.

Valentine ascended from a psychic warrior to a super warrior, ultimately becoming a celestial and gaining world-wide fame, and was recruited by the Hall of Sacred Martial Arts. This only rubbed salt in the wounds of Blue Emperor Academy. Valentine never boasted about it, and the academy certainly never spoke of it; only a select few within knew the truth.

Missing out on such a prodigy taught Blue Emperor Academy the painful cost of arrogance. They swallowed their pride, and from then on, never dared take the recruitment of beginning students lightly—especially the top students at each institution.

Shi Feng was just such a rare and eccentric genius, reminiscent of Valentine in both talent and temperament. To recruit him, Blue Emperor Academy’s investigation team had gone to extraordinary lengths.

Beside Peter, another mentor, Gordon, suggested, “Director Peter, although Shi Feng’s personality is a bit peculiar, people always strive for better opportunities. I’m sure he’ll choose Blue Emperor Academy.”

“Let’s hope so,” Peter said, ceasing to twist his jade ring. “When the exams are over and you approach Shi Feng about direct admission, be warm and patient. Don’t slight him. From what I’ve gathered, though he lives in the old tower at Weston Academy, he doesn’t seem to lack money, so waiving tuition probably won’t entice him. If he has any requests, as long as they aren’t excessive, we can negotiate. Listen—I will not permit any avoidable mishaps!”

The head recruiter from Valentine’s year was now considered a pariah at Blue Emperor Academy. Peter had no desire to share that fate.

Gordon nodded. “Understood. Don’t worry, Director Peter—Shi Feng will definitely be among next year’s Blue Emperor students!”

“As for the remaining four direct-admit spots, award them to Kevin from third-year, class four; Elige and Joanna from fourth-year, class five; and Bennett from third-year, class eight. After the exams, send someone to speak with each of them.”

Bennett was another top student in Weston Academy’s third year—not quite on Elige’s level, but still among the best.

“Very well, I’ll see to it,” Gordon replied.

At that moment, Principal Agnes of Weston Academy stepped onto the stage. As was tradition before every end-of-month assessment, he delivered a motivational speech.

“Students, time flies. In the blink of an eye, you’ve spent three years here at Weston Academy. Over these years, I know each of you has worked hard and poured in sweat and effort. I’m proud to have witnessed your growth—from innocent children into young adults who have learned perseverance, dedication, and the drive to fight for your dreams. I am proud of you all and believe you will achieve great results in the graduation exams ten days from now!”

Both students and the mentors in the VIP seats responded with enthusiastic applause. Principal Agnes’s rousing speeches always lifted spirits, though some less confident students still felt anxious. After all, everyone knew that failing to advance to a higher martial arts academy meant a life of mediocrity.

Many students held onto a faint hope that some academy’s recruiter would notice them and offer direct admission. Naturally, those with outstanding ability remained calm and felt no pressure.

After Principal Agnes left the stage, the assessments began.

The drum-shaped strength-testing machine was set up near the VIP area, with recruiters observing from nearby. Although there were many events, strength testing was undoubtedly the most important. Recruiters were stationed at each test point, their task being to observe students’ particular strengths and identify candidates for direct admission.

As always, the assessment began with third-year, class one.

On the large screen, a name appeared: “Third-year, class one—Shari.”

[Very soon, we’ll reach the higher martial arts academies—a bigger world, stronger rivals, more beauties, and ever more wondrous techniques and martial skills will appear one after another. Meanwhile, the novel’s popularity is soaring: from 300 bookmarks in the first week, to 1,000, then 3,000 subscriptions, and now past 5,000 bookmarks and still climbing. The author thanks everyone for your support and hopes you’ll continue to vote and recommend the book!]