C19 South Wind Academy

"Have you heard? The recruitment mentor from South Wind Academy has arrived in Wood County City!"

"Yeah, I've known for a while. I've heard that South Wind Academy's recruitment for the eastern region of Willow State is happening right here in Wood County City."

"Our family must have called us young ones together for this very reason!"

"It's an incredible opportunity! I'm going to stand out in the assessments and make my way into South Wind Academy!"

"Don't get your hopes up too high! The entrance exams at South Wind Academy are notoriously tough. Less than one percent of applicants pass each time!"

"But you've got to dream, don't you?"

...

Walking through the corridors of the Chen estate, Chen Yi's lips curled into a slight smile as he overheard the conversations of the Chen family's youth.

Everything was unfolding just as he remembered from his past life; the South Wind Academy's recruitment was indeed taking place in Wood County City.

It had been eight days since his visit to the South Wind Auction. His dealings with them had wrapped up two days prior.

And now, the moment he had been anticipating had finally arrived!

Yes, he had been waiting for the South Wind Academy's enrollment.

Just by its name, one could tell what South Wind Academy was all about. It was an institution established specifically for young cultivators, the sole academy of its kind within the South Wind Empire.

Gaining entry into South Wind Academy was a dream cherished by countless young cultivators across the empire.

Because once admitted, they would receive the academy's training and resources at no cost.

Cultivators need to grow, and that requires ample resources. Without a distinguished background or a powerful family to provide for them, how could ordinary cultivators secure the necessary support? Even in a prominent family like the Chens, the resources available to its members were finite.

Thus, admission to the academy, with its promise of free resources and training, was highly coveted. Furthermore, the academy was home to innumerable precious items such as Medicine Pills, Martial Weapons, and Advanced Cultivation Techniques. The prospect of obtaining these treasures simply by being part of the academy was irresistible.

Chen Yi intended to join South Wind Academy.

Not for the academy's resources, but to collect the blood of seven cultivators with unique constitutions. He remembered from his previous life that there were several such cultivators at the academy.

He had resolved early on to enter South Wind Academy.

Moreover, he harbored a certain fixation on the academy. In his past life, he had longed to join but was thwarted by the affliction of the Life Devouring Blood Insect, preventing him from taking part in the entrance exams. Now reborn, he was determined to resolve this past regret.

At the Chen family's Martial Arts Practice Plaza, Chen Shanheng, Chen Ji, and other senior family members stood on the rooftop, surveying the gathered younger generation below.

Watching the vibrant young men and women, they felt a wave of nostalgia. Once, they too were such spirited youths. Now... they truly felt their age!

After a moment of reflection, Chen Shanheng cleared his throat and announced, "We've called you here to share some important news!"

The plaza quieted down, all eyes on him.

"You may have already heard the rumors. Indeed, this year's South Wind Academy enrollment tests for Willow State East are confirmed to be held right here in Wood County City!"

At Chen Shanheng's confirmation, a cheer erupted from the crowd.

Though they had heard whispers before, it was different hearing it straight from Chen Shanheng. The South Wind Academy was really coming to Wood County City to recruit!

The Chen family's youth buzzed with excitement.

For them, this was an invaluable chance. Passing the enrollment test would be like a carp transforming into a dragon, elevating their status by leaps and bounds.

As the crowd celebrated, Chen Shanheng smiled and added, "The family elders have decided that anyone who passes the Wood County City preliminary tests will receive a scholarship of 100,000 gold coins!"

"What?! One hundred thousand gold coins?!"

"Am I hearing this right?"

"Ahhh! I have to pass that test!"

The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the young crowd.

To put it in perspective, the Chen family's younger members received a monthly stipend of a few hundred gold coins at most. One hundred thousand gold coins was a fortune to them.

Chen Shanheng exchanged a glance with Chen Ji, who gave a nod of approval. Chen Ji stepped forward and addressed the crowd with gravity, "But don't celebrate too soon! Although the recruitment is happening in our city, it will attract talented individuals from all over Willow State East. Standing out among them won't be as easy as you might think!"

As the words were spoken, the mood in the hall momentarily solidified.

The smiles on the faces of the Chen family's young men and women began to fade.

Indeed, it was premature to celebrate.

To gain entry into South Wind Academy, they would not only have to pass the entrance exam but also compete against the prodigies from other cities in Willow State East.

South Wind Academy's recruitment occurred once every three years, extending across the entire South Wind Empire. Eighteen provinces would simultaneously commence recruitment, each divided into five regions: east, west, north, south, and central.

Wood County City was situated in the eastern region of Willow State. Within this region, there were over ten other cities. With the eastern recruitment being hosted in Wood County City, naturally, the local geniuses would convene here.

Historically, less than thirty individuals from Willow State East would pass the preliminary tests.

Thus, even if they met South Wind Academy's rigorous standards, they still had to contend with a multitude of rivals.

In all of Willow State East, the number of young people taking part in the recruitment exam was easily in the thousands. The challenge of distinguishing oneself among so many and becoming one of the select few was daunting.

The Chen family's offer of a 100,000 gold coin reward was not made lightly.

Indeed, it would be quite an achievement if even a handful of the Chen family's youth were selected.

Following Chen Ji's solemn words, which cast a weighty silence, Chen Shanheng stepped forward: "Now, don't be overly anxious. Perform to the best of your abilities. Even if you don't make it, it's valuable experience. Use these next three days to rest and gather your strength! I want to see you all shine for our family in three days' time!"

"That's all I have to say. You're dismissed."

With that, the Chen family's senior members were the first to leave the loft.

The young men and women departed with varying expressions—those confident in their abilities wore looks of excitement and anticipation, while the less confident were visibly worried.

Chen Yi observed them with a detached calm.

In another life, he might have shared their sentiments. But now, such matters no longer stirred his emotions.

Chen Yue, however, stood beside him with a forlorn look.

Chen Yi gently patted her shoulder, offering comfort, "Yue, just a little longer. I'll soon meet those necessary conditions."

"Brother, I'm not worried," Chen Yue replied, shaking her head with a smile. "I've endured this long, patience I have in abundance. It's enough to know there's hope."

Her smile was tinged with effort, and Chen Yi, understanding her feelings, simply patted her shoulder again.

He knew that hope had improved her spirits, but the prospect of South Wind Academy's recruitment was significant. It was natural for her to feel a mix of emotions.

For the youth of Wood County City, this opportunity was once in a lifetime. Being unable to participate was understandably disappointing—a sentiment Chen Yi knew all too well from his past life.

But his hands were tied.

Chen Yue's unique condition wasn't something that could be resolved quickly.

...

After escorting Chen Yue back to her place, Chen Yi didn't return to his own quarters but instead headed to Chen Shanheng's study.

As expected, he found him there.

"Yi?" Chen Shanheng expressed surprise upon seeing his son. "Do you need something from me?"

"Yes," Chen Yi confirmed, handing over a white Space Ring.

Chen Shanheng eyed the ring with curiosity. "What's this?"

"Father, please look inside," Chen Yi urged.

With a nod, Chen Shanheng peered into the ring and his eyes instantly widened in astonishment. He looked up at Chen Yi, incredulous. "What... What are these?"

Chen Yi explained, "These are for you and the family."

The contents of the Space Ring were primarily items he had obtained from the South Wind Auction eight days prior.

Inside were three categories: Spirit Herbs, Medicine Pills, and Cultivation Techniques.

The Spirit Herbs could be used to directly enhance one's strength. The Medicine Pills were crafted by Chen Yi during his recent work for the South Wind Auction. The Cultivation Techniques, though only two, were Advanced and tailored specifically for Chen Shanheng.

With these resources, Chen Shanheng could not only achieve a significant breakthrough but reaching the peak of the Spirit Essence Stage was well within reach.

In the Blue Cloud Realm, cultivators progressed through five major stages. The Meditation Stage spanned ten levels, while the Spirit Essence Stage was categorized into early, middle, advanced, and peak phases.

Chen Shanheng was currently at the pinnacle of the middle Spirit Essence Stage, just shy of advancing.

The items Chen Yi provided would enable him to swiftly ascend to the advanced stage. The peak stage was simply a matter of time.

"Yi, I must admit, you're becoming more of a mystery to me every day!"

Chen Shanheng couldn't help but let out a sigh as he examined the items in his possession.

The contents of this Space Ring alone were worth more than half of the Chen family's entire fortune. It was no wonder that Pharmacists were considered among the wealthiest professions!

Taking a deep breath, Chen Shanheng turned to Chen Yi and asked, "Yi, you've gone to the trouble of preparing all these items. You're planning to attend South Wind Academy, aren't you?"

Chen Yi nodded in confirmation.

"South Wind Academy is an excellent institution. Gaining admission will undoubtedly benefit your future. But tell me, has your master given you his blessing to study there?"

Chen Shanheng inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

He believed that Chen Yi's success in becoming a Pharmacist, fearless even in the face of Master Qian Yuan, was all thanks to his enigmatic master. Now that Chen Yi was setting off for the academy, it was only natural for Chen Shanheng to consider his master's stance, knowing that many Cultivators were reluctant to let their disciples attend such institutions.

Chen Yi offered a reassuring smile and replied, "Father, there's no need for concern. I've already received his consent."

The truth was, the 'mysterious master' was a fabrication of his own making. If he claimed there was consent, then consent there was.

"That's a relief!" Chen Shanheng finally relaxed, giving Chen Yi a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Look after yourself at the academy, and know that I'll be here, waiting for your return."

"Mm-hmm," Chen Yi responded, nodding with determination.

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