Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Magic Duel l
Translator: 549690339
When Chen Mobai and Song Zheng returned, the entire class was looking at them in astonishment.
Song Zheng’s arrogance was well-known in the class. Previously, when Yan Bingxuan was still there, the two would often compete against each other. After Yan Bingxuan dropped out, Song Zheng had become a solitary figure of pride, hardly interacting with anyone else in the class.
“Well then, now that you two are here, please have your seats.”
On the podium, the class teacher Chai Deyun, upon seeing Chen Mobai and Song Zheng, signaled for them to return to their seats.
“I have both good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”
Chai Deyun, usually quite serious, displayed a rare hint of humor, perhaps due to the impending departure of the students he had taught.
“Good news!!”
The students chorused.
“This year, the top ten schools are expanding their enrolment, potentially lowering their admission thresholds. Those at Qi Cultivation Level Six, if they are lucky, may even be admitted.”
As soon as Chai Deyun announced this, half the class erupted in cheers, but Lu Hongsheng, sitting next to Chen Mobai, deflated. He was only at Qi Cultivation Level Five. No matter how much the top ten schools expanded their enrollment, it had nothing to do with him.
“Having shared the good news, it’s now time for the bad news.”
Chai Deyun continued speaking. Everyone in the class looked up at him. He cleared his throat.
“The admission test content of the Four Great Daoist Academies and the Ten Schools were sent to all high schools two days ago. For students who are devoted to cultivation, it may pose some challenges. We didn’t tell you earlier for fear it would affect your mindset for regular school exams. Now is a good time to inform you.”
Hearing this, most of the students’ hearts shot up in their chests, including Chen Mobai and Song Zheng.
“The theme is two words: Magic Duel!”
“It’s about testing your Spell mastery. Each student will only rely on Spells in combat, without using any Magic Artifacts, elixirs, or Formations. The students who manage to go far in the competition will be scored by representatives from the Four Great Daoist Academies and Ten Schools.”
“However, the detailed order of the competition and rules will be announced after the cutoff scores are released, and after the Cinnabarite Institute arranges their venue. Possible candidates for the Four Great Daoist Academies and Ten Schools will be divided and put into Magic Duels according to their cutoff score.”
After Chai Deyun finished speaking, everyone was stunned.
Magic Duel!?
It seemed like it had been nearly a hundred years since there was such a bare-bones admission test. Were they aiming to select students with exceptional combat talents?
“Is there a major war brewing?”
Song Zheng mumbled to himself, but his eyes quickly lit up. He found his Element in Spells under the guidance of Ding Jinglue. Even Yan Bingxuan had been defeated by him.
If the test was really about Magic Duel, his chances of getting into the school he had his heart set on were practically certain.
If his score is high enough, gaining admission to one of the Four Great Daoist Academies might not be a far-fetched idea.
“Teacher, may we use talismans during the Magic Duel?”
Chen Mobai abruptly raised his hand and asked a question.
“Theoretically, talismans are solidified Spells and are within the scope of a Magic Duel. However, if talismans can be used, it would be too advantageous for students from wealthy families with long legacies. I believe they will be banned from use. Still, we’ll have to wait for the official announcement from the Cinnabarite Institute.”
Answering Chen Mobai’s question, Chai Deyun hesitated before replying. His answer lined up with what Chen Mobai had been thinking.
In the world of Cultivators, talismans were classified under techniques. However, since they only required a minimal amount of Spiritual Power to activate and didn’t need preparation time, unrestricted use of them would obviously be a guaranteed pass for the rich kids.
Next, Chai Deyun answered a few more questions from the students, then gazed sorrowfully at the 49 familiar faces below.
“Although I would really like to go on this journey with you all, every journey must eventually come to an end. From here on, it’s your path to walk.”
Having said this, Chai Deyun declared the end of class for the last time.
Afterward, he forced down the wave of regret welling up in his heart and turned toward the door to exit.
“Everybody up!”
At the class monitor’s command, all the students rose to their feet and gave a deep bow to this class teacher who had been with them for three years.
Chai Deyun paused in his steps for a moment but then quickly strode out of the classroom. He didn’t want his emotional departure to rub off on his students.
Chen Mobai felt a strong wave of emotion welling up in the sea of his heart. After closing his eyes and concentrating, he found that his Divine Sense had increased by a tenth. He was beginning to understand why his spirit might ascend following a profound realization.
Each strong emotion pushes them to grow.
No wonder Immortal Cultivation protagonists in TV dramas always go through Refining Heart in the Mundane World when they’re stuck at a bottleneck in their cultivation, regardless of their gender. Indeed, this is a way to make a breakthrough. However, it’s also possible to lose yourself completely, leading to a shattered state of mind.
“Shall we all have a farewell dinner in two days?”
At this point, class monitor Mo Simin stood up and shouted towards the class. The majority cheered in agreement, and a minority of introverts hesitated, though they remained silent.
“Old Chen, let’s attend together. We’re about to part ways, and who knows when we’ll meet again.”
Lu Hongsheng, a sociable person, came over when he saw Chen Mobai unresponsive. He then began persuading him.
The two beauties Pu Jiangxue and Yu Shu from the neighboring desks also came over to persuade him.
Chen Mobai thought for a moment before finally agreeing.
While on the other side, Song Zheng promptly declined. He wanted to seize this time to practice a powerful Spell.
After all, his determination is stronger than mine.
Chen Mobai watched Song Zheng get up and leave without hesitation and couldn’t help but shake his head and smile bitterly.
It’s not that he lacked emotional intelligence, but being someone with high EQ often meant compromising one’s own feelings to accommodate others. Therefore, he usually expressed himself directly and honestly, like first time he and Qing Nu went out for grilled fish.
Cultivators seek a clear and open mind to remove the source of their Heart Demons.
If they were to build up a host of upset feelings in their hearts, it would undoubtedly cause them to stumble or even shatter their state of mind when the time comes for a breakthrough.
“I’ll take my leave now. Once you all decide, just notify me of the time and place.”
Chen Mobai notified Lu Hongsheng before getting up to leave. Lu Hongsheng was left speechless, his mouth hung open, wanting to say something. Somehow, recalling the scene of Song Zheng and himself walking into the classroom together earlier, he had a rough understanding of what was happening. Eventually, he quietly nodded.
After returning home, Chen Mobai started researching information about Magic Duels in the Immortal School entrance examination.
Sixty-nine years ago, there was a Magic Duel in the entrance examination for Wangwu Cave Sky School.
The winner at that time was a student from a military family.
After all, a Magic Duel is, in laymen’s terms, a fight.
And who could fight better than a soldier? Even though there hadn’t been any life-or-death battles for the Cultivators in the military in the last hundred years, the spirit of valor and combat had always been upheld. Being in genuine fights every day, of course, they would be skilled in Magic Duels.
Chen Mobai eventually found a news interview with the winner.
[“If you want to be good at Magic Duels, real combat experience is the most important. Three years of Spell practice does not compare to three months of intensive military training. You all only see my victory, but not the numerous scars that I’ve healed and accumulated since childhood through my rigorous training.”]
The name of the winner was one that Chen Mobai surprisingly recognized, Lan Haitian..
