Chapter 68: Dueling

When Chen Mobai and Song Zheng returned, the entire class looked at them in surprise. Song Zheng's arrogance was well-known in the class. When Yan Bingxuan was still there, the two would often butt heads. But after Yan Bingxuan dropped out, Song Zheng became a lone figure, haughty and rarely interacting with anyone in the class.

"Alright, we were just waiting for you two. Please take your seats." From the podium, their homeroom teacher, Chai Deyun, saw Chen Mobai and Song Zheng and gestured for them to return to their desks.

"I have some good news and some bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?" Perhaps seeing that the students he had guided were about to leave, the usually serious Chai Deyun uncharacteristically showed a touch of humor.

"Good news!" the students exclaimed in unison.

"This year, the Ten Great Academies are expanding their enrollment and lowering the admission score threshold. Those at Qi Cultivation Layer 6 might even get admitted if they're lucky." As soon as Chai Deyun finished speaking, half the class erupted in cheers. However, Lu Hongsheng, who sat beside Chen Mobai, deflated. Being only at Qi Cultivation Layer 5, the expanded enrollment of the Ten Great Academies wouldn't benefit him.

"Now that the good news is out of the way, it's time for the bad news." At this, Chai Deyun spoke again. Everyone in the class looked up at him as he cleared his throat softly. "The content for this year's entrance exams for the Four Great Daoist Academies and the Ten Great Academies was distributed to all major high schools two days ago. For students who have focused solely on intense cultivation, it might present some difficulty. I didn't tell you earlier because I was afraid of affecting your mindset for the college entrance exam, but now is a good time to inform you."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of most students raced, and even Song Zheng and Chen Mobai were no exception.

"The theme is two words: Spell Combat!"

"It's a test of your spell cultivation. Each participant must not use magical artifacts, elixirs, or formations, relying solely on spells for combat. Students who advance through the rounds will be graded by representatives from the Four Great Daoist Academies and the Ten Great Academies."

"However, the specific combat order and rules will only be announced after the score lines are released and the venue at Danzhu Academy is set up. It's possible that applicants to the Four Great Daoist Academies and the Ten Great Academies will engage in separate spell combat events based on score thresholds."

After listening to Chai Deyun's words, everyone was stunned.

Spell Combat!? It seemed that such a raw and direct entrance exam hadn't appeared in nearly a hundred years. Was this meant to select students with outstanding combat talent?

"Could a major pioneering war be coming?" Song Zheng murmured to himself, but then his eyes lit up. He had studied under Ding Jinglue, and spellcasting was his strongest suit. Even Yan Bingxuan had been defeated by him. If it truly was a spell combat exam, then his admission to his desired academy was practically guaranteed. If his scores were high enough, even the Four Great Daoist Academies might not be out of reach.

"Teacher, can talismans be used during spell combat?" Chen Mobai suddenly raised his hand and asked.

"Theoretically, talismans are solidified spells and fall within the scope of spell combat," Chai Deyun replied after a moment's hesitation. "However, if talismans were permitted, it would be too advantageous for students from well-off families with long-standing legacies. I believe their use will be prohibited. The specifics will depend on the official announcement from Danzhu Academy." His words matched Chen Mobai's thoughts. Talismans were categorized under 'arts' by the Immortal Sect, but because they required minimal spiritual energy to activate and no preparation time, unlimited use would essentially guarantee admission for students from wealthy families.

Next, Chai Deyun answered a few more student questions, then looked at the 49 familiar faces below him with a sigh of emotion. "Although I wished to accompany you all the way, every journey has an end. From now on, you must walk your own paths." After saying this, Chai Deyun dismissed the class for the final time. Then, suppressing the reluctance welling up inside him, he turned and walked towards the door.

"Stand up!" As soon as the class monitor spoke, all the students rose and bowed deeply to the teacher who had guided them for three years. Chai Deyun's steps faltered for a moment, but then he quickly left the classroom, seemingly not wanting his farewell emotions to affect the students.

Chen Mobai felt the intense emotions rising in his heart. After closing his eyes to cultivate his spirit and forge his consciousness, he found that his spiritual sense had increased by a tenth. He finally began to understand why enlightenment could lead to a spiritual sublimation. Every intense emotion propelled their growth. It was no wonder that in TV dramas, cultivators who hit a bottleneck, male or female, would often enter the mortal world to temper their hearts. This was indeed a method of breaking through. Of course, there was also the risk of complete spiritual ruin and a shattered state of mind.

"How about we all have a farewell meal the day after tomorrow?" At this moment, the class monitor, Mo Simin, stood up and shouted to the class. Most students enthusiastically cheered, while a few introverts looked hesitant but didn't openly refuse.

"Old Chen, come join us. We're all going our separate ways soon, and who knows when we'll see each other again." Lu Hongsheng leaned over. He was a sociable person, and seeing Chen Mobai's lack of reaction, he immediately started to persuade him. The two beautiful girls from the front desk, Pu Jiangxue and Yu Shu, also came over to persuade him. Chen Mobai thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Song Zheng, on the other hand, flatly refused. He intended to use this time to cultivate a powerful spell. After all, his resolve wasn't as firm as Song Zheng's. Chen Mobai watched Song Zheng get up and leave decisively, shaking his head with a wry smile. In reality, he wasn't lacking in emotional intelligence; it was just that being someone with high emotional intelligence often meant compromising oneself to accommodate others. Therefore, he usually expressed himself directly, much like when he first went to eat grilled fish with Qing Nü. For cultivators, a clear mind ensures that inner demons have no source. If one harbored many unresolved issues, their future breakthroughs would certainly be fraught with difficulties, or even lead to a shattered mental state.

"I'll head off now. Once you've decided, just let me know the time and place." Chen Mobai told Lu Hongsheng and also got up to leave. Lu Hongsheng opened his mouth as if to say something, but for some reason, he recalled the scene of Song Zheng and Chen Mobai walking in together earlier. He vaguely understood something and finally nodded silently.

After returning home, Chen Mobai searched for information about spell combat within the Immortal Sect's entrance exams. Sixty-nine years ago, Wangwu Grotto-Heaven's entrance exam included a spell combat segment. The ultimate victor was a student from a military family. After all, "spell combat," in common terms, was just fighting. And those best at fighting were undoubtedly soldiers. Although the Immortal Sect's army hadn't engaged in any life-or-death battles for the past century, the martial spirit and tradition of spell combat persisted. Daily practice and sparring would certainly make them formidable in spell combat.

Chen Mobai also found news of that victor being interviewed. "If you want to be formidable in spell combat, practical experience is paramount. Three years of practicing spells is no match for three months of intensive military training. You only saw my victory, but not the countless scars I accumulated from constant drills and healing since childhood."

To Chen Mobai's surprise, he knew the winner's name: Lan Haitian.