Chapter 24: Siming Zhenjun
Chapter 24: Siming Zhenjun
The examiner's warning was clear—be cautious when choosing a mission level.
Jiang Tian carefully examined the projection screen, reading through the details of each task.
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The Four Mission Levels:
Low Level: Kill one Flamebird within the assessment time. Completing the task awards 60 points. For each additional kill, gain 1 point.
Intermediate Level: Kill 10 Flamebirds within the assessment time. Completing the task awards 70 points. For each additional kill, gain 5 points.
Advanced Level: Kill one Level 1 Flamebird within the assessment time. Completing the task awards 100 points. For each additional regular kill, gain 10 points. For each additional Level 1 Flamebird, gain 100 points.
Special Level: Kill 10 Level 1 Flamebirds within the assessment time. Completing the task awards 1,000 points. For each additional regular kill, gain 10 points. For each additional Level 1 Flamebird, gain 200 points.
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The mission details were straightforward, and the moment the students read them, their faces paled.
The low-level task seemed manageable.
But intermediate, advanced, and especially special-level tasks?
They looked impossible for high school students taking an awakening assessment.
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"The assessment has already begun."
Jiang Tian folded his arms, his voice calm.
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Xue Ruyan turned to him, curious: "Why do you say that?"
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Jiang Tian explained:
"Some people will be too ambitious. Without a clear understanding of themselves, they'll recklessly choose a mission beyond their ability and fail completely."
"But those who make the right choice and recognize their own limits?"
"They've already eliminated those who will end up with zero points."
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He glanced at the students deep in thought, adding:
"Maybe the real lesson here is that stepping onto an alien battlefield and fighting for humanity isn't something that can be solved with just passion."
"Knowing your own strengths and doing what you're capable of leads to the best results."
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His words were soft-spoken—only those standing close by heard them.
Yet, they struck a chord.
Several students, who had been eager to challenge the intermediate level, suddenly reconsidered their decisions.
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Even Xue Ruyan was affected.
At first, she had been tempted to take on a special-level mission—but after hearing Jiang Tian, she reassessed and settled for an advanced-level task instead.
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Mission Selection Complete
After finalizing their choices, Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan proceeded to the preparation area.
Here, instructors conducted basic inspections.
Since the mission required retrieving red feathers from defeated Flamebirds, they had to ensure no one had brought contraband feathers beforehand.
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When the examiner checked Jiang Tian's backpack, his eyes twitched at the various condiments inside.
Then he saw the iron pot and kitchen knife strapped to his back.
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"...Is this kid here for an assessment or a picnic?"
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Despite his silent complaints, the examiner completed the check and let Jiang Tian pass.
Beyond the checkpoint was a changing room filled with black combat uniforms in various sizes.
These specialized uniforms were completely different from ordinary school uniforms—
They provided protection against penetration and tearing, maintained body temperature, and were dustproof and waterproof.
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After changing, Jiang Tian walked out and headed toward the playground behind the base, where the exit gate was visible.
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"Jiang Tian, are you ready?"
A clear voice called out.
Jiang Tian turned and saw Xue Ruyan in a combat uniform.
Her long black hair was tied into a high ponytail, revealing a snow-white swan-like neck.
The form-fitting combat suit outlined her athletic physique, completely different from the loose school uniform she usually wore.
She carried a black spear in one hand, her expression firm.
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"Let's go."
Jiang Tian nodded, but his eyes drifted toward the crowd.
There, he noticed Wu Xianqing, the elite class monitor, sneaking glances at them from afar.
But Jiang Tian didn't dwell on it—he had more important matters to focus on.
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Departure & Awakening
As they approached the base gate, Xue Ruyan explained:
"Once we step into this environment with rich spiritual energy, our bodies will naturally awaken."
"Fighting accelerates the process."
"Students with a health value of 90 and above will awaken within 2–3 hours."
"For those with 100+, awakening happens even faster—our combat power skyrockets."
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She paused, then smiled:
"Come to think of it, I should thank you, Jiang Tian. Your cooking helped me surpass 100 points."
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Jiang Tian chuckled:
"And I have to thank you for helping me refine my cooking skills."
"Once we kill the Flamebird Tribe, I'll prepare a dish. You can critique it for me."
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Jiang Tian was genuinely excited.
With Xue Ruyan's divine sense of taste, she could help him perfect his cooking.
This was an invaluable advantage!
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The Gates Open
Leaving the outpost base, the spiritual energy outside was intense.
Compared to the base, it was much wilder and untamed.
Many students hesitated, adjusting to the new environment.
Others immediately sprinted forward, eager to complete their tasks as quickly as possible.
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"Let's start jogging. Movement helps awaken abilities. Follow behind me—it'll be easier that way."
Xue Ruyan slung her spear over her back and began running.
Jiang Tian followed closely, accepting her guidance.
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But as he ran, a familiar sensation emerged.
A rumbling sound resonated from within his body.
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The Awakening Begins.
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The silent furnace inside him ignited—
A heatwave surged through his entire being.
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Then it happened.
A message from the Dao appeared in his mind.
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[Your Awakening Talent Has Been Activated.]
[Your True Profession Has Been Revealed.]
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Jiang Tian paused mid-step.
His eyes widened.
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Profession: Siming Zhenjun.
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For a moment, he stood completely still.
Then, realization hit him like a thunderbolt—
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This wasn't just any profession.
It had another name.
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"Kitchen God."
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Jiang Tian grinned.
His path was set.
His destiny had arrived.
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Time to show the world...
What a real chef can do.
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