Chapter 32: Testing Methods that Keep Pace with the Times (Part 1)

"Teacher, I refuse the position of class monitor."

Chen Junting's refusal was direct and unwavering. He had no interest in leading the class. However, knowing the role carried significant influence, he wasted no time before shifting the spotlight to the person beside him.

"Compared to me, I recommend Ning Tian." His tone was firm. "She's a better leader than I am."

Mu Jin turned her sharp gaze toward Ning Tian. As the class teacher, she naturally had access to the students' backgrounds. One was the future leader of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the other its sworn protector. Between the two, Ning Tian had already been within her list of candidates.

"Then from today onward, Ning Tian will be the monitor of Class Nine," Mu Jin announced without hesitation.

An uproar broke out among the students.

If it had been Chen Junting, no one would have objected, but the sudden change had many eager to challenge for the position. However, before they could act, Mu Jin's next words silenced the classroom instantly.

"Ning Tian is the second Soul Elder in Class Nine," she stated. "Her martial soul is the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, and her soul skills can boost any Soul Master's power by 40%. Since she is an auxiliary-type Soul Master, she is exempt from direct challenges. Therefore, any student wishing to contest her position will have to face Chen Junting instead. Any objections?"

At her final question, Mu Jin's sharp eyes fell on Chen Junting.

"No problem," he replied calmly.

A heavy silence followed.

The eagerness of the students quickly faded. Ning Tian's talent was unquestionable—an auxiliary-type Soul Master reaching the Soul Elder realm at the age of eleven was already rare. However, it was the pressure of facing Chen Junting that truly crushed their ambitions. No one believed they could defeat him.

Seeing no further protests, Mu Jin moved on. She lifted a stack of documents.

"These are the forms you filled out during registration," she said, her tone turning businesslike. "However, paper records alone are too one-dimensional. Since your training in the coming months will be intensive, I need a comprehensive understanding of each of you before we begin."

Her gaze swept over the class.

"Follow me."

With that, she turned and strode out of the room.

The students quickly fell in line behind her, but as they reached the corridor, they noticed Mu Jin pausing near the square. Her sharp gaze locked onto an elderly woman watching over another group of students. The woman's expression was ice-cold.

Mu Jin let out a sneer before turning away.

"It looks like Zhou Yi is handling Class One," Chen Junting mused, watching the scene unfold. "Without Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong in her class, I wonder how many of them will survive her training for the freshman assessment in three months..."

Shaking off the thought, he followed the group as Mu Jin led them in an unexpected direction—toward the Soul Guidance Department.

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Soul Guidance Testing Area

The class halted in front of a gray building, its sign clearly reading: Soul Guidance Test Area.

Confusion spread among the students.

"Why are we at the Soul Guidance Department?" Wu Feng muttered, scratching his head.

"Ning Tian, do you know?"

"It should be for a soul guidance testing device," she answered after a moment. "If I remember correctly, the Sun Moon Empire has something similar."

"Soul guidance testing?" Wang Dong asked skeptically. "Can soul guides even give an accurate reading?"

"The ones from the Sun Moon Empire can," Chen Junting confirmed.

His knowledge wasn't limited to his past life. As someone connected to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he had access to a wealth of information. While the Sun Moon Empire lagged behind in cultivating powerful Soul Masters, their advancements in soul technology were leagues ahead.

"But so what?" Wang Dong scoffed, crossing his arms. "No soul tool can ever compare to a powerful Soul Master. Soul guides are just—"

He trailed off, but the disgust in his eyes was evident.

Before the conversation could continue, the heavy clang of metal rang out as the doors of the facility slowly opened. A tall figure stepped out—He Caitou.

"Teacher Mu Jin, you're here again," He Caitou greeted respectfully, though his expression held a trace of unease.

He knew well of Mu Jin's long-standing affections for his mentor. However, his teacher had already found a partner, and despite his own doubts about Zhou Yi's worthiness, there was no changing reality.

"Is Fan Yu here?" Mu Jin asked, her voice softening slightly.

"Yes, please come in." He Caitou gestured, making way for the group.

As they entered the facility, He Caitou took a moment to greet Chen Junting and the others before leading them deeper inside. Soon, they arrived at a section where four massive soul guidance machines stood lined up in a row.

Fan Yu stood before them, waiting.

"The testing instruments you requested half a year ago are ready," he said without looking at Mu Jin. "They've been built to your exact specifications."

With that, he turned to leave.

Mu Jin's expression faltered. "Aren't you going to explain how to use them?" she called after him.

Fan Yu paused but did not turn around.

"Caitou knows how they work. He will assist you." His voice remained distant. "And Teacher Mu Jin… you and I are only colleagues. I built these devices as part of my duty to the academy. That is all."

With those words, he disappeared down the hallway.

For a brief moment, Mu Jin's eyes shone with moisture, but she quickly channeled her soul power to evaporate any trace of emotion. Turning back to the students, she smiled as if nothing had happened.

"The first two students, step forward for testing."

As she spoke, she pulled a stack of forms from her storage ring, distributing them among the class. Each form contained a blank six-dimensional assessment chart, measuring:

Endurance

Strength

Physical stamina

Skill proficiency

Reaction speed

Combat experience

Today's tests would focus on strength and stamina.

As the students scanned their forms, whispers spread among them. Some focused on the upcoming tests, while others exchanged glances over the tense exchange they had just witnessed.

Of course, none dared to say a word.

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(End of chapter)

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Stones me y'all ~