Chapter 48: Main Campus Assessment

"I am quite pleased, because from the freshmen orientation until today, I've witnessed many of you grow."

"Not long ago, someone compared the assessment of the main campus to a devil looming over the entire Qing Campus. It watches over you, urges you to train relentlessly…"

"That analogy is not wrong. Whether you've just heard about it, witnessed it firsthand, or learned about the main campus through other means, I can assure you—it's not a rumor, and it's even more brutal than you think!"

"The Qing Campus is the final stop in your youthful cultivation, like a small calm pool before the rapids and waterfalls. The next stop is the real path of magic. No matter how many grievances you endure, how much unfair treatment you face, or how much suffering you experience, swallow it down. No one will pity the weak!"

At the school-wide assembly, Principal Xiao, usually seen as kind-hearted, suddenly shifted his tone.

Many students found it hard to adjust to this change. Their beloved Principal Xiao now seemed more like a harsh drill sergeant, indifferent to their struggles.

The competition at the main campus—was it truly so ruthless?

Was it really a place where those with connections and power could call the shots, while those without were left to hide in the shadows?

"Any student who has not yet reached the intermediate mage level is unqualified to participate in the main campus assessment. You only have three years to spend here at Qing Campus. During these three years, you'll still have access to the school's resources and privileges. But if you cannot break through to the intermediate level within this time, then after leaving Pearl Academy, don't claim to be one of its students anymore!"

Dean Xiao's next words struck like thunder in the minds of all the freshmen.

Three years without a breakthrough, and you're no longer a Pearl Academy student??

That seemed too cruel, didn't it?

Unfortunately, this was the reality. Some of the older students, who had already come to terms with it, felt ashamed as they saw freshmen reaching the intermediate level.

Was it because their talent was poor? Or was it a lack of resources?

In truth, it was neither. The older students had simply grown complacent with their status in Qing Campus and lost the drive they had at the beginning.

After all, most Pearl Academy students came from similar backgrounds and had the same opportunities.

"Those who haven't reached the intermediate level yet, you can leave. This battlefield isn't for you," Principal Xiao's voice turned cold, making it clear that weakness wouldn't be tolerated.

Today, Principal Xiao wasn't the teacher who painted bright futures for them. The man who once painted a picture of a bright future now seemed more like the devil himself, ruthlessly driving away the weak.

Mo Fan stood among the students, unfazed by Principal Xiao's change in attitude. Magic resources were precious; they couldn't be wasted on those who didn't put in the effort.

As some older students left and the freshmen hesitated, Dean Xiao's voice boomed again: "If you haven't understood by now, let me make it clear: weaklings do not deserve to be official students of Pearl Academy. When I say this again next year, you should be able to stand tall and stay here. So now, go work hard for that!"

This time, those who hadn't reached the intermediate level didn't hesitate any longer. They left with their heads hanging low.

Of course, some of them set new goals, determined that they wouldn't be the ones to leave next time.

And there were some dramatic moments as well—like couples splitting up because one was still at the basic level while the other had already advanced to intermediate.

After all the drama and the departure of the basic mages, Dean Xiao's demeanor softened. He looked at the remaining intermediate-level freshmen and said, "For those who stayed, congratulations on entering the main campus of Pearl Academy."

Many students were surprised—weren't there supposed to be some tests?

Principal Xiao waited patiently for all the students to express their confusion before explaining the upcoming challenge involving the Shadow Beast.

When Principal Xiao mentioned that five spots were available for cultivation in the Three Step Pagoda, Mo Fan was already thinking about how to make money. A chance to train in the Three Step Pagoda was highly valuable even for students from powerful families.

Selling that opportunity was definitely an option.

However, the price couldn't be too outrageous. After all, not everyone could ascend the higher levels of the Three Step Pagoda like he could.

After some thought, Mo Fan decided to set the price at 10 million yuan per person. He considered asking for 20 million, but that was close to the cost of a soul seed, and if someone had that much, they might as well buy one instead.

With that settled, Mo Fan posted the offer.

To his surprise, his post on the campus forum received a flood of private messages!

He hadn't expected such a strong response.

Did they really believe he could capture the Shadow Beast and safely deliver them to the combat cage?

In truth, it was because Mo Fan's reputation as a dominating figure in Qing Campus was well-established. With his battle-ready Flame Howl Wolf and his own second-level fire magic, who would dare question him?

As he scrolled through the list of messages, he was surprised to see that even Luo Fatty had reached out, as well as Mu Nujiao.

And then there was Shen Mingxiao, who had transferred in later.

Along with Zhao Manyan, these were all students who were about to become exchange students and venture into the wild.

Aside from Zhao Manyan and Mu Nujiao, students like Luo Song and Shen Mingxiao had both been beaten up by Mo Fan multiple times.

Mo Fan was a fair person. If someone didn't like him, he'd call them out for a duel. Students from prestigious families, especially in the academy, cared deeply about their reputations.

As for challenges outside the school? Mo Fan ignored them completely. Eventually, they stopped trying. After all, whenever they stayed inside the academy, they were guaranteed to lose.

But all of that wasn't important. The fact was, they trusted Mo Fan now.

Since they were willing to bring him money, Mo Fan happily agreed.

Of course, they weren't worried about being cheated. Mo Fan had even offered to sign a contract through the Hunter's Union to ensure the deal was legit.

(End of Chapter)