Chapter 32. The legend is told before the name is attained

Su Yu was diligently cultivating, aiming to achieve his three goals.

At the same time, at the Great Xia Civilization Academy.

This was a massive academy, with pavilions and towers stretching out, commercial areas, residential areas, teaching areas, secret realm areas, communication areas...

Each area was divided, resembling a small city.

At the admissions office.

Bai Feng had just finished his closed-door training. After more than a month, he stepped out of his house again to breathe in the fresh air.

At the entrance of the admissions office, Bai Feng slowly strolled in.

It wasn't the admission season yet, but this place was already busy. It wouldn't be long before the enrollment assessments started in various places.

"Old Zhou, make an exception. That's my nephew. I'll take care of him myself! He has a good command of multiple languages of the Ten Thousand Clans, has a talent for divine writing, and his willpower isn't weak. Just give him a little extra care..."

"No way!"

In the crowd, a middle-aged man shouted, "Even if you take care of him yourself, it won't do! If he can't pass the basic requirements, I don't care whose nephew he is!"

"Old Zhou, you're clearly trying to block me!"

"Cut the crap. There's information from Tianfeng City. Your nephew has been in a mid-level academy for five years and has mastered the basics of three languages of the Ten Thousand Clans. You call that good? Who are you fooling! If he has no talent, it's a waste of resources to bring him here. If you're so fond of him, take him home and teach him yourself!"

"You!"

"What, you think you can hit me?"

"I..."

"What 'I'? You, a junior researcher, want to challenge me, a mid-level researcher?"

"..."

The noise was deafening. Bai Feng shook his head. The entire Great Xia Civilization Academy was probably the noisiest place here.

There were those trying to pull strings, and those trying to recruit talented students from various cities in advance.

In this place, ordinary people couldn't really hold their ground.

Bai Feng didn't join the crowd but went to a less crowded window and waited for a while until it was his turn.

"Check if there have been any updates on the information about Su Yu from the Nanyuan Secondary School."

The young girl at the window blushed a little when she saw Bai Feng and quickly said, "Assistant Bai, I'll check right away."

Bai Feng smiled on the surface but thought to himself, "This girl isn't suitable. I won't come to her next time!"

What was with calling him "Assistant Bai"?

Couldn't she call him "Researcher Bai"?

"Su Yu, a student in the preparatory class of Nanyuan Secondary School, has passed the assessment in 18 languages of the Ten Thousand Clans, reached the fifth level of the Opening Origin stage, accumulated 21 merit points, recommended by Liu Wenyuan of Nanyuan, with a comprehensive score of 300 points, rated as lower-middle."

"Lower-middle, huh?"

Bai Feng nodded slightly. This was the internal rating of the Great Xia Civilization Academy, based on the recommendations from various cities. Lower-middle wasn't great, but it wasn't too bad either.

"This year's assessment, around 200 points should be enough, right?"

The girl quickly said, "This isn't certain yet, but based on previous years' records, around 200 points should be enough."

Passing the assessment in one language of the Ten Thousand Clans would give 10 points.

Reaching the first three levels of the Opening Origin stage, each level would give 10 points.

Reaching the middle three levels of the Opening Origin stage, each level would give 30 points.

Merit points, excluding those rewarded for languages of the Ten Thousand Clans, would count as 10 points for each point.

With a comprehensive score of 300 points, Su Yu had no difficulty getting admitted.

Of course, during the assessment, they wouldn't tell the students. If a student made a mistake, they would be given a second chance, which was an advantage for recommended talents from various cities, not fearing a single failure.

Under normal circumstances, reaching the third level of the Opening Origin stage and mastering 17 languages of the Ten Thousand Clans would ensure passing the assessment.

Some people with unexpected merit points would have lower requirements, mastering about 15 languages would suffice.

Or reaching the fourth level of the Opening Origin stage and mastering 14 languages would ensure passing the assessment.

So, when Su Yu mastered 18 languages and reached the third level of the Opening Origin stage, he was almost certain to pass without any accidents.

In Nanyuan, Su Yu at that time was guaranteed to pass the assessment of the Civilization Academy, and was considered a genius. However, at that time, Su Yu's rating in the Civilization Academy was low, which meant that after admission, almost no researcher would take him as a student.

Now being rated as lower-middle was pretty good.

With some luck, he might even be taken in by an assistant researcher to help out.

Bai Feng pondered for a moment and said, "Assign Su Yu under my name. Don't I still have two student slots? Give him one."

"What?"

The young girl exclaimed in surprise, doubting her ears, and quickly said, "Assistant Bai, his comprehensive score is lower-middle."

"Is there a problem?"

Bai Feng smiled, "Lower-middle isn't bad. He's recommended by Nanyuan, and Liu Wenyuan is my uncle. I can take one student, can't I?"

"It's not that..."

The girl was a bit anxious. Although a lower-middle score was decent for most, it was a waste of Bai Feng's student slot.

"Assistant Bai, before you're officially promoted, you can only have two student slots. Su Yu hasn't even enrolled yet, and with a lower-middle score, he won't be much help in your daily research..."

"Thank you, I understand. Give him the slot."

Bai Feng continued to smile. The girl was well-intentioned, but he didn't need her reminder.

"Well..."

The girl was a bit regretful, but it was Bai Feng's decision, so she had no say.

Just as she was about to process the registration, someone nearby chuckled, "Bai Feng, you're taking a student, and instead of picking from the academy, you choose a newcomer. And not just any newcomer, but one with a lower-middle score. What are you thinking?"

"This year, there are quite a few high-scoring applicants, even some with top scores."

"When the assessments are done, there might be even more."

Bai Feng turned to see who it was, frowning slightly.

He had intended to keep a low profile, finish his business, and leave, but this guy was stirring up trouble again!

"Liu Hong, what does my choice of student have to do with you?"

About five or six meters away, a young man with his arms crossed looked at him, smiling. He said, "It has nothing to do with me, but... I enjoy watching the drama!"

"If it doesn't concern you, shut up!"

Bai Feng couldn't be bothered with him and turned to the girl, "Is the registration done?"

"Yes, Assistant Bai."

"Bai Feng!"

Liu Hong called out again when he saw Bai Feng ignoring him, "Are you really taking a new student?"

"It's none of your business!"

Bai Feng was about to leave when Liu Hong frowned and said, "It may not concern me, but Bai Feng, have you considered how many people will be unhappy if you take this new student?"

Bai Feng frowned at him.

"Last year, my brother wanted to join you, but you wouldn't take him. Fine. If you didn't want to take any students or only accepted top-rated geniuses, I wouldn't mind. My brother's a failure."

"But this year, you're taking a lower-middle student. Bai Feng, what do you think my brother will feel? What will my family think?"

Bai Feng sneered, "Not my problem!"

"Bai Feng, you're right, it's not your problem," Liu Hong said seriously, "I don't mind, and it doesn't matter if my family minds. But my brother wasn't the only one who wanted to join you; there were many."

"There were even some top-rated genius students you refused to accept."

"This year, you're suddenly taking a lower-middle student. How do you think they'll feel?"

"It may not concern you, but have you considered that you're creating animosity for this new student? Others will think, why did Bai Feng refuse them but take in a mediocre student? Are they inferior to him, or what?"

Bai Feng replied coldly, "So what?"

"So nothing. It's fine if you take him. You still have one more slot. One student draws too much attention. Why not take another one?"

"Your brother?"

"No, he's already joined Researcher Hu's team. It's Wu Qi's sister, who has a mid-upper score, quite good. We didn't ask you before because you weren't interested in taking students, but now you are. Why not take two?"

"My thought... Get lost!"

Bai Feng looked impatient, "So what if she's mid-upper? So what if she's Wu Qi's sister? I'll take whoever I want!"

"As for trouble... you all can bring it on!"

Bai Feng was indifferent, disdainful. Trouble? Let them try!

"I'll take whoever I want. None of your business! Now get lost, Liu Hong. Stop trying to get close to me. Don't pull this crap on me! This isn't just for you. It's for Wu Qi and everyone else. If you want to take students, take your own. Stop eyeing mine, or I won't be polite!"

Bai Feng's voice was loud. He had planned to keep a low profile, but Liu Hong's interference had drawn a lot of attention.

Bai Feng didn't care, raising his voice, "I'll take whoever I want as a student. That's my freedom! Even if I take a cripple, as long as they can pass the exam, I'll take them! What, you think you can control me, Bai Feng?"

"Stop with the nonsense!"

Bai Feng finished and walked away. The hall fell silent for a moment, then people began whispering.

"Bai Feng is taking a student?"

"What's he thinking? He rejected so many people over the past two years. Why is he suddenly interested in taking a student now?"

"I heard Liu Wenyuan recommended him..."

"Liu Wenyuan recommended students before too, but Bai Feng never accepted any."

"Who knows? But... Bai Feng's actions today will surely cause some trouble. There are plenty of people watching him from Elder Hong's side."

"Not just Elder Hong's side. Those younger ones are keeping an eye on Bai Feng too. The competition for slots in three years... Bai Feng is definitely going to compete. And there's also the matter of becoming a full-fledged researcher. The slots are limited, and he'll be competing for that too."

An older person chuckled, "This kid's recent activities have piqued a lot of interest. Do you think people won't care about him suddenly taking on a student? Besides, Elder Hong has a lot of valuable resources. Who wouldn't be envious?"

"True enough."

Another person laughed quietly, "But it's good for entertainment. The academy's too quiet. Every ten years, there's a big stir. Seven years ago, the competition for slots caused quite a commotion. I thought we'd have to wait another year or two for some excitement, but it looks like it's starting early."

"There are only 20 slots for the entire Daxia Mansion. Our academy doesn't get many, maybe five or six. Bai Feng has strong competition. We'll see if he can hold up."

"He's at the seventh level of the Soaring Realm. He should be fine."

"Hard to say. Who can be sure? Besides, those younger ones aren't pushovers either. This year's competition might be even fiercer."

...

The crowd discussed fervently as Bai Feng left the hall.

Inside the hall, Liu Hong watched him leave, then went to the counter to get Su Yu's information.

...

A moment later, Liu Hong entered a small villa in the residential area.

"Wu Qi, Bai Feng is taking on a student this year."

In the living room, a young woman was sketching divine texts with a brush. She didn't look up and said, "Let him take on whoever he wants. What's that got to do with me?"

"He's taking on a lower-middle student. I recommended your sister, and Bai Feng told me to... get lost."

Liu Hong said softly, "This guy is more arrogant now that he's at the seventh level of the Soaring Realm."

"When has he not been arrogant?"

Wu Qi remained calm, "The only time he wasn't was a few years ago when he got beaten up by someone from the War Academy and spat blood. Otherwise, he's always been arrogant."

Wu Qi chuckled, "I'm waiting for the show. In a few years, when he reaches the ninth level of the Soaring Realm, he'll definitely go back for revenge. Hopefully, that person won't break through to the Lingyun Realm too soon, or there'll be no good show to watch."

Liu Hong hurriedly said, "It's not about the show right now. He's taking on a student. This is an opportunity! Elder Hong is elusive, and his research lab is still under Bai Feng's control. If we can get into Bai Feng's team, just the resources from the research lab would be enough to sustain us."

"Hmm?"

Wu Qi looked up, her face frosty, "Get out!"

"Wu Qi, you..."

"Get out!"

She snorted, eyes filled with disdain, "I, Wu Qi, don't need these tricks. Bai Feng is no match for me, whether it's the researcher promotion exam this year or the slot competition in three years. I... will definitely be there!"

"Liu Hong, don't try any sneaky tricks. Be careful, or you'll end up worse off!"

Liu Hong clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, "If I were really up to no good, I wouldn't have come to you! Competing for opportunities and chances, I don't care how others see it or if they know. That's all irrelevant!"

"The opportunity is right in front of me. Competing for it is my right!"

"Bai Feng controls Elder Hong's research lab. If I compete for this opportunity, even if Elder Hong finds out, he won't object. He would just accept it. If Bai Feng loses, it means I'm better than him, and that's indisputable. Wu Qi, do you think this is underhanded?"

Wu Qi looked up again, "You're right. It's your right. But... what does that have to do with me?"

"Don't you want your sister to have better resources and a brighter future?"

"That's something I'll talk to Bai Feng about. It's not your place to interfere."

"You talking to him won't help. He's stubborn. The only way is to force him to comply. You can't do it alone."

Wu Qi stared at him for a while before saying, "If you want me to lend you support, that's fine. Let me study your 'Power' divine text for three months!"

"..."

Liu Hong nearly ground his teeth to dust, "That's too much!"

"It's not. Otherwise... you can play by yourself. I'm not interested in such petty games. You're not even at the seventh level of the Soaring Realm, so you're not qualified to participate in these matters."

Liu Hong took a deep breath and quickly made up his mind, "Alright!"

Wu Qi smiled faintly, "So, what's your plan?"

"Simple. Lower Bai Feng's authority!"

"Hmm?"

"If a student fails the monthly exam three times, performs poorly in the quarterly exams, and consistently falls behind in the annual exams, Bai Feng will lose 300 merit points and have his authority downgraded by one level. In three years, he won't even be eligible to register!"

"It won't take three years. In one year, I can apply to take over Elder Hong's research lab. Bai Feng's authority will be lower than mine, and even though he's Elder Hong's student, the lab is funded by the academy. If Bai Feng loses control, no one can say anything."

"At that point, he'll have to take on new students to raise his authority rating. He'll need top-performing students! If we prepare well in advance, he'll have no choice but to accept the ones we pick, either the best or none at all. What can he do then?"

Liu Hong continued, "This is an open strategy. Bai Feng brought this on himself. He even said we could do whatever we wanted. Since that's the case, I won't hold back!"

Wu Qi glanced at him, then returned to sketching divine texts. After a while, she said, "It's a low-level plan, but it might work. You want my help to fend off Bai Feng's retaliation?"

"Yes. That guy is arrogant. If he suffers, he won't just sit still. I'm worried... he might directly attack me, seriously injure me, and force me to withdraw."

"He would do that."

Wu Qi smiled, "At least you're aware of your limitations. If I were you, I'd give up. But if you want to compete, this is indeed an opportunity. He will challenge you openly if he retaliates... How about this? If he challenges you, I'll challenge him first and injure him. How does that sound?"

"Great!"

Liu Hong was delighted. This was exactly why he sought Wu Qi's help.

As for stronger individuals, they wouldn't bother with him. Weaker ones didn't qualify.

Some from the Lingyun and Shanhai Realms were high-ranking and wouldn't interfere in their matters. Otherwise, Elder Hong wouldn't sit idly by.

"By the way, if Bai Feng's student fails repeatedly, he'll definitely take on new students to balance the rating. If my sister joins him, she'll do her best to help him raise his score. I won't let her cheat deliberately. That would ruin her future!"

"Of course!"

Liu Hong laughed, "The better your sister performs, the more resources will be allocated to her from Bai Feng's side. This will widen the gap between the two students, further lowering Bai Feng's rating. Even if your sister helps raise his score a bit, he won't be able to avoid the authority downgrade."

Wu Qi nodded slightly, agreeing with his plan.

...

As Bai Feng walked through the academy, he suddenly chuckled, "A bunch of fools! They want to lower my authority rating?"

He hadn't overheard their conversation, but he had a good guess about what Liu Hong was planning.

"There'll be a good show to watch when the time comes."

Bai Feng muttered to himself, then shook his head. Su Yu's enrollment would likely cause some trouble, but... that was fine.

Without trials, how could one become truly capable?

If the kid didn't face some suppression, how could he understand that the academy was full of talents, and that his arrival was nothing special?

"Sketching a divine text in one day... I hope Liu Hong will help pressure him properly. Otherwise, it won't be easy to handle. That idiot Liu Hong better not just serve himself up as a target."

Bai Feng shook his head with a smile, unconcerned. 

"Wu Qi, Xia Yuwen..."

Muttering a few names, Bai Feng's thoughts had already moved past Liu Hong. He didn't bother with him since Liu Hong wasn't even at the seventh level of the Soaring Realm. It was those others who were the real competition.

Even now at the seventh level of the Soaring Realm, he hadn't paid much attention to Liu Hong before, who clearly wasn't a match for him.

"Su Yu!"

Finally, Bai Feng uttered Su Yu's name, murmuring, "Kid, you better hold your own! You'd best outperform those other students. That way, I'll have a chance to be promoted early and lead a team as a full researcher..."

As an assistant researcher, he faced too many limitations, and his authority wasn't enough to access certain places.