Chapter 68: Dueling Method

When Chen Mobai and Song Zheng returned, all the classmates looked at them in surprise.

Song Zheng's arrogance was well-known in the class. When Yan Bingxuan was around, the two would often clash. After Yan Bingxuan dropped out, Song Zheng became a solitary figure, generally ignoring everyone in the class.

"Alright, we've been waiting for you two. Take your seats."

On the podium, the homeroom teacher, Chai Deyun, saw Chen Mobai and Song Zheng and gestured for them to return to their seats.

"I have a piece of good news and a piece of bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

Perhaps seeing that his students were about to leave, the usually serious Chai Deyun showed a rare moment of humor.

"Good news!!"

The students said in unison.

"This year, the top ten academies are expanding their enrollment, lowering the admission score threshold. If you're lucky, even those at the sixth level of Qi cultivation might be admitted."

When Chai Deyun finished speaking, half the class began to cheer, but Lu Hongsheng, who was next to Chen Mobai, looked dejected. He was at the fifth level of Qi cultivation, and even with the expanded enrollment, it didn't matter much to him.

"Good news is over, now for the bad news."

At this point, Chai Deyun spoke again, and everyone in the class looked up at him. He cleared his throat.

"The entrance exam content for the four major Daoist academies and the top ten academies was sent to all high schools the day before yesterday. For students who have been focusing on cultivation, it might be a bit challenging. I didn't tell you earlier to avoid affecting your college entrance exam mindset. Now, I'll inform you."

Upon hearing this, most of the students became anxious, including Song Zheng and Chen Mobai.

"The theme is two words: Dueling Method!"

"It's a test of your magical cultivation. Each person will not use magical artifacts, elixirs, or formations, and will rely solely on their magical abilities to battle. Students who advance will be evaluated by representatives from the four major Daoist academies and the top ten academies."

"However, the specific order of duels and rules will be announced after the score thresholds are set and the venue at Danzhu Academy is prepared. It's possible that applicants to the four major Daoist academies and the top ten academies will be divided based on their scores for the duels."

After hearing Chai Deyun's words, everyone was stunned.

Dueling Method!?

It seemed that such a straightforward and brutal entrance exam hadn't been seen in nearly a century. Were they selecting students with outstanding combat talent?

"Is a major war about to begin?"

Song Zheng muttered to himself, but his eyes soon lit up. He had learned from Ding Jinglue and was particularly skilled in magical cultivation, even defeating Yan Bingxuan.

If it really was a dueling method, then his entry into his desired academy was almost guaranteed.

If the score threshold was high enough, even the four major Daoist academies might be within reach.

"Teacher, can talismans be used during the dueling method?"

Chen Mobai suddenly raised his hand and asked a question.

"In theory, talismans are solidified magic and fall within the scope of the dueling method. However, if they can be used, it would be too advantageous for students from wealthy families with long traditions. I believe they will be prohibited. The specifics will be announced by Danzhu Academy."

Chai Deyun hesitated for a moment before answering.

His words aligned with Chen Mobai's thoughts.

Talismans were classified under the magical arts by the Immortal Sects, but since they required very little spiritual energy and no preparation time, if they could be used without restriction, it would essentially guarantee admission for the wealthy.

Next, Chai Deyun answered a few more questions from the students and then looked at the 49 familiar faces below with a sense of nostalgia.

"Although I wish I could accompany you all the way, the journey must come to an end. From now on, you must walk your own path."

After saying this, Chai Deyun announced the last class dismissal.

He then turned and walked towards the door, trying to suppress the emotions welling up inside him.

"Stand up!"

As soon as the class president spoke, all the students stood up and bowed deeply to their homeroom teacher, who had accompanied them for three years.

Chai Deyun's steps paused, but he quickly left the classroom, not wanting to let his emotions affect the students.

Chen Mobai felt a strong emotion rise in his heart. After closing his eyes to cultivate his mind and spirit, he discovered that his spiritual awareness had increased by one-tenth. He finally understood why a great enlightenment could elevate the soul.

Every strong emotion would drive their growth.

No wonder TV dramas often show cultivators, whether male or female, entering the mortal world to temper their hearts when they hit a bottleneck. This was indeed a method of breakthrough. Of course, it was also possible to fall into complete despair and have their hearts shattered.

"Let's all have a farewell dinner. How about the day after tomorrow?"

At this moment, the class president, Mo Simin, stood up and shouted to the whole class. Most people cheered, while a few with social anxiety hesitated but did not refuse.

"Old Chen, come with us. We're about to go our separate ways, and who knows when we'll meet again."

Lu Hongsheng came over, being a person who enjoyed lively gatherings. Seeing that Chen Mobai didn't respond, he immediately began to persuade him.

The two beauties, Pu Jiangxue and Yu Shu, from the front row also came over to persuade him.

Chen Mobai thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

On the other side, Song Zheng flatly refused. He wanted to use this time to cultivate a powerful magical technique.

In the end, his resolve was still stronger.

Chen Mobai watched Song Zheng stand up and leave with a wry smile.

Actually, he wasn't low in emotional intelligence; it's just that being emotionally intelligent would mean compromising himself to please others. So, he usually expressed his thoughts directly, like when he first went to eat grilled fish with Qingnu.

For cultivators, a clear mind is essential to avoid the source of heart demons.

If one harbors many grievances, it would definitely hinder their future breakthroughs, even leading to a shattered heart.

"I'll leave first. When you've decided, just let me know the time and place."

Chen Mobai told Lu Hongsheng and then stood up to leave. The latter opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but for some reason, he remembered the scene of Song Zheng and himself entering the classroom together. He vaguely understood something and finally nodded silently.

After returning home, Chen Mobai searched for information about dueling methods in the Immortal Sects' entrance exams.

Sixty-nine years ago, Wangwu Cave Heaven held a dueling method entrance exam.

The ultimate winner was a student from a military family.

After all, dueling is essentially fighting.

And the best fighters are soldiers. Although the Immortal Sects' military hasn't had any major battles in the past century, the tradition of martial arts and dueling has always been strong. Constant practice and sparring would definitely make one skilled in dueling.

Chen Mobai also found a news article interviewing the winner.

"If you want to be skilled in dueling, practical combat is the most important. Three years of cultivation are not as effective as three months of military training. You only see my victory, but you don't see the countless scars I've accumulated from constant training and healing since childhood."

The name of the winner, Lan Haitian, was known to Chen Mobai.