Chapter 4304 — A Guide to Passing the Selection
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 2
And even if one met the first two selection conditions, whether one was ultimately admitted would still hinge on the third stage. There was only one chance to perform, and a single lackluster showing would make all the rest worthless.
"That much is inevitable. No selection method can ever be truly flawless, and it is bound to happen that some fine pearl is left in the deep—yet only this approach can balance efficiency with result," Wei Zhao said with an indifferent smile from the side.
"But if fine pearls are left in the deep, would that not run counter to their own intent? What a pity that would be..." Huang Xiaotao still found it hard to understand. In her mind, if they had gone to such great lengths and mobilized such a show of force, they must surely intend to gather every genius within their fold by every possible means. If a talent were to slip through their fingers, would they not regret it endlessly?
"Heh, that is not quite so. Their academy's admission quota must be strictly limited. Say there are a hundred geniuses present—they will take sixty of them at most, and that is enough. As for the remaining forty, one can only say that fortune has no such destiny in store for them." Wei Zhao chuckled, then explained more bluntly still: "Put simply, the Morning Star Academy's name is known far and wide, and they have no fear whatsoever of failing to recruit genius disciples. Since all those they can recruit are geniuses, why would they regret the geniuses they miss?"
"Oh, so that is how it is." Only then did Huang Xiaotao realize, and she understood that she had merely been thinking like an ordinary person. Geniuses were rare in the eyes of ordinary folk, but to these people of the Morning Star Academy, such a sight had likely long since become commonplace.
"Very well, the selection begins now. Cultivators who hold the number one test token may come forward," Academy Head Ling Yuanqing announced in a clear voice. At the same time, in the open ground before the high platform, the academy's experts charged with examination had all taken their positions in succession. Those who passed the first two thresholds smoothly would reach the miniature assessment formation and undergo the final stage of testing.
Among the crowd on the periphery, one cultivator rose at the call, test token number one in hand, and walked toward the front. Though outwardly he looked full of vigor, his steps were stiff. Under the gaze of so many eyes, he was plainly a touch too nervous.
The rest, who had not yet had their turn, sat where they were and watched, discussing the proceedings among themselves all the while. Some were excited, some nervous; some itched to try, others fretted with unease—every manner of human state was on display, each different from the next.
Wei Zhao and Huang Xiaotao sat within the crowd. At this moment their hearts, like those of so many others, were stirred with excitement. After all, the Eastern Continent had gathered so many fine experts here, and especially so, as Ling Yuanqing had said before—if one could pass the selection and join the Morning Star Academy, it meant a future bright beyond measure.
Given the natural endowments of the two of them, not only the Nascent Soul Stage but even the higher Xuan Sheng Stage was likely no vain hope. Such a prospect, placed before anyone at all, would set the heart pounding beyond restraint.
Wei Zhao's heart was stirred, and beside him Huang Xiaotao, holding his hand, was likewise moved—she could not even keep from trembling faintly, showing plainly how inexplicably excited she was.
"Xiaotao, do you want to go to the Eastern Continent?" Wei Zhao suddenly asked.
"I..." Huang Xiaotao was about to nod on instinct, but then she thought it over and said, "I want to be with you. Wherever you go, I will go."
"Heh, and what if I do not go to the Eastern Continent?" Wei Zhao could not help laughing.