Chapter 39: Enrolment
Editor: Yukidaruma Translations
Fang Xingjian ignored the astonishment of those present as he was short on time, and so was not able to care about such things concerning his reputation.
Therefore, he continued to act as if nothing had happened. He went into the canteen, collected the milk, salad and black bread from the kitchen helper and started eating. These were considered quite a spread for him now.
It had also been a long time since Kyle had eaten at the canteen. He collected a set of food and sat in front of Fang Xingjian. Seeing how the other party was engrossed in his food, he smiled and said,”Say… when you have practiced in the school previously, you’ve held back, haven’t you?”
Fang Xingjian did not even raise his head and replied, “Yes.”
Kyle continued to ask, “Then can you tell me what level your Grizzly Bear Sword Technique is at now?”
After this issue, everyone would definitely gradually learn the truth, and Fang Xingjian had no intention of hiding it. He answered straightforwardly, “Level 15. I’ve perfected it.”
Pssst. Kyle took in a sharp breath of cold air. What was the concept of someone having reached level 15 in the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique? This was a genius amongst geniuses, and in the Empire, only one would appear in decades or even centuries. He had never expected to encounter such a person.
Kyle said, “It’s no wonder. With your talent, the Regional Selection would be no problem for you. However, you must still be careful during the National Selection.”
Fang Xingjian had not that even thought that with the talent he had displayed, Kyle would still warn him to be careful during the National Selection. He asked in surprise, “Is the National Selection so tough?”
Kyle shook his head and replied bitterly, “Do you know how many people in the Empire have been training without a sense of day or night? Thousands of people enters the Prefectural Selection and ten of them are chosen to be Knights; about one to two hundred Knights enters the Regional Selection, and the top ten are chosen again.
“And even if those who passed the Regional Selection are not comparable to you, the difference wouldn’t be too big.
“There are even old monsters who have been training for decades or centuries, freaks whose talent are no weaker than yours, and aristocrats from reputable backgrounds with access to resources that are hundreds or thousands of times more than yours.
Putting these people together to compete for the top ten spots, how intense do you think the competition would be? Moreover, the National Selection is held only once every three years, but only the top ten are selected. There are many strong people who are left behind to compete in the next National Selection.”
Kyle sighed and said, “That is the stage which belongs to the people at the pinnacle of each generation.”
Fang Xingjian nodded and finished the last bit of his bread, before he raised his head and said, “I’ll be attending Kirst Royal Knight Academy and will probably not be able to continue helping out with the matters in The School of Sword Arts.”
What rubbish are you talking about? After going there, how could you still bother yourself with the insignificant work here?” Kyle grinned and said, “I had thought of pulling you to join The School of Sword Arts, but never thought that you would suddenly soar up into the skies, progressing even faster than I’d imagined.”
Fang Xingjian said seriously, “No matter what, you are the one who brought me true enlightenment on my path of swordsmanship. I’m very thankful.”
“Why are you being so serious?” Kyle made nothing of it and said, “You paid the money, I teach you stuff, it’s just so simple. Hehe, do you know that I accept tens of students each year, but there are less than five who still come back to visit me?”
“That’s true.” Fang Xingjian said, “Then I’ll be taking my leave.”
“Don’t forget to report at the academy tomorrow.”
Kyle looked at Fang Xingjian’s departing back view, inclined his head and thought to himself, ‘I keep getting the feeling that something’s off about this guy’s character.’
Half an hour later, another member of staff from the Royal Academy came to The School of Sword Arts to look for Kyle.
…
Kirst Royal Academy, archives.
Huang Lin looked at the record in his hands and a hint of a smile broke out on his face. Written on the record was all sorts of information related to Fang Xingjian, all the way from half a year ago. Even the period where he was recovering from his injuries in the fishing village was recorded.
‘Mysterious background?’ Huang Lin was indifferent to this. ‘But the world of the Empire is vast and His Majesty’s generosity is as vast as the mountains and seas, such that he would even take in demons from another dimension. While I’m not comparable to His Majesty, why would I not be willing to accept a genius with an unknown background?
‘To be able to bring the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique to level 15 in only half a year’s time, and it might be possible that level 15 is not his limit yet.’
An unfathomable smile hung on Huang Lin’s face. At the same time, he sealed up the record and switched it with a file he had prepared earlier which indicated a clean background.
The academy would collect the records of everyone who had passed the Prefectural Selection each year and submit it to the Royal Knight Association for their recording. If there was anything suspicious, weird, or if the association felt that something was off, the Empire’s higher management would order for a secret investigation to be conducted.
However, Huang Lin knew that should Fang Xingjian’s situation be reported, what awaited him would be the various aggressive and ferocious wide-opened mouths, as well as the greedy gazes. Coming from the point of one who valued talent, he chose to keep Fang Xingjian’s distinguished talents a secret for now.
‘To reach level 15 in half a year’s time, it really is too attention-attracting. How many Dong Fangling will there be in the world?’ Huang Lin thought to himself.
At that moment, a figure entered the archives and stopped before Huang Lin.
“Lord, the task is completed. I’ve given Kyle a reminder. He’s not likely to be too meddlesome.”
“Mmm, so long as the people in the Imperial Capital have not noticed anything, I’m still able to handle Kirst’s aristocrats.”
…
The next day, Fang Xingjian had his breakfast at The School of Sword Arts and reported at Kirst Royal Knight Academy. Although he was despised by the guards due to his clothes, after he reported his name, their gazes had turned into those of fawning.
“Lord Fang Xingjian, this will be the classroom where you guys will be gathering at.” One of the guards obligingly brought Fang Xingjian into a classroom.
Fang Xingjian gave a casual glance and discovered that he was the last one to arrive. The other nine Knights were already seated in the classroom.
Coming from the aristocratic clans in the city, Kaunitz, Fei Yang Knight Academy’s Barbara, and Aristocrat Knight Academy’s Ferdinand were naturally seated together.
Behind them, tenth place Carter and eighth place Zhou Nan were like attendants.
Amongst the top ten places in the Prefectural Selection, those from the aristocratic clans had taken up five spots. This obviously showed the powers of the Empire’s aristocrats.
Shadow Moon Academy’s Boris sat alone in a corner. Other than Robert, he was the only one who had belonged to a faction which specialised in bare-handed martial arts. After all, the Empire’s major factions rarely sent their most outstanding inheritors to the Empire.
City Guards Institution’s Jack and the unaffiliated Anthony were considered commoners who rose by their own efforts.
As for the previous head of Tyrant Fist Dojo, Robert, he was seated with both legs on the table. When he saw Fang Xingjian, he revealed his teeth to him, showing a challenging smile. It was obvious that he was extremely pissed off that Fang Xingjian had clinched the Prefectural Champion this time around.
Seeing Fang Xingjian’s appearance, fire lit up in Kaunitz’s eyes, as if he wished to tear the other party into pieces.
The others’ gazes were all filled with curiosity and guard. Most of them had received the news that the other party could defeat Kaunitz in one blow and was someone with powers they should not be holding in contempt.
Jack from the City Guards Institution laughed out and waved at Fang Xingjian. Fang Xingjian also naturally walked over and sat down.
Jack was a man about 30 years of age, with a full beard. He greeted Fang Xingjian passionately after he had sat down, “You must be Fang Xingjian, right? My boss Hogan has mentioned your name quite a few times these past few days.
“My name is Jack, haha, after participating in the Prefectural Selections for six consecutive years, I’ve finally got in.”
He then pointed at Anthony and said, “This is Anthony from Uranlis.”
Chapter 40: Goal
Editor: Yukidaruma Translations
Jack said, “Anthony has been touring Uranlis and only returned this past month to enter the Prefectural Selection.”
Uranlis? Traces of killing intent flashed intensely in Fang Xingjian’s eyes. Was Uranlis not the country that the Mage Association governed, and was it not also the country that currently allied with the five great nations of Earth, exchanging resources and skills?
And was the Black Mage King not one of the three greatest Mage Kings, the true ruler behind Uranlis’ governing body?
Therefore once he heard the news, Fang Xingjian took his own initiative to shake hands with Anthony as he introduced himself, “Hi, my name is Fang Xingjian.”
Anthony replied in a friendly manner, “During this year’s Prefectural Selection, your name and reputation were like the sounds of thunder piercing the ears. Please take care of me in the future.”
Fang Xingjian asked, “You just returned?”
“Yup, I was in Uranlis before I arrived here.”
Fang Xingjian made small talk with Anthony for two to three sentences, and he nonchalantly asked, “I heard that the Black Mage King of the Mage Association just accepted a disciple?”
“Mhm, yeah. I just received this news recently. The new disciple seems to be a commoner, and no one has ever seen him before. However, since he could become the Black Mage King’s disciple, he’s really incomparably lucky.” He was different from those in the Empire who had their own perceptions towards Uranlis. As someone who had lived there before, Anthony was clearly more rational. “You all better not think that all these Mages are all swindlers, using illusion techniques and sleight of hand magicians.
“In reality, the Mage Association in Uranlis is exceptionally powerful. The three Mage Kings, especially, are much stronger than even the majority of the other countries’ Knights.” In his speech, he was already conservative in his estimate of the power of the Mage Kings.
“Even more terrifying than the Knights of other countries?” Jack, who was a City Guard asked. “Are you serious? In the amount of time it takes them to channel and cast their spells, our Knights can already chop and slash them more than seven to eight times, right?”
“It’s not that simple.” Anthony shook his head, but he didn’t provide any further explanation. Evidently, he had already met many people like Jack who had underestimated the Mages.
Fang Xingjian was not really sure about this as well. Originally, when considering the magic prints of Demonic City, Mages would always be ranked above Knights and Warriors. However, after cultivating for half a year in the Empire, he discovered that the four paths: Nurturing, Training, Amassing, and Killing were all extremely profound. Their might surpassed those of the magic prints.
So were the Empire’s Knights stronger or were the Mages of Uranlis stronger? He had no way to verify this.
However, he continued asking, “I wonder what sort of person the disciple of the Black Mage King is?”
Anthony replied, “I’m not very certain about this, but I heard that this disciple seems to have originated from the western regions.” After completing this sentence, he cast a glance at Fang Xingjian because his physical features, yellow-skinned and black hair, also indicated that he had a bloodline from the western regions.
After hearing this answer, Fang Xingjian had already understood. Somehow, during the competition to become the Mage King’s disciple, Fang Clan had obtained victory in the end. Fang Xingchen had become the disciple of the Mage King, but Fang Xingjian simply did not know what or how great the price Li Shuanghua had paid.
Afterwards, Fang Xingjian continued chatting with Anthony. Mainly, he wanted to enquire about Uranlis’ current situation.
Approximately ten minutes later, instructor Dick walked in and glanced at those who were present as his gaze slightly lingered for a moment on Fang Xingjian. Because Fang Xingjian obtained the position of Prefectural Champion this time around, it had caused him to lose his bet with Hogan. It could even be said that he had lost both the bet and his pride.
Although he understood that he should not blame Fang Xingjian, in the end, a hint of malice still entered his eyes every time he glanced at Fang Xingjian. In particular, Fang Xingjian was not a noble; rather, he was just a commoner and a vagrant.
Lightly coughing, Dick spoke. “Everyone, from now on, you will all be formal students of Kirst Royal Knight Academy as Knights of the Empire.
“Today is the first day of your lessons. We have many missions here, but first, your Knight attire and medallions.” After he spoke, he clapped his hands as some attendants brought over Knight attires, the Empire’s medallions, as well as sets of data.
After seeing the brand new attires placed in front of them, many students in the crowd had expressions of slight eagerness on their faces. Even Kaunitz and the others were all extremely excited as they saw their Knight attire.
Dick continued speaking, “A Knight attire is made from materials obtained from Fire Kirins and had the added effect of expansion and contraction. Size doesn’t matter here, so all of you can just directly put it on.”
Jack, who was beside Fang Xingjian, dumbly stared at the Knight attire as he continually used his hands to stroke the scales of the attire. “A Knight attire, this is a real set of a Knight attire, and I’m finally able to put them on.”
Dick continued, “As for the Knight’s medallion, it represents your identity. You can use it to enjoy the benefits of a Knight, and it is also your pass to enter the academy. Only with this medallion will you be able to enter or exit a majority of the places within the academy.
“Next, the following materials are required for you students to take note of.”
Fang Xingjian picked up the medallion from the box as he played around with it. There was a tiny bronze-colored sword with many small-sized rune-like characters engraved on it. Fang Xingjian knew that these should be the secret data that’s used to determined one’s identity.
These medallions were created by the Royal Knight Association. Not only were the materials difficult to fake, the secret data was also one of a kind. It could be said that each and every medallion ever given out by the association could be easily traced, and there was absolutely no way to counterfeit it.
He used a string to thread the gap between the coupling links of the tiny sword as he hung the medallion around his neck.
Fang Xingjian then glanced at the nearby stacked documents regarding the information to take note again. These documents told the new students about things in the academy where one needed to pay attention to. For example, students were not allowed to participate in life and death battles, and students were not allowed to enter or exit on their own. There was also a map, which showed locations of the canteen, library, reef, their dormitories, et cetera.
Naturally, some of the documents also showed some of the benefits and preferential treatment that they would be able to enjoy based on their identity as Knights. As the champion of the Prefectural Selection, Fang Xingjian naturally would be able to enjoy the highest degree of preferential treatment, as well as to obtain the most benefits. As for this, Fang Xingjian merely roughly glossed over it without reading it in much detail.
Dick continued speaking, “Remember this, passing the Prefectural Selection and becoming a Knight is only the first step of your ten thousand mile long journey. If people who are proud just because of their results from the Prefectural Selection and don’t improve, I will personally report this matter up to our academy’s higher management and expel them from this place.”
When he spoke, both of his eyes continuously stared at Fang Xingjian, as though he were referring to him.
Afterwards, he shifted the direction of his speech, as he added, “The ten of you are considered this year’s batch of Knights, and you belong to the Class 256. Our academy was founded two hundred and fifty-six years ago, so there are already a total of two hundred and fifty-six classes, including your batch.
“Currently, there are a total of eight classes that are active within the academy, and I am the instructor in charge of your class.
“There will be a monthly competition between different classes, and based on the results, punishments will be distributed to the class in last place.”
After observing the crowd’s nonchalant expressions reflected in their faces, Dick coldly smiled as he stated, “Don’t assume the punishment is very easy. I can guarantee that none of you will like it.”
He then continued, “However, as you all are new students, you all have a buffer of three months before you need to enroll in the competition. And within these three months, the first mission you have to accomplish is to complete your first transition.
“And in the following month, the various profession lessons as well as physical training, qualities development, specialized training will all be preparation for your first transition. The choice of your profession will determine the development of your entire lives. I hope you all will take this seriously.
“A month later, there won’t be any lessons planned for all of you. Manage your own time and target, and all of you have to complete your first transition within the last two months.”
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone 
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