Bab 37: Final Year Examination (1)
Mo Bei was standing in the academy grounds, taken aback. He had just gotten out of a week-long seclusion in the Mo family manor, and heard the news of increased wolf activities. He thought that it was only natural, but it didn't happen in the novel before the end of the year, causing him to reflect on his actions.
'Did my unceasing boar hunts in the forest caused the boars to be unable to fight off the wolves, thus allowing the beast tide to appear earlier than expected?', Mo Bei asked himself
However, he quickly shook his head. He was not the only reincarnated individual in this world. He had heard from his grandfather about a Xiong clan genius from the younger generation called Xiong Liang, having mastered several strength path Gu despite still being in the Xiong academy, similar to him. As for the Bai Clan, he had not heard of any otherworldly presence, but the mere appearance of Bai Ning Bing who possessed the Northern Dark Ice Soul Physique made the Bai clan a terrifying foe. Rumours had it she had already reached rank 2 initial stage.
Mo Bei knew that he would need to kill her if he ever wanted to survive on the long run in the mountains.
Gu Yue Bo, the esteemed leader of the Gu Yue Clan, stood tall on the grand stage in front of his students and fellow clan members. The tension in the air was palpable, as whispers and murmurs echoed throughout the crowd.
"My fellow Gu Masters, today I come to you with grave news," Gu Yue Bo began, his voice stern and unwavering. "We have received reports of increased wolf activities in our territory. This could mean only one thing - a wolf tide is coming."
The audience gasped in shock and fear. Wolf tides were infamous events that brought death and destruction to the people of the Qing Mao Mountains. The last time a wolf tide had occurred, many had lost their lives.
'As expected, the wolf tide happened earlier', Mo Bei analysed
"As the leader of this clan, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people," Gu Yue Bo continued. "Therefore, I have made the decision to advance the date of graduation for our students. They will compete against each other in a tournament, showcasing their skills and abilities to the clan elders and fellow Gu Masters."
Many had come to the tournament. There was naturally family members of the students, villagers who wanted to take a look at the future talents who would fight for the clan, but there was also an unprecedented number of Gu Masters attending this event. Perhaps, this was the only moment in the year where there would be so many Gu Masters gathered at the same place.
The tournament served two purposes: Allow the students to compete among each other so that the academy could reward the strongest and select those who would not graduate from the academy in this final test, and allow the Gu Masters who attended the tournament to select new seedlings for their hunting parties.
It was, after all, very common for hunting parties to lose one member due to an injury, or worse still, a death casualty. When it comes to seeking replacement, it was often better to take a talented graduating student rather than some old Gu Master who did not show progress over a span of decades.
The announcement was met with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. On one hand, the students had been looking forward to their graduation and the opportunity to become full-fledged Gu Masters. On the other hand, the prospect of facing a potential wolf tide was daunting.
"The tournament will determine who among our students will be selected to join the hunting parties that will defend our territory against the impending wolf tide," Gu Yue Bo declared. "I have faith in each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and prove your worth."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, inspired by their leader's words. The students stood tall, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"As Gu Masters, we are called upon to protect our people and our land. Let us do so with honor, courage, and skill," Gu Yue Bo concluded, his voice ringing out across the gathering. "May the best among you rise to the top, and may the Gu Yue Clan emerge victorious in the face of this wolf tide!"
Following his speech, the whole crowd was in ecstasy.
However, Gu Yue Bo had not finished: "But first, let us hold an evaluation test to show you all how talented this year's batch is. I will also award the strongest student with the highest cultivation with a Gu worm of his choice from my personal assets as long as it is rank 1, a [Little Light Gu] worm for the second most talented and 100 primeval stones for the third place!"
Mo Bei smirked in his mind, knowing what Gu Yue Bo was thinking about. By letting the choice free, he would give the illusion that the Fang Zheng would choose a Gu worm he had his eyes on, whereas in reality, he had probably been suggested to choose the [Jade Skin Gu] by his master in secret. It was, after all, one of the strongest defensive Gu worms among the rank 1, and there were several famous recipes for rank 2 defensive Gu worms, all of them being top-tier rank 2 Gu.
The [Little Light Gu] was definitely worth a lot of primeval stones, roughly 200 in those times, but its value could not compare to the Jade Skin Gu.
Gu Yue Bo then announced the rewards for the tournament: "The winner will earn 500 primeval stones, and the second place will earn 300 primeval stones. The third place will earn 200 primeval stones, while the fourth place will earn 100 stones. Good luck!"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone