Chapter 56: Monthly Exam
Chapter 56: Monthly Exam
After leaving the dormitory, Shu Han and Shen Shao returned to the Zealous Heart Society, where many members were waiting for them.
Upon seeing everyone, Shu Han shared his encounter with Chen Chuan, explaining that Chen Chuan hadn't faced any threats and had voluntarily given up the Mystic Form Technique due to his own decision. The members were taken aback, but they also felt a sense of frustration at Chen Chuan's lack of ambition.
An experienced member spoke up gravely, "This matter cannot be left unresolved. As seniors, we cannot stand by and watch him squander his talent. It is our responsibility and duty to guide him back onto the right path."
Another member expressed surprise, "This junior has only been in school for about half a month, right? To be able to defeat Shu Han, his talent must be truly exceptional."
"This shows that his physical qualities are excellent, and his abilities are outstanding. That's why he could accomplish such a feat without any prior training in Vital Force Techniques. Alas, such talent is not far off from what we seniors had. How could he just give up like this? What a waste! If he were willing to accept the Mystic Form Technique, I can't even imagine the heights he could reach."
The members unanimously agreed that someone with such talent was naturally suited for cultivating the Mystic Form Technique, just like the seniors back then. How could they let such talent go to waste? They had to find a way to persuade him to change his mind.
However, someone raised a crucial question, "But what can we do if he's unwilling?"
"He doesn't yet understand the responsibilities he bears. Why don't we invite him out for a talk? We can explain things to him, and he should understand," suggested an older student.
"But will he come? From what Shu Han said, he seems to hide in his dormitory all day, training without going out much. In the current situation, I doubt we'll even see him if we go to the dormitory."
Although students were not allowed to bring food into the dormitory, this rule only applied to students and not the instructors. Theoretically, if Chen Chuan refused to come out, he could stay there indefinitely, and as long as they informed the dormitory manager, they would be barred from entering.
"He can't stay in the dormitory forever; there will be opportunities," someone said.
"I think we can do this..." suggested a member, "The monthly exam is approaching. He'll have to come out then, and perhaps we can talk to him at that time."
A core member thought it over carefully and said, "That's a feasible idea. I'll go and speak to the teachers above to arrange this. We can't let him continue being so willful."
"But what if he still refuses to listen after we talk to him?"
"Then we'll explain the ways of fighters to him," a voice chimed in.
The members turned to see a tall student standing at the door, and they quickly greeted him with titles like "Senior" and "Vice President."
The tall student walked over and said slowly, "He's new to the school and hasn't seen much yet. Once he realizes that there are differences in strength, he'll correct his thinking."
Inside the dormitory, Chen Chuan was completely immersed in his training. During the day, he practiced Correct Free Fighting stances while using drugs and the Inhalation and Exhalation Technique. At night, he honed his breathing technique, simultaneously using his Second Self to remove the burdens and damages caused by the drugs, stances, and breathing technique.
With such relentless training, he didn't even notice the passing of time. When Cheng Zitong told him to take a break, he realized it was already the end of the month.
Cheng Zitong, seeing Chen Chuan's reluctance to stop, smiled and said, "You're a diligent student, but there's no need to rush. You've only been here for a month, and there's still a whole semester ahead. Take it easy. It's already the end of the month, and every student has to take the monthly exam. The instructors will be present, and I'll take you there tomorrow."
Chen Chuan asked, "Teacher, what's the content of this monthly exam?"
Cheng Zitong explained, "The monthly exam usually involves instructors setting questions for each other's students. I haven't been an instructor for long, so I'm not very familiar with the specific process. But it's not a problem. The teachers in the school will give me some face, and with your strength, it shouldn't be difficult."
Chen Chuan nodded to indicate his understanding. Shu Han had mentioned the same thing when they first met; the monthly exam was primarily to prevent students from becoming too lax.
There was indeed nothing to worry about regarding the monthly exam. Even if someone tried to make things difficult, it wouldn't matter much. Failing the exam wouldn't result in demotion, as only the midterm and final exams were crucial.
And because the guiding teachers were setting questions for each other, if someone deliberately made things difficult for their own student, they would have to be careful that their student wouldn't face the same treatment from others. Such an act would be counterproductive and not very meaningful, so the guiding teachers generally had an unspoken agreement.
He asked, "Do we know what time it is tomorrow?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. It shouldn't take too long."
At the same time, in the Flower Villas of North Peak Estate, on the grassy lawn beneath the shade of trees, several painters were working on portraits of members and core members of the Mutual Aid Society. Attendants carried trays, delivering drinks, fruits, and snacks, while someone nearby played a melodious violin.
One of the attendants approached Jiang Xuelong, bowed slightly, and whispered a few words in his ear. Jiang Xuelong raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh? Does the Zealous Heart Society intend to persuade him?"
Although both of them spoke in low voices, the people present had excellent physical conditions and could more or less hear what was said. One of them took a drink from the passing attendant's tray, took a sip, and walked over. He sat down and said, "Brother Jiang, is the news about him not choosing the Mystic Form Technique accurate? It might just be a play they're putting on themselves."
Someone else chimed in, "It's accurate. The Mystic Form Technique has its own uniqueness. After choosing it, one must go to the Execution Office and the Principal's Office to register. But Gao Ping and Cheng Zitong didn't go there, so it's definitely not the Mystic Form Technique. You should know that privately teaching a Power Technique is also against the Academy's rules; they wouldn't do that."
Another person said, "That day, he rejected Yu Ruizhi's offer. I thought he would be like that guy from a few years ago and choose to learn the Mystic Form Technique. I never expected this. He's quite sensible."
The recommended student who had spoken first said, "Perhaps it's because he heard about what happened two years ago that he doesn't dare to choose it? But..." He put down his cup and said, "Brother Jiang, if the Zealous Heart Society asks him to choose, do you think he'll accept?"
Jiang Xuelong smiled and said, "We'll know the result once tomorrow's performance begins."
The next day, Chen Chuan stepped out of the dormitory building in his student uniform. The sun was bright, and a chorus of bird songs echoed over Chunqiu Lake.
After a short wait, Cheng Zitong's car arrived. Chen Chuan walked over, opened the door, and got in. Cheng Zitong said, "There are so many birds chirping today. It doesn't usually get this noisy. Did it affect you?"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Students are very focused during training. Usually, outside noises don't affect them."
"That's good," Cheng Zitong replied.
Cheng Zitong started the car and drove away from the dormitory building, heading towards the south side of the school. He said, "I've decided. Teacher Nicole Ni will be your monthly exam proctor.
I've known Teacher Nicole for a long time. Don't be fooled by her constant smile; she's a mysterious person who's hard to figure out. So, you should be extra cautious."
"Yes, Teacher," Chen Chuan replied.
The car arrived at a training hall surrounded by lush greenery. The area was quite spacious, and besides the training hall, there was also a small library nearby.
Both of them got out of the car, and Cheng Zitong led Chen Chuan inside. As they entered, a young woman with a high ponytail, a tall and slender figure, and powerful legs approached them. She greeted them, "Brother Cheng."
Cheng Zitong said, "Ah, Assistant Qiu. Where's your teacher?"
Assistant Qiu replied, "The teacher just got up and is getting ready..." She glanced at Chen Chuan, "Is this your student, Brother Cheng? Should we let him take the exam first?"
Cheng Zitong hesitated, and Chen Chuan said, "Teacher Cheng, you have other matters to attend to. I'll go take the exam first."
Cheng Zitong thought for a moment and patted his shoulder, "Alright."
"Don't worry, Teacher," Chen Chuan assured him.
Assistant Qiu gestured towards the right corridor and said, "This way." She led the way, with Chen Chuan following her. After turning two corners, they arrived at a corridor lined with greenery on both sides. At the end, Assistant Qiu pushed open a pair of doors, and Chen Chuan followed her inside.
To his surprise, he found nearly twenty senior students either sitting or standing inside. Some wore student uniforms, while others were dressed in the school's training attire. They all silently observed him.
Assistant Qiu said, "This is your exam. No matter what method you use to make them give up or find a way to get out, you'll pass." Then, she walked to the side, hugged her arms, and leaned against the wall.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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