No Money To Cultivate Immortality? Chapter 569: What Use Are We Judges Then? - Novel Cool

Chapter 569: What Use Are We Judges Then?

Xianyin God understood well—this Design Competition wasn’t just a contest for Wanfa University students. It drew in talent from the Top Ten universities, along with dozens of mid-tier and lower-tier schools: Hua Shen disciples, elite prodigies nurtured by various institutions, heirs of corporate giants, and even newly signed apprentices of Yuan Ying Immortals from the Top Ten. All of them were vying for one of the ten coveted Military Licenses.

Even Wanfa University’s own alchemy prodigies—Ye Xingli, Bei Wu Feng, Yan Qianji—hadn’t managed to claim first place in past competitions.

"Ciji might be powerful," Xianyin God mused, "but she can't possibly dominate over so many schools single-handedly."

"Besides, pushing so hard like this will only stir resentment among the other schools’ judges."

"Come on, at least pretend to be subtle. Raising the Design Level this high is just asking for trouble."

He shook his head. As a professor in Wanfa University’s Alchemy Department, he’d naturally give Zhang Yu a Top Ten evaluation. But how the other judges chose? That was beyond his control.

After finishing his review of Zhang Yu’s Design Diagram, Xianyin God turned his attention to the other entries.

First, the works from Hua Shen disciples. He nodded approvingly. No wonder—masters produce outstanding disciples. Each of these has the potential to reach Top Ten level.

"Especially this one from Tianmo University—the Ghost God Craft. So much originality, so many brilliant ideas. Definitely first-place material."

Then came the entries from the heirs of corporate titans. He couldn’t help but admire their depth. Each design bore the unmistakable flair of Upper-Level innovation—fresh, bold, utterly unique.

"Ah? This one from Youming University—Zangxing Ye. Solid foundation. Judging by the work, he’s not only completed every course at Youming University, but has also studied textbooks from other schools. This one could easily place in the top three."

Next, the new apprentices of Yuan Ying Immortals from the Top Ten universities.

"The number of entries is noticeably lower this year," he noted. "And the quality? Average at best. Did none of them even bother to look at reference materials?"

After reviewing this batch, Xianyin God shifted to the final two entries—both from non-Top Ten schools.

"Only two decent entries from outside the Top Ten this year?" he sighed. "The quality of these mid-tier and lower-tier students is really declining. In another couple of years, there might not even be one worth looking at."

Once he’d finished reviewing all the designs, Xianyin God was invited to the judges’ internal meeting.

…

As soon as Xianyin God projected into the Ling Realm conference room, he heard a voice exclaim:

"Have you all seen Zhang Yu’s work? Ingenious, profound, deeply rooted in foundation, and wildly imaginative—unrestrained creativity. I say, just give him first place outright."

"Wanfa University really raised a remarkable student."

With that, the speaker projected Zhang Yu’s Design Diagram for everyone to see.

Xianyin God glanced over. The projection was a swirling, flickering mass of blood-colored mist—none other than Xuepu Immortal from Youming University.

Though the words were praise, Xianyin God could hear the sharp undercurrent of sarcasm beneath.

Sure enough, another voice chuckled from the side: "If Ciji herself takes action and still can't get first place, it will really make outsiders think that we judges are blind and don't understand the art of cultivation."

Xianyin God turned to the speaker—the projection was a floating Baigu Lotus Platform, unmistakably Shi Sui Immortal of Baigu University.

Hearing the two of them play off each other so smoothly, Xianyin God replied coolly: "Students referencing others during design is normal. This year’s competitors—none of them were untouched by guidance."

Xuepu Immortal let out a soft laugh. "True enough. Then let’s just crown Ciji first. Yuan Ying Immortals are competing—how else could she not win?"

Shi Sui Immortal shook his head. "Not quite. Ciji Zhenjun is aiming for Hua Shen. This is a future Hua Shen God competing in a college contest. How could she possibly lose?"

Xianyin God felt a surge of irritation at their mockery.

He spoke plainly: "Gentlemen, baseless accusations are unacceptable. This Design Diagram is Zhang Yu’s own masterpiece—his heart and soul. Just because he’s talented doesn’t mean someone else wrote it."

"If we go down that path, then anyone with skill is automatically accused of cheating. Then what’s the point of holding a competition?"

At that moment, a voice from the front of the room cut in: "Enough. Zheng Shen are watching. Let’s not embarrass ourselves."

All voices fell silent. Xianyin God glanced toward the speaker—the projection was a bottomless darkness, deep and endless, like a void that swallowed light itself.

To describe it, he’d say it was as if a prison of shadows had opened in the air.

Xianyin God knew this wasn’t simple. The Ling Realm effects embedded in the projection were complex, expensive, and required a high level of faith to even access.

The figure was none other than Nie Lian Immortal of Tianmo University—longtime disciple of Hua Shen, deputy principal, and head of all research affairs. He was also the undisputed top expert in alchemy at Tianmo University.

Xianyin God knew: in terms of background, assets, technical mastery, and reputation, Nie Lian Immortal was clearly the leader of this judging panel.

Nie Lian Immortal continued: "If every student’s victory is just teachers fighting for them, then why bother? Let us just compete ourselves."

"Then the Design Competition becomes a farce. How would the Heavenly Court view it? How would the Sects react? If they start assigning scores directly from above, what use are we judges?"

"The rotating judging system is meant to ensure fairness. No single school should dominate."

"Xianyin, relay this to Ciji: if she still insists on pushing this way, I have nothing more to say."

Xuepu Immortal chimed in: "Indeed. Ciji’s clearly lost her mind. No one helps students like this. The competition’s credibility will vanish. When the Heavenly Court reduces the number of Military Licenses, we’ll all look foolish."

But Xianyin God wouldn’t back down.

He said firmly: "Zhang Yu’s work was entirely his own."

Xuepu Immortal snapped: "Xianyin, are you willing to swear on camera? I’m about to start recording."

Xianyin God’s heart pounded. He dared not risk it. If the video ever surfaced, it would become a black mark on his reputation.

"Before the awards," he said, "we’re supposed to conduct a Testing. Once we test Zhang Yu’s Skill Depth, everyone will know whether he truly designed it himself."

In my power, I’ve done all I can for you, Ciji. Now it’s up to your student to prepare.

But to the other Immortals, his words sounded like stubborn denial.

Nie Lian Immortal spoke again: "Fine. I’ll grant Wanfa University this courtesy. Ciji’s apprentice may enter the Top 10 list."

"But we’ll select 15 candidates this time. A live, on-the-spot Testing will be held before the awards. Anyone who fails will be removed—no need to embarrass the Heavenly Court."

"Zhang Yu is one. Who’s the second?"

Xuepu Immortal switched the projection to another entry. "I propose the Ghost God Craft from Tianmo University."

With that, the judging session concluded. The panel finalized the list of 15 candidates for the Top 10, and the results were submitted to the Heavenly Court.

But the Heavenly Court’s response shocked the judges.

Xianyin God stared at the notification floating before him.

"15 candidates must undergo a live Testing. They’ll be required to complete a thematic design on-site. Final rankings will be based on this performance."

Xianyin God sighed inwardly. Ciji… I’m sorry. I had no choice.

He immediately sent the message to Ciji Zhenjun.

Xuepu Immortal, watching the notification, sneered. "They don’t trust us at all."

Shi Sui Immortal spoke quietly: "Likely the student triggered the backlash. Too obvious, too sloppy. I told them from the start—this kind of approach won’t work."

(End of Chapter)

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