"Why did the principal summon me?"
Seeing Zhong Tianyue finally finish his work, Xu Luo asked calmly, without arrogance or servility.
"Oh?"
Zhong Tianyue was curious about Xu Luo's composure. Typically, young students weren't this calm in front of him. However, he quickly shifted his thoughts back to the main topic.
"Xu Luo, your performance today was outstanding. You are one of the brightest students we've had in recent years," Zhong Tianyue praised sincerely. As the principal of Sixth Middle School and the homeroom teacher of Class 1, he was involved in teaching, albeit not frequently. However, he often guided students.
The students in the elite class weren't selected easily. They were top-tier students, even if not the absolute best. To be considered one of the brightest among them was quite an achievement.
"Why did you call me here?" Xu Luo asked directly, unaware of Zhong Tianyue's purpose.
"I called you mainly to give you the first-place reward and to ask if you want to join the elite class." Although this was a routine procedure, it was also a test.
Upon hearing this, Xu Luo naturally nodded. The elite class offered resource subsidies and various overt and covert benefits, making it foolish not to join.
"That's good."
Seeing that Xu Luo wasn't arrogant or complacent and still recognized the need for support, Zhong Tianyue nodded in satisfaction. Xu Luo had passed the first test. If he had refused to join the elite class, Zhong Tianyue wouldn't have considered him for the candidate seed spot, no matter how talented he was.
"For becoming first, the school rewards you with one million units of faith power. Additionally, you get to choose one resource card from categories such as species, terrain, skills, talents, and resources."
"So generous?"
Xu Luo was surprised. One million units of faith power could directly make someone a deity, although a very weak one.
"Thank you, Principal!" Xu Luo quickly expressed his gratitude. Although one million units of faith power were just a half-day's harvest in the divine realm for him, no one would ever feel they had too much faith power.
"Don't thank me. This is a subsidy from the Ministry of Education for elite students. If you really want to thank me, achieve a good ranking in the Tianhai City High School League in six months and make it to the top ten!"
"High School League?" Xu Luo was puzzled. He knew about the competition but wasn't clear on the details. He had only been here for a month, spending most of his time either studying or developing his divine realm, leaving little room for other pursuits.
"The Tianhai City High School League, as the name suggests, is a competition involving all high schools. The top ten participants can enter the global league. Even making it to the top fifty brings substantial rewards. Unfortunately, Sixth Middle School hasn't had anyone in the top ten for many years. I hope you can change that," Zhong Tianyue explained, feeling a bit melancholic.
As a principal, not having any students reach the top ten for consecutive years was a mark of shame. After Zhong Tianyue's explanation, Xu Luo understood the league's format. Starting with the city league, ten elite students would be selected and then cultivated further to participate in the global league. Those who stood out in the global league would receive global support and compete with the best from all human planets and alien civilizations, bringing glory to their civilization.
Zhong Tianyue didn't dare dream of winning the civilization-wide league but hoped for good results in the global league. Even participating in the global league would greatly enhance Sixth Middle School's reputation, attracting better students in the future.
Xu Luo comprehended Zhong Tianyue's hopes and was intrigued by the idea of competing against alien civilizations. Higher-level competitions would also bring more support.
"The city league is still a while away. Focus on improving your strength. There are many competitors in the elite class," Zhong Tianyue advised with a smile, seeing that Xu Luo understood his message. This student was worth nurturing, provided he passed the tests.
The one million units of faith power were both a reward and a test. This amount could condense divine power, setting one on the path to becoming a deity. However, becoming a deity without a solid foundation was unwise. It was a test to see if Xu Luo would develop long-term or short-sightedly use the faith power for immediate gain.
Although Zhong Tianyue didn't want Xu Luo to choose the latter, this test from the Ministry of Education couldn't be bypassed. Not even wealthy families could tell their offspring about this test. It was designed to treat everyone equally, with only subtle hints about the importance of a solid foundation.
"Don't worry, Principal. I won't let you down!" Xu Luo confidently smiled. It wasn't arrogance; with his infinitely evolving Zerg, he was already far stronger than other students, having shown only a fraction of his power.
If he revealed all his strength, it would be astonishing.
"Go to the logistics department when you have time to choose your card," Zhong Tianyue said calmly.
"Then I'll be leaving, Principal."
Xu Luo recognized the signal to leave and stood up to go.
"One more thing. Your excellent performance will attract many powerful factions. While there may be benefits, it's best to refuse them," Zhong Tianyue advised calmly.
"Thank you for the warning, Principal!" Xu Luo smiled and nodded.
"I'm glad you understand."
Zhong Tianyue nodded.
"Although these factions can provide some resources, in our world and human civilization, only the Federation is your greatest support." Powerful factions investing in talents wasn't charity; it demanded a lifetime of repayment, which was why wealthy families remained prosperous, continuously recruiting talents. This practice had touched a nerve with the Federation, especially amidst increasing class conflicts.