Class Three of the Preliminary Examination.
This is the class where Su Yu studies. In recent days, Su Yu has hardly come to class. Of course, people didn't pay much attention to it either.
As the assessment of higher institutions of learning was approaching, everyone was short on time, and who would bother to care whether others attended classes or not.
Moreover, Su Yu wasn't the only special case.
A student at the fourth level of the Kaiyuan Realm in the class hadn't come to the academy to study for a long time either. At this point, adjusting one's mindset was more important.
...
Su Yu sat down at his seat and didn't rush to find Liu Wenyan.
It was too early. At this time, Instructor Liu was probably still reading books. The old man had the habit of reading books in the morning.
Chen Hao sat down beside Su Yu. The two of them were considered deskmates. The teachers didn't make specific arrangements for seats, and students could sit wherever they liked.
Not long after sitting down, a plump woman in her thirties walked in with a book in her hand.
She glanced at the students below and didn't care whether there were fewer people or not. The female teacher opened the book and said, "The higher assessment is coming up soon. We won't review the basic courses today. Instead, I'll briefly talk to you about the choices for your future directions after graduation."
"I won't mention the four major institutions of learning. I think you all know about them."
"Let's talk about what you should do if you don't get admitted to the Internal Affairs Institution of Learning or if you don't want to go even after being admitted."
The female teacher smiled and looked at everyone. "This is an amazing era where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist. Some students are not willing to live an ordinary life and also hope to embark on the path of the extraordinary."
"Does it mean there's no hope if you can't get into the War Institution of Learning?"
"No, there is!"
As soon as the female teacher said this, even though the students had known something about it before, they still got a bit excited at this moment. After all, what the teacher said was more trustworthy than hearsay.
"The first option, and also the relatively most dangerous one, is to join the army!"
The female teacher looked at everyone, her smile fading and becoming a bit more solemn as she said, "I think you should all know this. Joining the army is the easiest way for ordinary people to get in touch with the extraordinary. When you kill enemies in the army, those are all merits. Many of your relatives in the class are soldiers, and you all understand this."
"I think you're also clear about the risks. The number of soldiers who die in battle reaches six digits every year!"
"However, today I'm not here to talk about the risks with you. Instead, even if you join the army, there are different choices."
While speaking, the female teacher looked at the excited Chen Hao and smiled, "Chen Hao, tell us, what are the main armed forces in the Great Xia Prefecture?"
Chen Hao was very excited and quickly stood up and said, "The first one is the Dragon Martial Guards, the strongest army in the Great Xia Prefecture!"
"The second is the Great Xia Prefecture Army, which is responsible for guarding the Great Xia Prefecture and maintaining peace in the prefecture."
"The third is the Wind Catching Hall, which is responsible for hunting down the followers of the Ten Thousand Races Sect and maintaining social order."
"The fourth is the City Guard Army of each city, which is responsible for the defense work of each city."
"Among the above four major armed organizations, when the front line is in turmoil, except for the Wind Catching Hall, the other three will enter the All Heavens Battlefield to assist the front line and can all be regarded as front-line reserve forces."
The female teacher smiled and said, "What you said isn't wrong, but it's not comprehensive. The Dragon Martial Guards are not reserve forces. The Dragon Martial Guards don't go to the All Heavens Battlefield, not because of their strength, but because the front line doesn't need their reinforcements for the time being."
"Actually, besides the four armed forces you mentioned, there are two more."
Chen Hao was a bit curious. The female teacher smiled and said, "The fifth one is the Front-line Legion. In fact, a part of it is also stationed in the Great Xia Prefecture. Of course, it's hard to encounter them, and they're also responsible for recruiting new soldiers."
"The sixth one is the Retired Legion. I think you all know this. In fact, many of them are veterans who retired from the front line or various major institutions, and this is also a powerful armed force."
Having said this, the female teacher hesitated a bit and then said, "Actually, there's a seventh kind of force!"
Everyone was puzzled. Was there more?
"Yes, the seventh one is the guard teams of various institutions of learning!"
"Don't underestimate the guard teams of various institutions of learning. Take the Nanyuan Secondary Institution of Learning as an example. Although it's just a secondary institution of learning, you should all know the Guard Department of the school. Director Huang is also a powerhouse at the ninth level of the Qianjun Realm."
"And this is just Nanyuan. In the Great Xia Prefecture, the armed forces of the guard teams are very powerful. In fact, it's not uncommon to see powerhouses at the Wanshi Realm or even the Tengkong Realm. Coupled with some instructors and students from the War Institution of Learning, the power of the institution of learning is actually extremely powerful, even stronger than that of the Prefecture Army, just not as powerful as the Dragon Martial Guards."
The female teacher briefly explained a few sentences, and everyone understood. They had overlooked this point before.
"So what I want to tell you today is that even if you can't get into an institution of learning, you don't have to worry about your future. There are many ways to get in touch with extraordinary forces. However..."
"Danger and opportunity coexist!"
"If you're not as good as others in studies and cultivation, and you want to stand out, you need to pay a greater price, such as... your life!"
The teacher said seriously, "Students who want to embark on the path of the extraordinary and those who can't get into the War Institution of Learning can consider joining the army. The front line is the most dangerous, but it also offers the greatest opportunities. Next is the Prefecture Army. You definitely can't get into the Dragon Martial Guards. The Prefecture Army recruits soldiers every year, and it's relatively much safer than the front line."
"Besides the Prefecture Army, the Wind Catching Hall has actually set up an institution of learning called the Wind Catching Institution of Learning. However, it's not famous, and the Wind Catching Institution of Learning is relatively rough. It's very likely that as soon as you break through to the Qianjun Realm, you'll be arranged to graduate and be sent to various cities for internships, which can be regarded as an early start for actual combat."
...
The teacher talked a lot, mainly about joining the army.
Finally, the female teacher changed the topic and said, "In fact, if you can't get into the War Institution of Learning and are worried about the intense competition in the Prefecture Army, you can completely try the City Guard Army. The assessment of the City Guard Army is relatively simple, and its training institutions are also relatively complete."
"Although Nanyuan City isn't big, the strength of the City Guard Army isn't weak either. Now everyone is eager to go to the Great Xia Prefecture. However, the Great Xia Prefecture is thousands of miles away from Nanyuan, which is very far from home. Why not try the opportunity right under your nose with the City Guard Army?"
"Nowadays, Captain Zhang of the City Guard Army is also a powerhouse at the ninth level of the Wanshi Realm. He attaches great importance to the reserve forces of the City Guard Army and often guides new soldiers in person. He will especially cultivate those with good potential, and the City Lord also pays special attention to the City Guard Army..."
...
Hearing this, except for a few people, most of them understood that this teacher was also a lobbyist.
Everyone didn't care. They were used to it.
As graduation was approaching, all places needed to expand their reserve forces. Although Nanyuan City was small, the City Lord also wanted to build the City Guard Army into an elite force.
The advantage of being in a favored position, indeed, many people in Nanyuan City went to join the City Guard Army every year.
Even if the students of the Nanyuan Secondary Institution of Learning couldn't get into the War Institution of Learning, some students at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm still had quite good talents. With some cultivation, there was hope for them to reach the Wanshi Realm.
"Everyone, think about it carefully. Don't rush to make a decision..."
The female teacher didn't care about the noisy situation below. After talking for a while, she let everyone freely discuss and soon walked towards Su Yu and the others.
She didn't come for Su Yu but for Chen Hao.
"Chen Hao, you're at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm. Although you have some hope of getting into the War Institution of Learning, the chance is very slim. If you don't pass the assessment, consider the City Guard Army. Your father also works in Nanyuan. New soldiers of the City Guard Army can go home for three days a month. This is also a good opportunity..."
Chen Hao had a gloomy face. Why did she say that? I can pass the exam.
I don't want to go to the City Guard Army!
Why didn't she persuade Su Yu to go?
Was she looking down on me?
Seeing his expression, the female teacher couldn't help smiling and said, "What? Do you still look down on the City Guard Army?"
"No... I still want to try. I'll think about it if I don't pass."
Chen Hao was extremely depressed. He would think about it if he really didn't pass.
The female teacher didn't care and soon looked at Su Yu and smiled, "Su Yu, you're a promising candidate for the Civilization Institution of Learning. Instructor Liu has already informed me, so I shouldn't persuade you. However, I mean, in case you don't want to go, you can actually consider it."
"The City Lord is paying more and more attention to the City Guard Army. You're a good candidate. If you go to the City Guard Army, they won't let you do some miscellaneous tasks. There's a Confidential Office in the City Lord's Mansion. You can go there for an internship. This is also a rare opportunity."
Su Yu thought for a while and said, "There aren't many opportunities for the City Guard Army to go to the All Heavens Battlefield, right?"
"Very few."
The teacher thought he was worried and quickly replied.
Su Yu nodded and smiled, "I know. Thank you, teacher. I'll consider it."
Considering it meant rejecting it. Just kidding, I'm not going.
In the past, it was hard to say.
If his father were at home and Nanyuan City really offered some good conditions, it wouldn't be impossible for him to stay in Nanyuan.
He knew the Confidential Office. It was a rather important institution in Nanyuan, very safe and with good treatment.
But now that his father had left, what was the point of staying in Nanyuan?
Besides, could he get the essence blood he needed if he stayed in Nanyuan?
Thinking of the essence blood, Su Yu suddenly thought of a question and said, "Teacher, do you think the War Institution of Learning has more essence blood or the Civilization Institution of Learning?"
The female teacher was stunned for a moment and then quickly said, "Of course the War Institution of Learning..."
"I mean the types. As a research institution, does the Civilization Institution of Learning have more types of essence blood than the War Institution of Learning?"
"Well... probably."
The teacher wasn't too sure. She really didn't know, but she still said, "In terms of types, the Civilization Institution of Learning should have more. At least it has more samples than the War Institution of Learning. Some essence blood that can't be used after being captured on the All Heavens Battlefield will be provided to the Civilization Institution of Learning for sample storage. The War Institution of Learning has a much larger quantity of some essence blood that is helpful for cultivation. The quantity is unimaginably large."
Su Yu nodded slightly. He had thought about this before, but he wasn't sure. Now that the teacher said so, he was more confident.
Quantity is important, but having more varieties is even more important.
If there aren't many varieties, how can he continue to open the pages?
If he doesn't understand the language, even if he opens them, he won't be able to understand them. Could he ask others what they mean?
"It seems... I still have to apply for the Civilization Institution of Learning!"
While Su Yu was thinking, someone outside the door shouted, "Su Yu, go to the Instructor's Office. Instructor Liu is looking for you."
"Got it!"
Su Yu replied and greeted the teacher before quickly running towards the Instructor's Office.
...
When Su Yu arrived at the Instructor's Office, he wasn't alone.
Su Yu saw several acquaintances. They weren't very familiar with each other, but he mostly knew their names. There were geniuses at the fourth level of the Kaiyuan Realm, and there were also geniuses who mastered multiple languages of the Ten Thousand Races. Liu Yue was among them.
On the side of the Instructor's Office, there wasn't only Liu Wenyan. The Prefecture Chief was also there, and there were also several instructors at the ninth level of the Qianjun Realm. Their strength was among the top in the Nanyuan Secondary Institution of Learning.
After Su Yu arrived, several more students came one after another.
After about seven or eight minutes, when probably everyone was present, the Prefecture Chief smiled and said, "You 25 people are the hope of our Nanyuan Secondary Institution of Learning this year. You'll either go to the Civilization Institution of Learning or the War Institution of Learning. The Scientific Research Institution of Learning recruits very few people from our side every year."
The Prefecture Chief was a martial artist, while Liu Wenyan was a scholar. But at this moment, this scholar suddenly interrupted and said, "Don't waste so much time talking nonsense. Get straight to the point. There's no time to waste!"
The Prefecture Chief felt embarrassed. This old guy, didn't he see that the students were here?
He was really going too far. He really wanted to break this old guy's legs.
The other instructors snickered. The Prefecture Chief glared at them, and everyone instantly became quiet.
At this time, the Prefecture Chief directly said, "Recently, the Great Xia Prefecture has been a bit restless. The guys from the Ten Thousand Races Sect have been running around everywhere. Although they haven't become a big threat yet, after all, Nanyuan is just a small city, and there isn't enough garrison force here."
"So the academy's idea is that you people should go to the Great Xia Prefecture in advance. It's safer there."
"Attacks on geniuses have already happened in other small cities. The Ten Thousand Races Sect is creating chaos..."
Su Yu didn't say anything. Someone in the crowd quickly asked, "Go to the Great Xia Prefecture... What about the assessment..."
"Going to the Great Xia Prefecture for the assessment is the same, and there's a greater hope than in Nanyuan. The Great Xia Prefecture has more quotas. You're specially approved. The academy recommends you to go there. Just wait for the assessment in the Great Xia Prefecture."
"How long will it take?"
A girl was a bit reluctant and said, "The assessment is still more than two months away. Do we have to stay in the Great Xia Prefecture all the time?"
"Not necessarily. If the bastards of the Ten Thousand Races Sect are wiped out and all killed, you can come back at any time."
The Prefecture Chief was a bit angry and said, "The key is that these scoundrels are creating chaos everywhere. Our Nanyuan City is small, and there isn't enough strength to protect you. We have to be prepared for the worst. If they target you, they'll have too many opportunities to make a move."
"On the road, at home, or even inside the academy, we may not be able to protect you."
"Instead of dividing our forces, it's better to send you away in a concentrated manner. In fact, when you leave, your families and classmates will be safer because... in the eyes of the Ten Thousand Races Sect, others don't have the value of taking risks. You all understand what I mean."
Everyone nodded. Everyone wasn't stupid and naturally understood what the Prefecture Chief meant.
The guys from the Ten Thousand Races Sect won't act without benefits. Killing a few ordinary people is meaningless and even risks their own lives.
But killing a few geniuses is different. Among them, the geniuses of the human race are all clearly priced.
If they succeed, the benefits will be considerable.
Of course, the people in Nanyuan aren't really outstanding prodigies. However, Nanyuan's defense is lax, and its armaments are insufficient. Cases of attacks on geniuses in small cities are not uncommon.
Seeing that everyone understood, the Prefecture Chief said again, "So everyone should make preparations. Those who are willing to leave should come to the academy together in three days. The City Guard Army will send people to escort you to the Great Xia Prefecture. Once you arrive there, the academy will bear all the expenses. Don't worry too much."
Liu Wenyan hadn't interrupted before. At this time, he said faintly, "It's best for everyone to go to the Great Xia Prefecture if they can. Recently... things have been a bit restless. In recent days, the Ten Thousand Races Sect has become active again, attacking geniuses, intercepting merchant caravans, and even creating some blood cases outside the city... Although it hasn't reached Nanyuan yet for the time being."
"However, something's not right!"
Liu Wenyan said softly, "Everyone's not a child anymore. You should have some judgment about this situation. The drunkard's intention isn't in the wine, or rather, it's a feint."
"Those who have been killed and shown up now are all small fry of the Ten Thousand Races Sect. Many of them are lunatics from the Blood Fire Sect. These lunatics are idiots who have been brainwashed mentally and don't even know what life and death are. They're just cannon fodder followers of the Ten Thousand Races Sect."
"The real big shots haven't shown up yet. They're creating chaos to attract the attention of the Dragon Martial Guards and tie down the forces of the Dragon Martial Guards and the various City Guard Armies..."
Su Yu couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, doesn't the Great Xia Prefecture know about this?"
"Of course they know!"
Liu Wenyan smiled and said, "The Great Xia Prefecture is full of talented people. How could they not know? But even if they know, can the Dragon Martial Guards not be dispatched? The Prefecture Army needs to be stationed and can't be easily moved. Among the mobile forces, the Dragon Martial Guards are the strongest. They have to be dispatched."
"Now the Wind Catching Hall is also in a mess. There are too many places that need to be defended because you don't know exactly where the target of the Ten Thousand Races Sect is."
"Those guys in the shadows can act recklessly and attack at will. So even if the Great Xia Prefecture can destroy them in an instant, if they can't find these small fries, they can't launch a thunderous strike."
Liu Wenyan continued, "So the top priority now is to reduce the possible attack points, send you away in a concentrated manner, and let us have stronger forces to wipe out those guys."
Everyone understood. So that's how it was.
A student said angrily, "These bastards! When I graduate from the War Institution of Learning, I'll kill them one by one!"
The several instructors just smiled and didn't say anything. Everyone had thought about this. The key was that those guys were too hard to find. Many of them were lurking deeply.
"Then everyone should go back and think about it. Those who are willing to leave should come to the academy in three days. The City Guard Army will escort you away."
"Got it."
Everyone responded one after another. Under the current circumstances, it seemed that they had to leave.
Leaving would actually reduce some burdens for Nanyuan. Everyone understood this in their hearts.
...
After the others left, Su Yu didn't leave yet.
He came this time to find Liu Wenyan and learn a few more languages of the Ten Thousand Races, including the language of the Lu fish. He had dreamed about this kind of fish before, but he hadn't dreamed about it again in recent days.
The language of the Lu fish was quite niche. Su Yu hadn't learned it before and didn't know if Liu Wenyan knew it.
As for going to the Great Xia Prefecture, Su Yu didn't have much of a reaction. Anyway, he was the only one left at home, and it was the same wherever he went.
The other instructors, including the Prefecture Chief, left one after another. In the end, only Su Yu and Liu Wenyan were left.
Hearing that Su Yu was asking about the language of the Lu fish race, Liu Wenyan smiled and said, "The Lu fish is very rare on the All Heavens Battlefield. Most of them stay in the Dishi Realm. Their language has very few users, and there are even fewer written characters. At least the human race hasn't captured much. I really don't master it, but there must be someone in the Great Xia Prefecture who does..."
Su Yu wasn't disappointed. Seeing that the teacher didn't know it and was about to leave, Liu Wenyan saw that he was about to leave and thought for a while and said, "Your father has gone to the All Heavens Battlefield. Are you alone at home?"
"Yes."
"Then be careful at home..."
Su Yu turned around. Had the situation become so bad?
"There are arrangements on the streets and in the academy. There are more or less powerhouses at the Qianjun Realm in other people's homes, so there's no need to worry too much about their safety. But you're alone... You're in a more dangerous situation."
Liu Wenyan hesitated for a moment and then quickly said, "Actually... I don't quite agree..."
"Teacher Liu!"
There was a clang sound coming from outside the door.
Liu Wenyan's expression didn't change. He continued, "His father is a veteran of the Demon Suppression Army. Isn't he even worthy of trust?"
"Everything is possible. Su Long has been discharged from the army for a full eighteen years!"
"Then arrange for someone to protect him. Otherwise, I won't be at ease."
"There's no way to spare forces to protect an individual now!"
Liu Wenyan frowned and said unhappily, "You Dragon Martial Guards are executing military orders. I have no right to question it. However... I think Su Yu is fine. Of course, if you're not at ease, Su Yu can stay with me in the next few days. Otherwise, it would be irresponsible for him to go home."
...
The person outside the door hesitated for a moment, as if making a decision.
And Su Yu was a bit confused. What did that mean?
Of course, he didn't interrupt at this moment.
Were the people outside the door from the Dragon Martial Guards?
Before he came, he didn't see anyone else outside.
"Okay!"
After a while, a voice came from outside, and soon it was silent.
Liu Wenyan then looked at the silent Su Yu and smiled lightly, "The people of the Ten Thousand Races Sect are lurking deeply. We suspect that they have other purposes in creating chaos recently. So... we can't wait passively. We have to take the initiative!"
"But we're not sure whether the academy, including the City Guard Army, has been infiltrated. There may be people lurking secretly. So... at this time, we need an opportunity."
"An opportunity?"
Su Yu sort of understood, but also seemed a bit confused.
"Yes, an opportunity!"
"Nanyuan is just a small city. There's nothing important here, and it doesn't have much value. If we really want to talk about value, it's probably this Nanyuan Secondary Institution of Learning! Or the City Lord's Mansion. However, there are City Guard Armies in the City Lord's Mansion, so it's much safer than our place."
"We're not sure whether the other side has come to Nanyuan. However, just to be on the safe side, we've decided to turn from passive to active and lure the snake out of its hole."
"You... are sort of bait, but also not really bait."
Liu Wenyan sighed softly, "If there are followers of the Ten Thousand Races Sect in Nanyuan and they're plotting something, once the news of sending you away spreads, they'll basically have several options."
"First, they'll make a move in advance and kill you."
"Second, they'll make a move on the way. But with the City Guard Army around, if they want to kill the City Guard Army, they'll need to send a large number of people, and there will definitely be the Great Xia Prefecture Army to meet them halfway."
"Third, they'll wait patiently for you to leave, and then take away a part of the City Guard Army, weaken the strength of Nanyuan, and then make a move."
"Fourth, they'll abandon Nanyuan. Because once you leave, we can concentrate more forces to defend, and it'll be very difficult for them to have an opportunity."
Su Yu frowned and thought for a while and said, "So, teacher, do you mean that if their target is really us, they might choose to make a move in advance at this time?"
"Yes, they'll come out."
"What if it's not us..."
"Then you'll leave Nanyuan. The Great Xia Prefecture is indeed safer. In a month or two, the Dragon Martial Guards can wipe them out."
Liu Wenyan said seriously, "So you're sort of the bait for luring the snake out of its hole, but not many people know about it because... we're not sure if there are their spies around."
"Will we be in great danger?"
"Most people won't be. It's hard to say for you because there's no one at your home."
Liu Wenyan said, "That's why I'm telling you this, so that you can be prepared in case you encounter an attack. You can stay with me for the next two days. If nothing happens in three days, we'll send you away."
Su Yu thought for a while and didn't say anything.
Nanyuan's intention was to be prepared for the worst and send them away in advance. It would be best if nothing happened. If something did happen, they could take the initiative.
As for the danger... having arrangements was safer than having none.
If the Ten Thousand Races Sect really targeted them, with the arrangements made by Nanyuan now, they would be safer instead.
Su Yu could understand this and smiled, "Teacher, don't worry. I got it. But is the infiltration of the Ten Thousand Races Sect really that serious?"
"Yes!"
Liu Wenyan sighed and said, "Otherwise, why would they be called rats in the gutter? They're just so good at hiding. It's best if nothing happens in Nanyuan. If something does happen, we can only make full preparations."
"You can stay at my place for these two days. The reason is to learn new languages of the Ten Thousand Races."
"Okay!" Su Yu didn't care where he lived, but he was a bit curious and said, "Teacher, don't you possess the power of will? Can't you tell if there are followers of the Ten Thousand Races Sect lurking?"
Liu Wenyan just smiled without saying a word, looking mysterious.
Guess if I can or not.
It's okay to deal with you, a novice. Adults are all complicated in their thoughts. Who would expose their thoughts so clearly? Especially those followers of the Ten Thousand Races Sect. Who isn't lurking deeply? Those who aren't afraid of death have already died.