Lu Chenzhou heard this, and felt a sense of relief in his heart.
His progress had finally been noticed by those above.
This was also the effect he wanted to achieve.
Shi Ruyu also had a hint of expectation in her heart. She knew well that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment, so deep down she didn't dare to imagine anything too optimistic...
Ji Xuantong said:
"By the way, Lu Chenzhou, you want to apply for Pingjiang Martial Arts University, right?"
Lu Chenzhou nodded.
Pingjiang Martial Arts University had been his dream for a long time.
Qingtian Cang smiled and said:
"Pingjiang Martial Arts University? Not bad, I suppose."
Judging by his tone, Pingjiang Martial Arts University was nothing special.
This was the confidence and pride of the 24 Academy Alliance!
Of course, Lu Chenzhou also wanted to go to a top Martial Arts University.
The problem was, he was already too old to meet the requirements.
Could it be... he still had hope?
At that thought, a faint sense of anticipation rose in his heart.
Qingtian Cang said:
"Next, I'll ask you both some questions about cultivation. Just tell me your actual situation truthfully. Whether it's [Instant Enlightenment] or [Martial Bone Dao Embryo], they're both elusive things that can't be measured.
We can only judge whether you have the corresponding aptitude based on previous experiences combined with your descriptions. If you aren't discovered because of a wrong description, you can't blame me, do you understand?"
The two of them realized the seriousness of the matter.
This concerned their personal future and destiny, so they couldn't afford to be careless.
Qingtian Cang first looked at Shi Ruyu and said:
"Shi Ruyu, right? You studied at Pingjiang Martial Arts University for four years before."
"Yes, senior!"
"Alright, come with me first."
He took Shi Ruyu into another room.
Ji Xuantong seized this opportunity to instruct Lu Chenzhou again:
"Don't be nervous, just answer honestly."
Lu Chenzhou nodded.
To prepare for the Pingjiang Martial Arts University entrance exam, he'd already figured out everything he would say. He'd also looked up several cases of Instant Enlightenment or Martial Bone Dao Embryo, so he just needed to tell the truth based on his own situation, as long as he didn't mention the Martial Arts Tree.
In short, the fact that he broke through to Third Rank within half a year was real—there was no faking that.
If he played it normally, he should at least be rated as an Instant Enlightenment candidate, right?
As for Martial Bone Dao Embryo, he didn't really dare hope for that. His current performance was way behind that kind of legendary figure... Of course, it would be great if he could receive that rating.
The questioning took a long time.
During the process, it seemed Qingtian Cang also started a video conference and brought in a bunch of experts from Dragon City Martial Arts University to analyze and evaluate, and there were heated discussions throughout.
An hour later, Shi Ruyu came out with anxiety in her heart.
To be able to return to the campus of a Martial Arts University was also her dream.
She was a fellow dream chaser, just like Lu Chenzhou.
Qingtian Cang looked pleased.
It seemed Shi Ruyu's final evaluation wasn't bad.
Seeing this, Ji Xuantong secretly breathed a sigh of relief as well.
Qingtian Cang said:
"According to regulations, we still need to carry out second and third rounds of final review. Of course, you don't need to come again, we've recorded video and audio of the whole process."
Shi Ruyu bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you for your hard work, seniors."
Qingtian Cang glanced at Lu Chenzhou.
"Come on in."
"Alright."
Lu Chenzhou calmed himself and walked in.
He had trained hard in silence for nine years, so whatever the result, he could accept it. Anyway, with the Martial Arts Tree, his future was no dream!
"Sit."
"Thank you, senior."
"I've read all your basic information. Next, I'll ask you some questions. Answer truthfully, and absolutely don't lie, otherwise you'll have to bear the consequences!"
"Okay."
...
Qingtian Cang's questioning was especially detailed.
This included all three Martial Arts that Lu Chenzhou had studied: "Basic Boxing," "Black Tiger Fist," "Sea-sweeping Body," as well as when he started cultivating the Basic Skills "Dragon and Tiger Heavenly Pile," and the time points of each Breakthrough Realm, as well as rank breakthroughs.
There was also information about his intake of Martial Arts Supplements.
The school needed this fundamental data to roughly evaluate Lu Chenzhou's aptitude, and to compare his comprehension before and after enlightenment. This wasn't very precise, and its authority couldn't compare with the root bone test, but it was useful for reference.
He also asked Lu Chenzhou many cultivation details, as well as whether there were any special changes in his body, hospital checkups over the years, and all kinds of data.
The questioning lasted for an hour. Lu Chenzhou answered fluently, just a bit nervous. Qingtian Cang knew it was Lu Chenzhou's first time facing a powerhouse of his level, so he gently and repeatedly reminded Lu Chenzhou to relax, assuring him there was nothing to worry about.
At last, Qingtian Cang smiled and said:
"We more or less understand your situation. Just be patient and wait for news. As for the Pingjiang Martial Arts University entrance exam, just sign up normally."
Lu Chenzhou couldn't help but ask:
"Teacher, do I have a chance to get into Dragon City Martial Arts University?"
If he could get into the 24 schools, of course he wouldn't want to go to Pingjiang Martial Arts University.
Qingtian Cang thought for a bit and said:
"Kid, I can't promise you anything, I can only say there's hope. First, you're past the age for special recruitment as set by the school. Second, whether you've undergone Instant Enlightenment or awakened a Martial Bone Dao Embryo still isn't clear. Even if our school's evaluation committee determines you are a talent with Acquired Enlightenment, under the law, you must first finish the rest of the curriculum at Dragon City University's affiliated high school, then participate in the National Martial Arts College Entrance Exam, and only after passing can you enter a Martial Arts University. The reason I told you to go ahead and sign up for the Pingjiang Martial Arts University special entrance exam is for this reason as well."
Lu Chenzhou still thanked him and said:
"Thank you, senior. I understand."
The requirements for top Martial Arts Universities were too high.
Those who could be admitted without going through these procedures either had Top Class Root Bone, or were judged by the School Committee to possess the traits of a Martial Bone Dao Embryo.
Lu Chenzhou actually understood all this.
He just still had a sliver of hope in his heart.
"Alright, that's all."
"Thanks for your trouble, senior."
"Right, keep your phone on at all times recently. We might need you to go to a more professional root bone testing institution for a second root bone evaluation."
"Alright."
The root bone test for Da Xia's over a billion people was all performed at hospitals, with an accuracy close to one hundred percent. Occasionally there would be errors, but the odds were about as low as winning the lottery. So for a second root bone test, Lu Chenzhou had zero expectations.
He still needed to use comprehension or Martial Bone Dao Embryo to open the door to a Martial Arts University!
With Qingtian Cang visiting today, he already saw hope.
"Xuantong, teach these two kids well."
Qingtian Cang put on his Martial Arts Robe embroidered with the [Taihang Soaring Dragon] emblem.
This was the uniform of Dragon City Martial Arts University.
"Teacher, since you've finally come to Su City, why not stay a few more days?"
Ji Xuantong, so imposing before trainees, now seemed completely obedient.
Qingtian Cang waved his hand dismissively and said:
"No, I was just on a business trip to Su City and stopped by. Looks like you run a good Martial Arts Academy, you haven't brought shame to the school. Su City hasn't been too peaceful lately, stay safe. Oh, right, Ji Xuantong, when are you going to Break Second Shackles?"
Ji Xuantong was embarrassed.
"Breaking Second is too hard, I'm working hard!"
"Hahahahaha, I'm off."
Qingtian Cang strode away, disappearing from the Martial Arts Hall in just a few steps.
The trainees finally dared to take a deep breath, gathering together and whispering to each other.
"Damn, so strong, that's our Lord's teacher?"
"I heard he's a Breakthrough Third Shackles master... That's Dragon City Martial Arts University for you—at some third-rate Martial Arts Universities, even a Martial Arts Adept could be the dean."
"The North values martial prowess, tough customs, powerful Daoist Heritages everywhere, experts as far as the eye can see!"
Ji Xuantong glanced at the group and scolded:
"Finish your boxing and go home early, don't stay too late in the Martial Arts Academy!"
...
On the other side.
Shi Ruyu was going over questions with Lu Chenzhou.
"Looks like we were asked pretty much the same stuff."
"I think you have a shot, senior sister."
"Don't know, I feel like you have a better shot than me."
"Anyway, as long as I can get into Pingjiang Martial Arts University, that's enough."
The two 'Martial Dominators' were being modest with each other.
At this moment, Ji Xuantong walked over and said:
"Chenzhou, come to my Martial Arts Room."
Lu Chenzhou glanced at Shi Ruyu.
Shi Ruyu seemed to think of something, smiled slightly, and said:
"Go ahead, maybe it's a good thing."