Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter Thirteen: Imparting Knowledge and Dispelling Doubts

The audience below the stage, upon hearing his words, could not help but begin whispering among themselves. Everyone glanced at those around them, as if none wished to be the first to step forward. Bai Ze watched them in silence, saying nothing, simply waiting patiently. While the crowd debated in hushed voices, hesitant to pose the first question, a male voice suddenly rose from a corner: "Principal Bai Ze, I want to know why I received an admission notice from this school when I clearly didn't select it in my application?" Everyone turned to look, and saw Ye Junze rise to ask the question. The crowd nodded unconsciously, evidently sharing the same curiosity.

On stage, Bai Ze regarded Ye Junze with approval, then asked, "Very good. What is your name, student?"

"Ye Junze," he replied.

"Good, you may sit. The question you raised, I believe, is the same doubt many here had upon receiving their admission notices," Bai Ze paused, then continued, "Now, I will tell you the reason."

"In recent years, due to the resurgence of spiritual energy, we have discovered that many ordinary people now possess the potential for cultivation. Your presence here is the result of a careful selection process." Seeing the audience whispering, Bai Ze seemed to catch the gist of their discussion and added, "Of course, the method of selection is no secret. Do you all recall the medical examination before the college entrance exam?"

The crowd nodded in affirmation.

Bai Ze continued, "The blood samples collected during your medical exams were used to determine whether you possess the talent for cultivation."

Upon hearing this, a collective realization dawned on the audience. Many muttered, "No wonder." Ye Junze, too, wore an expression of understanding, as if something had finally been confirmed.

With Ye Junze breaking the ice, the crowd saw that the principal was indeed candid and forthcoming, prompting more questions.

Another voice asked, "Principal, you mentioned the medical examination. There are so many students nationwide, so why are only a few hundred of us seated here?"

Bai Ze replied slowly, "While our country has many people, each has a unique constitution. There were indeed more than just you with potential in those blood samples, but not all had the physical constitution necessary for cultivation. For some, pursuing this path would only hasten their demise."

The person who raised the question seemed quite pleased to have stood out among millions, nodding enthusiastically, "Thank you, Principal." Many others shared this excitement, feeling proud to soon be different from the rest.

Ye Junze watched them bask in their sense of superiority. He felt they were not wrong—everyone has their own thoughts. If someone suddenly gains a unique status after living unnoticed, it's natural to feel joyful, even proud. But was the path of cultivation truly so easy? Not only was it difficult, but there was also the danger of fighting so-called aberrants, as the principal had mentioned. Ye Junze knew with certainty that the danger was not insignificant; when faced with threats to their lives, many would surely regret their sense of superiority today and wish to remain ordinary.

Wang Dongdong, who stood beside Ye Junze, noticed his thoughtful expression and couldn't help but ask, "Junze, what are you thinking?" When Ye Junze did not respond, he continued, "I never expected that cultivation, something I've only seen in stories, actually exists. I wonder if training will help me shed all this weight."

Ye Junze, hearing the latter part, joked, "I can't say whether it will help you lose weight, but you'd better not end up heavier than you are now after cultivating."

"Come on, Junze, you're really something. Your sarcasm is unparalleled," Wang Dongdong replied, feigning annoyance and waving his hand.

Bai Ze observed that most people in the audience were similarly excited, his expression unchanged, but quietly noted those who remained calm, including Ye Junze. In his heart, Bai Ze thought, "There are a few interesting newcomers this year. This Ye Junze is quite something." With this in mind, Bai Ze continued, "However, I must tell you all that, due to the resurgence of spiritual energy, nearly every child born in recent years has the potential for cultivation. In the near future, the era of universal cultivation will arrive, and you will have many more companions on this path."

Those who had been so excited earlier gradually calmed down upon hearing this, realizing they would soon no longer be so unique. As their excitement faded, they recalled unresolved doubts and resumed asking questions.

A young woman stood and asked, "Principal, regarding the aberrants you mentioned, if they one day appear, will all of us have to fight?"

"Yes," Bai Ze replied, "I can state with certainty that once you join Anze and embark on the path of cultivation, fighting them is something you must face. This path is fraught with danger—not only from aberrants, but also from those who use cultivation for evil, who kill and plunder for their own benefit. Such people have always existed in the history of cultivation. So now, I must ask you one final question. Knowing that your lives may face unknown dangers, are you still willing to walk this path unwaveringly?"

Bai Ze’s words seemed to carry a strange power, prompting everyone to ponder deeply. Were they truly prepared, even knowing they might one day die? Many who had been excited now showed signs of wavering.

Ye Junze knew the heart of the matter had finally been addressed. Was he ready? Everything he had done thus far was in pursuit of the truth. Now, at last, he had a chance to grasp it—his answer was self-evident. Ye Junze rose, his gaze firm, and declared, "I am ready." Wang Dongdong, moved by his resolve, stood as well, "I am ready too." Seeing this, others followed suit, voices rising one after another, "I am ready," "Me too," and so on.

Eventually, all stood, speaking in unison, "We are all ready." The tide of voices merged, creating an inexplicable magic that lingered in the air. The clouds above seemed to be scattered by their declaration, sweeping away the gloom.

Bai Ze, witnessing the scene, spoke with satisfaction, "Very good. Please sit. As Bai Ze, Principal of Anze Academy, I personally welcome you all on behalf of everyone at Anze. May you support each other and walk this path together."

After they sat, someone couldn't help but ask, "Principal, what if someone had chosen not to stay?"

Bai Ze smiled, "Rest assured, if anyone does not wish to remain, we won’t force you. We will arrange admission to another top university in the country, erase your memories of this place, and return you home."

Hearing this, the audience felt a chill, thinking that although the principal’s smile was harmless, who knew what erasing memories truly entailed? If it turned them into a fool, who would they turn to for justice?

As if aware of their thoughts, Bai Ze said, "I’m glad you all made the right choice. Welcome again." He paused, then continued, "The entrance ceremony is nearly over, but your life at Anze has only just begun. I hope that after the meeting, you prepare yourselves, because—"

He deliberately paused, then announced slowly, "Tomorrow, the entrance examination begins. Good luck to you all. See you tomorrow." With that, he walked off the stage, disappearing from sight.

The crowd was struck as if by lightning. Who would have thought, after nearly ten years of exam-driven education, that their first task here would be another test? Oh mother, I’m exhausted. I want to go home.

Ye Junze and Wang Dongdong rose and left. On the way back to their dormitory, Ye Junze thought quietly, "Tomorrow it begins—the real challenge is finally here. I wonder which department suits me?"