Translator: CinderTL
After Tang Huochang left, the examinees in the hall gradually began to disperse.
"Brother Jiang!"
Lin Yushu, the big-headed youth, approached Jiang Ye with a look of envy. "Congratulations on becoming a Reserve Star Practitioner!"
Becoming a Reserve Star Practitioner could add several dozen points to the College Entrance Examination score. Even though Lin Yushu was confident in getting into one of the ten great schools, he still coveted this opportunity.
While his own failure stung, Jiang Ye's success was even more unsettling. In the most recent monthly exam, Jiang Ye had only scored 690 points—far below Lin Yushu's score. Yet he had still secured the coveted spot!
Lin Yushu's expression turned complicated at this thought.
Jiang Ye patted him on the shoulder, offering comfort. "Don't worry, you can try again next year."
"Next year? By then, the College Entrance Examination will be over," Lin Yushu said with a shake of his head.
He didn't dwell on it further, though. Smiling, he added, "Jiang Ye, if we ever get the chance, we should spar at the same cultivation level. I refuse to believe you're really that much better than me!"
"Haha, sure," Jiang Ye replied with a grin.
After parting ways with Lin Yushu, Jiang Ye immediately headed for the elevator.
At the elevator doors, Su Tong'er, Wan Yaoyang, and Ye Xiuluo were waiting.
When they saw Jiang Ye approaching, all three turned to look at him.
A flicker of surprise crossed Wan Yaoyang's eyes. He and Su Tong'er had finished their assessments early and hadn't witnessed Jiang Ye and Ye Xiuluo's brutal clash.
What kind of dogshit luck did this kid stumble upon? Wan Yaoyang sneered inwardly as he glared at Jiang Ye.
Su Tong'er stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her back, and said with a bright smile, "I never expected you to actually defeat that bald brute, Ye Xiuluo."
"Just luck," Jiang Ye replied with a modest smile.
"Luck?" Su Tong'er shook her head. She had teamed up with Ye Xiuluo during the Shadow Clan hunt and knew firsthand the man's formidable strength.
"That behemoth isn't someone you can take down with mere luck." Su Tong'er sized Jiang Ye up, her smile widening. "I underestimated you, Jiang Ye. This young lady will remember you."
Hearing this, Wan Yaoyang thought to himself, This kid's in for a world of trouble. Once Demoness Tong sets her sights on you, you'll be trampled underfoot for the rest of your days.
Ye Xiuluo, standing nearby, cast a sympathetic glance at Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye, however, remained unfazed, smiling cheerfully. "We'll be colleagues from now on," he said. "Please guide me well."
Buzz! The elevator doors slid open.
The group entered the elevator together, heading to the 21st floor of the Unified Examination Bureau building.
Upon exiting the elevator, several formally dressed staff members immediately escorted Su Tong'er and the others away.
Jiang Ye, however, was left waiting.
Just as he began to wonder what was happening, a fiery figure appeared in his vision.
Tang Huochang beckoned him over. "Come with me," she said, her voice sultry.
With a provocative sway of her hips, she strode into an office.
Jiang Ye quickly followed.
Inside the office, Tang Huochang cut straight to the point, her smile warm. "From now on, I'll be your Reserve Star Practitioner mentor. My name is Tang Huochang."
"Nice to meet you, Sister Tang," Jiang Ye replied promptly.
The term "Reserve Star Practitioner" was used precisely because these trainees required dedicated guidance from experienced mentors.
Thus, the need for guidance arose.
Hearing Jiang Ye's respectful address, Tang Huochang glanced at him in surprise.
She chuckled softly. "I'm already 35 this year. You should call me 'Auntie' by now."
Jiang Ye exclaimed in astonishment, "I thought you were only around 25, Sister Tang!"
"You little charmer," Tang Huochang said, her rosy lips curving into a smile. Clearly, his words had greatly pleased her.
She produced a contract. "This is your exclusive ten-year contract."
Jiang Ye immediately took it.
Tang Huochang smiled warmly. "Signing this contract means you'll be officially part of the Federation's ranks. Take a good look."
Jiang Ye's heart skipped a beat.
Officially part of the Federation!
A dream etched into the very blood of every Chinese citizen.
Now, as just a high school student, he was already achieving this aspiration.
Huff~
Jiang Ye took a deep breath.
He opened the contract and began to read.
His academic performance had always been top-notch, so he had no trouble understanding the terms.
Second-Tier Reserve Star Profession Contract, valid for ten years. If the second breakthrough is achieved within this period, the contract will be upgraded to a Star Practitioner Contract.
"If you do not become a Star Practitioner within ten years, this contract will be void."
"If your potential improves and is certified, you may upgrade the contract tier."
"..."
Jiang Ye quickly scanned the main points of the contract.
He immediately found the compensation section of this exclusive agreement:
"Second-Tier Reserve Star Profession Contract: Monthly stipend of 100,000 Federal Currency."
That was it.
Simple and concise.
"Monthly, 100,000?!" Jiang Ye's eyes widened.
He scrutinized the text again, finding no additional conditions.
Just those plain, unadorned words.
"Good!" Jiang Ye's heart surged with excitement. A monthly stipend of 100,000 was more than enough.
After all, his current monthly expenses barely exceeded 50,000.
With 100,000 per month?
His progress in the months leading up to the College Entrance Examination would undoubtedly accelerate even further.
But Jiang Ye's elation was short-lived.
He noticed a line of smaller text beneath the main clause:
"Starting from the third year, the monthly stipend will decrease by 10,000 and continue to decrease annually."
Jiang Ye froze, momentarily stunned.
Beside him, Tang Huochang seemed to anticipate his reaction.
She smiled. "The Reserve Star Profession Contract is designed to help you become a Star Practitioner as quickly as possible."
"If you haven't achieved your second breakthrough after three years, it indicates diminishing potential, and your benefits will be reduced accordingly."
Jiang Ye nodded, understanding.
Tang Huochang continued, "The benefits listed in this contract are only part of the story."
"Once you become a Reserve Star Practitioner, there will be many hidden perks," she said with a smile.
"Hidden perks?" Jiang Ye's eyes lit up. "Please tell me more, Sister Tang!"
"For example, you'll receive three free cosmic temperings per year." Tang Huochang held up three slender fingers, smiling. "The Federation will also subsidize a portion of the costs associated with trials, assessments, and other requirements for becoming a Star Practitioner."
Jiang Ye looked astonished.
These hidden perks were far more substantial than he had imagined.
To put it simply,
the three free cosmic temperings alone were worth 150,000 Federal Currency—nearly two years' salary for his parents.
"And there's more," Tang Huochang added. "The Reserve Star Practitioner ranks are divided into five tiers."
"Originally, you were only eligible to become a First-Tier Reserve Star Practitioner."
"However, given your performance during the assessment, we've promoted you to Second-Tier."
She smiled warmly. "In the future, if you demonstrate even greater potential, you could be promoted to higher tiers and receive even more generous benefits."
"Second-Tier Reserve Star Practitioner?" Jiang Ye nodded.
This was mentioned in the contract.
Reserve Star Practitioner tiers ranged from one to five, with one being the lowest and five the highest.
Each tier corresponded to different benefits.
Thinking of this, Jiang Ye couldn't help but ask, "Sister Tang, what tiers are the other three at?"
Tang Huochang gave him a knowing smile.
Since it wasn't confidential, she replied, "Ye Xiuluo is First-Tier, Wan Yaoyang is Second-Tier like you, and Su Tong'er is Third-Tier."
"Su Tong'er, Third-Tier." Jiang Ye nodded slightly, unsurprised.
During the Cosmic Melee, Su Tong'er had swept through the arena with astonishing speed, finishing the assessment first.
This was partly because she enjoyed crushing her opponents; otherwise, she would have finished even faster.
Her skill level certainly warranted Third-Tier status.
Suddenly, Jiang Ye remembered something and looked up. "By the way, Sister Tang, how many points will becoming a Reserve Star Practitioner add to my College Entrance Examination score?"
(End of the Chapter)