Chapter 51: Opening Competition!
The three of them arrived at the classroom and returned to their previous seats. About 10 minutes later, the classroom gradually filled as students entered one after another and sat down.
Before the start of the term, the school had hired cleaners to thoroughly clean every corner of the campus, so the students did not need to do any cleaning themselves. This made everyone feel much more relaxed.
Soon after, the homeroom teacher, Zhao Gang, appeared at the door on time and walked steadily onto the podium. After standing still, he greeted the class with a smile.
"Students, the long summer vacation is finally over. We can gather together again for the coming school year. Are you happy?"
What responded from below the podium was a collective sigh.
Zhao Gang was slightly stunned, then shook his head helplessly. "Ahem. In any case, today is only registration day, so there isn't much to do. I'll hold a brief class meeting, and after that, you can all go home and rest."
Upon hearing this, the previously listless students immediately perked up and cheered.
Zhao Gang quickly gestured for silence, though a smile still appeared on his face. "Quiet down. The main purpose of this meeting is to emphasize next year's course schedule and the details of tomorrow's opening competition."
After everyone quieted down, Zhao Gang continued, "Over the next year, the focus will be on Cultivation, supplemented by theoretical studies. There will be various cultivation and practical combat classes."
"Originally, practical classes were meant to teach you how to use your Supernatural Abilities, but since the College Entrance Examination policy has changed this year, Fighting Technique, which were originally meant to be taught in university, will now be introduced early. Therefore, the schedule is different from before, with 2 Fighting Technique classes per week."
"Oh~~"
Zhao Gang smiled. "So, that half-month wasn't wasted, was it?"
"No~~"
"Next, let's talk about tomorrow's opening competition. Following tradition, it will be an elimination tournament."
"Everyone only has 1 chance; once you lose, you are eliminated. Opponents will be determined by drawing lots, just like during training."
"You will face whoever you draw. If you're lucky, you might draw someone several levels lower than you. If you're unlucky, you'll have to accept it."
At that moment, a student raised a hand.
"Teacher, won't that cause some students who should rank higher to be eliminated early?"
"Of course not. While luck is part of strength, you are still young and this is your first formal competition, so the format will be as fair as possible."
"Before the competition, everyone's current Realm will be tested, and opponents will be assigned accordingly. Those within the same threshold will draw lots together."
"In the end, the winners of each group will compete to determine the top 3. In the past, there have been cases where lower Realms defeated higher ones."
"If you work hard and give it your all, there is still hope for a good ranking."
"What about the Support Class?"
"Don't worry. We haven't been idle this summer either."
"We've already designed combat methods for Support Class students based on their Supernatural Abilities. For example, for Lin Ning, after applying Panshi Armor and Defense Aura to herself, she only needs to hold out for 10 minutes under her opponent's assault to be declared the winner."
"If both sides are from the Support Class, they will fight directly."
He then glanced around the classroom.
"Is that clear?"
"Clear~~"
"Very good. During the competition, several high-level officials from Yan City will attend, as well as leaders from other cities and recruitment representatives from prestigious universities."
"They will scout for talent during this event. If someone catches their eye, they may even receive a Guaranteed Admission spot."
"Everyone must take this seriously. Your parents are also welcome to attend; tickets are half-price."
The opening competition was not only meant to assess the students' cultivation progress over the summer, but also to generate some funding.
After all, the rewards for the top 3 were substantial enough to place significant financial pressure on the school, and government funding alone was insufficient.
Zhao Gang said, "Alright, the meeting is over. You may all go home."
"The competition will last for 3 days. Remember not to be late tomorrow."
"Got it!"
Everyone left one after another, each feeling somewhat nervous about the upcoming competition.
Wang Zhong asked, "Old Ke, which form are you planning to use in the competition?"
Su Ke replied, "I'm not sure yet. There are too many forms—I'm having trouble deciding."
Lin Ning said, "Why do I sense a bit of bragging in that?"
Su Ke said, "It depends on my opponent tomorrow. No matter what, I have to win the first round."
Wang Zhong said, "Then let's all do our best. In any case, I must enter the top 3 and get that crystal core!"
Su Ke said, "I've already reserved one for myself."
Wang Zhong said, "Then it'll depend on our own abilities!"
Su Ke said, "Naturally."
After parting with them, Su Ke returned home and immediately locked himself in his room to Cultivate.
He even hurried through his meals, unwilling to waste a single moment.
After reaching the 10th stage, even the slightest progress became extremely difficult. 5 hours of cultivation only increased his progress by 2%.
"I only have 1 crystal core left, the one Aunt gave me. But my progress at the 10th stage is only around 80%; it's still far from enough."
"The Spiritual Qi required to Breakthrough to Rank 2 is enormous, and there's also a risk of failure. If I use this crystal core now, I won't have any left later."
"It seems I must place in the top 3 in this competition to obtain another crystal core, so I can Breakthrough to Rank 2 sooner."
Although cultivation was important, the competition was tomorrow, and Su Ke needed sufficient rest. He did not stay up late and went to bed early.
Early the next morning, he found that his parents were already awake and fully dressed.
"Dad, Mom, what's going on?"
Su Yuan said, "Today is your competition. We don't want to miss it."
"We took leave from the shop and won't be working for these 3 days."
Su Ke joked, "Aren't you afraid I'll be eliminated in the first round and embarrass you?"
Zhang Xu said, "How could that happen? We've seen all the hard work you've put in."
"We have complete confidence in you. And even if you really are eliminated, so what? At least you tried your best."
Seeing his parents' trust, Su Ke felt moved.
"Alright, then I can't let you down. No matter what, I have to bring back a top 3 finish this time."
Su Yuan said, "Good! That's my son. You've got spirit!"
The family headed to school together. Since they did not own a car, they took a taxi.
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