The test!

Within the Jade Mist Sect, Academy Master and Deputy Academy Master were not merely symbolic honorary titles.

They represented genuine recognition from the sect's upper ranks, a sign of inclusion on the list of those given preferential resources.

Beyond that, they were closely tied to the precious opportunity for the sect to spare no effort in nurturing someone, gathering vast resources to help him strive toward the Golden Core Dao.

Su Bai, who had only just reached Foundation Establishment and whose horizons were still confined to his immediate cultivation, might not yet have fully grasped the deeper significance.

But as Hall Master of the Inner Sect Hall, Fu Yunshen had overseen the sect's personnel and internal affairs for years. How could he fail to understand?

Xu Shangran had overridden all objections to promote Su Bai directly to Deputy Academy Master of the Sword Academy. This was no passing whim.

He had deeply bound Su Bai's future Dao Path to the future of the Sword Academy, and even the Jade Mist Sect itself.

The position of Deputy Academy Master meant that Su Bai not only enjoyed the corresponding authority, but also held a potential place of considerable weight in the sect's future ranking of "Golden Core Seeds."

If the Sword Academy truly grew and prospered as Xu Shangran wished, becoming a keen blade for the Jade Mist Sect and even Qingzhou, then Su Bai, as one of its core pillars, would receive sect support far exceeding that of ordinary true disciples and elders.

Hearing Fu Yunshen lay it bare, Xu Shangran gave a faint smile and nodded lightly. "You see clearly, Hall Master Fu."

"However, I did this not merely to lay plans for the sect, but also because this young man truly deserves it."

He paused, his gaze seeming to