Invitation from the Martial Arts Academy

Following Huo Lixuan into the military tent, a burly man immediately put Chen Lin on guard.

"Chen Lin, this is our Martial Arts Academy's Instructor Miao, Miao Gaoyuan. He has something he wants to discuss with you," Huo Lixuan introduced with a respectful expression.

"Miao Gaoyuan?" Chen Lin was startled.

He knew this person. Miao Gaoyuan was a Martial King-level powerhouse who had emerged from the Martial Academy in Nanqing City and was one of the nine head instructors at the main Martial Arts Academy of Yan State. He was someone Chen Lin's predecessor had greatly admired.

In Yan State, his influence and status were arguably even higher than that of Lu Cheng, the Head Instructor of the War God Temple in Nanqing City.

"You're Chen Lin, right? Sit!" Miao Gaoyuan invited with a smile.

Chen Lin sat opposite Miao Gaoyuan, full of questions. "May I ask why Senior Miao is looking for me?"

"This is actually something very beneficial for you!" Miao Gaoyuan began with a smile, setting the stage. Before Chen Lin could ask further, he continued, "I had someone look into your family situation. To be frank, it's truly remarkable that you've come this far. I admire your character and talent, and therefore, I'd like to invite you to join our Martial Arts Academy."

"I'm truly sorry, Senior Miao. I already joined the War God Temple a few days ago," Chen Lin replied, relieved, shaking his head.

"The War God Temple has never prevented its members from withdrawing. I can promise you, if you join our Martial Arts Academy, I will not only provide you with the right to reside in a two-courtyard residence in the inner city of Nanqing City but also arrange for you to train in the central region's Martial Arts Academy's talent concentration camp," Miao Gaoyuan offered, laying out his recruitment terms.

"The central region's Martial Arts Academy's talent concentration camp?" Chen Lin gasped.

He knew about this central academy's talent concentration camp; it was a place his predecessor had always dreamed of going.

It was said that out of the Eighty-One Cities of the Five Nations, only a handful of young Martial Artists received a spot each year, with fifteen being the highest number.

Those who had trained in the talent concentration camp later achieved at least the level of a Martial King.

"Chen Lin, what are you hesitating for? The conditions Head Instructor Miao is offering are privileges that even Xu Tao and Chen Fan aren't qualified for. Our Martial Arts Academy's invitation to you is made with great sincerity," Huo Lixuan urged, seeing Chen Lin lost in thought.

Chen Lin was indeed tempted by the conditions Miao Gaoyuan offered. However, considering the War God Temple's restriction that one could never rejoin once they left, Chen Lin suppressed his impulse. He had just joined the War God Temple and hadn't learned much yet. If he left now, it would be a huge loss.

Besides, the central Martial Arts Academy's talent concentration camp wasn't unique; the War God Temple had similar facilities.

He believed that with his own strength, he would eventually secure a spot in the War God Temple's talent concentration camp. Even if he didn't, with his cheat system, it wouldn't matter. As long as he learned enough cultivation techniques, his strength would naturally improve to an unimaginable level.

Of course, his current strength was still too weak. He needed to lie low for a while longer. After all, without cultivation techniques, he couldn't improve his strength with just Slaughter Points.

After weighing the pros and cons, Chen Lin respectfully cupped his hands. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Senior Miao and Senior Huo's kind intentions. Since I've already joined the War God Temple, I haven't considered leaving anytime soon. I'm truly sorry!"

Miao Gaoyuan was taken aback. He hadn't expected Chen Lin to refuse such generous terms.

"Chen Lin, I think you should reconsider. After all, a spot in the central Martial Arts Academy's talent concentration camp is very precious; not everyone can get one," Huo Lixuan said, frowning and trying to persuade him after Chen Lin's refusal.

"No need. I've made up my mind. Thank you both for your kind intentions. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave!" Chen Lin said, rising and cupping his hands before turning and walking away without any hesitation.

Miao Gaoyuan narrowed his eyes, watching Chen Lin's retreating back, and murmured, "This young fellow didn't waver at all in the face of such temptation. His willpower is truly extraordinary. Old Huo! Our Martial Arts Academy has missed out on another promising martial talent!"

Huo Lixuan's expression also turned grim. He couldn't help but complain, "Instructor Miao, Chen Lin originally aspired to enter the Martial Arts Academy, but his failure in the martial arts examination completely cut off his path, forcing him to join the War God Temple. I don't know what Chen Lin experienced during the examination, but Instructor Miao, I know that the management of the academies below is becoming increasingly outrageous! Failing to retain such a talented martial seedling is a grave dereliction of duty!"

Miao Gaoyuan somewhat understood the underlying issues behind Huo Lixuan's complaints.

The academies were originally a martial arts system established by the Martial Arts Academy and Yan State, with the aim of cultivating more Martial Artists for Yan State and the Martial Arts Academy.

However, as time passed, this purpose was gradually diluted by those with ulterior motives, to the point where the academies have now become almost exclusive playgrounds for the children of the powerful and wealthy clans.

Fewer and fewer commoner disciples could enter the academies to practice martial arts, and talented Martial Artists were often forced to seek opportunities with other forces.

Miao Gaoyuan was aware of these issues but felt powerless.

The internal factions within the main Martial Arts Academy were also too complex. It was extremely difficult for him to change this situation single-handedly.

"Forget it, Old Huo! Don't get worked up. This isn't the first or second time something like this has happened. There are things I can't do anything about. It's better to think about how we can change the current predicament," Miao Gaoyuan said, trying to comfort Huo Lixuan, who seemed extremely agitated.

Chen Lin walked out of the military tent and let out a heavy sigh.

His seemingly simple refusal of Miao Gaoyuan's invitation had actually been a difficult act, as he had to resist the immense pressure of a Martial King-level powerhouse.

After spending less than the time it takes for three sticks of incense to burn in the temporary military camp, the list of personnel who passed the Demon Slayer Envoy assessment was posted.

Seeing his name at the top of the list, Chen Lin's face broke into a smile.

"A'Lin, we both passed the Demon Slayer Envoy assessment! Haha, we definitely need to celebrate properly when we get back to Nanqing City later," Chen Yu said excitedly, looking at his and Chen Lin's names on the list.

"Yeah, we really should celebrate," Chen Lin replied with a smile.

"A'Lin, look at how Xu Tao is looking at you. It's not right. Did something happen between you two during the assessment?" Chen Yu suddenly asked, frowning as he noticed Xu Tao's gaze from across the crowd.

"No! I've only met him three times in total, and we haven't even spoken a few words. Where would any conflict come from?" Chen Lin said, feeling speechless.

"Chen Lin, just you wait. I will definitely become a Martial Ancestor-level powerhouse before you," Xu Tao said earnestly to Chen Lin, pushing through the crowd.

"Hehehe!" Chen Lin was speechless.

Seeing that Chen Lin's attitude was the same as when they first met, Xu Tao's expression turned so dark that it looked like it could drip water.