Enrollment

The next day, when Amon and the others returned to Northland Academy, Dean of Instruction Zhu Youzhi wore an entirely different expression.

"Ah, aren't you the three students from before?

"My apologies. It was my mistake before—I barred you from entering because of some unsubstantiated rumors.

"We've now confirmed that those rumors were completely baseless. I apologize to you." Zhu Youzhi gave them a deep bow, lowering his stance considerably.

"Heh... you fat bastard, your attitude changed pretty quickly, didn't it?"

Yan Jin was about to mock him further, but Amon held out an arm in front of her and stopped her.

"Director Zhu, we were also responsible for causing this misunderstanding. We're sorry for taking up your time... Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, shouldn't we proceed with the normal enrollment process?"

"Of course. Student Amon, it's wonderful that you're so reasonable. Your enrollment documents have already been approved. Do the three of you have any other requests? I can make the decision to place you in whichever class you wish."

Seeing how easy Amon was to talk to, Zhu Youzhi visibly breathed a sigh of relief and spoke with a hint of ingratiation.

Northland Advanced Soul Master Academy had three grades in total. Those who had enrolled for less than a year or whose Soul Power had not exceeded level twenty were first-years. Those who had enrolled for over a year and possessed Soul Power between level twenty and thirty were second-years. Those whose Soul Power exceeded level thirty were third-years.

The maximum age for students was twenty-five. Anyone over twenty-five whose Soul Power had not reached level thirty would be advised to withdraw and would not receive a graduation certificate.

Conversely, anyone whose Soul Power reached level thirty could choose to graduate at any time.

Most people who had surpassed level thirty would not graduate immediately. They would continue studying at the academy until they approached the age of twenty-five.

First, the academy possessed a strong faculty. Second, there was the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. Besides that, they could meet more talented students and expand their connections.

"Place all of us in the third year, in Vidal's class," Amon said.

Zhu Youzhi rubbed his hands together, looking somewhat troubled.

"Is there a problem?" Amon asked doubtfully.

"It's like this. According to academy regulations, all of you need to spend a full year in the first year. There's no problem with whichever first-year class you want to join, but Vidal entered the third year this year. The third year isn't under my authority, so Director Yu's approval is required.

"I'm afraid that may be difficult. Director Yu is rather rigid and dislikes students obtaining special treatment through personal connections.

"According to the information I received, you're already over level thirty. Even without spending a full year here, entering the third year shouldn't be a problem. But Yan Jin and Lei Yin... their Soul Power levels haven't met the requirements, so she may not be willing to make an exception."

"Yu? Is it the 'Yu' I'm thinking of?" Amon raised an eyebrow.

Zhu Youzhi nodded. "Yes. Director Yu's full name is Yu Xinxue. She is a branch member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, so she doesn't need to cater to most people. Even the Principal has little authority over her.

"Although there have been precedents of people entering the third year without sufficient Soul Power, that person passed a rather demanding test and only then earned Director Yu's approval."

"A test?" Yan Jin raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're trying to make things difficult for us again?"

She had become rather averse to that word.

Zhu Youzhi smiled ingratiatingly. "How could that be? That Lord instructed me to make things as convenient as possible for you at the academy. How would I dare disobey?"

"Huh... the old man's name carries quite some weight." Yan Jin did not yet have much respect for Walter. Amon's analysis had made her realize that his taking them as disciples had carried a hint of coercion.

But she did not dislike it either. After all, Walter had truly been generous to her. Even someone like her, who did not enjoy studying, seemed to have fallen in love with class.

Walter's teaching ability had earned the unanimous approval of Amon, Yan Jin, and Lei Yin.

"What test?" Lei Yin asked.

They had come to Northland Academy mainly to obtain the qualifications to participate in the Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academies, so entering the third year as early as possible would naturally be more convenient.

"Defeat a third-year student at the Soul Elder level," Zhu Youzhi replied. "Well, there's room to work with that. We can hint to the student taking part in the assessment to go easy on you."

To his surprise, neither Lei Yin nor Yan Jin looked worried in the slightest.

"That's it?" Yan Jin crossed her arms over her chest, her face full of indifference.

Lei Yin smiled. "The difficulty seems lower than I imagined. As long as it isn't a Soul Elder like Mr. Amon."

"It seems you two are very confident. As expected of people under That Lord's care." Seeing their confidence, Zhu Youzhi's expression relaxed as well.

It was merely arranging an assessment. Yu Xinxue would not refuse him even that small favor.

"Amon, Yan Jin, Lei Yin... What are you..." Vidal, who happened to be passing by, saw the four of them and came over to greet them.

"Oh, Goldie, our problem's been resolved. The enrollment procedures are done. We only need to pass one assessment before we can join your class." Yan Jin chuckled.

Vidal looked astonished. "Join our class?"

"Yes. I'll apply to Director Yu for a special advancement assessment for these three students. By then, you'll all be classmates," Zhu Youzhi said with a genial smile.

"Uh..." Vidal sensed that something was off. Why had Zhu Youzhi refused to let them enroll no matter what just yesterday, yet now he was running around catering to them?

He could sense the friendliness in Zhu Youzhi's attitude toward them, even a hint of respect.

He did not dwell on it, nor did he intend to investigate further. Instead, he said enthusiastically:

"You're joining our class? That's great... I only entered the third year this year too. Our class teacher is Teacher Yu, the third-year Dean of Instruction. She's a real beauty, you know. Our academy only has two Soul Emperor-level teachers, and she's one of them."

"Have you fought any of the others in your class? How strong are they?" Yan Jin asked the question that interested her most.

"I told you, I only just entered the third year myself. I interacted with them before because of forming teams for the Internal Selection Tournament, but we rarely fought head-on."

Worried that Yan Jin might be careless during the assessment, Vidal added:

"Don't underestimate them. When I fought you before, we were both Soul Grand Masters. Now, you might not necessarily be able to beat me.

"Every year, the academy regularly organizes people to help qualified students hunt Spirit Rings. Therefore, third-year students' third Spirit Rings are basically thousand-year ones, which can greatly enhance their combat strength.

"Don't treat them like those Soul Elders outside who have already reached the limit of their potential. Anyone who can study here has considerable talent.

"When I was a Soul Grandmaster, I could already defeat some Soul Elders outside. But if they were third-years from Northland Academy, even those near the bottom, it would be very difficult just to avoid losing."

"Oh... is that so? Looks like getting another Spirit Ring has made you cocky. Want to have a fight?" Yan Jin directly challenged him.

Vidal shook his head in refusal. "You should save your energy for the upcoming assessment."

Seeing how harmonious their atmosphere was, Zhu Youzhi bid them farewell. "I'll go find Director Yu first. You all get along well."

"Yeah, yeah." Yan Jin waved him off. She still found the fat man somewhat unpleasant.