Chapter 187: Chapter 72: Mind Test, Physical Test, and Spiritual Testing

After all, even true delinquents and potential criminals might not follow their instincts at a time like this. Instead, they would likely put on an act and make the choices of a well-behaved child.

Unless, of course, a Transcendent specializing in mind-related arts was present, or had even set up some kind of related formation.

The old, white-haired teacher chuckled, confirming Su Zhou’s suspicions. "As long as they know what’s wrong and what’s right, and understand the consequences of their mistakes, then even a bit of a bad streak can be corrected. The scariest ones are the little tykes who make mistakes and don’t even think they’ve done anything wrong. They’re the ones who are in desperate need of psychological treatment... Alright, we’re here."

Su Zhou had been to the principal’s office a few times before, around the time he broke the high school sprint record in his first year. Other than the rather high-quality calligraphy and painting hanging on the back wall, the furnishings were very simple.

The principal was a middle-aged man, balding on top and somewhat overweight, with the surname Qiu. Next to him sat a scholar wearing a modern Daoist Robe. He had a kind face, a long beard, and the air of an immortal sage. It was none other than Professor Zhang Fucheng from Zhengyi Academy.

"Ah, Su, please sit. Make yourself comfortable."

Principal Qiu had apparently been chatting with Professor Zhang, and his words and actions seemed designed to curry favor with the man. When he saw Su Zhou enter, his eyes lit up. He immediately stood up and pointed to a chair that had already been prepared. "Sit, please sit..." Seeming to realize he was being a bit too enthusiastic, he coughed and slowly sat back down.

Professor Zhang, on the other hand, simply nodded at Su Zhou when he entered and then sat smiling to the side without saying much. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Once Su Zhou was seated, Principal Qiu steepled his fingers under his nose, his expression turning quite serious. "Now, Su, I know you must have questions. We won’t beat around the bush; let’s get straight to the point."

He then proceeded to explain the full story behind why they had invited Su Zhou to speak with them alone.

The answer was simple: Su Zhou’s Talent.

In Spiritual Energy Class, even by revealing only a portion of his Talent, Su Zhou was already considered among the nation’s top tier—a genius with an extremely high chance of taking first place. Although he had not yet undergone detailed tests and assessments, based on his Spiritual Qi absorption rate alone, reaching the Extraordinary Realm was a sure thing. There was even a high probability he could ascend beyond it.

To have a national-level cultivation genius emerge from their own school—what a tremendous achievement! It was no wonder his homeroom teacher, Teacher Li, and Principal Qiu were so keyed up. This was their accomplishment, too! Teacher Li’s Special Level promotion and Principal Qiu’s future prospects all hinged on this. How could they not take it seriously?

So, they had simply invited him here alone to explain in detail the stakes and the potential rewards.

"To apply for the Extraordinary assessment, there are several steps. The first is the mindset assessment test. That’s what’s happening in the auditorium right now. With the enhancement of the Purifying Heart Spell, we can generally get the most truthful answers."

Although Principal Qiu’s speeches in the auditorium were usually tedious, his words now were clear and simple, showcasing the full skill of a veteran educator. "In your case, Su, Teacher Li and I can guarantee you an exemption from the test. Of course, if you want to try it for yourself, that’s fine too. This part is mainly just to see a person’s general disposition; it doesn’t really eliminate many people."

"The part that really eliminates people is the next test: the physical examination. Hmm, to be more precise, it’s the ’physique assessment.’"

At this moment, Professor Zhang, who had been sitting to the side, cleared his throat. Principal Qiu nodded, ceding the floor, and Su Zhou turned to look at him.

"The physique assessment... you can actually be exempted from that as well." Professor Zhang’s voice was very gentle. ’His power level,’ Su Zhou assessed, ’should be at the newly advanced Awakening Peak. One more step and he’ll be in the Extraordinary Realm. No wonder Principal Qiu seems to be fawning over him; he must be a high-ranking member of Zhengyi Academy.’

Su Zhou’s observation took but an instant. Professor Zhang was still explaining, "After all, I and several other professors from the Academy have personally observed your Talent. That’s not something that can be faked."

"The standard physique assessment is just for testing students who have just undergone their Spirit Awakening and have only recently started drawing in Spiritual Qi. Of course, students who haven’t can also go and see if they truly have Talent. In that case, though, they’ll need to pay an extra testing fee. After all, using the testing equipment consumes resources. Of course, it’s not much. The government subsidizes most of the cost. It’s just to discourage the gamblers who know they have no talent but just want to try their luck."

"However, Su." Every turning point hinges on a ’however.’ Professor Zhang straightened his posture and looked Su Zhou, who was now equally serious, in the eye. "Principal Qiu, Teacher Li, and I—or rather, the entire education system of Hongcheng, of all of Hongzhou—hope that you will perform at your best in the ’physique assessment’ and unleash your greatest potential."

’Seriously?’

Blinking, Su Zhou knew that ’his best’ in their eyes was not the same as his *true* best, but he still couldn’t help but twitch internally. ’Wow, Yara,’ he thought, ’if I really unleashed my full potential in front of these people, how freaked out do you think they’d be?’

’What do you think? They’d be stunned speechless, jaws on the floor, legs turning to jelly...’ the Snake Spirit replied lazily. ’Isn’t that what you were planning to do anyway? Something even more exaggerated than what they’re imagining—isn’t this perfect?’

In fact, it was perfect.

Why did they want Su Zhou to give his all in the test? The answer was even simpler—because there was competition between the various provinces and regions.

Su Zhou’s emergence was not just a political achievement for Teacher Li and Principal Qiu, but also a crowning accomplishment for the Hongcheng Education Bureau and the Hongzhou Education Bureau. Did that sound like they were using Su Zhou? Not to worry. They had come this time precisely to dispel any such potential misunderstandings.

Zhang Fucheng, on behalf of the local Hongzhou officials, promised Su Zhou that as long as he could display his potential in the physique assessment and achieve a top-ten national ranking, he would receive a reward worth several million, as well as various Spiritual Objects that money couldn’t buy.

In reality, this wasn’t that much. After all, for a genius like Su Zhou who was destined to reach the Extraordinary Realm, even a favor from him would be worth far more than that amount.

And if—if—Su Zhou also managed to get a top-ten national rank in the "Spiritual Power practical test," which was held concurrently with the Holy Ascension Selection Test after the "physique assessment," then the reward was open to negotiation!

"The physique assessment is basically a physical exam and a test of your Spirit Talent."

This time, it was Principal Qiu’s turn to explain again. "The Spiritual Power practical test, on the other hand, is to demonstrate the Extraordinary Power you’ve gained through Cultivation. It’s a process for registering and classifying your Spiritual Power and abilities, which will help in analyzing which department you should study in at the Extraordinary Academy."

"Furthermore, this is also a process to showcase to the public, to let them see what kind of changes the Extraordinary Power brought by the Spiritual Energy Revival can have on a person. The entire process will be broadcast live nationwide. You can consider it another way to popularize Extraordinary Power."

"And aside from the extra rewards we are offering, the national government itself will also provide exceptional pill support to the top-ranking students—many Cultivation Pills. These are all resources!"

"So, what do you think, Su? The mind assessment, physique assessment, and Spiritual Testing—that’s basically the procedure. You don’t need to push yourself to the breaking point. Just perform naturally and make sure you’re in your best condition."

Whether it was Principal Qiu, Professor Zhang, or Teacher Li—who was pacing outside the door, unable to hear the conversation but wearing an equally expectant expression—they were all anxiously awaiting Su Zhou’s answer.

And his answer was very simple.

"No problem."

Su Zhou chuckled, his expression relaxed and even showing a hint of amusement. "Don’t worry. I understand."

"I will definitely ’give it my all.’"