Chapter 72: The Dean

After the turmoil settled, the Shenlong Empire's team returned joyfully.

"The Shadow Transformation Nation guys were so funny, they were scared and ran away."

"Look at their appearance, it's really hilarious."

"So many professionals, yet they were frightened by a few Skeletons and fled in panic—what a bunch of useless people."

"They can even take on Nightmare-level Difficulty; if they truly gave it their all, the Shadow Transformation Nation folks would be handing themselves over to death. Of course they'd run, otherwise they'd be asking for trouble."

Many people turned their gaze toward Jiang Chen during the discussion.

Jiang Chen remained silent, appearing extremely mysterious.

Strong in power, few words, ruthless, and possessing terrifying Skeleton Summoned Entities—that's the first impression Jiang Chen gives all professionals.

Yet the colder Jiang Chen appears, the more curious those around him become.

People whispered, speculating about Jiang Chen's identity.

"Where did this guy come from?"

"Could he be a student from a Top College?"

"Unlikely; what would Top College folks do in a place like this?"

"Besides, Top College students are busy leveling up and tackling high‑level Instances; they have no time for Trials."

"Strange, what's this guy's background?"

"He doesn't speak much, but his method against the Shikigami just now was indeed impressive."

"Hmm, decisive and unhesitant, his composure far surpasses everyone here; so calm…"

On the way back, everyone felt relaxed and happy.

Although they failed to complete the Trial Mission, today's experience left them satisfied.

Even when they returned and told others, they felt

that today's event could be bragged about for a whole year.

Scaring the Shadow Transformation Nation team away was enough to feel good.

Shadow Transformation Nation, after all, is just a tiny country that always dares to challenge Shenlong Empire's professionals.

The many professionals present thought that the Shadow Transformation Yinyang Master was lucky to sense danger and fled early aboard a Shikigami.

If anyone still dared to act recklessly on the spot, this mysterious young Summoner would kill them without hesitation.

Glorifying the nation is paramount; the Trial Mission itself became secondary.

Only Lei Ren alone had displeasure flickering in his eyes.

He occasionally glanced at Jiang Chen, his eyes filled with both hatred and a hint of regret.

If he hadn't forced Fang Hongxiu back then, he could have become one of those who completed the Trial Mission.

But now, there are no more hypotheticals or if‑ifs…

"Hmph, Jiang Chen, our grudge is not over yet…"

Lei Ren's heart was full of resentment.

The group left the Light Screen and returned to the mission dispatch point.

At that moment, Fang Hongxiu produced a Mission Stone and a Mermaid's Tear, "Submit the mission!"

The Mission Stone and Mermaid's Tear slowly rose into the air.

A phantom image of Shenlong Tower suddenly appeared in the sky.

A beam of light shot from the phantom, illuminating the Mission Stone and Mermaid's Tear in Fang Hongxiu's hand.

Seconds later, an authoritative voice echoed from the sky.

"Trial Mission concluded, returning shortly!"

The phantom light of Shenlong Tower shone brilliantly, illuminating everyone.

Everyone was swiftly teleported back.

In less than a dozen seconds, they were back at Qianlong Xueyuan.

"We're back."

"The trial is over."

"Phew, luckily we

all returned safely."

"Nonsense, how could a trial cause any trouble? Each year the academies hold hundreds of trials; have you ever heard of anyone dying in a trial?"

"Low‑level trials pose no life danger, but students from those Top Colleges, especially those above Level 30, lose many lives each year."

"Of course, that's a Level 30 matter; to them, our trial is child's play, and they simply disregard such difficulty."

Qianlong Xueyuan was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone kept discussing the trial experience.

The most talked‑about was Jiang Chen.

If it hadn't been Jiang Chen this time, they probably would still have to face the Shadow Transformation Nation people.

Whether they could ultimately snatch the Instance from the opponent is hard to say.

After all, the opponent has a Yinyang Master of considerable level.

Lin Caier'er's face turned pale again; the long‑range transmission made her very uncomfortable.

"Future trials must be held somewhere nearby."

"I won't go to such distant places, miss."

Lin Caier'er lay on the table, listless, like a dead fish.

Fang Hongxiu smiled, and after returning she also relaxed.

"Thank you."

"This trial is very important to me."

She sincerely thanked Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen shook his head, indicating there's no need to thank him.

Lin Caier finally caught her breath and said, "Fang Hongxiu, you don't need to be formal with Jiang Chen; although Jiang Chen doesn't speak much, he's a very good person."

Lin Caier actually hasn't spent much time with Jiang Chen.

But it's so strange—Lin Caier completely trusts Jiang Chen.

"Silence!"

A low shout echoed from the sky.

Everyone looked up.

They saw a figure standing in the void.

Feet on the void, Level 70, Third Transcendence.

A professional.

Jiang Chen felt a solemn respect rise in his heart.

After a professional reaches Level 70 and completes the Third Transcendence, they can stand on the void and gain the ability to fly.

Every professional is like that.

Even if you're a lifestyle-type professional, it's the same.

Of course, some individual professionals acquire the ability to fly early on.

For example, a Yinyang Master can borrow a Shikigami to fly.

That's a different matter.

"This is our dean, Dean Tie Shang."

Lin Caier whispered into Jiang Chen's ear.

Jiang Chen gave a slight nod, his eyes filled with admiration.

Any professional who can complete the Third Transcendence is worthy of admiration.

High school textbooks once stated that the Third Transcendence is extremely difficult.

Less than one percent of professionals can complete the Third Transcendence.

Such individuals naturally deserve admiration.

As for figures like Hong Shen, they are even rarer.

There are only a few in the entire nation.

Dean Tie Shang scanned the crowd with his gaze, looking very satisfied.

"This trial has ended; the process and results are currently being analyzed.

"The final scores will be sent to your Communicators later."

"Remember, the most important thing about the trial is not the result, but the process."

"Enjoy the process, purge fear, keep the belief in victory; that is the purpose of the trial. Completing it without casualties and returning safely is more important than anything."

"It is said that during this trial you encountered professionals from the Shadow Transformation Nation."

"We will analyze the specifics."

"Those who performed well naturally have a chance to enter the Top Academy."

"Now, get some good rest."

After speaking, Dean Tie Shang turned and left.

Lin Caier let out a long sigh: "Every time you pour chicken soup, each time it's the old

tooth‑fall routine, can't there be a bit of novelty?"

Fang Hongxiu smiled, as if coaxing a child: "Just listening is enough; consider it encouragement."

Lin Caier hummed, "I don't need any encouragement; every time you lure people with the Top Academy, what's so impressive about that?"

Fang Hongxiu laughed even more happily: "It's nothing special to you, but it's different for us."

Lin Caier fell silent; she knew Fang Hongxiu really wanted to get into the Top Academy.

Even within Shenlong University, ordinary trainees, academy trainees, and Top Academy trainees differ greatly.

Whether ordinary trainees or academy trainees, everyone takes pride in joining the Top Academy.

Fang Hongxiu divided the loot from this instance.

Jiang Chen also took out the items he had obtained later.

Although the last two rounds of the instance were cleared by him and Lin Caier.

He insisted that they were the same team, so the loot must be split evenly.

After dividing the spoils, Lin Caier and Jiang Chen headed together to the Imperial Exchange.

Jiang Chen had no use for these items and planned to sell them for Gold Coins.

Lin Caier cared even less about money; she also shoved her share into Jiang Chen's hands, claiming she had nowhere to store it in her storage space.

No one would believe that excuse.

Her storage space wasn't small; how could there be no room?

Jiang Chen didn't refuse her kindness; he accepted everything.

After this, the relationship between the two seemed to shift a bit; some matters need not be tallied.

At the Imperial Exchange, they sold all the useless Silver Equipment.

This instance yielded a Silver‑grade Mermaid Queen Dagger.

Jiang Chen originally intended to give the dagger to Lin Caier.

Lin Caier took out a better dagger and waved it before Jiang Chen.

Waving.

Both are Silver Grade, yet its attributes are stronger.

Black Iron Grade corresponds to below Level 10.

Bronze is equipment used between Level 10 and Level 20.

After Level 20, you can replace it with stronger Silver-level Equipment.

Even among Silver Equipment, the best and the worst differ considerably in attributes.

The Mermaid Queen is a Level 24 BOSS; the instance is only Level 20, and the Silver-level Weapon it drops has only average attributes.

The only advantage is that the Mermaid Queen's weapon looks relatively beautiful.

Silver-level Weapons in the Imperial Exchange are priced between 5 to 20 ten‑thousands.

The Mermaid Queen's weapon is basically priced at around 70,000.

Jiang Chen sold two of the Mermaid Queen's weapons, and together with the materials obtained this time, exchanged for 180,000 Gold Coins.

"Don't you need a weapon?" Lin Caier asked, seeing Jiang Chen empty‑handed.

He originally still had a Magic Book, but Jiang Chen found it troublesome and sold it anyway.

Jiang Chen shook his head, "It's useless to me."

His profession is Necromancer Summoner; although it is also a Magic Class profession, neither staff nor Magic Book's skill‑bonus attributes affect him.

Jiang Chen thought perhaps his profession has its own dedicated equipment.

That small Spirit bonus indeed isn't very useful.

Lin Caier said with a hum, "You should save more money and buy more Beginner Skill Scrolls."

"Before Second Transcendence, you must fully learn all your Beginner profession skills."

Jiang Chen listened attentively; he didn't know this knowledge, but Lin Caier knew better, transforming into Teacher Lin and lecturing earnestly.

"If the Beginner skills aren't fully learned, after you Second Transcendence you'll only be able to use Intermediate Skill

Scrolls."

"If you later awaken a Beginner skill, that would waste an Intermediate Skill Scroll."

After hearing Lin Caier's explanation, Jiang Chen understood.

Intermediate Skill Scrolls can also awaken Beginner skills.

The price difference between them is a hundredfold; if you use an Intermediate Skill Scroll to awaken a Beginner skill, that's truly a grave waste.

The Communicator in Jiang Chen's hand suddenly rang.

After answering, an authoritative voice came through the Communicator.

"Jiang Chen, go to the Academic Affairs Office."

So quickly, Jiang Chen was startled.