Chapter 196: The Simple Goal

In the instant his mind surged into the jade tablet, Xu Jin's vision shifted, revealing a three-dimensional landscape of mountains, rivers, and waters—like a panoramic stereoscopic photo from his past life.

Then nothing else appeared.

This left Xu Jin deeply puzzled.

What was this?

Judging by the storage method—stored separately within the jade tablet—it should be something precious.

Xu Jin had previously guessed it might be star patterns or star techniques, but he never expected it to be just a landscape of mountains and waters.

Suddenly, Xu Jin's gaze sharpened; his spiritual sense swept across the landscape and detected an anomaly.

At the center of the image, where water lay, there was a strong star force marker.

Aside from this spot, the entire landscape showed no other irregularities.

Star force marker?

Mountain and water landscape?

Suddenly, Xu Jin realized.

A map!

This was a real-scene map directly stored in the jade tablet—marked by this fifth-rank, sixth-layer expert?

What was at this location?

And where exactly was this map from?

Xu Jin carefully memorized the features of the landscape—it was distinctive enough, not hard to find.

It was a valley lake, surrounded by mountains on three sides; water surged in from the east, with towering mountains to the north and south, while the west featured a peak sharp as a blade, far higher than the flanking peaks.

Beneath the blade-like peak, a narrow river channel opened, and the lake water shot through it into the distance, forming a waterfall like a silken ribbon.

In this world, Xu Jin had never traveled much and knew few famous sights, so he had never seen such a blade-peak waterfall, nor knew its location.

Xu Jin had many theories about the star force marker?

A treasure cache?

Or some special discovery?

Or something else entirely?

After thinking it over, Xu Jin still stored the jade tablet with the blade-peak waterfall into the Canden Platform's separate compartment—now was not the time to explore these.

Let fate decide.

When his cultivation base grows stronger, he could investigate later and see if there was any gain.

If fate did not grant it, he would not force it.

After all, the world was vast; the chance of stumbling upon such a blade-peak waterfall was extremely slim.

Yet something preserved separately by a fifth-rank expert might truly hold value!

Just keep it in mind.

On September 24, Xu Jin's cultivation progress slowed slightly.

The reason was simple: his allotted time in the third- and fourth-rank star force realms of the Star-Picking Tower had been exhausted.

If he used the Minor Star Cluster Array to cultivate, the effect was only equivalent to third-rank star force realm training time.

Xu Jin wasn't in a hurry; he simply reduced his cultivation hours and spent more time in the State Academy's library.

After beginning to deconstruct fire star patterns, Xu Jin found each deconstruction increasingly fascinating—especially when he could use the Star Lamp to simulate them.

It felt like playing with LEGO.

And not just any LEGO—high-difficulty LEGO: completely disassembling a pre-built structure, then rebuilding it from scratch.

The sense of accomplishment was immense.

Crucially, the gains were substantial.

One star pattern—he had only known how to use it before; after deconstructing it, he understood its principles and transformations completely.

He had finished studying all the fire star patterns recommended by the Grand Master, but he did not rush into Dao derivation; he kept learning.

His interest grew stronger by the day.

On September 25, while studying in the library, Xu Jin suddenly received a starlight message from his senior sister Yang Miao.

"Xu Jie-di, come quickly—I have urgent matters to discuss."

This surprised Xu Jin.

Senior sister Yang Miao had been kind to him, but their contact was limited to interactions within the Flying Swallow Academy.

Half an hour later, Xu Jin ended his studies at the State Academy library and arrived at the western hall of the Flying Swallow Academy, reserved for disciples.

When Xu Jin arrived, he found all four leaders of the Flying Swallow Academy present.

The "four leaders" referred to four disciples with formidable cultivation bases in the Star-Condensing realm.

They were: Senior sister Yang Miao, at fourth-rank Star-Condensing fifth layer; Second sister Tang Chuo, at fourth-rank Star-Condensing fourth layer; Lu Xuan and Jiang Yuan, both at fourth-rank Star-Condensing third layer.

Currently, these were the only four disciples in the Flying Swallow Academy with cultivation bases above fourth-rank Star-Condensing third layer.

There were stronger disciples, but they had all left.

The Chen Guo State Academy required that disciples either complete three years of training or reach fourth-rank Star-Condensing sixth layer must assume an official post.

In truth, three years or fourth-rank Star-Condensing sixth layer was merely the upper limit for external assignment.

Most disciples, upon breaking into the fourth rank, began considering external postings.

Because the primary destination for external postings was the Star River Battlefield.

On the Star River Battlefield, the death rate for Star-Condensing cultivators reached thirty percent, let alone the injury and disability rate.

So many disciples were unwilling to go to the Star River Battlefield.

Once they broke into the fourth rank, disciples with connections would seek early external postings to better locations to continue cultivating.

For example, the academies of each province or prefecture were desirable postings, as were garrison posts or military officer positions along border provinces—all highly sought after.

Thus, disciples who remained in the academy after breaking into the fourth rank were either those devoted solely to cultivation—like Senior Sister Yang Miao—or those waiting for opportunities.

"Senior brother has arrived."

As soon as Xu Jin entered, Second Sister Tang Chuo, a burly woman with a full beard, grabbed him by the arm.

With just a light tug, Xu Jin floated upward.

Now, Xu Jin was no longer startled.

His body drifted like willow fluff and settled gently into the chair.

This sight made Senior Sister Yang Miao glance at him with slight surprise.

That movement technique is impressive.

"Senior sister, why did you summon me?" Xu Jin asked after greeting them all.

"Xu Jie-di, have you heard of the All-Academy Competition?" Yang Miao asked.

Hearing this, Xu Jin shook his head.

He had been in the State Academy for over a month, always buried in cultivation; he hadn't paid attention to such matters.

"It's a tradition of the State Academy, held twice yearly—in spring and autumn—always after the Star-Pointing Season. It's one of the Academy's more important internal assessments, and its focus is on the academies themselves," Senior Sister Yang Miao explained.

"Academies?"

"Yes. Xu Jie-di should know that the treatment each academy receives from the State Academy varies. For example, the three-rank star force realm training time: the four main academies under the Four Academic Directors start at forty-eight hours per month.

The twelve deputy academies under the Twelve Deputy Academic Directors each receive a minimum of twenty-four hours per month for three-rank star force realm training, but the highest can reach forty-eight hours.

For instance, Deputy Academic Director Song Ziye's academy receives forty-eight hours per month."

"It's that different?" Xu Jin exclaimed.

"Of course—the State Academy encourages competition."

Senior Sister Yang Miao spent a full quarter-hour explaining this to Xu Jin until he fully understood.

It was the internal competition mechanism: the four main academies and twelve deputy academies competed for points and rankings during the All-Academy Competition.

The higher an academy's ranking, the more cultivation resources it received.

Three-rank star force realm training time was just one reward; the top six academies even received four-rank star force realm training time and additional Ascension Stair trials.

In addition, each academy received different monthly allocations of cultivation elixirs based on ranking.

The gap between first and last place was threefold!

This disparity startled Xu Jin.

"Senior sister, what was our Flying Swallow Academy's ranking this spring?" Xu Jin asked.

"Sixteenth."

Xu Jin froze.

So we're dead last.

Seeing Xu Jin's stunned expression, Yang Miao quickly explained, "Although we receive fewer extra resources, our Flying Swallow Academy has few disciples, so each disciple's average share of cultivation resources is still no less than other academies'.

As for you, you know this better than anyone!

This past month, Master has already allocated over one-third of the academy's discretionary resources to you."

Yang Miao feared Xu Jin might resent the ranking and develop negative thoughts.

Now, Xu Jin understood some rumors he'd heard before.

That even Master Liu Qingzhu's nephew, Yan Chen, refused to become her disciple.

That was why the Flying Swallow Academy ranked last.

Seeing Xu Jin lost in thought, Second Sister Tang Chuo suddenly boomed, "Xu Jie-di, don't look down on our Flying Swallow Academy just because of this ranking!

Last autumn, our Flying Swallow Academy ranked ninth in the All-Academy Competition; last spring, we ranked tenth."

This spring, we came in last, mainly because the two strongest senior sisters suddenly announced their marriages.

"Don't bring them up to me!" Yang Miao's face darkened instantly.

"I know that."

Jiang Yuan, who was chewing on a sugarcane, quickly raised his hand. "I heard it was Vice Principal Song who pushed them into it. Not only did it embarrass Master, but he also had to lead a whole season of Spring Star-Pointing disciples—something really humiliating."

Xu Jin had just learned this rule.

The vice principal of the academy, who ranked last, must lead the new Star-Pointing disciples of this season.

It's a punishment—and also an opportunity!

But within the Guo Dao Academy, the punishment outweighs the opportunity!

"So what's the point of Senior Sister coming to me?"

"I've seen your ranking on the Killing God Battlefield. You've already developed combat power approaching the Condensing Star realm. That level of combat power is crucial in the Academy-wide Competition."

"I'm asking you to train hard these next few days and give it your all during the competition—to restore Master's honor. As for cultivation resources, I don't care much about those," Yang Miao said.

"Senior Sister, rest assured—I'm part of the Flying Swallow Academy. I'll give everything I've got when the time comes," Xu Jin said.

"Senior Sister, is there anything I can prepare in advance?" Xu Jin asked.

"Nothing! To ensure fairness, the format of each Academy-wide Competition is decided last-minute. But the forms are mostly ones we've all experienced before. The key is still raw strength," Yang Miao said.

"I understand."

"Also, you must take this battle seriously, because the Autumn Academy-wide Competition is merely a precursor."

"Precursor?" Xu Jin frowned.

"Yes. Every year's Academy-wide Competition is actually a selection for the upcoming Star Tower Challenge," Senior Sister Yang Miao said.

Xu Jin had heard of the Star Tower Challenge before—it was the Grand Master who had mentioned it to him.

He had hoped Xu Jin could win the Star Tower Challenge, and if he did, it might even benefit his hometown.

Back then, Xu Jin hadn't dared ask further. Now that Senior Sister had brought it up, he quickly pressed for details.

Senior Sister knew the matter well and explained it clearly to him in short order.

The Star Tower Challenge is a martial contest jointly held by all Star Academies and all nations, with a special purpose.

But the goal isn't to determine which disciple is strongest.

It's about real, tangible resource allocation.

It's also called the Tower Tribute War.

Even Senior Sister Yang Miao only understood part of it.

It's said that although each nation and Star Academy spent enormous resources to build the main Star Tower, they must each pay a massive annual tribute of supplies just to keep it running.

And in return, they gain various benefits.

For example, the Ascension Steps are one such benefit.

So are the purchase prices for Star Power realms, teleportation fees, and more.

It's extremely complex.

No single nation or Star Academy can sustain the Star Tower's consumption alone.

But equal sharing would be unfair.

It's said this isn't just about material costs—it involves the Star Tower's authority, and even affects the Star River Battlefield.

Thus came the Tower Tribute War—the so-called Star Tower Challenge.

The Tower Tribute War occurs every three years.

Senior Sister didn't compete in the last one, but she'd heard about it.

"Xu Shi-di, it's said the winner of the Tower Tribute War receives an extraordinary reward—and each winner gains authority over the Star Tower. But exactly how, I don't know!"

"But what I must tell you is this: it's vital for you!"

"So you must achieve a strong result in the Academy-wide Competition, then qualify for the Tower Tribute War. Even if you can't win a high rank, it's still valuable experience!"

"Prepare for the next Tower Tribute War!" Senior Sister Yang Miao said.

"Senior Sister, what are the eligibility requirements for the Academy-wide Competition and the Tower Tribute War?" Xu Jin asked.

"Any disciple from any academy can enter the Academy-wide Competition. For the Tower Tribute War, disciples are selected by the Dao Academy. There are restrictions, too: anyone over twenty years old or above Condensing Star Sixth Layer is barred," Yang Miao said.

"I understand!" Xu Jin nodded firmly.

Hearing this, Tang Chuo beside him also nodded vigorously. "Good. Shi-di, our goal this time is—"

"Second place!"

Jiang Yuan, still nibbling his sugarcane like a hamster, quickly chimed in.

This goal shocked Xu Jin.

Second place!

That would mean surpassing three of the Four Principal Academies?

What an ambitious goal!

The senior sisters of the Flying Swallow Academy really had lofty aspirations!

Xu Jin could only admire them.

But at that moment, Lu Xuan, who had been silent until now, added, "You mean second-to-last."

"More like fifteenth place!"

Tang Chuo grinned sheepishly.

"Yes. At minimum, we must fight our way to fifteenth. We absolutely cannot be sixteenth. No more letting Master lose face because of us," Senior Sister Yang Miao said.

Xu Jin was stunned.

The senior sisters of the Flying Swallow Academy were truly honest.

Grounded.

Second-to-last. Fifteenth place.

What a humble, down-to-earth goal!

It had to be achieved!

(End of Chapter)