**Chapter 70: A New Cycle**
After completing the initial crafting of the Five Aggregates Rainbow Mirror, Jie Ming suddenly found himself with free time.
But before he could enjoy a few leisurely days, Clark summoned him with a notice.
“New apprentice aptitude testing? Has it already been that time again?”
Hearing Amy’s message, Jie Ming couldn’t help but sigh.
Time flies. Unknowingly, five years had passed since he arrived at Noren Academy.
In those five years, he had grown from a clueless newcomer to a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, a third-rank wizard apprentice, and a master of various extraordinary skills.
In the vast sea of knowledge, he had found his unique path in this grand magical hall.
Per Noren Academy’s tradition, every five years, the academy underwent a major cycle: bidding farewell to senior apprentices completing their ten-year studies while welcoming new apprentices selected from various cities.
The academy buzzed with vibrant activity.
The grand plaza was adorned with festive decorations, with senior apprentices everywhere packing luggage and saying goodbye to friends.
Amidst this, a special group drew attention—wizards returning from the frontlines.
Noren Academy was not only an academic sanctuary but also a forge for frontline forces.
Apprentices, after completing basic studies, typically ventured to planar battlefields for training.
To allow these battle-hardened wizards time to process their experiences, digest the trials of blood and fire, and serve as “success stories” during the new apprentice tests, those who served five years on the frontlines were recalled for a six-month respite, regardless of contract status.
Jie Ming wasn’t particularly moved by this.
He had little connection with the departing seniors, and welcoming new apprentices didn’t align with his research and cultivation plans.
Though the academy assigned many related tasks, he found them unappealing.
The reception room’s door sounded, and Jie Ming and Amy turned to see Victor at the entrance.
“Victor, you got the notice too?” Amy waved first.
Victor spotted them, a hint of awkwardness on his face, but he nodded in greeting.
After the Limestone Realm trial, his attitude toward Jie Ming had shifted from initial arrogance to a complex equality.
Learning of Jie Ming’s performance in the Limestone Realm, this equality turned to awkwardness.
Fortunately, Victor was adept at socializing and quickly adjusted. “You got the message too? Looks like Mentor Clark’s called us all… probably to assign tasks.”
“Speaking of tasks…” Amy pouted, muttering, “I heard from friends the academy’s handing out boring tasks… like seeing off senior apprentices, hosting returning wizards, and even acting as ‘shills’ for new apprentices!”
“Shills?” Jie Ming blinked.
“Yeah!” Amy vented. “Mixing in with new apprentices, pretending to admire the returning combat seniors, and hyping their ‘heroic deeds.’ Like when we first arrived, those ‘new students’ vividly describing frontline battles? They were probably this batch, roped into it!”
Jie Ming suddenly recalled those animated “new students” from his arrival, chuckling at the realization.
The wizards were pragmatic, even arranging shills to build up their “success stories.”
“Are these tasks mandatory?” he asked Victor.
Victor adjusted his cuffs, shaking his head. “Aside from contracts, the academy rarely mandates tasks. But the rewards are generous, so most don’t refuse. I took a task to host the returning wizards.”
“I heard they’re from the Shadow Plane. Probably tough to deal with,” Amy said, blinking.
“Rumor has it that plane’s environment is harsh. They might struggle to adjust to academy life. We need to introduce them to changes, show them around…” Victor paused, adding, “And inform them about internal resources and channels.”
“Oh, that’s the returning wizard hosting task,” Jie Ming nodded.
Compared to being a shill, this was more dignified and offered access to useful information.
Victor, from a noble family with strong social skills, was a fitting choice.
As they spoke, a familiar figure entered the reception room.
It was their mentor, Clark, still disheveled with his slightly balding head.
“Victor, Amy,” Clark nodded briefly. “You clear on your tasks? Especially hosting returning wizards—it’s a tradition and a key networking opportunity. Do it well.”
“Understood, Mentor Clark,” Victor replied, standing straight.
“Good.” Clark handed them two documents. “Here’s the detailed task info. Study it carefully.”
Then he turned to Jie Ming. “You two get going. Jie Ming, come with me.”
Amy and Victor cast envious glances but left without questions, following their assignments.
“Jie Ming, still busy with your research?” Clark asked directly once they were alone.
“Yes, Mentor,” Jie Ming replied.
“Good.” Clark nodded. “I have a commission for you. Interested?”
“What is it?” Jie Ming’s curiosity piqued.
“You know where this batch of returning wizards is from, right?” Clark said. “The Shadow Plane’s unique rules and energy are highly corrosive to outsiders, and the frontline consumes vast resources. Many wizard artifacts are damaged and need replenishing or upgrading. Refined gold’s properties are quite suitable for them.”
“They’ll likely buy a lot?” Jie Ming grasped Clark’s meaning.
“Not a lot—a ton,” Clark corrected. “Fresh from the battlefield, they have points and practical needs. The academy encourages them to convert points into strength.”