Half an hour quickly passed. Due to this second round, sixty percent of the students taking the examination from the five courts had been collectively eliminated.
Including the twenty percent eliminated in the first round, just the first two rounds saw the elimination of about sixty percent of the students!
Sixty percent—this percentage was already quite terrifying.
For someone like Ling Feng, such assessments might not be a big deal, but the difficulty was still significant. Otherwise, Tianwei Academy's annual advancement rate wouldn't be so low.
Soon, the third assessment began.
The instructors of each court led the students to a place similar to a gladiatorial arena, so the content of the third assessment became apparent.
Only actual combat could be the highest standard to test true battle strength.
The rules for the third round of assessment were also quite clear.
Students had to face a demonic beast equivalent to the tenth level (ten meridian gates) of the Pulse Formation Realm. As long as they could endure the time it took to burn a stick of incense or defeat the demonic beast, they would be considered successful in the challenge.
Passing all three assessments would qualify the students for advancement to mystical-tier students.
Of course, the final decision on advancement would also consider their previous academic assessment scores.
However, generally speaking, given the weight of the martial arts assessments, as long as they passed these, they were likely to succeed in their advancement.
After all, Tianwei Academy was fundamentally an institution based on martial arts education.
As expected, for Ling Feng and his peers, facing a demonic beast at the tenth level of the Pulse Formation Realm was an easy task.
The final results of the advancement assessments would be announced in three days, and the announcement would mark the beginning of a two-month holiday.
Typically, during the holidays, students would return to their respective sects or families, venture out for training, or form teams with classmates.
Before the advancement assessments began, Gu Tengfeng had already suggested that the members of East Court’s sword team form a hunting squad and enter the outskirts of the Fearsome Forest to hunt demonic beasts, training their teamwork and combat skills.
Moreover, the Fearsome Forest was abundant with natural treasures, making it an excellent place to break through cultivation barriers.
However, both Ling Feng and Li Bufan chose to opt out.
They had their own training plans, so Gu Tengfeng did not insist. Eventually, it was confirmed that Gong Cheng, Xiaolin Xue, Jiang Xiaofan, Ye Nanfeng, Yu Sixian, Lin Mochen, and three alternate members would be the ones to set off for the demonic beast-infested Fearsome Forest.
Although Gu Tengfeng felt a bit regretful that Ling Feng and Li Bufan wouldn’t be joining, he knew in his heart that these two training fanatics wouldn’t neglect their cultivation even if they didn’t train with the group.
The day after the advancement assessments ended, Ling Feng visited Yan Cangtian to say goodbye.
Yan Cangtian didn’t say much, but his eyes revealed a trace of reluctance. Ling Feng knew that Yan Cangtian had already regarded him as family.
Ling Feng also finally addressed Yan Cangtian as "teacher," genuinely and from the heart.
Following that, Ling Feng said goodbye to Yue Yunlan and her servant, Su Qingxuan, General Deng and his granddaughter, the Lin sisters, and little Ling’er. In the imperial capital, these were essentially all of his friends.
As for Tuoba Cheng, upon hearing that Ling Feng was leaving the imperial capital, he wanted to tag along. However, Ling Feng firmly made him stay to continue serving the Lin Mansion. As for returning to Wangduan Mountain, Ling Feng promised he would consider it and put it on his agenda.
Three days quickly passed, and finally, it was time to announce the advancement results. Su Qingxuan and Leng Jianfeng gathered all the students at the training ground.
On this day, the students were no longer uniformly dressed in Tianwei Academy’s attire. Instead, they wore a variety of outfits, as after this gathering, they would temporarily leave Tianwei Academy. When they returned, their instructors and mentors might not be the two standing on the stage.
"Little bastards, today is the last time I get to scold you. Damn, it's going to take some getting used to!"
Leng Jianfeng, despite his stern face, clearly had eyes full of reluctance.
"Instructor Leng, I can’t imagine what it will be like without you training us!"
Wang Yishan said, looking dejected before suddenly perking up. "Because it will be amazing!"
Laughter erupted from the crowd. "Yeah, without the monster instructor, it will be awesome!"
"You little brat!" Leng Jianfeng pretended to be furious but didn't kick Wang Yishan as he usually did.
Although Wang Yishan often clashed with Leng Jianfeng, and Leng Jianfeng frequently found ways to mess with Wang Yishan, their bond was actually quite strong.
"Hehe, just kidding."
Wang Yishan said, turning serious. "Instructor Leng, even though you were tough on us, we all know you have a kind heart. You truly care about us East Court students."
"Hmph!" Leng Jianfeng, looking proud, slightly lifted his head, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Although he hid it well, Ling Feng noticed. Leng Jianfeng, while seemingly unreliable, had given his all to teach his students.
This cohort of East Court yellow-tier students managed to turn their fortunes around, thanks in no small part to the efforts of their devil instructor.
"I'm not one for sentimental goodbyes. I'm finally free from you lot!"
Leng Jianfeng muttered, and then turned to Su Qingxuan. "Now, let's hear a few words from Mentor Su."
Su Qingxuan smiled gently at the students. "Everyone, although I may no longer be your mentor, I will still be at Tianwei Academy. If you have any questions, you can still come to me. And as for your monster instructor, I'm sure he'll be happy to help as well, right, Instructor Leng?"
"Hmph, helping these little bastards? Forget it!" Leng Jianfeng scoffed, glancing at Ling Feng, Li Bufan, and the others. "And those troublemakers better not drag me into their messes!"
Goodbyes were always brief.
Leng Jianfeng and Su Qingxuan soon left, and the students also dispersed. Ling Feng bid farewell to his close brothers one by one. Finally, in the chilly wind, he saw Qin Wanwan smile at him.
No words were needed; her eyes said it all.
She and Liu Yunfei then set off on their journey home. Ling Feng shook his head with a smile, knowing it was time for him to embark on his own new journey.
With only Ouyang Jing by his side, Ling Feng planned to return to Wenxian Sect first, as it was on the same route.
Of course, according to their agreement, Lin Xian'er, who was suspected to be the daughter of Duanmu Qingshan, would also be traveling with them northward to the Xianzong Mountains.