56: Chapter 56 Interview Training

"What... did you say?"

Duan Fei looked at Ye Kaige in disbelief; anger rarely seen appeared in the eyes of this usually mild-tempered man.

"That's enough, Duan Fei. This is his own choice."

Li Chengsheng was clearly much calmer than Duan Fei, but the look he gave Ye Kaige was equally filled with deep disappointment.

"Given your father's position in the Pantheon, it's normal for you to receive news ahead of time. Indeed, our four third-tier cities can't attract those top-tier High Academies, so I won't force you. After all, this concerns your future."

"What are you guys even talking about?"

Du Ruo listened to their conversation as if it were a foreign language, while Chen Mo sighed deeply in his heart.

Although it might be a bit utilitarian, Ye Kaige's choice wasn't exactly wrong.

Simply put, this Plane Trial appeared to be a benefit for the Students on the surface, but in reality, it was a hidden selection process.

Representatives from various Deity High Academies would personally visit every plane. However, there were too many cities and Students in the entire Federation, while the number of High Academies—especially top-tier ones—was extremely limited.

Given the level of Lanshi City and the surrounding three cities, they wouldn't attract those top-tier High Academies. At most, some first-class High Academies would send representatives.

In other words, even if he were specially recruited, Ye Kaige would only be recruited by a first-class High Academy.

But if Ye Kaige dropped out now and joined the deity academies of those large cities—such as the Beidu First Academy located in a Regional Capital City—he would have a chance to be noticed by representatives of those top-tier High Academies.

"I respect your choice, child. Don't carry too much of a psychological burden. Go."

Li Chengsheng's seemingly comforting words felt like a knife stabbing deep into the space between Ye Kaige's brows. Even so, Ye Kaige still didn't look up to meet Li Chengsheng's eyes, which held a flicker of hope.

"I'm sorry, Dean. This isn't my decision. I hope you can understand."

After saying this, Ye Kaige retreated into the gate of the divine domain behind him, leaving that high-quality Third-Tier Divine Art card behind before he left.

"Sigh!"

Li Chengsheng sighed heavily, while Duan Fei picked up the Third-Tier Divine Art card, his eyes full of disappointment.

Indeed, Ye Kaige's withdrawal wouldn't cause any substantial loss to the academy, but this Plane Trial wasn't just a test for the Students; it was also a test for the various deity academies.

The better the academy's Students performed, the more confidence Li Chengsheng would have to apply for more resources from the Federal Education Bureau the following year. Ye Kaige's withdrawal was undoubtedly another form of betrayal.

However...

"Chen Mo!"

Duan Fei suddenly looked at Chen Mo, who was frowning in thought.

"Teacher Duan, please speak." Coming back to his senses, he immediately looked up.

"Dean, look." Duan Fei glanced at Chen Mo and then raised the divine art card in his hand.

"Give it to him!"

Li Chengsheng nodded. In fact, even if Duan Fei hadn't brought it up, he would have had the same idea.

The school's support for Students must be reported to the Education Bureau for reimbursement. Since it had already been approved, there was no reason to return it.

Besides, even if it wasn't given to Chen Mo now, this divine art card would be added to the rewards for the next Weekly Exam, and it would likely end up belonging to him anyway.

"This..."

Just as Chen Mo was about to speak, Duan Fei had already shoved the divine art card that originally belonged to Ye Kaige into his hand.

Du Ruo didn't care at all about this "unfair" scene.

Not to mention that the one benefiting was one of his own, but based on his own strength, he wasn't qualified to compete for it anyway.

"Alright then."

Chen Mo gave a helpless smile.

Even he hadn't expected that he would become the biggest beneficiary of Ye Kaige's 'betrayal'.

"Ungrateful wolf!"

Du Ruo suddenly muttered under his breath, clearly having guessed some of the underlying meaning of the Plane Trial.

"Alright, go back. The Education Bureau hasn't announced the specific time yet, but it should be within the next two weeks.

Also, you won't be entering this Plane Trial with your true bodies; it will most likely be through divine clones.

You can discuss it with your families and gather resources to increase the strength of your followers. This might become the key to this trial."

Hearing Li Chengsheng's advice, both Chen Mo and Du Ruo felt a chill in their hearts.

They naturally understood the implications of a divine clone.

Although a divine clone could also use divine art laws, its combat power would be significantly reduced compared to the true body.

In other words, followers would play a much larger role in this Plane Trial than usual, rather than being optional as they were in the Unrestricted Arena.

"Dean, Teacher Duan, we understand."

The two responded in unison. After taking their leave, they entered their gates of the divine domain and disappeared from this floating divine temple.

"Dean, about Ye Kaige..."

As soon as the two left, Duan Fei couldn't hold back anymore, but he was interrupted by Li Chengsheng again.

"Enough. It's not like you don't know who Ye Kaige's father is. He might have received the news even before we did. It's normal for him to have such thoughts."

"But the academy and you have treated him well, haven't you? Last time, you even swallowed your pride to help him apply for the Blue Cave contract."

Duan Fei was clearly genuinely angry.

No one knew better than he did how much Li Chengsheng had sacrificed for the school and the Students, yet such sincerity only earned a "sorry" from Ye Kaige.

"This matter is indeed not something he can decide. I... don't blame him."

Li Chengsheng took a deep breath and then vanished from Duan Fei's sight.

"Damn it!"

Duan Fei slammed his fist heavily against a divine temple pillar beside him.

With a loud boom, the pillar—made of a special extraordinary mineral with a quality comparable to D-grade alloy—instantly turned to dust.

...