35: Chapter 35 Mentor Selection

His voice suddenly became stern: "For those of you who performed well, I hope you guard against arrogance and rashness, and keep a clear head!"

Remember, you are only freshmen now; the path of martial arts is long and arduous.

Today's achievement is merely the starting point of starting points.

Future challenges will only be more numerous and more brutal!"

“And for those who performed poorly!” His gaze became sharp.

“You should reflect even more deeply!

Why were you at a loss when facing a mere first grade Merman Warrior?

Why did you shrink back before the fight? Why couldn't you even organize an effective counterattack?”

“Today, you have already left an extremely terrible first impression before numerous instructors!

At Modu University of Martial Arts, falling behind by one step often means falling behind at every step!

If you don't want to leave in disgrace four years from now, and if you still want to achieve something in martial arts, then from today on, give me a desperate drive and put in ten or a hundred times more effort than others!”

“Remember my words—Modu University of Martial Arts does not nurture the weak!

Here, we only believe in strength exchanged for sweat and blood!”

Dean Su's words were like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of every New Student word by word, causing ripples of emotion.

Many New Students who had performed poorly in the trial lowered their heads in shame.

Even some New Students who had performed passably felt a heavy pressure.

Even some senior students in the audience, hearing these words, silently cast their eyes down, complex expressions appearing on their faces.

Because they knew that they might be the "weaklings" Dean Su spoke of.

And those truly strong individuals, those figures who command the winds and clouds in Modu University of Martial Arts, would not waste time watching a freshman trial at this moment.

Sensing the heavy atmosphere permeating the field, Su Zhiming changed the subject.

His tone softened slightly: "Alright, the past is in the past; what matters is the future.

Next, we will proceed with the most important segment of this event—Instructor Selection!"

After saying this, he gave a slight nod to several chief instructors, then turned and left the colosseum decisively.

As the Dean of the First Institute, in the absence of the several principals, there were a large number of important school matters that required his decision and handling.

Being able to take the time to personally preside over the freshman trial was already no easy feat.

After Su Zhiming left, Instructor Lin Jian of the First Institute stepped forward to the front stage.

His posture was as upright as a sword. His gaze swept across the field as he spoke: "The detailed profiles, research directions, and past achievements of each instructor..."

I assume you have already reviewed them on your personal terminals, so I will not repeat them here."

"But I must emphasize one point: once an instructor choice is confirmed, it cannot be changed in principle!"

An instructor will be your most important guide throughout your four years of university and even your life!

I hope you consider carefully and make the choice that suits you best."

"Now, go find the instructor you desire!"

As soon as Instructor Lin Jian finished speaking, the New Students, who had long been unable to restrain themselves, immediately sprang into action.

They surged like a tide toward the spectator area where the instructors were located.

Every person's face carried nervousness, expectation, and a hint of anxiety.

Qin Yan also followed the crowd, his gaze quickly scanning the instructors, each possessing an extraordinary temperament.

In front of each instructor, a small energy light screen floated.

On it, their recruitment requirements, areas of expertise, and expectations for students were clearly listed.

This was a two-way choice.

Students chose instructors that matched their development direction, and instructors also picked students with excellent talent and character.

Once a master-disciple relationship was established, the instructor would need to invest a great deal of time, energy, and resources into nurturing the student.

They might even treat them as their own, passing on their legacy.

Therefore, it was only reasonable for instructors to set thresholds and prefer quality over quantity.

After careful observation, Qin Yan found that the instructors' recruitment conditions were largely similar, mainly focusing on two items: strength and Martial Arts Skill.

The stronger and higher the status of the instructor, the higher the recruitment standards naturally became.

When he turned his gaze toward those Sixth Rank instructors, his brow couldn't help but furrow slightly.

Because nearly half of these top instructors had written 'Must be a formal martial artist.'

“Modu University of Martial Arts is still relatively fair; if it were Jingdu University of Martial Arts, Sixth Rank instructors almost never accept non-martial artists.”

Qin Yan sighed inwardly.

Just then, a middle-aged instructor wearing a cyan martial arts uniform and possessing a kind face took the initiative to walk toward him.

"Student Qin Yan, hello."

The instructor had a gentle smile on his face, "I am an instructor from the Fourth Academy, Zhang Qiming, with a Fourth Rank Peak cultivation, specializing in Spear Technique."

Your performance in the trial just now was very outstanding. As a non-martial artist, using a Third Stage Spear Technique to defeat a first grade Merman is truly rare.

I wonder if you are interested in becoming my student?"

Qin Yan quickly recalled the instructor's profile in his mind and recognized the man.

According to the data, his Spear Technique skill was at the middle phase of the Fourth Stage, and he was ranked relatively low on the list of alternative instructors Qin Yan had drawn up.

"Student Qin Yan," Zhang Qiming saw that Qin Yan did not answer immediately.

He continued to speak sincerely, "I'm sure you've seen that the thresholds for those Sixth Rank instructors are very high, especially for Spear Technique instructors, where the hard requirement is the martial artist realm."

There is a high probability they will not make an exception to recruit you."

"But I am different." His tone was sincere, "I am willing to give you this chance!"

To be honest with you, I have been stuck at the Fourth Rank Peak for several years.

Recently, I've felt the bottleneck loosening, and I have a great deal of confidence that I can break through to the Fifth Rank within a year!

Once successful, my influence in the school and the resources I can obtain will significantly increase."

"Furthermore," Zhang Qiming threw out an attractive condition, "I have not yet officially recruited a Personal Disciple."

If you are willing, you will be my Eldest Disciple!

At that time, I will certainly pour all my heart and resources into nurturing you.

The guidance and support you will enjoy will definitely not be inferior to the disciples of those Sixth Rank instructors!

How about it, Student Qin Yan, will you consider it?"

The conditions Zhang Qiming offered were indeed very tempting—a potential Fifth Rank instructor, the status of an Eldest Disciple, and a promise of resource tilting.

However, Qin Yan only thought for a moment before slowly shaking his head.

The "pie in the sky" the other party painted was certainly enticing, but in the end, it was just a castle in the air.

Could the Fifth Rank bottleneck be successfully broken?

Even if he really broke through to the Fifth Rank, how could he be compared with those veteran Sixth Rank instructors?

Moreover, a Spear Technique instructor was not his first choice.

"I'm sorry, Instructor Zhang Qiming, thank you for your favor."

Qin Yan spoke politely but firmly in his refusal, "I want to look for other opportunities."

Upon hearing this, a flash of disappointment crossed Instructor Zhang Qiming's face, but he did not get angry.

He still maintained his grace: "No matter, choosing an instructor is a major life event and should be handled with caution."

I hope Student Qin Yan can find the instructor that suits him best as he wishes."

After saying that, he nodded and turned to leave to find other suitable students.

Qin Yan's refusal of a Fourth Rank instructor who had proactively extended an olive branch was witnessed by many people in the field who were paying attention to him.