"This year's college entrance exam will include not only the usual theory and level assessments, but also a newly added practical combat test in a mystic realm."
As soon as these words were spoken, a collective gasp swept through the students.
"What? A mystic realm combat test?"
"No way! Won't this get people killed?!"
"I request that this test be canceled!"
"Seconded!"
The murmuring quickly escalated into a noisy uproar, making the formerly silent venue sound like a bustling marketplace.
Most students voiced strong opposition to the new test, and many shouted for its removal.
After all, in their understanding, mystic realms were only explored after entering university.
Apart from a few wealthy students, the majority had been focusing solely on theory in their studies up to this point.
So it wasn't surprising that such a major shift sparked intense reactions.
Though Chen Yue was also surprised, he didn't feel any resentment.
Come on—he'd trained relentlessly for a whole month and had even ventured alone into a mystic realm.
This new assessment could only work to his advantage.
Glancing sideways at Zhang Liang, Chen Yue noticed that he, too, wore an unfazed expression.
Chen Yue figured he must also be feeling confident about the upcoming test.
Onstage, the examiner Yue Hengzhi had anticipated the commotion.
A golden contract tome inscribed with mysterious runes floated up in front of him.
With a casual flip of a page, he summoned his beast.
It was a massive ape clad in gray iron armor, covered in stone-like runic patterns.
Its eyes were sharp like bronze bells, and a single glare swept the noisy crowd into instant silence.
Chen Yue activated his "True Eye," and the beast's information appeared:
Name: Ironclad Sentinel
Level: Complete Form – 15%
Potential: Epic
Attribute: Rock
Skills: Ram, Heavy Punch, Frenzy, Rock Armor, Aura of Silence
Description: A simian beast adept at defense and gravity-based abilities. Lacks speed and offensive prowess.
Reading the panel, Chen Yue understood,
"It must've used a skill—'Aura of Silence' is probably a crowd control or fear-type ability."
"Damn, a Complete Form beast really is something else. I wonder how Buster compares to that…"
Despite acknowledging the beast's power, Chen Yue still had immense confidence in Buster.
Seeing that the students had calmed down, Yue Hengzhi began speaking again.
"I understand you're all shocked. Honestly, when this announcement first came out, many examiners reacted the same way you did. But…"
He paused to clear his throat before continuing.
"This decision was approved by the Seven Grand Elders of the Federation. It is final and will not be revoked."
"If I were you, I'd stop complaining and start thinking about how to pass this exam with good scores to get into your dream university."
He didn't rush them, deliberately giving everyone time to process the information.
As time quietly passed, the students began to accept the reality and turned their focus to preparing.
Once the room settled, Yue Hengzhi spoke again.
"This year's exam consists of three parts:
Level Assessment – 100 points
Theory Test – 200 points
Practical Combat Test – 200 points
Total: 500 points."
Glancing at his watch, he nodded and declared:
"Now, I officially announce—the college entrance examination begins!
All students, please proceed to testing according to your assigned numbers."
Right after, several staff members carrying electronic tablets stepped out and stood in formation before the students.
Soon, names and numbers began echoing one after another.
"Candidate No. 001, Shen Ming!"
"Candidate No. 002, Zhang Xinzhi!"
"Candidate No. 003…"
The students stepped forward one by one.
The first phase of the exam was simple: summon your contract tome, call out your beast, and let the staff scan its energy level.
"Candidate Shen Ming, No. 001. Beastmaster level: Bronze. Beast level: Infant. Final score: 20 points."
"Candidate No. 018. Beastmaster level: Bronze. Beast level: Growth. Final score: 40 points."
Chen Yue listened attentively. Most students so far were Bronze-level Beastmasters, with their beasts being at most in the Growth phase.
Such scores were enough for entry into ordinary universities.
But to enter the Top Ten Academies, your Beastmaster rank had to be at least Silver, and your beasts at minimum in the Growth stage.
As for the Top Two Elite Universities—that was a level of difficulty comparable to hell.
Just then, a particular announcement caught Chen Yue's attention.
"Candidate Yun Xianhe, No. 054. Beastmaster level: Silver. Two beasts, both Growth stage. Final score: 70 points!"
The crowd erupted.
"Holy crap! What kind of monster gets 70 out of 100?!"
"Silver-level Beastmaster?! Are we even in the same reality?"
"Ugh, comparing people really is a path to heartbreak…"
"With monsters like these, the rest of us are just walking NPCs."
Hearing the buzz, Yun Xianhe smiled with pride.
"Heh, with this score, Top Ten should be guaranteed. As long as I don't mess up the next two sections, I'm in."
He scanned the crowd as if searching for someone.
"Strange… Chen Yue should be here. Why haven't I seen him yet? Whatever—he probably scored similarly. I'll just listen for the announcement."
Almost like flipping a switch, high scores began pouring in.
Most were from wealthy families or powerful clans, sparking constant discussion.
"No surprise the Wu family's prodigy scored 90 again!"
"Look—Miss Sitou from the Sitou clan also got a 92!"
"And there's Han Wenlong from the Han family—another 93!"
"Why are you so shocked? Isn't 90 the new normal?"
"Then YOU go score a 90!"
"…"
Finally, it was Zhang Liang's turn.
"Zhang Liang, No. 094. Beastmaster level: Silver. Beast levels: both Growth stage.total score will be 91!"
Chen Yue had expected this but was still a little surprised.
The murmuring resumed, though less intense—91 were starting to lose their novelty.
"This guy was hiding his power all along!"
Chen Yue shook his head, happy for his close friend.
Maybe Zhang Liang really does have a shot at the Top Two.
"Next—No. 095, Chen Yue!"
Before Zhang Liang could return, Chen Yue's name was already called.
He stepped forward quickly and crossed paths with Zhang Liang.
"Good luck, bro!" Zhang Liang grinned.
"I will—don't worry." Chen Yue smiled, patting him on the shoulder before walking confidently toward the exam station.