Chapter 77: Evaluation

In the bright light of day, within the walls of a small village nestled in the hills, the people gathered in one of the compounds, their eyes filled with anticipation.

They looked toward the platform where a group of old men sat on the side, exuding an air of authority, all in silence.

Adriana, the red-haired woman, approached the stage with a frown, casting a cold gaze upon the assembled crowd.

"The tournament will begin according to the instructions," she announced in a loud and clear voice.

All the students nodded in agreement, their eyes fixed on the stadium.

"The first round will assess your progress over time, and your ranking will be determined accordingly," Adriana explained. Retrieving a list from her pocket, she continued, "The first participant is William."

"Yes," William smirked, his expression arrogant, as he confidently walked toward the stage. Those around him hastily moved aside, some wearing fearful expressions, while others attempted to flatter him.

Either way, the golden-haired youth climbed up the stage with an arrogant expression on his face.

"Show your cultivation speed," Adriana instructed, looking at William with a deadpan expression.

"Yes," William replied. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened his golden eyes.

His eyes displayed a strange pattern, and an ice shard materialised in thin air beside him.

Although the ice shard was small, its sharp edges emitted a terrifying pressure, causing the very air around it to tremble.

Astonishment filled the eyes of the elders, "This... this is..."

"High-rank mage apprentice," Noah said with a smile, nodding his head in satisfaction.

William smiled as he looked at her. "Did you just blush, Teacher Adriana?"

"No, I didn't," Adriana said with a cold expression. "Now, get lost." She released her pressure slightly.

William hurriedly backed away while scratching his head. "If you don't want me to get close, you could just say. Why did you release your pressure on me without reason?" he grumbled with speechlessness as he returned back.

Under William's bright radiant aura, Jack, who had reached the mid-rank of martial apprentice, became a mere side character who could barely be praised by anyone.

However, the biggest disappointment was Henry, as he was just on the verge of reaching mid-mage apprentice.

Adriana announced this in disappointment, which made Henry grit his teeth as he put his head down with shame.

The elders whispered among themselves, seeing this, as they looked at the third elder with mockery.

"He should have thought more with his head than his lower regions, incurring the wrath of our genius like that," the first elder shook his head with a smug expression while patting the third elder.

The third elder's fist tightened as he shook his head with an expressionless face. "I am sorry, brother; looks like I failed as a father."

The first elder internally snickered seeing the face of the third elder.

"I am sorry, brother; looks like I failed as a father. It's nothing, but you should teach your son some manners and instil strong morals if he wants to live in our village, don't we, leader?" he respectfully said while looking at Noah.

Noah just smiled and nodded his head, "you are right, First Elder. Third Elder, have you disciplined the poor child yet?"

"Yes, I have, Leader. After we return, I will give him an even harsher punishment," the third elder said expressionlessly.

"Good." Noah nodded his head as he looked away, causing the third elder to heave a sigh of relief.

"Tch, these old foxes," the first elder internally cursed.