The performance assessment became comical because of Liu Mubai and Mu Chen’s actions. Each spirit essence they took out in turn was an unbelievable amount for any ordinary disciple.
What’s more, this was simply impossible. Regardless of the two spirit essences Liu Mubai held or the five Mu Chen produced, the excuses both of them offered were utterly pointless; even a three-year-old wouldn’t believe them. Furthermore, Mu Chen’s demeanor clearly told everyone, “I’m just playing a trick for the fun of it.”
Of course, many understood that he was intentionally trying to trip up Liu Mubai, because Liu Mubai’s two spirit essences were far from legitimate.
The instructor recording the scores also paused, looking towards the two head instructors of the East and West Academies.
“You two, that’s enough, stop making a fuss!”
Master Mo shook his head helplessly, his expression turning serious. “Put those things away. The purpose of cultivation is to temper everyone’s practical combat skills, not for you to show off. Don’t get it twisted, you two youngsters!”
Mu Chen didn’t seem to mind; he hadn’t expected these five spirit essences to cause any sensation anyway. Moreover, these things truly weren’t obtained by his own hunting; they were already in Blood Butcher’s Interspatial Bracelet.
The reason he created this situation was simply because he couldn’t stand Liu Mubai constantly targeting him and playing tricks, which thoroughly annoyed him.
Liu Mubai’s face turned ashen. Master Mo’s words clearly indicated he didn’t believe the two spirit beast essences were hunted by Liu Mubai himself. Although that was the truth, he had ultimately been outmaneuvered by Mu Chen.
“For today’s performance ranking, Mu Chen’s team and Liu Mubai’s team are both ranked first.”
The entire camp was surprised to hear Master Mo’s announcement. It seemed Master Mo was determined not to let this matter drag on and cause unnecessary disputes. After all, the rewards for the top three positions were the same, and he was too lazy to create further tension between Mu Chen and Liu Mubai.
However, the truth was clear; no one believed that the items those two had presented were obtained by their own hands.
Several disciples exchanged bewildered glances, pondering in their hearts and judging for themselves who truly deserved the top spot. Aside from those spirit essences of dubious origin, the Fire Spirit Ape King’s spirit essence was the most genuine, for not only had Mo Ling and his group recounted it, but Master Mo himself had clearly witnessed Mu Chen luring it away and killing it.
With that valuable spirit essence, Mu Chen had truly outshone Liu Mubai.
Liu Mubai heard the noisy discussions, his eyes turning cold, knowing full well what everyone was thinking. He was furious because not only had he failed to suppress Mu Chen, but he had also lost considerable face.
Tang Qian'er, however, looked delighted. Thus, even though both teams were ranked first, everyone clearly knew who was truly more formidable.
Mu Chen’s team and Liu Mubai’s team were both first, Mo Ling’s team ranked second, and third place went to Chen Tong’s team from the West Academy.
The results were clear, and those who had been vying for the top few spots could only sigh with regret.
“The performance assessment has concluded with full results, so it’s time to distribute the rewards.”
Master Mo smiled, flicking his fingers. Streams of light shot out from him towards the people in front, gently appearing in their hands.
Mu Chen looked at his hand; the light dissipated, revealing a small, exquisite jade box. Opening the lid, inside lay a tranquil blue medicinal pill, its rich herbal fragrance slowly emanating spiritual energy.
The spiritual energy fluctuations within this medicinal pill were significantly stronger than those of a Jade Spirit Fruit. After all, spirit pills were intricately refined and compounded from various spirit herbs, so their medicinal power was naturally superior to Jade Spirit Fruits, which were merely pure spirit herbs.
Everyone around eagerly scrutinized the Yunling Pills in the hands of the winners, their faces filled with admiration. With this Yunling Pill, the time it would take to advance to the Spirit Wheel Realm would be significantly shortened.
"This cultivation journey has concluded. We will now return to the Northern Spiritual Academy. Furthermore, starting today, you all have one month of leave. You may choose to stay at the academy or return home."
Teacher Mo announced with a wave of his hand.
Upon hearing about the month-long break, the youths immediately erupted in cheers. Having cultivated at the Northern Spiritual Academy for so long, everyone naturally wished to return home and visit their families.
The noisy camp was filled with a joyful atmosphere. Most of the disciples began cleaning up the camp, then gathered into large groups and moved towards the main road, setting off for the Northern Spiritual Academy.
After returning to the Northern Spiritual Academy, Mu Chen finally felt at ease, no longer needing to maintain high vigilance. Within this Northern Spiritual Realm, the Northern Spiritual Academy was considered an extremely safe place; even if the Liu Territory acted as wildly as they pleased, they wouldn't dare to openly challenge the Northern Spiritual Academy.
After two days of comfortable relaxation, he adjusted his mindset, becoming serious and focused, as he was preparing to make a trip back to the Mu Territory.
Before returning to the Mu Territory, Mu Chen also went back to the area to find Su Ling, giving him a Jade Spirit Fruit and instructing the overjoyed recipient to do something for him.
Early the next morning, Mu Chen packed his belongings, left the Northern Spiritual Academy, entered Northern Spiritual City, and went straight to the spirit teleportation array, heading towards the Mu Territory.
Passing through the familiar bustling and noisy streets, the prosperous urban area held no attraction for Mu Chen; he simply walked straight through.
As Mu Chen was walking towards a street corner, he suddenly felt his surroundings become deserted. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, and a gentle drizzle began to fall.
Walking quickly in the rain, the cold drops struck his eyes, making him shiver slightly. Suddenly, his footsteps halted abruptly. A keen sensation ran across his skin, making him feel colder than the rain that enveloped him.
Suddenly, the street was completely deserted; even the sound of people seemed to have vanished.
His expression gradually turned serious. He looked up, his hazy gaze sweeping across the sky, vaguely discerning a flash of light there, and the air seemed to fluctuate ever so slightly.
"Mishen Array."
His hands clenched tightly, his dark eyes narrowing. He raised his head, staring intently forward, his voice incredibly cold.
"To dare to set up a Mi Shen Array right here in Northern Spiritual City to deal with a disciple of the Northern Spiritual Academy... how audacious!"
However, the deserted street remained completely silent.
"You rats, why are you hiding? Since when did the people of the Liu Territory become so cowardly?"
Mu Chen sneered. On his way back to the Mu Territory, he truly couldn't think of anyone else who would cause trouble for him besides the Liu Territory.
"Are you Mu Chen?"
A faint voice echoed from ahead. He focused his gaze and saw a figure holding a colorful umbrella emerge through the drizzling rain.
"Hand that item over to me."