Sudden darkness descended without warning.
Not a scream was heard in the gymnasium; all the martial examinees remained calm, and those who reacted swiftly employed techniques to illuminate their surroundings, watching their environment with vigilance.
However, no danger came upon the interior of the gymnasium.
"What's the situation?"
"The power supply at Chuan Province Martial University couldn't have possibly failed without warning."
"Swoosh!"
Numerous lights from the gymnasium's dome brightened, sweeping across the grounds, and finally, all focused on the center of the field.
There, unbeknownst to when, a group of people appeared, standing there upright and imposing.
Some had a strong aura of Sword Dao, others had bulging muscles as if about to burst through their suits, and still, others were so discreet, almost blending into the darkness.
"Thud—"
A no-nonsense middle-aged man stepped forward, positioning himself at the very center of the group.
He opened his mouth slowly.
"Hello, students, welcome to Chuan Province Martial University. I am the principal, Shi Kai."
With a simple opening, without any amplification devices, his clear, resonant voice permeated the expansive gym, audible to all.
A rush of inspiration struck everyone.
Seeing the audience completely silent, Shi Kai nodded slightly, his lips moving as if to crack a slight smile, but it didn't quite emerge as if he truly wasn't able to smile.
"I, for one, do not fancy long speeches,"
"Such as welcome addresses, I dislike giving them, and you probably dislike listening to them, so let's keep it simple."
"At Chuan Province Martial University, I only have two demands from you."
"First: learn to respect others."
"Second: work hard enough."
"To make your mark at Chuan Province Martial University, these two qualities are sufficient. If I find someone with a corrupt character within the school, I will personally expel them."
His emphatic words resonated throughout the venue, prompting all the freshmen to applaud in approval instinctively.
They admired the principal's style.
Luo Yu's lips curved slightly upward.
No nonsense, no beating around the bush—he liked this kind of principal.
Had he encountered a leader fond of babbling, he would have turned on his heel and left immediately. The university be damned if he decided not to attend.
Such is the arrogance of one with capital.
Shi Kai stretched out his hand.
The entire crowd immediately fell silent in unison. The students who were admitted to Chuan Province Martial University may differ in backgrounds, but their basic etiquette was undeniably solid.
"As principal, what I can guarantee is that if you work hard enough in school, I will do my utmost to provide you with the resources needed for your cultivation, even if it means leading teachers and the student council into a bloody battle to secure them for you,"
"But you all must understand, why should I and other heroes do this."
"It's not to foster a group of delicate egoists, but a group of fearless, faithful, and passionate young warriors."
Shi Kai furrowed his brow, his eyes emitting a fierce light.
"Currently, ferocious beasts wreak havoc within our borders, and Evil Gods are awakening beyond, both eyeing the land of Our Great Xia with covetous intent, wishing they could conquer it immediately."
"Should the day come when Great Xia is in dire straits, we predecessors will naturally take to the frontline, but if we fail and perish in battle, the nation will rely on all of you seated here, the countless civilians will place their faith in each one of you."
At this moment, the instructors behind Shi Kai stood even taller, resembling mighty longswords, exuding murderous intent and determination. Their eyes were resolute, filled with hope, as they looked upon the students present.
The new martial examinees were all young people just over the age of twenty, immersed in the vigor and romance of youth.
Listening to the principal's sincere, bone-deep words, each of their blood seemed to boil, their eyes quivering with a different kind of radiance.
Shi Kai's steady voice inquired deeply,
"Do you..."
"Understand?"
"We understand."
Voices of various degrees erupted from the crowd, coming together like a tidal wave.
"Do you understand?" Shi Kai shook his head, "Doesn't seem like it."
"We understand!"
This time, the entire crowd spoke with one voice, their momentum overwhelming, their voices booming like thunder, creating echoes throughout the gymnasium.
Shi Kai clasped his hands together, bowed to all the students with the formality of an ancient scholar.
All the students, some subconsciously standing up, some taken aback, were shocked.
To think that a First-Grade Expert of Great Xia, and moreover one at the pinnacle of First Grade, would bow to these youngsters?
Did they deserve such respect?
No one had ever heard of a principal bowing to students before.
Then, with a resolute and powerful voice, Shi Kai declared,
"I, Shi Kai,"
"On behalf of the common people of Great Xia, take a bow to all of you, the future pillars of our nation."
Shi Kai stood up solemnly, but all the students suddenly rose to their feet.
The students who had already been standing straightened even more, and those sitting felt restless, too agitated to remain seated, quickly standing up.
At that moment, a young voice rang out,
"I."
"When I step out of these school gates."
"Will protect Great Xia with my sword, slay the Evil Gods and safeguard the people. As long as Evil Gods exist, my cultivation will not cease."
Shi Kai, including the instructors behind him and all the students, heard the young man's composed voice and were profoundly stirred.
They all turned to look, curious about who would utter such words.
They saw a young man with glasses and a tall stature, whose appearance seemed rather ordinary.
"Good,"
"Very good," Shi Kai, normally unsmiling, now showed a smile of approval, nodding in praise.
The instructors also nodded, casting curious glances in Luo Yu's direction.