Chapter 136: Unworthy of the Position
Zhou Shang, the president of Xingcheng Hongwu University, appeared in front of all the students with his hands behind his back, floating in the air.
His appearance also meant that all students had arrived.
The students from Xiang City who were following Jiang Tian looked at Zhou Shang in the sky, and for some reason, they felt a sense of pride in their hearts.
See? This is our Boss Jiang's teacher!
The other students also looked at Zhou Shang with fiery eyes.
Not only was he the president of Hongwu University, but he had also achieved many legendary feats, his name appearing in their textbooks.
Who wouldn't be excited to see someone they had only read about in books?
Just when the students were feeling excited, Zhou Shang spoke.
"Dear students, seeing you all here means that your efforts over the past years have not been in vain."
"But stepping through the gates of Hongwu University marks the beginning of a new life for you."
"One thing will change—your days of ease are over. Blood and tears will become a part of your life."
"Before we begin the entrance examination, I want to introduce you to some people…"
As Zhou Shang finished speaking, projection equipment installed in the training ground activated.
Above them, three-dimensional images of people appeared.
Each projection was different—some were old, some were young, and some had smiling faces, while others looked stoic.
Some projections were incomplete, some were simple silhouettes, and some were old photographs from the past.
As for who they were?
The text and titles floating above each projection made it clear.
[Hongwu University—Heroes Who Sacrificed Their Lives]
That's right.
The people projected before them were all the teachers and students of Hongwu University who had died in battle.
The oldest among them had been a centenarian, while the youngest had been just eighteen, only recently having entered the school.
Next to each name, the reason for their sacrifice was recorded.
Some had died on the battlefield.
Others had perished in emergencies, defending civilians from alien invasions.
"You may have noticed that after entering Hongwu University, your treatment has significantly improved."
"Even in the worst dormitories, your living conditions are beyond what ordinary people could ever hope for."
"Your families, too, will receive generous allowances to improve their quality of life."
"Of course, some of you from well-off backgrounds may not care about this. It might seem insignificant to you."
"But you have all seen the Dao Pattern Spirit Trees in your dormitory areas. You have all accessed the school software and learned that many of the resources available here do not exist anywhere else."
"A better environment, better resources, and better treatment mean only one thing—you have greater responsibilities than ordinary people."
"When danger comes, you must be the ones to stand up first."
"To protect the weak. To defend your homeland. To uphold the human race."
"From the moment you stepped through these gates, you were no longer just students of Hongwu University—you became the guardians of humanity."
"Every single one of you is a spark that keeps the fire of our civilization burning."
"The only reason you were able to grow up safely until today is because of the sacrifice of those who came before you."
Zhou Shang's voice was calm, as if he were having a casual conversation.
But for some reason, his words carried immense weight.
Jiang Tian didn't say anything—he simply stood in silence, looking at the projected figures who resembled Zhou Shang.
His teacher's son and grandson were among those projections.
He already knew this.
His teacher had no surviving children.
His entire family had perished on the battlefield.
"Please observe three minutes of silence."
At Zhou Shang's words, Jiang Tian, like the other students, closed his eyes and bowed his head, honoring those who had given their lives for humanity.
He knew that his ability to pursue his dreams in peace was only possible because of the sacrifices of these predecessors.
After three minutes, Zhou Shang's voice rang out again, and the projections in the air shifted.
"The entrance examination is simple—it will be a free-for-all."
"The assessment area is limited to the forest behind us. If you reach the boundary, you will see warning signs from the formation screen. That is the limit—you may not leave the area."
"Your scores will be determined based on both your survival time and your performance in battle."
"Even if you are eliminated early, if your performance is outstanding, you will still receive a high evaluation."
"The entire assessment will be monitored by Hongwu University's instructors, as well as an advanced formation designed to analyze your performance."
The moment Zhou Shang said this, many students turned their gazes toward Jiang Tian.
It was obvious—they were thinking about how to execute their planned siege against him.
Meanwhile, on a temporary platform above the martial arts arena, several instructors were present.
They were watching the students closely, preparing to observe the examination through split-screen projections.
"The results of this test," Zhou Shang continued, "will determine your placement in the school rankings and access to school resources."
"I won't say any more—I know you're eager to begin."
Zhou Shang chuckled, causing some students to laugh.
"Now… the entrance examination has begun!"
"If you do not leave the martial arts arena and enter the forest before noon, you will be eliminated and receive zero points."
"Go, children!"
At Zhou Shang's command, countless students rushed forward at high speed, sprinting toward the forest.
The martial arts arena was massive, and its boundary with the forest stretched far.
Many students wanted to enter first to find strategic positions.
Some rushed deep into the forest to hide and survive longer.
Others stayed behind, forming teams before moving.
They observed the directions in which different students entered, planning to avoid strong opponents.
But still, many students had one focus—
Their eyes locked onto Jiang Tian.
They had not forgotten their objective.
To take down Jiang Tian.
To drag him down from the top.
To make him pay the price for not being worthy of his position.