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The practical training was nearing its end. Dean Yu Qinglan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, perched on the high platform at the finish line, his magical robe billowing gently in the soft breeze.
His profound gaze swept across the forest exit. Beside him, several instructors conversed in hushed tones, occasionally glancing towards the distant figures of students, gradually emerging into view.
“What a nostalgic sight…”
A middle-aged Water Element instructor, clad in deep blue robes, observed the young faces, slightly weary yet resolute in their gaze. A faint smile touched his lips.
“When we first underwent practical training, encountering that low-tier Ice Claw Wolf left us so terrified we couldn’t even properly chant our spells. These youngsters now are far more composed than we ever were back then.”
“Ha, how dare you bring that up? I recall someone’s Water Wave spell going wildly off target, nearly washing a teammate into the river!” The Fire Element instructor laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder.
A wave of good-natured laughter rippled among the surrounding instructors.
The Wind Element instructor shook his head gently, speaking in a mild tone:
“This batch of students is truly exceptional. Especially those third-year students. Mu Wanqing’s control over water elements has surely surpassed that of previous cohorts, hasn’t it? Her ‘Thousand Miles of Ice’ spell last time even astounded me.”
“Speaking of talent, who could possibly rival Su Liyue? With her affinity for all elements and her ability to fuse magic of different attributes… A genius like that might not appear even once in a hundred years.”
The Summoning Element instructor raised a brow, his voice filled with undisguised admiration.
The Earth Element instructor, who had remained silent until then, suddenly spoke, his voice as deep and steady as bedrock.
“Don’t forget Chixiao and Xiao Yun. Chixiao’s Blazing Impact showed considerable talent during the drills. And Xiao Yun’s Wind-Fire combination techniques are virtually impossible to guard against.
In my opinion, the top three spots in this training session will undoubtedly be a contest among these three teams.”
The Healing Element instructor, however, sighed.
“It’s a pity about Zhao Yan and Lin Mo’s group… Their strength was considerable, yet they chose the most aggressive tactics. Had they avoided Su Liyue’s team, they would have at least had a chance to reach the final round.”
“Young people, they always need to suffer a few setbacks to learn their lessons,” the Head Instructor beside the Dean finally spoke, his voice gentle yet imbued with a sense of authority.
“How about this: let’s place some bets on which teams will make it into the top three?” The Fire Element instructor suddenly lowered his voice, a glint of slyness flashing in his eyes.
He pulled a pouch of gold coins from his robes and jingled it. “I’m betting on Chixiao’s team!”
“Ahem, ahem…”
A soft cough resonated. Though not loud, it instantly straightened the backs of all the instructors.
Dean Yu Qinglan continued to gaze towards the forest, without even turning his head. He spoke in a calm tone.
“The students have toiled for five days. What they need most now is likely a hot meal and a comfortable bed.”
The air abruptly solidified.
The Wind Element instructor silently tucked the half-drawn gold coins back into his sleeve.
The Fire Element instructor’s red hair seemed to droop slightly, as he awkwardly chuckled and shoved his coin pouch into the inner folds of his robe.
Even the most boisterous Water Element instructor lowered his head, meticulously adjusting his perfectly neat collar.
Upon hearing Dean Yu Qinglan’s words, the instructors all promptly fell silent. While the Dean typically didn’t stand on ceremony within the academy, his power and temperament were well-known to all.
His recent statement had made his point quite clear, yet also allowed them to save face.
It was fine for the instructors to joke amongst themselves in private, but when the students, covered in dust and even bearing injuries, emerged from the forest, the first sight greeting them absolutely could not be their elders gathered around a betting game, roaring with laughter.
The students were about to appear at any moment. The instructors had to uphold their responsibilities. To gamble openly before their students, what kind of decorum would that be?
Furthermore, five days of intense training had just concluded. There was a plethora of matters awaiting their attention. Who had the leisure for such foolishness here?
From the distance, the snapping of twigs could already be heard.
The Healing Element instructor was the first to stride towards the medical tent. His usually gruff voice was uncharacteristically soft. “I’ll go prepare the healing magic array.”
The other instructors awoke as if from a dream. Some began inventorying potion boxes. Others adjusted recording crystals. The previous merriment seemed to vanish as if it had never occurred.
A faint smile flickered in Dean Yu Qinglan’s eyes.
He knew these old companions too well. The Fire Element instructor, though fond of gambling, was fiercely protective of his students. The Water Element instructor, seemingly laid-back, was in fact meticulously observant.
Their silent diligence at this moment, more than any lecture, would impress upon the young students that true mentors were ultimately the blade to clear their path and the beacon guiding their return.
The light and shadows at the forest exit began to waver. The figures of the first team were faintly discernible…
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