Chapter 13 (1/2)

Chapter 13: Progress

Translator: Yukidaruma Translations  Editor: Yukidaruma Translations

Fang Xingjian did not find this unexpected as he stepped out with the wooden practice sword in his hands. He started to demonstrate the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, but he tried his best to be clumsy in his demonstration, displaying a level 2 or 3 standard of the technique.

Even so, he was still able to perform the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique close to perfection, astonishing Kyle yet again.

“That’s right, that’s right. You guys take a good look. The Grizzly Bear Sword Technique requires one to sway the neck, chest, and abdomen as well as the shoulders, just like a bear! The neck must be relaxed, and the waist must tremble.

“Xingjian’s level is not as high as the rest of yours, but his control is something you need to learn. He is already on the right path, just waiting to arrive at the destination, while some of you are taking a big detour, circling around it.”

After Fang Xingjian’s demonstration, Kyle nodded in satisfaction. “Not bad. Xingjian, you can go practice by yourself.”

After saying that, he turned to look sternly at Ogden, saying, “Did you see that? You need to learn from him. Although the level of your technique is higher than Fang Xingjian’s, you haven’t really grasped its essence. From now on, learning the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique will definitely be a smooth-sailing journey for him. Unlike you, who keeps stumbling upon so many bottlenecks.

“Continue practicing. How will you pass the upcoming Prefectural Selection if you do not breakthrough into level 10 of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique?”

Fang Xingjian walked to the side and focused on his own training as the ‘Prefectural Selection’ that Kyle had mentioned earlier flashed through his mind.

The Empire’s upper echelon was mostly controlled by famous influential groups of aristocrats, and by royalty. One could only choose to join one of these groups in order to become stronger and have access to more training resources.

Unlike those of the second generation, born with silver spoons in their mouths and with inherited authority to various degrees, with recommendations and aid in their progress on different paths, commoners only had one way to climb up the ladder, namely to pass the Grand Selection.

The Grand Selection had different stages: the Prefectural Selection, the Regional Selection, and the National Selection. The Prefectural Selection took place every year, the Regional Selection every two years, and the National Selection once every three years.

Hundreds or even thousands of carefully selected elites would participate in each stage, and the country granted special privileges and rewards to those who passed the selection.

Some of them included the right to enter the Royal Academy, titles of nobility, land, mansions, tax exemptions, or even the offer of a job transition.

Regardless of the amount of training, if one did not participate in the Grand Selection, one would stay a mere commoner.

The Grand Selection was the optimal path for all commoners, as it selected a massive number of talents for the Empire every year.

‘One can go through a normal job transition in various schools, but the resources of an ordinary school cannot compare to those which are backed up by large countries.’ Fang Xingjian had long since made up his mind. ‘I must take part in the Grand Selection, starting with the upcoming Prefectural Selection five months away. I must attain the status of a Knight and get accepted into Kirst’s Royal Academy!’

That’s right. The best amongst Kirst’s Seven Pearl Academies. Only when he passed the Prefectural Selection and advanced as a Knight would he be able to enter Kirst’s Royal Academy.

Thinking about this, Fang Xingjian’s gaze turned cold as his grip on the wooden sword suddenly became more vigorous. As he practiced his sword techniques, his thoughts continued to swirl around in his mind.

‘Concerning living expenses, maybe I can think of a way to get them through The School of Sword Arts…

‘What is most important is to practice my sword arts and to prepare for the Prefectural Selection.

‘The Empire’s selections are spread out like this: the Prefectural Selection once a year, the Regional Selection once every two years, and the National Selection once every three years.

‘It’s great timing that the Prefectural Selection is this year, the Regional Selection next year, and the National Selection the year after the next. I only have five years left of my lifespan, and this will be my only chance. If I want to take revenge and become stronger, I must climb up the ladder, so I can tap into the Empire’s resources and pair them with my talent…’

Once participants advanced to the Prefectural Selection and became Knights, the Empire would nurture them through their first job transitions.

Once they advanced to the Regional Selection and became Conferred Knights, the Empire would nurture them through their second job transitions.

Once they advanced to the final National Selection and became Royal Knights, the Empire would use all its means to nurture them through their third job transitions.

From level 1 all the way to level 30, this was the advancement process for Warriors who joined the Empire.

In a moment, the stats in his Techniques Column jumped as his Grizzly Bear Sword Technique leveled up to 18.