Star Martial Era: The Way of Star Light Cultivation

Chapter 19: Chapter 16: The Struggle of the Middle Court

Blood Slaughter Tian Zhang, this was a legendary figure born and bred in Jinshan County. Before heʼd even participated in Star Pointing, he had single-handedly slain the debt-chasing villains from the Tiger Flying Gang and was thrown into prison. Due to his youth, he was sentenced to twenty years of hard labor. As it happened, the new emperor of Dachen ascended the throne and issued a pardon to the realm, and Tian Zhang was released.

After being released, his father had died, allegedly from an accidental fall while working, but co-workers claimed the death was suspicious. His mother had also mysteriously disappeared, and it was almost certain that the Tiger Flying Gang was involved.

Tian Zhang neither wept nor made any fuss. He quickly sold all of his familyʼs farmland and real estate, and even borrowed from all his relatives, managing to amass fifty taels of silver. Then he joined the Taoist Institute half-way through the Star-pointing Season.

From then on, things spiraled out of control.

After Star Pointing ended, he entered the Middle Court of the Taoist Institute, casted Star within half a year, and reached the peak of the Ninth Layer of Refining Star within two. Following that, numerous family-annihilation cases occurred frequently within Jinshan County.

Those exterminated were all high-ranking members of the Tiger Flying Gang. No matter the age or sex, the whole families were decapitated with a single blade, an act of unimaginable cruelty. In the midst of the Tiger Flying Gangʼs panic, a masked figure broke into their stronghold on a rainy night, slaughtering forty-three gang members, retreating successfully before the county guard arrived.

The massacre directly triggered a panic in Jinshan County. At the request of the county head, the Taoist Institute deployed the Star Patrol Guard, which tracked down and surrounded the fleeing Tian Zhang.

Faced with his familiar fellow students and instructors, Tian Zhang did not resist and allowed himself to be captured without struggle.

By the law, he would have been executed immediately.

However, the Taoist Institute later intervened, disclosing many of the evil deeds committed by the Tiger Flying Gang, and even located the... skeletal remains of Tian Zhangʼs missing mother.

It was said she had been sold to neighboring Wuchang County.

The Dean at the time, Dong Zhao, intervened, vehemently arguing for a redefinition of this slaughter of the Tiger Flying Gang as a case of avenging oneʼs blood relations!

Vengeance for blood relations, unforgiving for ten generations.

Tian Zhang was declared innocent and released from prison, rejoining the Taoist Institute as a member of the Star Patrol Guard, eventually rising to his current position as the Governor of the Star Patrol Guard.

This should be an incident that happened a decade or so ago.

Dong Zhao is now the Mountain Master, and Tian Zhang is the Governor of the Star Patrol Guard. From this story, Xu Jin could essentially deduce that the Mountain Master of the Jinshan Taoist Institute must be the true person in power, perhaps even reigning supreme.

After all, there was the staunch supporter like the Governor of the Star Patrol Guard, Tian Zhang.

With the arrival of the four major heads of the Taoist Institute, the assessment for this seasonʼs Star Pointing officially began.

It was called an assessment, but it felt more like a debriefing.

First up was the report from Chief Instructor Ning Yuchan of the Star-pointing Season.

”Reporting to the Mountain Master, this season of Star Pointing has resulted in seventy-six disciples successfully pointing their stars. According to the Taoist Instituteʼs talent evaluation standards, there is one with A+ talent named Yue Daqi, one with A talent named Ren Xiaoxiang, two with A- talent, three with B+ talent, three with B talent, six with B- talent, twelve with C+ talent, nineteen with C talent, and twenty-nine with C- talent. Here is the list for the Mountain Master to review.”

Ning Yuchan presented a volume of Star Pointing records, and with a simple wave from Mountain Master Dong Zhao, the volume instantly soared up and landed in his hands.

”Mm, Yuchan, youʼve worked hard.”

After reviewing the records, Mountain Master Dong Zhao suddenly looked toward the crowd below, ”Who is Xu Jin?”

Xu Jin, startled, stepped forward and bowed with his fists clasped, ”Disciple Xu Jin, greets the Mountain Master.”

”Activate your Star Power.”

”Yes!”

Xu Jin promptly concentrated on his Star Pattern, and in an instant, his body surged with Star Power. At this moment, Xu Jin felt like he was a thorn in someoneʼs side, especially under the gaze of Governor Tian Zhang, which was like being targeted by a ferocious tiger.

”Indeed, you have broken through to the First Layer of Dining Dawn.”

Mountain Master Dong Zhao spoke again, ”Remove your shirt, and let everyone see.”

As instructed, Xu Jin shed his shirt to reveal that, with Star Power activated, his upper body shone with Starlight, especially around his right shoulder where the light even extended down to his arm, indicating astonishing progress in Body Refining.

It was somewhat embarrassing for Xu Jin to bare his body in front of the crowd and be stared at by everyone.

Fortunately, after several days of arduous practice and nourishment, his innate heart defect had healed, and he was no longer scrawny; a shadow of muscles could now be seen.

After successful Star Pointing, Xu Jinʼs body visibly grew stronger with each day.

”It took eighty-three days for you to point your star, but you have practiced diligently ever since, being persistent, studious, and inquisitive every day. Instructor Ning requested that your talent evaluation be raised from C- to C. I donʼt agree,” Mountain Master Dong Zhaoʼs words were initially filled with anticipation, but the latter part was like a bucket of cold water poured over everyoneʼs heads.

Ning Yuchan was taken aback; she had previously reported this matter to the Mountain Master and received his approval. It was normal procedure, so why the change now?

But Xu Jin himself wasnʼt bothered much.

It seemed there wasnʼt much difference between C and C-.

Mountain Master Dong Zhao, with a smile on his face, watched everyoneʼs reaction and suddenly said, ”Although it took eighty-three days for star pointing, your diligence and rigorous practice allowed you to reach the First Layer of Dining Dawn in just seven days. Though assisted by Pills, this is indeed remarkable. I think Xu Jinʼs talent evaluation should be raised from C- to C+. What do you think?”

Mountain Master Dong Zhao asked the crowd.

Ning Yuchanʼs eyes once again showed surprise, and the iron cane she held loosened.

This reversal was, in fact, quite unexpected even for Xu Jin.

”Many with a C+ talent evaluation have not broken through to the First Layer of Dining Dawn. I think itʼs acceptable!” Governor Tian Zhangʼs voice was firm, resonating with the strength of metal, as he was the first to stand and state his position.

”Since the Mountain Master and Military Governor Tian have both spoken, then naturally it is permissible,” Vice Mountain Master Feng said at a leisurely pace.

Dean Cao Chun, however, was sparing with his words and only said four words, ”It complies with the academyʼs rules.”

”Mmm, record it.”

Upon hearing this statement, below the Martial Arts Arena, faces of Fang Zixing, Hong Gang, Luo Geng, and others changed color.

Generally speaking, the order for entering the Middle Court starts with talent assessment, followed by cultivation level.

Originally, the number of spots they could compete for was only three; four into three wasnʼt too difficult.

Now that Xu Jinʼs evaluation has been raised to C +, their chances of entering the Middle Court became a five into three scenario, with the failure probability close to half, doubling the difficulty.

After finishing this matter, Mountain Master Dong Zhao placed a page of the Star Pointing book aside and returned to his seat, turning his head to Vice Mountain Master Feng with a smile, ”Vice Mountain Master Feng, from here on, you will preside.”

Vice Mountain Master Feng stood up and, after bowing his hands in salute to Mountain Master Dong Zhao, picked up the page of the Star Pointing book.

”Next, I will oversee the allocation according to the rules of the Jinshan Taoist Institute, but I must emphasize one point: the academy is divided into the Inner, Middle, and Outer Courts, each implementing education suited to the studentʼs capabilities. However, regardless of which court one enters, from now on you are all disciples of Dachen Yan Stateʼs Jinshan Taoist Institute and must serve loyally and earnestly. Those who are disloyal and unjust, there are statutes of the National Court to deal with them,” Vice Mountain Master Fengʼs speech was quite slow, yet it carried an invisible pressure that made everyone listen very clearly.

”According to our Jinshan Taoist Instituteʼs rules, every Star-pointing Season, three disciples are selected for the Inner Court, fifteen for the Middle Court, the rest enter the Outer Court....”

As soon as these words were spoken, whether it was Xu Jin, Hong Gang, Luo Geng, or the others, they were all shocked.

They had all been calculating about the Middle Courtʼs spots but forgot about the Inner Courtʼs spots.

This Star-pointing Season, there were four with A Level evaluations, but the Inner Court only selects three.

”After the academyʼs evaluation, Yue Daqi, Ren Xiaoxiang, and Zhou Du, you three are selected to enter the Inner Court.”

Upon hearing this, Yue Daqi, Ren Xiaoxiang, and Zhou Du simultaneously stepped forward to express their thanks, only leaving Lu Xianbing, who had achieved Star Pointing in twenty-nine days with a grim expression.

There was no way around it; although he had broken through to the Fifth Layer of Dining Dawn, the academyʼs rules were such.

”Though you three have been selected for the Inner Court, you must not slack off. There is a minor assessment every month in the Inner Court, a major one every three months, and those who are not up to standard may be demoted to the Middle Court,” Vice Mountain Master Feng instructed.

”According to our academyʼs rules, there are, including Lu Xianbing, Yu Guan, and thirteen others who meet the criteria for the Middle Court and are directly selected to enter the Middle Court,” Vice Mountain Master Feng announced the list on the spot, and the group of selectees expressed their thanks.

Faces of Xu Jin, Qiao Ruonan, Fang Zixing, Luo Geng, Song Ye, and others turned somewhat unpleasant.

Two spots left, now it was a competition of five into two, intensifying further.

”There are still two spots for the Middle Court, in accordance with the rules, we will....”

”Just a moment!”

Superintendent Cao suddenly spoke up.

Vice Mountain Master Feng was interrupted, looking somewhat displeased.

”Mountain Master, Vice Mountain Master Feng, four months ago, Qiao Lie fought to the death against an evil demon, and now, his daughter Qiao Ruonan has successfully completed Star Pointing this season. Accordingly, she should be granted special consideration,” Superintendent Cao stated.

Vice Mountain Master Feng frowned, looked at the Star Pointing book in his hand, then nodded and said, ”Qiao Ruonan is indeed included!”

Mountain Master Dong Zhao stood up again, searched through the crowd, and found Qiao Ruonan in a white garment with a sad expression. After comforting and encouraging her, Mountain Master Dong Zhao said, ”As the brave heroʼs orphan, she must be given preferential treatment.

Superintendent Cao, according to the academyʼs rules, to what extent can the maximum concession be made?”

”Replying to the Mountain Master, she can be upgraded directly to the Middle Court, with double the cultivation resources every month!” Superintendent Cao said.

”Granted!”

With this, the fourteenth spot for the Middle Court was also determined.

Although no one had any objections to Qiao Ruonanʼs direct entrance into the Middle Court—with her being the valiant legacy—it still left Xu Jin, Luo Geng, Hong Gang, and Fang Zixing extremely anxious.

Now only one spot was left, four into one!

With this interruption, Vice Mountain Master Feng also seemed to lose some of his enthusiasm and directly announced, ”For the remaining spot, three people meet the criteria for entering the Middle Court—namely, having reached the First Layer of Dining Dawn. They are Hong Gang, Luo Geng, and Fang Zixing.

Yet among these three, only Luo Geng has managed to cast the basic Star Skill, Star Shield, indicating superior talent.

Therefore, the final spot for the Middle Court should go to Luo Geng. Do you have any objections?” Feng asked.

Upon this pronouncement, Luo Geng was overjoyed. After much effort and even seeking guidance from his elders in private, he finally earned the spot to enter the Middle Court. Hong Gang and Fang Zixing, however, looked disheartened, unable to voice any objections—they had indeed not yet managed to produce the basic Star Shield and truly could not compare to Luo Geng.

But Xu Jinʼs expression suddenly changed, looking troubled.

He was excluded?

How could he be directly left out?

He absolutely had objections!

”Vice Mountain Master Feng, I object!” Xu Jin exclaimed loudly.