Chapter 554 - 340: Tianya Academy’s Additional Contract; A Visit from Instructor Li Qiongtian and Lu Mei!
Chapter 554: Chapter 340: Tianya Academy’s Additional Contract; A Visit from Instructor Li Qiongtian and Lu Mei!
"Today, I’m not speaking to you as your chief instructor," Chief Instructor Yang said, his tone gentle. "Today, I want to have a little chat with you as an elder."
Zhang Yi tensed and immediately sat up straight. After straightening his posture, however, he realized there was nothing to be nervous about and relaxed again. He then looked at Chief Instructor Yang with curiosity, waiting to hear what he would say.
"First of all, congratulations on achieving the rank of Lieutenant," Chief Instructor Yang said, picking up his teacup. "The rank of Lieutenant is the Yanhuang Federation Military’s recognition of your contributions at the University Alliance Training Camp."
"The University Alliance Training Camp has been held many times. But do you know why it’s you who received the rank of Lieutenant this session, and not anyone else?" he asked, his tone suddenly shifting.
Zhang Yi had his own suspicions about this, but it wasn’t his place to voice them. Suppressing his thoughts, he simply shook his head and said, "Please enlighten me, Chief Instructor Yang."
"There are three reasons," Chief Instructor Yang said, holding up three fingers.
"First, your performance was truly outstanding. You ranked near the top in all three rounds of the assessment."
"In the exchange competition, the third round of the camp, you led the Yanhuang Federation cadets to first place in team Points. You set a new record for the highest score ever achieved in this type of assessment! Furthermore, you completed the hidden mission and won first place in individual Points!"
"These accomplishments alone would be enough for the selection committee to consider giving any cadet an exceptional promotion."
"Second, Vice Admiral Qin Rui’s strong recommendation." At this, Chief Instructor Yang paused. "You might not know this, but after the exchange competition, Vice Admiral Qin Rui personally wrote a report detailing your strengths. In his capacity as a Vice Admiral, he recommended that you receive a greater reward. When a report comes from someone of Vice Admiral Qin Rui’s stature, the selection committee naturally has to consider it very carefully."
Zhang Yi was moved. So, besides passing on the World Fragment my grandfather, Zhang Shumo, gave me, Vice Admiral Qin Rui also did all this for me behind the scenes.
"The third and final point," Chief Instructor Yang said, looking at Zhang Yi, "is your grandfather’s background."
"Although Marshal Zhang never interferes in the promotions of the younger generation and has never used his power for such things, his influence is an undeniable reality. During their deliberations, the Yanhuang Federation Military certainly would have considered the weight that you and your background carry. If there were another cadet with Talent equal to yours, they would definitely choose you. Even if someone’s Talent were better than yours, they would still choose you. Do you understand?"
After a moment of silence, Zhang Yi asked, "So, Chief Instructor Yang, what are you trying to say by telling me all this?"
"I just want you to understand that you earned this honor through your own strength. You don’t need to doubt that at all. But these external factors are both a pressure and a motivation. They are a double-edged sword. While they will bring you more opportunities, they will also place you under the scrutiny of others, who will judge you by a stricter standard."
Hearing this, Zhang Yi understood that Chief Instructor Yang was simply giving him a kind reminder.
With that said, Chief Instructor Yang put down his teacup and slowly broke into a smile.
"Besides, didn’t I say it just now? You don’t have to see me as Chief Instructor Yang right now. See me as one of your elders. For example, I have another identity!"
At this point, Chief Instructor Yang’s tone became solemn. "Coming to the University Alliance Training Camp as Chief Instructor was just a part-time job. In reality, my true position is the Supreme Commander of the First Expeditionary Corps in the Yanhuang Federation’s Second War Zone. I also hold the rank of Vice Admiral," he said, seeming to grow prouder with each word.
"That invitation you got from that old coot Li Taoyun? You can ignore it completely. Rather than considering his offer, you should consider coming to work for me as my adjutant. I will definitely be more dedicated to nurturing you than he ever could be!" Chief Instructor Yang’s eyes burned brightly as he gazed at Zhang Yi.
Stunned for a moment by the sudden turn in conversation, Zhang Yi then smiled. "So I’m this popular, huh?"
"Of course!" Chief Instructor Yang affirmed. "With your Talent and the strength you’ve shown, I wouldn’t go so far as to call you a once-in-a-millennium prodigy, but you’re at least a genius the likes of which hasn’t been seen in a century! In recent decades, from my perspective, there truly hasn’t been a genius comparable to you."
A warmth spread through Zhang Yi’s heart. He was well aware that the strength he had displayed was by no means weak, but being praised and affirmed by a Middle-Level Divine Being was a completely different feeling from receiving compliments from cadets of his own level.
"However, I’ll say it again—don’t you dare accept that old coot Li Taoyun’s invitation. He’s only met you a few times. He’s definitely not as familiar with you as I am! Trust me instead of him. If you come with me, you’ll start as an adjutant right off the bat."
Hearing Chief Instructor Yang’s repeated invitations, Zhang Yi felt it was an offer too gracious to refuse. But no matter how gracious the offer, he had to decline. After all, his future was at stake. Before agreeing to anything, he would definitely have to discuss it with his grandfather.
Seeing Zhang Yi’s hesitation, Chief Instructor Yang guessed that he was reluctant and gave himself an out.