These words were spoken with extreme arrogance, but the reality was undeniable.
The so-called "godling" named Zhong Peng had a solid background. It was said that his father, Zhong Hai, was a bona fide mid-tier god, just one step away from ascending to a high-tier god.
High-tier gods were a rare and revered presence throughout the Federation.
Previously, when Zhong Peng caused a commotion at Sulin Academy, no one dared to stop him. But it wasn't because Sulin Academy could not intervene. The truth was, they simply didn't see the need.
The teachers at Sulin Academy wouldn't act without the principal's orders. The principal, understanding the dynamics of power, likely decided that it wasn't worth offending a soon-to-be high-tier god over trivial conflicts among students. A little conflict, a bit of domain war it was nothing worth making waves about. Why tarnish relations with someone so powerful over something so minor?
"Alright, enough talk. Let's get on with the domain war," Zhong Peng pressed forward aggressively.
Before Bai Ze could respond, the classmates behind him could no longer contain themselves.
"This is outrageous! How arrogant can he be?"
"Bai Ze, you have to take him on! Show him Tianzhou Academy isn't to be trifled with."
"Just because he's a godling doesn't mean he can do whatever he pleases here!"
The atmosphere grew tense, and the students rallied around Bai Ze, their words filled with frustration and encouragement.
"Yeah, Bai Ze, teach him a lesson! Show him what true power looks like!"
The situation had escalated to a point where there was no room for refusal. Bai Ze sighed and reluctantly stepped forward.
Despite his attempts to avoid confrontation, he could no longer back down.
"Alright, I'll"
"Wait!"
Before Bai Ze could finish, a deep, commanding voice echoed from afar. Everyone, including Bai Ze, froze and turned their heads to look.
To their surprise, two figures had appeared in the distance. One was none other than the principal of Tianzhou Academy someone who hadn't shown himself in over six months!
Walking beside him was the head teacher of the elite freshman class, Teacher Zhou Qing.
"It's the principal! Why is he here?"
"Isn't it obvious? He must be here because of the godling's antics."
"I can't believe it. The principal hasn't appeared in six months, and he shows up now."
"Does this mean he's going to stand up for us?"
While the students speculated, the principal walked silently past them, his steps light but purposeful.
"The old principal of Tianzhou Academy?" Zhong Peng frowned upon seeing him but quickly changed his demeanor.
"Principal, it's rare for you to make an appearance after six months. Surely, you're not here just because of my domain war, are you?"
"If that's the case, you might as well head back. I won't back down."
"Even Sulin Academy didn't say anything about my actions."
Zhong Peng spread his hands with a smug expression, showing no fear.
The principal stepped forward, and an overwhelming, indescribable aura surged from his body, pressing directly onto Zhong Peng.
"Young man, there's no need to be so hot-headed," the principal said calmly.
As soon as the words fell, Zhong Peng's pupils contracted, and his legs trembled. He could sense it the aura of a high-tier god!
It was no surprise. The principals of the Federation's top ten academies were all high-tier gods, regardless of their school's rank.
"Wait! The domain war it's all part of my father's orders!" Zhong Peng stammered, his face pale as he tried to deflect the pressure.
"Oh?" The principal retracted his aura, his face still adorned with a kind and gentle smile.
"Huff... huff..." Zhong Peng gasped for breath, his fear slowly subsiding.
After a moment, he mustered his courage and explained, "My father sent me here to locate a certain genius a prodigy rumored to have defeated all liches single-handedly."
"I thought the most fair and reasonable way to find them was through competition."
Zhong Peng forced a smile, though it betrayed his unease.
The nearby students couldn't help but curse him silently. Fair and reasonable?
Godlings themselves were the epitome of unfairness, and yet they dared to claim fairness?
"Oh? So this is all on the orders of your father, Zhong Hai," the principal said with a chuckle.
"In that case, it seems I don't have the authority to interfere."
"However, I do have a suggestion."
Hearing this, not just Zhong Peng but everyone present, including the students, showed signs of confusion.
"You young people always so quick to anger, always ready to destroy," the principal said, shaking his head.
"If you wish to test your abilities, why not try a different method?"
"A different method?" Zhong Peng was taken aback, as were the surrounding students.
To determine a victory between two creators, the only recognized method was a domain war, where their creations clashed until one side surrendered or was annihilated.
They couldn't fathom what other method the principal might be referring to.
"That's right. I've recently developed an alternative competition," the principal explained.
"I like to call it the Talent Assessment Match."
This statement left everyone puzzled.
A Talent Assessment Match?
Was there such a thing in the Federation?
"The Talent Assessment Match is a new format introduced by our principal," Zhou Qing, the head teacher, stepped forward and explained. She briefly glanced at Bai Ze before continuing.
"You're all familiar with corrupted planets, correct?" Zhou Qing asked.
"Of course! Corrupted planets are those overtaken by alien races and subjected to horrific experiments. They're planets that have already fallen," a student answered immediately.
"Exactly. Corrupted planets are what you described fallen planets," Zhou Qing confirmed.
"In this competition, each participant will be assigned a corrupted planet. The alien races within these planets have been cleared, leaving only a few remnants behind."
"Your task is to transform these desolate planets into thriving ones."
Hearing this, Zhong Peng burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!"
"Principal, surely you're joking. What kind of competition is this?"
"I have a pile of resource cards on hand. I could throw a few hundred out and easily win."
The principal shook his head, dismissing Zhong Peng's assumption.
"The Talent Assessment Match has its own rules," he said.
"During the match, you are forbidden from using any of your resource cards."
"Instead, the school will provide each of you with a total of six B-grade cards."
"One creature card and five resource cards."
"Your objective is to use these cards as effectively as possible to nurture new creatures and restore the planet's vitality."
"At the end of the designated time, the winner will be determined based on the planet's level of prosperity."
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