Chapter 26: The Witch Academy Really Is Recruiting (Please Follow the Story)
“Meng Qi, average.”
At last, the elder priest announced the final result for the last official candidate. The younger priest also recorded the final entry in the evaluation ledger.
Yet the elder priest’s words did not end there. He swept his gaze across the training field and the gathered crowd, offering encouragement:
“This year’s performance evaluation concludes here. I hope the officials of Luoshui County will continue to strive, and that all will show progress in next year’s assessment.”
The officials of Luoshui County were expected, according to proper protocol, to thank the priest for his guidance and hard work. But as the words reached their lips, a sudden sense of unease struck them.
Next year?
Wasn’t the performance evaluation held once every three years?
Even the county magistrate and the chief secretary looked at the elder priest in bewilderment, hesitating whether to remind him of his mistake.
But the elder priest then announced a piece of news that sent the crowd into an uproar.
“You heard correctly, and I didn’t misspeak. It is indeed next year!”
“The ruler has decreed that starting from next year, a new policy for evaluations will be implemented.”
“Performance assessments will change from once every three years to once every year. The department overseeing the evaluation will also shift from the current superior office to a joint examination by the Ministry of Appointments, the Supervisory Court, and the Priesthood.”
“Administrative achievements, cultivation, and reputation—all will be tied to the evaluation grades. Those rated ‘below average’ will be demoted. Those found unqualified will be dismissed…”
“The relevant decrees will soon arrive in official written form. When the time comes, you will know the details of the new policy.”
The attendants within and outside the training field groaned in dismay as they heard the priest’s announcement.
Though the magistrate and chief secretary remained silent, their faces were clouded with worry.
With an evaluation every three years, they could still slack off. But with an annual assessment, the pressure would become unbearable.
Captain Ma’s expression was especially grim.
His performance this year was rated ‘below average’; unless his cultivation improved next year, he would surely receive the same result.
Moreover, from next year onward, assessments would be jointly handled by the Ministry of Appointments, the Supervisory Court, and the Priesthood. Even if he wanted to spend money or leverage connections for a better grade, he’d have nowhere to turn.
Captain Ma once again glanced at Shang Lu, his gaze intense.
The secret behind Shang Lu’s rapid progress in cultivation had become his lifeline—he was desperate to uncover it.
At that moment, the priest declared another weighty announcement:
“The prefecture’s Priesthood will open recruitment to the entire region. Regardless of status or background, all are invited. I hope you will cultivate diligently and strive to pass the examination, enter the Priesthood, and learn the supreme Way!”
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This news sent the training field into immediate uproar.
If the new evaluation system left everyone grumbling, the Priesthood’s open recruitment filled the crowd with excitement.
In the past, recruitment by the Priesthood was limited to the sons of noble families. Rarely did they disregard status and background, allowing ordinary people to participate.
Though entering the Priesthood was as difficult as climbing to the heavens, at least now there was a chance to change one’s fate.
If one possessed the talent and was fortunate enough to be chosen by the Priesthood—even if admitted only to the outer sect, never advancing to the inner sanctum to learn extraordinary sorcery—one’s destiny would be transformed.
High-ranking officials in Ba now all had backgrounds in the Priesthood. The prefectural governor, the merit officer, and other key officials hailed from the Priesthood of this very prefecture.
If one could enter the Priesthood, upon graduation, the “alumni connection” alone would be enough to rise swiftly through the ranks and secure a respectable post.
And if luck permitted entry into the inner sanctum, not only could one learn profound sorcery, but extend their lifespan and perhaps seek immortality.
Such an opportunity, however slim, still made hearts race.
No wonder the performance evaluation this year was overseen by the priest—it was clearly a prelude to recruiting new talent for the Priesthood.
Many now cast their gaze upon Shang Lu.
In today’s assessment, Shang Lu had stolen the spotlight; surely he had caught the priest’s eye?
If Shang Lu truly entered the Priesthood, even the magistrate and chief secretary would have to call him “dear brother.”
“Brother-in-law, you mustn’t let Shang Lu enter the Priesthood!”
Sun Ying anxiously tugged at Captain Ma, whispering urgently.
His emotions were not only full of jealousy, but also deep worry.
If Shang Lu entered the Priesthood, the position of official would become vacant, but there was no guarantee he’d live to enjoy it!
The things he’d done before—if Shang Lu ever learned of them, it would not end well.
“Shut up. If you don’t speak, no one will mistake you for mute.”
Captain Ma gritted his teeth in anger.
With so many in the training field, even a whisper from Sun Ying might be overheard.
If word got out, it would become much harder to move against Shang Lu.
This brother-in-law was as foolish as his sister.
Captain Ma shook off Sun Ying’s hand, glared at him, and continued his admonishment: “I’ve told you many times—use the title! The title!”
At this point, the performance evaluation officially ended.
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The two priests were invited by the magistrate and chief secretary to a banquet; the rest had no right to attend and dispersed.
Shang Lu did not hurry to leave, but turned toward Captain Ma and Sun Ying.
He bowed respectfully, his words heartfelt.
“Captain Ma, I was able to pass the assessment thanks to your granting me extended leave, allowing me to recuperate and cultivate at home undisturbed. Your kindness is engraved in my heart—I will surely repay it!”
Captain Ma found Shang Lu’s words oddly uncomfortable, sensing a hint of mockery.
Yet with so many people present, even if he regretted his earlier decision, he could not show it.
He even forced a smile, nodded with satisfaction, and praised Shang Lu along those lines.
The onlookers, seeing their “harmonious and friendly” scene, all sighed, believing their relationship was genuinely close.
Only Captain Niu sneered from afar.
Du Feng was left bewildered and confused.
After expressing gratitude to Captain Ma, Shang Lu turned to Sun Ying and bowed.
“Deputy Sun, I must also thank you for your auspicious words. Now it seems your prediction has indeed come true. I said before, if I passed the assessment, I would treat you to a drink. In a few days, I shall prepare fine wine and host you properly.”
Sun Ying’s face turned green with anger.
You’re not here to thank me—you’re here to rub salt in the wound!
If your words had really been effective, you should have died long ago, not be alive and well here!
Sun Ying wanted to erupt, but Captain Ma was quicker, pulling him behind and smiling falsely. “You and Sun Ying are of similar age—you should keep in touch.”
He paused, fixing his gaze on Shang Lu, and said:
“Since you speak of repaying me, tell me—how did you recover your cultivation? Your internal organs were damaged and your cultivation lost; for most, that would be a lifelong ruin. But not only did you recover, you made a breakthrough—it’s hard to believe…”
“If anyone else asked, I would not say. But Captain Ma has shown me favor, and I am one who repays kindness and revenge alike.”
Shang Lu lowered his voice, continuing, “Captain Ma, you know I’ve often purchased offerings at the market these days?”
Captain Ma, of course, was aware and frowned, “You mean to say you made sacrifices to spirits and received their aid?”
“Yes,” Shang Lu nodded.
Before Captain Ma could speak, Sun Ying hurriedly interjected, “Which spirit did you sacrifice to?”
“Lady Earth.”
Shang Lu named the deity.