Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Freshmen's Initial Test, A New Round of Simulations
"Now that you mention it, I do seem to recall something about him."
"I remember during his awakening, there was neither land nor oceans. No idea what kind of dumb luck he stumbled upon to get into Tianzhou Academy."
Bai Ze could sense the tension in the group chat.
But it wasn't surprising. Everyone who managed to get into Tianzhou Academy was a top-tier genius from various regions and cities. A certain level of arrogance was understandable.
Soon, however, the group shifted the topic away from Bai Ze.
"By the way, how are you all preparing for this year's freshman provincial trial?"
"I can't wait to face off against those monsters from Suling Academy."
Reading the stream of messages, Bai Ze furrowed his brow in confusion.
"I've heard that Suling Academy recruited a real prodigy this year," someone said. "She's already at a second-tier world stage. Her world energy is said to be a rare hybrid type, combining both Dou Qi and magic!"
"There's also a rumor that a commander-level creature has appeared in her world, though it's not confirmed."
As Bai Ze read their exchange, his confusion deepened. Finally, he typed a few words and sent them to the chat.
"What's the freshman provincial trial?"
Upon seeing his message, a golden-haired youth sitting in a lavish villa burst out laughing in a rather sinister way.
He quickly typed a reply and sent it.
"Seriously, bro? Even though Nancheng is a backwater place, how could you not know about this?"
"Every year, newly admitted students participate in a province-wide trial. It's a test used by the schools to assign classes and select top students for advanced training."
"But it's not a direct battle between us. Instead, all the schools collaborate to create a world."
"We're tasked with confronting this world, and our performance determines our scores, which are then used for class assignments."
"Oh, and it's worth mentioning that this trial is broadcast live across the entire province. Every creator can watch it. It's a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself!"
Hearing this explanation, Bai Ze finally understood.
So it's like a unique entrance exam?
Only instead of identical test papers, it's the same constructed world.
"Alright, Huang Tian, why waste your breath on him?"
Suddenly, another message popped up.
The sender's nickname was Wei Chi, with the title "Creator of an Immortal Cultivation World" attached as a note.
"A mere commoner. No matter how much you explain, what difference does it make? He's just going to be our stepping stone."
"Focus on developing your world and prepare for the trial in a few days."
Bai Ze's eyes narrowed slightly. From the tone of the messages, it was clear this person harbored deep disdain for commoners.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, Bai Ze typed a cold reply.
"See you in the elite class."
After that, Bai Ze closed the chat and left the group altogether.
Lying on his bed, his thoughts grew heavy.
He had thought getting into Tianzhou Academy would guarantee a smooth path to success.
Who would've expected that he'd face a trial even before stepping through the academy gates?
And to think even Suling Academy, one of the top three in the country, would compete with them. The pressure was intense.
"Sigh... It seems I need to focus on improving my strength," Bai Ze muttered.
From the sound of it, this year's Suling Academy had recruited many monstrous talents.
Especially that hybrid-world creator with commander-level creatures. Just thinking about it made Bai Ze feel uneasy.
"Forget it. Let's check on my world first."
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Bai Ze shifted his consciousness back into the starry void.
Overlooking his flourishing world, Bai Ze's ears were filled with a series of notifications.
[Ding! Commencing report of major events.]
[Event 1: Landmass diameter increased by 20 kilometers; ocean area expanded by 60 kilometers.]
[Event 2: Following a one-sided battle, your three generals have gained significant confidence and deepened their faith in you. They now occasionally sing praises and offer prayers.]
[Faith points +3.]
[Event 3: World ecosystem thriving, with species count in the main world reaching 500.]
[Event 4: Number of new extraordinary creatures in the world exceeds 300.]
"The system even has this feature? Summarizing major events?" Bai Ze said, satisfied.
Still, the faith points were increasing far too slowly. Was it because his creatures weren't devout enough?
[Ding! Host, without the birth of civilization, the creatures' faith in you cannot utilize more mediums to spread their devotion.]
Hearing this from the system, Bai Ze nodded thoughtfully.
"Mediums?"
"So I need something like statues or altars to amplify the generation of faith points?" Bai Ze mused.
But then again, most of his extraordinary creatures relied on sheer physical power to evolve.
Although their strength was formidable, they were far removed from anything resembling civilization.
Unless Bai Ze could somehow cultivate a new species small, agile, and highly intelligent.
"Forget it for now. These faith points aren't critical yet. Let's focus on figuring out this A-grade card." Bai Ze clenched his fists with resolve.
For this new simulation, he decided not to activate spiritual energy recovery at the start.
He wanted to test the destructive power of the Tian Niu species, which so many had warned him about. Would they consume his world, which had undergone 2,000x spiritual energy refinement?
After all, it was just a simulation. Even if they did wreak havoc, there was no real harm done.
"System, begin a new round of creation!" Bai Ze commanded.
[Ding! Command received. Initiating a new round of creation.]
[Creation points required: 1,700.]
[Proceed?]
"Yes!" Bai Ze replied without hesitation.
He still had over 10,000 creation points, so there was no need to worry.
[Ding! Creation points deducted. Ten draws granted. Please make your selection.]
On the screen before him appeared ten familiar traits.
[Reproduction Acceleration (Blue)]: Increases the passion for movement among creatures, significantly boosting reproduction speed.
[Endless Strife (Blue)]: Occasional friction and conflict among creatures greatly enhance their strength.
"These two for sure."
What Bai Ze's world needed most now was an abundance of top-tier combat power.
However, the next trait he encountered made his expression grow strange.
"Wait... what's this?"