Fang Zhou stood among the crowd, curiously observing Instructor Huang.

Ever since he learned that Professionals with the Light Attribute could learn the Purification skill to cleanse defiling auras, he had developed an interest in the nature of Light Attribute powers.

Under the expectant eyes of the cadets, Instructor Huang Qiuyue stepped forward. "Dear cadets, the upcoming Healing Array will only treat minor injuries," she said. "If anyone is seriously injured, you will require further treatment. Do not take this lightly."

Her gaze swept over Fang Zhou and paused for a moment. Amongst the group of weary cadets, the energetic and vibrant Fang Zhou stood out like a lone Wolf King among a pack of huskies. Looking at Fang Zhou's handsome face, she quickly realized who this outstanding cadet was.

With a slight smile, Instructor Huang Qiuyue looked at Fang Zhou and softly said, "Even if you're not injured, the Healing Array can help alleviate fatigue."

Then, under the expectant gaze of everyone in the square, she gently opened the ornate Magic Book in her hands, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes to concentrate. Silver-white halos gradually appeared around her body, a sign of the pure Light Energy surging within her. She then gently raised both hands, and tiny points of light danced between her fingers like stars falling to the mortal world.

As her arms moved slowly, the Magic Array patterns on the ground began to emit a faint blue-white glow, gradually brightening until they formed a complex pattern of light that covered the entire square.

"In the name of Light, activate!" Instructor Huang Qiuyue whispered, her voice soft yet filled with undeniable power.

As her words fell, the Light Energy coursing through her body seemed to find an outlet, surging into the Healing Array beneath her feet. The array burst into a dazzling radiance, like the rising sun, dispelling all shadows and coldness. The square filled with a warm and healing energy.

The cadets, bathed in this energy, felt their fatigue and pain being gently drawn away, replaced by an unprecedented sense of lightness and vitality. Minor cuts and bruises healed rapidly under the influence of the Light Energy, and even their mental strain and fear were greatly alleviated. Their eyes grew brighter and their breathing became easier, as if their entire being had undergone a cleansing.

However, treating over a hundred cadets at once—even with the aid of the Healing Array and only dealing with minor injuries—still left Instructor Huang Qiuyue with sweat beading on her temples. In the continuous bath of light, all the cadets in need of treatment felt a noticeable recovery. Their gratitude was plain to see as they cast appreciative glances at Instructor Huang.

As the last ray of healing light faded, Instructor Huang Qiuyue was panting slightly, her face a bit pale. She softly said, "The healing is complete. I hope you can all face the upcoming challenges in your best condition."

With that, the Light Priest gracefully closed her Magic Book, nodded to Instructor Lu Hu, and returned to the fortress to rest.

Once the cadets recovered from the afterglow of the Healing Array, Lu Hu stepped forward with a list in hand, his expression serious. "Cadets," he announced, "although you are all excellent, the Seed positions are limited, and 18 of you will be eliminated."

"Rank 91: Li Shu, Warrior, 132 points. Eliminated."

"Rank 92: Sun Wen, Archer, 131 points. Eliminated."

...

With a heavy voice, Lu Hu read out the names of the 18 who were eliminated, and they stepped out of the ranks one by one. Although they had been mentally preparing themselves all morning, their expressions were still desolate when the moment of elimination finally came. This was especially true for Li Shu, who was only one point away from 90th place. But that single point created a gulf that separated him from a precious Seed position at the military academy.

Watching these eliminated cadets, the previously relaxed atmosphere in the square gradually grew tense. Lu Hu looked at each of their faces but said nothing more. Since becoming an instructor at the Sea City Military Academy, he had witnessed this scene every year, and his heart had long grown numb to it.

If they possessed the will and strength to learn from their shame and stage a comeback, they wouldn't need anyone's encouragement; they would fight their way through the semi-annual Seed Challenge and win a Seed position. Conversely, any words of encouragement would be nothing more than psychological comfort.

Lu Hu waved his hand, and other instructors immediately stepped forward. They led the 18 eliminated cadets to collect their belongings before leaving the Cave to return to Sea City Military Academy.

Once they were gone, Lu Hu faced the 90 freshly minted first-year Seed Students and said bluntly, "Congratulations! You have successfully become Seed Students!

"Next, you will return to the academy for a day of rest.

"Tomorrow morning at 9:00, the ring challenge to determine your Seed rankings will begin in the first training ground. The specific rules for the challenge have been sent to your personal terminals. Your initial numbers are based on the Hunting Points leaderboard. Fang Zhou is number one, Meng Hongzhuang is number two, Ye Fan is number three, and so on.

"Each cadet has one opportunity to challenge an opponent ranked within ten places above them. If you succeed, your rankings will be swapped, and you will earn another chance to challenge. If you fail, your ranking will remain unchanged, and 10 contribution points will be deducted and paid to your opponent as compensation.

"I want to remind you all that tomorrow's ring challenge will be broadcast live for the entire grade. We will provide free potions, arrays, and skills to restore your Spiritual Power and physical strength, ensuring you can fight each battle in peak condition.

"As the elite among the first-year cadets, you must set a good example for your peers. Whether you win or lose, show your style!

"With us instructors as your referees and the Protective Array on the training grounds, you can fight boldly without worrying about your safety!"

Seeing the cadets' eager expressions, Lu Hu continued, "Wait here for a moment. Staff will bring your luggage and spoils of war. If you want to exchange your spoils with the academy, you can do so here on the spot. Consider this your first pot of gold as rookies; make good use of it! After you've exchanged your spoils, I will lead you back to the academy. Any questions?"

The cadets all shook their heads. Seeing this, Lu Hu nodded slightly and left the square with the other instructors.

Once the instructors were gone, the atmosphere in the square instantly relaxed. Fang Zhou immediately became the center of attention. All the Seed Students were particularly interested in his three-day Cave Hunting experience, especially the search for the site of General Ning Feihu's sacrifice.

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