"Jiang Yan, the Knight Order’s Chevalier, reportedly a half-step angel, quite formidable, also the chief martial arts examiner of all the Canon Law Schools in Dragon Capital. This person holds significant influence, and if one aims to develop within the Knight Order, their opinion is extremely important," Lu Shuai said, having been clear about this for a long time. "The assessment occurs only once every couple of months; it’s a rare opportunity!"

This time, the Canon Law School’s cyclic test is overseen by Jiang Yan, who will review all the Canon Law Schools in Dragon Capital. On one hand, it’s to check the elite level of the schools, and on the other, it’s to assess personnel. Some outstanding talents have already been added to the Kingdom’s reserve list. Governor Luthor’s reforms are extensive, including not only national affairs but talent selection as well, with more concrete systems and continuous observation, greatly improving the Kingdom’s talent utilization rate. Otherwise, the Canon Law School would only be a facade.

Jiang Yan scanned a group of enthusiastic young people. There are five main Canon Law Schools in Dragon Capital, with Divine Revelation at the forefront, surpassing others in level. Mysterious Black Rose is known for its academic atmosphere, but martial arts and Hex-Tech are not their forte; although the basic standard is still guaranteed.

Once the time began, the Martial Arts Hall’s doors closed. All students conscientiously formed two circles, surrounding the training field. Bai Peng, with arms crossed and accompanied by members of the Black Rose, stood in the best spot. He is a knight, acknowledged Lu Shuai, Li Xin, and others, indicating for them to stand by his side. Li Xin... this person seems mysteriously familiar, yet it’s unknown where they’ve met.

For those on the knightly path, before becoming an angel, joining the Knight Order is the optimal choice, enabling a steady acceleration in understanding the Divine Relic.

On the path of cultivation, what’s crucial is not rapid progress but stability.

Jiang Yan spoke about some in-depth techniques of empowerment, primarily reviewing tasks assigned by instructors months prior. Empowerment is a compulsory course within the Canon Law School, especially for knights, who cannot maintain battles without mastering empowerment. At his elite level, it’s no longer about simply achieving empowerment; rather, it’s about applying it, further mastering, or even becoming proficient at empowerment.

For Black Rose members, mastery is required to meet the standards.

Everyone listened earnestly and soon began the assessments: one-on-one, pair drills. Soon, the training ground was filled with constant sounds of exertion, with weapons in hands humming, transforming the entire Martial Arts Hall into a marketplace momentarily as Jiang Yan’s expression darkened. What on earth is this nonsense?

Those present belonged to the elite group of the Mysterious Canon Law School headed in martial arts, yet their grasp of empowerment was akin to eating rubbish. Even if martial arts aren’t a standout feature of Mysterious Black Rose, they were too lacking.

"Quiet, quiet, stop," Jiang Yan said in a deep voice, coldly scanning the crowd. "I don’t know what you’ve been doing these past months, each one resembling a mix of soft and hard dung. This time, your basic score is failing, and without exceptional performance, the martial arts test of the Mysterious Black Rose will be deemed failing."

The students in the Martial Arts Hall stopped, some worried, but more were dissatisfied, yet none dared to openly question the assessment.

"Bai Peng, demonstrate for everyone," Jiang Yan instructed in a deep voice.

Bai Peng noticed Jiang Yan’s expression, understanding the importance of such an assessment for the President of Black Rose; scoring is categorized into three grades: failing, passable, and excellent. If deemed failing, he’d lose face entirely. If the results continued to be unfavorable, even the general affairs office of Black Rose would be revoked.

Damn it, tempted by the title "President," he came to Mysterious Black Rose, but the responsibility was heavy.

Bai Peng took a deep breath, stepped into the center, drew his longsword, and smoothly infused it with his spiritual ability, executing empowerment with remarkable stability. With one cut, the sword aura directly blasted the target, shattering it.

Immediately, the crowd burst into excitement. "As expected of the President, such short empowerment time, mastery shown, can even release sword aura, and the power of the sword aura is strong, reaching proficiency," Lu Shuai couldn’t help but commend.

The duration and stability of empowerment is one angle; the strength and proficiency of releasing sword aura is another angle, but this already pertains to advanced levels.

Jiang Yan showed little reaction yet said nothing; Black Rose’s standards were evident, and as Dragon Capital’s distinguished representative, Bai Peng’s performance was expected at this level.

"Next," Jiang Yan scanned the crowd; evidently, one performer is far from sufficient.

Bai Peng signaled with his eyes; the first Vice President, Surte, stepped up, tall and well-defined features, appearing mixed-race, with curly brown hair and deep brown eyes leaving a striking impression, primarily overseeing specific affairs of the Mysterious Black Rose.

Surte took a deep breath, wielding his long saber. In one smooth motion, he drew the saber, unleashing a slash of blade aura precisely onto the target, albeit less impactful than Bai Peng’s.

"Next," Jiang Yan said in a deep voice.

Then, the standard began to decline, and Jiang Yan’s expression grew increasingly sour. This represented the level of an average Canon Law School, unable to reach the top tier. Mysterious Black Rose’s specialization is well-known, but without exceptional talent and an average level this poor, it can’t qualify.

Only two could generate effective sword aura. Bai Peng’s level indeed far surpassed others, but as a Black Rose President, individual strength alone isn’t nearly enough.

Everyone looked at each other, noticing Jiang Yan’s stern expression, aware that whoever stepped forward after the preceding performances might be unlucky.

"Let me give it a shot," Lu Shuai took to the stage, offering a salute to Jiang Yan. "Instructor Jiang, my name is Lu Shuai."

Jiang Yan’s gaze shifted slightly, showing a trace of expectation, nodding slightly.

Lu Shuai drew his longsword, lowering his center of gravity, stably achieving empowerment, then shouted and swung his sword. The resulting sword aura directly struck the target with notable effect.

Jiang Yan frowned slightly, not because Lu Shuai’s performance lacked quality, but seeing him brought forth memories of the late Governor Luthor, a prodigious genius of unmatched talent, a level only slightly above the ordinary, yet as a Black Rose member, it was considered passable.

"Anyone else?" Jiang Yan scanned the crowd again.

"I will, Huerta!" Huerta stepped up.

Huerta drew his greatsword, his body trembled forcefully. After a deep breath, with spiritual ability infused, within five or six seconds, he raised the empowered greatsword and struck it forth. A robust sword aura surged out, obliterating the target, immediately stirring the crowd, yet Jiang Yan’s expression grew even more disdainful.

"Using the Saxon people’s spiritual ability talent in such a manner is a disgrace, rigid and forceful empowerment with poor control. On the battlefield, you wouldn’t need an enemy to kill you," Jiang Yan said sternly.

Clack~~

A visible crack appeared on Huerta’s greatsword; he blushed fiercely and withdrew silently.

"Next!" Jiang Yan said in a deep voice.

"Zhuo Yan, from Mysterious Black Rose." An athletic woman walked in carrying a sword.

"Our Vice President," Lu Shuai whispered to Li Xin’s ear, "She’s quite interested in me."

Zhuo Yan’s level had achieved empowerment but hadn’t reached proficiency.

Bai Peng observed Jiang Yan’s expression, sensing trouble. "Instructor Jiang, where are we falling short? Please point it out, we’ll definitely improve. Can you avoid giving us a failing grade?"