The quarterly assessments at Langya Academy had never been taken too seriously by either teachers or students. After all, an academy like Langya, on the brink of collapse, wouldn't stir any ripples in the outside world, regardless of whether its students were outstanding or mediocre. Excellence wouldn't shine particularly bright, nor would mediocrity be scorned, as the overall quality of students was just as it was; there was no need for the pot to call the kettle black. Of course, some would still vie for recognition, as vanity was a common human trait.
This particular quarterly assessment, however, was different and garnered significant attention. Most teachers and students were solely concerned with one outcome: whether Ji Mo, that scoundrel, could be expelled. As long as Ji Mo failed this assessment, it was clear that the vast majority would be willing to sweep him out the door and banish him from Langya Academy.
Ji Mo hadn't been at the academy for long, yet his reputation was the most resounding, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Bullying the weak and dominating the strong, assaulting teachers, defying elders, corrupting the dean… his infamy was widespread. Even the most tyrannical school bullies dared not cross him, for when some foolhardy troublemaker tried to cause Ji Mo trouble, Song Zhenwei had intervened and broken the offender's legs.
The academy's grand plaza was packed with people. Teachers led their students to their designated spots, forming distinct groups. This was where one could gauge the popularity of the teachers. Behind Wu Kong stood thousands of students, while teachers like Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei had only a few dozen. Ji Mo, in contrast, was in an awkward position with only three students: two boys and one girl. The four of them, teacher and students, were the center of attention.
Lin Mengmeng was endearingly cute, Wang Wenjian was tall and imposing, and Xuan Yang, with his rosy lips and bright, captivating eyes, made countless girls blush and many boys’ hearts flutter, making them think that boys could indeed be quite charming. As for Ji Mo, he had a refined face, bright eyes, and a clear gaze like morning dew, exuding an ethereal aura that drew people in with just a glance, making their hearts skip a beat. Though many were reluctant to admit it, they had to concede that these four, teacher and students, were truly outstanding, eclipsing all other teachers and students in the academy.
Wu Kong was immensely displeased, glaring fiercely at Ji Mo and snorting, "All show and no substance, just a lucky buffoon." Despite his disdain, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy that Ji Mo had recruited two excellent students. Wang Wenjian possessed superb swordsmanship and ranked among the top students, while Lin Mengmeng was suspected of having a special constitution, which, if confirmed, would make her a highly sought-after treasure. Fortunately, Xuan Yang was not only effeminate but also a complete dunce, utterly useless. In previous assessments, with just a good student like Wang Wenjian, Ji Mo could have easily passed. However, this time, someone was secretly plotting, specifically targeting Ji Mo.
Zhu Chang said dismissively, "What good is luck without strength? Without power, one is ultimately just an ant. Today, even if Ji Mo is incredibly lucky, he will still be kicked out of Langya Academy. The people in charge of this assessment are all our allies, and dealing with a mere Ji Mo is not difficult. Once Ji Mo loses his status as an academy teacher, it will be effortless to crush him."
"I can't wait to see Ji Mo crying as he leaves the academy," Wu Kong guffawed. Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei, having learned their lesson, remained silent. They wouldn't dare get involved again until Ji Mo was completely finished.
"Hey, centipede over there, what are you grinning about like an idiot? Now that everyone's here, quickly offer me an apology." Ji Mo, hearing the laughter, looked up and saw Wu Kong, who had falsely accused him of stealing students. He couldn't quite recall the man's name and simply called him centipede.
"Centipede?" Wu Kong's smile froze, his face instantly turning ashen. His eyes turned bloodshot, and he glared at Ji Mo, gritting his teeth, "Ji Mo, you go too far!"
Ji Mo said indifferently, "So what if I go too far? A bet is a bet, and debts must be paid. Are you trying to renege? Then from now on, you shouldn't be called centipede, but scoundrel."
"You..." Wu Kong was so enraged he was about to explode, but the truth was, he was in the wrong and didn't know how to retort.
"As a teacher, you should set an example for your students. You have hundreds of students watching. Don't be a shameless scoundrel," Ji Mo lectured. The animosity between the two had already spread, and the teachers and students knew the outcome of the last assessment. Now, everyone turned their gaze to Wu Kong, curious to see how he would respond. Even Wu Kong's students felt the pressure; their mentor's lack of integrity was a disgrace to them.
"Teacher Wu, it's just an apology. Just humble yourself and admit your mistake," Song Weiqian advised. Wu Kong had made a mistake and should bear the consequences. Moreover, it was merely a public apology, costing him only a little face, but it would earn him a reputation for keeping his word, which wasn't a bad trade-off. However, Wu Kong was a man who valued his pride above all else and could never bring himself to apologize to Ji Mo in front of so many people.
Wu Kong gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with malice, wishing he could rush forward and slap Ji Mo to death. At this moment, he didn't know what to do and cast a pleading look at Zhu Chang beside him. Zhu Chang secretly shook his head, finding Wu Kong's inability to handle a mere mortal so pathetic. He cleared his throat and said loudly, "Nonsense! Today is an important day for the quarterly assessment. Your grievances can be settled privately later. Let's not waste everyone's time."
Seeing Zhu Chang so openly favoring Wu Kong, Song Weiqian's expression soured, but she said nothing. After all, in a public setting, she could only show respect to the other party and couldn't speak up for Ji Mo.
"Wu Kong, are you really planning to renege?" Ji Mo questioned.
"I, Wu Kong, accept the bet and keep my word. A spoken word is as binding as a nail. How could I possibly renege? I promise, after today, our grievances will be completely settled. If I have to kowtow and kneel to you tomorrow, so be it," Wu Kong declared with feigned magnanimity. His words were impassioned, as if he were truly a gentleman who kept his promises. However, beneath the fine words, Wu Kong harbored the most malicious intentions. Ji Mo would not pass the assessment today and would certainly be stripped of his teaching position and expelled from the academy. Once expelled, Ji Mo would lose the protection of Song Zhenwei and Song Weiqian, and then he wouldn't see the next sunrise. Therefore, the kowtowing and apology tomorrow were merely Wu Kong's empty promises.
"Since that's the case, I'll let you off the hook today. I'll wait for you to kowtow to me tomorrow." Ji Mo, unaware of the man's dark thoughts, felt he could give him a chance.
"Then, let's get back to business. The quarterly assessment officially begins," Zhu Chang announced loudly, then his gaze fell upon Ji Mo, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Ji Mo, as you are a new teacher, how about we start this assessment with you?"
Upon hearing this, teachers and students alike knew that Zhu Chang was likely planning to corner Ji Mo.