The unexpected joy came so swiftly that Lin Jin was taken aback. But once he calmed down, he found himself even more surprised.
Moments ago, with the help of the Eye of Exploration, he had discovered that Hu Yannian, who stood out sharply from the rest, possessed over 50 levels of spirit power.
That alone was impressive, especially compared to the others present.
However, what truly astonished him was not Hu Yannian's strength, but his decades of experience as a teaching director.
That kind of background was far more valuable than personal cultivation.
After regaining his composure, Lin Jin turned his gaze back to the assembled spirit masters.
Smiling, he said, "Everyone, please settle down. I will now select a tutor to oversee logistics. If anyone wishes to recommend themselves for the position, they are welcome to step forward—those with prior experience will be given priority."
A murmur swept through the crowd as several people signaled their interest.
Everyone knew that managing logistics was a cushy and profitable position—idle most of the time, with plenty of room for... creative budgeting.
Compared to the demanding role of teaching director, it was like night and day.
"Dean Lin," someone in the crowd asked, raising their hand, "if we don't get this position, can we still compete for the other two?"
"Of course," Lin Jin replied with a pleasant smile.
"Me!"
"And me!"
With his confirmation, several more people stepped forward. Ultimately, five candidates emerged.
Among them was a young woman who looked no older than her mid-twenties.
She was graceful and dressed in simple white robes, her beauty understated yet striking.
As she glanced at the other candidates, a flicker of pressure seemed to pass over her face.
She stepped forward slightly and said, "Dean Lin, I have some experience with logistics."
Lin Jin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Why didn't you mention that earlier?"
"I didn't expect so many people to be interested in this position," she answered calmly, her serene face betraying no emotion.
"What's your name? What experience do you have?"
"My name is Xu Yu. I previously served as the Quartermaster Purchasing Officer for the Punishment Knights under Spirit Hall, located in one of the city's branches."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd.
To hold a logistics position in Spirit Hall—especially one related to the Punishment Knights—was no small feat.
Even if the pay wasn't amazing, the background and connections were formidable. Why would someone like her come here?
"I didn't expect to see a colleague," Shen Yang whispered to Su Yun beside him, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
Su Yun chuckled. "Doesn't this just prove that Spirit Hall's influence is declining? I guess my decision wasn't so bad after all."
Shen Yang rolled his eyes and said nothing more.
Even Lin Jin was visibly surprised. He looked at Xu Yu thoughtfully.
"Why did you leave Spirit Hall?"
After all, even now, he didn't believe Tianxing Spirit Master Academy could rival the allure of the Hall.
Yet here they were—Shen Yang and his companions had joined, and now, it seemed, even a former Hall officer had come knocking.
Could it be these people saw something he didn't? Did they already sense that Tianxing Academy was destined to rise?
Xu Yu met his gaze evenly. "Do I have to answer that?"
Xu Yu stared intently at Lin Jin, but he shook his head without hesitation.
If she had betrayed Spirit Hall, her presence here might not bode well for Tianxing Spirit Master Academy.
Xu Yu's brow furrowed slightly. She hesitated, then began to speak in a slow, deliberate manner.
Her voice was low and tinged with sorrow, her expression filled with grief.
"My husband... He was once a member of the Punishment Knight Order under Spirit Hall in our city. But during a mission... he was killed. This is his hometown, so I came here not long ago. By chance, I came across the academy's recruitment notice."
"...I'm sorry to hear that," Lin Jin said, visibly taken aback. His expression softened, a trace of guilt appearing on his face.
The Punishment Knights, after all, were Spirit Hall's enforcers—tasked with hunting, suppressing, judging, and executing criminals deemed dangerous by both the Hall and the various empires.
Naturally, given the nature of their work, casualties were all too common.
Lin Jin turned back to the other candidates.
"Does anyone else here have relevant experience?"
Although Xu Yu's story had moved many, Lin Jin knew better than to make decisions based purely on emotion.
It wouldn't be fair to the others—or the academy.
The crowd exchanged glances. One by one, the candidates shook their heads, some sighing quietly. It seemed even getting hired at a newly founded Spirit Master academy wasn't easy.
"In that case, the logistics position will go to you, Xu Yu."
[Ding! Congratulations on recruiting a tutor.]
[Tutor: Xu Yu]
[Martial Spirit: Cloud-Hilted Dagger]
[Age: 32]
[Spirit Power: Level 36]
[Management Ability Rating: R]
[Teaching Ability Rating: N]
[Combat Ability Rating: R]
Though Xu Yu's management skills weren't as refined as Hu Yannian's, Lin Jin was satisfied.
At the very least, she wasn't someone utterly unqualified.
He raised his voice again, "Now, for the two remaining positions—if anyone has experience, please step forward. Otherwise, we'll begin the open selection process."
He paused, scanning the crowd.
"Let me be clear: all selected tutors will undergo background checks. So, if anyone is planning to game the system, think again."
Then he turned to Hu Yannian and Xu Yu.
"Do either of you have any objections to how these roles are being filled?"
He noticed a few people avoiding eye contact and smirked internally. As expected, not everyone here was entirely honest.
Hu Yannian stroked his gray beard and chuckled.
"No objections, of course. This is how it should be."
Xu Yu nodded in agreement.
"Good." Lin Jin nodded.
"Then let's move on to the battle instructor selection."
He swept his gaze over the crowd.
"There are still many of you left. So we'll settle this the straightforward way—with combat. Two challenge arenas will be set up. If anyone can hold their position to the end, they'll be selected. Everyone gets a chance to challenge the reigning fighter. Any objections?"
"Of course not," came a voice from the crowd— Su Yun.
He grinned and added, "Dean Lin, let's get started. I've got my eye on those hundred gold spirit coins you mentioned."
Lin Jin laughed, then gestured toward the field.
"Very well. Everyone, prepare yourselves."
A buzz of excitement rippled through the remaining crowd. Many stepped forward eagerly, eyes scanning for potential opponents, energy brimming with anticipation.
Su Yun stretched his neck and turned to Shen Yang.
"Aren't you going to try?"
Shen Yang shook his head. "You know me—I've never really liked fighting."
Su Yun scoffed.
"You? Not like fighting? Don't try that nonsense with me. We went to Spirit Master College together, remember? I know you."
He gave Shen Yang a look of disbelief.
'You're going to look me in the eye and lie like that?'
Shen Yang shrugged casually.
"I'm being serious. I've spent the last few years reading and studying. I'll leave the fighting to people like you. I'd rather teach theoretical courses."
Su Yun rolled his eyes and muttered, "Yeah, right. Next, you'll tell me pigs can fly."
"Fine, if you're not going—I am!"
He stepped forward, then looked around with a grin.
"Nothing beats a good fight between spirit masters!"