Upon hearing this, a projection Light Screen appeared before Fan Ya. She tapped it a few times, and a profile appeared before her.
Name: Zhang Deming
Joined Sect: Ten years ago, on February 3rd, Hongmeng Year 34215.
Spirit Root: Twenty-one points.
Experience: Entered Little Qing Mountain Spirit Rice Institute. Achieved Qi Formation in two years. Eight years as a Junior Apprentice. Ten years planting rice.
Three failed harvests, eleven passing harvests, six satisfactory harvests.
Transgressions: None.
Assessment: Ordinary.
Special Hidden Information Advisory: This person is to be denied entry into any department related to the Inner Sect's Spirit Nurturing Peak.
After looking it over for a moment, she said, "Hm, most of this information is quite standard. So, on what grounds are you applying for promotion within the Outer Sect?"
Zhang Deming replied, "My cultivation is at the Intermediate Apprentice level, and I have learned the Little Cloud Rain Skill and the Growth Technique."
Hearing this, Fan Ya said in surprise, "You've already learned two Techniques?"
Zhang Deming nodded. "Yes, Senior Sister."
Hearing this, Fan Ya said, "According to the requirements, an Intermediate Apprentice who knows one Technique can bypass the review. Since you know two, you definitely don't need one.
Plus, your file is in order. So, you just need to cast one magic skill, and that will complete the entire assessment."
Hearing this, Zhang Deming nodded and asked, "So, I should cast it here?"
Fan Ya nodded. "Normally, to avoid disturbing the surroundings, you'd go to a dedicated casting room. But since you know the Growth Technique in addition to the Little Cloud Rain Skill...
...you can just show me the Growth Technique here. No need to go to the trouble."
Zhang Deming nodded and took out a seed.
Fan Ya shook her head. "In the Entry Level assessment, a Technique is only considered 'learned' if you are proficient with it.
If you need Auxiliary Materials to cast it and can't perform it directly, then for our review, we don't consider that 'learned.' We'd say you've only just gotten the hang of it.
If you can't do the Growth Technique, we can go to the casting room and you can perform the Little Cloud Rain Skill.
If you need assistance for both, then you'll have to either undergo the full assessment or come back later when you're more proficient."
Hearing this, Zhang Deming smiled and put the seed away.
His hands flashed through a series of gestures. A moment later, a green vine composed entirely of Energy sprouted from his hand, swaying in the breeze.
Unlike using a seed, directly condensing the vine consumed at least three times as much Spiritual Qi.
Fan Ya reached out and touched it, then nodded. "Not bad. Very proficient. Alright, you can dispel the magic. You pass."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Deming immediately stopped his Spiritual Power output. The green vine on his palm dissolved into specks of light and vanished.
Fan Ya then began to operate the Light Screen again.
Promotion: July 16th, Hongmeng Year 34225.
Reviewer: Registration Office, Advanced Apprentice Fan Ya.
Promotion Conditions: Dual Technique, Intermediate Apprentice, promotion granted with assessment waiver.
Assignment: ...
She got to this point in her operation, then stopped and asked, "Do you want an assignment, or do you prefer freelance missions?"
In the Celestial Spirit Sect, most Outer Disciples have two paths.
The first is to be assigned to one of the various Outer Sect mountains to perform daily tasks.
The second is freelance missions. Each month, as long as you accept and complete a certain quota of missions, you are free to do as you please.
Of course, because freelance missions are more dangerous and lack the backing of a mountain sect, not many people choose this path.
Hearing this, Zhang Deming answered without a moment's hesitation, "An assignment."
Fan Ya nodded and asked again, "Alright, do you have any preferences for your assignment? Of the many Outer Sect mountains, where would you like to go?
Although you have no transgressions on your record, you cannot choose anything under the Spirit Nurturing Peak.
Besides those related to the Spirit Nurturing Peak, do you have a destination in mind?
Of course, your preference is only for reference. The final assignment depends on the circumstances. It's not guaranteed you'll get what you want."
Hearing this, Zhang Deming smiled. "Senior Sister, do you have any recommendations? I'm not very familiar with these matters."
Fan Ya sized Zhang Deming up.
'Hm, this junior brother is easy on the eyes, and so sweet-tongued too.'
"Well, do you have any leanings? Of the six paths of cultivation, which do you want to walk in the future?"
Zhang Deming paused for a moment. "That's too far off. If possible, I'd like to continue farming."
Fan Ya said, "That's simple enough. Although as an Outer Disciple, you could be responsible for management.
But you've just been promoted, and your Cultivation is only at the intermediate stage.
Connections... hmm, and while you know two Techniques, your strength is just barely adequate.
So if you want to farm, you'll probably be assigned to a Spirit Field, the kind where you have to do the work yourself.
As for becoming a Steward or the like, while the minimum requirements are Intermediate Apprentice and Dual Technique, that requires a special process. It's impossible to get a direct assignment.
However, you won't be assigned back to a place like Spirit Rice that requires manual labor.
Outer Disciples who farm are usually assigned to Spirit Fields that only require meticulous care, mostly places like high-level medicinal herb gardens.
Plus, since you know the Growth Technique, Junior Brother, you should be able to get a good harvest."
Zhang Deming nodded. "I'll follow your arrangements, Senior Sister."
'As for becoming a Steward in the Miscellaneous Affairs Courtyard, I hadn't even considered it. Although I've just met the Cultivation and Magic requirements, I have no background and no connections. With only seven Spirit Stones and four catties of rice to my name, bribery is clearly out of the question.
So it's better to just wait for an assignment.'
"Alright." Hearing his response, Fan Ya continued operating the screen.
Assignment: Spirit Farmer preference, will defer to arrangement.
Stipend: Two Spirit Stone Contribution Points.
After finishing, Fan Ya said, "The annual stipend for the Outer Sect is two. Of course, that requires you to meet the corresponding targets. Otherwise, there will be deductions.
There's also an allocation for regular food and Spiritual Food. Depending on your assignment, we'll decide whether to provide a subsidy or access to the dining hall. The amount will also vary slightly depending on the mountain.
Of course, your opinion will be taken into account, but these things are only considered after your assignment has been decided."
Zhang Deming nodded and replied with a smile, "Understood. Thank you, Senior Sister."
Fan Ya nodded and continued, "The mountain assignment will usually be decided this afternoon or evening. You just need to wait patiently.
So, how much time do you need before you report for duty?
Of course, Outer Disciples get ten days off a month. Plus, you have a half-month grace period for your promotion.
So you can delay reporting for up to twenty-five days at most.
However, your stipend will only start being calculated from then."
Hearing this, Zhang Deming thought for a moment, calculated, and said, "About eight days from now."
Fan Ya heard this, nodded, and said, "That's not over the ten-day grace period, so I'll go ahead and arrange your mountain assignment directly.
Once the assignment is made, you can generally report for duty any time within ten days."
"Alright, Senior Sister." Zhang Deming nodded and replied.
As she finished entering the data, Fan Ya selected "Complete Information Entry."
The Light Screen vanished, and a hidden compartment suddenly opened on the counter.
After Fan Ya took something from the hidden compartment, it automatically closed.