If we compare Liu Chen and the others to senior high school students, the inner academy is like a university, and the only top university at that. It's like a single-log bridge with ten thousand troops crossing over, and entering the inner academy is extremely competitive.
As for Liu Chen and Ling Zhan, they are a bit like special admit students. They can enter the Yanhuang Inner Academy directly without needing to undergo exams, a situation that was almost impossible in the past.
In the past, the assessment was conducted by the outer academy; the top ten had the chance to enter the inner academy. Some, like the super-specialized students Liu Chen mentioned, with unique powers or skills, could break convention and enter.
For example, in the previous two sessions, there was a disciple from the Medicine Hall. Though not very strong, his medical talent was extraordinary, allowing him admission without assessment.
