https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-165-National-College-Entrance-Exam-Results-Released/13507166/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-167-Senior-Disciple-and-Choosing-Sides/13507168/
Chapter 166: Shockwaves Across the Board
Chapter 166: Shockwaves Across the Board (Requesting Monthly Votes)
Inside the lavish living room of a luxury villa in the Affluent District of the Imperial Capital, Li Zehao sat in white sportswear, his eyes glazed as he stared at the exam results on the screen. Clutching his head, his face twisted in disbelief.
"How could this happen?!"
"There's no way I'm only ranked 35th! I was 25th last time, and even made it to 21st on the Scarlet List!"
"This ranking’s flawed—something’s definitely wrong!"
He jabbed a finger at the screen, refusing to accept the reality.
The red-haired woman beside him nodded furiously. "You’re right! We need to demand Headquarters recheck the scores!"
"This can’t be right!"
"My son’s a prodigy—someone must be sabotaging us!"
---
Deep in the mountains of the Imperial Capital, inside a modest office at the Sixth Institute of Azure Firmament Martial University, a simple room with hastily arranged furniture, a blue metallic sphere suddenly chimed.
"Beep! Notification: Message from Lin Qi."
"Project it", said Dean Liu, his weathered face lifting from paperwork as a hologram flickered to life.
"It’s the National College Entrance Exam results", he murmured. "Let’s see how far Lin Qi’s gone."
As the scores filled the screen, his pupils constricted. His expression shifted from shock to quiet admiration. He stroked his earlobe, chuckling.
"We underestimated him—we thought 17th or 18th would be impressive."
"But tenth? Unbelievable."
Lu Wei burst in, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Dean! Lin Qi ranked tenth nationally! The Sixth Institute hit the jackpot!"
Dean Liu’s sharp gaze met hers. "The national rankings will release soon. Tomorrow, we submit Lin Qi’s profile."
"Volunteer applications start in five days. With him as our banner, we’ll attract top talents."
"I’m on it!" Lu Wei saluted, bolting out with renewed vigor.
Alone again, Dean Liu gazed into the distance. "After years in the shadows, the Sixth Institute will rise."
---
At noon, the National College Entrance Exam results dropped nationwide, sparking a storm of reactions.
Lin Qi’s family celebrated with unbridled joy. His father, Lin Zhen, spent an hour on calls; his mother, Fang Huiyi, matched him. Eventually, they headed to a restaurant for lunch.
As the family dined, a news anchor announced, "Breaking news! This year’s Martial Arts National College Entrance Exam saw an extraordinary achievement—our province’s Lin Qi ranked first in Cang Province and tenth nationally, shattering decades of records!"
Gasps erupted as Lin Qi’s photo flashed on nearby screens.
"Today’s youth are something else!" a silver-haired man marveled.
"Tenth nationally? A genius! He might become a Grandmaster someday!" a woman chimed in.
The restaurant owner squinted at the screen, then froze. His eyes darted to Lin Qi’s table.
"Lin Qi!!" he bellowed, rushing over with a pen and paper.
Phones and cameras swarmed the family. Lin Qi, overwhelmed, realized he’d truly exploded into fame—this time, across Cang Province and Tianhai City.
---
Meanwhile, Yu Jing glared at the TV, his face contorted with rage. "Again? Lin Qi? First in Cang Province? Impossible!"
Outside his villa, a burly man in black, masked to the eyes, stared at the house. "Yu Jing… not a bad choice."
In another luxury villa, Wang Qiufeng sighed, staring at his third-place results. "Lin Qi took the crown—and tenth nationally? Unmatchable."
In Egret City, Chen Li clenched his fist at his second-place score. "Twenty-third nationally… I’m no match. Lin Qi’s a force. Maybe I should reach out—fellow Cang Province, after all."
---
That evening, Director He of Tianhai City’s Martial Arts Education Bureau studied the national rankings.
"A year ago, a mere Genius Loan third-tier applicant", he mused. "Now, top ten among millions? Unimaginable!"
He tapped his smartphone. "A top scorer deserves rewards. Time to deliver them."
---
Abyssal Maw Martial Arts Gym’s Deputy Master Wang Zhenhai fumed with regret. "Lin Qi should’ve been ours!" Black Radiance’s deputy echoed his anguish, cursing missed opportunities.
Even top academies scrambled to recruit Lin Qi—only to face rejection.
From noon onward, his phone didn’t stop. Calls, messages—he finally powered it off, seeking peace.
---
Two days later, Lin Qi’s family arrived at Yujing Haoting, a prestigious martial artist community near Crimson Vault Pavilion. The gated community buzzed with manicured gardens and private villas.
At their new home, a blend of East and West with sleek tech, property manager Wei Qingqing greeted them. "Director He and Pavilion Master Yue Feng await inside."
Inside the cavernous 500㎡ living room, Yue Feng smiled. "Lin Qi, this is your new home. No Genius Loan repayment. The Education Bureau gifted this villa to honor your achievements."
Wei Qingqing detailed the property: "50 million Xia Kingdom currency. Four floors—training hall basement, living quarters above. Fully automated smart systems."
Jiang Tao grinned, envious. "Free villa? Lucky!"
Lin Qi teased, "You got one too—36 months, 50 million. Easy!"
As Jiang Tao left with his sister, Lin Qi tested the training hall. His Thunderhorn Longspear scraped the silver alloy walls, sparking but leaving faint marks.
"Clang!"
---
(End of Chapter)
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