Chapter 175: Freshman Competition
Chapter 175: Freshman Competition (Requesting Monthly Vote)
After a few teasing remarks, Jiang Tao, Guo Heng, and the others burst into laughter.
Still, as Lin Qi studied Huo Wanyang, he couldn’t help but admit—their opponent radiated an immense pressure. The man stood over two meters tall, his muscular frame as solid as steel sculptures. Lin Qi suspected Huo Wanyang might already be on the brink of breaking into the Third Realm.
Compared to this powerhouse, even Chen Li seemed far behind. Lin Qi’s toughest rival by far.
Meanwhile, as Lin Qi and his group observed others, they themselves were under scrutiny. Not far away, two identical twin girls from the Third College whispered while eyeing Lin Qi.
“Is that him? Lin Qi?”
“They say the Sixth Institute skipped Duan Chuchu and Li Lei entirely, picking Lin Qi—who ranked tenth.”
“This Lin Qi does have unique strength. His Fist Strength test yesterday surpassed Li Lei’s.”
“He’s definitely a strong foe.” They murmured.
…
Further off, the hulking figure of Li Lei scowled as he surveyed the crowd. For him, Lin Qi was a formidable rival. The sting of being overtaken in the Fist Strength test still burned fresh.
Ao Feng, however, had eyes only for Huo Wanyang. A gleam of excitement lit his pale face.
“My only rival among the freshmen is Huo Wanyang. His Vital Energy Stat is higher than mine,” he muttered, fists clenching. “But stats aren’t everything in real combat—it’s about overall strength. I can’t wait to test myself against him!”
Huo Wanyang, the top-ranked freshman, stood with arms crossed, head tilted upward toward the elevated platform. He wasn’t watching anyone—his mind drifted elsewhere, aloof and detached.
Suddenly, Li Zehao approached, his tone eager. “Warm Marquis, I’ve collected some intelligence to help you understand your opponents.”
Ranked 35th nationally, Li Zehao was among the elite—even without being an S-Rank Genius, he was the strongest in First College beneath the College Head.
Huo Wanyang glanced at him, lips curling. “I don’t need it. No freshman here is worth my attention.” He paused, eyes narrowing. “And who exactly are you? Are we close?”
With a scoff, he turned away dismissively.
Li Zehao’s face flushed crimson. Swallowing his humiliation, he retreated to his seat, fists trembling.
…
As the clock neared ten, figures gradually appeared on the ten thrones atop the elevated platform. Men and women alike, their presences exuded terrifying pressure.
“Those are the deputy deans. The deans themselves are busy, so deputies represent each college.”
“Just their auras are overwhelming!” someone gasped.
“Of course! Azure Firmament Martial Academy is the top martial arts university in the Xia Kingdom. Deputy deans must be among the elite of the Seventh Realm at minimum.”
Lin Qi stared at Dean Liu, seated on the sixth-marked intelligent throne. His aura seemed ordinary, but Lin Qi sensed his power—undoubtedly a Seventh Realm expert.
“Deputy deans are Seventh Realm masters, deans are Eighth Stage Martial Artists, and deputy principals are peak Eighth Realm existences,” Guan Shan added. “And the principal himself is a Nine Realms powerhouse.”
Over ten high-realm martial artists were present already.
Suddenly, a figure stepped forward at the platform’s center—a middle-aged man in a white-and-red tailored robe. Lean-faced with a neatly trimmed beard, his piercing eyes seemed to see through everything.
A silent pressure radiated from him, silencing the hall.
“Students!” His voice boomed, unleashing a crushing pressure that thickened the air.
Instantly, the grand hall fell dead silent. Even the nine college heads in front stiffened.
Lin Qi’s brows furrowed. This man was terrifying—the weiya he released in an instant dwarfed the officer from the United Training Base. The gap was like a stream compared to a lake.
For a moment, Lin Qi felt as if pierced by a blade—though mercifully, it passed quickly.
The bearded man nodded, satisfied, and continued.
“Welcome, fresh recruits!”
“I am Xu Wenji, one of Azure Firmament’s deputy principals. Today’s first event—raising the national flag!”
Behind him, a national anthem played as the flag slowly ascended. Every face grew solemn. Even the seated deputy deans stood, eyes fixed respectfully.
The ceremony lasted three minutes before ending. As the deans resumed their seats, Xu Wenji turned.
“Entering a martial arts university is where true cultivation begins!”
“High school was foundational. University is where you soar.”
“After graduation, you’ll march onto battlefields to carve legacies.”
“This university will grant you strength—the finest resources in the Xia Kingdom.”
“Every Azure Firmament graduate must reach the Fourth Realm to graduate.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. For many still below the Second Realm, this standard seemed impossibly high.
“But you will achieve it,” Xu Wenji declared. “Because you’re students here.”
He swept his gaze across the college heads and the dozen students seated in private boxes.
“Martial arts are forged through combat—through fierce competition that ignites talent and hones strength to challenge heavens themselves.”
“Competition is this university’s essence.”
“Compete in countless trials. Top rankings earn you boundless resources.”
“Strive. Train. Climb the ranks.”
“The moment you entered Azure Firmament, your competition began.”
He raised his voice. “One month from now—the Freshman Competition awaits! The first true trial of your four-year journey!”
“Rich resources are up for grabs. The question is—do you have the strength to seize them?”
With a wave, he concluded. “The opening ceremony ends!”
“Clap clap clap!!” Thunderous applause erupted.
Expressions shifted across the college heads, minds already racing toward the upcoming competition. Murmurs filled the hall.
“Freshman Competition? I’m already looking forward to it,” Jiang Tao grinned.
“I ranked 98th nationally. With two months until the competition, who knows how many I can surpass.”
“Same here. Rankings will shift after the National College Entrance Exam,” Guo Heng nodded, confidence glowing.
Lin Qi suddenly checked his phone. “Dean Liu says we’re to attend a meeting at Sixth Institute’s building.”
The group nodded.
“Brother Qi!” Jiang Tao suddenly pointed toward a silver Vip box on the second floor. Several figures emerged, distant but radiating overwhelming pressure.
Lin Qi felt their might even from afar.
…
(End of Chapter)
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