Chapter 56 Arrival at Imperial Capital University! A Level 29 Senior Student?
"So those two are also newcomers to our school?"
"Provincial top scorer? No wonder Director Feng came to pick them up in person!"
"Level 13 and able to solo Level 18? Quite some strength."
"..."
In front of the Imperial Capital University welcome station.
Several senior students in uniforms looked at each other, their faces carrying some surprise and curiosity.
Newcomers at the level of provincial top scorers.
Even in Imperial Capital University, they were not common.
Furthermore, they had witnessed Lu Li making a move the whole way, and knew even better that ordinary newcomers definitely did not have this kind of strength.
Just like that,
Feng Zhengxiong brought Lu Li and Lin Qingyu out of the station hall.
They came before a pitch-black sedan with smooth lines.
"Get in the car."
He opened the car door, signaling the two to sit in the back seat, while he himself sat in the driver's seat.
The vehicle started silently, turning into a black stream of light that merged into the bustling traffic of the imperial capital.
Through the car window, Lu Li truly witnessed the grandeur of this capital of Yanlong Country for the first time.
The streets were wide enough for eight magic-powered cars to drive side by side.
High-rise buildings stood on both sides, and many building surfaces flowed with pale blue magic patterns.
Occasionally, professionals riding flying mounts swept past in the air, stirring up gusts of airflow.
Further away, towering pagodas could be seen.
Huge rune arrays floated at the spires, with faint energy fluctuations rippling outward.
"This is the imperial capital..."
Lu Li sighed in his heart.
The integration of modernization and magical technology was indeed a completely different urbanization scene from his past life.
Lin Qingyu beside him also looked around through the car window, obviously equally curious.
More than half an hour later, the vehicle slowly decelerated and stopped in front of a majestic school gate.
"We have arrived."
Feng Zhengxiong pushed open the door and got out of the car.
Lu Li and Lin Qingyu followed him out, looked up, and shock flashed across both of their eyes at the same time.
Rather than a gate, the entrance of Imperial Capital Professional University was a huge arched magic barrier!
Countless intricate runes were engraved on the fifty-meter-high arch.
Pale golden energy slowly flowed within the patterns, exuding a heart-palpitating coercion.
On both sides of the arch stood two thirty-meter-tall stone statues!
On the left was a warrior holding a sword and shield, and on the right was a mage holding a staff.
Magical luster also flowed across the surfaces of the stone statues.
Fist-sized magic crystals were embedded in their eye sockets, as if they could come alive at any moment.
The square in front of the school gate was exceptionally lively.
Dozens of long tables were lined up, with signs of various colleges standing on them:
College of War, College of Elements, College of Weapons, College of Support...
Senior students wearing uniforms of various departments were warmly receiving newcomers.
"Junior, report to the College of War side!"
"Junior sister of the College of Elements, look over here! Senior sister will take you to the dormitory!"
"..."
The square was bustling with noise and excitement, and youthful, beautiful senior sisters and outstanding senior students could be seen everywhere.
What made Lu Li feel even more novel was that many newcomers carried weapons or staves on them.
Some wore long swords at their waists, some carried battle axes on their backs, and others held jewel-embedded staves in their hands.
These equipment gleamed with cold light or overflowed with magical luster under the sunlight.
They formed a peculiar sense of incongruity with the surrounding modernized buildings.
But here, it appeared so natural.
"This is Imperial Capital Professional University?"
Lu Li took a deep breath, his gaze crossing the square and looking deep into the campus.
The buildings within the campus were well-arranged and varied in style.
There were quaint magic towers, modern training buildings, and greenhouse gardens with transparent domes.
And the most eye-catching thing was the giant tower standing in the center of the campus!
The tower body was hundreds of meters high, cast entirely from some kind of silver-white metal, with dense magic runes engraved on its surface.
A huge crystal floated at the spire, emitting a soft yet majestic light, as if guarding the entire campus.
Even from such a distance, Lu Li could feel the intangible coercion emitted by that tower.
"That is the 'Tower to Heaven', the iconic building of Imperial Capital University."
Feng Zhengxiong noticed Lu Li's gaze and explained with a smile:
"Inside gathers the school's top cultivation resources and dungeon entrances, you will often go in later."
"Let's go, I will take you to report."
He stepped forward and walked toward the square.
But right at this moment, the communicator on his wrist suddenly vibrated.
Feng Zhengxiong frowned and pressed the answer button.
"Hello? It's me, what? Right now? Okay, I'll go right over."
Hanging up the phone, an apologetic look appeared on his face as he looked at Lu Li and Lin Qingyu:
"Sorry, there is some urgent matter at the school side, I must go over immediately."
"There's no way I can take you to report in person."
"Director Feng, please go ahead with your busy work."
Lu Li and Lin Qingyu naturally would not mind.
In fact, they were adults, and it was just reporting for enrollment, so naturally they didn't need company.
But Feng Zhengxiong was obviously unwilling to leave just like that.
His gaze swept across the square, and suddenly he waved in a certain direction:
"Sun Lang! Come over!"
"Hey! Coming!"
A slender youth ran over with a grin.
This person looked to be in his early twenties and was very tall.
His hair was dyed a bold chestnut color, his facial features were handsome, and his smile carried a bit of a cynical flavor.
"Director Feng, did you call me?"
Sun Lang ran up to him and asked with a grin.
"Mhm."
Feng Zhengxiong nodded, then introduced to Lu Li and Lin Qingyu:
"Let me introduce you, Sun Lang, a junior senior student of your College of War."
As the words fell, Lu Li instinctively took a look using Divine Appraisal Technique.
[Name]: Sun Lang
[Level]: 29
[Occupation]: Divine Marksman
[Talent]: Battle Frenzy (Grade A)
[Four-Dimensional Attributes]:...
Level 29!
This person was actually Level 29!
He was only one last step away from Level 30 second advancement!
Moreover, this person was only a junior student, and at most twenty years old!
A Level 29 at twenty years old?
Lu Li's heart was shocked.
This was the strength of Imperial Capital University?
Randomly calling over a senior student resulted in such a terrifying level!
'Indeed, coming to Imperial Capital University was the right choice!'
A strong sense of surprise surged in Lu Li's heart.
Although he had the adjudication system to enhance his strength.
The better the external conditions, the faster his growth speed would be!
"Let me introduce you."
Feng Zhengxiong pointed at Lu Li and Lin Qingyu:
"These two are this year's newcomers, Lu Li and Lin Qingyu."
"Lu Li is the Sichuan Province top scorer, Lin Qingyu is the runner-up, both were specially recruited."
"Yo! Provincial top scorer and runner-up?"
Sun Lang's eyes lit up, his gaze turning around the two, "Awesome!"
"I have some urgent matters to deal with, you take them to report and arrange their dormitories."
Feng Zhengxiong instructed, "Be sure to take good care of them."
"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"
Sun Lang immediately straightened his back and made an exaggerated military salute.
Feng Zhengxiong nodded and said no more.
With a stomp of his foot, his entire person catapulted out like a cannonball.
Instantly crossing a distance of several hundred meters, he disappeared deep into the campus.
Chapter 57: A Provincial Top Scholar Came to the Support Academy?
"Alright, you two junior schoolmates, I'll take you to register."
After Feng Zhengxiong left, Sun Lang looked at Lu Li and Lin Qingyu with a sunny smile on his face.
Although he was also somewhat surprised by Lin Qingyu's figure and appearance,
he withdrew his gaze after just a glance, maintaining a natural and generous attitude.
This was vastly different from those people from Jiuding University he had met at the station earlier.
"Thank you, Senior."
Lu Li and Lin Qingyu nodded simultaneously, and the two followed Sun Lang toward the row of registration desks ahead.
"Our Imperial Capital University is divided into four major academies in total."
Sun Lang introduced as he walked, his tone brisk:
"They are the War Academy, the Elemental Academy, the Weapon Academy, and the Support Academy. Which academy are you two from?"
"An academy?"
Lu Li was somewhat puzzled. "Director Feng didn't mention it beforehand."
"Oh, he probably didn't have time to say it yet."
Sun Lang took out his phone, his fingers sliding quickly across the screen:
"But this is easy to handle; I specialize in welcoming newcomers.
I have the academy information for all of you. Wait, let me look..."
He flipped through the list, his eyes lighting up:
"Found it! Lin Qingyu, it's the Weapon Academy!"
He looked at Lin Qingyu and smiled, saying:
"The Weapon Academy is great, specializing in the use of various weapons with a fierce combat style."
Lin Qingyu nodded gently, not surprised by this assignment.
Sun Lang continued scrolling down, but when he saw Lu Li's information, he froze:
"Lu Li, huh, why is it the Support Academy?"
His expression was somewhat blank, and he even rubbed his eyes, thinking he had read it wrong.
"Is there a problem?"
Lu Li was somewhat confused.
Lin Qingyu also turned her head, a trace of doubt flashing in her cold eyes.
"There's a huge problem!"
Sun Lang put down his phone and explained with a peculiar expression:
"Different academies correspond to different competency directions.
The War Academy trains professionals good at frontal battlefields, such as Shield Warriors and Berserkers.
The Weapon Academy trains professionals proficient in weapon use, such as Swordsmen and Lancers.
Most of the Elemental Academy are mage-class professionals."
He paused, looked at Lu Li, and his tone became increasingly puzzled:
"As for the Support Academy, it's far too miscellaneous.
Priests, Potion Makers, Alchemists—everything is crammed in there.
But after all these years,
there has never been a provincial top scholar assigned to the Support Academy!"
He asked immediately, "What is your class?"
"Paladin." Lu Li didn't hide it.
"A Paladin can also become a provincial top scholar?"
Sun Lang's eyes widened.
But he quickly realized that this remark seemed somewhat inappropriate and hurriedly said:
"Sorry, sorry, I don't mean Paladins are bad.
It's just that this class has never won a provincial top scholar before."
"Understood." Lu Li nodded.
Indeed.
In the eyes of the vast majority of people, a Paladin is just a healer.
It is basically very difficult to take on a DPS position.
Seeing Lu Li's calm expression, Sun Lang was also afraid he would misunderstand, so he quickly added:
"However, you don't need to worry. A week from now is the freshmen grand competition.
The school will reassign the academies and exclusive mentors based on your performance in the freshmen grand competition.
At that time, you can directly transfer to the War Academy or the Weapon Academy."
"The freshmen grand competition? There's a competition a week later?"
Lin Qingyu's cold voice sounded, carrying a trace of surprise.
Lu Li also hadn't expected the pace of Imperial Capital University to be so fast.
"That's right."
Sun Lang chuckled with a hint of pride in his tone:
"Our Imperial Capital University has a different pace from other universities.
In these past two days, the vast majority of freshman students have finished their registration.
By then, it's naturally time to choose academies and exclusive mentors based on performance.
This is also a feature of our school.
It can stimulate the potential of freshmen the fastest and allow mentors from various academies to snap up their favorite students."
"I see."
Lu Li suddenly understood, which indeed matched his imagination of this top institution of higher learning.
"Alright, let's go register first."
Sun Lang led the two forward and soon arrived at the Weapon Academy's registration desk.
When several senior students from the Weapon Academy saw Lin Qingyu, astonishment flashed in their eyes.
But constrained by Sun Lang being nearby, as well as Lin Qingyu's own cold demeanor that kept strangers at a distance, none of them spoke up.
The senior sister in charge of reception was tall in figure.
She wore the uniform of the Weapon Academy, with a thin sword hanging at her waist.
"This is Lin Qingyu, a freshman for your Weapon Academy."
Sun Lang introduced.
The tall senior sister took Lin Qingyu's admission information.
After carefully checking it, her eyes immediately lit up:
"Lin Qingyu? Sichuan Province's second-place scholar, S-rank talent 'Favored by the Wind'? Welcome, welcome!"
She enthusiastically handed over a form:
"Fill out your basic information, and then I'll take you to get your student ID and dorm keys."
Lin Qingyu took the form and quickly finished filling it out.
"Let's go, I'll take you to the dormitory area first."
Lin Qingyu took her things and nodded gently to Lu Li and Sun Lang:
"Thank you, then I'll head over first."
"Goodbye." Lu Li nodded.
"Don't worry, the freshman dormitories are all in the same area. You'll be able to see each other later."
Knowing that Lu Li and Lin Qingyu knew each other and came from the same place,
Sun Lang smiled and comforted him, then led Lu Li in another direction.
The Support Academy's registration desk was set up on the west side of the plaza.
Compared to the liveliness of the other academies, this place appeared much more deserted.
Only five senior students were sitting in front of the long table.
One of them was lowering their head and fiddling with a potion bottle in their hand, and someone was also flipping through thick books...
Lu Li's gaze involuntarily fell upon that senior sister.
She sat in the center of the long table, looking to be around eighteen or nineteen years old.
Her height wasn't considered tall, but she had an exquisite and cute baby face.
Her skin was fair to the point of being almost transparent, her eyes were big and round, and her eyelashes were long and curled upward.
But the most eye-catching thing was her figure.
Clearly possessing an immature childlike face, her chest had a plump curve that could be called breathtaking!
She wore the white uniform of the Support Academy.
But that pair of proud plumpness on her chest was almost about to burst the uniform open.
The buttons were taut, outlining a breathtaking curve.
At this moment, she was lowering her head writing something, and that pair of plumpness trembled slightly with her movements.
It made the surrounding boys involuntarily look away, yet they couldn't help stealing a few glances.
"Junior Shen!"
Sun Lang shouted from afar.
That youthful-faced, buxom senior sister raised her head.
Seeing Sun Lang, a sweet smile immediately appeared on her face:
"Senior Sun? Why did you run over to our Support Academy?"
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, carrying the tender coquetting unique to a young girl.
"I'm bringing a freshman to register."
Sun Lang stepped aside, letting Lu Li come to the front:
"This is Lu Li, a freshman for your Support Academy."
"A freshman?"
Shen Moli blinked her big eyes.
Her gaze fell upon Lu Li, revealing a gentle smile:
"Hello, Junior!"
"Hello, Senior."
Lu Li nodded and handed over his admission notice.
When Shen Moli's gaze fell upon the information form, those big eyes instantly widened into complete circles:
"Lu Li? Sichuan Province's college entrance examination top scholar? Total score of 998 points? SSS evaluation?"
She suddenly raised her head, her face full of disbelief:
"You are a provincial top scholar?!"
With this cry of hers, it instantly attracted the attention of many people around.
"He's really a provincial top scholar?"
"The Support Academy actually got a provincial top scholar this year?"
"Did I hear wrong?"
"..."
Students from other surrounding academies also cast curious gazes over, and whispering voices arose everywhere.
A provincial top scholar came to the Support Academy? This was simply the first time in history!
The shock lasted for only a brief moment.
An incomparably pleasantly surprised light quickly erupted in Shen Moli's big eyes,
and then she stood up abruptly from her chair.
Because the movement was too fierce, the pair of plumpness on her chest shook violently.
However, she didn't care about this at all.
Taking two steps in one stride, she rushed in front of Lu Li, a smile of extreme enthusiasm blooming on her face:
"Hello, Junior! I am Shen Moli from the second year, and my class is Pharmacist! Welcome to join our Support Academy!"
She smiled so that her eyes curved into crescents.
That wave of enthusiasm came rushing head-on, forming another extreme compared to Lin Qingyu's coldness.
"Hello, Senior, I am Lu Li."
Lu Li nodded to this senior sister with a rule-breaking figure and an enthusiastic attitude.
"Aiyo, don't be so polite! We'll be family from now on!"
Shen Moli waved her hand, and then turned her head without room for refusal to say to Sun Lang:
"Senior, thanks a lot! Just hand him over to me!
I will personally take Junior Lu Li to the dormitory, and I guarantee everything will be arranged properly!"
Seeing this, Sun Lang shrugged and smiled, saying:
"Alright, then I'll leave this place to you. Junior, contact me anytime if anything comes up.
I'll take my leave first; I still have to go pick up other cute newcomers."
"Thank you, Senior Sun." Lu Li thanked him.
"You're welcome! See you later!"
Sun Lang waved his hand dashingly and turned to merge into the crowd of the plaza.
As for Shen Moli, she had already efficiently begun helping Lu Li process his registration.
Her movements were skilled, and her mouth didn't stop introducing all the various benefits of the Support Academy.
That proactive appearance was as if she had picked up some rare peerless treasure.
Chapter 58: Luxurious Accommodation Conditions! Number Seven Artificial Intelligence!
"Alright, all the procedures are done.
Let's go, Senior Sister will take you to the dormitory area!"
Shen Moli put away the registration form.
Her pretty face was brimming with an enthusiastic smile as she naturally walked over to Lu Li's side.
She wasn't very tall, only reaching Lu Li's chin.
But the plump curves on her chest had a strong sense of presence.
It was hard for Lu Li not to focus his attention there.
"Our Imperial Capital University is different from other universities.
The most important thing isn't money, it's credits!"
Shen Moli introduced as she walked, her voice crisp and pleasant.
"Credits?"
Lu Li raised an eyebrow.
"That's right!"
Shen Moli nodded forcefully, her expression turning serious:
"All the core resources in the school.
Dungeon admission tickets, training room usage rights, and advanced library permissions.
Even purchasing specific equipment and potions must all be exchanged using credits!"
She paused and added:
"Of course, you can also buy some basic things with yanlong coins, but the real good stuff only accepts credits!"
Hearing this, Lu Li's heart stirred:
"Are credits hard to come by?"
"Of course they're hard!"
Shen Moli tilted her head, her large eyes looking at Lu Li:
"1 credit is roughly equivalent to the purchasing power of 10,000 yanlong coins.
But you can't buy credits even with money; there are mainly two ways to get them."
She held up two fair fingers:
"First, complete various tasks issued by the school, such as clearing monsters in specific areas, gathering rare materials, assisting mentors with research, and so on."
"Second, break school records!"
A trace of yearning flashed in her eyes:
"Whether it's dungeon clearance speed, training facility challenge scores, or the winning streak record in actual combat drills.
As long as you break a record, the school will issue a massive amount of credit rewards!"
"Of course—"
Shen Moli suddenly smiled, her smile carrying a hint of playfulness:
"Your batch of newcomers also has initial credits.
But they will only be distributed according to your ranking after the freshman tournament one week later.
The first place of the freshman tournament in our batch last year actually got a full 300 credits!"
"300 credits?!"
Lu Li's steps paused, shock flashing through his eyes.
Worth 3 million yanlong coins!
And this is just the reward for the freshman tournament?
Imperial Capital University's generosity was simply too exaggerated!
"Are you scared?"
Seeing this, Shen Moli smiled even sweeter:
"So, Junior, you must prepare well for the freshman tournament.
If you can get a good ranking, your starting resources will be a huge cut above others!"
"I understand."
Lu Li took a deep breath and nodded.
While talking, the two had already crossed the bustling square and walked into a secluded park area.
Here, green trees shaded the area, paths meandered, and villas of various styles were scattered about.
Every villa came with its own courtyard, and some yards even planted plants emitting a faint magical glow.
"We've arrived, this is the freshman dormitory area."
Shen Moli stopped in her tracks.
She took out a card from her bosom and cross-referenced the information on it:
"Your dormitory is... Area A, Number 7."
She raised her head and pointed to an exceptionally eye-catching villa ahead and to the right:
"That's the one!"
Lu Li looked in the direction her finger pointed.
That was a three-story modern-style villa.
The exterior walls used a combination of light gray stone and floor-to-ceiling glass, with clean and neat lines.
The courtyard area was obviously nearly half larger than the surrounding villas.
Not only was there an exquisite outdoor swimming pool, but a small training ground was even planned out.
"This is your dormitory? It's actually an entire villa?!"
Shen Moli stopped walking.
Her big eyes blinked, and an expression of disbelief appeared on her face.
"Aren't our dormitories all villas?" Lu Li was somewhat puzzled.
Along the way, the park area was indeed full of detached villas.
"It's different! Completely different!"
Shen Moli shook her head violently, her chest violently heaving along with it:
"Although they are all detached villas.
But the vast majority of them house four people, or two people sharing.
Yet this villa of yours is for single occupancy, and our dormitories certainly don't have outdoor swimming pools and training grounds.
Tsk tsk, is this the treatment of a provincial top scholar? It's too luxurious!"
She couldn't help but exclaim.
Although they were all students of Imperial Capital University.
To outsiders, they were all the same.
But in reality, it wasn't so.
Among the four major colleges, the Support College could be considered the bottom.
And all treatment at Imperial Capital University was related to strength.
This also led to the Support College's treatment always ranking at the bottom.
No one could monopolize an entire villa by themselves, let alone such a luxurious villa.
"Only I live in this villa?"
Lu Li was also stunned for a moment, then sighed with some emotion.
This villa was even more luxurious than his aunt's family's.
Now, it belonged solely to him for use.
"Alright, these are the villa keys."
Envy was envy, but Shen Moli quickly took out a silver-white card from her uniform pocket and handed it to Lu Li:
"Swipe this card to enter the door, the permissions have already been bound to your student ID.
I saved my contact info for you just now, if you encounter any trouble in the future, look for me anytime!"
She patted her chest, and that pair of plump mounds trembled slightly:
"Although Senior Sister's combat power isn't great, my connections in the school are quite good, and I'll definitely help where I can!
If you need to buy any potions in the future, you can also come to me anytime, I'll give you a twenty percent discount!"
Looking at the overly enthusiastic child-faced, big-breasted Senior Sister in front of him, Lu Li felt a slight warmth in his heart.
He took the key card, and after pondering slightly, he still spoke up:
"Senior Sister, after the freshman tournament, there is a high probability I will switch to another college."
This was his true thought.
He came to Imperial Capital University not to be a support class.
He wouldn't stay in the Support College forever.
"I know."
Shen Moli wasn't surprised at all, instead saying with a smile:
"Being able to have you stay in our Support College for a while already satisfies us greatly."
She put her hands behind her back, slightly tilting her head up to look at Lu Li, her big eyes curving into crescents:
"After all, you are the first provincial top scholar in the history of our Support College!
Even if it's only temporary, it's enough for us to brag about for a long time!"
This carefree attitude made Lu Li somewhat surprised.
He originally thought Shen Moli would be disappointed or even try to persuade him to stay.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."
Shen Moli waved her hand and turned to walk back the way she came.
After walking a few steps, she turned back and waved at Lu Li:
"There is a holographic tour guide in the villa, slowly familiarize yourself with it! See you next time!"
Having said that, she didn't stay any longer.
Swaying her slender figure, she gradually disappeared at the end of the shaded path.
"This Senior Sister is quite interesting."
Lu Li looked in the direction she left and smiled faintly.
He withdrew his gaze.
He picked up the silver-white key card and gently swiped it across the sensor area in front of the villa door.
"Beep—"
Amidst a soft sound, the heavy alloy door slid open silently.
The moment he stepped into the foyer, Lu Li was shocked once again by the scene before him.
In the living room with a ceiling height of nearly six meters, outside the floor-to-ceiling windows covering the entire wall was an azure swimming pool and a meticulously trimmed courtyard.
The floor was paved with mirror-smooth black marble, and a huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.
On one side of the living room was an open kitchen and dining room.
The kitchenware was complete, all of which were intelligent magic-guided products.
On the other side was a bookshelf covering an entire wall.
It was already stocked with quite a few books, mostly basic theories of professionals and illustrated guides to monsters.
"As expected of Imperial Capital University, these conditions... are too luxurious."
Lu Li stood on the terrace and took a deep breath.
But right at this moment—
"Hum—"
A soft blue light screen suddenly lit up in the center of the living room.
Following that, a crisp and pleasant electronic female voice sounded:
"Welcome freshman with student ID 207806001 to Imperial Capital University.
I am your artificial intelligence butler, Number 07, very glad to serve you."
"Artificial intelligence?"
Lu Li raised his sword-like eyebrows.
Seeing streams of virtual light projecting down from the ceiling.
They gradually converged into the image of a young girl outlined by blue light.
She wore a virtual school uniform with long hair draped over her shoulders.
Her facial features were exquisite, and she was smiling as she looked at Lu Li.
"It's actually even a holographic projection?" Lu Li was even more amazed.
Holographic projection technology had long been realized in this world.
It's just that ordinary people couldn't use it at all.
Little did he expect that in this Imperial Capital University, it had actually become a part of the accommodation.
"Every freshman villa is equipped with an exclusive artificial intelligence butler to assist you in handling various matters during your stay at school."
The AI girl's voice was clear and soft.
"Very good."
Lu Li sat heavily onto the sofa, "Then I'll just call you Number Seven."
Chapter 59: If You Are Unconvinced, Hold It In! The Freshman Grand Competition Is Advanced!
"You have been successfully added to the 'Imperial Capital University Class of 2078 Freshman General Chat Group'."
As No. 7's soft electronic voice fell, a light curtain window popped up in front of Lu Li.
The group chat name was simple and direct, and the member list scrolled and refreshed continuously.
Lu Li glanced at the number in the upper right corner: 743.
"How many freshmen are there in total this year?" he asked casually.
"According to the enrollment plan, a total of 1,034 people were admitted this term."
No. 7's holographic image appeared to the side, responding clearly.
"Only a thousand people?" Lu Li was somewhat surprised.
It wasn't that there were too many, but rather too few!
In ordinary universities, a batch of freshmen easily numbered five or six thousand, or even tens of thousands.
As a top institution, how could Imperial Capital University's scale be so streamlined?
"Indeed."
No. 7's voice said steadily,
"At Imperial Capital University, the average funds spent on each student every year are 3 million yanlong coins.
If the student scale is too large, even Imperial Capital University cannot afford to support them."
"I see." Lu Li nodded in understanding.
Piling up top powerhouses with massive resources was indeed the logic of a top institution.
His gaze returned to the light curtain. The freshman group chat was already bustling with activity.
New messages kept popping up:
"Zhao Gang: Hello everyone! I'm from the Northern Province, class Shield Warrior. Please take care of me from now on!"
"Li Muxue: I come from Jiangnan Province and am an Elemental Mage. I hope to make more friends at Imperial Capital University!"
"Wang Teng: Magic City, Wang Teng, Berserker. Is anyone from the same academy? Let's get to know each other in advance!"
"..."
The messages scrolled past extremely fast, brimming with the excitement and youthful vigor of newly entering a top institution.
Lu Li glanced at it for a few moments, then prepared to close the interface to review the school's more detailed rules, regulations, and resource maps.
However, right at this moment, a series of messages specifically tagging him suddenly popped out.
"Ye Tianhao: @Lu Li You are that provincial top scorer from Sichuan Province?"
Before Lu Li could respond, the other party sent several more in succession:
"Ye Tianhao: Tsk tsk, a Paladin can also win the provincial top scorer? This is the first time I've heard of it."
"Ye Tianhao: I saw on the dormitory allocation list that you live in the No. 4 detached villa in District A?"
"Ye Tianhao: On what grounds? The two of us have to squeeze into one building, while you live in one all by yourself? And it even has a swimming pool and a training ground?"
"Ye Tianhao: Tsk, I'm very pissed off. Do you dare to try me at the Freshman Grand Competition?"
"Ye Tianhao: @Lu Li Let me also witness just how strong a Paladin living in a detached villa can be!"
These words carried an obvious provocative meaning, instantly attracting the attention of the entire group.
The welcome messages that were previously scrolling rapidly slowed down, and countless lurking members popped out.
"Wow, Bigshot Ye Tianhao directly issued a challenge?"
"Who is Ye Tianhao? Is he very famous?"
"You don't even know him? He's a member of the Ye family from the imperial capital!"
"Hiss! No wonder, he turns out to be from the Ye family!"
"Where is Bigshot Lu Li? Come out and say something!"
"The bigshot living in the detached villa must be very strong, right? Looking forward to it!"
"@Lu Li Don't chicken out, bigshot!"
"..."
People who loved stirring up trouble started booing and egging them on.
The atmosphere in the group instantly shifted from a harmonious welcome to a gunpowder-laden instigation.
Looking at the constantly jumping @ prompts on the screen and those remarks from people fearing the world wouldn't be chaotic enough,
Lu Li expressionlessly typed a line of words:
'If you are unconvinced, hold it in.'
After typing, he didn't hesitate at all and neatly and decisively closed the group chat light curtain interface.
The world instantly became quiet.
"What a godly person."
Muttering inwardly, Lu Li turned and walked toward the huge virtual screen in the living room.
"No. 7, bring up the school's internal map, dungeon list, training facility reservation rules, as well as a brief review and reward details of previous Freshman Grand Competitions."
"Understood, retrieving it for you immediately," No. 7 replied.
Blue light flowed, and massive amounts of information immediately began to be displayed categorized on the screen.
Lu Li browsed with full concentration, completely casting the clamor from the group just now to the back of his mind.
Imperial Capital University!
One of the top three elite universities in the country!
After starting school, instead of thinking about how to utilize school resources,
they were thinking about dueling instead; wasn't something wrong with their brains?
...
At the same time, in the solemn and respectful Academic Affairs Office conference room in the core area of Imperial Capital University,
five figures with profound auras sat around the oval conference table.
They were precisely the deans of the four major academies, as well as Vice President Zhou Zhenguo who was presiding over this meeting.
"According to the final statistical results,"
Vice President Zhou Zhenguo began, "Among the 1,034 freshmen this term,
a total of five people possess S-rank talents. Except for Lin Qingyu from Sichuan Province, the other four are all provincial top scorers."
His gaze swept across the four deans present.
"Oh?"
The dean of the War Academy was somewhat curious, "Who is it that managed to defeat this S-rank?"
"It's Lu Li, the provincial top scorer of Sichuan Province.
He is the owner of the S+-rank talent 'Child of Light' and his class is Paladin."
The vice president introduced.
"Paladin? S+-rank?"
The dean of the Weaponry Academy was somewhat surprised:
"For the Paladin class to win a provincial top scorer is already rare.
And he even possesses an S+-rank talent? This student recruited by Old Feng this time is somewhat interesting."
"Indeed unexpected."
The dean of the War Academy stroked his chin:
"A Paladin's powerful support abilities coupled with an S+-rank talent might have miraculous effects in specific environments like the college entrance examination.
It's just that I don't know how his practical combat assault and breakthrough capabilities are. I must take a good look at the Freshman Grand Competition."
"I have already watched the recording of his college entrance examination dungeon clearance."
The vice president added, his tone carrying approval:
"Tactical thinking is clear, and skill utilization is exquisite.
Especially the degree of control over the power of holy light, it doesn't look like a novice who has just awakened for long at all.
His temperament is also quite composed; he is a material that can be molded."
Hearing this, several deans became even more interested.
S+-rank talents were already as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns; appearing on a Paladin added even more mystery.
"Speaking of the Freshman Grand Competition.
No. 7, how are those newly reported freshmen doing right now?"
Vice President Zhou Zhenguo turned to one side of the meeting room.
There, a young girl's holographic image, similar to the one in Lu Li's villa, stood quietly.
It was precisely a sub-body of 'No. 7', the main control artificial intelligence.
"Reporting to the vice president, and deans."
No. 7 bowed slightly and said:
"Communication within the freshman general group is active.
But just like every previous term, a competitive awareness has initially emerged.
Currently, the focus of discussion is concentrated on the differences in dormitory allocation treatment.
Some students express dissatisfaction toward classmates enjoying detached villa treatment, and public challenge behaviors have already appeared."
"Oh? Tell me in detail." The vice president was quite interested.
"For example, the freshman Ye Tianhao has publicly issued a challenge in the group to the Sichuan Province top scorer Lu Li.
He questioned his Paladin class winning the provincial top scorer
and expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment of moving into the District A detached villa, proposing to challenge him at the Freshman Grand Competition."
"Hahaha!"
Hearing this, Vice President Zhou Zhenguo was not annoyed at all; instead, he laughed heartily:
"Youthful and vigorous, nobody submits to anybody—that's the right vibe!
What Imperial Capital University wants is precisely this sharp spirit! How many freshmen have completed their registration now?"
"976 people," No. 7 reported accurately.
"976? That's about enough!"
Vice President Zhou Zhenguo waved his hand grandly and decisively, "Since most people have arrived more or less,
and each of them is full of boundless energy with nowhere to vent it, then there's no need to idly wait for those few dozen people in the back! Aren't they unconvinced?
Tell them that the Freshman Grand Competition is advanced!
Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, put on all your equipment and gather at Playground No. 2!"
Chapter 60: "Assemble!" "You are Lu Li?"
After browsing through the resources and curriculum of Imperial Capital University.
Lu Li let out a long breath, his eyes filled with amazement.
"As expected of a top-tier university, it really is amazing!"
In terms of courses, all the instructors were Tier 3 professionals above Level 50.
Among them, there were quite a few renowned practical combat experts from the Wilderness Area.
The dungeon resources were even more astounding!
Ranging from Level 10 to Level 50, they encompassed training dungeons for all stages prior to the Third Advancement.
The varieties were numerous, and the attributes were complete.
Furthermore, the skill books preserved in the library were dazzling in variety.
Many rare skills that were priceless and unavailable outside could be exchanged for here using credits.
However, aside from the basic courses provided for free, all other core resources required credits!
"I'm really drooling with envy!"
Lu Li stared at the resource list on the screen marked with different credit scores, unable to help sighing with emotion.
The Freshman Grand Competition hadn't started yet, which meant they hadn't officially enrolled yet.
Without even basic credits, they couldn't enjoy these top-tier benefits at all.
"The Freshman Grand Competition won't start until a week later? This is way too slow."
Lu Li couldn't help shaking his head.
"Hum—"
At this moment, the holographic projection in the center of the living room suddenly lit up.
Number Seven's soft and pleasant voice sounded:
"Student Lu Li, emergency notice."
"The Freshman Grand Competition has been moved forward to tomorrow morning at nine o'clock."
"Location is Playground No. 2, please assemble on time."
"Moved forward?!"
Lu Li was stunned for a moment, then bright light erupted in his eyes, "This is a good thing!"
Only after the Freshman Grand Competition ended could he truly begin to enjoy all the treatment of this top institution!
Exactly, he also wanted to witness it firsthand.
Just how strong the top prodigies from various provinces across the country really were!
[Ding! Detected that a large-scale competitive event is about to begin, issuing the 'Freshman King' achievement quest!]
[Achievement Quest Objective: Achieve outstanding results in the Freshman Grand Competition]
[Quest Reward: Distributed based on final ranking performance (the higher the rank, the more bountiful the reward)]
"As expected, there is an achievement quest here too!"
Lu Li's eyes lit up slightly.
He had guessed it long ago.
The system seemed exceptionally sensitive to events like matches and competitions, making it very easy to trigger achievement quests.
"The thing universities lack the least are matches and competitions. Indeed, I came to the right place!"
Fighting intent surged in Lu Li's heart, filled with anticipation for tomorrow's Freshman Grand Competition.
...
At almost the same time, in the quiet room of another freshman villa.
Lin Qingyu slowly opened her eyes, her cold gaze falling on the suspended light screen notification in front of her.
"The Freshman Grand Competition has been moved up to tomorrow morning?"
She repeated in a low voice, her slender fingers gently brushing over the scabbard of the long sword laid horizontally across her knees.
In the college entrance examination dungeon, she had settled for second place by a margin of just over a minute.
This result was like a thin thorn, constantly pricking at her proud heart.
She did not allow herself to fail.
Especially losing to a peer; that was something she could not accept.
"Lu Li..." Lin Qingyu recited this name.
In her beautiful eyes, there was not the slightest bit of hostility, only an obsession to surpass him that was pure to the extreme!
"This time, I will win."
She stood up, her figure upright like a pine tree, an invisible sharp sword intent faintly radiating outward.
...
Meanwhile, in the living room of another more luxurious villa in District A.
A youth with a head of Zhang Yang red hair sat with his legs crossed, a holographic projection floating in front of him.
In the projection was a graceful and luxurious middle-aged beautiful woman, her brows and eyes carrying the majesty of someone in a superior position.
"Aunt, you can rest assured and leave this matter to me."
The red-haired youth grinned, his smile carrying a hint of cynical ruthlessness:
"That guy Lu Li, I will definitely treat him well and test his waters along the way."
"Mhm, remember, you must handle the matter well."
The beautiful woman opposite the projection instructed with a gloomy expression like water before turning off the holographic projection.
"Lu Li, although I don't know how you provoked my aunt."
"But offending our Ye family will not end well for you!"
He grinned, combative flames dancing within his crimson pupils.
...
Early the next morning, the sky was slightly bright.
Lu Li got dressed early, wearing a simple combat uniform.
The battle axe on his back was fixed with a special leather holster, its blade gleaming with a chilling cold light in the morning light.
"Number Seven, pull up the location of Playground No. 2."
"The best route has been sent to your phone, estimated arrival on foot is eight minutes."
Looking at the newly appeared route map in his hand, Lu Linodded and pushed the door open to leave.
There were already quite a few figures walking around the morning campus, mostly heading in the same direction—Playground No. 2.
The closer it got to the playground, the denser the crowd became.
When Lu Li stepped into the playground area, the sight before him made him raise his eyebrows slightly.
Playground No. 2 was less a playground and more a giant open-air arena!
In the center was a flat combat zone large enough to fit ten football fields.
The ground was paved with enchanted alloy, and the flowing patterns of defensive magic arrays were faintly visible.
Surrounding it were tiered spectator stands, which were already occupied by quite a few people at this moment.
They were all senior upperclassmen!
"Woohoo! Last year we were treated like monkeys being watched, and this year it's finally our turn to watch the freshmen!"
"Stop shouting, pay attention later and see the freshmen's performance, to see who is suitable to pull into our 'Blood Blade' club."
"Yes! Boss, we know."
"Hiss! That junior schoolmate over there has a nice figure!"
"Restrain yourself, we are here to recruit new members, not to hold a beauty pageant!"
"Recruiting and appreciating don't conflict with each other."
"..."
It was currently during the summer vacation period.
But unlike regular universities, students of Imperial Capital University rarely left the school even during holidays.
Therefore, there were quite a few upperclassmen in the stands watching the commotion.
Of course, there were also recruitment personnel from many clubs among them.
The purpose was to recruit the most outstanding personnel into the club after the Freshman Grand Competition ended.
Meanwhile, in a position near the back of the stands.
Shen Moli sat together with a few classmates from the Support Academy.
She propped her cheek with her right hand, her cute face full of unhappiness.
"Sigh, I thought we could at least keep Junior Lu Li staying in our academy for a week."
She muttered softly, "As a result, today the grand competition starts, and after it's over he'll definitely go to the War Academy or the Weaponry Academy."
The female classmate beside her patted her with a smile:
"Alright, Moli, he is a provincial top scorer."
"It was never possible for him to stay in our Support Academy all along."
"Being registered here for even a day is also an honor for our academy."
"I understand the reasoning, I just can't bear to see him go."
Shen Moli muttered softly, searching the crowd with her gaze.
She quickly locked onto the upright figure carrying a heavy axe, and her eyes suddenly lit up slightly.
"Junior Lu Li looks quite handsome dressed like this."
"What? Moli, are you infatuated?"
"No way!"
Shen Moli quickly started laughing and bantering with her companions.
Lu Li was unaware of the episode in the spectator stands.
By this time, he had arrived at the freshman gathering area.
Three to four hundred people were already standing here.
All uniformly wearing combat gear, their swords, sabers, axes, and staves gleaming with various lusters in the morning light.
Magic robes and leather armor interleaved, their auras mixed yet vigorous.
Everyone's eyes flashed with brilliance, fighting intent faintly appearing.
Who could enter Imperial Capital University without being a provincial prodigy? Who would submit to whom?
"The students who can enter Imperial Capital Universityreally are none of them simple."
Lu Li sighed in his heart.
Just now, he used Divine Appraisal Technique to casually scan around.
There wasn't a single person whose talent grade was lower than Grade B!
Some people even possessed multiple talents!
Just as he was observing, a voice carrying obvious provocation suddenly came from behind:
"Hey, the one with the axe on your back in front."
"Are you that Lu Li who said 'If you're not convinced, hold it in' in the group chat?"