Chapter 81: Consecutive Enhancements! +8 Epic Battleaxe!
With just that single glance.
Ye Tianhao felt an invisible, suffocating pressure bear down upon him, causing cold sweat to instantly break out across his back!
The mockery that had reached the tip of his tongue was forcefully swallowed back down.
How could he have known that Lu Li had just fused with a 100% compatibility Angel Bloodline?
Angels were inherently high-tier mythical creatures, possessing natural suppression over lower-tier bloodlines.
And Ye Tianhao happened to have a beast-type bloodline in his body.
Naturally, he was intimidated by the angelic aura emanating from Lu Li.
"What's the deal with this guy? This presence?"
Ye Tianhao was startled, not daring to utter another word.
He could only stand aside with a sullen face, waiting to see what they were going to do first.
Before the enhancement platform, Shen Chuyou and Lu Liregistered separately.
"Student Shen, Level 13 Epic staff, the fee for the first enhancement is 10 credits."
"Student Lu, what equipment do you want to enhance?"
The staff member looked toward Lu Li.
"A battleaxe."
As Lu Li spoke, he retrieved that dawn battleaxe from his spatial ring.
The haft was slender, the blade broad and thick, and its dark-gold holy light patterns flowed and gleamed beneath the glow of the furnace fire.
"An Epic battleaxe?"
"What a gorgeous axe!"
"With this quality, it's probably a five-star Epic, right?"
"…"
A wave of exclamations immediately broke out all around.
Ye Tianhao also caught sight of that battleaxe.
His pupils shrank sharply, and a surge of intense jealousy welled up inside him.
"An Epic-tier growth-type battleaxe?
That woman Song Wanqiu actually gave him something this good?"
He gritted his teeth, then let out a cold snort and muttered disdainfully under his breath,
"Tch, just a country bumpkin who got lucky.
With an axe like this, once it shatters during enhancement, he'll be crying his eyes out!"
He cursed viciously in his heart.
"Let's begin the enhancement."
Lu Li handed the battleaxe to the enhancer.
"First enhancement, fee is 10 credits, success rate is 98%."
The enhancer operated the equipment with practiced skill.
Hum—!
Golden light blazed brilliantly inside the enhancement furnace.
A few seconds later, the golden light receded.
"Enhancement successful! +1!"
"Continue," Lu Li said calmly.
"Second enhancement, fee is 15 credits, success rate is 85%."
Hum—!
"Enhancement successful! +2!"
"Continue."
"Third enhancement, fee is 20 credits, success rate is 70%."
Hum—!
"Enhancement successful! +3!"
"…"
With the fortune granted by the luck potion, Lu Lisucceeded seven times in a row, without a single failure!
"Enhancement successful! +7!"
By this point, the dawn battleaxe had shifted from its original gold to faintly emit flecks of pink light.
Meanwhile, the area around the entire enhancement platform had already erupted into an uproar.
"My god! Seven successes in a row?"
"This luck is way too absurd!"
"A +7 Epic growth-type battleaxe—how much must its attributes have multiplied?"
"Yesterday, two of my pieces of equipment shattered just going for +4!"
"…"
Standing to the side, a hint of surprise flashed across Shen Chuyou's silver-gray eyes as well.
Her staff had only just been enhanced to +3.
Yet Lu Li had actually pushed all the way to +7 in one go, without failing even once.
This luck was downright outrageous!
Ye Tianhao was even more dumbfounded by what he was seeing.
"How is that possible?! All seven succeeded?"
The muscles on his face twitched slightly.
However, he quickly rationalized it to himself.
"Heh, it's an Epic piece of equipment after all.
These low-level enhancements wouldn't run into issues."
Ye Tianhao snorted coldly, forcing himself to stay calm.
"Next time, it's definitely going to shatter!"
"Student Lu Li."
The enhancer also stopped what he was doing and looked at Lu Li with a solemn expression:
"Your battleaxe has already reached +7."
"The next enhancement requires 70 credits, and they won't be refunded even if it breaks."
"Furthermore, once you reach this level of enhancement, the failure rate is extraordinarily high, and it shatters very easily."
"Do you still want to continue?"
His implied meaning was clear: +7 was already great, so quit while you're ahead.
The moment he said that, the surrounding crowd also began chiming in to dissuade him:
"+7 is already amazing, don't get greedy!"
"Yeah, the failure rate for +8 is terrifyingly high!"
"If it shatters, the loss really won't be worth the gain!"
"…"
Not far away, Ye Tianhao spoke up sarcastically,
"Keep going! Why stop? You're not scared, are you?"
Lu Li, however, merely stated calmly,
"Continue."
As those two words fell, the entire area fell dead silent.
Shen Chuyou frowned slightly as well.
She looked as though she wanted to say something, but held back in the end.
"Alright! Then I'll begin!"
Taking a deep breath, the enhancer placed the battleaxe back into the enhancement furnace.
"Eighth enhancement, fee is 70 credits, success rate is... 5%."
Hum—!!!
The enhancement furnace trembled violently.
Golden holy light erupted upward like a volcano, dyeing the entire high platform in brilliant gold!
Everyone held their breath.
Ye Tianhao clenched his fists, staring intently at the furnace opening.
Shatter! It has to shatter!
Finally, the light slowly subsided.
The enhancer's trembling voice rang out:
"Enhancement successful! +8!"
Dead silence filled the entire area.
The next second, deafening cries of shock erupted!
"+8?! It actually succeeded?!"
"Holy shit! Straight from +1 to +8! Zero failures!"
"A 5% success rate still went through?!"
"What kind of god-tier luck is this?!"
"…"
Exclamations and sharp gasps echoed throughout the enhancement platform.
Many students were flushed with excitement, looking as though it were their own equipment that had reached +8.
Shen Chuyou stared blankly at that +8 battleaxe.
An unmistakable look of shock surfaced on her icy, pretty face.
A +8 Epic-tier growth-type battleaxe.
Among all the freshmen at Imperial Capital University, this could be considered top-tier equipment!
As for Ye Tianhao, his face turned entirely green at this moment.
His lips quivered, his eyes bulged wide, wearing an expression as if he had seen a ghost.
"H-how is that possible...?!"
He thought back to the tragic scene of his own items shattering twice today while trying to reach +5.
Then looking at Lu Li reaching +8 with zero failures, his heart turned thoroughly sour with envy!
Why?!
Why did this bumpkin have such good luck?!
That was a +8!
Even he, Ye Tianhao, didn't possess a single piece of +8 equipment!
Lu Li, however, appeared composed.
He reached out to take the +8 Sacred Dawn Battleaxe.
Feeling the surging power emanating from the axe, he nodded in satisfaction.
[Sacred Dawn Battleaxe +8] (Epic ☆☆☆☆☆, Growth-Type)
Level Requirement: LV13
Attributes: Strength +10 (+8 Enhancement Bonus: Strength +24), Physique +9 (+8 Enhancement Bonus: Physique +20)
Special Effect: Light-type Skill Power +10% (+8 Enhancement Bonus: Light-type Skill Power +26%)
Growth-Type: Scales with the owner's level, can grow up to LV20.
"Not bad."
The corners of Lu Li's mouth curled slightly.
This single weapon alone granted him 34 Strength and 29 Physique!
What's more, this equipment was growth-type.
In other words, with every subsequent tier it grew, it would retain the +8 enhancement effects!
"Congratulations! Congratulations, Student Lu Li!"
The enhancer was also flushed with excitement.
In all his years in this line of work, this was the very first time he had personally enhanced a piece of equipment to +8!
"Student Lu Li, your luck is simply beyond belief! Nobody would believe it if told!"
"Just a fluke," Lu Li smiled.
A fluke?
Hearing those words from the side, Ye Tianhao nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.
You fucking went from +1 all the way to +8 in a single streak, and you call that a fluke?!
Then what did that make him, who had shattered gear twice today?
His face flushed crimson and his chest heaved violently, looking as if he might detonate on the spot at any moment.
Chapter 82: Legendary-grade Guardian's Tear! Accidentally Entering the Tian Family!
"Student Lu Li, do you want to continue enhancing?"
Suppressing his excitement, the enhancer continued:
"The next enhancement will require 100 credits, and the success rate is... only 1%."
Lu Li did not answer immediately, pondering for a moment instead.
Today, he had managed to succeed continuously all the way from +1 to +8.
It was entirely due to the S-grade luck potion's heaven-defying luck.
But the potion's effect was limited after all; pushing it to +8 might have already reached the limit.
More importantly, he had only earned 600 academic credits in total from the Freshman Grand Competition.
The rounds of enhancement just now had already cost 395 credits.
Now he only had 205 credits left in hand, so he had to spend them sparingly.
A +8 epic-grade piece of equipment was completely sufficient for him at present.
Enhancing further not only carried immense risk, but the cost-effectiveness was also far too low.
"No need."
Lu Li shook his head and took back the battleaxe. "Let's stop here."
Hearing this, the enhancer nodded with both regret and relief:
"That's good too. +8 is already more than enough."
The surrounding crowd also chimed in.
"Wise choice!"
"If you keep enhancing and it shatters, the loss would be massive."
"A +8 battleaxe, that's enough to make me envious for a lifetime."
"..."
Lu Li said no more, storing the dawn battleaxe into his spatial ring.
He checked the time again.
From the first round of enhancement until now, nearly an hour had passed unnoticed.
It was already past 11:20.
There was only a little over half an hour left until his agreed time with Teacher Song.
"What should I do with this half hour?"
Lu Li calculated in his mind, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Shen Chuyou beside him.
The white-haired girl was currently furrowing her brows.
She was looking at the staff in her hand, which was only enhanced to +4.
Her luck was clearly not as absurdly good as Lu Li's.
Going from +3 to +4, it had nearly shattered, barely succeeding by the skin of its teeth.
"How about I try enhancing it for you?"
Stirred by a thought, Lu Li suggested.
Shen Chuyou paused slightly, her silver-gray eyes turning toward him:
"You help me?"
"Yeah."
Lu Li nodded and joked half-seriously:
"My luck is pretty good today. Maybe I can pass some onto you."
Shen Chuyou fell silent for a moment.
A moment later, she actually handed the staff over:
"Okay."
Lu Li took the staff.
It was a staff flowing entirely with an icy-blue luster.
The shaft was slender, and the top was embedded with a crystal-clear ice crystal.
It matched Shen Chuyou's cold and aloof aura extremely well.
For the next half hour or so, the entire enhancement platform fell into madness once more.
"+5! Success!"
"+6! Success!"
"+7! Success!"
"+8! Succeeded!!!"
The enhancer's voice grew louder and higher with each cry, practically shouting by the end.
The onlookers had long been left dumbfounded.
"Heavens! Another +8!"
"Is Lu Li's luck hacking or what?!"
"He can even get consecutive successes while enhancing for someone else! What kind of monster is he?!"
"Two +8 epic items! He really made a fortune today!"
"..."
Shen Chuyou took back the +8 staff.
The staff faintly glowed with a soft pinkish-gold light all over.
The runes inscribed on the shaft were far brighter than before.
Even with her cold disposition, a gleam of wonder flashed in her eyes at this moment.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Lu Li smiled and glanced at the time. "I should probably get going."
Saying that, he turned to leave.
"Wait."
Shen Chuyou called out to stop him.
"What's wrong?" Lu Li turned around.
Shen Chuyou walked up to him with a serious expression:
"You helped me so much. I need to give you compensation."
With a flip of her fair hand.
An exquisitely crafted necklace materialized out of thin air in her palm.
The necklace was crafted entirely from mithril, its chain as fine as a strand of hair.
Hanging at the bottom was a thumbnail-sized sapphire.
Runes faintly flowed within the gem, emitting extremely rich magical fluctuations.
"Take this."
Shen Chuyou pressed the necklace into Lu Li's hand.
Lu Li instinctively used Divine Appraisal Technique on it, and his pupils contracted slightly.
[Guardian's Tear] (Legendary-grade)
Level Requirement: LV10
Attributes: Intelligence +18
Special Effect: When attacked, grants immunity to one attack damage below Level 20. Cooldown: 48 hours.
"Legendary-grade?!" Lu Li's heart trembled.
Immune to an attack below Level 20 once!
Cooldown of 48 hours!
If this thing were put up for sale, it would easily fetch tens of millions of yanlong coins!
In fact, probably no one would be willing to sell it at all—this was a life-saving god-tier artifact!
"This is too valuable, I can't accept it," Lu Li hurriedly said.
"You helped me enhance it to +8. You earned this."
Shen Chuyou looked at Lu Li:
"Besides, it's just a Level 10 legendary necklace. My family has plenty of them."
Lu Li: "..."
Is this what a rich girl is like?
This was ridiculous!
Giving away a legendary magical necklace just like that?
And saying her family had plenty of them?
"...All right then, thank you."
Lu Li stopped being overly modest and carefully put the necklace away.
"Mm." Shen Chuyou nodded.
Without another word, the two left the enhancement platform one after the other.
Shortly after Lu Li and Shen Chuyou departed.
Ye Tianhao, who had been hiding in the crowd with an ashen face, finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"It's just +8! What's the big deal?!"
Gritting his teeth, he strode up to the enhancement platform and pulled out a longsword radiating crimson light.
"Enhance it for me! I'm getting +8 too!"
"Right away!"
The enhancer operated skillfully.
However—
"Enhancement failed! Equipment destroyed!"
"Again! Keep enhancing!"
"Enhancement failed! Equipment destroyed!"
"Aga—"
When the third piece of equipment turned to ash inside the enhancement furnace, Ye Tianhao was completely stunned.
"My sword! My armor! My..."
Clutching the pile of fragments, he let out a screech like a dying pig:
"No—!"
The shrill, agonizing wail echoed above the enhancement platform for a long time.
Surrounding students looked over one after another, casting sympathetic glances.
"Has he shattered three pieces today?"
"Tsk tsk, that's fate for you."
"Same enhancement furnace, yet Lu Li gets +8 while his turns to dust."
"Comparisons really are infuriating."
...
On the other side, Lu Li was naturally unaware of Ye Tianhao's misery.
Walking briskly after parting ways with Shen Chuyou, he soon arrived at Song Wanqiu's villa.
As soon as he stepped inside, he saw a middle-aged man dressed in holy light robes standing in the living room.
The man was around forty or fifty years old, with a kindly face.
A remarkably dense aura of holiness enveloped him.
Merely standing there, he gave people a soothing feeling like a spring breeze, calming their minds.
What startled Lu Li even more was that the power of holy light on this man was actually several degrees purer than Song Wanqiu's!
"Lu Li, you're here."
Song Wanqiu waved at him and introduced with a smile:
"This is Cardinal Su Huairen of the Imperial Capital Church of Light."
A Cardinal!
Lu Li's heart shook, and he hurriedly stepped forward, bowing respectfully:
"Greetings, Cardinal Su."
"Mm." Cardinal Su Huairen nodded slightly.
His gaze rested on Lu Li, an imperceptible trace of surprise flickering deep in his eyes.
"I can sense the dense aura of holy light on you."
He spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of praise.
Then, placing his right hand over his chest, he performed a standard etiquette of the Church of Light:
"May the Holy Light protect you always."
Chapter 83: Goddess of Light's Favor! Max-Level Divine Blessing!
"Thank you, Cardinal." Lu Li bowed respectfully in return.
Song Wanqiu smiled and explained from the side,
"There is no need to go to the Church of Light. Cardinal Su came in person to bestow the Divine Blessing upon you."
"Understood!"
Lu Li's expression shifted slightly.
He had long known that his teacher held immense influence.
Yet he hadn't expected she could actually have a Cardinal visit him in person!
After all, there were only a handful of Cardinals in the entire Yanlong Country.
Every single one stood at the apex of power within the Church of Light!
"Prepare yourself. I will bestow the Divine Blessing upon you now."
Cardinal Su Huairen looked at Lu Li.
"Yes!" Lu Li nodded.
Cardinal Su Huairen said no more.
He slowly raised his right hand.
A blinding flash of holy light flared.
A silver cross of archaic design materialized out of thin air in his palm.
With just a glance, Lu Li's breath caught in his throat.
The cross was forged entirely from an unknown silver-white metal.
Its surface was densely carved with ancient runes.
At the center of the cross was a thumb-sized, milky-white gem.
Within the gem, a cluster of liquid holy light seemed to be sealed, flowing sluggishly.
[Name]:???
[Level]:???
[Quality]: Legendary
[Description]:???
"Another Legendary item!" Lu Li's heart trembled.
Although Divine Appraisal Technique only revealed its quality, that alone spoke volumes.
A Legendary holy relic of the Church, used solely to grant him a single Divine Blessing.
Such grand generosity was beyond anything money could measure.
"Relax your mind and do not resist."
Cardinal Su Huairen held the cross with both hands and began chanting in a low voice.
It was a language Lu Li had never heard before.
Ancient, solemn, and sacred.
It was as though every single syllable held boundless power.
Boom—!!!
A beam of ultimate, pure-gold holy light erupted violently from the cross!
The radiant light cascaded down like a waterfall, enveloping Lu Li completely.
Warmth.
That was Lu Li's first sensation.
The holy light was like a mother's embrace.
Gently enveloping him, washing over every inch of flesh and bone within him.
Immediately after, his consciousness began to blur.
He felt his soul being gently lifted by a vast, boundless force, slowly ascending into the sky.
In the next instant, Lu Li'saw' an endless sea of light.
At the center of the sea of light, a figure stood quietly.
It was a goddess.
Her figure was slender and graceful, her curves indescribably perfect.
Her face was blurred and indistinct, yet exuded a breathtaking beauty.
Lu Li's heart trembled.
Though seeing her for the first time, he was utterly certain.
This was undeniably the Goddess of Light!
"Huh?"
A soft gasp of surprise echoed through the sea of light.
The Goddess of Light also seemed somewhat surprised by Lu Li's presence.
Her gaze settled upon Lu Li, carrying a hint of intrigued scrutiny.
"An interesting mortal."
Her voice was ethereal and distant, sounding as if it descended from the highest heavens.
"Possessing both a perfect affinity with the Angel Bloodline and the divine grace of the Sanctuary..."
"Since it is so, I shall grant you a boon of fortune."
As her words fell,
an intensely pure ray of light poured forth from her fingertip.
Crossing the endless void, the light landed squarely upon Lu Li's soul.
Boom—!!!
Lu Li felt his very soul shudder!
Innumerable laws and profound truths of light surged into his mind like a tidal wave!
That was the blessing of a deity!
It was the absolute highest-grade Divine Blessing!
Outside in the real world,
the sky had unknowingly darkened.
From noon to dusk, and then into night.
Cardinal Su Huairen's blessing ritual had lasted for an entire afternoon.
Song Wanqiu stood guard nearby, her brows slightly furrowed.
A normal Divine Blessing lasted at most an hour or two.
Yet for Lu Li, it had lasted several times longer!
'Could something have gone wrong?'
Song Wanqiu's heart sank slightly.
Right at that moment,
Buzz—!!!
a holy light beyond description erupted fiercely from within Lu Li!
The holy light pierced through the villa's roof and soared straight into the highest heavens!
Immediately after, in the sky above the Imperial Capital, under the gaze of countless shocked onlookers,
the entire night sky was suddenly illuminated like broad daylight!
In the sky, golden pillars of light, radiant feathers, and shimmering rain cascaded down overwhelmingly!
A colossal, hazy phantom of a deity flickered faintly in the night sky!
"Heavens! What is that?!"
"A miracle! It's a divine miracle!"
"It's coming from the direction of Imperial Capital University! Why did it happen again?!"
"Has the Goddess of Light manifested?!"
"…"
Throughout the entire Imperial Capital, countless powerhouses looked up at the same time, their faces filled with shock.
At the headquarters of the Church of Light, bells tolled vigorously.
Innumerable bishops and priests dropped to their knees in prayer.
Inside the villa, the light on the cross in Cardinal Su Huairen's hands had dimmed.
Looking up at the sky, he was trembling all over.
"Th-This is…"
"A max-level Divine Blessing!"
Cardinal Su Huairen's voice cracked.
He whipped his head toward Lu Li, his eyes filled with disbelief.
A max-level Divine Blessing!
That was the highest tier among Divine Blessings!
Rumor had it that only those personally favored by a deity could receive it!
In fact, even the current Pope of their Church of Light…
…had failed to reach max level when receiving the Divine Blessing back then!
Meanwhile, Lu Li slowly opened his eyes.
Deep within his pupils, a brilliant flash of golden light vanished in an instant.
Inside his mind, system notifications flooded his view.
[Ding! You have received the Divine Blessing of the Goddess of Light!]
[Divine Blessing Level: Max!]
[You have obtained the permanent effect: Divine Favor!]
[Divine Favor (Max Level): When slaying monsters in the future, all gained EXP, free attribute points, and skill points are doubled!]
'Doubled…' Lu Li was ecstatic.
Doubled EXP!
Doubled attribute points!
Doubled skill points!
This effect was simply game-breaking!
Paired with his already cheat-like leveling speed,
his growth rate from now on would skyrocket once more!
"This…"
Song Wanqiu was stunned as well.
She glanced at Lu Li, then looked at the lingering phenomenon in the sky, her expression turning peculiar.
It was not her first time witnessing a Divine Blessing.
Yet she had never heard of anyone attaining a max-level effect on their very first Divine Blessing.
Not to mention triggering such a terrifying divine phenomenon.
Were it not for the fact that God Scions only lived within secret realms, she might have suspected whether Lu Liwas a God Scion himself.
"A max-level Divine Blessing! A divine miracle has descended!"
Cardinal Su Huairen was beside himself with excitement.
If Song Wanqiu hadn't been standing right beside them,
with how agitated Cardinal Su Huairen was, he would likely have made Lu Li the Holy Son of the Church of Lightright then and there!
Even so, he took a few deep breaths, forcing down the urge in his heart.
He retrieved a golden emblem from his robes and solemnly placed it into Lu Li's hands:
"Student Lu Li, take this."
"This is the Holy Light Emblem of the Church of Light."
"With this emblem, you may come find me at the Church of Light at any time."
Cardinal Su Huairen gazed at him with burning intensity:
"When you have time, you must visit the Church of Light!"
Lu Li accepted the emblem and nodded earnestly:
"Thank you, Cardinal. I will keep that in mind."
Chapter 84: Special Training! The Schemes of the Beijing Ye Family!
In the end, Cardinal Su Huairen still took his leave.
Before departing,
he held Lu Li's hand and repeatedly urged him for quite a while, insisting that he must make time to visit the Church of Light.
Seeing how reluctant he was to part, Song Wanqiucouldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.
Only after Lu Li repeatedly promised did Cardinal Su Huairen finally leave the villa, looking back with every step.
Having seen off the cardinal, the living room finally grew quiet.
Song Wanqiu turned around, her beautiful eyes sizing Lu Liup and down.
The more she looked, the more pleased she became, an uncontrollable smile playing on her lips:
"Merging with the Angel Bloodline and receiving a max-level Divine Blessing.
Lu Li, even if you only changed class to a Paladin,
your future potential is far greater than that of those rare classes."
"Thank you, Teacher. This is all thanks to your guidance," Lu Li hastily expressed his gratitude.
Song Wanqiu shook her head, however, and said softly:
"It was all your own luck.
If it were anyone else going through the exact same process, it would be impossible to achieve results like yours."
Lu Li smiled and said nothing.
That was true enough.
It was only thanks to the boost from that S-rank miracle medicine, the luck potion, that he had achieved such terrifying results.
It was just a pity that it was already nine o'clock at night.
The effects of the potion were about to wear off.
Of course, he had already made an absolute fortune this time.
Not only had his strength skyrocketed, but he had also replaced his gear with a full set of Epic-grade equipment.
He had even picked up a Legendary-grade necklace and a Holy Light Crest for free.
If he were still dissatisfied after all that, he would be far too greedy.
"By the way."
Song Wanqiu suddenly remembered something and said:
"Earlier, while you were still receiving the Divine Blessing, the university issued an announcement.
To prepare for the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament in three months,
the top thirty freshmen, including you, are required to take part in special training."
"Special training?"
Lu Li was taken aback for a moment.
The National University Freshman League!
It was a grand nationwide event in which every university participated.
He was no stranger to it, having often watched the livestreams in previous years.
He just hadn't expected that there would be special training prior to it.
"Yes."
Song Wanqiu nodded. "For this National University Exchange Competition, I am the lead teacher.
Therefore, I will also be in charge of your special training."
She paused before continuing:
"At eight o'clock tomorrow morning, bring all your gear and gather at the school gate.
We will be heading to the Longji Mountains near the Imperial Capital to begin your three-month special training."
"Understood." Lu Li nodded, indicating his agreement.
"All right, it's getting late. Go back and get some rest first,"
Song Wanqiu said after glancing at the time.
"Yes!"
Lu Li nodded, turned around, and left.
Night had fallen deep, and the campus streetlamps cast a soft, gentle glow.
Walking on the path back to his villa, Lu Li pulled out his phone to look up the Longji Mountains.
Relevant information soon popped up on the screen.
The Longji Mountains, located west of the Imperial Capital, was a monster-infested mountain range stretching four hundred kilometers.
The mountain range was home to numerous kinds of monsters, ranging from Level 10 to Level 60.
The deeper one ventured, the more perilous it became; it was said that even third-transition powerhouses dared not tread lightly into its core area.
"To think they chose this place for the special training."
Lu Li sighed inwardly. "Looks like the university is dead set on improving our standing in the exchange competition."
As one of the premier institutions, the Imperial Capital Professional University was naturally by no means weak.
Yet for some reason, among the top three universities, Imperial Capital University consistently placed dead last in the exchange competition every year.
Lu Li had felt this keenly while watching the matches in past years.
"The National College Freshman Exchange Tournament.
Every year, the rewards are astonishing, even including Legendary-grade rewards.
Since I will be representing Imperial University this time, I must take this special training seriously."
Lu Li told himself silently.
Though his strength had soared, he had never become complacent.
There were always people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens.
What's more, the National University Exchange Competition gathered the finest batch of freshmen from across Yanlong Country.
Modu, Jiangnan, the Northern Frontier...
The geniuses from those prestigious schools were by no means weaker than Shen Chuyou and Lin Qingyu.
To achieve great results in the exchange competition, he had to push himself even harder.
With this in mind, Lu Li picked up his pace and headed toward his villa.
After returning to his quarters, he casually ate some boxed food from the school to fill his stomach.
Afterward, he washed up briefly.
Exhausted from a long day, he fell into a deep sleep almost the moment his head hit the pillow.
...
Meanwhile, in another student villa.
Ye Tianhao was bracing himself, reporting yesterday's results to his aunt via holographic projection.
"Aunt, it was my lack of strength that allowed that fellow Lu Li to win by fluke!
Don't worry, next time I'll definitely teach him a harsh lesson!"
Ye Tianhao thumped his chest, making a solemn guarantee.
Yet only he knew how hollow his confidence truly was when uttering those words.
The female voice on the other end fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly:
"It's good that you care, Xiaohao, but let the matter end here. Don't look for trouble with him anymore."
After a pause, she added:
"However, I heard that your Imperial University is holding special training this year before the collegiate league begins?"
"Yes!"
Ye Tianhao nodded hastily. "I'll be taking part this time as well."
Though he had lost to Lu Li, his strength was still among the best.
Having placed 21st in the Freshman Grand Competition, he was naturally on the special training roster.
"Will Lu Li be participating too?" the woman's voice asked again.
"He will! He's the Freshman King, so he's definitely on the list."
Ye Tianhao nodded once more.
"Very well."
A slight ripple finally surfaced in the woman's tone:
"Participate in the training with them, and keep me informed whenever Lu Li makes any moves."
"Understood! Rest assured, Aunt, I'll definitely keep a close eye on him!"
Ye Tianhao immediately declared his commitment.
...
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, at the main residence of the Ye Family.
Inside a luxuriously appointed study.
An elegant, aristocratic woman slowly set down her phone.
She looked barely in her thirties, with picturesque features and an exquisitely maintained appearance.
Yet at this moment, her phoenix eyes were filled with chilling coldness.
"To think that that slut's child actually came to the Imperial Capital and even became the Freshman King?"
She scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain.
"That useless trash Ye Tianhao is utterly incompetent, failing to even teach him a lesson!"
She stood up, walked to the window, and stared out into the deep, heavy night.
After a moment, she murmured faintly, seemingly talking to herself:
"Still, to claim the title of Freshman King, he must possess some ability.
What a pity, it ends here."
"I will never allow anyone to threaten Chen'er's position!"
The Chen'er she spoke of was none other than her biological son, Ye Beichen!
He was the most dazzling prodigy of the Ye Family's current generation.
And Lu Li's existence gave her a long-forgotten sense of unease.
A bastard who hadn't even been allowed to step through the Ye Family's doors all those years ago had actually awakened such terrifying talent.
Although he was still far from posing a threat to Chen'er, if he were allowed to continue growing...
At that thought, a cold gleam flashed in her eyes.
She picked up the phone from the desk and dialed another number.
The call rang only twice before being answered.
Parting her red lips, the woman spoke in a voice as cold as ice:
"Hello, it's me."
"Handle someone for me."
"Imperial Capital University, the Freshman King, Lu Li."
"I want to make sure he never gets the chance to participate in the National University Exchange Competition."
"Remember, there's no rush to act, but it must be done cleanly!"
Chapter 85: Shen Moli's Potions! Assemble!
At seven o'clock the next morning, Lu Li opened his eyes right on time.
He rolled over, sat up, and after a quick wash,
he retrieved the black-and-gold obsidian leather armorfrom his space ring and put it on piece by piece.
The form-fitting leather armor crisply outlined his tall, straight physique, while intricate patterns of Holy Light shimmered across its surface.
Faint specks of golden dust drifted up with his movements, lending his whole bearing a touch of the divine.
Next, he took out the Tears of Protection gifted to him by Shen Chuyou.
The moment he put it on, Lu Li felt a jolt of mental clarity, his thoughts sharpening.
"A Legendary necklace truly is extraordinary."
He nodded in satisfaction.
After confirming that the +8 dawn battleaxe was in his space ring, he finally pushed open the door and stepped out.
Yet as soon as he stepped past the villa's entrance, Lu Lifroze.
Beside the steps outside the villa, a slender figure was squatting quietly.
She wore a black short skirt, her smooth long hair draped over her shoulders.
A few stray strands drifted gently in the morning breeze, revealing a delicate, pale profile that looked just like a porcelain doll.
Who else could it be but Shen Moli?
Seeing Lu Li emerge, Shen Moli hurriedly stood up.
Her ample chest jiggled vigorously with the movement, threatening to burst out of her neckline.
"Junior Lu Li! You're finally out!"
She brushed off her skirt and tilted up her baby-faced visage, her smile curving her eyes into crescent moons.
"Senior? Why were you squatting out here?" Lu Li asked, somewhat surprised.
"Here! I heard you're all heading to the Longji Mountainsfor special training today, so I made some potions especially for you."
As Shen Moli spoke,
she pulled a small leather case from behind her back like a magic trick and offered it to Lu Li.
Lu Li took it and looked inside to find two neat rows of potions arranged within.
One row was crimson red, and the other was ice blue.
"Intermediate Health Potions and Intermediate Mana Potions."
Shen Moli tapped the case with a slender, pale finger.
"There are twenty vials in total, ten of each. That should last you a while."
Lu Li was taken aback.
Was this senior really this enthusiastic, even preparing potions for them in advance?
"However—"
Shen Moli blinked her large eyes, shifting the subject.
"Half of them are for you, and the other half is for Xiao You."
"Xiao You?" Lu Li asked instinctively. "Who is Xiao You?"
"Ah, I forgot to tell you."
Realizing her slip, Shen Moli playfully stuck out her tongue in mild embarrassment.
"It's Shen Chuyou. She's my cousin. I'm just used to calling her that."
"I see."
Understanding dawned on Lu Li.
His gaze subconsciously drifted over the plump curves straining against Shen Moli's uniform.
In his mind flashed Shen Chuyou's cold, gorgeous face and her equally proud figure.
So they were cousins. No wonder both were so impressively endowed.
He promptly nodded. "Alright, I'll pass them to her for you."
"Thank you so much then!"
Seeing him agree, Shen Moli smiled even more sweetly.
After thinking for a moment, Lu Li added, "How many credits do these potions cost? I'll pay you."
"No need, no need!"
Shen Moli waved her hands repeatedly, her bust swaying once more in her haste.
"We can talk about it after you return from the special training! There's no rush!"
Without giving Lu Li another chance to speak,
she spun around and ran off. After taking a few steps, she turned back and waved at him.
"Do your best, Junior Lu Li! Make sure to bring back great results!"
As her voice faded, her petite, charming figure had already vanished from sight.
Lu Li looked toward the direction she had disappeared in, unable to help chuckling as he shook his head.
This senior really was warmhearted.
He didn't refuse any further and stored all the potions into his space ring.
After eating breakfast at the school cafeteria, he headed toward the campus gates.
By the time he arrived, a large crowd of students had already gathered there.
A quick sweep of the area revealed at least twenty people.
Everyone was fully geared up in their respective sets of equipment.
There were Shield Warriors clad in heavy plate armor and Rangers carrying longbows on their backs.
There were Swordsmen with longswords hanging at their waists, as well as Mages holding staves and wearing robes of various colors.
Under the morning sunlight, blades and armor gleamed with cold luster, and multicolored magical patterns reflected off one another.
At first glance, they looked almost like an elite military force about to embark on an expedition.
Lin Qingyu wore form-fitting combat gear, her black hair pulled high into a ponytail.
With a longsword slung diagonally at her waist, she stood as cold and sharp as a blade, looking as though she could deliver a fierce strike at any second.
Shen Chuyou was dressed in her usual moon-white mage robes, her snow-white hair trailing down to her waist.
Her delicate face lacked any excess expression, radiating an aloof beauty that kept people at a distance.
Her loose mage robes still couldn't conceal the breathtaking, full curves of her chest.
Further in the distance, another figure peeked sneakily in his direction.
It was Ye Tianhao.
Lu Li glanced at him impassively and looked away.
Ye Tianhao shuddered under that brief glance and quickly turned his head aside.
Seeing Lu Li arrive, the eyes of almost everyone present converged on him in unison.
After all, during yesterday's Freshman Grand Competition,
this was the rookie king who had cut down seventy-eight opponents in succession with one axe and one spell, ultimately forcing Shen Chuyou to verbally concede!
And when they used Appraisal to clearly see the obsidian leather armor on Lu Li,
undisguised envy immediately surfaced in many of their eyes.
"My god, an Epic set?"
"And it's a growth type! How many credits would that even cost?!"
"Is this the kind of treatment a rookie king gets? That's way too lavish."
"Yesterday when he enrolled, he was only wearing Bronze gear, but today he's head-to-toe Epic."
"Tsk, tsk, I'm so jealous."
"…"
Low murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Several people instinctively glanced down at the Rare equipment they usually took pride in,
and comparing it to Lu Li's attire, they were instantly consumed with envy.
Lu Li paid no heed to those gazes.
He first gave a slight nod toward Lin Qingyu.
Lin Qingyu also nodded lightly in response.
Then, Lu Li walked over to Shen Chuyou and handed her half of the potions.
"Senior Shen Moli asked me to give these to you."
"That cousin of mine didn't even bother to come find me herself."
Shen Chuyou took the potions, her tone somewhat helpless.
However, she clearly understood her cousin's personality.
A bona fide shut-in, who had nested in the alchemy lab all day ever since changing class to Pharmacist.
Shen Moli had likely asked Lu Li to bring them along simply because his villa was closer.
Realizing this, Shen Chuyou said nothing more and put the potions away.
Lu Li took his place in the group.
After waiting a while longer until eight in the morning, the sound of footsteps suddenly echoed from afar.
Everyone looked toward the noise.
A graceful figure was strolling slowly in their direction.
It was Song Wanqiu.
Today, she wore a magnificent priestess robe, white as clouds, with its hem trailing along the ground.
Intricate patterns of holy radiance were embroidered in gold thread upon the robe.
Every line shimmered with a soft golden glow, making her seem bathed in Holy Light.
A golden sash was tied around her waist, exquisitely accentuating her lush, voluptuous curves.
Naturally gentle and lovely, this splendid attire added a touch of dignified grace and elegance to her appearance.
Her dark hair was tied up, exposing a slender, fair neck.
Two small golden earrings dangled from her earlobes, swaying gently with every step she took.
Chapter 86: Teleportation Magic! Longji Mountains!
"Is that Dean Song? She's so beautiful."
"She's a Level 69 third-advancement Saint Light Archpriest. Even across all of Yanlong Country, she's considered a top-tier powerhouse!"
"A third-advancement powerhouse and the dean of the Support Academy, yet she has no airs about her at all."
"Lu Li really found himself a great teacher."
"..."
The crowd whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with awe and admiration.
Walking up to them, Song Wanqiu came to a stop. Her beautiful eyes swept across the surroundings before she gave a slow nod.
"Everyone is here. Get ready to go."
Go?
Hearing this, Lu Li paused in surprise.
Subconsciously, he glanced around.
There were no buses, no mana cars, nor any visible means of transportation.
Just as he was wondering how they were supposed to travel,
he saw Song Wanqiu suddenly extend her slender, fair hand.
A staff swirling with golden holy light materialized out of thin air in her palm.
Set atop the staff was a massive, milky-white gem.
Within the gem, a sun seemed to be sealed, radiating a terrifying wave of power that sent chills down one's spine.
Song Wanqiu tapped the staff lightly against the ground.
"Buzz—!"
A dazzling pattern of golden light erupted beneath her feet.
Countless golden runes seemed to come alive, rapidly spreading in all directions with her at the center.
In the blink of an eye, a massive magic circle tens of meters in diameter unfurled beneath her!
The magic circle was intricate beyond measure, with layered golden rings slowly rotating.
Every single line flowed with dazzling holy light.
"This is... teleportation magic!"
"Heavens! She opened a teleportation array directly?"
"Are we being teleported straight to the Longji Mountains?"
"..."
Many students cried out in shock.
Lu Li was also quite intrigued.
Although he had heard of teleportation magic, this was his first time seeing it with his own eyes.
Spatial magic of this caliber could only be cast by powerhouses of at least the third advancement.
"Everyone, step inside the array."
Song Wanqiu's gentle voice sounded.
The crowd complied and walked into the magic circle.
Lu Li stepped forward as well, standing among the crowd.
As the last person entered, Song Wanqiu tapped her staff lightly once more.
"Boom—!"
A burst of golden magical radiance flared up, completely engulfing everyone.
Near the school gates, many passing students were drawn by the piercing light and stopped to watch.
"Isn't that Dean Song? Where is she taking the freshmen?"
"I heard they're going to the Longji Mountains for special training!"
"She even used teleportation magic. Dean Song is really sparing no expense on this batch of freshmen."
"This year's batch has several S-rank talents and rare classes. It's practically our most promising year for the exchange competition—of course they'd take it seriously!"
"..."
In the brilliance of the teleportation magic, Lu Li felt his vision blur.
When the soft golden light dissipated, he found himself standing on a plaza.
The plaza wasn't particularly large, its ground paved with a dark gray, coarse stone.
"Is this the Longji Mountains area?"
Lu Li curiously looked around.
Directly ahead of the plaza stood a gray building over ten stories tall.
The building was square and solid, its outer walls constructed from dark enchanted stone, giving it an exceptionally imposing presence.
Above the main entrance of the building, seven golden-red characters reading "Adventurer Supply Base" gleamed brightly in the morning light.
Many classers bustled about the plaza.
Some strode toward the base's purchase counter carrying bloody monster carcasses.
Others carried bulging backpacks packed with freshly skinned beast pelts, fangs, or other materials.
A few robed priests had set up makeshift stalls in a corner of the plaza,
treating injuries in exchange for payment.
Farther away at the base entrance, heavy mana trucks could be faintly seen rolling in and out.
The roar of engines intertwined with the clamor of crowds, creating a bustling scene.
"Look! A batch of newcomers just arrived!"
"They're so young. Must be students from some college, right?"
"Tsk, freshmen. Look at that tender skin—wonder how many days they'll last."
"..."
Many surrounding adventurers craned their necks curiously, their gazes filled with scrutiny and appraisal.
A few burly men who looked like seasoned veterans
had their eyes glued to Shen Chuyou and Lin Qingyu upon spotting them in the group.
"Holy crap, the chicks from this university are all top-tier!"
"That white-haired girl and that body—did she grow up on hormones or something?"
"Shh! Keep it down! Those look like freshmen from Imperial University. Don't look for trouble!"
"What's there to be afraid of? Looking isn't a crime..."
Watching this scene, Lu Li couldn't help feeling a strange sensation.
Compared to the city, this place was practically like stepping into the dungeon entrance of an online game!
Right at that moment, he noticed a group of people on the right side of the plaza.
It was a unit of about thirty people.
They stood in immaculate formation, as if carved from the same mold.
Every one of them wore a black uniform.
A silver dragon claw emblem was embroidered on their cuffs, and their gazes were resolute and sharp.
With no unnecessary expressions on their faces, they simply stood there in silence,
as if all the clamor around them had nothing to do with them.
All thirty of them were eighteen or nineteen years old without exception.
Yet the aura they possessed was even steadier than that of the hardened adventurers on the plaza who lived on the edge of a blade.
Leading them was a middle-aged man.
He was lean and muscular, with resolute facial features and an inch-long old scar over his left eyebrow.
Wearing the same black uniform, he carried an even fiercer martial aura than the rest.
Seeing Song Wanqiu arrive, the middle-aged man took a step forward.
He gave a crisp military salute, then said warmly,
"Dean Song, you're here."
"Mm."
Song Wanqiu nodded, then turned to Lu Li and the others to introduce him:
"Instructor Xu Yang, Regiment Commander Xu. A Level 56 third-advancement warrior and the vice commander of the Black Dragon Corps."
"He will also be the drill instructor responsible for your subsequent special training."
"For the next three months, every single one of you must follow his orders."
Hearing this, all the freshmen, Lu Li included, felt a jolt in their hearts.
The Black Dragon Corps!
One of the major regiments under the Yanlong Countrymilitary!
To have attained the position of vice commander,
he had to be a formidable figure among third-advancement rankers, someone who had slaughtered countless monsters on the battlefield.
Having someone of this caliber serve as an instructor for a group of freshmen was truly quite extravagant.
"Instructor Xu!"
Everyone, including Lu Li, called out respectfully.
"Not bad, not bad. As expected of Imperial Universitystudents—truly impressive."
Instructor Xu Yang let out a hearty laugh, his voice booming like a bell and ringing in everyone's ears.
His sharp eyes swept over each of them before he spoke:
"Without further ado, I'll announce the schedule for this special training."
"First and foremost is your level. Your current levels are far too low."
"Therefore, over the next two months, you will enter the Longji Mountains to slay monsters."
"After two months, any student who hasn't reached Level 18 will be eliminated!"
As soon as those words landed, everyone's expressions changed slightly.
Everyone present was a Level 13 freshman.
Jumping five levels in two months was by no means an easy feat.
Leveling up only grew slower the higher a classer climbed, requiring ever more monsters to be slain!
Even for the prodigies of Imperial Capital University, gaining three or four levels in two months was already considered quite good.
Five levels?
This was practically driving them to the brink of death!
Lu Li, however, didn't react much.
With the effect of max-level Divine Favor on him, the experience points he gained from slaying monsters were doubled!
A leveling task that others saw as difficult as reaching the heavens
was, for him, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Chapter 87: Crucial Elimination Mechanism! The First Monster!
"It seems I made the right choice coming to the Longji Mountains."
A flash of sharp light crossed Lu Li's eyes.
Before everyone could fully digest the news, Instructor Xu Yang spoke again.
He raised his hand to point at the team in black uniforms on the other side and grinned, saying:
"These people are the youth training team of our Black Dragon Corps."
"Their levels are higher than yours, with an average level of 18."
"Over the next two months, they will also enter the Longji Mountains to hunt monsters."
Speaking of this, Instructor Xu Yang paused, the smile at the corner of his mouth becoming even more malicious:
"Two months later, if any of you hunt fewer monsters than their average, you will be eliminated just the same."
"Of course, monsters with too low levels don't count; they must be Gold-grade monsters above level 16."
"By the way, let me remind you that on average, each of them hunts more than 60 monsters in two months."
As the words fell, the expressions of the freshmen became uglier than the last.
They were only level 13!
To compete with level 18s on the speed of hunting prey, wasn't this making things difficult for them?
And they had to be Gold-grade monsters above level 16 to count.
Lu Li's expression remained calm.
His actual combat strength now had long far exceeded the scope that the level panel could reflect.
Even though he was only level 13, dealing with level 16 Gold-grade monsters wouldn't be too difficult.
"Good grief! The Imperial University freshmen are competing with the youth training team, aren't they courting death?"
"Haha, there's a good show to watch now!"
"Who is to say otherwise."
"..."
Some professionals had already gathered around.
Each of them wanted to watch the excitement without fear of it being too big, and they all discussed animatedly.
"You are all the proud sons of Imperial Capital University, this bit of difficulty should be fine, right?"
Seeing that the freshmen had complaints, Instructor Xu Yang narrowed his eyes and spoke.
As soon as he spoke, everyone immediately stopped talking.
They had their own pride and naturally wouldn't admit defeat.
"In addition, you people of the youth training team listen up too!"
Instructor Xu Yang looked at the members of the youth training team, his voice suddenly sinking:
"Your task is to hunt twice as many as their average prey!"
"If anyone hunts fewer than their average prey, they will be kicked out of the youth training team just the same!"
"Yes!"
The members of the youth training team instantly turned solemn.
Lu Li couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
This instructor had some methods.
Standing in the middle, pressure on both sides.
The freshmen, who were originally dissatisfied due to the level gap, couldn't say anything at this moment.
The youth training team members were also carrying the pressure of elimination, and their standards were even harsher than theirs.
"In addition, cut off the ears of the monsters you kill as trophies for statistics."
Instructor Xu Yang resumed that smiling appearance:
"Whoever can get first place will have a big gift package waiting for you, oh."
After speaking, he deliberately blinked and revealed a row of white teeth.
That smile was excessively brilliant, but everyone present felt he was simply a devil.
"Alright, tactical backpacks are now being distributed."
Instructor Xu Yang said no more and waved his big hand.
Soon, several staff members carried out camouflage-colored tactical backpacks from the building and distributed them to everyone one by one.
Lu Li took the backpack, and it felt heavy in his hand.
He opened it and saw several rows of energy bars neatly stacked inside.
A rough count showed it was about enough for ten days.
In addition, there was an alloy dagger, a roll of bandages, a simple water bottle, and a map of the outer skirts of the Longji Mountains.
"Energy bars for 10 days have been prepared for you in the tactical backpacks."
Instructor Xu Yang's voice sounded again: "Subsequent food needs to be resolved by yourselves."
"In addition, in this training, life and death are up to fate, entirely depending on yourselves."
"Remember, the Longji Mountains are not your school's training dungeon."
"If you die there, you really die."
As the words fell, the atmosphere on the square suddenly tightened.
"Alright, you can go in."
Instructor Xu Yang waved his big hand, pointing to the dark mountain entrance at the back of the square:
"The Longji Mountains are right over there."
"Teacher, I'll go in first."
Lu Li said to Song Wanqiu.
Immediately afterwards, he shouldered the tactical backpack and strode towards the direction of the Longji Mountains.
Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, and others also followed suit one after another.
Seeing this, the remaining freshmen also acted one after another, swarming towards the entrance of the Longji Mountains in twos and threes.
"You guys go too."
Instructor Xu Yang looked at the youth training team, his voice flat:
"Remember, whether you can keep your youth training team quota depends on this time."
"Yes!"
Compared to the freshmen of Imperial University, these people were much better trained.
As soon as Instructor Xu Yang's words fell, they were like sharp blades drawn from their scabbards.
Quickly forming a team, they dashed towards the mountain entrance.
Their steps were neat and their speed was extremely fast.
After everyone disappeared into the mountain forest, Instructor Xu Yang took out his mobile phone.
He dialed an encrypted channel and lowered his voice to say:
"Hidden Thorn, your team can move."
A brief response came from the other end of the phone.
The next moment, amidst the shadows around the square,
dozens of figures that almost merged with the darkness quietly emerged and vanished in a flash.
That was the Black Dragon Corps' assassin team best at stealth—Hidden Thorn!
Those just now were all freshmen of Imperial Capital University.
Each and every one of them was a treasure.
Although he said just now that he wouldn't care about their lives,
in reality, with the Hidden Thorn squad following one-on-one to prevent accidents at critical moments,
as long as they weren't killed by a monster in one hit and didn't even have time for rescue,
the Hidden Thorn could make a move at the final juncture to save a life.
After finishing all this, Instructor Xu Yang looked at Song Wanqiu and said:
"Dean Song, isn't this a bit too harsh?"
Although the youth training team of their Black Dragon Corps couldn't compare to the freshmen of Imperial University,
they were all professionals with B-grade talents.
Coupled with the fact that they had already been trained for one or two years, they could be called well-trained.
A group of freshmen competing with the youth training team on the speed of killing prey was simply looking to be tortured.
"I estimate that in the end, I'm afraid only two or three people can qualify, or maybe not even a single one."
Instructor Xu Yang stated his judgment.
This really wasn't him looking down on these Imperial University freshmen,
but rather that he knew the gap between level 18 and level 13 too well.
Hearing this, Song Wanqiu smiled slightly:
"If you don't push them, they won't have any pressure."
She looked gentle, but deep down she was also tough.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have become a level 69 Third-Transfer powerhouse.
Hearing this, Instructor Xu Yang was stunned, and then laughed heartily:
"Good! I'd like to see how far the students of Imperial University can go!"
"Is anyone teaming up? Teaming up is safer."
"Me, me, me, count me in!"
"I'm coming too!"
"Brother Lu, are you coming together?"
"..."
After entering the Longji Mountains,
these proud Imperial University freshmen all unanimously chose to team up.
After all, the Longji Mountains had a fierce reputation outside.
Even in the outermost areas, high-tier monsters frequently haunted the place.
At level 13, acting alone was simply too dangerous; teaming up could at least provide some mutual support.
However, freshmen in the top ten rankings like Lu Li, Shen Chuyou, and Lin Qingyu still chose to travel alone.
With their strength, teaming up would instead slow down their own rhythm.
Lu Li casually chose a direction, then dashed out with his tactical backpack on his back.
In the outskirts of the Longji Mountains, ancient trees towered to the sky, and vines were like webs.
Sunlight filtered through the overlapping tree crowns, casting mottled light and shadow on the ground.
The air was filled with the smell of soil and rotting leaves, occasionally mixed with the low roars of some unknown demonic beasts.
Lu Li had only penetrated a few hundred meters when a rustling sound came from ahead.
"Roar——!!"
The next moment, accompanied by the roaring sound,
a monster that was entirely crimson and shaped like a hound darted out from the bushes, its scarlet eyes locking tightly onto Lu Li.
Chapter 88: Level Up! Sixfold Attribute Bonus!
With a sweep of Lu Li's Divine Appraisal Technique, its level, quality, and information were instantly clear at a glance.
[Name]: Crimson Flame Hound
[Level]: 14
[Quality]: Gold
[Description]: A common Gold-grade monster on the outer fringes of the Longji Mountains. It has extreme speed and excels at spitting flames.
"A Level 14 Gold-grade? Just right for practicing."
Lu Li's lips curled up slightly as he moved his feet.
His entire body transformed into a streak of golden light, instantly closing in!
The Crimson Flame Hound hadn't even managed to spit out its flames before a brilliant axe light tore through the air!
Puchi—!
From head to tail, it was split right down the middle!
[Ding! You have killed the Level 14 Gold-grade monster, Crimson Flame Hound!]
[Experience Points +480 (Max-level Divine Favor doubled)!]
"As expected, it's a double experience bonus." A smile couldn't help but surface on Lu Li's face.
With this, these two months would definitely allow his level to rise by a huge margin!
Just as he was preparing to delve deeper, a system notification suddenly rang out in his mind.
[Ding! Congratulations on triggering an achievement quest!]
[Ding! Achievement quest triggered!]
[Quest Name: Monster Hunter]
[Quest Content: Within two months, kill 100 Gold-grade or higher monsters of Level 18 or above.]
[Quest Reward: Grade A Talent - Monster Hunter!]
[Monster Hunter (Grade A): Grants an additional 40% damage bonus against monsters and accelerates recovery speed in jungle environments.]
"An achievement quest actually showed up?" Lu Li's eyes lit up.
A Grade A talent! And one specifically targeted at monster damage and jungle recovery!
If he managed to get his hands on this, combined with the max-level Divine Favor's double experience...
He would be like a fish in water in the Longji Mountains!
"However, Level 18 Gold-grade monsters..."
Lu Li quickly calmed down.
His current level was only Level 13.
Although his true combat power far exceeded his level, a Level 18 Gold-grade monster was a full 5 levels higher than him.
The Gold grade meant that the monster already possessed quite formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.
With his current strength, he might be able to kill one if he tried, but it would never be as easy as killing the Crimson Flame Hound.
"I should focus on leveling up first.
Once my strength increases a bit more, I'll go hunt Level 18 Gold-grade monsters."
At this thought, Lu Li didn't aim too high and continued to delve deeper along the outer perimeter.
On the outer fringes of the Longji Mountains, monsters were numerous.
Level 14 Crimson Flame Hounds, Level 13 Armored Wild Boars, Level 15 Thunder-patterned Leopards...
One Silver-grade and Gold-grade monster after another fell consecutively.
They transformed into rising numbers in the experience bar.
Half a day later, Lu Li stopped beside a giant tree.
Casually flicking the bloodstains off his axe blade, he scanned his surroundings while opening his attribute panel for a look.
"I already have over seven thousand experience points, the experience bar has risen by half."
Lu Li nodded in satisfaction.
At this speed, in another half-day or so, he would have gathered enough experience needed to level up.
"As expected of a max-level Divine Blessing, this efficiency is too exaggerated."
He sighed with emotion as his gaze fell upon the trophy in his hand.
That was a large chunk of fresh hind leg meat from a Thunder-patterned Leopard.
As early as when he slew it, he had already carved off the fattest and most tender part.
"Eat first; only after eating will I have the strength to keep killing!"
Lu Li casually cast a Slow Heal on himself.
He then lit a small fire and placed the hind leg meat over it to slowly roast.
Grease dripped into the campfire, making a sizzling sound, and the aroma of meat quickly wafted out.
Actually, there were still ten energy bars in his tactical backpack.
But he didn't plan to use them right now.
"Energy bars are reserved as emergency supplies."
"Eat monster meat first, so that if I really encounter special situations later, I'll be prepared."
Lu Li had long since made up his mind.
The Longji Mountains were fraught with danger, and who knew what would happen next.
Saving the energy bars might just save his life at a critical moment.
The hind leg meat was soon roasted until the outside was crispy and the inside was tender.
Lu Li tore off a large chunk and stuffed it into his mouth.
Although there were no seasonings, the energy contained within the monster's flesh made his entire body feel warm, sweeping away his fatigue instantly.
Having filled his stomach and extinguished the campfire, Lu Li continued on his way.
Another half day passed.
The setting sun sank westward, dyeing the entire Longji Mountains in a dark red.
Among the mountain forests,
the roars of monsters rose and fell in succession, and the air was permeated with an increasingly dangerous aura.
Seven in the evening.
Lu Li opened his attribute panel once more.
Looking at the experience bar that had long been maxed out, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upward.
"I've finally gathered enough."
He raised his head to survey his surroundings, quickly locking onto a concealed cave.
The cave entrance wasn't large, shielded by a few rocks and vines; if one didn't look closely, it would be hard to spot.
Lu Li cleared away a few beast bones inside the cave and moved some rocks over to half-conceal the entrance.
Only then did he sit cross-legged and choose to level up.
"Level up!"
[Ding! Congratulations on leveling up! Current level: Level 14!]
[Affected by the Grade A Angel Bloodline, this level-up grants: Free Attribute Points +24, Skill Points +12!]
[Divine Blessing effect triggered! Free Attribute Points and Skill Points are doubled!]
[Final acquisition: Free Attribute Points +48, Skill Points +24!]
A series of notification sounds rang out in his mind.
Lu Li was first stunned, and then his heart swelled with wild joy!
"48 free attribute points, 24 skill points?!"
He couldn't help but gasp a breath of cold air.
You must know that before obtaining the Angel Bloodline,
leveling up only gave him 8 free attribute points and 4 skill points.
But now, with the Angel Bloodline combined with the max-level Divine Favor, it had directly multiplied by a full sixfold!
"This gap is simply too outrageous!"
Lu Li forcefully suppressed the agitation in his heart without hesitation.
He directly allocated the 48 free attribute points evenly across his four dimensional attributes.
Strength +12, Physique +12, Agility +12, Intelligence +12!
In an instant, a pure power surged forth from within his body.
Every inch of muscle throughout his body was cheering!
This feeling of skyrocketing strength made him involuntarily clench his fists.
Following that, he opened his skill panel.
First, he glanced over the Grade S skills 'Holy Radiance Immortal Body' and'Sanctuary'.
As expected, no plus signs appeared behind them.
"It seems 24 skill points are still not enough to upgrade Grade S skills."
Lu Li wasn't too surprised by this, and immediately let his gaze fall upon [Chain Lightning LV2].
"I only have two area-of-effect skills on hand.
Light Feather Storm has a wide range, but its power is slightly lacking.
I might as well upgrade Chain Lightning first."
With a thought from Lu Li, the skill points were instantly invested.
[Chain Lightning LV2 → LV3], consumes 8 skill points!
[Chain Lightning LV3 → LV4], consumes 16 skill points!
24 skill points, exactly cleared out!
[Chain Lightning LV4 (Grade B): Releases a bolt of divine punishment lightning, dealing massive damage to the enemy.
If there are other targets nearby, it can bounce, bouncing up to 7 times!]
"The number of bounces has increased to 7 times!"
Lu Li's eyes lit up.
Combined with the amplification of the Child of Light, the actual number of bounces would be even higher!
This skill used for clearing fields is simply invincible!
After finishing all this, Lu Li reopened his attribute panel.
[Four-dimensional Attributes]: Strength: 161.3, Physique: 156.4, Agility: 120.7, Intelligence: 136.5
Looking at the gorgeous data on the panel, a satisfied smile appeared on Lu Li's face.
This was still without stacking the bonuses from epic equipment.
If equipment bonuses were factored in, his attributes would be even more terrifying!
"To have these attributes at Level 14 is just too exaggerated."
"At this speed, rising to Level 18 in two months is completely not a problem!"
"By then, once I complete the achievement quest and take down the Monster Hunter talent..."
Blazing fighting spirit ignited within Lu Li's eyes.
These Longji Mountains were destined to become the stage for his rise!
Chapter 89: 57 Days Later! Luxurious Status Panel!
Over the next two months, Lu Li went on a wild killing spree inside the Longji Mountains.
During the day, he ventured deep into the mountain forests to hunt monsters, and at night, he found a secluded place to rest.
There were no days off, nor was there any extra entertainment.
Occasionally, when encountering freshmen from the same school, he would merely nod from afar before they went their separate ways.
As for that match with the youth training team, he had long since stopped caring about it.
The ears cut from the monsters he had hunted over these past two months alone had completely filled his space ring.
Even the tactical backpack on his back was already more than half full.
On August 26th, only the last three days remained until the end of the two-month mountain special training.
At noon that day, Lu Li had just finished clearing out a group of level 18 gold-tier monsters.
He casually flicked the blood off the blade of his axe and leaned against an ancient tree to regulate his breathing.
Fifty-seven days of slaughter had added a bit of sharpness to his originally somewhat youthful face.
His black combat uniform was stained by demonic beast blood to the point where its original color was unrecognizable.
Yet, a faint layer of golden divine light constantly lingered around his body.
With a movement of his mind, he opened his status panel.
[Name]: Lu Li
[Level]: Level 22
[Class]: Paladin
[Talent]: Child of Light (S+ Grade), Monster Hunter (A Grade), Indomitable Resilience (C Grade), Resilience (D- Grade)
[Four-Dimensional Stats]: Strength: 421.5, Physique: 415.8, Agility: 408.3, Intelligence: 412.6
[Exclusive Skills]: Sanctuary (S Grade, LV1), Hammer of Repentance (B+ Grade, LV3), Light Feather Storm (B Grade, LV5), Chain Lightning (B Grade, LV7), Courage Blessing (C Grade, LV5), Guardian Blessing (C Grade, LV4), Divine Blessing (C+ Grade, LV4), Slow Heal (D+ Grade, LV8), Weapon Blessing (D- Grade, LV7), Tiger Strike (D Grade, LV5), Pure White Blade (D+ Grade, LV6)
[General Skills]: Divine Appraisal Technique (LV3), Sky Strike (E Grade, LV5)
[Body-Forging Skill]: Holy Radiance Immortal Body (S Grade, LV1)
[Special Bloodline]: Angel (S Grade)
"All stats above 400 points..."
Looking at this panel that was so gorgeous it was almost absurd, the corners of Lu Li's mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.
Level 22, and all four-dimensional stats had broken through the 400-point mark!
With these stats, let alone professionals of the same level—
Even many elite professionals at level 26 or 27 would feel ashamed of their own inferiority upon seeing them.
Among them, aside from the comprehensive doubling of experience, stats, and skill points brought by max-level Divine Favor, the system's daily quests also played an indispensable role.
Over the 57 days, the system refreshed all sorts of bizarre daily quests every day.
Sometimes it was killing a specified number of monsters, sometimes it was traveling within a time limit, or sometimes it was cooking a meal.
The rewards included free stats, skill points, and skill books.
That B+ grade Hammer of Repentance came from a skill book issued by the system.
It was precisely by relying on these rewards that his panel had swelled to its current state.
"Right now, my strength is countless times stronger than when I first entered the mountains!"
"At this speed, there shouldn't be many who can stop me at the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament."
Lu Li stretched his wrists and prepared to continue deeper.
Suddenly, a violent commotion came from the jungle ahead!
"Rumble!!"
Heavy footsteps, like muffled thunder, approached from afar.
Countless birds screamed as they soared into the sky, and large swaths of trees were savagely broken and sent flying!
"A demonic beast?"
Lu Li's eyes suddenly lit up.
Far from panicking, he instead revealed an excited smile.
During these two months, he had almost completely wiped out the high-tier monsters nearby.
Right now, his problem wasn't that he couldn't beat demonic beasts, but that he couldn't find any!
Now that a demonic beast was actively delivering itself to his doorstep, he was naturally happy.
"Let's go take a look!"
Lu Li took a step, his entire body shooting like an arrow released from a bow toward the direction of the noise!
...
Meanwhile, on the other side of the dense forest.
A figure of a young girl, in an extremely disheveled state, was fleeing desperately.
The young girl was around eighteen years old, with a tall figure and slender legs.
However, her cyan martial attire was already battered beyond recognition, exposing large patches of snow-white skin.
The fabric at her left shoulder had been torn open with a long gash, oozing bright red blood.
Her head of black hair should have been tied high into a ponytail.
But at this moment, due to the bumps of the slaughter, most of it had come loose, hanging messily behind her.
A few strands of hair were stuck to her cheeks by sweat, making her pale face appear even more cold and stunning.
She was none other than Lin Qingyu.
During the 57 days of special training, her strength had also advanced by leaps and bounds, and she was now a level 19 Sword Princess.
Yet at this moment, this proud daughter of heaven with an S-grade talent was like a prey driven into a desperate corner!
"Roar—!!"
Behind her, a deafening roar exploded like muffled thunder!
A terrifying demonic ape standing fully four meters tall was running on all fours, chasing wildly after her!
The demonic ape was covered all over in black fur like steel needles.
Yet along its spine were strands of silver fur that gleamed with a cold metallic luster under the sunlight.
This was a level 25 diamond-tier monster!
The Silver-Backed Demonic Ape!
With Lin Qingyu's current level 19 strength, if she were at her peak condition, she might still be able to maneuver and stall for a bit.
But half an hour ago, she had just experienced a fierce battle.
She was injured all over, and her mana pool had very little left.
"Hoo... hoo..."
Lin Qingyu's breathing grew increasingly hurried, and her legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead.
She could clearly feel that the distance between the demonic ape and herself was shrinking bit by bit.
Yet her legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead, and her speed slowed down bit by bit.
"I can't escape anymore..."
Lin Qingyu's heart sank.
She had been admitted to Imperial Capital University from Chengdu, and this was precisely the time for her to stretch her limbs and display her talents.
She hadn't even defeated Lu Li yet; how could she fall here?
But her mana had long since bottomed out, and she truly was unable to counterattack.
At this moment, the fishy stench behind her was already close at hand.
A huge shadow enveloped her entire body within it.
The demonic ape leaped high into the air, its two forearms, thick as mountain pillars, raised high.
Carrying the force of ten thousand jun, they smashed down fiercely toward her!
"No—!"
Lin Qingyu's pupils shrank drastically.
Subconsciously, she gripped the sword in her hand tightly, but the energy within her body could no longer be mustered.
Despair!
When truly facing death, she discovered that she would actually be afraid too.
Meanwhile,
within the shadows of the tree canopy less than a hundred meters away from this place,
a figure almost integrated with the darkness was half-crouched on a tree branch.
That was an assassin wrapped all over in grayish-black leather armor, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.
On his cuffs was embroidered an extremely small dragon claw insignia.
Black Dragon Legion, Hidden Assassin Squad.
His mission was to secretly protect this Imperial Universityfreshman before him.
At this moment, Lin Qingyu's life was hanging by a thread, and his hand was already pressed against the dagger at his waist.
"It's time to make a move."
With a stern expression, he was about to make a move.
But at this very instant, a golden figure burst forth from the distance like a meteor!
The person coming wielded a battle axe, with divine light surging around his body—who else could it be but Lu Li?
Chapter 90: Lu Li, run! One-hit kill!
"Lu Li?"
Lin Qingyu subconsciously opened her eyes, and after seeing clearly who had come, her expression suddenly froze.
The next second, her expression changed drastically, and she practically shrieked out:
"Run! Lu Li!
This is a level 25 Diamond-grade monster, the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape! You can't beat it!"
But hearing this, Lu Li merely glanced back at her, a hint of a smile curving the corners of his mouth:
"Rest assured."
As his voice fell, far from retreating,
he instead kicked off the ground and charged head-on toward the terrifying Silver-Backed Demonic Apeplummeting from the sky!
"Lu Li!!"
Lin Qingyu cried out in alarm, her heart leaping straight into her throat.
Far away in the shadows, that Shadow Assassin also furrowed his brows.
"Is this kid crazy?"
He cursed under his breath, his figure already preparing to shoot out.
With his level 36 strength, slaying this Silver-Backed Demonic Ape would be a piece of cake.
But if Lu Li were struck by the demonic ape a step ahead,
even he might not make it in time to rescue him!
However, the very next instant,
facing the terrifying Silver-Backed Demonic Ape pressing down like a mountain, Lu Li simply raised the dawn battleaxe in his hand right away.
"Weapon Blessing."
A low shout rang out.
Golden holy light suddenly burst forth from the axe body.
Like the rising sun, it illuminated the entire jungle in gold!
The patterns on the dawn battleaxe instantly lit up.
Above the axe blade, thousands of golden rays seemed to converge into a single line!
Then, Lu Li slashed out with an axe.
No fancy moves, no complex skills.
It was simply a straightforward axe strike!
"Whoosh——!!"
A radiance of golden axe light, brilliant to the extreme, tore through the sky!
That axe light was swift to the extreme and sharp to the extreme.
The terrifying physical body of the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape, which was enough to withstand Lin Qingyu's full-strength sword qi head-on,
in front of this single axe strike, was actually as fragile as paper!
"Pfft——!"
The axe light plunged in from the crown of the demonic ape's head and burst out from between its crotch!
That mountain-like behemoth stiffened in mid-air for a split second.
The next second, under the stunned gazes of Lin Qingyuand the assassin,
the four-meter-tall body of the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape split right down the middle, dividing into two!
"Boom——!"
The two huge halves of the corpse crashed heavily onto the ground, kicking up skies of dust and splintered wood.
Scalding blood gushed out like a waterfall, dyeing the ground crimson.
One axe strike, a one-hit kill!
[Ding! You have killed the level 25 Diamond-grade monster · Silver-Backed Demonic Ape!]
[Experience points +4,200 (max-level Divine Favordoubled)!]
The entire jungle fell into a dead silence.
Lin Qingyu's mouth dropped open, her beautiful eyes widened into perfect circles, and her entire person froze in place.
"One, one-hit kill?"
She gazed in a daze at that figure standing tall with an axe in hand.
The level 25 Diamond-grade monster, the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape.
That terrifying existence that had driven her into a desperate situation and nearly caused her demise,
was actually killed in a single blow by Lu Li?!
Meanwhile, far away in the shadows,
that Shadow Assassin was also completely stunned at this moment.
The short blade in his hand still maintained the posture of being about to thrust out.
Yet his entire body was as if petrified by a body-freezing spell, stiff in place, unable to snap out of it for a long while.
"What the fuck… is this a level 22 Paladin?"
He swallowed hard, and after scanning Lu Li with Appraisal, his eyes were filled with shock.
As a member of the Black Dragon Legion's Shadow Assassin squad,
he had carried out countless assassination and rescue missions and considered himself well-traveled and knowledgeable.
Yet a level 22 Paladin killing a level 25 Diamond-grade monster with a single axe strike?
This was simply sheer fantasy!
"Level 22, and he has this kind of strength… Is this kid even human?"
After quite a while, he finally snapped back to reality.
Taking one last look at that upright figure holding the axe in the arena,
and then glancing at the corpse of the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape split into two,
he let out a low exclamation of amazement, and then his figure flickered.
His entire person became like a drop of ink melting into water,
silently sinking into the shadows behind him, leaving not a trace behind.
His mission was to protect Lin Qingyu in secret.
Since the crisis had already been resolved, naturally there was no need for him to continue showing himself.
However, the scene just now was something he had to report truthfully.
"Swish——"
In the arena, Lu Li casually flicked his battle axe.
The scalding demonic ape blood remaining on the blade
traced a crimson arc in the air and splattered entirely onto the ground.
He turned around, looked at Lin Qingyu, whose complexion was still somewhat pale, and asked:
"Are you alright?"
"I'm…"
Lin Qingyu instinctively opened her mouth to speak.
But before she could even finish half her sentence, her legs went soft.
Her entire body uncontrollably slumped down toward the ground.
The overwhelming oppressive feeling from the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape's chase just now had been simply too strong.
She had relied entirely on a single breath to forcibly sustain her escape, and her mental state had remained taut to the extreme.
The moment she suddenly relaxed now,
that taut string snapping naturally caused her whole body to lose all strength.
"Careful!"
Lu Li was quick-witted and fast-handed, taking a stride forward and reaching out to gently support her.
Lin Qingyu's delicate body immediately trembled slightly.
She could clearly feel that large hand resting firmly against her waist.
Through her clothes, the scalding temperature of that palm was being continuously transmitted through the fabric.
Her waist was originally extremely sensitive.
Being supported like this made her whole body feel as though she had been jolted by electricity.
Lu Li was also slightly taken aback.
This waist…
How is it so soft?
It was completely different from what he had imagined.
Lin Qingyu's figure belonged to the slender and tall type, and her waist was clearly outlined by her warrior garb to be extremely graceful and slim.
Yet when actually touched, it was as soft as a lump of fine cotton.
No, even softer than cotton.
As if with a gentle pinch, one could sink their entire palm right into it.
That tactile sensation was like stroking a piece of warm, soft jade.
It possessed both the delicate smoothness of jade and the astonishing elasticity unique to a young girl's skin.
Even though Lu Li had lived through two lifetimes and possessed a Resilience far surpassing ordinary people,
at this moment he couldn't help but inwardly praise it in his heart, and then he spoke:
"You've consumed too much energy, don't rush to move."
"Th-, thanks…"
Lin Qingyu, who had always been as cold and detached as a sword, when had she ever had such intimate contact with a member of the opposite sex?
At this moment her voice instantly dropped lower, and her expression was also somewhat unnatural.
Lu Li didn't say much more, supporting Lin Qingyu with one hand.
Then he raised his hand and casually cast a skill toward her.
"Slow Heal."
A cluster of soft green light welled up from his palm, gently enveloping Lin Qingyu entirely inside it.
Those life energies were as fine as silk,
drilling into her tattered clothes and quickly infiltrating her scarred body.
"Mn~"
Lin Qingyu couldn't hold it back and let out a soft moan.
That voice was both light and soft, carrying a laziness and satisfaction that she herself hadn't even noticed.
She could no longer care about losing her composure, because this felt too comfortable.
It was simply too comfortable!
She only felt as if her entire body were now soaking in a pool of warm spring water.
The exhaustion and soreness and weakness throughout her body were all dissipating at a speed visible to the naked eye.
It felt so good that she almost wanted to close her eyes and fall into a deep sleep.
But right at this moment, a slight itchiness suddenly came from her left shoulder.
That itchiness wasn't uncomfortable; instead, it felt like the unique sensation when a wound was scabbing over.
Lin Qingyu instinctively turned her head to look.
The next second, her entire person was stunned.
She saw that ferocious wound on her left shoulder
actually wriggling, closing up, and scabbing over at a speed visible to the naked eye under the envelopment of the green light!
The torn skin and flesh were healing at breakneck speed!