Chapter 116: Struck Gold! A- Rank Holy Light!
"I'm done."
Lin Qingyu straightened up, taking several deep breaths before she finally managed to steady her rapid breathing.
"You're a complete monster. There's not even a sliver of a chance of catching up to you."
She bit her lower lip, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and genuine admiration.
Back in Chengdu, she was an undisputed prodigy.
Even after arriving at Imperial Capital University, when facing Shen Chuyou, who was stronger than her, she still had the confidence to try to catch up.
Yet Lu Li was the sole exception.
This guy was an outright freak!
No matter how hard she worked, the gap between them only grew wider and wider!
Lu Li smiled and didn't reply.
Stepping forward, he raised his hand and tapped Lin Qingyu lightly.
"Slow Heal."
A gentle green radiance surged from his palm.
Like a spring stream, it gently enveloped Lin Qingyu.
It seeped into her exhausted body.
"Mm~"
Lin Qingyu couldn't help letting out a soft whimper.
The sound was soft and delicate, laced with a laziness and satisfaction she hadn't expected from herself.
There was nothing she could do—it simply felt far too comfortable.
She felt the soreness and fatigue all over her body dissipating at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Her aching arms gradually regained sensation, and her limp legs regained their strength.
"The effect of your Slow Heal is getting more and more ridiculous."
Lin Qingyu narrowed her eyes comfortably, like a cat having its fur stroked.
In barely ten-odd seconds, she had already mostly recovered.
Pausing, she asked curiously,
"Why don't you use sword-type weapons? Why do you always use a battle axe?"
At those words, Shen Chuyou and Bai Yuqing looked over curiously as well.
"Sword weapons?" Lu Li froze for a moment.
"Yeah."
Lin Qingyu nodded, her gaze falling upon the dawn battleaxe in his hand, her tone filled with confusion:
"You're already so formidable with a battle axe. If you switched to a longsword, you'd definitely be even stronger!"
"Yes, exactly! With your reaction speed and close-quarters combat skills, the way of the sword is the path that suits you best."
As she spoke, a fervor unique to sword cultivators appeared in her eyes:
"Although a battle axe is heavy and powerful, in battles between top powerhouses, it ultimately lacks the agility and versatility of a sword."
"Lu Li, you really should consider trying a different weapon."
"That actually makes some sense," Lu Li mused.
He had used a battle axe because he had originally planned to follow a pure support path.
He occasionally needed to act as a heavy warrior.
To help share the pressure with his teammates, he had chosen a battle axe.
It was heavy, struck hard, and allowed him to both tank and deal damage—it was just right.
Later, as his strength grew greater and greater, his fighting style had long since changed.
He was merely accustomed to using the battle axe and hadn't thought about switching anytime soon.
Yet now, he was no longer that pure support who could only heal.
"Let's talk about it after the exchange tournament ends."
Lu Li smiled. "I'll ask my teacher then."
"Okay."
Lin Qingyu smiled radiantly, her cold, pretty face instantly lighting up:
"If you ever need advice on swordsmanship later, you can come find me.
Even though I can't beat you, I can still offer you a pointer or two when it comes to the way of the sword."
"Sure."
Lu Li didn't decline and nodded earnestly.
Seeing him agree, Lin Qingyu seemed to be in an even better mood.
"Captain, Captain! I want to fight you too!"
By this time, Bai Yuqing was itching to have a go, her big eyes sparkling.
"You?"
Lu Li looked her up and down.
"Come back when you can beat Lin Qingyu."
"Captain!"
Bai Yuqing stomped her foot in exasperation.
Yet she also knew she couldn't even defeat Lin Qingyu, so naturally she stood no chance against Lu Li.
She had just acted on a whim.
Quickly, her eyes rolled around, and she turned to Shen Chuyou.
"Sister Shen, why don't you spar with the captain?"
Lin Qingyu turned her head as well, her beautiful eyes looking at Shen Chuyou, clearly intrigued.
Shen Chuyou shook her head, her long silver-white hair swaying gently.
"I'm a mage. I can't unleash my full strength in this training room."
Most of her spells possessed startling destructive power, especially her area-of-effect magic.
Although this training room spanned four hundred square meters, it was still too cramped for her.
"True."
The realization dawned upon everyone.
A mage's combat style differed from melee classes.
Once she went all out, let alone this training room, the entire villa might be torn down.
"Fine then."
Bai Yuqing stuck out her tongue and stopped clamoring.
The three stayed at Lu Li's place for a while longer.
They chatted about their opponents in the exchange tournament and discussed what they had seen and heard at Modu University.
It wasn't until half an hour later that they stood up to leave.
"Lu Li..."
Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing had already walked out the door.
Walking at the rear, Shen Chuyou suddenly halted and turned to look at Lu Li.
"What is it? Something else?" Lu Li asked, puzzled.
"Nothing."
Shen Chuyou hesitated, looking as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately swayed her slender figure and departed.
"Why does Shen Chuyou feel a bit strange?" Lu Liwondered.
However, he didn't dwell on it and went back to completing his daily quests.
He had originally planned to cast more skills while battling Lin Qingyu.
Unexpectedly, he hadn't needed to use a single skill at all.
Relying purely on his physical stats and axe techniques, he had completely suppressed Lin Qingyu.
Soon, one soft green light after another illuminated the living room.
Over ten minutes later, the hundredth Slow Heal was finally cast.
[Ding! Congratulations on completing the daily quest: Cast skills one hundred times!]
[Quest completed! Drawing random reward...]
[Congratulations, you have obtained the skill book: Holy Light (A- Rank)!]
[Claim now?]
"An A- rank skill book? Holy Light?"
Lu Li was momentarily stunned before his eyes flared with excitement.
"Holy crap! I struck gold!"
Unable to wait, he immediately chose to claim it.
A skill book entirely golden in color materialized out of thin air before his eyes.
Engraved on its cover was an emblem of a sun radiating Holy Light.
A mere glance filled one with a soothing warmth.
With a sweep of Divine Appraisal Technique, all the information became crystal clear.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host on successfully learning the new skill: Holy Light (A- Rank)!]
[Holy Light (A- Rank): Condenses the power of Holy Light to summon a divine pillar of light, rapidly healing the target's injuries and cleansing some negative status effects.]
"A healing skill! It can rapidly heal injuries!"
The grin on Lu Li's face grew increasingly radiant.
What he lacked right now was precisely this kind of high-rank instant healing skill.
Although Slow Heal had low mana cost and a fast cooldown, it was only a D+ rank skill after all.
Its healing output was limited, making it feel inadequate in the face of severe injuries.
And Holy Light filled this very shortcoming!
Without hesitation, Lu Li immediately chose to learn it.
Buzz—!
The golden skill book transformed into a beam of light and plunged between his eyebrows.
Countless techniques regarding the application of Holy Light instantly became second nature in his mind.
"Not bad. System products truly are top quality!
Ordinary skill books require self-study first, followed by spending skill points to level them up.
Yet this requires no studying at all, nor does it even cost initial skill points—I mastered it directly!"
Lu Li's eyes shone brightly. With a shift of his thought, he raised his hand and cast a Holy Light on himself.
Boom!
A resplendent golden pillar of light crashed down from above his head!
As thick as an arm, the pillar of light was entirely condensed from the purest Holy Light.
The instant it descended, it dissolved into countless minute motes of golden light.
Like the descent of Holy Light, it enveloped his entire being.
Warm, solemn, sacred.
The sensation felt as though an invisible pair of hands was gently cradling him, bathing him in the warm spring sun.
The negligible fatigue left from his spar with Lin Qingyujust now was washed away completely in an instant.
In its place was strength so abundant it almost overflowed.
His mind was clear as never before.
Every single muscle across his body was packed with explosive power.
Even the power of Holy Light within him had become denser and purer than before!
"Is this the effect of an A- rank healing skill?"
Feeling the changes within himself, Lu Li couldn't help inhaling sharply.
Strong!
Far too strong!
This healing effect was faster than Slow Heal by leaps and bounds!
"What a great skill!"
He couldn't help but nod.
If he had possessed this Holy Light back during their special training in the mountain range,
then when Lin Qingyu was chased and grievously wounded by the Silver-Backed Demonic Ape,
a single cast of Holy Light from him would have brought her back to full health on the spot!
Moreover, he could sense that this Holy Light seemed to carry a trace of purifying power.
If cast on teammates afflicted with debuffs, it could probably act as a cleanse.
"With this skill, my sustain will reach another level!"
Feeling elated, Lu Li cast Holy Light on himself several more times.
Only after thoroughly figuring out the skill's cooldown and mana consumption did he stop, still wanting more.
Mana was tied to the Wisdom stat and one's level.
He was currently Level 24, and his Wisdom stat was terrifyingly high.
Yet even so, his mana pool was only enough to cast Holy Light six times.
"Makes sense. Rank A skills can usually only be learned and cast by second-advancement classes above Level 30.
I'm still a long way from second advancement, so being able to cast Holy Light six times is already terrifying."
Lu Li let out a soft breath.
Next, rather than leaving, he continued to train in the training room.
With the exchange tournament imminent, improving by even a fraction gave them an extra chance of victory.
By noon, Song Wanqiu had still not returned.
Lu Li checked the time and sent another message to his teacher.
Before long, Song Wanqiu replied:
"I still have some matters to discuss here. Take the team to eat first."
"Modu University arranged a dedicated dining hall for contestants. It's five hundred meters east of your residential area."
"Understood, Teacher."
Lu Li replied, then posted a message in the team chat:
"Everyone hungry? Let's go, I'll take you guys to check out Modu University's cafeteria!"
As soon as the message went out, the group chat instantly exploded with excitement.
Bai Yuqing replied in a flash: "Yay!! Long live the Captain!"
Chu Nan: "I've been starving for ages!"
Fang Yan: "Roger that!"
Shen Chuyou: "Okay."
Lin Qingyu: "On my way."
A few minutes later, everyone had gathered at the intersection of the villa area.
Lu Li led the party of eight, striding grandly toward Modu University's dining hall.
Chapter 117: Taunting Us Before the Match? Do You Even Deserve To?
The exclusive restaurant designated for the villa area wasn't far from the living quarters.
When Lu Li and his group walked in, they realized it was even livelier than they had imagined.
The restaurant consisted of only one floor, decorated with lavish magnificence.
A massive crystal chandelier hung from the domed ceiling, illuminating the entire hall brightly.
The air was filled with the mouthwatering aromas of various delicacies, whetting everyone's appetite.
It was mealtime, so quite a few people were already seated inside.
Everyone present was a contestant in this exchange competition.
They were the pride of heaven from the top ten universities across the country.
Dressed in their respective university uniforms, they sat in small groups of two or three.
Some were buried in their meals, some were talking loudly, and others were quietly discussing the upcoming matches.
Lu Li swept his gaze across the room, a hint of surprise quickly surfacing in his eyes.
He noticed that quite a few students here bore distinct physical traits of special bloodlines.
A petite girl walked past Lu Li.
Atop her head stood a pair of furry cat ears.
The cat ears were light brown, twitching gently from time to time, looking playful and adorable.
Behind her, a slender cat tail swayed lightly.
Her entire being exuded the lazy grace of a spirit cat.
"She possesses the Spirit Cat Bloodline," Shen Chuyoumurmured softly.
Lu Li nodded.
He had heard of this bloodline before.
The Spirit Cat Bloodline could significantly boost its possessor's agility and perception.
They were natural-born assassins.
Looking further to the side,
a tall young man was looking for a seat while holding a food tray.
Trailing behind him was a fluffy silver fox tail.
The tail was over a meter long, pure silver-white without a single blemish.
"Silver Fox Bloodline," Lin Qingyu's gaze narrowed slightly.
The Silver Fox Bloodline granted extremely potent psychic talents.
They made ideal candidates for illusionists or psychic mages.
Besides them, there were those with scales on their foreheads, or eyes of unnatural colors.
One after another, the favored darlings blessed with special bloodlines were gathered inside this restaurant.
"Sure enough, not a single person who made it here is a pushover."
Lu Li mused inwardly.
Just as they were observing the dining hall,
the others in the restaurant noticed their arrival as well.
"It's the people from Imperial Capital University!"
"That must be Lu Li, right? Imperial Capital University's captain this year!"
"A Paladin as captain? What's going on with Imperial University this year?"
"…"
Everyone present was an elite student from top institutions.
Although they were somewhat stunned by Lin Qingyu and Shen Chuyou's looks and figures,
most of their attention was focused on strength.
Especially on the team captain, Lu Li.
His profile had long been reviewed countless times by every university team.
However, because Song Wanqiu had locked down the training results,
all they knew was that Lu Li had performed as the primary carry in the Freshman Grand Competition.
But that posed a question.
If Lu Li was the primary carry, then Imperial Capital University's official team truly lacked a support and a tank!
Without those two roles, the team was essentially crippled by half.
"Yo, isn't that Imperial Capital University?
With this year's lineup, I doubt you can even beat us. Are you about to get knocked out of the top three by us?!"
As everyone wore varying expressions, a somewhat casual voice suddenly rang out.
The voice wasn't particularly loud, but everyone present was a class holder around Level 20.
Their senses far surpassed ordinary people's, so they heard it crystal clear.
At once, the entire restaurant fell dead silent.
Imperial Capital University had indeed ranked third in recent exchange competitions.
But even so, it was still a top university!
Which of the Big Three universities didn't hold a transcendent status?
No one had ever dared mock them so openly!
But when they saw who had spoken, their surprise faded.
"It's Yunjing University!"
"Oh, it's them. No wonder."
"Tsk, tsk, they certainly have the confidence to be arrogant."
"They've taken fourth place several years in a row. They must be hell-bent on toppling Imperial University this year."
"There's a good show to watch now."
"…"
At the table where the voice had come from, everyone wore white uniforms, the cloud-patterned school insignia on their chests glinting with silver light.
Leading them was a short-haired young man with an arrogant smirk plastered across his face.
Confronted by numerous eyes, he didn't shrink back at all, instead grinning widely:
"What? Am I wrong?
This year, our Yunjing University is definitely taking a spot in the top three!"
Yunjing University!
A premier university second only to the Big Three!
If Imperial Capital University had been the perpetual third place in recent years, then Yunjing University was the perpetual fourth!
In fact, during previous exchange competitions,
Imperial Capital University had nearly lost to Yunjing University several times.
The bad blood between the two sides had festered for a long time.
This year, Yunjing University had returned with a vengeance.
Yunjing University's captain clearly intended to give Imperial Capital University an intimidating show of force before the matches even began.
"Damn it! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Bai Yuqing was the first to flare up, glaring fiercely at the other party with her watery, bright eyes:
"A perpetual fourth-place dare make wild boasts in front of us? Who gave you the courage?!"
Lin Qingyu's pretty face turned cold, wind elements faintly swirling around her.
Even the ever-indifferent Shen Chuyou knitted her brows slightly.
Her silver-gray eyes calmly swept toward Yunjing University's table, an undisguised chill flashing within them.
Chu Nan, Fang Yan, and the others also glared with fury.
The atmosphere instantly became tense and hostile.
Yet the short-haired young man refused to back down, sneering:
"What? Getting triggered over a couple of words? Is this all the magnanimity Imperial Capital University has?"
"You!"
Bai Yuqing stomped her foot in rage, but right then, Lu Lisuddenly waved his hand.
Bai Yuqing and the rest instantly quieted down.
That instantaneous discipline stirred the hearts of many onlookers.
Lu Li shifted his gaze toward Yunjing University's captain.
That look contained not a shred of excess emotion.
Yet that featherlight glance caused the short-haired youth's smile to freeze on his face.
He felt an indescribable pressure crash over him.
That gaze was as calm as looking at a noisy stray dog by the roadside.
It was not contempt, but total, absolute disregard.
It was as if the provocation he had meticulously prepared
did not even qualify to be taken seriously in the other's eyes.
Lu Li looked down at him, his voice not loud, yet clear enough for the entire hall to hear:
"Just a bunch of defeated foes. Do you even have the right to bark before the match?"
"You!!"
The short-haired youth's face instantly twisted with rage and humiliation.
It was true.
No matter how much they shouted, losing to Imperial Capital University previously was an indisputable fact.
"Seems you have nothing more to say."
Lu Li shook his head and led his group deeper into the restaurant.
After taking two steps, he seemed to remember something and turned back to add indifferently:
"By the way, I hope you can repeat what you said today when we face each other in the match."
The format of the team tournament meant every team would fight against each of the other nine teams once.
Therefore, there was no chance of missing each other.
Imperial Capital University had stayed quiet for too long in recent years.
Any random nobody dared to jump out and mock them to their faces now.
Only when the matches actually began would Yunjing University learn the true meaning of despair.
"Humph! Acting so high and mighty!"
Only after Lu Li's group had walked far away did the short-haired youth break free from that inexplicable sense of oppression.
His face turned ashen as he snorted coldly:
"'Repeat it on the day of the match'? We'll see who ends up crying when the time comes!"
...
In a corner of the restaurant, two teams sat quietly at several tables.
At the table on the left, everyone wore deep purple uniforms, with a silver crescent moon embroidered on their cuffs.
They were the reigning champions, Modu University.
Leading them was a handsome young man.
He was around eighteen or nineteen years old, with fair skin, gentle features, and a faint, lingering smile at the corner of his lips.
"Interesting."
Putting down his chopsticks, he cast his gaze in the direction of Lu Li's group:
"Imperial Capital University's captain this year has quite the presence."
"Brother Ling, how strong is that Lu Li? Can you read him?" a team member beside him asked in a low voice.
The young man addressed as Brother Ling was Modu University's captain this year—Gu Lingyun.
Possessor of an S-Rank Talent, Level 23, Magic Swordsman.
"Can't see through him."
Gu Lingyun shook his head.
"However, someone who can be chosen as Imperial Capital University's captain and command those geniuses won't be simple."
Pausing, he chuckled softly:
"Shen Chuyou and Lin Qingyu aren't the types to easily submit to anyone."
"Especially Shen Chuyou."
Beside him, another team member chimed in quietly:
"She's direct lineage of the Imperial Capital Shen Family, with the S-Grade Elemental Body.
Our Modu University admissions office tried to recruit her multiple times, but got rejected every time.
Yet with just a wave of Lu Li's hand, she reined in her aura."
"Indeed."
Gu Lingyun nodded slightly, the intrigue in his eyes growing even deeper:
"It seems Imperial Capital University's bizarre lineup this year might not be as pathetic as the outside world claims."
...
Meanwhile, at the other table,
everyone wore blue-and-white uniforms, the chest embroidered with a verdant mountain shrouded in mist.
It was the reigning runner-up, Jiangnan University!
Jiangnan University's captain was a heroic-looking girl with a high ponytail.
Her name was Ye Jinghong, eighteen years old, possessor of an S-Rank Talent, a Sword Master.
Her striking face radiated sharpness, carrying a bold aura that conceded nothing to any man.
"Imperial Capital University's team this year is rather out of the ordinary."
Ye Jinghong propped her chin on her hand, looking at Lu Li's group with a half-smile.
"Captain, what do you mean by that?" a baby-faced boy nearby asked curiously.
"Isn't it obvious?"
Ye Jinghong rolled her eyes:
"The Yunjing bunch talked big today.
When match day comes, Lu Li will definitely beat the crap out of them.
Believe it or not, Yunjing is going to be beaten into questioning their very existence this year."
"That might not be the case. Yunjing really isn't weak this year," the baby-faced boy scratched his head.
"Not weak?"
Ye Jinghong scoffed. "Among those who can make the top ten, which team is weak?
But look closely at the reaction of Imperial Capital University's crew: Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing...
Every one of them was furious to that extent, yet stopped immediately just because of Lu Li's gesture.
Not a shred of hesitation, not a single word of doubt.
That kind of discipline and internal authority isn't something ordinary teams can achieve."
She paused, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly:
"In a team, the stronger the captain's authority, the stronger the team's combat effectiveness."
Hearing this, the members of Jiangnan University fell into thoughtful silence.
Ye Jinghong cast a final glance toward Yunjing University's table and sneered:
"As for that bunch from Yunjing University, sticking their faces out to be slapped before the match has even started—they're truly stupid beyond measure."
Chapter 118: All Eyes on Them! Opening Ceremony of the Exchange Tournament!
October 1, 3089.
Today was Yanlong Country's annual National Day.
At the same time, it was also the day the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament officially kicked off!
The weather was fine, with clear skies and not a cloud for ten thousand miles.
It was barely past eight in the morning on the open ground of Imperial Capital University's residential quarters.
Eight figures were already lined up in neat formation.
Lu Li stood at the very front of the team, his black-gold Epic-grade equipment gleaming with a cold metallic sheen in the morning light.
Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, Chu Nan, and three substitutes.
All of them had donned their equipment, looking spirited and brimming with a suppressed, restless battle intent.
Three months of hellish special training had all been for this day!
A moment later, a gentle and graceful figure approached unhurriedly.
Song Wanqiu was still dressed in her white instructor uniform, exuding an aura of elegance and dignity.
Yet today, her expression bore a touch more solemnity than usual.
She stopped before the team, her gaze sweeping across the nine young faces, and parted her red lips:
"All present!" everyone answered in unison.
Song Wanqiu nodded slightly, then continued:
"Before the tournament begins today, there is something I must tell you in advance.
This year, the national resources allocated to major universities have increased by fifty percent compared to last year!"
As soon as these words were uttered, a slight commotion rippled through the ranks.
Lu Li's pupils contracted slightly as well.
National resources were the bedrock upon which major universities relied for their survival and development.
Song Wanqiu looked around at everyone and continued:
"Every year, major universities across the country receive massive amounts of resources from the state.
But how are resource shares determined? Who gets more, and who gets less?
It depends entirely on whether the students you teach are strong enough!
And how is'strong enough' defined?
This exchange tournament is one of the key indicators!"
Her tone grew increasingly solemn:
"Therefore, this tournament is not only about honor, but even more about resources!"
Hearing this, everyone's expressions turned grave.
"I have already heard about what happened yesterday at noon."
Song Wanqiu let out a cold snort, an uncommon chill surfacing on her gentle face:
"If this were the past, how would a mere Yunjing Universitydare provoke us?
It is simply because we have stayed dormant for too long!"
She abruptly raised her voice:
"This year, we will reclaim all the glory that belongs to us!
Let them know that Imperial Capital University is the sole and ultimate powerhouse!"
"Yes—!"
Including Lu Li, everyone responded in a resounding roar like rolling thunder.
Song Wanqiu nodded in satisfaction, then waved her hand:
"Set out!"
With that, she turned first and led the team with large strides toward the tournament venue.
...
At this moment, the campus of Modu University was already in full uproar.
Less than half an hour remained before the opening of the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament.
Across the campus's main thoroughfares, promotional banners and colorful flags spread far and wide.
Innumerable small camera drones darted back and forth midair, broadcasting the scene live onto the network.
The nationally synchronized live stream had already started warming up half a month ago.
Today, with the tournament officially beginning, the online viewer count in the live broadcast rooms surged wildly, nearing one hundred million!
"Thirty minutes left until the opening ceremony begins!"
"Modu University, Imperial University, Jiangnan University—into whose hands will this year's exchange tournament championship fall?"
"Will Modu University successfully defend its title, will Imperial Capital University make a king's return, or will Jiangnan University take another step forward?"
"Let us wait and see!"
"..."
Commentators, streamers, and reporters held their microphones, their voices high and impassioned.
On social media, related topics had long since dominated the top trending searches, generating staggering levels of buzz.
As the venue for the exchange tournament, it naturally spared no expense.
What Modu University had prepared for this tournament was a super-massive coliseum.
Forged entirely from silver-white alloy, the entire arena resembled a colossal egg lying across the earth when viewed from afar.
Atop the dome, runes flowed, radiating dazzling luminescence.
Its interior stands were large enough to accommodate two hundred thousand spectators!
Even so, tickets were still nearly impossible to obtain!
It was said that outside the arena, even a ticket for the most remote seat had been inflated to astronomical prices by scalpers.
When Song Wanqiu led Lu Li and the others through the competitors' tunnel and into the arena,
they were all left slightly dizzy by the overwhelming clamor that assaulted their ears.
As far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere.
Hundreds of thousands shouted, cheered, and applauded, sound waves crashing like a tide that threatened to blow the dome off.
"Imperial Capital University! Imperial Capital University!"
"Modu University! Modu University!"
"Jiangnan University—!"
The cheering squads from various universities rose and fell one after another, whipping the entire coliseum into a boiling frenzy.
"There really are too many people."
Lu Li could not help but marvel inwardly.
The surface area of the Blue Star was ten times that of his previous life.
Correspondingly, Yanlong Country's territory was astonishingly vast.
Its population reached a staggering twelve billion!
The National University Exchange Tournament was a nationwide spectacle in the truest sense.
A mere two hundred thousand tickets was indeed far from enough.
Those who managed to snag tickets and enter were without exception both wealthy and lucky.
Naturally, the vast majority of spectators could only watch the live stream in front of their screens.
Under Song Wanqiu's lead, Lu Li and the others soon arrived at the competitors' waiting area.
The waiting area was located along the inner edge of the venue, in a specifically partitioned zone.
At this moment, the teams from the other nine universities were already gathered here in full force.
Modu University, Jiangnan University, Yunjing University, Chuanshu University, Northwest University...
Ten teams each occupied their own section, clearly separated from one another.
An invisible tension and the faint scent of gunpowder permeated the air.
When Imperial Capital University's squad arrived, many teams cast varied looks in their direction.
There was scrutiny, apprehension, curiosity, and also undisguised hostility.
Especially from Yunjing University's side.
The short-haired youth leading them spotted Lu Liimmediately, a sneer curling at the corner of his lips.
Lu Li, however, did not spare them even a single glance.
His gaze merely lingered briefly on the squads from Modu University and Jiangnan University before pulling back.
"Lu Li, I leave the rest to you."
Song Wanqiu looked at Lu Li and said.
The instructors from each university were required to enter the instructor observation area.
In all subsequent stages, instructors could not participate, nor could they discuss tactical combinations with their teams.
This was both a test of the team's independence and a verification of the captain's leadership ability.
"Alright, go ahead, Teacher."
Lu Li nodded.
Song Wanqiu was also well aware of this student's steady nature.
Without hesitation, she strode off on slender legs toward the instructor observation area.
...
In the waiting area, no one was in the mood for pleasantries.
All teams silently awaited the arrival of that pivotal moment.
Time ticked by second by second.
Soon, the clock pointed to nine o'clock sharp.
"Dong—!"
A deep, distant toll of a bell suddenly resounded through the entire coliseum!
That chime seemed to carry a strange, wondrous power.
As it rang out, the previously raucous and boiling arena miraculously fell dead silent.
Two hundred thousand people held their breath at the exact same time.
The next second,
a massive holographic screen unfurled slowly in the center of the arena, like an expansive painting spanning the sky.
Mountains, rivers, peaks, and endless lands all came into view across the screen.
Melodious, solemn music began to play, immersing the entire venue in an atmosphere of dignity and surging passion.
A spotlight shone down, and the host stepped through the air, landing steadily in the center of the arena.
He was a middle-aged man clad in a silver-white suit, his sonorous voice reverberating throughout the arena:
"Audience members, distinguished guests! Competing contestants!"
"Welcome to the scene of the 103rd National College Freshman Exchange Tournament."
"Next, let us invite the ten competing teams to enter in sequence from lowest to highest, according to their rankings in the previous tournament!"
As his voice fell, a tsunami of cheers instantly erupted from the stands.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Beams of spotlights descended, illuminating the competitors' entrance tunnel brightly.
The first to enter was the tenth-ranked university.
Accompanied by the host's introduction, the promotional graphic of that university appeared on the central holographic screen.
They were a relatively ordinary team among the ten.
Yet to have reached this stage, they were by no means weaklings.
Right after came ninth place, eighth place, seventh place...
Team after team entered in single file, escorted by the spotlights.
Every step they took landed amid thunderous applause.
As each squad entered, their school's promotional image surfaced synchronously on the screen.
Some featured blazing infernos, some bone-chilling frost, some coiling thunder dragons, and some myriad swords chiming together.
Promotional graphics, domineering or sharp, fully exhibited the unique style of each school.
The cheers from the audience also grew louder with every wave.
"Entering now is the third-place finisher of the previous tournament—"
The host paused, his voice abruptly rising:
"Imperial Capital Vocational University!"
As one of the top three elite universities,
Imperial Capital University's appearance instantly ignited the passions of the entire audience!
In the stands, countless people in the section belonging to Imperial Capital University stood up at once.
Black-and-gold flags waved wildly, and waves of cheers crashed down like rolling mountains and oceans!
"Imperial University! Imperial University! Imperial University—!"
At the same time, the holographic projection in the center of the arena shifted abruptly!
It was a black-gold colossal sword piercing the heavens!
The giant sword broke through the cloud sea and surged skyward; upon its blade,
golden dragon patterns were coiled, with every single contour bursting with blazing holy light.
Beneath the colossal sword stood the millennium-old campus gates of Imperial Capital University.
Above the gate, clouds churned, bathed in ten thousand rays of golden radiance.
The entire promotional image was fierce and domineering, as if a single swing could shatter the firmament!
This magnificent imagery, coupled with the suddenly impassioned war drums, sent tingles across the scalp of everyone present!
Lu Li also felt the blood throughout his body boiling at this moment.
He turned his head to look at his teammates beside him.
Bai Yuqing clenched her fists tightly, her baby face filled with excitement.
Chu Nan breathed heavily, his eyes slightly reddening.
Within Shen Chuyou's silver-gray eyes danced a rare, burning fervor.
Lin Qingyu's gaze was equally fiery, filled with anticipation.
"Let's go."
Lu Li took a deep breath and straightened his back.
Taking a stride forward, he led Imperial Capital University's squad straight into that blinding radiance!
This was the highest stage in the nation!
This was the battlefield for which they had trained relentlessly for three months!
"Imperial University—! Imperial University—! Imperial University—!"
The cheers of two hundred thousand people boiled over completely at this moment!
Once they took their positions, the host's voice rang out once again:
"Next up, the second-place finisher from the previous tournament—Jiangnan University!"
Ye Jinghong led Jiangnan University onto the stage, gallant and spirited, greeted by a tide of cheers.
Then came the final grand finale.
"Finally, let us welcome—the defending champions, Modu University!"
"Bang—!"
Before his voice even died away, the atmosphere in the arena exploded completely!
The cheers were ten times, a hundred times louder than any that had come before!
Modu University was fighting on home ground, and they were the reigning champions.
Their promotional graphic depicted a colossal demonic dragon coiled beneath a purple moon.
Its dragon wings eclipsed the sky, demonic energy surging wildly, domineering over all under heaven!
Captain Gu Lingyun walked at the very front of the squad, smiling as he waved to the spectators in the stands.
The overwhelming clamor nearly ruptured everyone's eardrums.
"Is this the treatment a champion receives? I'm really envious."
Standing in the center of the field, Lin Qingyu and the others could not help but look on with a trace of envy.
"Don't worry. In this exchange tournament, the final cheers will belong only to us."
Lu Li grinned, his smile radiant and brimful of confidence.
Chapter 119: Astounding Championship Rewards! Imperial University vs. Yunjing University!
All ten teams had entered the arena.
Inside the 200,000-seat stadium, cheers surged in relentless waves, echoing without end.
"Honored audience, esteemed contestants!"
The host's booming voice rang out clearly across every corner through the amplification array.
"Before the competition officially begins, I shall first announce the reward plan for this Exchange Tournament!"
The moment those words were spoken, the entire arena instantly fell quiet.
Rewards were always what everyone cared about most.
Even these proud prodigies from top universities couldn't help but perk up their ears.
Clearly skilled at stoking anticipation, the host paused deliberately before slowly speaking:
"First, the rewards for the team tournament."
"Every official member of the championship team will receive an S-grade resource!"
"Whoa—!"
An uproar instantly swept through the venue!
S-grade resources!
Those were treasures that many professionals might never lay eyes on in their entire lifetimes!
A single S-grade resource was enough to completely transform an ordinary genius.
It could even directly raise a professional's ceiling!
And now, every single member of the championship team would get one!
"My god! S-grade resources? Are you serious?!"
"One for each person? That's insane generosity!"
"Didn't last year's champions only get A+ resources? It's multiplied several times over this year!"
"The country really spared no expense this time!"
"..."
Up in the stands, countless spectators chattered excitedly.
Down in the center of the arena, many of the competing contestants wore looks of pleasant surprise as well.
Especially the team from Modu University.
They clearly considered the team championship already in the bag.
The host seemed very pleased with the crowd's reaction, waiting a few more seconds before continuing:
"Next, the rewards for the solo tournament."
"The champion of this tournament's solo event will receive a Level 22, +16 Legendary ring!"
"In addition to its attribute bonuses, it also includes 50 cubic meters of storage space!"
The moment the announcement fell, a wave of noise far more explosive than before erupted across the venue!
"A +16 Legendary ring?!!!"
"Did I hear that right? +16?!!!"
"For Legendary equipment, the difficulty of each enhancement level grows exponentially! In all of Yanlong Country, there can't be more than a handful of +16 Legendary rings!"
"That's no longer just equipment—that's an heirloom treasure!"
"Insane, absolutely insane! 'Generous' doesn't even begin to describe this year's rewards—this is downright unhinged!"
"..."
The spectators in the stands widened their eyes, faces filled with utter disbelief.
Legendary equipment was extraordinarily rare to begin with.
And enhancement level was an even more critical benchmark for determining an item's true value!
A +16 treasure was something even deeply rooted great clans might not be able to produce!
On the arena floor, the reaction from the ten competing teams was even more intense than the spectators'.
Almost every contestant's breathing grew ragged.
As top prodigies, all of them had encountered Legendary equipment to some degree.
But a +16 Legendary item was in an entirely different league!
Even Shen Chuyou's silver-gray eyes lit up with a rare gleam.
Hailing from the Imperial Capital Shen Family, it wasn't as though she lacked Legendary gear.
Yet even as a direct descendant of the Shen Family, she had never possessed a +16 Legendary item.
Looking out at the boiling stadium, the host's smile broadened further.
"For the team champions, an S-grade resource per person!"
"For the solo champion, a +16 Legendary ring!"
"The solo runner-up and third-place finisher will also receive generous corresponding rewards!"
"The full list of prizes will be posted shortly on the tournament's official website for everyone to view!"
Once the roar subsided slightly, the host pivoted:
"Next, I shall announce the tournament format!"
"For the team tournament, the ten universities will compete in a single round-robin points system!"
"Each team must play one match against every one of the other nine universities!"
"A total of forty-five matches!"
"Five team matches will be held each day across a total of nine days!"
"During the team tournament, solo matches will be interspersed throughout!"
"The entire Exchange Tournament is expected to last roughly twenty days!"
"Ultimately, the team with the highest point total will be crowned the team champion!"
"The solo tournament will use a knockout elimination format to crown the ultimate Solo King!"
As his voice trailed off, another wave of heated discussion rippled through the stadium.
"Nine days of team matches, twenty days for the entire exchange... That really is a long schedule."
Lu Li calculated rapidly in his head.
This schedule tested not just a team's combat prowess, but even more so their endurance and tactical depth.
"All right! The format announcement is complete!"
The host suddenly raised his voice, carrying an undercurrent of excitement he could hardly suppress:
"Next comes the most thrilling moment of the day!"
"The first match of the team tournament is about to begin!"
"Now, let the random draw commence!"
With those words,
the names of the ten teams began scrolling at breakneck speed across the holographic screen in the center of the arena.
School names flashed past in dizzying succession.
All 200,000 spectators fixed their eyes in unison on that massive screen.
The contestants of the ten teams held their breath in rapt attention.
"Stop!"
The host gave the command!
The scrolling names on the screen abruptly froze!
"Imperial Capital University!"
"Versus—"
"Yunjing University!"
The instant those two names appeared side by side on the screen, the entire stadium fell dead silent for a brief second.
Immediately after, an explosive roar erupted, louder and fiercer than any cheer before!
"Imperial Capital University against Yunjing University!"
"Holy crap! A grudge match right out of the gate!"
"Imperial University and Yunjing—those two are bitter old rivals!"
"..."
In the stands, countless spectators grew electric with excitement.
Who could have imagined that the very first match would be such a blockbuster showdown?
Imperial Capital University had come in dead last among the top three universities for three consecutive years.
Yunjing University had placed fourth for several years running, eyeing that third-place throne with predatory ambition.
The two teams were already sworn enemies.
No one expected them to clash head-on in the very first match!
The drama couldn't have been cranked any higher!
"Imperial Capital University, Yunjing University, will both teams please proceed to the prep areas!"
The host waved his broad hand, his voice booming like a great bell.
Lu Li slowly turned around, his gaze cutting across the arena floor to fall upon Yunjing University's team.
The captain of Yunjing University was that same short-haired youth from yesterday, Fang Tianrui.
At that moment, Fang Tianrui was looking right back at Lu Li.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, his eyes laden with provocation.
"Those guys from Yunjing University really never learn their lesson, do they?"
Bai Yuqing ground her teeth in irritation at the sight.
"No rush."
Lu Li retracted his gaze, the faint smile on his lips only deepening.
"Don't they want to prove themselves?"
"Then let's show the entire country just how vast the gap between them and us truly is!"
Chapter 120: You Two Take on Their Whole Team! The Formidable Lin Qingyu!
"Imperial University versus Yunjing University! The very first match is already this intense!"
"Heh, Imperial University has an all-DPS lineup this year. Their team composition has quite a glaring flaw."
"Indeed. This is probably Yunjing University's best chance in years to make the top three."
"...">
The spectators buzzed with discussion, and teams from the other major universities also turned their eyes toward the center of the arena.
A grudge match between Imperial Capital University and Yunjing University, and the opening battle of this exchange tournament to boot.
This match drew almost everyone's attention in the venue.
Up in the stands, supporters of Imperial Capital Universityand Yunjing University were already shouting at the top of their lungs.
"Imperial University will prevail!"
"Yunjing! Knock Imperial University off their high horse!"
"...">
Lu Li's expression remained calm as he led his team slowly onto the central arena stage.
The stage was enormous, entirely paved with a grayish-white, exceptionally hard mineral stone.
Spanning five hundred meters wide and five hundred meters long, it was several times larger than an ordinary university training ground.
Around the ring, a faint blue magical barrier had already risen, separating the battleground from the stands.
The two teams took their positions, standing two hundred meters apart.
On Lu Li's side, all five official members looked completely at ease.
In contrast, the five from Yunjing University, led by Fang Tianrui, wore rather grave expressions.
Bold as their previous words had been, now that they were truly on this stage facing Imperial Capital University,
they still harbored deep apprehension in their hearts.
"I will be serving as the referee for this match."
Just then, a clear, crisp voice rang out from midair.
The crowd looked up to see a middle-aged woman in teal robes floating in the air.
A ring of pale teal airflow swirled beneath her feet, displaying her exquisite mastery of Levitation.
She was none other than the match referee, a 3rd Turn Wind Mage.
"Special announcement: Peak 3rd Turn Priests and a professional medical team are on standby throughout the entirety of this tournament."
"Therefore, do not hold back. Simply fight with all your might. Even if you die, we can bring you back."
The referee's voice was not loud, yet it echoed clearly across the entire arena.
Lu Li raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
Even death could be reversed?
That completely relieved him of any lingering concerns.
"Both teams, prepare yourselves!"
"Three... two... one... begin!"
"Bang—!"
With the referee's command, the atmosphere in the arena instantly erupted!
Yet, once the match began, Yunjing University did not launch an attack.
The five of them stood rooted to the spot like nails, maintaining a tight, disciplined formation.
The Shield Warrior took the vanguard, the Priest held the center, and Fang Tianrui flanked alongside another warrior on either side.
At the very rear was their Mage, who had already begun chanting a spell.
Clearly, despite their fierce trash talk earlier,
when the clash actually began, they were still extremely cautious against Imperial Capital University.
"Tsk, and here I thought they'd be something special. Turns out they're just this?"
Bai Yuqing curled her lips, her eyes full of disdain.
Turning to Lu Li, she asked in a crisp voice,
"Captain, how are we playing this?"
"Simple."
Lu Li smiled faintly and turned his gaze to Lin Qingyu.
"One person is enough. Lin Qingyu, you go."
"Me?"
Lin Qingyu froze slightly, a flicker of surprise passing through her beautiful eyes.
But she didn't question it, simply nodding obediently.
"Okay."
"Lin Qingyu alone?"
"Holy crap, Imperial University's captain is way too arrogant!"
"That's Yunjing University! How can one person fight an entire team?"
"...">
An amplification array was active on the field, carrying Lu Li's voice clearly across the entire arena.
As soon as his words fell, an uproar broke out across the venue.
"Damn, Imperial University isn't taking Yunjing seriously at all!"
"I know Lin Qingyu—S-Rank Talent, Sword Danseuse class—but one person taking on a whole team is just absurd!"
"What is Lu Li doing? As captain, he doesn't step up first, but sends his teammate to feed?"
"...">
In the stands, countless spectators chattered in disbelief.
In the preparation area, the teams from other universities showed varied expressions of shock and intrigue.
Modu University's Gu Lingyun raised his eyebrows, a trace of amusement flashing in his eyes.
"Interesting."
Jiangnan University's Ye Jinghong directly burst out laughing.
"Haha, I knew it! This Lu Li never plays by the book."
Over in the faculty viewing area, the leading instructors from each school also turned their heads in astonishment.
Song Wanqiu sat upright in her seat. Seeing this, she merely smiled slightly without saying a word.
Since she had chosen Lu Li as captain, she wouldn't interfere with any of his decisions.
On the arena stage.
The five members of Yunjing University were momentarily stunned, before their expressions collectively darkened.
"Lu Li! You've gone too far!"
Fang Tianrui's expression changed drastically as the magical battle aura around him surged wildly!
The Shield Warrior in front of him roared like a tiger, slamming his heavy shield ruthlessly into the ground.
The other members' fury flared up as well.
Yet even so, their formation did not break.
The Shield Warrior remained planted at the front, while the Mage continued channeling his spell in the back.
Strictly in terms of tactical discipline, this Yunjing University squad was indeed far stronger than those of previous years.
"Hmm, that does seem a bit like bullying."
Lu Li observed their reaction, pondered for a moment, and then turned to Bai Yuqing.
"Then you go with her."
"Yay!"
Bai Yuqing nearly jumped for joy.
She had long been annoyed by this bunch from Yunjing University.
Getting to personally beat them up was exactly what she wanted.
Only then did Lu Li begin buffing them.
He raised his right hand and tapped his glabella lightly.
Hum—!
An exceptionally pure holy light surged explosively from within him!
The holy light was dazzling, yet not blinding.
Instead, it carried a soothing warmth and majesty that calmed the spirit.
Courage Blessing! Guardian Blessing! Divine Blessing! Weapon Blessing!
Four buff skills split into two streams, descending upon Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing simultaneously!
After breaking through to Level 24, the skill points invested into his buffs had increased as well.
Now, he could cast them on two targets at once, which worked out perfectly.
Amidst the swirling holy light, a faint golden halo enveloped both Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing.
The circulating halos resembled two sets of resplendent holy armor, making the two young women look like valkyries descending upon the mortal realm.
The entire arena fell silent for a brief moment.
"Such pure holy light!"
"How do these buffs feel even stronger than a Priest's?"
"Good grief, just how many points did this Paladin put into support skills?"
"...">
Countless spectators in the stands were stunned by the sight.
And just as everyone marveled, Lin Qingyu moved.
Leaning forward, teal wind elements exploded violently beneath her feet!
"Whoosh—!"
Lin Qingyu shot toward Yunjing University's formation like a bolt of teal lightning!
Her speed was already astonishing.
But now, amplified by Lu Li's buffs, it reached a truly terrifying level!
All the crowd saw was a teal-and-gold streak skimming swiftly across the ring floor.
Her long, slender legs exhibited breathtaking explosive power and grace as she sprinted at high velocity.
Every step she took landed with precision and lightness, as though she were treading on water.
In the stands, countless spectators stared wide-eyed.
"So fast! My eyes can barely track her!"
"Those long legs are just incredible!"
"Don't just stare at her legs! Look at her sword!"
"...">
Amid the clamor, the Mage in Yunjing University's backline finished his chant.
Thrusting his staff forward, a massive Fireball roared into existence!
Sized like a washbasin and bearing scorching heat, the Fireball hurtled straight toward Lin Qingyu's face!
Immediately after came a second, then a third!
Arranged in a triangular formation, the three Fireballs sealed off every possible route for Lin Qingyu to dodge!
The Mage had clearly come prepared!
Yet, Lin Qingyu merely tilted her head slightly.
"Swish—!"
The first Fireball grazed past her strands of hair.
Lightly tapping her toes, she flipped midair as the second Fireball brushed past her waist.
For the third, she did not bother dodging—she simply raised her sword and slashed!
"Chsssh—!"
A teal arc of sword aura cleaved forth like lightning, slicing the Fireball apart in midair!
"What?!"
The Mage's pupils constricted.
His Fireball had received numerous skill points, making its power far superior to others of the same level.
Yet it had been cut down by a single slash of her sword?
Before he could even react, Lin Qingyu had already arrived before Yunjing University's formation.
The heavy-armored warrior bellowed, raising his heavy shield to charge forward and intercept her!
"Get the hell back!"
Battle aura surged furiously from his body into the shield, causing it to glow with a thick, earthy-yellow radiance.
The Shield Warrior B+ Rank skill: Immovable Mountain!
"Heh."
Lin Qingyu merely scoffed.
The longsword in her grip cleaved down without any flair!
"Clang—!!!"
Sword met shield with an earth-shattering metallic crash!
Immediately afterward, an unbelievable scene unfolded before everyone's eyes.
"Crack—!"
That heavy shield renowned for its defense—
in full view of the crowd, was cleaved clean in half by Lin Qingyu's single strike!
"Pfft—!"
The momentum of the sword remained unspent as it struck heavily against the heavy-armored warrior's chest!
A wound deep enough to expose bone tore across his body, stretching from his left shoulder down to his right abdomen!
Blood spurted out like a geyser!
Without even managing a scream, the heavy-armored warrior was sent flying backward!
"Thud—!"
He slammed heavily into the ground dozens of meters away.
After rolling several times, he failed to get back up.
Silence.
The entire arena instantly fell into a dead silence!
One strike!
Just a single strike!
Yunjing University's Shield Warrior couldn't even withstand one slash from Lin Qingyu!
"Holy shit!!!"
"An insta-kill?! She one-shot a Shield Warrior?!"
"That was a Level 20 Shield Warrior! A class built purely for defense!"
"Broke the shield and grievously wounded him in one strike? Just how strong is Lin Qingyu?!"
"...">
In the stands, the spectators erupted completely.
Heavy-armored warriors were meant to soak up damage for their team.
If they couldn't even take a single hit, how were they supposed to play?
In the preparation area, the teams from the other universities were equally dumbfounded.
Even Gu Lingyun had wiped the smile from his face, his brows furrowing slightly.