Chapter 121: An Assassin Fighting a Warrior Head-On?! What Kind of Ridiculous Buff Is This!
On the arena.
"Damn! How can she be this strong?!"
Fang Tianrui, who had come to Lin Qingyu's side and was just about to strike, constricted his pupils, his expression turning unimaginably ugly.
He had originally thought that with a Shield Warrior's defense, he could stall Lin Qingyu for at least a moment.
Yet he never expected that in a single exchange, his pride-and-joy defense line would collapse!
"Quick! Priest! Heal the Shield Warrior!"
Fang Tianrui suddenly turned his head and roared at the priest in the back.
"Priest? Sorry, your priest is already about to be gone."
Right at that moment, a crisp voice suddenly rang out from the center of the team.
That voice was brisk and sweet, yet it carried an icy intent to kill.
"Damn it, there's another assassin!"
Fang Tianrui's heart shook violently, and he abruptly turned to look.
He saw that Bai Yuqing's petite figure had somehow already sneaked right into the exact center of their team!
"Backstab."
Bai Yuqing opened her red lips slightly.
The dagger in her hand, like a viper's fangs, fiercely stabbed toward that priest's heart from behind!
That priest had only just managed to turn around at this moment.
A priest was the absolute key within a team!
Therefore, Yunjing University's protection of him was extremely comprehensive.
On his body, not only was there a Magic Shield given by the mage, but also a layer of his own Light-type shield.
With the two layers of shields overlapping, his defense far exceeded those of the same level.
There was even a trace of certainty on his face.
How could an assassin possibly pierce through two layers of shields?
However, the next second, his smile froze on his face.
"Pfft—!"
That dagger pierced through the two layers of shields with the force of a bamboo being split!
The Magic Shield shattered at the sound, and the Light-type shield disintegrated as if it were made of paper!
The dagger's momentum did not decrease, accurately piercing his heart!
"Ugh...!"
That priest widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief.
"How is this possible?!"
He lowered his head to look at the blood continuously gushing out from his chest.
His lips moved, but in the end he couldn't say anything, and he collapsed limply.
"No—!!"
Fang Tianrui's eyes turned blood-red, letting out an extremely furious roar.
A single exchange.
Merely a single exchange!
The opponent had taken down two of their team members!
"Being distracted in battle is not good."
A cool and melodious voice suddenly rang out beside Fang Tianrui's ear.
That voice was extremely soft, even carrying a hint of composure.
Yet falling into Fang Tianrui's ears, it was like the whisper of the Grim Reaper!
"Not good!"
His pupils shrank drastically, and the hairs all over his body stood on end.
Almost purely on instinct, he violently urged his battle Qi, wanting to retreat.
However, it was already too late.
Lin Qingyu's tall and slender figure had somehow appeared by his side like a ghost.
The cyan longsword carved out an incomparably fierce arc, slashing straight down!
"Water Light Shield!"
The mage in the back reacted extremely quickly, waving his staff.
An azure Magic Shield instantly enveloped Fang Tianrui's body.
That was the bottom-of-the-box lifesaving skill of Yunjing University's mage, a B-rank Water Light Shield!
It had already been upgraded to LV3!
Its defense was extremely strong, and it also came with a certain effect of deflecting force.
However, Lin Qingyu didn't even spare that Water Light Shield a glance.
Her wrist flicked, and the cyan longsword suddenly blossomed with a dazzling sharpness!
"Space-Rending Slash!"
The cyan sword Qi slashed across the air like a streak of silk!
Even the air was torn open with a visible crack beneath this sword stroke!
That seemingly resilient Water Light Shield, in front of this sword Qi,
was unexpectedly like paper, instantly torn into two halves!
"Pfft—!"
Blood splashed everywhere!
Fang Tianrui's entire body was sent flying backward by this sword strike.
At his chest, a bone-deep wound ran diagonally from his shoulder to his waist.
The longsword in his hand flew out of his grasp, heavily crashing onto the arena dozens of meters away.
"Captain!"
The mage's expression changed drastically.
But Fang Tianrui had already heavily crashed to the ground, struggling a few times before being unable to get back up.
By this point, three of Yunjing University's five team members were already gone.
On the field, only one mage and one warrior remained.
"Damn it!"
That warrior's eyes were blood-red, battle Qi surging wildly all over his body.
"Even if we are going to lose, I will make you pay a price!"
He abruptly turned his head, his scarlet gaze locking onto Bai Yuqing.
An assassin, a squishy assassin!
As long as they drag one down with them, Yunjing University wouldn't lose too miserably!
"Die!"
The warrior roared angrily, raising his greatsword, and like an enraged beast, he charged violently toward Bai Yuqing!
He was over one meter eighty tall, with muscles knotted all over his body.
The greatsword in his hand was even a bit wider than Bai Yuqing's waist.
The momentum of this charge was like a heavy armored chariot, crushing the arena floor into slight tremors!
In the spectator stands, many viewers cried out in exclamation.
"That warrior has gone mad!"
"Bai Yuqing, hurry and dodge!"
Logically speaking, as a squishy assassin,
facing the frontal charge of a greatsword warrior, she should evade.
Yet Bai Yuqing not only didn't dodge, but instead a trace of an excited smile appeared on her baby face.
"Well timed!"
Her petite body suddenly sank.
Then, a scene that left everyone dumbfounded occurred.
She actually went straight forward to meet him, taking her dagger to fight the greatsword warrior head-on!
"Clang—!"
The dagger and greatsword collided fiercely, sending sparks flying in all directions!
Bai Yuqing's petite body only shook slightly, actually forcibly taking that immensely powerful strike!
"What?!"
That warrior's eyeballs were practically popping out.
This sword strike of his was a blow infused with all of his battle Qi!
Under normal circumstances, let alone an assassin,
even a warrior of the same level would suffer a considerable loss if they took it head-on!
Yet the little loli before him, who looked like she wasn't even as tall as his chest, didn't retreat even half a step!
"Heh, is that all your strength?"
Bai Yuqing giggled and flipped her wrist.
The dagger slid along the greatsword's blade toward the warrior's wrist.
"Rip—!"
A bloody gash was instantly sliced open at the warrior's wrist.
Overwhelmed by the pain, he instinctively pulled back his sword to retreat.
But how could Bai Yuqing give him the opportunity?
Her figure lowered, and her whole body, like an agile leopard, darted close to the ground toward the warrior's flank!
"Pfft pfft pfft—!"
Another triple stab!
Every strike accurately pierced the weakest position of the warrior's defense.
Blood gushed out like a torrent.
The warrior retreated repeatedly in pain, his face full of shock and reluctance.
He, a dignified Level 20 warrior, was actually being suppressed and beaten by an assassin!
Furthermore, it was in a head-on clash!
Thus, the audience witnessed a shocking scene.
An assassin with a petite figure was fighting head-on against a one-meter-eighty warrior wielding a greatsword.
Not only did she not fall behind, but she even beat the warrior back step by step!
"No way, am I hallucinating?"
"An assassin fighting a warrior head-on and completely taking the upper hand?!"
"Oh my god, just how much strength does that little loli have?"
"Where is this an assassin? This is clearly a Berserkerwearing an assassin's skin!"
"What on earth is going on with Imperial Capital University this year? One Sword Maiden instantly kills a Shield Warrior, and one assassin suppresses a warrior?"
"What the hell is the point of fighting anymore!"
"..."
In the spectator stands, the two hundred thousand viewers watched in utter bewilderment.
Especially the professional class audience members, whose eyeballs were practically falling out one by one.
An assassin's role definition was high burst, high mobility, and a squishy body.
To clash head-on with a warrior was the ultimate taboo among taboos!
Yet Bai Yuqing not only clashed, she even won the clash!
This completely subverted their cognition!
In the preparation area, the expressions of the teams from the other universities changed drastically.
Many of them recognized that warrior from Yunjing University.
His frontal combat power was definitely not weak.
Yet at this moment, he was beaten by an assassin with no power to fight back!
Modu University's Gu Lingyun furrowed his brows slightly, his gaze looking toward Lu Li becoming increasingly solemn.
"It's a buff."
He spoke in a low voice, his tone carrying a trace of unnoticeable apprehension.
"What?" The teammate beside him was startled.
"That layer of golden light on Bai Yuqing's body."
Gu Lingyun slowly said, "That's not just some decoration.
Her strength, physique, and agility have all been reinforced by Lu Li to an extremely exaggerated degree.
That's why she can contend head-on with a warrior."
"Reinforced to the extent of contending head-on with a warrior?"
The teammate gasped, "Just how strong must that buff be?"
"At least... a single attribute increase of over two hundred points."
Gu Lingyun said in a deep voice.
As soon as these words came out, the entire Modu University team shook.
A single attribute increase of over two hundred points?
Is that still a support skill?
That's practically cheating!
Over at Jiangnan University.
Ye Jinghong's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her heroic and compelling face filled with solemnity:
"It seems Imperial University's team doesn't lack a support; rather, Lu Li *is* the support!"
She had previously guessed that Lu Li was not simple.
But seeing Bai Yuqing's changes with her own eyes still made her heart sink.
"If we face them, we must eliminate Lu Li at the very first moment."
Ye Jinghong decisively decided, "Otherwise, fighting them will be very difficult."
The other teammates nodded one after another, their expressions solemn.
Outsiders watch the spectacle, insiders watch the technique.
Just from this first match, they could already tell.
Imperial Capital University this year is definitely not simple!
Instructor viewing area.
The team-leading teachers from various schools couldn't sit still anymore either.
"Teacher Song, what on earth is the background of your team captain?"
"A single buff can let an assassin be used as a warrior? This is too outrageous!"
"Imperial University sure is hiding deep this year."
"..."
Facing the inquiries of the various teachers, Song Wanqiuonly smiled slightly, neither explaining nor denying it.
Her gaze fell upon that tall and straight figure on the arena, her beautiful eyes filled with gratification and pride.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Even she hasn't seen the full extent of Lu Li's true strength yet!
On the arena.
Bai Yuqing was having a blast playing.
Lin Qingyu walked over with her rounded and slender legs.
Her tone was cool, carrying a hint of helplessness as she said:
"Stop playing around, finish the battle quickly."
"You got it!"
Bai Yuqing giggled.
The next second, her figure suddenly flickered.
"Phantom Step!"
Three afterimages appeared simultaneously, indistinguishable between true and false!
That warrior's pupils constricted, and his greatsword swept horizontally, but it only cleaved apart an afterimage.
Meanwhile, Bai Yuqing's true body had already circled around to his back.
"Backstab!"
The dagger stabbed out like a viper, accurately sinking into the warrior's heart from behind!
"Ugh...!"
The warrior's body stiffened, his eyes filled with reluctance, and finally he collapsed to the ground with a loud thud.
At the same time, Lin Qingyu had already arrived in front of that mage.
That mage had long since been frightened pale, retreating repeatedly, and even his chanting became stuttered.
"Y-You, don't come over!"
He tremblingly raised his staff, wanting to make a final struggle.
But Lin Qingyu didn't even give him the chance to speak, directly slashing out with a sword!
"Slash—!"
Sword Qi broke through the air, and that mage's staff broke in response.
His entire person was also blown flying by the aftershock of the sword Qi, heavily slamming into the magic barrier at the edge of the arena.
"Bang—!"
He slid down to the ground and had no movement left.
By this point, Yunjing University's five official team members were completely wiped out!
As for Imperial Capital University over here, Lu Li hadn't even stepped foot into the battlefield once!
Chapter 122: 2v5 Team Wipe! The Title of the Strongest Support!
"They actually pulled it off!"
In the back, Chu Nan, who had been serving merely as the cheering squad, could not help but exclaim in shock.
A faint gleam of wonder flashed in Shen Chuyou's beautiful eyes as well.
Subconsciously, she glanced at the tall, upright figure beside her.
Others might not know, but she understood better than anyone.
Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing were certainly not weak.
However, to be strong enough for just the two of them to wipe an entire team was entirely due to Lu Li's buffs.
Those seemingly simple rays of holy light were the true key to this absolute slaughter!
Meanwhile, Lu Li had already stepped forward.
He approached Fang Tianrui, looking down condescendingly at the blood-drenched captain of Yunjing University.
A faint smirk curved at the corner of his lips:
"Looks like you won't get the chance to say you're replacing us in the top three after all."
"You...!"
Fang Tianrui's eyes widened in fury.
Already severely injured in the chest, the overwhelming rage and humiliation surged straight to his head.
He opened his mouth, but could not squeeze out a single word.
In the end, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out cold on the spot.
"All five members of Yunjing University have lost the ability to battle!"
"Match concluded! Match duration: 1 minute and 48 seconds! Victory goes to Imperial Capital University!"
1 minute and 48 seconds!
Against a top-four university squad.
Imperial Capital University had ended the battle in just 1 minute and 48 seconds!
And that was with only two members fighting!
Boom—!
Following a brief, dead silence, the entire arena instantly erupted!
"They won! Imperial Capital University won!"
"Just over a minute! With only two people, they completely wiped Yunjing University!"
"Holy shit, Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing are way too overpowered!"
"No, did you guys miss it? The truly terrifying one is Lu Li!"
"Exactly! Lu Li only cast a few buffs from beginning to end and didn't even lift a finger!"
"What god-tier buffs are those to let an assassin clash head-on against a greatsword warrior?!"
"…"
In the stands, cheers, gasps, and discussions intertwined into a deafening roar.
In the preparation zones, the other competing teams were also visibly shaken.
They had guessed that Imperial Capital University might win.
Yet none of them expected it to be so effortless, such an absolute steamroll!
A team of two, in barely over a minute, without losing a single person, had straight-up wiped the opposition!
This could no longer merely be described as "strong."
This was a complete dimensional crush!
Among everyone present, the most thrilled were undoubtedly the spectators in the stands cheering for Imperial Capital University.
"It's back!"
"That unstoppable Imperial University is finally back!"
"Imperial University! Imperial University! Imperial University!"
"Do you see this?! This is the true Imperial Capital University!"
"Three years! We've waited three whole years for this day!"
"Let's go, Imperial University! Bring home the championship!!"
"…"
Black-and-gold banners fluttered frantically in the stands, surging like a rolling black ocean.
Countless senior students, alumni, and even professionals who had graduated years ago from Imperial University...
...felt their eyes welling with tears.
Three whole years. Imperial Capital University had lagged behind the top three for three full years!
They had endured three years of stifling frustration!
Today, this young team had finally let them witness once more the Imperial Capital University that once looked down disdainfully upon all competitors!
The Imperial Capital University that belonged at the very top as champions!
In the center of the ring.
Lu Li led his four teammates, waving to the Imperial University supporters in the stands.
Golden holy light and black-and-gold uniforms complemented each other, casting a dazzling brilliance over the five young figures.
"This is only the beginning,"
Lu Li murmured softly.
His gaze swept over the boiling sea of people, coming to rest upon the preparation zones of Modu University and Jiang University.
Yunjing University was merely an appetizer. The real opponents were Modu University and Jiangnan University.
...
The splendid opening battle between Imperial Capital University and Yunjing University...
...served as a brilliant start to the National University Exchange Tournament.
The team tournament schedule spanned nine days, featuring five team matches each day.
Following Imperial Capital University's match, none of the remaining battles ended so quickly.
Almost every match averaged over an hour, with some even dragging into a grueling two-hour stalemate.
Just like that, it was not until four in the afternoon that the first day's matches finally concluded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes all the matches for today!"
"Let us once again congratulate the five victorious teams, and thank all the contestants for their outstanding performances!"
"Tomorrow at nine in the morning, the tournament continues!"
The host's voice echoed across the entire venue, marking the conclusion of the first day's events.
The various participating teams began filing out of the arena one after another.
Guided by staff members, Lu Li led the Imperial Universitysquad toward the contestants' tunnel.
Yet before they had taken more than a few steps, deafening screams erupted from both sides of the walkway.
"Goddess Lin! Beautiful Fencer! Can you sign an autograph for me, please?"
"Imperial University! Imperial University!"
"Lu Li! Lu Li! Look over here!"
"Little Bai! You're so adorable!"
"Shen Chuyou! Goddess!"
"…"
Both sides of the tunnel were already packed tight by frantic spectators.
As one of the top three institutions, Imperial Capital University already enjoyed massive popularity.
Having just pulled off the stunning feat of a 2v5 sweep today...
...they became all the more sought-after, with frenzied fans clamoring for autographs every step of the way.
Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing in particular saw their fan counts skyrocket after this single match.
Had security guards and magical barriers not held the crowd back, these people would have likely surged forward long ago.
"Holy crap, this crowd is terrifying!"
Chu Nan shrank his neck back, having never witnessed such a scene in his life.
"If we got trapped in there, I bet they'd even strip the clothes off our backs."
Lu Li also felt his scalp tingle slightly.
He finally understood why the school had arranged dedicated contestant tunnels.
Otherwise, the mob would truly drown them alive!
"Hurry, hurry! Let's get out of here!"
Even the normally spirited Bai Yuqing was feeling thoroughly overwhelmed, ducking behind Lu Li in a flash.
Fortunately, the staff cleared the path ahead.
The group managed to pass smoothly through the tunnel and board the private vehicle heading back to the accommodation area.
Only upon returning to the villa district did everyone finally breathe a genuine sigh of relief.
"Phew! Finally made it back!"
Bai Yuqing plopped down onto a roadside bench, patting her chest with lingering fear:
"That was insane! Those fans are even more ferocious than monsters!"
Chu Nan nodded in heartfelt agreement: "I felt like I was about to get squished into a meat pie."
"Good thing we had the contestant tunnel,"
Lu Li remarked with feeling.
Though he had only been an ordinary gamer in his past life, he had seen plenty of fanatical fans on the internet.
Experiencing it firsthand, however, was a first.
Right then, a petite, charming figure suddenly sprang out from the side.
"Junior Lu Li! Congratulations on winning your first match!"
Startled, everyone turned their heads to look.
Shen Moli stood there with a beaming smile.
Behind her followed several other young youths.
She wore a black dress today, accentuating her radiant and striking appearance even further.
The ample curves on her chest remained astonishing, swaying gently with her movements.
"Senior Shen Moli?"
Lu Li was slightly surprised. "Why are you here?"
Wasn't Shen Moli supposed to stay back at school? Why had she come all the way to Modu University?
"We're the cheering squad!"
Shen Moli's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled:
"Specially organized by the university to come cheer and support you guys!"
"Cheering squad?"
Lu Li paused momentarily.
He genuinely had no idea the school had made such an arrangement.
"Yes, Moli is the leader of the cheering squad."
Just then, a gentle voice sounded from nearby.
Song Wanqiu had walked over at some point.
Dressed in a white instructor's uniform, she carried an aura of elegance and poise.
Yet between her brows lingered an unmistakable trace of joy, far more evident than usual.
"Imperial Capital University has always had a cheering squad.
They travel alongside the team for the exchange tournament every year; they just departed a day later than us."
Song Wanqiu explained softly, "The match just ended, and seeing them arrive with their group, I had them come straight over."
"So that's how it is."
Only then did Lu Li realize.
No wonder the massive crowd of Imperial Universitysupporters in the stands earlier...
...had chanted their slogans so synchronously. It turned out Shen Moli had been leading and organizing them all along.
"You guys fought amazingly today!"
Shen Moli stepped up to Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing, generously giving them a thumbs-up:
"Back during our batch's tournament...
...we nearly lost to Yunjing University. You guys really helped vent all that frustration for us today!"
With that, she turned to Shen Chuyou and added:
"Xiao You, you did great too! Even though you didn't take the stage today, your presence was simply unmatched!"
Hearing Shen Moli call her 'Xiao You', Bai Yuqing and the others were somewhat surprised.
None of them expected this aloof S-rank mage to have such an adorable nickname.
"Cousin, could you please stop calling me Xiao You?"
A hint of helplessness surfaced in Shen Chuyou's silver-gray eyes.
"Aww, we're family, what's there to be shy about!"
Shen Moli giggled, then turned back to look at Lu Li:
"Junior Lu Li, you've completely blown up today!"
The moment the match ended, the video of your opening battle shot straight to number one on the trending searches!
Everyone online is talking about you right now, calling you the'Strongest Support in History'!"
Nobody was a fool.
While Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing were formidable, it was glaringly obvious that Lu Li's buffing skills had carried the day.
Consequently, it was not just the two girls who shot to fame online today.
Even Lu Li, the team captain, had gone entirely viral.
"Strongest Support?" Lu Li chuckled wryly.
That title was certainly amusing.
Song Wanqiu also smiled warmly at Lu Li, her beautiful eyes brimming with gratification:
"Well done. This first match has firmly reestablished Imperial Capital University's prestige."
"Dinner's on me tonight. Let's all go out to eat."
"No alcohol, though."
"Yay! Teacher's treating!"
"We've got to feast!"
"Long live Teacher Song!"
Everyone cheered in celebration.
And so, led by Song Wanqiu...
...Lu Li and his teammates, along with Shen Moli and the cheering squad...
...a lively group of over a dozen people headed outside Modu University's campus.
Song Wanqiu picked a relatively upscale restaurant near Modu University.
The private dining room was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the entire party.
Once everyone was seated, exquisite dishes were promptly served one after another.
Modu cuisine leaned toward the sweeter side, quite different from the flavor profile of the Imperial Capital.
Having grown accustomed to the campus cafeteria, everyone welcomed the change of taste and dug in with relish.
Bai Yuqing in particular polished off three bowls of rice all by herself, leaving the others utterly flabbergasted.
"Bai Yuqing, were you a starving ghost in your previous life?"
Chu Nan could not resist teasing.
"Mind your own business! Fighting today burned a ton of energy!"
Bai Yuqing mumbled back defensively, her cheeks puffed full of food.
"You only fought for less than two minutes..." Chu Nanmuttered under his breath.
"What did you say?!"
"N-Nothing!"
A burst of laughter rippled through the room.
Shen Moli stifled a giggle beside them.
Sitting right next to Shen Chuyou, she occasionally placed food into her cousin's bowl.
Though Shen Chuyou maintained her usual cool exterior, she did not refuse, quietly eating her meal.
Chapter 123: Imperial University's Winning Streak! The Individual Tournament Begins!
Lu Li sat beside Song Wanqiu.
During the meal, Song Wanqiu did not say much more about the tournament.
She simply told everyone to relax and enjoy their food.
After all, there were still eight full days of competition ahead, and maintaining their condition was more important than anything else.
By the time they finished eating, it was already eight in the evening.
The cheer squad members stood up one after another to say their goodbyes.
"Good luck in tomorrow's matches, juniors! We'll be there in the stands cheering for you again!"
"That's right! Imperial University will surely win!"
"Do your best!"
After the cheer squad left,
Shen Moli stayed behind, planning to spend the night with Shen Chuyou.
"Xiao You, I'm sleeping with you tonight!"
Shen Moli took Shen Chuyou's arm and leaned affectionately against her.
"Okay."
Shen Chuyou's face remained impassive, but she did not refuse.
Lu Li could not help finding the sight rather amusing.
Between the cousins, one was as fiery as flame, while the other was cold as frost.
The contrast was striking, yet inexplicably harmonious.
After returning to the residential area,
Song Wanqiu did not have them rest right away, but instead led everyone to her villa.
"Come to the living room, everyone. Let's have a brief meeting," Song Wanqiu said.
She retrieved a holographic projection device from her space ring and placed it on the coffee table.
Seeing this, Lu Li and the others gathered around and took their seats.
Soon, a blue holographic screen unfolded in the center of the living room.
Densely packed across it was the full schedule for the exchange tournament.
"The schedule for all matches is out."
Song Wanqiu lightly tapped the light screen with her slender finger.
The tournament bracket for all ten universities clearly appeared before everyone's eyes.
"Most of our upcoming opponents are of average strength."
Song Wanqiu pointed at the matchup chart on the screen and said slowly,
"There are only two truly tough battles."
Her fingertip swept across the screen and finally stopped on two university names.
"The match against Jiangnan University is on Day 7."
"The match against Modu University is on Day 11."
Hearing this, everyone's expressions turned serious.
"These two teams are our real competition."
Song Wanqiu looked at Lu Li, her tone solemn.
"Ye Jinghong of Jiangnan University hails from the Beijing Ye Family. She has an S-Rank Talent and is a Sword Master. Her strength cannot be underestimated."
"Gu Lingyun of Modu University has an S-Rank Talent and is a Magic Swordsman. He is equally formidable."
"Their strength is more than a cut above today's Yunjing University."
"If we want to win the championship, these two teams will be our greatest obstacles."
Pausing, she added:
"You don't need to pay much attention to the other matches; once you finish fighting, you can leave.
However, you must keep a close eye on the matches of Modu University and Jiangnan University."
Lu Li nodded to show his understanding.
"Don't worry, Teacher. We'll make their matches our primary focus of study."
"Mm."
Song Wanqiu nodded, then looked at the group.
"Our opponents over the next few days are relatively weak.
End your battles as quickly as possible to conserve stamina. The real hard battles lie ahead.
In addition, registration for the individual tournament opens on the third day, and substitutes can participate as well."
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison.
Song Wanqiu gave a few more instructions before dismissing them.
The team members returned to their respective quarters, while Shen Moli accompanied Shen Chuyou.
As soon as they entered the villa, Shen Moli turned her fair palm.
She took out a small crystal vial from her space ring.
Inside was more than half a vial of pale gold liquid, glowing with a warm, gentle sheen under the light.
Tiny specks of light drifted slowly within it like fireflies.
"Here, the Holy Light Potion you asked for. I brought it for you."
Shen Moli handed over the crystal vial. "This potion is diamond-grade. It should be enough for your needs."
"Thanks."
Shen Chuyou took the crystal vial; it felt slightly warm in her hand.
"I'm your cousin! What are you thanking me for?"
Shen Moli glared playfully with her lovely eyes, but then said with concern,
"When do you plan to tell the family about the bloodline's side effects?"
Shen Chuyou's fingertips tightened slightly around the crystal vial, and she remained silent for a moment.
She possessed the Succubus Bloodline.
This was originally a good thing.
The Succubus Bloodline provided terrifying boosts to psychic and charm classes.
As an Elemental Mage, the Succubus Bloodline was of immense benefit to her.
Yet unexpectedly, with the further awakening of her bloodline power recently,
demonic energy had begun to affect her mind.
Precisely because of this, after learning her cousin was coming to Modu, she had asked her to bring a potion along.
"After the exchange tournament ends,"
Shen Chuyou murmured. "I don't want to get distracted by other things."
"That works too."
Shen Moli nodded, paused, and exhorted again,
"If there's any other issue, you must speak up right away."
"Okay."
Shen Chuyou gave a slight nod and stored the Holy Radiance Potion into her space ring.
However, unbeknownst to anyone,
another thought had crossed her mind yesterday.
To ask Lu Li to cast a Holy Light bath and purification on her.
Lu Li's Holy Light was extraordinarily pure, far superior to anything a potion could offer.
She even had an intuition that Lu Li would be far more effective at suppressing the demonic energy in her body than any potion.
Yet in the end, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
The matter of the Succubus Bloodline was simply too embarrassing to speak of.
"All right, get some rest early,"
Shen Moli stretched lazily, showing off her stunning curves to perfection.
"You still have matches tomorrow."
"Mm."
...
On the other side.
Returning to his villa, Lu Li was in no hurry to rest.
[Ding! Daily quest refreshed!]
[Quest details: Run 100 kilometers.]
[Quest reward: Random.]
"One hundred kilometers?"
Lu Li raised an eyebrow. With his current physical condition, running a hundred kilometers was truly no difficult feat.
"Works out nicely. I'll sleep after running."
He stood up, changed into light athletic wear, and pushed open the door to head out.
Under the night sky, the lakeside villa district was quiet and spacious.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Li strode forward and began running along the villa area's lakeside road.
His speed was blistering, each stride spanning several meters.
His whole figure was like a streak of black light, gliding silently through the night.
The rippling surface of the lake reflected his fleeting shadow.
For an ordinary class holder, a hundred kilometers was already a grueling distance requiring immense grit.
Yet for a monster like him whose physique had long since surpassed normal human bounds, it was merely a slightly extended warm-up.
"Hmm? Is that Lu Li?"
This scene happened to be witnessed by Song Wanqiu, who had stepped out for some fresh air.
She gazed from afar at the running figure.
Startled at first, a gentle smile soon appeared on her elegant face.
"He's already so strong, yet he's still pushing through training. This kid really is disciplined."
Song Wanqiu murmured to herself, the warmth and approval in her eyes deepening.
He possessed exceptional talent, a steady mindset, and such hard-working dedication.
Given time, this child's future would be limitless.
She did not go over to disturb him; after watching quietly for a while, she turned and returned to her villa.
About an hour later.
Lu Li finally completed the final stretch.
[Ding! Congratulations on completing the daily quest: Run 100 kilometers!]
[Quest complete! Drawing random reward...]
[Congratulations, you have received: 20 Skill Points!]
"Skill points? Not bad either."
Lu Li's eyes brightened slightly.
What he lacked most right now was skill points.
Whether it was buff skills or the newly learned Holy Light, both required a large number of skill points to level up.
After a brief thought, Lu Li allocated all of them directly into Holy Light.
[Ding! Holy Light (A-Rank) has been upgraded to LV3!]
Instantly, deeper applications and techniques regarding Holy Light flooded into his mind like a tidal wave.
His understanding of Holy Light advanced to another level.
"As expected, at LV3, Holy Light's healing output and purification effect have both scaled up significantly."
Lu Li nodded in satisfaction.
"With this, my healing capabilities will be substantially enhanced."
With his current Holy Light, combined with the bonuses from Child of Light and the Angel Bloodline,
as long as someone still drew breath, he could forcefully yank them back from the brink of death.
More importantly, the purification effect of Holy Light had also grown stronger, which was of immeasurable value to the team.
"Time to rest."
Closing the panel, Lu Li went back into the villa, quickly washed up, and fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
...
Over the next two days of the team tournament, Imperial Capital University had a total of four matches.
Without any suspense, all of them were crushing victories.
Lu Li did not even need to make a move, serving merely as a support.
In every match, he only did two things:
cast buffs on his teammates at the start, and then stand at the back watching.
As for the rest, Lin Qingyu and the others could handle the fight themselves.
Especially Shen Chuyou, this S-Rank Elemental Mage of the Imperial Capital Shen Family.
In the official tournament, she revealed her terrifying area-of-effect lethality for the first time.
Three elements—fire, ice, and lightning—bloomed simultaneously.
An overwhelming elemental deluge virtually plowed through half the arena stage.
Before opponents could even set up their formations, they were blown to pieces by her magic.
With Lin Qingyu and Bai Yuqing following up to clean up, the battles were settled without question.
Of the four matches, the fastest took only thirty-one seconds, and the slowest took barely two minutes.
The spectators in the stands gradually went from shock to numbness.
"Imperial Capital University is ridiculously overpowered this year."
"Lin Qingyu, Shen Chuyou—either one is captain caliber, yet they both gathered at Imperial Capital University this year."
"Indeed, Imperial Capital University is truly going to rise this year."
"…"
Beautiful women naturally attracted the spotlight.
Not to mention, Lin Qingyu and Shen Chuyou were no ordinary beauties.
One was tall and slender, boasting stunning leg proportions.
The other was voluptuously curved, possessing an exceptionally eye-catching figure.
Coupled with their formidable martial prowess,
Imperial Capital University rapidly went viral, garnering massive discussions across the internet.
Naturally, as the team captain, Lu Li also earned the title of "Strongest Support in History."
He was jokingly hailed as the man who needed to be protected from behind by the two great goddesses, Lin Qingyu and Shen Chuyou.
...
Soon, time advanced to the fourth day after the opening ceremony.
On this day, there were no team matches.
According to the tournament schedule, this day marked the registration and start of the individual tournament.
At Imperial Capital University, all eight members—main team and substitutes alike—signed up.
The other universities did roughly the same.
Chapter 124: Lu Li Takes the Stage! A Crushing Performance!
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today, we welcome the first round of the solo tournament in this exchange competition!"
Holding a microphone, the host stood at the very front of the arena stage, his voice booming like a great bell across the entire venue.
"A total of 80 contestants are participating in this year's solo tournament!"
"The rules are very simple: head-to-head matches, totaling 40 bouts, with winners advancing directly to the next round!"
"Now, please direct your attention to the center of the arena!"
As his voice fell, the massive holographic light screen in the center of the venue abruptly lit up.
Immediately after, a scene that left everyone in awe unfolded.
The originally unified central arena stage suddenly emitted a low hum.
Beams of light-blue magical barriers rose from the ground, partitioning the entire stage like curtains of water.
Water-like ripples of light flowed across each barrier, every single one measuring over a meter thick!
In just moments, the five-hundred-meter-square central arena was divided into ten independent stages.
Each smaller stage measured over a hundred meters in length and width, securely enclosed on all sides by the magical barriers.
Looking down from the stands, it resembled a neatly carved blue chessboard.
"These are ten independent arena stages!"
The host declared loudly:
"Today's 40 solo matches will take place simultaneously across these ten stages!"
"Each stage is protected by a magical barrier, completely shutting out external and internal interference!"
"Next, we will begin the randomized matchup draw!"
With those words, the 80 names began to scroll frantically across the holographic light screen in the center of the venue.
Fully armed, Lu Li and his teammates stood in the preparation area, watching the scrolling names with calm expressions.
The names on the light screen rolled faster and faster before suddenly freezing in place!
Forty pairs of matchups were neatly displayed across the light screen.
"It's out, it's out!"
Bai Yuqing was the first to cry out, standing on tiptoe and swiping her finger through the air.
"Let me see, let me see... My opponent is from Chuanshu University! And an Assassin, too!"
Her eyes lit up, full of eager anticipation. "An Assassin mirror match—interesting!"
Chu Nan's opponent was a Mage from Modu University.
With a bitter grimace, he scratched his head. "I'm doomed. Running into a tough nut right off the bat."
Shen Chuyou and Lin Qingyu also announced their respective opponents.
Both of their opponents were contestants from ordinary universities, with a vast difference in strength.
"Lu Li, who's your opponent?" Lin Qingyu turned to look at Lu Li.
Lu Li scanned the light screen, quickly locking onto his name.
"Northwest University, Huo Meng."
He read aloud softly.
"Northwest University?" Chu Nan raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that their captain?"
"He is the captain of Northwest University, a Level 21 Shield Warrior."
Shen Chuyou's silver-gray eyes glinted slightly as she quietly added.
"He probably won't be easy to deal with, but for our captain, it makes no difference."
Bai Yuqing blinked.
Everyone shared a knowing smile.
Having undergone a month of special training together, they were well aware of just how monstrous Lu Li was.
Soon, the matches began.
Battles broke out across all ten stages simultaneously, with cheers and shouts rising and falling in waves.
It was only after more than half an hour that Lu Li's turn came to step onto the stage.
"Captain, good luck!"
"One-shot him with an axe!"
Bai Yuqing and the others cheered him on from behind.
Although Shen Chuyou and Lin Qingyu didn't speak, their beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation.
Smiling, Lu Li shook his head and walked toward his stage.
As he passed through the light-blue magical barrier, his opponent was already standing on the opposite side of the stage.
It was an exceptionally burly young man.
Nearly two meters tall, his entire body was knotted with muscles.
Dressed in a suit of heavy armor, he exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure.
In his hand, he held a heavy shield half a person tall, its surface inscribed with thick, earthy-yellow patterns.
Standing there, he looked just like a mobile city wall.
Northwest University's captain, Huo Meng.
Level 21, Shield Warrior.
"Imperial University captain, Lu Li!"
"I know you! The captain of Imperial Capital University, that'strongest support in history'!"
Huo Meng spoke first, his booming voice vibrating the arena:
"Though I never expected you'd actually have the guts to enter the solo tournament."
Across the ten universities, including substitutes, each school had eight or nine members.
But why were there only 80 contestants in the end?
It was because the Priests in the teams had all chosen to forfeit.
After all, they were supports; nobody wanted to go up there just to get beaten up.
By the end of his sentence, Huo Meng had broken into a wide grin:
"In the team matches, we couldn't beat you.
But in the solo tournament, a mere support like you won't be a match for me!"
After the team matches during this period, due to Lu Li's stunning performance,
they had completely categorized Lu Li as a support.
To maximize skill benefits, supports mainly invested their stat points into Wisdom, leaving their Physique and Strength pitifully low.
Even if they could buff themselves, there was no way they could stand against a heavy armored warrior.
"That Huo Meng is right. Isn't Lu Li a support? Why is a support fighting in the solo matches?"
"He's the captain; isn't it completely normal for him to sign up?"
"But the solo tournament isn't like team matches. Without teammates to protect him, how can a support fight?"
"I think this match is looking grim. Huo Meng is Northwest University's captain, a proper defense-type warrior."
"A support fighting a Shield Warrior—how is he supposed to even breach his defense?"
"..."
In the audience stands, numerous spectators were also discussing and shaking their heads.
Clearly, none of them had expected to see Lu Li on the battlefield of the solo tournament.
Meanwhile, the referee on the stage had already been replaced by an artificial intelligence.
"Both combatants, please prepare!"
"Countdown: 3... 2... 1... Begin!"
As the countdown ended, Huo Meng struck first!
With a loud bellow, the earthy-yellow battle aura around him erupted violently!
"Boom—!"
Then, kicking off the ground forcefully with both feet, he charged toward Lu Li like a heavy armored chariot!
Shield Warriors were known for defense,
yet Huo Meng's charge was packed with aggression!
Clearly, he didn't take Lu Li seriously at all!
In his eyes, he was merely a support.
Even if his buffs were powerful, what good would they do?
Without teammates, a support was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter!
"Heh."
Facing the figure crashing toward him like a mountain, Lu Limerely gave a soft chuckle.
With the dawn battleaxe already gripped in his hands, he softly chanted:
"Weapon Blessing."
Buzz—!
A dazzling golden holy light descended abruptly, enveloping his entire body along with the battle axe.
That golden radiance was more blazing than ever before.
Because this time, he bestowed it solely upon himself!
An unimaginably terrifying surge of holy power surged within his body.
Gripping the axe handle tightly, Lu Li advanced instead of retreating and swung the axe forward!
"Clang—!!!"
An earth-shattering metallic clang exploded outward!
Under the horrified gazes of everyone present, that heavy shield famous for its defensive power...
was completely shattered to pieces by this single axe strike!
"Pfft—!"
The momentum of the axe undiminished, it struck heavily against Huo Meng's breastplate!
That burly body, built like a fortress wall, was sent flying as if struck by a speeding train.
He flew backward and crashed violently against the magical barrier at the arena's edge!
The barrier shook violently, rippling in undulating waves.
As for Huo Meng, his eyes had rolled back, and he slowly slumped to the floor, having completely lost all capacity to fight!
"One axe strike?!"
"The captain of Northwest University was one-shotted by Lu Li's axe?!!!"
"Holy shit!! Isn't he a support?! What the hell kind of support is this?!"
"A support one-shotting a Shield Warrior captain with a single axe strike???"
"Am I seeing things?! That was a Level 20 Epic-grade heavy shield!"
"..."
The entire venue erupted into utter pandemonium.
Up in the stands, the cheering squad led by Shen Molicheered wildly.
In comparison, the teams from Modu University and Jiang University were much calmer.
The Paladin class was inherently different from a Priest; it wasn't a pure support class to begin with.
It possessed a fair degree of combat capability, so the captain of a mere ordinary university naturally wouldn't be Lu Li's match.
"Too weak..."
On the arena stage, slowly lowering his axe, Lu Li couldn't help but shake his head.
Even though he had only used the single buff skill, Weapon Blessing,
the power it yielded was not something an ordinary professional could withstand.
"Then again, this is only the first round.
Only in the later rounds—maybe the quarterfinals or semifinals—will there probably be some interesting opponents."
Lu Li pondered inwardly as he swiftly stepped down from the arena.
Chapter 125: Clash of Elite Universities! Full Thrust at Lu Li!
The first day of the solo tournament quickly came to an end.
Next would be alternating rounds of the team and solo tournaments.
In the team tournament, Imperial Capital University won streak after streak, their momentum unstoppable.
Lu Li's buff system, combined with the terrifying damage output of Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, and the others...
...meant no opponent could last more than five minutes before them.
As for the solo tournament, Lu Li, Lin Qingyu, and Shen Chuyou all successfully advanced to the top twenty.
Bai Yuqing and Chu Nan were eliminated one after another.
The former lost to a Shield Warrior from Modu University, while the latter fell to a Mage from Jiangnan University.
The two took it in stride, however; as Bai Yuqing put it:
"With the captain and the other two around, the solo tournament championship is practically ours!"
Time flew by, and the seventh day of the exchange tournament arrived.
Today was scheduled for the team tournament.
Early in the morning, Modu University's mega-colosseum was already packed to the brim.
A sea of two hundred thousand seats, completely filled!
Normally, aside from opening day, subsequent matches would not draw such massive crowds.
But today was different.
Because the first match of the day...
...was Imperial Capital University versus Jiangnan University!
The first direct clash between elite universities!
"It's here! The first showdown between the top universities!"
"Wonder who's going to win."
"Hard to say. Jiangnan University's captain this year is from the Beijing Ye Family."
"The Ye Family? That swordsmanship clan?"
"Yeah! Ye Jinghong, an S-Rank Talent Sword Master. She's absurdly strong!"
"Imperial Capital University isn't weak this year either. Lu Li, Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu—which one of them isn't a monster?"
"True. It's really anyone's game."
"..."
The spectators engaged in heated discussions, each holding their own opinion.
The arena's atmosphere had reached a fever pitch more than an hour before the match even started.
In the preparation area.
Lu Li and his team sat quietly, their demeanor solemn.
Unlike their usual relaxed mood, their expressions carried a hint of gravity today.
Even Bai Yuqing, usually the most lively, had wiped the smile from her face, her small features tense.
Jiangnan University was last year's runner-up.
They were undoubtedly the strongest opponent Lu Li's team had faced since the start of the tournament.
"As long as we defeat Jiangnan University, we'll be one step closer to the team championship!"
Lu Li swept his gaze across everyone, his voice deep and steady.
"Yes!"
Everyone nodded in unison.
In every pair of eyes burned a long-suppressed fire.
They had waited for this day for far too long.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today is the seventh day of the exchange tournament! Welcome back to the team competition!"
At exactly nine in the morning, the host's booming voice resonated throughout the arena.
"Today's opening match is the one everyone has been anticipating: Jiangnan University versus Imperial Capital University!"
"Will Jiangnan University dominate Imperial Capital University just like last year, or will Imperial Capital University pull off an upset to take them down?"
"Find out in this upcoming showdown!"
"Without further ado, let us welcome both teams to the stage!"
The moment the words fell, spotlights flared to life with a roar.
Two dazzling beams of light beamed directly onto the exits of the respective player tunnels.
"Imperial Capital University! Imperial Capital University!"
"Jiangnan University! Jiangnan University!"
Supporters on both sides erupted instantly, their roaring cheers colliding like a tidal wave!
On the left side of the stands was Imperial Capital University's cheering section.
Black-and-gold banners covered the area like a churning black ocean.
Shen Moli stood at the very front of the cheer squad, holding high a massive Imperial University flag with both hands.
She waved it with all her might as she screamed at the top of her lungs:
"Imperial University—Victory—!"
With every bounce of her petite frame, the astonishing fullness on her chest heaved and surged.
The neckline of her black dress stretched taut.
Each leap looked as though it were about to burst free of restraint.
That heavy weight left many surrounding spectators staring wide-eyed.
"Holy crap, Imperial University's cheer captain has an insane figure!"
"Stop staring and focus on cheering!"
"I am focusing on star—wait, no, focusing on cheering!"
Meanwhile, on the right side of the stands, Jiangnan University's cheering section refused to be outdone.
Cyan-and-white flags fluttered wildly, cheers rising wave after wave.
Supporters of the two elite universities shouted across the arena, neither backing down.
"Imperial Capital University! Champions!"
"Jiangnan University! Victory!"
"..."
The colliding soundwaves seemed to make the entire colosseum tremble.
In the faculty seats.
Song Wanqiu sat gracefully in Imperial Capital University's section, a calm smile gracing her gentle face.
Beside her, the lead instructor for Jiangnan University was a middle-aged woman in her forties.
Dressed in a dark red instructor's uniform, she had a cold, stern face and an arrogant demeanor.
"Teacher Song, Imperial Capital University's lineup this year is certainly... unique."
The middle-aged woman spoke first, her tone flat yet carrying a sharp edge:
"You don't even have a proper tank, relying solely on a Paladin to hold the line.
If your formation collapses in the team fight, don't blame Jiangnan University for being too harsh."
"Teacher Li worries too much."
Song Wanqiu smiled faintly, her voice gentle yet yielding not an inch:
"Our Imperial Capital University has our own way of playing our lineup.
On the other hand, Jiangnan University claims every year that you'll take the championship, yet falls short every time.
This year, be careful not to fold against Modu Universityagain—or even fail to get past us."
At those words, the middle-aged woman's face froze.
Jiangnan University had been the runner-up for several tournaments in a row.
The title of 'Perennial Runner-Up' had always been their sorest spot.
Song Wanqiu's thrust was both precise and merciless.
"Hmph, you have a sharp tongue, Teacher Song."
The middle-aged woman sneered, "I wonder if you'll still be smiling when the match is over."
"We shall see."
Song Wanqiu replied airily with three words and paid her no more attention.
On the arena stage.
Both teams had taken their positions.
For Imperial Capital University, Lu Li stood at the very front.
He looked across with calm eyes, his aura restrained and steady.
"Listen up, everyone."
Lu Li spoke; his voice was not loud, but it reached every teammate's ears with crystal clarity.
"We have to fight this battle beautifully."
"Not only must we win, but we must also win cleanly and decisively!"
"Let everyone see just how strong Imperial Capital University is this year!"
"Understood!"
Lin Qingyu, Shen Chuyou, Bai Yuqing, and Chu Nananswered in unison.
A burning fighting spirit ignited in their eyes.
Across from them.
Ye Jinghong was also issuing low instructions.
Her sharp, spirited eyes were locked tightly onto Lu Li's figure.
"Follow the plan we prepared."
"Lu Li must be taken down first!"
"Once the match starts, protect me with everything you've got so I can thrust forward!"
"They have no tank; their formation will easily break under our charge!"
"As soon as Lu Li falls, their buff system will completely collapse!"
"When that happens, their frontline-less composition won't be able to stop our frontal assault!"
Ye Jinghong instructed in a low voice.
Once she got in close, as a Sword Master, she could take down Lu Li in under ten seconds!
"Yes!"
The other four from Jiangnan University responded quietly, their eyes full of determination.
They had studied all of Imperial Capital University's previous matches.
And reached only one conclusion: Lu Li was the true core and keystone of that team!
Take down Lu Li, and Imperial Capital University's system would crumble on its own!
Ye Jinghong took a deep breath and tightened her grip on her longsword.
Looking at the tall, upright figure opposite her,
the battle intent in her sharp eyes grew as cold and keen as a sword's edge:
"Imperial Capital University, this is as far as you go this year!"
"Both teams, prepare yourselves!"
The referee's voice rang out through the air.
The entire venue instantly fell silent.
Everyone held their breath, fixing their eyes upon the stage.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
"Match start!"