Chapter 141: Singles Champion! It's Great to Be Young!
Silence!
The entire stadium fell into a dead silence!
In previous finals, which match had not been a thrilling back-and-forth contest?
There had even been finals that lasted an hour or two!
Yet now?
Lu Li had used only three skills, crushing his opponent in under a minute!
"Gu Lingyun of Modu University has lost the ability to fight!
The winner of this match is Lu Li of Imperial Capital University!
Let us congratulate him on claiming the Singles Championship!"
At that moment, the referee's voice echoed through the stadium.
Only then did the audience finally snap out of their daze.
Immediately after came a tsunami of cheers!
"Lu Li! Lu Li! Lu Li!"
"Champion! Champion! Champion!"
Countless shouts swept across the entire arena like a tidal wave!
Shen Moli, leading the cheer squad, went wild with excitement!
No one had expected the highly anticipated singles final to conclude in such an utterly dominant fashion.
The captain of Modu University, an S-Rank Talent Magic Swordsman possessing an A+ rank Demonic Ape Bloodline, Gu Lingyun...
had been completely powerless before Lu Li!
Three skills.
With merely three skills, he had been thoroughly defeated!
"My goodness! Contestant Lu Li has claimed the Singles Championship in such overwhelmingly dominant fashion!"
At the commentary desk, both commentators were so ecstatic that their voices cracked.
"A Paladin! A class dismissed by countless people as a mere free-loader has, at this moment, stood atop the nation!"
In the prep area, Bai Yuqing jumped up with excitement, wild joy written all over her baby face.
Lin Qingyu's beautiful eyes shone with brilliant light, the corners of her lips curving upward involuntarily.
Shen Chuyou also showed a rare smile.
...
With the Singles Championship secured, the entire Imperial University team was naturally bursting with excitement.
All the way from the ring back to the lodging area, the radiant smile on Song Wanqiu's gentle, pretty face never once faded.
Yet as the leading instructor, there were still things she needed to say.
Thus, after they returned to the living quarters,
her beautiful eyes swept across the crowd still steeped in joy, and she cautioned:
"Don't celebrate too early.
In tomorrow's team tournament, we still have to face Modu University.
Only when we defeat them can it be considered a final victory."
"Look who's talking! Instructor, you're the one smiling the brightest!"
Bai Yuqing could not help but chime in teasingly.
"Oh?" Song Wanqiu's willow-leaf brows arched.
Although her temperament was inherently gentle,
the moment her expression shifted, Bai Yuqing instantly reined in her smile and declared with solemnity:
"Yes! Instructor, we will definitely proceed with utmost caution!"
"That's more like it."
Only then did Song Wanqiu resume her original gentleness.
"Just wait and see us beat Modu University tomorrow, Instructor!"
Bai Yuqing giggled.
The others also wore knowing smiles.
There was nothing they could do about it—Lu Li was simply too formidable.
If someone claimed Lu Li could single-handedly sweep the entire Imperial Capital University, they would believe it!
What was more, besides Lu Li, the team had another powerhouse: Shen Chuyou.
Even Gu Lingyun had nearly fallen at her hands, so the rest of Modu University hardly posed a threat.
They were not worried about the team competition in the slightest.
"Alright, then I'll look forward to your performance."
Song Wanqiu nodded.
Not feeling like nagging any further, she promptly dismissed them.
Cheering amongst themselves, the team members headed back to their respective villas.
Lu Li was the first to leave.
Lin Qingyu walked behind with her sword cradled in her arms, her slender figure resembling a sheathed, sharp blade.
Chu Nan and Fang Yan threw their arms around each other's shoulders, excitedly reviewing today's match.
"Shen Chuyou, stay behind for a moment."
Song Wanqiu suddenly spoke, stopping the silver-haired girl who was about to leave.
Shen Chuyou paused and turned around. "Instructor?"
"Come with me."
Song Wanqiu led her aside, her beautiful eyes filled with a touch of concern as she spoke softly:
"You activated your Succubus Bloodline on the stage today, and I didn't get the chance to check on you after the match.
The hidden dangers of bloodline power shouldn't be delayed. It just so happens that I can treat you."
As she spoke, a gentle Holy Light already began to shimmer across her palm.
As a Level 69, peak third-advancement Saint Light Archpriest,
her healing abilities ranked among the very best in all of Yanlong Country.
Suppressing the backlash of a Succubus Bloodline was nothing more than an effortless task for her.
However, after a brief contemplation, Shen Chuyou gently shook her head.
"Thank you, Instructor, but there's no need."
"Hmm?"
Song Wanqiu paused slightly.
"I can just go find Captain Lu Li myself."
Shen Chuyou whispered, her silver-gray eyes unconsciously looking away to avoid meeting Song Wanqiu's gaze.
"Lu Li?"
Song Wanqiu's expression turned peculiar.
Could a Level 69 peak third-advancement Saint Light Archpriest like her...
actually be inferior to her disciple who hadn't even undergone his second advancement?
Yet when she caught sight of the slightly bashful, unnatural expression on Shen Chuyou's fair, delicate face, she suddenly understood.
"Ah, it's truly great to be young."
Without waiting for Shen Chuyou to explain,
she turned and walked away with graceful, long strides, leaving behind only a casual remark:
"Go on. Rest early; there's still a match tomorrow."
Shen Chuyou naturally heard the teasing tone in Song Wanqiu's words.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, yet she still made her way gracefully toward Lu Li's villa.
...
Faced with Shen Chuyou visiting his doorstep, Lu Linaturally did not refuse.
He cast several Holy Light heals on her.
Once her demonic energy was smoothed out, they chatted for a while before he let her depart.
When Shen Chuyou returned to her villa, Shen Moli was curled up on the sofa playing on her phone.
"Xiao You, where did you go just now?"
Seeing her cousin return, Shen Moli could not help asking.
"I went to see Lu Li," Shen Chuyou answered truthfully.
Shen Moli suddenly realized and said with a grin:
"No wonder. I feel like you've been smiling a lot more."
"Have I?"
Shen Chuyou was taken aback.
She subconsciously touched the corners of her mouth, only to discover that she truly was smiling.
When had it started?
Even she herself had not realized it.
As the jewel of the Shen Family,
she was showered with immense glory, yet burdened with equal pressure.
Because of that, she seldom smiled.
Yet lately, the smiles on her face had indeed become a bit more frequent...
...
October 11th marked the eleventh match day of the National University Exchange Tournament.
At the same time, it was also the showdown between the two powerhouse academies: Imperial Capital Universityand Modu University!
Well before nine o'clock, the stadium capable of holding two hundred thousand spectators was already packed to the brim.
Dense crowds bustled like a sea of heads, and banners and flags of various colors covered the stands.
Discussions of all sorts melded into an uproar loud enough to make one's eardrums buzz.
"Here it comes, here it comes! The clash in the team tournament!"
"Between Imperial Capital University and Modu University, whoever wins basically reserves the Team Championship!"
"Tell me about it! Both teams have been undefeated in the team tournament, so today's battle is essentially an early grand final!"
"Tsk tsk, Lu Li beat Gu Lingyun so miserably in the singles yesterday; Modu University must be burning with rage today."
"I'm supporting Imperial University anyway. That guy Lu Liisn't even human."
"I back Modu University! Fighting on home turf gives them the advantage!"
"Stop arguing, stop arguing! We'll know once the fight ends."
"..."
The spectators engaged in spirited debates, each holding their own opinions.
Although Lu Li had dismantled Gu Lingyun in an almost overwhelming fashion yesterday,
a team tournament differed from singles; it was a test of overall strength.
Consequently, many spectators still harbored hope for Modu University's victory.
"Welcome, everyone, to the broadcast of the eleventh day of the Exchange Tournament!"
Right as the clock struck nine, the host stepped onto the platform precisely on time.
A resonant voice echoed throughout the entire venue via sound-amplification formations:
"Today, there will be five matches in the team tournament!"
"And the very first match is the clash of the top universities that everyone has been looking forward to!"
"Now, please welcome Modu University and Imperial Capital University to the stage!"
The host did not waste any words.
The moment the voice dropped, two spotlights lit up simultaneously, focusing on the exits of the two contestant tunnels.
At the entrance of the left tunnel, Gu Lingyun took the lead, guiding Modu University's squad out first.
He was still clad in that dark purple magic-crested armor with a greatsword on his back, his posture tall and straight.
Yet upon that handsome face, there hung an unnatural trace of paleness.
Evidently, the injuries sustained from Lu Li's Hammer of Penitence yesterday had not fully recovered.
Even so, Gu Lingyun's steps remained steady.
With his head held high and his chest out, a faint smile played at the corner of his mouth, as though that slight injury was completely beneath his notice.
Behind him, the four main team members of Modu University also fully marched out, their auras condensed and their fighting spirit blazing.
"Modu University! Modu University! Modu University!"
"Captain Gu! Captain Gu!"
"Modu University will be victorious!"
At the right tunnel entrance, Lu Li likewise led Imperial Capital University slowly into the crowd's line of sight.
Walking at the very front, he wore black-gold epic armor, with the dawn battleaxe slung across his back.
Golden Holy Light flickered faintly in the morning glow,
making him look like a walking divine statue—dignified, imposing, and sacred.
Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, and Chu Nanfollowed closely behind him, their momentum soaring like a rainbow.
The instant this team appeared, the entire stadium went momentarily dead silent.
Right after, an earth-shattering roar of cheers erupted!
Chapter 142: Another Trump Card? Are You Even Letting Others Play?
"Imperial University! Imperial University! Imperial University!"
"Lu Li! Lu Li! Lu Li!"
"Shen Chuyou! Look over here! Goddess!"
"Lin Qingyu! Sword Maiden Goddess!"
"Ahhhh—!"
"…"
Logically speaking, this was Modu University's home turf.
The cheers for Modu University should have been louder.
Yet the reality was quite the opposite.
The cheers for Imperial Capital University actually managed to drown out Modu University's!
There was nothing they could do about it.
Whether it was Lu Li, Shen Chuyou, or Lin Qingyu, each possessed captain-level strength.
Their performances had simply been too dazzling.
Especially after yesterday's singles matches, the fan counts of the three had skyrocketed once again.
Lu Li's Angel Bloodline and Holy Radiance Form, Shen Chuyou's Succubus Form, Lin Qingyu's aloof swordplay…
Every single one of them possessed personal charisma powerful enough to drive the entire arena wild.
Naturally, countless people cheered and rooted for them.
"Fickle turncoats!"
In the Modu University cheering section, someone muttered sourly.
Yet even he couldn't help stealing glances toward Imperial University.
What could you say? Lu Li's match yesterday was just too explosive.
Soon, both teams took their positions on the arena stage.
The two teams stood on opposite ends of the stage, facing each other from afar as the atmosphere grew thick with tension.
"Lu Li, you're very strong."
Gu Lingyun was the first to speak, his tone still calm and composed:
"However, team matches test teamwork!"
"This time, we'll show you the teamwork of Modu University!"
As expected of Modu University's captain.
Even after losing so miserably yesterday, facing Lu Li again today, he showed not the slightest hint of stage fright.
"Is that so? Then we'll wait and see."
Lu Li smiled, speaking in a relaxed tone.
"Both teams, prepare yourselves!"
The referee's voice rang out from midair, carrying clearly across the entire arena.
"Countdown: 3… 2… 1… Match start!"
"Boom—!"
The instant the match began, Gu Lingyun didn't hesitate for a moment.
He stomped hard, and dark purple demonic qi erupted from his body with a boom!
"Demonic Ape Bloodline, activate!"
His eyes turned crimson, and his frame suddenly swelled.
Dark red demonic patterns crept across his entire body like living creatures, unleashing a terrifying aura!
At the same time, the four Modu University teammates behind him made their moves as well.
The Shield Warrior stepped forward and slammed his heavy shield onto the ground!
The priest and mage took the center, demonic qi and elemental radiance interweaving.
Another warrior and Gu Lingyun flanked the sides, turning the entire team into a precision-engineered war machine.
Turtling, defending, advancing methodically!
"Oh? Starting off with a defensive formation right away?"
Lu Li raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
This hardly matched the imposing aura of Modu Universityas the defending champions.
"Captain, how are we playing this?"
Bai Yuqing rubbed her palms together, her baby face practically glowing with eager anticipation.
Lu Li's gaze swept over the impregnable formation opposite them, and he chuckled:
"Last time against Jiangnan University, I stole all the limelight myself."
"This time, the stage is yours!"
With that, Lu Li willed it and directly entered Holy Radiance Form!
"Boom—!"
An intensely concentrated holy light shot into the sky from within his body!
The light shone so brightly that it bathed the entire arena stage in pure gold!
A divine phantom of an angel faintly materialized behind him, wings of light unfurling with sea-like pressure!
Immediately after, Lu Li raised his left hand, palm facing the heavens, and murmured softly:
"Sanctuary."
Buzz—!!!
In the next second, a scene unfolded that left everyone dumbfounded.
Centering on Lu Li, a golden barrier of light abruptly expanded outward!
Wherever the light barrier passed, ripples of gold washed over the surface of the arena stage.
Countless holy light runes emerged from the void, floating and circling like stars.
The phantom silhouette of the Gates of Heaven, outlined in halos of light, slowly swung open.
Holy light poured downward like a waterfall.
In the blink of an eye, the entire arena stage had transformed into a scene straight out of heaven!
Sacred, solemn, and magnificent.
That spectacle was breathtakingly beautiful, yet so shocking it made one's scalp tingle!
"W-What skill is this?!"
At the commentary desk, both commentators completely lost their composure, leaping out of their seats.
"My god! This scene! This power! This is a domain-type skill!"
"And looking at this scale, it's at least S-rank!"
"An S-rank domain skill?! Lu Li still had a trump card like this?!"
"A Divine Blessing skill! This is definitely a Divine Blessingskill!"
"A Paladin's Divine Blessing domain! I've only ever read about it in the ancient records, never thinking I'd witness it with my own eyes in this lifetime!"
"…"
The entire audience erupted into an uproar in an instant.
Opposite them, Gu Lingyun was utterly numb.
His eyes went wide as he stared at the overwhelming golden domain, his lips twitching uncontrollably.
No, seriously, are you even letting anyone play?
How could you still have a trump card at this point?!
Angel Bloodline was one thing, but pulling out an S-rank domain skill on top of that?
Are you trying to kill us here?
"C-Captain, how are we supposed to fight this?"
The Modu University Shield Warrior's voice trembled.
Under the radiance of that holy light, the heavy shield he took so much pride in suddenly felt laughably flimsy.
Gu Lingyun took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the shock in his heart as he growled:
"Hold the formation! Domain skills have massive mana consumption—he can't maintain it for long!"
"As long as we stall, we have a chance!"
However, before his voice even finished fading, Lu Li had already started buffing.
"Courage Blessing!"
"Guardian Blessing!"
"Divine Blessing!"
"Weapon Blessing!"
"Blessing of Kings!"
Buff after buff slammed into his four teammates as if they cost nothing!
The golden holy light and the glow of the Sanctuary intertwined.
Layer upon layer stacked onto Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, and Chu Nan!
The Sanctuary itself already boosted allies' stats.
Added to the stacked buffs, the resulting power was terrifying to the extreme!
"Holy crap! My stats doubled!"
Bai Yuqing was the first to cry out in astonishment.
She looked down at her fair, delicate hands, feeling explosive power coursing through her entire body.
"I feel like I could engage in close-quarters brawling with a warrior!"
She clenched her fists excitedly, the air cracking with a faint pop under her grip.
"Not just you, I feel like I could brawl too…"
Chu Nan's voice drifted over in a daze.
He glanced down at his scrawny arms and legs, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Yet the terrifying surge of power from the buffs actually gave him an overwhelming urge to charge into melee combat.
"I must stay calm. I'm a mage, I'm a mage."
Chu Nan chanted under his breath continuously, yet his hands unconsciously balled into fists.
Lin Qingyu didn't say a word.
Gripping her longsword tightly, she felt the surging power threatening to burst from within her, and a blazing battle intent ignited in her cool eyes.
In this state, she was confident she could cleave through any opponent's defense with a single strike!
As for Shen Chuyou, she had already entered her Succubus Form.
Her silvery-white hair shone with a faint violet sheen, pitch-black horns jutted from her head, and a spade-tipped tail swayed gently behind her.
The empowerment of the Succubus Bloodline alongside all the buffs sent her mental strength rocketing skyward.
Her heart surged as demonic qi and holy light buffs intertwined within her.
Instead of clashing, they were smoothed into perfect harmony.
In this state, she even felt capable of soloing the entire opposing team!
"Go on. This fight is all yours."
Lu Li smiled.
Shen Chuyou nodded slightly, an alluring, eerie light flashing in her silver-gray eyes.
She stepped forward and raised her staff high.
Parting her red lips, her cool voice carried a trace of irrepressible excitement:
"Fireball."
Boom—!!!
The instant the staff swung down, a Fireball shot out from its tip.
At first, the Fireball was merely the size of a fist.
But in the next second, it inflated furiously like a balloon!
Five meters, ten meters, fifteen meters, twenty meters!
A colossal Fireball twenty meters in diameter, carrying cataclysmic heat,
plunged directly toward Modu University's formation like a falling blazing sun!
In that instant, the entire arena was illuminated in blazing crimson!
The air warped and distorted from the scorching heat, and even the magical barrier began trembling violently!
Across from them, Gu Lingyun and the others froze, their eyes wide.
"Holy shit!!!"
No one knew who screamed it first.
"Come on, man."
Gu Lingyun looked up at the sky-blotting Fireball, his handsome face frozen stiff.
"Are you even letting us play?"
Beside him, the Shield Warrior's legs shook uncontrollably as he stammered:
"T-This… even a Level 30 Second Advancement Mage wouldn't be this insane, right?!!!"
"Boom—!!!"
The colossal Fireball crashed down with a deafening roar!
The moment the dark purple demonic qi barrier touched the Fireball, it tore apart like paper!
Modu University's proud, ironclad defensive formation—
In an instant, it was completely swallowed by the boundless sea of fire!
"Ah! It burns!"
"Damn it! My Magic Shield shattered!"
Screams, explosions, and shattering barriers intertwined, echoing throughout the arena!
At this moment, the entire stage transformed into a scorching inferno!
Flames soared into the sky, the heatwaves suffocating.
Even through the magical barrier, the spectators in the stands could feel the searing heat.
Two hundred thousand spectators fell dead silent.
Everyone stood with mouths agape, staring in disbelief at the arena stage engulfed in fire.
This… this is a fucking team match?!
This was clearly a one-sided massacre!
Chapter 143: The Uncrowned King! Lu Li is my cousin?
"Boom——!!!"
A massive Fireball exploded abruptly, and the entire arena was trembling violently.
Modu University's defensive formation...
Facing Shen Chuyou's giant Fireball, which was blessed with a sanctuary and multiple buffs, it was as fragile as paper.
The leading Shield Warrior, holding that epic heavy shield standing over a person tall,
was directly blasted flying by the wave of fire, smashing heavily against the magical barrier like a burning Fireball.
"The Shield Warrior is down!"
"Damn it! This firepower is way too exaggerated!"
The priest at the rear of Modu University cast spells frantically, and holy light continuously fell on the teammates in front.
But Shen Chuyou's Fireball was just the beginning.
Entering the Succubus Form, she raised her staff once again.
This time, it was a Thunder Spear.
"Rumble——!"
The purple thunder wrapped around wisps of holy light,
like divine punishment descending from the heavens, accurately striking the top of the Modu University priest's head.
That priest had just continued a heal for the Shield Warrior.
Before even having time to cast a shield, the priest was blasted charred all over by the Thunder Spear and flew backwards.
"The priest is gone! Gu Lingyun, how much longer are you going to cower like a turtle!"
Lin Qingyu's cold and clear voice sounded.
She couldn't hold back anymore, the cyan wind elements surging frantically around her body.
Her whole body shot towards Gu Lingyun like a cyan flash of lightning.
"Courting death!"
Gu Lingyun's eyes were bloodred, urging the Demonic Ape Bloodline with all his might.
The pitch-black giant sword swept out horizontally, and the dark purple demonic sword Qi cut through the air with a suffocating oppressive feeling.
"Clang——!!!"
Metal clashed against metal, and sparks flew in all directions.
Gu Lingyun's pupils shrank abruptly.
Lin Qingyu actually took this sword strike of his head-on!
Not only that, the terrifying power coming from the blade actually made his entire arm go numb!
"How is that possible?!"
Monstrous waves stirred up in Gu Lingyun's heart.
Yesterday in the singles match, although he hadn't fought anyone other than Lu Li,
according to his observation, strong as Lin Qingyu was, she absolutely shouldn't be able to rival him in terms of strength.
But what about now?
This sword strike was clearly blocked head-on by the opponent!
"Isn't this buffing way too ridiculous?" Gu Lingyun gritted his teeth.
Lu Li's sanctuary, coupled with the superposition of those five buff skills, enhanced his teammates far beyond his imagination.
Lin Qingyu's attributes at this moment probably surpassed him in all aspects even after activating his bloodline power!
"Space-Rending Slash!"
Lin Qingyu's beautiful eyes were like lightning, and her cyan longsword traced a fierce arc in the air.
The cyan-gold sword Qi slashed across the sky like a bolt of silk.
Within that sword Qi, it was unexpectedly mixed with specks of golden light brought by the holy light buff.
The two forces blended together perfectly, erupting with terrifying might far exceeding Lin Qingyu's own limits!
Gu Lingyun didn't dare to neglect, crossing his sword to block.
"Boom——!"
His entire body was slashed back repeatedly by this sword strike, the web between his thumb and index finger bursting open with blood flowing freely.
"Captain!"
The remaining warrior of Modu University wanted to step forward to support.
But before he could even take two steps, a petite figure appeared behind him like a phantom.
"Your opponent is me, oh." Bai Yuqing giggled.
The dagger in her hand was like a venomous snake emerging from its cave, accurately stabbing towards the warrior's heart from behind.
"Backstab!"
"Puchi——!"
The warrior shook all over, his eyes wide open as he slowly fell to the ground.
"Third."
Bai Yuqing flicked the blood off her dagger, a hint of excitement on her baby face.
She turned her head to look at Lin Qingyu's side, and then looked at Shen Chuyou:
"Hey hey, can you two leave me some output space?"
Responding to her was the staff swung down by Shen Chuyou once again.
"Wind Blade."
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh——!"
Dozens of cyan-purple intertwined Wind Blades poured out like a rainstorm, submerging Modu University's last remaining mage.
At this point, Modu University's five regular team members,
only Gu Lingyun was left still struggling to support.
"Are you going to surrender yourself, or shall we send you down?"
Lin Qingyu pointed her sword at Gu Lingyun, her tone cold and clear.
Gu Lingyun was covered in blood, his demonic-patterned body covered in wounds.
He panted heavily, his gaze bypassing Lin Qingyu and looking towards the very rear of Imperial Capital University's formation.
There, Lu Li was standing quietly.
A golden sanctuary surrounded his surroundings, with an illusory angel shadow faintly flickering.
He didn't make a move.
From beginning to end, he didn't even move a single step.
Even his battleaxe wasn't taken out.
He was simply standing there.
Put a set of buffs on his teammates and opened a sanctuary.
Then...
Modu University was gone.
"I see..."
Gu Lingyun gave a bitter smile.
He finally understood.
In the singles match, when Lu Li defeated him, it was just done casually.
The real Lu Li was far more terrifying than that.
"Imperial Capital University this year is too terrifying."
Gu Lingyun took a deep breath and slowly lowered the giant sword in his hand.
"I surrender."
"Modu University surrenders! In this match, Imperial Capital University wins!"
The referee's voice resounded throughout the venue.
"This match took 1 minute and 52 seconds!"
Less than two minutes.
Facing last year's champion, Modu University, Imperial Capital University used less than two minutes!
Furthermore, Lu Li didn't even lift a hand!
"Boom——!!!"
The entire venue, after a brief silence, erupted into a boiling frenzy!
"We won! We won!"
"Imperial Capital University! Imperial Capital University!"
"Two minutes! It only took two minutes!"
"That's Modu University! Last year's champion! Flattened in two minutes!"
"Lu Li hasn't even made a move yet! He didn't even take out his axe!"
"Too strong! Imperial University this year is simply invincible!"
"..."
In the stands, the cheers of the audience poured down like a landslide and tsunami.
Shen Moli was so excited that she jumped straight up.
"Imperial University! Imperial University!"
"Lu Li! Lu Li! Lu Li!"
Her throat was already a bit hoarse, but that excitement could not be stopped no matter what.
Countless gazes were also at this moment,
unanimously looking towards that tall and straight youth figure at the very rear of Imperial Capital University's formation.
Lu Li.
Imperial Capital University captain.
Level 25 Paladin.
Even in this match, he didn't make a move from start to finish.
But everyone was clear that Lu Li was the key to Imperial Capital University's victory!
"Won!"
On the mentors' bench, Song Wanqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Teacher Song, congratulations."
"Congratulations, dual champion."
"Imperial Capital University is amazing this year, actually producing such a super powerhouse."
"It's still Teacher Song who is amazing, teaching her own students so well."
"..."
The team-leading mentors from other schools successively offered their blessings.
Although there were still three days of team competition events left,
Imperial University, having successively defeated Jiang University and Modu University, was already the well-deserved uncrowned king.
Just waiting for the day the competition ended, they would become the dual champion.
"Everyone flatters too much; it's just that child Lu Li works hard enough himself."
Song Wanqiu smiled modestly.
But the pride in those beautiful eyes couldn't be hidden no matter what.
...
"Won."
"It feels even easier than fighting us."
"Indeed."
Inside the preparation area,
looking at Modu University's miserable state, Jiangnan University's team members all felt somewhat fortunate.
They originally thought they were miserable enough, but they didn't expect Modu University to be even more miserable!
Flattened in two minutes by the three people Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, and Bai Yuqing.
Captain Gu Lingyun didn't even have the power to fight back, being suppressed and beaten from start to finish.
"So in the singles match, Lu Li hadn't even brought out all his strength yet."
Jiang University captain Ye Jinghong muttered as she looked at Lu Li's figure.
Or rather, it wasn't that Lu Li didn't want to bring it out, but that no one could force out all his strength!
"Everyone is a freshman.
The Ye Family, Gu Family, and Shen Family—there are quite a few freshmen from professionalist families this year.
There are also those with S-Rank Talents, but facing a Paladin,
unexpectedly still unable to force out all of the opponent's strength?"
Thinking of this, Ye Jinghong felt somewhat absurd.
Compared to rare classes like theirs, a Paladin was just an ordinary class!
And it leaned towards the support position, not a pure output position.
She didn't even know how Lu Li managed to reach this step.
"Ring ring ring~~~"
At this moment, the phone rang.
Ye Jinghong took out her phone to take a look; it was a call from her father, Ye Hai.
"Why is Father looking for me at this time?"
Ye Jinghong was still somewhat puzzled, but she answered the call anyway.
"Jinghong, Dad has a favor to ask of you. Help me find your cousin."
On the other end of the phone, Ye Hai's voice was somewhat eager.
"Cousin?"
Ye Jinghong was slightly stunned, and asked doubtfully:
"Are there other Ye Family members in this competition?"
In this generation of the Ye Family, among the younger generation participating in the exchange tournament, who else could there be besides her?
"Mm."
Ye Hai nodded, his tone solemn:
"It's Lu Li. He is a member of our Ye Family, and also your cousin."
"Ah?"
Ye Jinghong widened her beautiful eyes.
Lu Li?
Ye Family member?
Or her cousin?!
Old Dad didn't get it wrong, right?
Chapter 144: The Truth of His Origin! Triggering the Chain Quest 'Vengeance'!
"We won!"
"Haha, we can kick back and relax now!"
"That was awesome! I never imagined a match could feel this great!"
"…"
In contrast to the shock of the other teams,
Lu Li and the others relaxed completely.
When the entire day's team matches concluded past four in the afternoon, Bai Yuqing and the others still felt like they hadn't had enough.
It couldn't be helped; that sensation of being pumped full of power was simply unforgettable.
"Captain! If I ever form a team to run dungeons in the future, you're the first person I'm asking!"
Bai Yuqing was the first to look at Lu Li, her baby face filled with anticipation.
"No way, count me in too!"
Chu Nan immediately leaned in.
"And me!"
Fang Yan refused to be left behind as well.
Seeing everyone horsing around, Lu Li couldn't help but smile.
This was how it should be.
A good support was definitely someone everyone fought over!
How could they ever get kicked from a team?
"All right, there are only three days left in the team tournament.
We still have three matches left, and all our opponents are from ordinary universities.
Still, we can't let our guard down. Once we actually secure the championship, we'll celebrate properly."
Song Wanqiu gave them one last reminder as she led everyone back to the accommodation area.
"Yes!"
Everyone, including Lu Li, responded in unison.
The team then disbanded, and everyone returned to their respective villas to rest.
"Three days. Just three days left!"
Back in the villa, Lu Li's eyes gleamed sharply.
Today's match against Modu University had been won even more easily than expected.
The remaining three team matches were all against ordinary universities.
With Imperial University's current strength, they could win with their eyes closed.
In three days, he would claim both championships.
At that time, the adjudication system's achievement quest for the exchange tournament would also be completed.
"I wonder what talent it will reward me with. Hopefully nothing below A-Rank."
Lu Li felt a surge of anticipation.
Products from the system were guaranteed top quality!
Still, no one would complain about having too much of a good thing. Although he already possessed the S+ Grade Talent Child of Light,
when it came to talents, the more, the better.
Just as he prepared to head up to the second floor to train,
*Ding-dong—*
The doorbell rang.
"At this hour, it's probably Shen Chuyou.
Makes sense. She did use her Succubus Form in today's match."
Lu Li assumed Shen Chuyou had come back to deal with the issues of her Succubus Bloodline.
Opening the door, he didn't see the proud, voluptuous curves that usually entered his vision before her face.
Only then did Lu Li realize that the person standing there wasn't Shen Chuyou, but Ye Jinghong.
"Did you need something from me?" Lu Li asked, somewhat surprised.
He wasn't close with Ye Jinghong, having only fought her twice in matches.
"There really is something."
Facing Lu Li again, Ye Jinghong looked somewhat unnatural.
She parted her lips as if to say something, but swallowed the words back down.
Before coming, her father, Ye Hai, had briefly briefed her over the phone.
Yet asking her to actually call this peer in front of her 'cousin', she simply couldn't bring herself to utter it.
After all, just a few days ago on the arena stage, she had been knocked unconscious by a single strike of his Hammer of Penitence.
And now she was suddenly told that the guy who beat her within an inch of her life was actually family?
What kind of mess was this?
"Can we go inside to talk?"
Ye Jinghong hesitated, asking in a low voice.
Seeing this, though somewhat puzzled,
Lu Li nodded nonetheless and stepped aside to welcome her inside.
"Actually, I'm not the one looking for you. My father is."
The moment she stepped into the living room, Ye Jinghongspoke first.
"Your father?" Lu Li paused.
"My father is Ye Hai,"
Ye Jinghong quickly added, pausing briefly before continuing,
"Never mind, I'll just let him tell you himself."
With that, she took out her phone and activated the holographic projection.
Beams of virtual light converged, coalescing into a burly figure.
The figure sat behind an antique desk, sporting a resolute face, needle-sharp short hair, and broad, thick shoulders.
It was none other than Ye Hai.
"Congratulations!"
The moment Ye Hai's holographic projection appeared, he laughed heartily and said,
"Lu Li, my good nephew! Congratulations on leading Imperial University to victory!"
"Nephew?"
Hearing this, Lu Li instantly furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"
He and Ye Hai had only met twice in total.
How could he be his nephew?
"Sigh, it's a long story. We only recently discovered this ourselves."
Ye Hai let out a soft sigh.
The smile on his face faded slightly as he began to explain,
"It goes like this: your father's name was Ye Heng. Eighteen years ago…"
His mother, Lu Jingxuan, rarely mentioned his father to Lu Li.
He had simply assumed she was too heartbroken over his father's passing, so he never pried.
Yet hearing Ye Hai's words now, the truth was far crueler than he could have ever imagined.
His biological father was named Ye Heng.
Hailing from the Beijing Ye Family, he possessed mediocre talent and was merely a Rank 2 Class User.
Yet he was a philanderer by nature, leaving behind countless romantic entanglements in his early years.
His mother, Lu Jingxuan, was one of them.
After Ye Heng and Lu Jingxuan met, Lu Jingxuan became pregnant with Lu Li.
However, Ye Heng had zero intention of taking responsibility, turning around and heading straight back to the Ye Family.
Afterward, mother and son were completely forgotten outside the capital.
It was fair to say that this father of his, Ye Heng,
was an utter scumbag who abandoned his wife and son!
"So, you are the child of my fourth brother,"
Ye Hai said, looking at Lu Li.
"And likewise a member of our Ye Family. Your original name should have been Ye Li."
Yet there was no trace of the pleasant surprise Ye Hai had expected on Lu Li's face.
Seeing this, Ye Hai added,
"I know this is very sudden for you.
But bloodline cannot be faked.
If you don't believe it, you can take a bloodline appraisal anytime."
"So?" Lu Li said expressionlessly.
"So we would like you to participate in the Ye Family's ancestor worship ceremony
on October 17th in a few days, and officially return to the Ye Family."
Ye Hai said thoughtfully.
"Return to the Ye Family?"
A flash of mockery crossed Lu Li's eyes.
The Ye Family!
What a Beijing Ye Family.
An aristocratic lineage of class users that had produced several Rank 4 Class Users.
They could leave someone of Ye blood stranded outside for eighteen years without paying him the slightest attention.
And now?
The moment he displayed a sliver of talent, they sniffed him out and came knocking.
What if he hadn't led Imperial University to the championship?
What if his talent had been mediocre?
What if he were just an ordinary Paladin,
beaten to a pulp and humiliated by Jiang University and Modu University in the exchange tournament?
This Ye Family would probably still be utterly indifferent!
"I know the Ye Family owes you far too much after all these years,"
Ye Hai said hastily, sensing the discontent in Lu Li's eyes.
"However, regarding what happened back then, we only managed to uncover the truth recently."
"My fourth brother has passed away, and your mother is gone as well."
"It hasn't been easy for you, struggling all on your own for so many years."
Ye Hai's tone was sincere, carrying the care of an elder:
"If you are willing to return to the Ye Family, we will definitely groom you as our most exceptional descendant!
The resources we invest in you will be even greater than what Jinghong receives!"
At those words, Ye Jinghong couldn't help but look envious.
As a family of class users that had stood for centuries,
the Ye Family's heritage and foundation were terrifyingly deep!
Swordsmanship manuals, natural treasures, secret art inheritances, personal guidance from Rank 4 powerhouses…
These resources were what every young class user dreamed of having.
If they went all-out to nurture someone, the supply of resources would be beyond ordinary imagination!
Even she, Ye Jinghong, had only enjoyed standard treatment growing up.
Yet before Lu Li had even officially returned to the clan, he was promised greater support than she ever received!
"Resources?"
Lu Li naturally didn't care.
He had the adjudication system.
What he lacked had never been resources, but time!
Even if returning to the Ye Family could accelerate his growth rate, he didn't want to go back!
Yet just as he was about to decline,
a system notification chime suddenly rang out in his mind.
[Ding! It has been detected that you are now aware of your life origin. Triggered chain quest: 'Vengeance'!]
[Vengeance Ring 1: Participate in the Ye Family ancestor worship ceremony.]
[Reward: The truth behind your mother's death, S-Rank Skill Book (Paladin exclusive)]
'The truth behind Mother's death?!'
Lu Li's heart jolted violently.
He had originally thought his mother died of natural causes.
After all, her health had always been frail.
He had been young and never thought in any other direction.
But looking at this quest description, there seemed to be more to the story?!
It might even be connected to the Ye Family!
Lu Li's gaze turned chillingly cold in an instant.
Ye Hai continued speaking.
"At the ancestor worship ceremony, the clan leader will publicly announce your identity."
"From then on, you will be a direct bloodline of the Ye Family, enjoying every privilege you deserve!"
Ye Hai's voice was loud and impassioned, as if he could already envision the glorious future awaiting Lu Li once he returned to the clan.
Yet Lu Li wasn't listening at all.
His mind was completely consumed by that system quest.
Mother…
The woman who endured countless hardships to raise him.
Was there really a hidden truth behind her death?
"Phoo…"
Lu Li let out a long exhale.
When he looked up again, the mockery in his eyes had vanished without a trace.
He immediately said, "All right."
Ye Hai froze momentarily before beaming with joy:
"You agree?"
"I only agreed to attend the ancestor worship ceremony," Lu Li stated.
Not for the Ye Family's resources, and certainly not for some illusory status as a direct descendant.
It was for that quest.
For the truth behind his mother's death.
He had to go.
How could Ye Hai know what Lu Li was thinking? Upon hearing this, his joy was evident on his face:
"Good, good, good! I knew you were a sensible boy!"
"Then it's settled!"
Ye Hai grinned from ear to ear, his gaze toward Lu Ligrowing considerably more affectionate.
It was as though he could already picture the scene
where this nephew endowed with an S+ Grade Talent and the Angel Bloodline returned to the clan, groomed by the Ye Family into a world-shaking supreme prodigy!
Chapter 145: Fury! Shen Chuyou's Warmth!
Once it was confirmed that Lu Li would attend the ancestor worship ceremony,
Ye Hai didn't chat any further and hung up the call.
Seeing this, Ye Jinghong also let out a sigh of relief and said,
"Well then, Cousin, see you at the ancestor worship ceremony!"
Leaving those parting words, Ye Jinghong got up and fled like a startled rabbit.
She left behind only a faint fragrance in the room and Lu Li, who stood rooted in place for a long time.
"The Ye family..."
Lu Li repeated those words under his breath, the chill in his eyes nearly condensing into something tangible.
The voice and smiling face of his mother, Lu Jingxuan, seemed to surface before his eyes once more.
That woman who had been gentle her entire life, that woman who never complained or vented her grievances.
In the end, she had been treated like a plaything to be discarded at whim.
Along with him, forgotten outside the Imperial Capital for a full eighteen years.
And now, the Ye family came knocking on his door, yet did not mention a single word of what they owed his mother back then.
Instead, calling him their 'good nephew' at every turn, promising resources, promising status.
As if all the past could simply be wiped clean as long as he nodded.
"Heh, truly grotesque."
Lu Li sneered.
He immediately picked up his phone and dialed Aunt Lu Hui's number.
The phone only rang once before being answered.
"Xiao Li! Congratulations!"
His aunt's smiling voice, laced with unmistakable pride and excitement, came through the receiver:
"We've watched all your matches over the past few days! You're simply incredible!"
"You have no idea—whenever the big screen in our community square airs your match, a massive crowd gathers!"
"Even your uncle, who hates crowds and spectacles, hasn't missed a single match!"
"Especially yesterday when you beat that Gu Lingyun guy, your uncle was so thrilled he nearly smashed the coffee table to pieces!"
"As for your aunt, I've been walking with a swagger around the neighborhood these past two days, standing taller and prouder than anyone!"
"If your mother were still here and saw what you've become, who knows how overjoyed she'd be..."
As she spoke, her voice choked up slightly, yet she kept smiling through it.
Lu Li's emotions, which had settled somewhat, surged violently once more.
Suppressing the ache in his heart, he asked,
"Aunt Lu Hui, what was really going on with my mother's illness before she passed away?"
At that time, he still had to attend school, so most of the time it was his aunt who accompanied his mother to the hospital.
The other end fell noticeably silent for a moment before she asked:
"Why are you suddenly asking about this?"
"The Ye family reached out to me," Lu Li answered without hiding anything.
"The Ye family?!"
Aunt Lu Hui's voice pitched up sharply, her previous joy instantly displaced by rage:
"That damned Ye family! How dare they contact you?!"
"Where do they get the nerve to look for you?! Back then, when your mother was pregnant with you and went to the Ye family, their entire household drove her away like a beggar!"
"And now, seeing that you've made something of yourself, they have the gall to come claim you as family?!"
"Xiao Li, don't you ever believe them! That entire family—not a single one of them is any good!"
The more she spoke, the angrier she became, her voice trembling—clearly in a genuine fury.
"I know, Aunt Lu Hui. I won't believe them."
Lu Li reassured her before asking again,
"First, tell me everything about what happened to Mom back then."
On the other end, his aunt fell silent for a long time before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Very well. You're grown up now. Some things, it's time you knew."
She began recounting the past at length:
"Your mother originally had great health. Don't let her slender frame fool you; when she was young, she was the strongest among our sisters."
"But later on, for some unknown reason, she began deteriorating by the day."
"Priests examined her, healing spells were cast, but no one could find the root cause. They only said she had fallen ill from grief and sorrow, which damaged her vitality."
"Along the way, she hid it from you and made several trips to the Imperial Capital by herself."
"Every time she returned, her face was terribly pale."
"Later, when I pressed her hard, she finally broke down in tears and confessed that she went to find your father, pleading for him to come back and see you two."
"Yet every time she went, she was ruthlessly turned away at the door by the Ye family! She couldn't even step past the gate, let alone see your father!"
"I suspect her worsening health was tied to that as well!"
His aunt's voice was filled with heartache and resentment.
"Turned away at the door?!"
Lu Li's anger deepened.
He could vividly picture the scene.
His mother, with her frail, slender frame, standing outside the lofty gates of the Ye family compound.
Humbling herself just to beg a heartless man to turn back.
Yet the Ye family wouldn't even let her set foot inside.
Time and again, crushing her last glimmer of hope into dust.
"The Ye family!" Lu Li's gaze turned frigid.
In his previous life, he was an orphan and had never experienced the warmth of family.
Therefore, in this life, he treasured his mother's love above all else.
Now, learning everything the Ye family had done, how could he not be furious?
He took a deep breath.
Forcibly suppressing the raging fury in his chest, his voice sounded terrifyingly calm:
"I understand, Aunt Lu Hui."
"Xiao Li, whatever you do, don't act rashly!"
Sensing something in his tone, his aunt hurriedly said:
"The most important things for you right now are the tournament and your studies! As for the Ye family, we can deal with them later!"
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Lu Li answered, offered a few words of reassurance, and then hung up.
Silence returned to the room.
Lu Li stood there, motionless for a long time.
"The Ye family! Wonderful, simply wonderful!"
He had originally thought his mother had merely suffered a hard fate and married the wrong man.
But he never imagined that the Ye family had not only abandoned mother and son,
but had also repeatedly shut her out when she was at her most helpless!
This debt, he would remember!
Not just against Ye Heng, but the entire Ye family!
Murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
The Holy Light within him seemed to sense its master's wrath, churning uncontrollably.
The entire living room flickered under the surging golden light.
"Hoo—"
Lu Li exhaled slowly, reigning in his emotions and pulling back the Holy Light.
Now was not the time.
He would definitely attend the ancestor worship ceremony.
But what he wanted wasn't the Ye family's resources.
He wanted the truth!
Right at that moment,
"Ding-dong—"
the doorbell rang.
Lu Li frowned and forcefully contained his emotions.
The chill on his face gradually dissipated before he stepped forward to open the door.
The door swung open.
A tall, slender silhouette stood outside.
It was none other than Shen Chuyou.
She was not wearing her mage robes, having changed into casual home attire.
Her long, silvery-white hair draped loosely over her shoulders, shedding some of her cold glamour from the arena and taking on the soft warmth of a girl next door.
"Lu Li."
Shen Chuyou had just uttered his name when she keenly sensed something was off.
Right now, though nothing seemed amiss on the surface of Lu Li,
it felt as though a fire was smoldering beneath his eyes.
It was a chilling gloom she had never seen on him before.
"What happened?"
Shen Chuyou asked softly.
"Nothing."
Lu Li shook his head, not wanting to say more.
Shen Chuyou didn't press further.
She merely looked at Lu Li quietly, a flicker of hesitation passing through her silver-gray eyes.
The next second,
she suddenly stepped forward, opened her arms, and pulled Lu Li directly into her embrace.
Caught completely off guard, Lu Li froze.
His head was suddenly buried in her full, soft, and warm chest.
The girl's cool bodily scent, mingled with a faint milky fragrance, completely enveloped him.
Warm, soft, full, and tender.
The breathtaking sensation made him forget to breathe for a moment.
"You..."
Lu Li tried to speak, but was muffled to the point he couldn't form a complete sentence.
Shen Chuyou didn't let go.
Her arms tightened slightly, pressing Lu Li's head even closer against her chest.
That astonishing suppleness and softness nearly swallowed his entire face.
Usually so aloof, she showed an unprecedented gentleness in this moment.
Lowering her head slightly, her long, silvery-white hair spilled down, brushing gently past Lu Li's ear.
"I don't know what happened to you,"
she whispered, her voice impossibly gentle:
"but this was how my mother used to comfort me."
"I don't know what happened or how to comfort you, so this is all I could think of doing."
Lu Li remained frozen in place.
The surging anger and frigid hatred
somehow subsided bit by bit within this sudden tenderness.
He slowly closed his eyes.
In his mind, his mother's silhouette and the gentleness of the girl before him seemed to blur and overlap.
After a long while, he spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse:
"Thank you."