Chapter 146: Double Champion! S+ Grade Talent: Holy Name!
Shen Chuyou's embrace was very warm, and very tight.
Eventually, Lu Li could not help but speak up:
"Alright, that's enough, I'm about to suffocate."
His voice squeezed out from Shen Chuyou's astonishing softness, sounding a bit muffled.
One could only say she truly lived up to being a succubus; that bosom was simply too exaggerated.
"Ah? Oh, right."
Only then did Shen Chuyou come to her senses, hurriedly loosening her arms.
Her fair, delicate face immediately flushed with a faint pink hue, looking exceedingly lovely.
Only then did Lu Li let out a long breath and say, "Thanks."
"It's nothing, really. You've helped me so much, it's only right that I help you."
Shen Chuyou waved her hands hurriedly, her silver-gray eyes glancing aside slightly, not daring to meet Lu Li's gaze.
As the young mistress of the Shen Family, she had never been so intimate with a member of the opposite sex before.
Just moments ago, she had simply acted on impulse.
Now that she realized what she had done, she still felt a bit shy.
"Come inside, then. I'll suppress your demonic energy."
Seeing this, Lu Li could not help but chuckle softly, stepping aside from the doorway.
"Okay."
Only then did Shen Chuyou step inside with her shapely, slender legs.
The two entered the living room, and Lu Li had Shen Chuyou sit on the sofa.
Meanwhile, he stood behind her, soft golden holy light condensing in his palm.
Like a trickling stream, the holy light poured slowly into the top of Shen Chuyou's head.
Flowing along her meridians, it smoothed away, bit by bit, the demonic energy agitated by the awakening of her Succubus Bloodline.
Shen Chuyou only felt a warm, sacred power coursing through her body.
Everywhere it passed, the meridians that had been throbbing with pain from the bloodline backlash were mended one by one.
The sheer comfort made her involuntarily let out a soft moan.
"All done."
About half an hour later, Lu Li withdrew his palm as the holy light slowly dissipated.
"Thank you." Shen Chuyou stood up.
Her long silver-white hair swayed gently with her movement. She hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Lu Li, are you really alright?"
Lu Li paused slightly, then smiled:
"I'm fine. I've thought it through. Thank you."
He didn't want to tell Shen Chuyou about the Ye Family.
That was his personal grievance; there was no need to drag others into it.
Shen Chuyou looked at him, confirming that he indeed no longer seemed as somber as before.
Only then did she drop the matter, nodding gently:
"Then I'll head back first. Get some rest early."
"Yeah."
After seeing Shen Chuyou off.
Lu Li sat alone in the living room, his eyes glinting in the sunlight.
Although he was furious at the Ye Family's attitude toward his mother,
his personality naturally possessed great Resilience, and with Shen Chuyou's unexpected comfort just now, he quickly regained his composure.
"The Ye Family..."
Lu Li muttered softly under his breath.
With the adjudication system in hand, even against the Beijing Ye Family that had stood for hundreds of years,
he would sooner or later demand justice just the same!
"Phew—"
Lu Li exhaled deeply, suppressing all his emotions.
He turned and went up to the second floor, beginning his routine daily training.
...
Over the next few days, the tournament continued.
Under Lu Li's leadership, Imperial Capital Universitynaturally swept through without any surprises, racking up consecutive victories.
Even the substitute members were given opportunities to compete.
Of course, Lu Li, serving as the team's pillar, never stepped down from the roster, preventing any unforeseen upsets.
Meanwhile, Modu University and Jiang University also faced each other.
Jiang University narrowly lost to Modu University, taking only third place in the team tournament.
Ye Jinghong took this in stride.
After all, she had already fought a monster like Lu Li, so losing to Gu Lingyun was nothing to be ashamed of.
October 14th.
The final day of the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament.
The stands, capable of accommodating two hundred thousand spectators, were once again packed to capacity, even livelier than on opening day.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome once again to the arena of the National College Freshman Exchange Tournament!"
The host stood with high spirits in the center of the ring, his voice booming:
"With the conclusion of the final team match just moments ago, the team tournament has officially come to an end!"
"Next, we will announce the final rankings!"
Accompanying the host's resounding voice, an enormous holographic projection appeared in midair.
[First Place: Imperial Capital University (9 wins, 0 losses)]
[Second Place: Modu University (8 wins, 1 loss)]
[Third Place: Jiangnan University (7 wins, 2 losses)]
[Fourth Place:...]
"Double champion! Imperial University was too ruthless this year!"
"Indeed, it's insane! Both the solo champion and team champion titles were swept by Imperial University!"
"That monster Lu Li crushed Gu Lingyun in the solo tournament, and in the team tournament, he rolled over Modu University without even lifting a finger!"
"Plus Shen Chuyou's Succubus Bloodline and Lin Qingyu's swordsmanship—Imperial University's lineup this year is practically divine!"
"...
The audience buzzed with excited discussion, their voices surging like a tide through the arena.
The host also announced in a grand voice:
"The solo tournament champion was decided three days ago, and it is Lu Li from Imperial Capital University!"
"And now, the team tournament title also belongs to Imperial Capital University!"
"In other words, Imperial Capital University has claimed both championships in this National College Freshman Exchange Tournament!"
"Let us congratulate them!"
As the words fell, spotlights instantly converged on Lu Liand his teammates.
Lu Li sat at the very front of the prep area, flanked by Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, and Chu Nan.
The five figures were extraordinarily striking beneath the golden spotlights, and thunderous applause instantly erupted across the venue.
Even though this was Modu University's home turf, they still offered their warmest applause to Imperial Capital University!
"Imperial University! Imperial University! Imperial University!"
"Lu Li! Lu Li! Lu Li!"
"Shen Chuyou! Goddess!"
"Lin Qingyu! Lin Qingyu!"
"...
The cheers rolled like tsunamis and echoing mountains, lasting without pause.
In the mentors' seats, Song Wanqiu's gentle, lovely face was full of smiles, her beautiful eyes brimming with pride.
The leading mentors from the other universities beside her offered their congratulations once again.
Song Wanqiu responded to each one, the curve of her lips impossible to suppress.
In the prep area, Bai Yuqing's eyes were reddened with excitement.
Standing by the side, a heartfelt smile also appeared on Lin Qingyu's cool, delicate face.
Shen Chuyou's gaze fell upon the tall, upright figure standing at the front of the team.
Lu Li!
If not for his presence, forget a double championship;
it would have been hard for Imperial University to even secure a single title this year!
"We won!"
Lu Li could not help feeling a sense of emotional relief as well.
After toiling for nearly half a month, the harvest time had finally arrived.
Right at that moment, a series of crisp system notifications rang out in Lu Li's mind.
[Ding! Detected that the tournament achievement quest has been completed.]
[Issuing rewards based on your Double Champion status...]
[Congratulations, you have obtained the S+ Grade Talent'Holy Name'!]
'An S+ Grade Talent?!'
Lu Li was momentarily stunned, and then his eyes flashed with brilliant light!
Holy Name!
Another S+ Grade Talent had actually arrived!
He hurriedly opened his status panel to examine it closely.
[Holy Name (S-Rank): Anyone who acknowledges or admires you will provide you with Faith Value.
Effect 1: Burning Faith Value can temporarily grant an explosive surge in strength.
Burning 1,000,000 Faith Value multiplies strength by 2; burning 3,000,000 Faith Value multiplies strength by 3; burning 6,000,000 Faith Value multiplies strength by 4, and so on.
Effect 2: Faith Value can be converted into experience points at a 5:1 ratio.
Remarks: Your name is known to all, unfamiliar to none.]
Chapter 147: Double Championship Rewards in Hand! The Whole Crowd's Envy!
"I can obtain Faith Points, and Faith Points can even be converted into EXP?!"
Lu Li's heart beat rapidly.
What did this mean?
It meant that from now on, as long as he maintained public exposure,
and as long as more people recognized and revered him, he could obtain a steady stream of EXP!
This was practically a cheat within a cheat!
The EXP that others worked bitterly grinding monsters and risking their lives to obtain,
he could acquire automatically just by standing there and being revered by tens of thousands of people!
Moreover, Faith Points could also be exchanged for short bursts of explosive power!
This was equivalent to having an extra trump card for critical moments.
There was no need to consume any mana or Holy Radiance; purely fueled by faith, he could unleash power far beyond his own limits!
"The rewards brought by being a double champion are truly terrifying!"
Lu Li suppressed the excitement in his heart, keeping a calm expression on his face.
At this moment, the two hundred thousand spectators across the venue were cheering for him, and among them were bound to be people who acknowledged and admired him.
In other words, these people's emotions...
were currently being steadily converted into Faith Points!
[Faith Points: 453,172]
[Faith Points: 573,831]
[Faith Points: 647,478]
[Faith Points: 7...]
On the status panel, the Faith Points were leaping upward at a rate of a hundred thousand per second!
"In just a few seconds, I've already gained over seven hundred thousand Faith Points?"
Lu Li was deeply shocked in his heart.
One had to know that the entire stadium only held two hundred thousand people.
Where did over seven hundred thousand Faith Points come from?
"No! That's not it! There's also the online livestream!"
Lu Li immediately realized.
Yanlong Country had a population of over twelve billion.
As a nationwide grand event, the number of people watching the competition livestream definitely exceeded one hundred million!
"Great, great, great! If this goes on, the Faith Points I obtain will definitely surpass several million!"
Lu Li felt excited in his heart.
"Captain! Come on, it's time for us to go up and receive our awards,"
Bai Yuqing said with a smile at this moment.
"Okay."
Only then did Lu Li snap back to reality, leading the seven others, including the substitutes, onto the stage.
Golden ribbons drifted down from the arena's dome, fluttering all across the air.
Song Wanqiu also rose from the instructors' seats and stepped onto the stage, standing together with the eight team members.
When the host handed the championship trophies for both the team competition and the solo competition to Lu Li, thunderous applause erupted throughout the entire venue!
"Congratulations to Imperial Capital University! Congratulations to Lu Li!"
"This year's exchange tournament has concluded successfully!"
Lu Li raised the trophy with one hand.
Beside him stood Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, Chu Nan, Xu Zimo, Zheng Xue, and Fang Yan.
Song Wanqiu stood to the side, smiling gently.
The scene of the eight students and their teacher was captured by countless cameras, becoming the most classic moment of this year's exchange tournament.
...
After the award ceremony concluded, it was time for the reward-distribution segment that Lu Li and the others looked forward to the most!
The sky full of golden ribbons had not yet completely settled, and the entire stadium was still immersed in deafening cheers.
The host stood smiling in the center of the ring, raising a hand to signal for silence before speaking loudly:
"Next up is the most thrilling reward-distribution segment of this exchange tournament!"
As soon as those words fell, the already fervent atmosphere surged once more.
"First, let us welcome the solo competition champion,
Lu Li of Imperial Capital University, to receive your champion's reward!"
Lu Li stepped forward amid countless envious gazes.
Not far away, Song Wanqiu's gentle, pretty face was full of smiles, and she gave him a slight nod.
The host waved his hand.
A ring glowing with a faint golden light slowly emerged from the void.
The ring had an archaic design, its band etched with fine and intricate runes.
Embedded on its surface was a fingernail-sized milky-white gemstone, faintly exuding holy radiance.
"Student Lu Li, this is the exclusive reward for this solo competition's champion:
the legendary equipment, Ring of Holy Protection, with a +16 enhancement level!"
Lu Li reached out to take the ring, and with a sweep of his Divine Appraisal Technique, the status panel instantly appeared.
[Name]: starlight ring (+16)
[Quality]: Legendary (☆☆☆☆☆)
[Level]: Level 22
[Attributes]: Strength +100, Physique +100, Agility +100, Intelligence +100
[Additional Effect]: All attributes increased; built-in storage space with a capacity of 50 cubic meters.
[Equipment Description]: A legendary ring refined from Astral Stone. Having undergone sixteen limit enhancements, its attribute boosts are astonishing, and it contains an internal pocket dimension.
"All attributes +100?!"
Lu Li's pupils constricted slightly.
It was also a Level 22 legendary equipment.
The grasp of holy radiance bracelet he had obtained from the dungeon last time had only provided 80 points in the Intelligence attribute.
This +16 enhanced legendary item was far more than just a single tier stronger!
"No wonder so many people were envious of the exchange tournament's championship reward. This ring is truly worth it."
Lu Li nodded secretly in his heart.
However, what truly stirred his excitement was not just these 100 points across all attributes.
Rather, it was the storage space capacity!
"50 cubic meters of storage space!"
Lu Li was shaken in his heart.
50 cubic meters!
What kind of concept was that?
It was the size of a small warehouse!
Although Teacher Song Wanqiu had previously given him a space ring,
that space ring only had a capacity of 2 cubic meters.
Once equipment was placed inside, there was barely any space left.
But now it was different—he had upgraded completely from a shotgun to a cannon!
"This way, I can put almost everything I carry into it from now on."
Lu Li could not help but smile.
He was carrying quite a few things on him right now.
The dawn battleaxe, grasp of holy radiance, starwhisper chain, the life-saving scroll and token Teacher Song Wanqiu had given him, plus the bits and pieces he had gathered during these days of competition.
That 2-cubic-meter space ring was almost packed to the brim, and now was the perfect time to replace it.
Without hesitation, Lu Li slipped the ring directly onto the middle finger of his right hand.
With a faint flash of pale golden light, the ring automatically adjusted to the best-fitting size.
"Comfortable."
Lu Li clenched his fist, feeling the newly added strength coursing through his body, the corners of his lips curving upward slightly.
All attributes +100, combined with this 50-cubic-meter space—he was extremely satisfied with this solo competition championship reward.
With the solo competition reward distributed, the host paused, his voice rising once more:
"Next up is the reward for the team competition champions!"
"We invite all participating members of Imperial Capital University to the stage!"
Lu Li turned and waved to his teammates.
Shen Chuyou, Lin Qingyu, Bai Yuqing, Chu Nan, as well as the three substitutes Xu Zimo, Zheng Xue, and Fang Yan, all walked onto the ring together.
Once the eight stood in place, the host waved his hand once again.
In the next second, a rectangular box crafted from transparent crystal emerged from the void.
Inside the box lay eight portions of potions quietly glowing with a silver-blue sheen.
The potions stood about ten centimeters tall, their liquid swirling gently.
Specks of starlight could be faintly seen floating within, as beautiful as if a stretch of the starry sky had been condensed inside.
"S-Rank cultivation resource—enlightenment potion!"
The host introduced with a broad smile:
"This is an EXP potion, and unlike ordinary EXP potions that only offer slight boosts,
after consuming it, during your next 20 dungeon clears,
your final EXP settlement will be increased to three times!"
"A 3x EXP settlement?!"
As soon as those words were spoken, an uproar erupted throughout the venue!
In the stands, countless spectators sucked in a breath of cold air.
"Holy crap! 20 dungeons, 3x EXP?!"
"Isn't this reward way too exaggerated?!"
"If I had that potion, wouldn't my level just take off instantly?!"
"As expected of the championship reward! An S-Rank resource is truly an S-Rank resource!"
"..."
In particular, the freshmen from the other universities had their eyes turn red with envy.
These freshmen were generally around Level 22 or 23.
At this stage, leveling up each time required a massive amount of EXP.
The efficiency of running dungeons and clearing mobs directly determined their speed of growth.
And with this enlightenment potion, after the 3x EXP settlements across 20 dungeons,
the levels of these Imperial University students would likely leave their peers in the dust by a massive margin!
Chapter 148: Imperial University's Welcome! Faith ValueBreaks 4 Million!
"I'm so jealous! I'm practically turning green with envy!"
"That's 3x EXP! For 20 dungeon runs! Think of how much time that saves!"
"Imperial University's freshmen were already terrifyingly strong this year. With these resources, how is anyone supposed to catch up?"
"Sigh, the gap between people is wider than the gap between a human and a dog!"
"... "
The stands buzzed with discussion, an emotional cocktail of envy, jealousy, and sheer awe.
Even the team members of Modu University and Jiangnan University in the staging area couldn't help but look over repeatedly.
Gu Lingyun sighed and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"The champion's resources really are beyond anything we can compare to."
Ye Jinghong, on the other hand, stared intently at the box of enlightenment potions.
Her spirited eyes were filled with envy as she murmured,
"When we get back, the gap between us will just widen even further..."
On the arena stage, Lu Li was also pleasantly surprised.
A 3x EXP settlement!
For 20 dungeons!
Although this wasn't a permanent effect and couldn't match the buff from Divine Blessing,
it was still fantastic!
More importantly—
"With my max-level Divine Blessing effect stacked on top,
that means clearing a dungeon once will grant me a 6x EXP bonus!"
Six times!
A sharp gleam flared in Lu Li's eyes.
What did that mean?
It meant where others had to run a dungeon six times, he only needed to do it once!
For others to level from Level 24 to 25 might take half a month.
But him?
As long as he had enough resources, a few days would suffice!
"Awesome! This really is a bountiful harvest!"
Lu Li was thrilled.
The solo championship awarded a +16 ring, and the team championship granted S-rank resources.
Add to that the S+ Grade Talent Holy Name rewarded by the system earlier,
as well as the steadily growing Faith Value...
This trip to Modu had yielded immense gains!
"This concludes the award ceremony!"
The host's booming voice rang out once more:
"Thank you to the pride and joy of the ten top universities across the country for bringing us two weeks of thrilling battles!"
"This year's exchange tournament has officially come to a successful close!"
"... "
In the stands, all two hundred thousand spectators stood up in unison.
Thunderous applause rolled like a tidal wave, refusing to die down for a long time.
And with that, this National College Freshman Exchange Tournament formally drew to a close.
...
"Goodbye! Next time you visit Modu, hit me up, and I'll show you around!"
"Jiangnan Province is great too; you're always welcome to come over."
"Goodbye, Lu Li."
"... "
After the tournament concluded, the teams from the various universities did not linger long.
One after another, they headed to Modu University's teleportation platform, preparing to teleport away.
Though they had fought fiercely in the arena, there was no real enmity between them.
Furthermore, they were all young men and women of eighteen or nineteen years old.
After competing over the course of half a month, they had gotten to know each other.
Now that it was time to part ways,
many waved goodbye to Lu Li, Shen Chuyou, and the others.
Their attitudes were extremely friendly.
Lu Li and his teammates smiled and waved back.
"Where's the Yunjing crowd? How come I don't see them saying goodbye?"
Bai Yuqing looked around and curled her lips.
"Who knows? They probably slipped away early," Chu Nanchuckled.
Everyone exchanged a knowing smile.
Soon after, flashes of magical brilliance lit up on the teleportation platform.
Amidst the dazzling light, the teams from each university teleported away.
Lu Li and his team also stepped onto Modu University's teleportation platform.
Song Wanqiu activated the teleportation formation, and blinding golden light enveloped everyone, including Shen Moli and the rest of the cheer squad.
...
Imperial Capital University, teleportation platform.
Buzz—!
The radiant light of the teleportation flared brightly before gradually dissipating.
When the figures of Lu Li and the others reappeared on Imperial Capital University's teleportation platform,
a massive sea of people greeted their eyes.
"They're back! They're back!"
"It's Lu Li! And Shen Chuyou!"
"Double champions! Imperial University is the double champion!"
"... "
Imperial University students who had heard the news had already packed the area surrounding the teleportation platform.
Every young face beamed with excitement and pride.
After all,
Imperial Capital University was simply incredible this year!
Not only did they win both championships, but they hadn't scraped by—it had been a total, sweeping domination!
It was nothing short of an absolute triumph!
Imperial University students, who had suffered bottom-tier finishes for the past few years, finally vented all their pent-up frustration!
Even their flame wars on the internet felt so much more satisfying.
Besides the students,
Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo and Vice President Liu Jie,
the two vice principals of Imperial Capital University, had also arrived.
"You're all back!"
Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo was the first to step forward to greet them.
This vice principal, usually so stern-faced, was exceptionally radiant and glowing with delight at this moment.
Striding up to Lu Li, he looked the young man up and down, unable to conceal the excitement in his eyes.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Exclaiming three "good"s in a row, Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo grew increasingly animated:
"Double champions! Solo tournament champion! Team tournament champion! You actually did it!"
"Imperial University was at the bottom for three consecutive years, but this year, we can finally hold our heads high!"
"Lu Li, you guys have brought tremendous honor to our Imperial Capital University!"
The surrounding students erupted into cheers alongside him:
"Double champions! Imperial University is invincible!"
"Lu Li! You're awesome!"
The cheers and shouts washed over like waves, drowning the entire teleportation area.
Meanwhile, not far from Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo,
Vice President Liu Jie stood with an extremely stiff expression.
His uncertain gaze flickered across Lu Li and Song Wanqiu.
Glancing at the elated faces, his expression turned even uglier.
He had never imagined that this bizarre lineup, which he had predicted would be knocked out in the group stage, would actually claim the tournament championship!
And not just one title—they were double champions!
That Paladin, Lu Li, was actually formidable to such an absurd degree!
All of his calculations and scheming had turned into a complete joke.
"Vice President Liu, why aren't you saying anything?"
Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo turned his head, casting a half-smile toward Vice President Liu Jie.
When Imperial University's lineup was initially decided, he had known this fellow was up to no good behind the scenes.
Vice President Liu Jie's expression shifted slightly. He gave a cold snort and forced an insincere smile:
"Congratulations, Principal Zhou. Congratulations, Dean Song."
"Still, it's just one exchange tournament; it doesn't mean everything."
With that, he flicked his sleeves, spun around, and strode away.
Watching Vice President Liu Jie's retreating back, Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo shook his head and paid him no further mind.
Song Wanqiu also cast a cool glance at Vice President Liu Jie, her gentle, pretty face impassive.
Petty people like him weren't worth wasting words on.
Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo looked back at Lu Li and the others, his smile beaming even brighter:
"Students, the school has already prepared a celebration banquet for you!"
"Tonight, the entire school will celebrate your victory!"
"And as for the rewards promised beforehand, not a single one will be missing!"
At those words, Lu Li and the others' eyes lit up immediately.
They had almost forgotten—besides the official tournament rewards, the school offered additional rewards!
"After enhancing the dawn battleaxe last time, I didn't have many academy credits left.
Getting more credits this time will be perfect for running dungeons."
Lu Li pondered quietly.
The more dungeons he ran, the faster his level would rise!
Just then, a crisp system notification chime suddenly rang out in his mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, your Faith Value has surpassed 4,000,000!]
[Current Faith Value: 4,037,921]
"Hm? My Faith Value has already broken 4 million?"
Lu Li's eyes brightened.
From acquiring the S+ Grade Talent 'Holy Name' until now, barely two hours had passed.
Four million Faith Value in just two hours.
At this rate, the Faith Value he would gain later would likely be even higher!
Chapter 149: Organizing the Harvest! Best Dungeon Planning!
The night was as dark as ink, yet the campus of Imperial Capital University remained brightly lit.
The celebration banquet was held in the largest banquet hall of Imperial University, hosted personally by Vice Principal Zhou Zhenguo.
As the core figure of the double crown champion, Lu Linaturally became the focus of the entire venue.
By the time the banquet ended and Lu Li returned to Villa No. 4 in Zone A, it was already nine o'clock in the evening.
"Welcome back, Master, and congratulations on leading Imperial University to win the double crowns!"
As soon as he returned to the villa, artificial intelligence no. 7 condensed and appeared.
She manifested the black and gold uniform of Imperial University and greeted him thoughtfully.
"No. 7, help me organize all my current gains."
Lu Li plopped down onto the sofa, let out a long sigh, and spoke.
Just at the banquet just now, Principal Zhou had already mentioned it.
The rewards promised by the school had already been issued, and he just needed to claim them directly.
"Alright, Master."
No. 7 slightly bowed, then lightly raised her fair hand.
Several light blue holographic light screens floated in front of Lu Li, with the data clearly arranged:
"The team competition champion reward is 600 credits, as well as an Epic-tier equipment. The single competition champion reward is a Legendary-tier equipment. Everyone who won the double crown is additionally rewarded with a Legendary-tier equipment."
No. 7 paused and continued:
"Added with your original 205 credits, you have a total of 805 credits in your account. In addition, there is one Epic-tier and two Legendary-tier equipment waiting to be selected and claimed."
"As expected of Imperial University! These rewards are given just like that!"
Lu Li felt a surge of excitement in his heart.
You must know that the rewards issued officially by the Exchange Tournament were already generous enough,
but the rewards given by the school were completely comparable to those sent by the tournament officials, and even surpassed them!
"What is the highest level of equipment that can be claimed among these three pieces?"
After a brief pondering, Lu Li asked.
No. 7 immediately replied:
"According to the reward document signed by the principal, these three pieces of equipment can be claimed up to level 30."
"Level 30?"
Lu Li nodded, thought for a moment, and made a decision:
"Then I won't claim them for the time being."
He was already level 25 now.
Moreover, with Faith Value and the enlightenment potion, his subsequent leveling speed would be extremely astonishing.
Coupled with the fact that his level 20 Epic equipment was still enough for now,
there was no need to claim a few level 25 pieces of equipment right now.
It would be better to wait until reaching level 30 before claiming them all at once to maximize the benefits.
"Alright, it has been marked as deferred for you."
No. 7 obediently acknowledged, then spoke again:
"In addition, according to the special recruitment contract you signed when entering school,
you still have a set of level 20 Epic equipment that can be claimed."
"Level 20 Epic equipment?"
Lu Li shook his head. "I can't use it anymore now. Can it be exchanged for credits?"
"Yes, it can be exchanged for 200 credits. Would you like to exchange it?" No. 7 confirmed.
"Confirm exchange."
Lu Li did not hesitate.
After the exchange was completed, his credits directly reached 1005 points!
"More than 1000 credits, if converted into yanlong coins, would be over ten million!
However, credits are much more precious than yanlong coins.
The value of these credits is at least over twenty million!"
Lu Li sighed inwardly.
He had only entered Imperial University for three and a half months in total.
From a newly enrolled level 13 freshman to level 25 now,
with a full set of Epic equipment and several Legendary equipment, and even such generous credits,
this growth speed was definitely extremely rare in the entire history of Imperial University.
"No. 7, I am currently level 25. Help me plan out a dungeon strategy.
I want to raise my level as fast as possible."
Lu Li quickly reined in his emotions and spoke.
In this world, strength is supreme.
Leveling up was the most urgent matter!
And most importantly, after breaking through to level 29,
he would be able to start the class change quest and enter the second advancement!
By then, his strength could welcome another wave of explosive growth!
"Alright, Master, analyzing for you."
Data streams flashed rapidly in No. 7's eyes.
A moment later, a detailed dungeon list appeared on the light screen.
"The most suitable dungeon location for your current level is the Treant Breeding Ground."
"The Treant Breeding Ground has a level restriction of 23 to 29 and is a Diamond-tier dungeon."
"This is the place where clearing it yields the most experience points among Imperial University's level 25 dungeons."
"In addition, Abyss Mode can also be activated."
"Once cleared, the experience points and other rewards obtained will be even more."
No. 7 explained one by one.
"Abyss Mode?"
Lu Li's heart stirred.
He knew that dungeons had difficulty classifications.
Simple, Normal, Difficult, Desperate, Nightmare.
Going further up was the Abyss.
That was a difficulty even more terrifying than Nightmare, requiring additional Abyss Magic Stones to open.
"How much stronger is the Abyss Mode Treant Breeding Ground compared to the Nightmare Mode?" Lu Li asked.
"Reporting to Master, the monster attributes in Abyss Mode will be increased by another 100% based on Nightmare Mode, and the quantity will also be doubled."
No. 7 answered truthfully:
"At the same time, Abyss Mode will also randomly refresh an Abyss Magic Pillar within the map."
"Abyss Monsters will appear inside the Abyss Magic Pillar, and their strength is extremely terrifying."
"Of course, after killing the Abyss Monsters, you can also obtain quite a few rare materials."
"In addition, after clearing Abyss Mode, the experience point calculation will increase by 70% based on Nightmare Mode."
"70% extra experience, plus rare materials!"
Lu Li's gaze flickered slightly.
1.7 times experience!
If he further stacked the 2 times experience of his max-level Divine Blessing and the 3 times experience calculation of the enlightenment potion...
That would be a terrifying 10.2 times experience!
Running an Abyss Mode once was equivalent to others running a regular Nightmare Mode ten times!
"This is simply too awesome!"
Brilliant light surged in Lu Li's eyes, and he immediately asked:
"No. 7, how many credits are needed to enter the Treant Breeding Ground?"
"Entering each time requires 10 credits. If Abyss Mode is activated, an additional 20 credits must be spent to purchase a Level 25 Abyss Magic Stone."
No. 7 replied.
"Abyss Magic Stones are so expensive? Buying one is enough for me to enter the dungeon twice."
Lu Li frowned slightly.
"After activating Abyss Mode, the probability of dropping Epic or Legendary equipment from the Abyss Magic Pillar greatly increases. If out of 5 times, you can drop good equipment once, you've earned it back. Therefore, the prices of Abyss Magic Stones are very expensive."
No. 7 explained softly.
"I see."
Lu Li nodded.
Today was October 14th, and on the 20th he would go to participate in the Ye family's ancestor worship ceremony.
With six days left, he didn't know what level he could reach.
"In addition..."
Lu Li looked at his attribute panel.
After nearly seven hours of accumulation, the Faith Value had reached a terrifying level!
[Faith Value: 7638303]
"7.6 million Faith Value! If converted into experience, there are as many as over a million points! It should be enough for me to level up several levels."
Lu Li looked forward to it inwardly.
Of course, by now, the acquisition speed of Faith Value had begun to slow down.
After using it, if he wanted to accumulate this much again, it would be quite difficult.
"The S+ Grade Talent 'Holy Name' is definitely a good thing."
"Unfortunately, exposure must be maintained at all times. Otherwise, if no one recognizes me, this talent will be mostly crippled. After this Exchange Tournament ends, what other ways can I use to obtain Faith Value?"
Lu Li fell into contemplation.
Martial arts were flourishing in Yanlong Country, and competitions were held everywhere across the country at every moment.
But the influence scope of these competitions was too small, failing to reach the level of the Exchange Tournament.
Even if he went to participate, the Faith Value he could obtain would be very minimal.
Chapter 150: Religion is a Way Out! Purchasing abyss magic stones!
"Unless it's a national competition, this path won't work..."
Lu Li frowned and pondered for a moment, but still had no clue.
First of all, these tournaments were massive in scale, held at most once every two or three months, so they couldn't happen every day.
Secondly, with his current fame, participating in ordinary competitions...
...would yield far less exposure than this Exchange Tournament, making the input and output completely disproportionate.
He needed a way to continuously and stably gain faith points.
"Wait."
Lu Li thought back and forth, and suddenly came up with a plan.
Religion!
In this world, because gods truly existed...
...many people practiced religion, and even within Yanlong Country, there was a considerable following.
"Speaking of religion, the most famous one domestically is none other than the Church of Light!"
Lu Li's eyes brightened slightly. "Last time, that Cardinaleven invited me to become a Holy Son. I could try that route later."
The Church of Light!
A super-large religion spanning the entire Blue Star!
In Yanlong Country alone, over a billion people believed in it.
In fact, the number of believers in Yanlong Country was considered relatively small!
Countries with religious fanaticism like White Eagle Country and Giant Bear Country started with at least 10 billion believers!
If he could use the domestic Church to enter the international system, how many faith points could he gain?
One had to know that the total population of Blue Star exceeded 150 billion!
Although Yanlong Country was a populous nation with 12 billion people...
...on a global scale, it accounted for less than one-tenth.
"If I can truly become the Holy Son of the Church of Light, how could my believers be limited to just hundreds of millions?"
The more Lu Li thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.
With his Holy Light talent and S+-rank Child of Lightbloodline...
...joining the Church of Light would be like a fish in water.
"It's too late today. Tomorrow when I have time, I can ask Teacher Song first."
Song Wanqiu was a Peak Rank-3 Saint Light Archpriest.
Her understanding of the Church of Light was definitely far deeper than his.
After setting up his follow-up plans, Lu Li finally let out a long breath.
He glanced at the faith points on his attribute panel, which had already passed seven million, but didn't rush to convert them into EXP.
"Leveling up now would be too eye-catching. I'll level up tomorrow after entering the dungeon.
For now, I'll focus on getting the preparations done."
With this in mind, Lu Li directly instructed Seven:
"Exchange for twenty LV25 abyss magic stones."
"Understood, Master. Exchanging now.
400 credits deducted. Current remaining credits: 605."
Numbers flickered on the light screen, and the order was generated instantly.
Imperial University's logistics were extremely efficient; in less than ten minutes, the doorbell rang.
"The abyss magic stones you ordered have arrived."
Lu Li stood up and opened the door.
Standing outside was a silver-gray delivery robot, about half a person high.
Square and blocky, the electronic screen on its chest displayed the words: Imperial Capital University Logistics Department.
"Please verify your iris."
Lu Li leaned down and brought his right eye close to the scanner.
A blue beam of light swept past, and with a "beep", the verification passed.
The robot's abdomen opened slowly, popping out a silver-white metal briefcase.
Lu Li took the briefcase, and the robot silently slid away.
Returning to the living room, Lu Li set the briefcase on the table.
The case was cool to the touch, its surface engraved with anti-explosion and anti-magic runes, with a small keypad embedded near the latch.
Seven sent the unlock passcode to his phone.
Lu Li entered the six-digit code, and the lid popped open with a click.
Lined with a layer of black velvet, twenty crystals were neatly arranged in four rows and five columns.
Lu Li picked up one; it felt cold and heavy in his hand.
The crystal was about the size of a ping-pong ball, deep purple all over, with a smooth surface.
Most peculiarly, inside it was a dark purple nebula slowly rotating.
It looked like an abyssal starry sky sealed inside the crystal.
Holding the crystal close to his ear, he could hear a tiny humming sound, as if countless whispers were coming from another world.
"Is this an abyss magic stone?"
With a thought, Lu Li directly used the Divine Appraisal Technique to scan it.
[Name]: abyss magic stone (LV25)
[Quality]: Special Consumable
[Effect]: Activates the Abyss Mode for dungeons at or below LV25, causing the Abyssal Demonic Pillar to manifest.
[Remarks]: Abyss Mode can communicate with the Demon Realm, causing the Abyssal Demonic Pillar to manifest. The aura of the Demon Realm will attract Abyssal Monsters, offering both rewards and risks.
"Demon Realm?"
Lu Li raised an eyebrow.
He seemed to have discovered an incredible piece of intelligence.
Could there really be a Demon Realm in this world?
"It seems the secrets of this world run far deeper than I imagined."
Lu Li muttered under his breath, a surge of intense curiosity rising in his heart.
However, he was also clear-headed.
With his current level 25 strength, he was far from qualified to touch secrets of this level.
"Leveling up comes first."
Lu Li reined in his thoughts and stopped pondering.
Twenty abyss magic stones matched the 20 dungeon runs with triple EXP bonus from the enlightenment potion!
With that in mind, he hesitated no longer.
With a wave of his hand, he stowed all twenty abyss magic stones into the starlight ring.
Immediately after, he took out a potion made entirely of transparent crystal from it.
enlightenment potion!
The silver-blue liquid swayed gently inside the bottle.
Specks of starlight floated inside, as if an entire galaxy had been compressed within.
Lu Li pulled out the stopper, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
The cool liquid slid down his throat into his stomach.
In an instant, it turned into a warm surge of energy, rushing toward every corner of his body.
[Ding! The enlightenment potion has taken effect!]
[For the next 20 dungeon clears, EXP settlement is increased to 3 times!]
[Current remaining clears: 20.]
"Done."
Lu Li set down the empty bottle, feeling the medicinal power circulating relentlessly within him, a smile slowly tugging at his lips.
Now, everything was ready.
abyss magic stones, enlightenment potion, max-level Divine Blessing, and over seven million faith points.
"Tomorrow morning, I'll head straight to the Treant Breeding Ground!"
After a quick wash, Lu Li soon went to bed to rest.
Early the next morning,
Fully equipped, he left early and headed to the Dungeon Building.
The Dungeon Building!
It was the liveliest place in all of Imperial Capital University.
"I will definitely reach level 27 today! Nobody stop me!"
"Any support? Tree Spirit Jungle needs one more support! Looking for a healer, equipment split evenly!"
"Black Tiger Team needs a DPS! Equipment split evenly, join if interested!"
"Level 27 Abyss team looking for a main T! Need Physique over 600, no deadweights!"
"Selling all kinds of potions! Fair prices, honest business!"
"..."
Even before stepping inside the doors, the wave of noisy chatter washed over him.
The lobby of the Dungeon Building was packed with people, students of all kinds squeezed together.
Professionals of various classes came and went; some were waiting for teammates, while others bargained over equipment distribution.
A few who had just exited a dungeon were covered in injuries yet filled with excitement,
shouting at the top of their lungs, bragging that they had just dropped an epic item.
Shouts, curses, and laughter blended together, creating an immensely lively atmosphere.
Lu Li didn't linger on the first floor and went straight up to the third floor.
The third floor was the gathering place for high-level dungeons ranging from level 18 to 29.
Compared to the chaos of the first floor, while there were still plenty of people here, it was noticeably much more orderly.
Most of those who could reach this place were second- and third-year seniors, and none of them were weak.
As soon as he walked up, Lu Li couldn't help but smile.
Bai Yuqing, Lin Qingyu, Shen Chuyou, Chu Nan, and the others were all there.
Bai Yuqing was still dressed in her usual high-energy style, her black hair tied into twin tails.
Paired with her porcelain doll-like face, she was a pleasant sight to behold.
Lin Qingyu was wearing a cyan and white combat outfit, looking as cold as frost.
Tall with a slender waist and long legs, she stood as straight as a sword, naturally exuding a sharp, aloof aura that kept people at a distance.
Shen Chuyou went without saying.
Even standing there quietly, her captivating curves were enough to attract countless glances.
She possessed an indescribable cold beauty.
Chu Nan and Fang Yan stood a short distance away.
Both were clad in caster equipment, looking scholarly and refined.
"Captain!"
"Haha, Captain, you're here too!"
Seeing Lu Li arrive, everyone greeted him with smiles.
None of them were particularly surprised by this.
After all, having just received EXP potions and a large number of credits,
it was only natural to grind dungeons properly.
It was worth mentioning that all of them had classes they were supposed to attend.
However, Imperial Capital University was extremely relaxed about this.
As long as you were doing something constructive, whether you attended classes or not didn't matter.