The crystal chandelier dimmed as five holographic projections erupted above the conference table, weaving constellations of recruitment offers. Starlight danced across tense faces.
Li Chongshan flicked his insignia into the void. Golden text blazed:
Monthly access to Thunderstorm Training Pods
Major Commission upon Graduation
Unrestricted S-Class Combat Archives
His lightning tattoos crackled. "Dragon Abyss Military University guarantees every resource—cultivation manuals, combat techniques—free for four years."
Tang Zhiqiang sneered, crimson lightning shredding the golden text. "Demon Capital University offers 100 million credits and a private cultivation chamber." The stars warped into skyscrapers. "Weapons? Armor? Covered."
Ren Keying's jade bracelet morphed into an emerald dragon coiling around the chaos. "Celestial Pivot University grants access to the Ancient Martial Pavilion's first three floors." Her fingertip conjured spectral scrolls. "You know what those archives mean, Lin Ye."
Song Muzhou's frost-embroidered cloak crystallized icy terms: "Capital Jing University's Core Disciple slot includes personalized mentorship from our Ace Professor. Five slots annually. Elite resources."
Zhao Qiming erased all illusions with a data tsunami. His obsidian ring projected a thunder-armored figure summoning stratospheric lightning: "Imperial Capital University's Lightning College will tailor your cultivation. Core Disciple benefits plus annual S+ Tier Resources."
"S+ Tier Resources?" Lin Ye frowned.
The professors exchanged stunned glances.
"Dragonblood Essence," Zhao Qiming explained. "Harvested from Eighth-Tier Draconic Mutant Beasts. One dose rivals decades of physique training."
Li Chongshan's chair screeched. "You're offering annual Dragonblood?!"
"For an S+ Tier prospect?" Zhao Qiming smiled. "Standard protocol."
Final Decision
Under five pairs of predatory stares, Lin Ye inhaled.
"Imperial Capital University."
Lin Ye's choice had crystallized long before this meeting. Conversations with Principal Zhang Tianming and Teacher Xu Haiping had seeded his preference for Imperial Capital University. Now, with Zhao Qiming's staggering offer of annual S+ Tier Resources, doubt evaporated.
"Imperial Capital… predictable." Li Chongshan sighed. Against Dragonblood Essence, their bids paled.
The other directors offered terse congratulations before departing. Only Zhao Qiming lingered, sliding a parchment scroll across the quantum-barriered table. "Sign here."
The contract stipulated unlimited access to cultivation manuals, combat techniques, and the promised S+ Tier Resources. Lin Ye's signature ignited data streams that flowed into Zhao Qiming's spatial ring—a black obsidian band housing pocket-dimensional storage.
"Spatial tech?" Lin Ye stared as the scroll vanished and reappeared. This world's merging science and sorcery… incredible.
"Report by September 1st," Zhao Qiming said. "Early enrollment grants immediate library access."
Lin Ye's pulse quickened. Imperial Capital's archives—a trove of Lightning-Type cultivation methods—awaited. "I'll arrive next week."
Post-Meeting
"An Imperial Capital admission letter!" Liu Fang marveled after the directors left. "And the city's awarding you 5 million yuan and a villa."
Lin Ye bowed. "I'll strive to honor Qingyang's trust."
Azurewater Garden Villas– Evening
Lin Ye stood at his aunt's doorstep, gift box in hand. Laughter and sizzling woks spilled from the kitchen.
"Xiao Ye!" Lin Yuru swung the door open, wielding a grease-spattered spatula. "Your uncle took leave to celebrate!"