175: Vice President Zhu Yangbo

In about ten minutes, Li Wen and Chu Yu returned to the preparation area together.

They had smiles on their faces, clearly having both made it into the top 80.

Their opponents weren't too strong, so their wins were relatively easy.

Then, Li Wen learned about Lin Shu's advancement speed and was completely shocked.

The time it took him for one match was enough for Lin Shu to reach the finals.

This speed was truly exaggerated.

Lin Shu then began to observe the other battles.

He also wanted to understand everyone's strength.

Central State University lived up to its reputation as a top university in Daxia, and this competition was for the top students of the first year.

Everyone's Beastmaster strength was exceptionally high; besides Chu Yu, Lin Shu hadn't seen a single student whose beast level was below 57.

And their skill proficiency had obviously required a lot of effort.

Far exceeding that of ordinary Beastmasters.

Everyone's planning and allocation for their beasts were also distinctly different, roughly falling into several schools of thought.

One was to only cultivate a single beast, dedicating all resources to it, which would make the beast's strength significantly higher than average, very suitable for those with excellent initial beast Talent.

Then there were those like Lin Shu, who contracted several beasts, focusing on group combat.

Just like a male student Lin Shu had just seen, who had a full five beasts, even more than him.

However, their strengths varied; the highest was level 57, with an average around level 40, meaning their high-end combat power wasn't strong.

The third type was like thealien race, where the Beastmaster's Mental power was the core, assisting the beasts in battle.

Possessing stronger combat capabilities.

All these methods had high ceilings and were choices made by individuals based on their own circumstances; it couldn't be said which was better.

The battles were extremely intense, and everyone was fighting hard to earn more academic credits.

Even if their beasts were covered in scars, as long as they weren't near death, they would continue to fight; the Beastmasters were the same, frequently using Mental power to assist the battle, turning pale from the effort, and even when falling to the ground, they still kept their eyes on the battle.

They showed full fighting spirit, everyone holding back a fierce determination that now exploded forth.

Unless the gap was too significant, such situations would always occur.

Lin Shu and the other two found this very exciting to watch.

This kind of battle was what true Beastmasters needed.

And so, the subsequent matches slowly continued... As noon approached, all 80 spots had been decided.

In the vast arena, many distinguished teachers and instructors entered the venue.

Among them were many of their proud students; the current ranking competition was the best test of their strength.

Of course, it wasn't just teachers; many older students also entered the venue to watch the first-year students' matches, as it had been every year.

Among the group of instructors, Gu Li was naturally present.

Old Song was with him, and the figure of Yue Jiyun was also seen.

There were many teachers, a full forty to fifty of them.

And a somewhat aged figure appeared at the very back, holding a phone with sound playing aloud, his eyes fixed on the phone the entire time, not looking where he was going at all.

"Big two!"

"I only have one card left!"

He was clearly playing Dou Dizhu (Fight the Landlord), and regarding this, the instructors not only had no complaints but even became a little nervous, their eyes showing respect, as they greeted the old man at the back.

"Headmaster Zhu!"

"Headmaster Zhu!"

Even Gu Li and Old Song were no exception, respectfully calling out.

The person was none other than Lord Zhuyang, the Vice Headmaster of Central State University.

It was no wonder everyone showed such respectful attitudes.

His expression remained unchanged, only raising his left hand to signal them to stop.

He then continued to follow the crowd's pace, remaining silent.

Seeing this, everyone exchanged glances and could only continue forward.

They pondered, this person, who usually appeared and disappeared like a phantom, was now here to watch the first-year ranking competition.

His purpose was clearly very simple.

Only Lin Shu was worthy of such attention from him, which made everyone's opinion of Lin Shu rise another level.

Gu Li secretly rejoiced; it seemed his good student had already caught the attention of the higher-ups, and after this viewing, he expected good things to come their way.

Then, seeing Yue Jiyun to his left, he decided to greet her.

After all, she had provided considerable help to Lin Shu's beast, and as Lin Shu's instructor, he naturally had to express his gratitude.

"Instructor Yue, thank you for helping Lin Shu."

Yue Jiyun smiled slightly, showing an expression that said it was unnecessary:

"It's nothing, these are minor matters."

"This was also at someone's request."

"However, Teacher Gu, your student is truly exceptionally outstanding."

Such direct praise made Gu Li's lips curve into a slight smile.

He felt somewhat pleased internally, but still quickly waved his hand.

"Actually, he's just alright."

But the smile on his lips never stopped, clearly unable to hide his pride.

Yue Jiyun smiled gracefully and said no more.

Lin Shu's Talent also exceeded her expectations; he could be said to be the most gifted person she had ever seen.

She had come this time, naturally, for Lin Shu's competition, and also to inform Pei Yuanfang of his recent changes.

With Lin Shu as the link, their communication had become increasingly frequent recently.

The instructors and teachers arrived at a very private VIP room.

The interior was luxuriously decorated, and the space was enormous; even with twice the number of people, it wouldn't feel crowded at all.

Most of them were from the combat department; there were very few instructors from the other three departments.

Compared to students, they clearly had extra privileges.

Lord Zhuyang casually found a corner to sit in; after entering the private room, he put his phone in his pocket.

Gu Li and Old Song also casually found a place to sit.

Many instructors behind them greeted Gu Li, all discussing matters concerning Lin Shu.

"Lin Shu's Talent is truly astonishing; in just two short months, he can enter the top ten of the first-year ranking competition—even novels wouldn't dare to write it like this!"

"Teacher Gu is amazing; he quietly took in such a good student."

"Indeed, look at my student, the difference..."

"It's still Gu Li's keen eye; otherwise, who else would have discovered Lin Shu's Talent."

Everyone praised him endlessly; Lin Shu's Talent was enough to make people dumbfounded.

Most of them were instructors who had had contact with him, while a small portion were not familiar at all.

But all of them greeted Gu Li one by one.

Everyone was congratulating him on having such a good student as Lin Shu.

It made Gu Li's mouth ache from smiling.

However, he could still handle it; more would be no problem.

Old Song sat nearby, watching the overwhelmed Gu Li, with an imperceptible envy.

How great it would be if Lin Shu were his student.

Like how he used to show off Chu Yu.

No, even more exaggerated.

He would wish to announce it to the whole world, to let everyone know about this matter.

Just as everyone in the private room was discussing animatedly, the list of top 80 matchups was officially released.

Unfortunately, Lin Shu's match order was quite late, and everyone was quite eager to see this genius's match.

Instead, Chu Yu was the first to appear on the battle stage.

Old Song no longer thought of anything else.

It was better to watch his own student first; no matter how excellent others were, they weren't his.

Suddenly, the previously somewhat noisy private room immediately quieted down.

They quietly watched the match on the big screen, occasionally giving pointers to the instructors beside them.

Gu Li finally had some free time and watched Lin Shu on the screen with great interest.

He wondered if his good student could give him another surprise this time.

Directly winning first place in the ranking competition?

With the strength Lin Shu had displayed so far and his previous achievements, he was fully capable of doing so... Chu Yu successfully advanced to the top 40, of course, by relying on his Talent ability.

This battle was extremely grueling, with both sides pushed to their limits, but ultimately, Chu Yu's Ice Soul Flying Eagle was superior, finishing off his opponent.

However, it also cost him the chance to enter the next round; his own strength was still a bit too low, but for Chu Yu, it was already satisfactory.

To achieve such a result in his first participation was already enough to be proud of.

Everyone also got to know Chu Yu; as a specially recruited student like Lin Shu, he was clearly overshadowed by him, but his Talent was equally astonishing, within the top tier.

Similarly, Old Song in the private room, seeing such a scene, couldn't help but cheer with his arms raised.

Shouting: "He's my student!"

He looked so proud.

Everyone very appropriately applauded, which made Old Song utterly delighted.

And so, after waiting for a while.

The main event began.

Lin Shu's name was called.

Everyone immediately showed expressions of anticipation...