211: Kyoto's dazzling prosperity is captivating; geniuses gather to compete for supremacy!

Yao Family ancestral home.

Sandalwood incense wafted in the study.

However, the atmosphere was not as peaceful as the scent.

Lu Yuan sat upright on a pear blossom wood chair, and on the desk in front of him lay a gilded invitation.

The invitation was crafted from special Source Power crystals, with intricate patterns flowing with a faint glow under the light, and a League emblem, formed by twenty-six stars, imprinted in the center.

National Prodigy Tournament invitation.

Supervised by the East Continent Alliance.

From the main seat, Yao Zhenchuan began to slowly explain to Lu Yuan:

"The East Continent Alliance governs twenty-six provinces."

"It appears unified, but in reality, each governs itself, with clear distinctions in strength."

The old man extended a finger and pointed in the air.

"Among them, three provinces are the most prominent."

"The Capital Region, the heart of the Alliance, where decrees originate, and power and wealth are abundant."

"Near the Sea, with thriving commerce, numerous financial groups, and wealth comparable to nations."

"Contend for Supremacy, where martial arts are most prevalent, a hundred schools of thought contend, a land of conflict yet also a cradle for the strong."

Yao Zhenchuan's gaze fell on Lu Yuan.

"These three provinces have almost monopolized all the honors and resources of the Prodigy Competition over the years."

"The geniuses they cultivate, whether in knowledge, resources, or combat experience, are far beyond what we remote provinces can compare to."

"Lu Yuan, this journey will be filled with experts, a true den of dragons and tigers."

Yao Zhenchuan's tone shifted, the solemnity quietly fading, replaced by a heartfelt concern from an elder.

"Our Region Province has been weak for too long."

"We desperately need someone who can make their voice heard on the national stage."

"You are our greatest hope, in fact, you could say our only hope."

He paused, speaking each word distinctly.

"But you must remember, the Yao Family is sending you there not for you to risk your life."

"Self-preservation is the top priority."

"Regardless of victory or defeat, regardless of the outcome, the Yao Family will always be your backing, your most solid harbor."

"Do you understand?"

These words contained no falsehood, only genuine worry and support.

Lu Yuan looked up, meeting the old man's complex gaze, and nodded solemnly.

"Grandpa, I understand."

A warmth flowed through his heart.

This world, after all, was not just cold slaughter and schemes.

Seeing him agree, Yao Zhenchuan finally breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back into his chair.

"Good, it's good that you understand."

"Since you've decided to compete, safety must be absolutely ensured."

He looked towards the door.

"Tianbi, come in."

"Grandpa."

Yao Tianbi bowed to Yao Zhenchuan, then turned his gaze to Lu Yuan and smiled at him.

"This trip will be personally led by Tianbi. The Yao Family's business in the Capital has always been handled by him, so he is more familiar with the Capital's environment."

"With Third Uncle there, I'm relieved."

A crisp voice suddenly came from outside the door. Yao Xiao poked half her head in, a hint of a fawning smile on her face.

She quickly slipped in and stood beside Yao Zhenchuan, reaching out to massage the shoulders of the old man in the main seat.

"Grandpa, I heard Lu Yuan is going to the Capital for the competition?"

Yao Zhenchuan glanced at her, fully aware of his granddaughter's thoughts.

"What, you want to go too?"

"Yes!"

Yao Xiao nodded without hesitation, then, fearing rejection, quickly added.

"Lu Yuan is a contestant, he'll need someone to serve tea, pour water, and handle miscellaneous tasks, right?"

"I'm the most suitable person! I promise not to cause trouble, I'll just stay by Lu Yuan's side and be his assistant!"

As she spoke, she winked desperately at Lu Yuan, her eyes practically overflowing with pleading.

Yao Tianbi watched from the side, chuckling.

Yao Zhenchuan feigned contemplation, and finally, under his granddaughter's persistent coaxing, sighed helplessly.

"Oh well, oh well, a girl grown up can't be kept at home."

"Tianbi, add her to the roster, under the name 'Contestant's Assistant Personnel'."

"Yay!"

Yao Xiao was so happy she almost jumped up, rushing to Lu Yuan, her small face flushed with excitement.

"That's great! Lu Yuan, we can go to the Capital together!"

Watching the girl's unrestrained joy, the heavy atmosphere in the study also lightened considerably.

Lu Yuan's lips curved slightly, and he nodded... Three days later.

Region Province's dedicated airport.

A silver-white, futuristic-looking maglev aircraft hovered quietly.

This was a mode of transport specially prepared by the Alliance for the participating teams from each province, extremely fast, capable of traversing the Eastern Continent within a day.

The three boarded the aircraft, and the interior space's luxury and comfort far exceeded their imagination.

Yao Xiao and Lu Yuan were like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden, filled with curiosity about everything.

Lu Yuan acted very calm, but the young girl's true nature came out.

One moment she was touching the air-suspension chairs that could automatically adjust temperature and embrace, the next she was peering out the huge porthole, gasping in admiration at the rapidly receding clouds below.

"Wow! So fast!"

"Lu Yuan, look! We've already flown out of Region Province!"

She snuggled close to Lu Yuan, chattering excitedly about her new discoveries.

Yao Tianbi sat opposite them, watching the two young people with a gentle smile.

Once the aircraft entered stable cruising mode, he cleared his throat, and his expression became serious.

"Lu Yuan, Yao Xiao, while there's still time, I'll tell you about the Capital's structure."

Lu Yuan and Yao Xiao immediately sat up straight, listening intently.

"The Capital is not like Region; the waters there are unfathomably deep."

Yao Tianbi's eyes showed a hint of gravity.

"There are three most prominent forces."

"Firstly, the Alliance Government, nominally the highest authority in the entire Eastern Continent, controlling the military and laws, its strength is unquestionable."

"Secondly, the Card Master Temple, a vast organization spread across the Card Continent, responsible for the certification and assessment of high-tier Card Masters, and the management of Source Power secret realms. It both cooperates with and checks the government, with complex relations. You can think of it as the 'father' of the Card Master Alliance; that's roughly its status."

"Thirdly, there are those super academies."

Yao Tianbi emphasized his words.

"Don't think that because Region Academy dominates in Region, it's very impressive. Although it's called one of the Five Great Academies, the actual prestige is... worlds apart!"

"The Five Great Academies is an informal term used by outsiders to decentralize, but in reality, the top three spots on the university rankings are consistently held by those truly colossal institutions."

"Kyoto University, Near the Sea Business School, and Contend for Supremacy Martial Arts University."

"Near the Sea and Contend for Supremacy only recruit within their respective provinces, so they are not included in the ranking of the Five Great Academies, but their strength is not low."

"Each of these has produced more than one Eighth-Rank Saint, and it's even rumored that a Ninth-Tier Card God presides over them."

"Of course, currently, there are only a few Eighth-Rank powerhouses openly."

"Among them, Kyoto University is the foremost."

He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

"Kyoto University is very special; it's internally divided into two departments that are independent but share the same origin."

"Kyoto Martial Arts University, exclusively for combat geniuses, trains the Alliance's top warriors and pioneers."

"Outsiders also jokingly refer to it as the Wanjiang Academy, because it's connected to an Alliance organization called the Ten Thousand Frontiers. I don't know much about this organization; every time I encounter them, it's for major events, so just listen."

"The second department is the Kyoto Political Science Academy, which gathers the brightest minds in the entire Alliance, researching card theory, Source Power technology, and strategic command, cultivating future governors and scholars."

"The Alliance Chairman and committee members of each term are all graduates of the Academy of Political Studies, which speaks volumes."

"These two academies almost monopolize more than half of the Alliance's high-end talent."