96: Chapter 96 Glory Awaits!

At Donghuang Military University, on the holographic screen,

the massive countdown numbers hit zero.

【The 17th Freshman Competition of Donghuang Military University has officially ended!】

On the screen, the final points ranking froze:

【1st Place: Zhou Heng - 33,415 points】

【2nd Place: Ji Cang - 2,380 points】

【3rd Place: Lu Chenxin - 2,250 points】

【4th Place: Chen Ye - 2,100 points】

【5th Place: Xiao Jing - 2,800 points】

【6th Place: Shi Feng - 2,500 points】

【7th Place: Song Yunle - 1,980 points】

【8th Place: Ye Linger - 1,950 points】

...

Zhou Heng's name sat at the very top of the list with an absolute advantage!

A burst of warm applause and admiration rang out in the hall.

Principal Wang Tianhe had a gratified smile on his face:

“Good! Very good! The quality of this year's freshmen far exceeds expectations! Especially Zhou Heng... this boy has a promising future!”

Academy Dean Gu Zhenxin also clapped and laughed: “Calm in the face of danger, commanding with ease, and able to turn the tide at the critical moment—his talent, temperament, and combat power are all top-tier! Master Hong's eye for talent is as sharp as ever!”

“More importantly,” Wang Tianhe's gaze was profound, “their generation has competition, but more importantly, cooperation! Facing a powerful enemy, they can set aside prejudices and join forces! That is what's most rare!”

He looked at Gu Zhenxin: “Old Gu, according to convention, the top four of the Freshman Competition will receive preliminary qualification to represent Donghuang in this November's ‘Divine Seal World Youth Championship’. Notify them to get ready. At that time, they will join geniuses from top institutions like Modu University, Jiangnan University, and Kyoto University in the National Training Team to compete for the final glorious spots to represent Donghuang in the World Youth Competition!”

“To win glory for the country and spread the prestige of our Donghuang!” Gu Zhenxin responded solemnly.

The instructors in the hall nodded one after another, their eyes full of expectation.

The Divine Seal World Youth Competition was the highest-level stage for the global younger generation! To stand out there was a supreme honor!

09 Folded World.

The moment the countdown hit zero, the tactical watches on the wrists of all participants lit up simultaneously.

【Competition ended! Commencing teleportation!】

Streaks of white light flashed, and Zhou Heng and the others who were recovering in the canyon cave, as well as the other freshmen scattered throughout the world, were instantly teleported back to the central plaza where they had started.

The plaza was bustling with noise!

Nearly a thousand freshmen gathered once more, most of them bearing injuries,

their auras fluctuating, but their eyes were filled with excitement, exhaustion, and... anticipation for the results.

When the final points ranking was projected onto the light screen above the plaza, it instantly caused a massive sensation!

“Zhou Heng is first! 33,415 points?! My god! How did he do it?”

“Ji Cang is second! Lu Chenxin is third! Chen Ye is fourth! Xiao Jing is fifth!”

“Too strong! This score lead is a total gap!”

“They joined forces at the end to kill a Star Soul Titan!”

“For real? A Titan?! And with a Star Soul bloodline?”

“Badass! As expected of the S-rank big shots!”

The crowd automatically parted to form a path, and the top ten contestants, including Zhou Heng, Ji Cang, Lu Chenxin, and Chen Ye, walked out, immediately becoming the focus of the entire field!

Countless gazes converged on them, filled with admiration, envy, and even a hint of awe.

Zhou Heng's face was still somewhat pale, but his breathing had stabilized significantly.

Ji Cang and Lu Chenxin's expressions were calm, and Chen Ye still had a cold face, but there was a trace of excitement deep in his eyes.

Xiao Jing, Shi Feng, Ye Linger, and the others followed behind, sharing in the glory.

“Brother Heng! You're the best! (Voice cracking)” Someone shouted first, which immediately triggered a mountain-shaking wave of cheers and applause!

“Freshman King! Zhou Heng!”

“Ji Cang! Lu Chenxin! Chen Ye! Badass!”

...

Principal Wang Tianhe and the various deans and instructors ascended the podium.

The applause gradually subsided.

Wang Tianhe's gaze swept over the crowd below, lingering for a moment on Zhou Heng and the others,

his voice booming: “Students! Congratulations! The 17th Freshman Competition has concluded successfully! Your performance has exceeded everyone's expectations! You have proven that the future of Donghuang Military University is full of hope!”

“Now, I announce the final rankings and rewards!”

“For tenth to fourth place, the reward is 500 academic credits, and a choice between a Source-grade Mid-rank martial technique or resources!”

“Third place, Lu Chenxin! The reward is 800 academic credits, a choice between a Heaven-grade Low-rank martial technique or resources! And the title of ‘Eastern Radiance Elite’ is conferred!”

Lu Chenxin stepped forward, bowed slightly to receive the reward token, his expression indifferent.

“Second place, Ji Cang! The reward is 1,000 academic credits, a choice between a Heaven-grade Mid-rank martial technique or resources! And the title of ‘Eastern Radiance Elite’ is conferred!”

Ji Cang stepped forward and took the token, saluting the principal and instructors, though his gaze subconsciously flickered toward Zhou Heng beside him.

“First place, Zhou Heng!” Wang Tianhe's voice rose, filled with praise,

“Reward: 1,500 academic credits! Conferred the title of ‘Eastern Radiance Freshman King’! And granted one opportunity to enter the ‘Military Martial Treasury’ to select a Heaven-grade martial technique or resources of equivalent value! Additionally, granted cultivation qualification for the ‘Thunder Pool’ secret realm (seven days)!”

Whoosh—!

The crowd below boiled over again! A Heaven-grade martial technique!

Thunder Pool cultivation qualification! These were top-tier rewards that hadn't been seen in previous years!

Zhou Heng took a deep breath, suppressed the excitement in his heart, walked forward, and respectfully received the purple-gold token symbolizing the highest honor and a small, exquisite championship trophy.

“Thank you, Principal! Thank you, School!” His voice was loud and clear.

Wang Tianhe looked at him and smiled: “Zhou Heng, your performance is obvious to all. I hope you will continue to work hard, remain humble, and take on greater responsibilities for Donghuang and the human race in the future!”

“This student will definitely work hard!” Zhou Heng said solemnly.

The award ceremony continued, with fourth-place Chen Ye and those from fifth to tenth place also taking the stage in turn to receive their awards.

After the awards were finished, Wang Tianhe spoke again, his voice reaching the entire field: “According to convention, the top four of the Freshman Competition will receive preliminary qualification to represent Donghuang in this November's ‘Divine Seal World Youth Championship’!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in an uproar again!

The Divine Seal World Youth Competition! That was the stage every young genius dreamed of!

A brilliant light burst from the eyes of Zhou Heng, Ji Cang, Lu Chenxin, and Chen Ye!

To fight for the country and spread prestige across the world! What an honor that was!

“At that time, you will enter the National Training Team to train and be selected alongside geniuses from other top institutions across the country, finally determining the official roster to represent Donghuang! I hope you cherish this opportunity, strive to improve, and win glory for the country!”

“Yes!” the four responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit.

The ceremony ended, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

Zhou Heng was called over by Master Hong and went to the principal's office.

“Kid, you did well!” Hong Yuanhai slapped Zhou Heng's shoulder hard, his face full of pride, “You didn't embarrass me!”

Wang Tianhe also laughed: “Old Hong, you've picked up a treasure.”

Zhou Heng chuckled: “It's all because the teacher taught me well.”

“Cut the flattery!” Hong Yuanhai scolded with a laugh, then said seriously, “The reason I brought you here is to have you go to the Military Martial Treasury to pick your reward now. A Heaven-grade martial technique is a major matter; you need to select it early so you can begin practicing.”

Zhou Heng's eyes lit up: “Go right now?”

“Yes, come with me.”

Under Hong Yuanhai's lead, Zhou Heng arrived at a heavily guarded ancient tower deep within the university—the Military Martial Treasury.

Entering the treasury, Zhou Heng was shocked by the sight before him.

Countless light orbs floated in the air, each representing a powerful martial technique, cultivation method, rare material, or divine weapon! Precious light overflowed, and essence energy was misty!

The 【Omniscient Eye】 activated automatically, scanning the light orbs one by one.

【Heaven-grade Low-rank Martial Technique: Sky-Burning Fire-Devouring Palm (Fire-type)... Does not match Divine Seal attribute, rejected.】

【Heaven-grade Mid-rank Cultivation Method: Azure Wood Longevity Art (Wood-type)... Focuses on recovery, does not match combat style.】

【Heaven-grade Mid-rank Martial Technique: Nine Swords of the Splitting Void (Metal-type)... Requires Sword Heart, does not match.】

【Heaven-grade High-rank Material: Star Core Fragment... Extremely high value, but not an immediate necessity.】

...

Zhou Heng searched patiently. He wanted to pick the reward that suited him best and could maximize his current combat power.

Finally, his gaze locked onto a dark purple light orb emitting a violent thunderous aura!

【Heaven-grade High-rank Martial Technique: Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Spear Art (First Three Forms)】

【Attribute: Thunder-type Spear Path】

【Requirements: Thunder Divine Seal, spear intent at Minor Accomplishment, powerful physique】

【Description: Created by the Thunder Emperor, nine forms in total, each stronger than the last. At Great Accomplishment, it can transform into a Thunder Prison to suppress all evil! Contains the true intent of thunder, with infinite power! The treasury contains the first three forms.】

【Compatibility: Extremely high!】

【Deduction and Optimization: The circulation route of this spear technique is profound and has complementary points with the 【Thunder Piercing Kill Spear】. If they can be fused and optimized, the power can be further increased!】

“This is it!” Zhou Heng was wild with joy! This 【Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Spear Art】 was practically tailor-made for him!

“Teacher, I choose this one!” Zhou Heng pointed to the dark purple light orb.

Hong Yuanhai took a look and nodded: “Good eye! Although this spear technique is incomplete, its grade is extremely high and its power is immense; it's perfect for you. Practice hard!”

Zhou Heng reached out to touch the light orb, and a massive flow of information instantly flooded into his mind! It was the cultivation method for the first three forms of the 【Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Spear Art】!

Suppressing the urge to immediately begin comprehending it, Zhou Heng respectfully took his leave.

Leaving the treasury, he gripped the token in his hand and the spear technique in his mind, his heart filled with lofty sentiments.

The Freshman Competition had ended, and a new journey was about to begin!

Thunder Pool cultivation, spear technique practice, preparing for the World Youth Competition...

“Divine Seal World Youth Competition... National Training Team... Geniuses from all over the country...” A smile of anticipation curled at the corner of Zhou Heng's mouth, “It's really... exciting!”

His gaze was already set upon a broader stage!