19: Magic and Martial Arts University, Zuo Zhengqing

"Kid."

"How is it?"

Lin Yan withdrew his gaze from the buildings outside the car window and looked at Duan Tiancheng beside him.

"How's what?"

"Your feelings."

Duan Tiancheng smiled.

"What else could I be asking you?"

"Oh."

Lin Yan continued to look out the car window.

"It's just like that."

"It's just the Freshman Grand Competition."

"And it's only the Dragon Kingdom."

Duan Tiancheng was slightly speechless.

"You just took the title of Young King; you'll definitely be targeted by many people when the time comes."

"Remember."

"You must remain calm and composed."

"Especially when you encounter the people on the list I gave you."

"With your current cultivation, there's still a gap between you and them."

Speaking to this point, his expression paused.

Why did this scene feel a bit familiar?

Inside the car.

Earnest and well-meaning.

Duan Tiancheng looked at Lin Yan, whose mind was wandering.

*Cough...*

He spoke cautiously.

"There haven't been any big changes in the last two days, right?"

Lin Yan didn't even turn his head.

"No."

"I just had a Breakthrough to the second-order."

Mmhmm.

Duan Tiancheng nodded.

Huh?

Duan Tiancheng looked up.

Dammit!

Duan Tiancheng was excited.

"second-order?!!"

Lin Yan still didn't turn his head.

"Mmhmm."

Duan Tiancheng rubbed his hands together.

This kid had the combat power of an invincible second-order third-level when he was at first-order ninth-level.

Now that he had reached the second-order first-level, his combat power must have reached the Second Tier Fourth Level.

Second Tier Fourth Level.

That was the common cultivation level for the contestants of The Four Great Ones.

Doesn't that mean there's hope for the top one hundred!

If his luck is a bit better...

The top fifty isn't just a dream!

A university established in its first year getting into the top fifty of the Freshman Grand Competition.

Who would believe it?!

Awesome!!

He let out a loud laugh.

"Good!"

This kid is crafty enough!

Trying to give me surprises and scares again, huh?

Fortunately, I'm shrewd and have experience now.

What's with the Principal?

Everyone in the large bus looked over at the same time, their eyes filled with confusion.

Then they all shifted their gaze to the figure beside him.

Because of Lin Yan?

What did he do?

Lin Yan, unaware of what they were thinking, was quietly admiring the scenery outside the window.

As expected of the Imperial Capital.

Compared to the more obviously technological Magic City, there was a clear sense of weight and solemnity befitting a national capital.

The large bus drove for a while longer.

"We're here."

It stopped in front of a magnificent hotel entrance.

"All staff of the Tenghui Hotel..."

"...wish the Prodigies from the Magic City invincible success."

Getting off the bus, Lin Yan looked at the high-hanging banner, then moved his gaze to the figures on both sides of the hotel entrance.

To be honest.

Looking at it in isolation, it was a bit cringe.

But as a contestant, it was also a bit blood-boiling.

Haven't Yuan Cheng and Yu Jiao's faces already turned red?

"Let's go."

Duan Tiancheng stepped forward.

Lin Yan and the others followed.

With the technology of this era, their check-ins were fully registered the moment they stepped through the door.

There was no such thing as queuing or waiting.

Their group of over ten people walked into the hotel lobby and headed straight for the elevator.

"This is the hotel for several First-Class Universities from the Magic City and Magic Martial University."

"Once you're in your rooms, it's best not to wander around."

"And definitely don't get into conflicts with others."

"Maintain a good state."

"Otherwise, if you get injured, you'll be the only ones who regret it."

Brother Quan, who had recovered, was also in the group, his expression serious.

Yuan Cheng and the others nodded repeatedly, indicating they understood.

What a joke.

These were all First-Class Universities, and Magic Martial, one of The Four Great Ones, was here too.

Would they be bored enough to go looking for trouble?

Did they think they were all Lin Yan?

A Young King?!"

"Yo!"

"Old Jing!"

Lin Yan looked up at the approaching group.

Bad luck!

Jing Anxiang cursed inwardly but had a face full of smiles.

"Old Duan!"

"You've arrived?"

His gaze shifted to Lin Yan behind him, his eyes flickering slightly.

"Student Lin Yan, we haven't seen each other for a few days, and now you're a Young King!"

"As expected of a super Prodigy aiming for the champion's throne!"

His voice was very loud.

It instantly attracted all eyes in the entire hotel lobby.

Lin Yan?!

The members of a group not far behind Anyi University all looked up.

Brother Yan?!

Brother Yan has arrived too?

Xue Cheng and Lian Chuan in the group also looked over.

Duan Tiancheng's expression stiffened.

Dammit.

A faint smile played on Lin Yan's lips.

"Principal Anxiang."

"Thank you for the compliment."

Then he glanced at the wary Jing Pengtian behind him.

"Student Jing has recovered well."

"The wounds on your face are all gone."

"You..."

Jing Pengtian was about to explode.

Lin Yan was already prepared to press his head down.

"You are Lin Yan?"

A youth in white stepped forward, his indifferent gaze full of scrutiny.

Jing Pengtian seemed to have found a savior and stepped forward.

"Brother Zhengqing!"

Zuo Zhu, whose gaze had been fixed on Lin Yan, also walked up.

"Brother."

"Nephew Zhengqing."

Jing Anxiang also spoke.

Duan Tiancheng's eyes narrowed slightly.

The Zuo Family of the Magic City.

A Heavenly Extreme Family.

Zuo Zhengqing only responded politely to Jing Anxiang before turning his gaze back to Lin Yan.

Lin Yan raised an eyebrow and slowly turned his head.

"Is something the matter?"

"Zuo Zhengqing, what do you want to do?"

Two figures arrived behind Lin Yan.

"Xue Cheng, Lian Chuan."

"What do you two mean by this?"

Several more people arrived behind Zuo Zhengqing, their tone questioning.

"None of your business!"

"If you want to fight, come at us!"

"See if the three of us brothers don't beat you until your parents can't recognize you!"

The honesty on Lian Chuan's face was gone, replaced by ferocity.

Xue Cheng's expression was cold, like an unsheathed sword.

"Bring it!"

"You...!"

The people behind Zuo Zhengqing were furious.

Are these two crazy?

It's one thing to side with an outsider.

But they actually dared to provoke Brother Qing.

SS-rank talent, Second Tier Fourth Level, where did they get the nerve?!

Amidst the tension.

Zuo Zhengqing took a deep look at the two of them, an ambiguous smile appearing on his lips.

"I didn't expect you two to know our Young King."

He looked back at Lin Yan.

"Magic Martial University Freshman Chief, Zuo Zhengqing."

"Thank you for the 'care' you gave my sister."

"I look forward to meeting you in the Grand Competition."

The word 'care' was clearly emphasized; everyone could understand the meaning hidden in his words.

After speaking, he prepared to lead the group away.

Zuo Zhengqing... this name seemed familiar.

It wasn't from the information Old Man Duan gave him.

A flash of realization crossed the eyes of the reminiscing Lin Yan.

"Oh."

"So you're the runner-up of this year's College Entrance Exam."

"The Pro... digy... who was pushed off the Elementary King Stele by me?"

Zuo Zhengqing's footsteps paused, his eyes turning slightly cold.

The lobby suddenly went silent.

Everyone, who had thought nothing would happen, changed their expressions simultaneously, looking at Lin Yan in disbelief.

"Kid!"

"What do you mean?!"

"Arrogant!"

"Do you really think you're invincible!"

Numerous angry shouts rang out.

A smile appeared on Jing Anxiang's face.

Brother Quan's lips parted slightly, suddenly feeling a bit suffocated.

It felt like everything he just said was for nothing.

Duan Tiancheng, who had breathed a sigh of relief, almost couldn't catch his breath again.

You bastard!

You're hell-bent on making me bully the younger ones, aren't you?

Do you trust me that much to be able to beat the leaders of Magic Martial University?!"

"Jing Anxiang is here too!"

"Most importantly..."

"You still have to compete!"

"Won't you be beaten to a pulp if you really encounter them?"

"There's still a gap in cultivation, don't you know how to be a bit more low-key?"

"Can't you act tough after you're actually able to beat them?"