Translator: CinderTL
Back home, Jiang Ye sat in the main villa and opened his phone.
Ding! Countless points of light radiated outward, forming a holographic projection in mid-air.
The Twenty-Five School Alliance Genius Cup will officially commence on April 20th. Participating schools include: Penglai University, Star River University, Northern Territory University, and East Sea University.
Lines of text scrolled across the screen.
Jiang Ye quickly scanned through them.
Just as Qiu Cang had mentioned earlier, Star River University and Northern Territory University, ranked seventh and ninth among the ten great schools, were also participating in this year's Genius Cup.
"The Twenty-Five School Genius Cup... some ordinary martial universities are participating too?" Jiang Ye's expression shifted.
This was the first time he'd heard of such a thing.
But it made sense.
Figures like Zhu Honglie and Teacher Qiu wouldn't bother paying attention to students from ordinary martial universities, so naturally, they wouldn't have mentioned it to him.
"A total of fifty-one schools are participating in the Genius Cup," Jiang Ye continued reading.
The Twenty-Five School Genius Cup uses the mountains and rivers as its backdrop, the arena as its scroll, gathering elites from various schools to select Martial Dao Prodigies.
He swiftly skipped past the fluff and focused on the crucial 'Competition Rules' section.
The total number of participants in this year's Genius Cup is 500.
The Genius Cup will be held in the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm. Upon the competition's start, all 500 participants will be simultaneously teleported into the realm to compete for rankings.
The top 32 strongest competitors will advance to the final stage.
The final stage will progressively narrow the field to the top 16, top 8, top 4, and ultimately determine the champion!
Jiang Ye quickly scanned the detailed rules.
Compared to Penglai University's Freshman Competition, the Genius Cup's rules were far more complex, extending beyond mere arena battles.
"Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm?"
"The description mentions it's a D-Tier Opportunity," Jiang Ye murmured, his expression shifting slightly. "During the competition, we might also obtain treasures that aid in breakthroughs?"
Jiang Ye already had some understanding of Opportunities.
Centuries ago, after Blue Star connected with the cosmos, numerous treasures and sacred sites were discovered throughout the solar system and neighboring galaxies.
Among these, the Penglai Heavenly Tower and White Dragon's Court were classified as treasures.
Sacred sites, on the other hand, were also known as Opportunities.
"According to the Blue Star Federation's classification,"
"Opportunities are ranked into four tiers—A, B, C, and D—based on the potential benefits they offer."
"A D-Tier Opportunity, though the lowest rank, still offers significant benefits," Jiang Ye thought, his heart lifting with anticipation.
For him, any chance to improve was not to be missed.
The fact that this year's Genius Cup was being held in the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm was a stroke of good fortune.
Previous Genius Cups hadn't been held in such advantageous locations.
However, Jiang Ye also anticipated that the competition this year would be far fiercer than in previous years.
"Star River University, ranked seventh among the ten great schools, is likely participating in this Genius Cup for this very reason," Jiang Ye mused. "Even for the top university students, a D-Tier Opportunity represents a significant chance for advancement."
Every Opportunity had limited slots, requiring fierce competition.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be given such a special name.
For Jiang Ye, this opportunity was even more crucial, one he had to seize firmly.
"Beyond the Opportunity, there are also the Genius Cup's rewards."
"Truly generous," Jiang Ye noted, studying the projected display.
Finalists of the Genius Cup will receive 10 million federal currency.
Top 16 participants will receive 20 million federal currency.
Top 8 participants will receive 50 million federal currency.
Genius Cup Top 4: Reward: 100 million federal currency, one Enlightenment Opportunity
Genius Cup Champion: Reward: 300 million federal currency, one Enlightenment Jade, one Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid, one Martial Bone Opportunity
The full list of rewards was revealed.
"The champion's rewards are truly astonishing," Jiang Ye murmured, taking a deep breath.
Even without considering the other prizes, the Enlightenment Jade alone was an unimaginable treasure.
Though it couldn't compare to the legendary Enlightenment Divine Jade, it was still an extremely rare and precious artifact.
"The Enlightenment Jade should aid in comprehending the Dao, and the Martial Bone Opportunity likely enhances one's physique."
"But what exactly does the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid do?" Jiang Ye wondered, slightly puzzled.
Fortunately, he soon discovered that clicking on the item revealed further details.
Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid: Sourced from the Extreme Sea Star System. Enhances martial willpower, expands the sea of consciousness, provides exceptional pain relief, and can be used during high-energy cosmic tempering to mitigate some of the pain.
"So it can actually enhance martial willpower?" Jiang Ye exclaimed in astonishment.
This was the first time he had ever heard of such a treasure.
"Senior sister really needs this, doesn't she?" Jiang Ye mused. "It must be because of her God-Devouring Syndrome."
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but ask, "Senior Bai Gui, are you familiar with the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid?"
"I am," a cold voice echoed in his mind.
"Is it effective against God-Devouring Syndrome?"
"It has some effect, but it only provides temporary pain relief," Bai Gui replied. "This substance is extremely rare and, to my knowledge, unique to the Extreme Sea Star System."
"Not even the White Dragon Star System has it?" Jiang Ye asked, surprised.
"It's rarely found there, mostly originating from the Extreme Sea Star System," Bai Gui said, shaking her head. "It's called 'Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid' precisely because it's unique to that galaxy."
"I understand," Jiang Ye nodded.
Chen Zilu needs the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid?
Most likely for pain relief.
What kind of suffering is she enduring? Jiang Ye wondered inwardly. To require something so rare, even for a third-tier civilization, just for temporary relief?
For no particular reason, he felt a pang of sympathy for the girl.
Whenever Chen Zilu met Jiang Ye, she always wore a cheerful smile, showing no sign of her pain.
But who could have imagined that she had been silently enduring this for over a decade?
"Champion! I have to win this," Jiang Ye said, taking a deep breath.
Even aside from the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid, the 300 million federal currency prize was a powerful incentive.
"Personal wealth," Jiang Ye muttered, tapping his phone to open his wealth page.
Bank balance: 20,000
Campus merit points: 1,860,000
"I've spent over ten million in the past two months," Jiang Ye mused. "Since breaking through to the second breakthrough, money has been flowing out like water."
This was thanks to Zhao Qingli's connections.
By now, he knew her family's business offered internal channels with prices roughly half the market rate, even cheaper than the school's channels by another 10-20%.
Without this, Jiang Ye's expenses would have far exceeded ten million.
"Fortunately, the gains have been substantial," Jiang Ye said, a smile suddenly appearing on his face.
He glanced at his status panel:
[Cultivation Techniques]
[Nine Luminaries Star-Treading: Major Success (10%)]
[Great Sun Spear Technique: Major Success (55%)]
[Heavenly Tribulation Fist: Major Success (9%)]
[White Dragon True God Manual (Upper Volume): Uninitiated (19%)]
[Star-Piercing Arrow Technique: Uninitiated (50%)]
[Cold Sun Spear Technique: Small Success (50%)]
Jiang Ye couldn't help but smile as he gazed at the dazzling data panel.
This is what I've achieved in the past two months!
Among all the progress, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the Cold Sun Spear Technique.
Now, Jiang Ye thought to himself, the framework of my self-created spearmanship is complete. All that remains is cultivation. Though it's only at 50% of Small Success, its power already far surpasses the Great Sun Spear Technique.
The Cold Sun Spear Technique had progressed so rapidly primarily because it was derived from the Great Sun Spear Technique. With that foundation in place, advancement naturally accelerated.
In just over a month, he had gone from being completely uninitiated to achieving Small Success.
Of course, the Enlightenment Divine Jade played an indispensable role. Without this divine artifact, Jiang Ye would never have been able to break through to Small Success in such a short time, let alone reach 50% completion.
The current me, Jiang Ye mused, would utterly crush ten of my former selves from two months ago, wouldn't he? A smile crept across his lips. Unless I activated all my buffs, the present me far surpasses my past self.
With this realization, he felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation and confidence for the upcoming Twenty-Five School Genius Cup.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.
"Teacher Zhu?" Jiang Ye answered the call.
Beep!
A holographic projection of an elderly man with fiery red hair materialized.
"Jiang Ye," Zhu Honglie greeted him with a smile. "You've received the Genius Cup competition rules, haven't you?"
Jiang Ye nodded. "Just now."
"For this Genius Cup, you only need to focus on opponents from four schools," Zhu Honglie said. "Star River University, Northern Territory University, Donghai University, and Nanyang University."
Jiang Ye's heart stirred.
Star River University and Northern Territory University were both among the top ten schools.
Donghai University and Nanyang University, on the other hand, were among the most elite institutions in the twenty-five school alliance, second only to Penglai University in prestige.
"Of course, given your current strength," Zhu Honglie chuckled, "sweeping through most opponents won't be a problem. Your real challenge will be facing the top-ranked competitors from those four schools."
"I've sent you their profiles via V-Chat."
As he spoke, Zhu Honglie transmitted a data file through V-Chat.
Jiang Ye immediately opened it to review the information.
Star River University: Li Qi, mid-second breakthrough, earth-rank mid-grade blade arts at Major Success, profound tier high-grade footwork technique approaching Perfection, profound tier high-grade fist technique at Major Success.
Northern Territory University: Lin Qingxue, mid-second breakthrough, earth-rank low-grade swordplay at Major Success, profound tier high-grade footwork technique at Major Success, profound tier high-grade.
Donghai University: Wang Bo, mid-second breakthrough, earth-rank low-grade spearmanship at Major Success, profound tier high-grade fist technique at Major Success.
Nanyang University: Shen Haoyue, mid-second breakthrough, profound tier high-grade blade arts at Major Success, profound tier mid-grade footwork technique at Major Success.
Jiang Ye's gaze swept across the list.
The top-ranked participants from these universities were all at the mid-second breakthrough stage, and many had achieved Major Success in multiple profound tier high-grade cultivation techniques.
"Li Qi," Jiang Ye's eyes narrowed. "He's achieved Major Success in an earth-rank mid-grade cultivation technique?"
This likely made him the strongest among the four.
"Li Clan?" Jiang Ye's mind suddenly stirred.
He remembered that the golden-eyed woman from his dream had also come from the Li Clan.
He wondered if there was any connection between them.
"Jiang Ye."
"How's it?" Zhu Honglie asked with a smile. "Feeling confident about securing a top-three spot?"
"Top three?" Jiang Ye raised his head, meeting his teacher's gaze with a grin. "You know, Teacher, my goal is the championship."
"Ha ha!"
"Good!" Zhu Honglie nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'll be waiting for you to make good on that promise."
"Also, in the days leading up to the Genius Cup, you can visit the second floor of the Penglai Heavenly Tower."
"Perhaps you'll find unexpected rewards," Zhu Honglie said meaningfully.
"The second level of the Penglai Heavenly Tower?" Jiang Ye asked, startled.
He immediately realized the implications.
Indeed.
Now that he had achieved his second breakthrough, he could attempt the second-level assessment of the Penglai Heavenly Tower.
If he succeeded, he might experience a similar rapid advancement as he had on the first level.
"Teacher," Jiang Ye inquired, "what are the challenges on the second level of the Penglai Heavenly Tower?"
"Similar to the first level," Zhu Honglie replied. "You'll understand when you go."
"Alright," Jiang Ye nodded. "I'll head there now."
A moment later, he ended the call.
After preparing himself, Jiang Ye immediately left his residence and flew toward the Penglai Heavenly Tower on campus.
With his current strength, clearing the second level of the Penglai Heavenly Tower shouldn't pose too great a challenge.
Meanwhile, as Jiang Ye attempted to conquer the second level of the Penglai Heavenly Tower...
At Star River University, located in another province within the Eastern Ten Provinces...
In an extravagantly luxurious villa...
"The strongest contenders in this year's Genius Cup..." A young man with purple hair sat on a sofa, watching a holographic projection.
"Jiang Ye, Lin Qingxue, Wang Bo, Shen Haoyue?"
"Teacher," the purple-haired youth, Li Qi, asked, puzzled, "Who is Jiang Ye? How is he ranked ahead of Lin Qingxue?"
"Jiang Ye is from Penglai University," the white-haired elder beside him replied.
"You need to pay special attention to this individual," the elder said gravely.
"Examine his profile carefully," the elder instructed.
At this, Li Qi immediately opened Jiang Ye's detailed page.
A stream of information appeared.
"From West Mountain Province, Ancheng?"
"An ordinary family... Is this Penglai University's strongest student?" Li Qi suddenly laughed.
"Do not underestimate him," the white-haired elder warned sternly. "Your information is outdated."
"Recent data shows that two months ago, Jiang Ye obtained two Heaven-Tier High-Grade Inheritances at White Dragon University."
"His strength and potential are both astonishing," the elder emphasized.
"Heaven-Tier High-Grade? Two of them?" Li Qi's expression shifted to shock.
But he quickly regained his composure.
"Heaven-Tier High-Grade Inheritances are notoriously difficult to master."
"With his ordinary family background, he couldn't possibly improve much in just two months," Li Qi murmured, his eyes narrowed. "I will defeat him."
He stared at Jiang Ye's name, his gaze flickering.
He didn't really care.
What kind of waves could a poor kid from Ancheng possibly make?
The Genius Cup champion has always been a scion of a noble family.
Perhaps there might be a change, but it would merely be a shift from one noble family to another.
Northern Territory University.
Martial Arts Hall.
"Jiang Ye, Li Qi?" Lin Qingxue stood poised with her sword, clad in a black dress. "Their strength is on par with mine."
"To defeat them, my Falling Star Sword Technique must reach Perfection."
"I must strive to become stronger."
"I will claim the championship!"
Whoosh!
Lin Qingxue's figure blurred as she began her training in the Martial Arts Hall. Each sword strike erupted like a blizzard, its power terrifying.
"I, Wang Bo, will definitely secure a top-three spot."
"Even if I can't defeat Li Qi and Lin Qingxue, I must defeat Jiang Ye."
"I'll prove that Donghai University is no less formidable than his Penglai University!"
White Dragon University.
Inside a spacious training hall:
"Xiao Chen, didn't you say you didn't like accessories?" A handsome silver-haired youth, leaning against the wall with one hand, gazed at the white-robed girl standing nearby. "Why are you wearing a necklace now?"
The girl didn't reply. Instead, she picked up her spear and prepared to leave.
Whoosh!
The silver-haired youth flashed forward, blocking her path.
"Xiao Chen, I came to inform you that the Cosmic Void Passage to the Extreme Sea Star System is about to open," he said. "If you're going, remember to take me with you."
Chen Zilu frowned slightly.
"Zhou Xingkong," she said, her gaze fixed on him. "I don't like you. Stop wasting your time. And don't call me Xiao Chen—we're not close."
"Move aside," she said coldly.
The silver-haired youth shrugged and stepped aside.
Without a glance at him, Chen Zilu strode out of the hall.
Zhou Xingkong watched her retreating figure, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Could she actually like this style of necklace? I should try wearing one next time."
Outside the hall, Chen Zilu had barely stepped out when a blue-robed girl rushed over, her expression urgent.
"Zilu."
"Is that Zhou Xingkong guy here again?" the blue-skirted girl asked breathlessly. "I was just about to tell you."
Chen Zilu glanced at her. The girl, named Zhao Yingluo, was one of her few close friends. Back in Ancheng, she had borrowed tens of thousands of credits from her.
"It's fine," Chen Zilu said, shaking her head. "Let's go."
The two walked out together.
"That Zhou Xingkong guy is like a persistent ghost," Zhao Yingluo grumbled. "He's been bothering you every day."
"Doesn't he know you hate being disturbed?"
Chen Zilu smiled faintly. "It's not so bad."
Hate being disturbed?
She did, but it depended on the person. For instance, someone used to seek her out privately every day, and she never found it annoying.
Unfortunately, that blockhead hadn't contacted her more than a few times in the past two months, let alone daily.
Speaking of that blockhead...
"Is the Twenty-Five School Genius Cup starting soon?" Chen Zilu asked, turning to her friend.
"I think so," Zhao Yingluo nodded. "Why do you care? The Genius Cup has nothing to do with us."
Students at White Dragon University were far more focused on the Great Stellar War.
The Twenty-Five School Genius Cup? I've never cared about it.
"I just suddenly thought of it," Chen Zilu said with a soft smile.
"Hmm?"
"Could it be because of that boy you helped in Ancheng?" Zhao Yingluo asked curiously. "I remember he got into Penglai University."
As Chen Zilu's close friend, Zhao Yingluo already knew about Jiang Ye.
"It's not because of him," Chen Zilu huffed.
"Really?"
"Then do you have his V-Chat?" Zhao Yingluo asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Add me!"
"What do you want?" Chen Zilu looked at her friend suspiciously.
"What do I want? To flirt with a junior, of course!"
"I saw him when he came to White Dragon University last time," Zhao Yingluo giggled. "He's so handsome! If you don't want him, give him to me!"
Chen Zilu's face turned cold. She raised her small foot and kicked at Zhao Yingluo. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Hmph hmph hmph!"
"Getting angry now?" Zhao Yingluo dodged the kick with a laugh. "Still saying it's not because of him?"
"You're so immature," Chen Zilu rolled her eyes. "Go back and cultivate!"
She didn't say another word, as if afraid her friend would press further. With a swift movement, she transformed into a streak of Flowing Light and soared into the distance.
"Zilu definitely has something going on with that guy," Zhao Yingluo chuckled, then darted forward.
Time flowed onward.
Jiang Ye remained completely unaware of the outside world.
He was currently on the second level of the Penglai Heavenly Tower, receiving Penglai's Gift.
That's right!
In just half an hour, Jiang Ye had completed the second level's trial and obtained an astonishing reward!
His strength surged once again.
(End of the Chapter)
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