Early morning sunlight sliced through the gaps in the curtains, casting warm patches of light across the living room floor.
On the coffee table, three business cards, each of a different material, lay quietly—like three distinctly different futures awaiting their final judgment.
Lin Qingyue, having finished her morning routine, sat at the dining table, sipping her congee in small spoonfuls. Her mind, however, was racing, weighing the pros and cons of the three top universities.
Lin Xiyue took a bite of a steamed bun and asked indistinctly, "Sis, have you decided yet?"
"More or less," Lin Qingyue replied, her voice steady as she set down her white porcelain bowl. "I'll wait until they arrive and hear their specific offers."
Just as she finished speaking, the doorbell chimed.
Yan Shuyu rose to answer it. The scene outside the door stunned even her, a mother who had seen her fair share of storms.
The hallway was packed to the brim.
Director Wang from Jingcheng University stood at the forefront. Today, he wore a crisp, dark suit, his hair meticulously combed. In his hand, he held an exquisite gift box bearing the university's gold-stamped crest.
Tianshu University's representative was a middle-aged woman in a black martial arts uniform. She exuded a calm, imposing presence, as solid and profound as a deep pool or a towering mountain. A deep blue sash was tied around her waist, embroidered with the shimmering silver threads of the Big Dipper constellation.
Yuheng University had sent a young man with rimless glasses, appearing to be under thirty. He held a tablet, its screen displaying a waterfall of complex data streams scrolling rapidly.
Further back, admissions officers from several other top universities were also present, though their presence was less imposing. They clearly knew their chances were slim but were unwilling to give up this final opportunity.
"Please, come in," Yan Shuyu said, stepping aside with a graceful and polite smile.
The once-spacious living room instantly became crowded.
Director Wang was the first to speak, placing the gift box ceremoniously on the coffee table. "Miss Lin, this is a small token from Jingcheng University. A set of Priest robes, custom-tailored for you. They're made from the latest nanofiber material, featuring self-cleaning and temperature-regulating functions..."
He paused, then added, "I heard you appreciate cleanliness."
A flicker of interest crossed Lin Qingyue's eyes.
Self-cleaning? That's genuinely practical!
Before she could dwell on it, the woman from Tianshu University spoke. Her voice was clear and resonant, each word carrying a force that seemed to strike directly at the heart.
"I am Chen Jing, Vice Dean of Tianshu University's Ancient Martial Arts Academy. Miss Lin, let's dispense with the pleasantries."
Her gaze was sharp and precise, locked directly onto Lin Qingyue.
"The spear techniques you executed with your staff in the Dungeon, while somewhat unrefined in application, were built on the most solid foundation I've seen in any young person in the past decade."
"And those astonishing dual swords at the end—that was 'Heroic Spirit Possession,' wasn't it? While the swordsmanship shows signs of being rapidly acquired, it's clear you put in immense effort."
Lin Qingyue's focus sharpened.
This woman's insight is deadly.
"What Tianshu University can offer you isn't the most luxurious dormitory or the largest stipend," Chen Jing continued, her voice radiating absolute confidence. "It's the path best suited for you. The Ancient Martial Arts Academy is home to seven Grandmasters, each dedicated to integrating various martial arts schools with modern Transcendent systems. If you join us, I will personally mentor you."
Her gaze shifted to Lin Xiyue, softening slightly.
"As for your sister, combining the Paladin class with Ancient Martial Arts is not without precedent. Three years ago, one of our graduates earned the title of Best Defensive MVP in the National University League with a style known as 'Iron Wall Holy Fist.' Her mentor is now a professor at our academy."
Lin Xiyue's eyes instantly lit up, sparkling with eager desire.
The young man from Yuheng University pushed up his glasses and turned his tablet toward the Lin sisters. On the screen, a stream of data instantly solidified into a dynamic 3D model.
"This is the data model for a brand-new class system our team is developing—'Knight-Errant.' Lin Qingyue, your abilities don't fit any existing class. Our system is designed precisely for unclassifiable geniuses like you."
He played an animation: a figure in sleek combat gear moved fluidly across a virtual battlefield. Their punches and kicks carried the force of wind and thunder, and with a wave of their hand, they could manipulate elements in a way completely different from a Mage's spellcasting.
"The risks are immense, but the potential is limitless," the young man admitted frankly. "You could be the first success of this system, or you could be the hundredth failure. But we at Yuheng are willing to pour all our resources into you—to bet on the future."
The next hour turned into a showcase for the various universities.
Jingcheng University promised top-tier academic resources, international exchange opportunities, and unparalleled career prospects upon graduation.
Tianshu University showcased a series of stunning achievements integrating Ancient Martial Arts, Transcendent Class Runes, and modern potions.
Yuheng University went even further, presenting a three-hundred-page-thick draft of their "New Generation Transcendent Training Program," codenamed "Pangu."
The other universities also made generous offers, but compared to these three, they lacked the same soul-stirring appeal.
When everyone had finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the living room.
All eyes focused on the young woman who had been calmly sipping her tea throughout the entire presentation.
Lin Qingyue set down her teacup. The crisp clink of porcelain against the tabletop echoed clearly.
"Thank you all for your generous offers," she said, her voice soft yet audible to everyone in the room. "Each university is outstanding, but I can only choose one."
She paused, her calm gaze sweeping across the assembled representatives.
"I need some time to organize my thoughts. I will send each of you a clear decision via message before six o'clock this afternoon."
The response was reasonable, yet it left the waiting representatives on edge.
Director Wang seemed about to argue, but Chen Jing had already risen to her feet, her movements sharp and decisive.
"Alright. We'll await your message."
She gave Lin Qingyue a deep, meaningful look, a smile of genuine admiration suddenly touching her lips.
"Lin Qingyue, remember this: no matter where you ultimately choose, your talent in the Martial Path should never be wasted. If you ever have the time in the future, Tianshu's gates will always be open for you to visit and exchange knowledge."
Her words were remarkably magnanimous, prompting even Director Wang to cast a complex glance in her direction.
After seeing off the admissions officers, the living room finally felt spacious again.
Lin Qingtian leaned back on the sofa, looking at his elegant eldest daughter. "Have you decided?"
"I have," Lin Qingyue nodded without hesitation.
"I choose Tianshu."
Lin Xiyue immediately raised her hand. "I'm going with Sis!"
Yan Shuyu asked gently, "Can you tell us your reasons?"
"Three," Lin Qingyue said, holding up three slender fingers.
"First, Tianshu is the best fit for me. My spearmanship is my core combat skill under normal circumstances, and it requires systematic guidance to improve. The Grandmasters at the Ancient Martial Arts Academy can help me avoid many pitfalls."
"Second," she said, her gaze softening as she looked at her sister. "Xiyue's Paladin class leans toward defense. If she can integrate Ancient Martial Arts' stance training, force-deflection techniques, and footwork, her defensive capabilities will undergo a qualitative transformation. What's more, the 'Ancient Martial Arts + Paladin' path already has successful pioneers. If Xiyue follows it, her future will be bright."
Lin Xiyue nodded vigorously, her face alight with excitement. "I think it's a great idea! I just looked up videos of the 'Iron Wall Holy Fist' Teacher Chen mentioned—it's so powerful and cool!"
"Third," Lin Qingyue smiled, her eyes seeming to ignite with starlight.
"They say Tianshu's path is too narrow? Then watch me widen it."
Her calm words held a breathtaking confidence and sharpness.
"Combining Ancient Martial Arts with modern professions requires boundless imagination and down-to-earth practical ability. Coincidentally, I lack neither."
She looked at her parents, her tone serious. "Jingcheng University is too rigid, and Yuheng University is too risky. Tianshu is just right—it has a solid foundation and is open-minded. Teacher Chen's offer to 'visit and exchange knowledge anytime' proves they have a broad perspective and aren't insular."
Lin Qingtian and Yan Shuyu exchanged a glance, both seeing the relief and pride in the other's eyes.
Their daughter had truly grown up, considering everything so thoroughly.
At 5:50 PM.
Lin Qingyue took out her phone and sent separate messages to the admissions officers of each university.
To Director Wang of Jingcheng University: "Thank you for your generous offer. Your university provides the best conditions, but after careful consideration, I've decided to pursue a path that better aligns with my unique strengths. I wish you success in recruiting even more outstanding students."
To the young teacher from Yuheng University: "Your university's pioneering spirit is admirable, but at this stage, I need to focus on building a solid foundation. I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with your university in innovative fields in the future."
To Chen Jing of Tianshu University, she sent just one sentence: "Teacher Chen, we choose Tianshu. When do we report?"
Less than thirty seconds later, Chen Jing's call came through.
"Welcome," she said, her voice tinged with a smile. "The semester starts on August 20th. I'll send you the registration procedures. Also, on July 15th, the Ancient Martial Arts Academy is holding a summer special training camp for promising new students from this year's intake. Would you and your sister be interested in coming early for a trial experience?"
Lin Qingyue's eyes lit up. "We are!"
"Good. I'll email you the specific arrangements." Chen Jing paused, her voice softening slightly. "Lin Qingyue, Tianshu's path is indeed not as broad as Jingcheng's, but a narrow path doesn't mean you can't go far. Sometimes, a narrow path is the only way to achieve true depth."
"I understand," Lin Qingyue replied earnestly. "Besides, whether the path is narrow or not depends on who's walking it."
A clear, appreciative chuckle came from the other end of the line.
"Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you can do."
After hanging up, Lin Qingyue let out a long sigh of relief.
The setting sun cast a golden glow into the living room.
Lin Xiyue sidled up to her. "Sis, is it settled?"
"Settled." Lin Qingyue stretched lazily. "Now, we need to prepare for the special training camp. And you need to start building your Ancient Martial Arts foundation. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you basic stance training."
"Huh?" Lin Xiyue's face fell. "That sounds exhausting."
"If you want to get stronger, don't be afraid of hard work." Lin Qingyue pinched her sister's cheek. "Besides, once you learn Ancient Martial Arts, we can coordinate perfectly. I'll call out, 'Master, it's tea time!' and you'll reply, 'Junior Sister, you've worked hard!' How's that for synergy?"
Lin Xiyue pictured the scene and couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.
Just then, a streak of light—visible only to Lin Qingyue—suddenly exploded before her eyes!
[Ding! Detected that the Host has made a final choice. Mission "Social Death Trilemma" complete!]
[Distributing rewards...]
[Skill "Melody Beyond the Strings" has undergone deep evolution, upgrading to "Melody Beyond the Strings: Divine Charm"!]
[New Effect 1: Trigger chance increased to 10%. Internal cooldown removed!]
[New Effect 2: When disguised as a character, there is a chance to obtain a "Skill Book" related to that character. Learning it grants permanent mastery of the skill.]
Joy surged in Lin Qingyue's heart.
Permanent mastery!
Doesn't that mean if she disguises herself as Yun Jin next time, she might learn the Yunhan Opera Troupe's vocal techniques and spear arts? If she becomes Shenhe, she could learn adepti talismans?
Compared to this benefit, the increased trigger chance for Melody Beyond the Strings seemed less like a punishment and more like a reward
"What's wrong, Sis?" Seeing her sister suddenly freeze with a vacant stare, Lin Xiyue curiously waved a hand in front of her eyes.
Lin Qingyue snapped back to reality, the corners of her mouth lifting uncontrollably.
"It's nothing."
She smiled and patted her sister's shoulder, her voice filled with unprecedented certainty and excitement.
"I just suddenly realized that choosing Tianshu was absolutely the right decision."
Outside the window, the sun sank completely below the horizon, and night fell.
But Lin Qingyue felt that her own path had only just begun to light up.