Chapter 51: A High-Stakes Match

After the College Entrance Exam concluded, each Martial Arts University would set its admission score thresholds based on the exam rankings.

For the three days following today, every student could submit their university preferences on the official website.

Almost immediately after the exam ended, leveraging the transparent scoring rules, the System quickly processed the data and released the rankings at 9 a.m. the next day.

At the top of the Leaderboard was none other than Jiang Yan’s name, followed by a staggering string of points that left onlookers breathless.

Wang Zhong held his phone in hand, nearly dropping it several times.

“Old Wang, keep calm.”

Ignoring him, Wang Zhong frantically took screenshots of the Leaderboard on his phone.

He strode out to the balcony, smoothly lit a cigarette, and raised the phone to his ear.

“Hey, Old He? Yeah, it’s me. So, have you seen the College Entrance Exam rankings yet?”

“Old Li, how did you know my little rascal got first place?”

“Ah, I didn’t teach him much—it’s all his own hard work.”

“Alright, enough said. I’m not one to brag.”

“Old comrade? You know the College Entrance Exam rankings are out, right?…”

…

Jiang Yan ate his breakfast calmly, neither as animated as Old Wang nor inclined to share the news with others.

Divine Capital University, Admissions Office.

“Have all the people we sent arrived?”

“President, they’ve already reached Linjiang. They’ll meet Jiang Yan within half an hour.”

“Good. Remember to be polite when the time comes. Let him make any request he wants—just get him to agree to come here.”

“And remember, tell those people not to put on airs. Even if he doesn’t want to attend our Divine Capital Martial University, we must not make an enemy of him.”

“President, isn’t he just the top scorer? Our school gets one every year or two. Besides Demon Capital Martial University, who else can compete with us?”

“Nonsense! You were in the Starry Sky recently, so you don’t know how monstrous that kid is. Let me put it this way: even that kid from the Shang Family isn’t worth his notice.”

The person on the phone was utterly astonished. Of course, he knew Shang Xingren from the Shang Family—that little guy possessed what could be called an unsolvable Spatial Talent.

If even he wasn’t a match for Jiang Yan, just how strong must Jiang Yan be?

“Tsk tsk, it seems a lot of interesting things happened while I was away at the Starfield Battlefield~”

Sighing with emotion, the man began dialing the admissions teachers assigned to recruit Jiang Yan.

Meanwhile, at Demon Capital Martial University.

“I don’t care what methods you use—whether you have to steal or snatch—get Jiang Yan to Demon Capital for me.”

“And be careful of those pests from Divine Capital Martial University. Last year, because of your indecisiveness, the top scorer went to Divine Capital Martial University. If you drop the ball at the critical moment again this time, you can all pack your bags and leave.”

“Remember, no matter what conditions Divine Capital Martial University offers, our Demon Capital Martial University must outdo them!”

…

Jiang Yan’s Talent attracted not only the two capital universities but also many other Martial Arts Universities from elsewhere, all coveting this rare gem.

Southern Black Tortoise Martial University.

One of Blue Star’s four major Martial Arts Universities, second only to the two capital universities.

“Our mission this time is extremely challenging. The president has personally ordered us to use any means necessary to snatch Jiang Yan from the hands of Divine Capital and Demon Capital.”

“As long as we can bring Jiang Yan into our Southern Black Tortoise University, we will be able to dominate all Martial Arts Universities in this year’s Freshman Cup, even trampling the two capitals underfoot.”

…

Eastern Xing Martial University, Southern Black Tortoise University, Western Cang Martial University, and Northern Ming Martial University have all sent their representatives, determined to compete with Divine Capital and Demon Capital for Jiang Yan’s allegiance.

Meanwhile, in Linjiang City, all businesses have temporarily shut down, and countless office workers are cheering in celebration.

Classes have been suspended, and students are all grateful to the man who brought them this unexpected holiday.

“Thank the heavens, thank the earth, thank the living Bodhisattva for this holiday.”

“By the way, could Jiang Yan repeat a year so we can enjoy another holiday next year?”

“Are you crazy? Blue Star strictly prohibits repeating years now. If you want our benefactor to die, just say it outright.”

The holiday brought by Jiang Yan has filled everyone with immense gratitude. As residents of the same city as the top scorer, they feel a sense of pride when stepping outside.

“What? You’re from Linjiang City? Do you know Jiang Yan? The one who topped the College Entrance Exam?”

“Jiang Yan? He’s my buddy. We even had drinks together last time.”

“Jiang Yan? I know him well. He even invited me for a foot massage last time!”

“Jiang Yan? We’re practically inseparable. Last time, we even teamed up in Valorant. Thanks to the fearless contract.”

“I hate rich people!”

The name “Jiang Yan” has become a trending topic, staying on the hot search list day after day, with topic clicks reaching a staggering one billion!

When Wang Zhong turned on the TV at home, Jiang Yan’s live stream replay immediately appeared on the screen.

And when he changed the channel? Well, guess what?

It was still Jiang Yan.

Linjiang City TV station took it to another level, broadcasting Jiang Yan’s live stream on a 24-hour loop. Surprisingly, this didn’t cause viewer fatigue—instead, the ratings hit new highs every day.

Morning, 10 o’clock.

Knock knock—

“Is this Mr. Jiang Yan’s residence?”

The first to arrive was a teacher from Eastern Xing University.

He looked refined and scholarly, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, giving off an impression that didn’t quite match that of a Martial Artist.

In the living room.

Chang He got straight to the point: “We’re here to recruit you for Eastern Xing Martial University.”

“The benefits and treatment we offer are no less than those of Divine Capital or Demon Capital Martial University. In fact, we are committed to nurturing you exclusively, ensuring you receive even more resources than what the two capitals can provide.”

“We heard you excel with the Saber. We can even arrange for a Saber Way Grandmaster to be your Master. With your Talent, we believe you can comprehend the Saber Intent—something countless Saber practitioners dream of—within thirty years.”

Chang He’s barrage of tempting offers was indeed alluring. An ordinary student might have agreed on the spot, but he was facing Jiang Yan, the top scorer of the College Entrance Exam.

The initiative lay entirely with Jiang Yan, who could afford to wait for the best offer.

“The conditions Teacher Chang proposed are quite appealing, but I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Jiang Yan neither refused nor accepted.

Chang He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, thinking to himself, “Not easy to fool, huh~”

Not long after, a few more guests arrived at Jiang Yan’s home.

“Oh, Eastern Xing Martial University arrived quite early. Tell us, what benefits did you promise Jiang Yan? Let me hear if you’re trying to deceive him.”

“He Daoyong, don’t go too far.”

Chang He gritted his teeth, clearly at odds with this teacher from Southern Black Tortoise University.

Ignoring Chang He, the Southern Black Tortoise University recruitment teacher turned to Jiang Yan with a smile.

“Brother Jiang, rest assured, whatever East Xing Martial University can offer you, our South Xuan can match. And what they cannot provide, we can still deliver. As long as you join South Xuan Martial University, we guarantee you’ll become the next Peak Martial Saint!”

The South Xuan Martial University admissions teacher spoke with conviction, while Jiang Yan responded with nods and smiles, offering no substantial reply.

Frowning, the South Xuan Martial University teacher realized the situation was somewhat tricky:

This was a high-stakes game.