Early morning, at the gate of Huaihai University.
Smith met up with Wei Lin and Zhao Mei, and together, they headed to the designated gathering point.
"Smith, over here!" Xi Congqing waved energetically from a distance.
The three of them quickened their pace and joined her.
A total of ten disciples were participating in the college competition this time. Along with them, over a dozen others were accompanying the group—this included the head of the Xi family, Xi Yan, the Dean of Huaihai College, Sun Shuyu, and several instructors.
Several wooden carts were lined up neatly, ready for departure.
"Good morning, Senior Sister," Smith and the others greeted Xi Congqing with smiles.
"You're finally here? You kept all of us waiting," Xi Congqing raised an eyebrow playfully, her tone laced with mock annoyance.
"Ahem, we just ran into a little delay. Nothing major," Smith said with an embarrassed smile.
In truth, he had stayed up far too late the previous night. What irritated him more, though, was that Jiang Lei hadn't even bothered to check in on him—let alone see him off. Some father... totally unreliable.
"Barely left the academy and you've already forgotten how to be punctual?" Sun Shuyu's cold voice cut in sharply.
Despite being outside the academy on official duty, Sun Shuyu's authority remained overwhelming. Smith, Wei Lin, and Zhao Mei immediately straightened their backs.
"We were wrong!" all three of them said in unison, bowing slightly in sincere apology.
"Now that everyone's here, get in the cars," Xi Yan ordered calmly, waving for the group to begin boarding.
"You three ride with me," Xi Congqing said, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous smile as she took the driver's seat of a nearby wooden cart.
Seeing her behind the wheel, a chill ran down Smith's spine. A couple of unpleasant memories surfaced.
"Alright, alright…" Wei Lin and Zhao Mei hopped on without hesitation.
"Brother Smith, what are you waiting for? Get in!" Wei Lin called out when he noticed Smith still standing there.
"Yes, Junior Brother, don't be shy," Xi Congqing added sweetly.
"…Coming." Smith reluctantly climbed aboard.
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"Hold tight! We're heading out!" Xi Congqing shouted excitedly.
There were only four of them in the vehicle.
With a grin, Xi Congqing took out a demon core and swapped it with the existing one in the wooden cart's power slot. It was a second-level demon core.
Of course… Smith sighed inwardly. He had expected this.
Whenever Xi Congqing drove, there was no such thing as a peaceful ride.
"Let's go!"
The cart surged forward the moment the demon core was activated, blasting ahead like a rocket.
The sudden acceleration slammed Wei Lin and Zhao Mei into their seats. Smith, at least, was mentally prepared and managed to brace himself in time.
Xi Congqing looked like your typical cheerful, kind-hearted girl on the surface. But in truth, she had the heart of a daredevil who loved speed.
Smith had been in her cart twice before. Both times, she had pushed it to the absolute limit—120 units per hour, all the way. If third-level demon cores weren't so rare and expensive, he was certain she'd use one and reach 180!
While 120 might not sound insane, on rugged terrain filled with potholes and uneven ground, every bump felt like a slap to the tailbone.
But Xi Congqing didn't care. She joyfully took the lead and raced ahead of the entire convoy, leaving everyone far behind in a cloud of dust.
Within moments, their vehicle had completely separated from the others.
"Xiaoqing, why are you driving so fast? Slow down!" a voice crackled through the two-way sound transmission talisman. It was Xi Yan.
"Second Uncle, why are you driving so slowly?" Xi Congqing countered.
"Slow down and don't use the second-level demon core. That's an order!" Xi Yan said sternly.
"Ugh… fine." Xi Congqing pouted, clearly dissatisfied. With a heavy sigh, she swapped out the second-level demon core for a first-level one.
The cart slowed down immediately, allowing the convoy to catch up and resume formation.
---
Jinghai College
The most powerful academy in the Southern District.
With seven fifth-level psychics, over forty fourth-level psychics, and hundreds of third-level ones, Jinghai College stood at the top—not only in the South District but also rivaling those in the East.
It had been this way before the decline of the Holy Empire and remained so even after the empire's collapse.
Naturally, the grand college competition was to be held at this prestigious institution.
The destination of Smith and the rest was Jinghai City, home to the mighty Jinghai College.
Located in the southern district, it was more than a thousand kilometers from Huaihai City. At the convoy's steady pace, it took them three full days and nights of travel before they arrived on the morning of the fourth day.
Jinghai City was impressive beyond words. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it stretched endlessly into the horizon. A deep moat encircled the city walls, forming a formidable barrier capable of keeping most monsters at bay.
As the group approached, they saw several other college convoys arriving at the city gates, crossing a massive drawbridge that had been lowered to allow entry.
"So this is Jinghai City? It's way more majestic than Huaihai," Wei Lin said, eyes wide in awe.
As the convoy proceeded in an orderly line, Zhao Mei and others gawked at the scenery: towering buildings, vibrant streets, and a bustling energy that radiated from every corner.
Entertainment venues, commercial shops, and food stalls lined the streets—things rarely seen in Huaihai City.
"This is the biggest city in the Southern District for a reason," Smith added with admiration.
The convoy eventually pulled into a designated parking lot within the city, where they were greeted by staff.
"Welcome to Jinghai City, guests of Huaihai College," said two elegant young ladies in high-necked cheongsams. Their professional smiles and polite demeanor were clearly practiced.
"Please follow us," one of the hostesses said, leading the way.
Smith scanned the area curiously. All around, other students in distinct school uniforms were arriving from different academies.
Everyone looked confident, full of youthful vigor and ambition. This was what the energy of youth was meant to be.
"Isn't this Minister Xi Yan? Long time no see!" A voice called out suddenly.
A group of people in purple uniforms approached. Leading them was a tall, lean, middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses and a shiny bald head.
"Minister Yan Hai," Xi Yan said with a nod, his expression indifferent.
Smith turned his gaze toward the approaching group. Their purple uniforms were embroidered with a silver cloud insignia—the emblem of Haiyun College.
Haiyun College, also from the South District, had three fifth-level psychics. Its strength was comparable to Huaihai College, though the relationship between the two had long been strained.
About two and a half years ago, a mission gone wrong had led to a violent conflict between their students, resulting in casualties on both sides. Since then, the two colleges had been subtly undermining each other at every turn.
"Are these the finest new students from Huaihai?" Yan Hai said with a slight smile, adjusting his glasses as he cast a casual glance at Smith and the others.
"Your students aren't bad either," Xi Yan replied, returning the look without a trace of warmth.
"Haha, of course. I hope this year's competition goes smoothly. Let's all aim for great results—and avoid any... unfortunate incidents like last time." Yan Hai chuckled.
His words carried a deeper meaning, and the atmosphere subtly chilled.
Smith stood silently, observing the undercurrents between the two sides. The competition hadn't even started yet, and tensions were already rising.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)