"The college competition has officially begun!"
As soon as Lin Hai finished his announcement, a wave of neat salutes rang out on both sides of the square.
At the center of the grand square, a swirling spatial rift suddenly opened. The entrance shimmered with dark light and led directly to the Monster Forest—the battleground for the first phase of the college competition.
This spatial gateway was created using a rare space stone, capable of linking to a fixed destination. In theory, a space-type psychic could build this channel, but only those who had reached fifth-order, A-level mastery in the space element.
The realm of a psychic determines the lower threshold of their power, while the level of their abilities sets the upper threshold. In other words, even within the same realm, a higher-level ability will always outperform a lower-level one.
Despite being well-funded and prestigious, Jinghai College did not possess a fifth-order space-type psychic who could construct such a portal manually. The space element was considered second only to the holy element in rarity and value.
In fact, no fifth-order space-ability users currently exist in either the Southeast or South Districts.
To ensure safety, a platform had been set up near the portal to distribute a space stone to each participant. If a contestant encountered life-threatening danger in the Monster Forest, they could crush the stone to immediately teleport out. However, doing so would mean forfeiting their chance to continue in the competition.
Smith and his group lined up in order. After receiving their stones, they stepped into the glowing portal, one after another.
---
With a dizzying flash of light and pressure, Smith and the others appeared in a vast, dense forest. The air was thick with moisture and the scent of wild vegetation. Surrounding them were towering trees, tangled vines, and the distant roars of unseen beasts.
The ten students from Huaihai College automatically grouped together.
As planned, Smith and Xi Congqing were designated as co-captains.
Both held the highest combat rankings among the group: Smith was at the advanced level of second-order, while Xi Congqing had already reached the intermediate third-order.
Compared to the others—who were mainly second-order intermediates or beginners—these two stood far above.
More importantly, Smith and Xi Congqing were also the only official members of the executive department, an elite branch within the college. Their training and real-world combat experience gave them a commanding edge.
Xi Yan and Sun Shuyu had entrusted them with leadership for a reason.
The group cautiously surveyed their surroundings. At first glance, there were no signs of other academies nearby. Only the occasional monster roar echoed from deep within the jungle.
"Senior Sister, what do we do now?" Smith asked immediately, putting the decision-making burden on Xi Congqing's shoulders.
He had no desire to take charge.
The others also turned to Xi Congqing, clearly expecting her to lead. Feeling the weight of their gazes, she shot Smith a glare.
Smith pretended not to notice and turned away.
Xi Congqing took a deep breath and quickly stepped into her role.
"The first phase will last five days. We need to hunt as many monsters and collect as many cores as we can during that time."
"Since we're unfamiliar with the terrain and monster distribution, I suggest we stick together for now rather than splitting into smaller teams. We'll move as a unit and strike when we find an opportunity."
Everyone nodded. Her calm tone reassured them.
Although Smith was also an executive, he'd only joined a month ago and didn't yet have the same depth of training or experience as Xi Congqing. He was perfectly fine letting her lead—for now.
---
The ten-person team began making their way into the heart of the Monster Forest, moving cautiously but purposefully.
It was a strange feeling.
Normally, students would avoid monsters at all costs. Now, they were actively seeking them out.
Fortunately, the Monster Forest was teeming with wildlife.
Barely ten minutes into their exploration, they encountered a pack of first-order monsters. The creatures were easily defeated.
Ten minutes later, they came across another group—this one including a few second-order monsters.
With teamwork and discipline, they subdued them without suffering a single injury.
"I thought this would be more dangerous," someone muttered, starting to feel a little smug.
With ten well-trained students, even a large monster pack didn't pose much of a threat.
But then—they saw them.
A group of Corrupt Snakes slithered out from the shadows.
There were more than a dozen of them. Most were primary second-order, but a few were clearly intermediate level.
Each snake was pitch-black, resembling twisted tree branches. Their scarlet tongues flicked in and out as they hissed. Each one was at least ten meters long, with glistening scales and eerie eyes that reflected the dim forest light.
"Corrupt Snakes… be careful!" Xi Congqing warned, raising her hand.
The team immediately stopped and fanned out to avoid presenting a single clustered target.
Corrupt Snakes were infamous for their toxic abilities. Their signature venom, known as "corruption," would cause a victim's flesh to rapidly rot and decay, sapping their life force in moments.
Though these creatures were only mid-level second-order monsters, they were among the most feared due to the nature of their venom.
"Senior Sister, should we engage or retreat?" someone whispered nervously.
Xi Congqing narrowed her eyes, assessing the situation.
"These snakes are trouble, especially for newer students. Let's avoid unnecessary risk and go around them."
She wasn't afraid for herself—but the others lacked experience. A single mistake could prove fatal.
"Understood," Smith nodded.
The rest of the group looked visibly relieved. None of them wanted to face the dreaded Corrupt Snakes if it could be avoided.
Just as they turned to take a detour, another group emerged from behind them—students from Haiyun College.
"Well, if it isn't Huaihai College," a voice sneered.
The speaker was a girl in heavy makeup and bright, gaudy clothing. Just looking at her made people feel uncomfortable.
"What's the matter? Running from a few snakes? What a bunch of cowards."
Xi Congqing didn't take the bait.
"If you're so confident, go ahead. We're happy to let you take the lead."
She stepped aside with a slight smirk.
"I've heard that Haiyun College students are fearless. I'd love to see that in action."
"Hmph! You think we're bluffing?" the girl snapped. "Let's go! Show these Huaihai cowards what real power looks like!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The Haiyun College students responded enthusiastically and charged toward the snake group without hesitation.
The snakes hissed in response and slithered to meet them.
"Interesting…" Xi Congqing murmured as she watched from the sidelines.
"Haiyun's strength lies in water-type abilities. That does give them a natural advantage against poison," she added thoughtfully.
It was true. Among the many elemental abilities, water-type powers were most effective against poison and corrosive attacks.
Haiyun Academy was well-known for producing talented water-ability users.
Even so, Smith shook his head.
"I don't think they're ready for what's coming."
Xi Congqing glanced at him but said nothing. She focused on the battle.
At first, the Haiyun group performed well. They coordinated attacks and used their water techniques to push back the Corrupt Snakes.
Momentum was on their side.
But then—something shifted.
A low rumble shook the forest floor.
"Boom!"
The ground split open, and from beneath it, a massive snake erupted—easily three times the size of the others.
Its body was thick as a tree trunk, its eyes glowed blood-red, and its scales gleamed with oily poison.
The Corrupt Snake King—Intermediate Third-Order!
Chaos broke out instantly.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
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