The reality of university life and the competition for resources hit Ye Chenfeng hard as he reflected on the challenges ahead. Mu Ningxue might have just awakened her magic, but the limited resources of a prestigious school meant she'd have to compete with seasoned magicians. Was she up for the challenge? He couldn't help but scoff.
"Just because you're beautiful, don't think I'll hand over my resources. Lick it up all you want, but don't bring money into this. Maybe the rich kids can get away with it, but for the rest of us, we're here because we fought for it, fair and square," he thought. Mingzhu University wasn't for the faint-hearted; resources were scarce, and everyone was vying for their share. The university ranked at the very top in the nation, housing legendary cultivation sites like the Three-Step Pagoda. Even the wealthy students couldn't simply buy their way through—the real challenge was in the fight for these resources.
Ye Chenfeng suddenly remembered an important matter but shrugged it off. "Eh, it can wait." He headed to his dormitory, where he was greeted by Mo Fan's shout. "Old Ye!" Mo Fan exclaimed.
Ye Chenfeng grinned, "Long time no see!"
Mo Fan was bewildered. "Wait, what are you doing here? I thought you'd go straight to the main campus."
Ye Chenfeng shook his head. "Not that easy. The school has rules, so I have to stay in the dorms for the first semester. Honestly, I'd rather be back at the villa—too many people around here."
On September 1, as the school year began, Zhao Manyan, another old acquaintance, ran into him. "Whoa, Old Ye!" Zhao greeted, a bit startled. The trio—Mo Fan, Zhao Manyan, and Ye Chenfeng—caught up quickly. As they chatted, they confirmed their different majors: Zhao Manyan in Light, Mo Fan in Summoning, and Ye Chenfeng in Ice. It seemed their dorm was a mix of departments.
During the orientation, Zhao Manyan chuckled as he informed Mo Fan about a unique initiation event. "Every year, Mingzhu Academy hosts a beast fighting competition during orientation. Teachers and students crowd the main fighting hall to watch. Freshmen enter a huge iron cage and battle a monster to show their strength."
"Wait, why did Old Ye tell me to be careful?" Mo Fan asked.
Zhao Manyan laughed. "There are only seven people in the Summoning Department. You're not even enough for Old Ye to spar with!"
Mo Fan groaned in frustration, realizing Ye Chenfeng's superior abilities might overshadow their group. "Great, the school set us up," he muttered, half-jokingly.
"Good luck, buddy." Zhao Manyan patted Mo Fan's shoulder, still grinning, and climbed into bed, leaving Mo Fan feeling a mix of dread and resolve. Ye Chenfeng offered Mo Fan his magic-restoring bracelet, adding, "I'll hold back. After all, you need to show off your skills here."
As orientation day dawned, the campus buzzed with excitement. The beast fighting competition was a legendary event on the Youth Campus, and posters of past champions adorned the halls. By the Qingdou Hall entrance, Zhao Manyan buzzed with questions for Ye Chenfeng.
"Did you find out what beasts will be in the cage?" Zhao Manyan asked, grinning.
Ye Chenfeng smirked. "You know my power level. Why ask?"
"Alright, just curious about why you're going so public all of a sudden," Zhao Manyan replied.
Ye Chenfeng's expression turned serious. "For popularity," he said, and strode off, leaving Zhao Manyan perplexed.
Clearing a path, Ye Chenfeng felt the surge of excitement. "Stand back," he muttered. "Time to show them what I've got."