"Filling out college applications?"
Lu Lin exited his cultivation state, feeling a bit dazed.
"Oh, right, it's the third day after waking up."
"Hurry up, we're running out of time."
Zuo Yiming dragged Lu Lin out the room, and soon after, they drove quickly to Golden Sword High School.
It's still in the multimedia classroom.
Teacher Li saw them enter and greeted them with a smile, "Zuo Yiming, Lu Lin, you're here. Hurry, check the scores first."
"Okay, Teacher Li."
The two agreed and sat down, beginning to check the scores.
At the corner of the back of the classroom, a chubby boy with eyebrows resembling a clock at eight twenty also saw Lu Lin come in.
"Lu Lin... no, Mr. Lu!"
"Come over here."
Zhou Ziqiang waved at Lu Lin. Ever since Lu Lin had a stunning performance in the multimedia classroom, Zhou Ziqiang had contacted him several times.
But these past few days, Lu Lin had been busy fighting robbers in a kidnapping case, constructing a Star Power Domain, refining his Star Veins within his body, so busy that he had no time to chat with Zhou Ziqiang.
Seeing Zhou Ziqiang wave, Lu Lin walked over with Zuo Yiming.
"Mr. Lu, Mr. Zuo, you two came personally to fill out applications, how hardworking."
Lu Lin glanced at Zhou Ziqiang.
"How refreshing, the Federal Education Department requires all candidates to personally take the exam, check scores, and apply; if we don't come personally, are we supposed to rely on others?"
After saying this, Lu Lin ignored him and sat down to check his scores.
Zuo Yiming curiously took a look, as he didn't know there was such a person in his class.
Zhou Ziqiang wasn't bothered by the cold shoulder and said with a laugh, "Mr. Lu, Mr. Zuo, what are your scores? You should be able to get into North Capital, Magic City, and Hua Xia University, right?"
"Yeah, it's steady."
Lu Lin replied absentmindedly, entered his candidate number, and began checking the scores.
...
[Candidate Name: Lu Lin]
[Citizen Number: 320102202112120305]
[Awakening Talent: Earth System]
[Initial refining rate: 0.78%]
...
Lu Lin was stunned.
His Earth Element talent was too poor.
Initial refining rate of only 0.78%.
With this score, getting into a school in the Eighteen University Union is barely passable; aiming for the Top 10 schools is far from possible.
Lu Lin initially wanted to apply to Alien Academy of Iron and Blood, but now that's impossible.
"0.94%, tsk tsk tsk, slightly worse than I predicted, but it's a pass."
Zuo Yiming's voice came, leaving Lu Lin speechless.
"Old Lu, how did you do? You should be higher than me, right?"
"No, I only have 0.78%."
"No way!"
"You only have an initial refining rate of 0.78%?"
Lu Lin didn't want to speak anymore.
The more Zuo Yiming doubted, the more it hurt.
Zhou Ziqiang also heard their conversation and chimed in, "Mr. Lu, really? You're a Double Star Skill genius, and your refining rate is even less than mine?"
"I have 0.82%, but I've decided not to join the Eighteen University Union."
"Oh? Why?"
Lu Lin and Zuo Yiming were curious.
"The Eighteen University Union is full of geniuses. If I join, I'd have to continually cultivate to ensure I don't fall behind."
"I'm too lazy by nature; I wouldn't adapt well there."
"Coincidentally, my hometown's aunt's nephew's second uncle's cousin's classmate's mother's friend's daughter is studying at First University of Mercury Ocean University and invited me there."
"Better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond. I've decided to attend Ocean University."
"Once I go there, I'll be the top genius, the dream boyfriend of all the girls, the apple of every teacher's eye, and the catch among peers, Mr. Lu, Mr. Zuo, don't compete with me."
Lu Lin looked at him speechlessly.
What a joke.
His goal was to go to Iron Blood College, not compete for Ocean University's top spot...
No, wait!
Lu Lin suddenly felt dejected.
His score made attending Iron Blood College impossible.
"Lu Lin, Zuo Yiming, did you check your scores? How did it go?"
Teacher Li walked over to ask.
"Mine's pretty good, 0.94%, basically can pick any Blue Star school."
"I..."
Lu Lin looked at Zuo Yiming and then at Teacher Li, not knowing what to say.
"Lu Lin, what's wrong? Didn't do as well as expected?"
"It's alright."
Teacher Li comforted him, "The initial refining rate only matters below the Golden Body Realm. Once you reach the Seventh Level Golden Body Star Warrior, the importance of talent diminishes."
"Which school are you planning to apply to?"
"Iron Blood!"
Iron Blood!?
Teacher Li paused, recalling which academy Iron Blood was.
It's no exaggeration to say Alien Academy of Iron and Blood is the most famous in the Human Federation. Whether people have candidates in their households or not, they know the prestigious Iron Blood College.
This reputation wasn't built through TV or internet promotion nor due to producing a few geniuses.
Iron Blood's reputation was established by the faculty and students, slowly and steadily over the years.
Strongest combat academy of the Human Federation, wildest teaching style academy, best student-teacher atmosphere academy, highest student happiness index academy...
Each accolade makes Alien Academy of Iron and Blood a holy land in the eyes of countless high school graduates every year.
There's even a joke online involving Iron Blood College:
Boy: I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?
Girl: My requirements for a boyfriend are quite high.
Boy: It's alright. I love you more than myself; no matter how high your demands, I will strive to meet them.
Girl: I hope my partner can attend Iron Blood College...
Boy: Ahem, sorry, I mistook you for someone else.
...
This joke clearly shows Iron Blood's status in women's hearts, highlighting how difficult it is to get in.
Each year, any student receiving an acceptance letter from Iron Blood College can post it online, and their followers rise to a billion in minutes.
If it's on Blue Star, Mars, or Mercury, planets with dense populations and advanced city development, the follower count could multiply tenfold.
Teacher Li didn't know how to console Lu Lin.
Lu Lin is undoubtedly a genius.
But those bold enough to apply to Iron Blood College are outstanding graduates, top-talents locally and regionally.
The minimum initial refining rate for applicants is 0.92%.
Zuo Yiming's 0.94% initial refining rate ranks top in Tongyuan, even in the Hua Xia Northeast Region, yet among Iron Blood College candidates, it's barely above the bottom.
The Eighteen University Union caters to Blue Star's geniuses and elites.
Iron Blood College targets the Human Federation's geniuses and elites.
If Lu Lin and Zuo Yiming apply to Iron Blood College, the chance of rejection is about 98%.
Lu Lin lowered his head, silent.
Zuo Yiming also didn't know how to comfort him.
Teacher Li looked awkward, wanting to leave but hesitated.
After poking at Lu Lin's feelings for quite a while, he felt it impolite to just leave.
"Wait a minute!"
Teacher Li suddenly slapped his forehead and said loudly, "Lu Lin, you're not without hope."
"Do you know Iron Blood College has a famous 'Challenge College'?"