"What? Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy!"
"Wang Zhan! Why didn't you consult me? What are you thinking?"
As Wang Zhan made his intentions clear, Principal Cao Fugui and Chen Jun showed their excitement even before the recruiters from the four major Martial Arts Academies could react.
Li Cheng looked conflicted, finally sighed and said, "Student Wang Zhan, you're acting on impulse!"
"Teacher Chen, I haven't thought much about it. I just feel that the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy is pretty good. Didn't they produce talents like King Xing? Besides, my sister is also at Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy. All the Martial Arts Academies belong to the Federation; there shouldn't be much difference."
Wang Zhan had thought it through. His greatest advantage was the data attributes of his body, which he could improve by fighting. Although the process to raise his limit had cost him many resources and even left him penniless, the improvement was not significant. Hence, resources weren't that important to him. What difference did it make if the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy wasn't as good as the four major ones? After all, he wasn't the type of person who relied on resources to become powerful.
More importantly, Wang Qi was at Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy. Wang Zhan always had a bad premonition. As soon as the exam finished, he had decided. If he was worried, he might as well go where Wang Qi was.
"You!" Chen Jun was speechless, showing frustration. "Nonsense! Can Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy compare with the four major ones?"
"Student Wang Zhan, perhaps you don't understand the significance of being in the big four," Jiang Bing said with some arrogance, the pride of coming from Yanjing Martial Arts Academy evident. It was, after all, hailed as a pillar among Martial Arts Academies.
Jiang Bing continued, "Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy is ranked 34th out of all the Federal Martial Arts and Military Academies. Though it produced outstanding individuals like King Xing, that was fifty years ago."
"Wang Zhan, you could reconsider," Powell advised.
"Wang Zhan, if you are willing, I can directly transfer you to our Federal Military Martial Arts Academy. I believe Qin Zhenshan wouldn't dare say much," George promised outrightly.
Being in the same military academy system, the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy was undoubtedly the leader. Qin Zhenshan, the dean of Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy, was also a graduate from the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy. George spoke with great confidence. Changing enrollment procedures was no small matter in the Federation, but for a genius, it was worthwhile.
Wang Zhan firmly shook his head. If he were an ordinary genius, he would naturally choose a place with better resources. But he wasn't. To Wang Zhan, ranking 34th, or even last, didn't matter.
"Thank you, teachers, for your kindness. But I have made up my mind. I can only apologize to you all." Wang Zhan appeared resolute, apologized slightly, and bowed deeply.
Wang Zhan maintained his courtesy. After all, these people had come for him, and basic politeness was required.
Following Wang Zhan's gesture, the representatives of the four major academies stood up. With various expressions, they took a last look at Wang Zhan before excusing themselves and leaving.
There were many geniuses in the four major academies. They had seen all sorts of talents with different characters. Wang Zhan was not the first, nor would he be the last. They had shown due sincerity. It was just regrettable that such a talent had, in their eyes, thrown away his prospects.
Like a comet, he had glowed brightly but disappeared without a trace in an instant. But the holy fire of the Human Race would not be extinguished. The continuity of the Human Race was not determined by a single genius but was the result of the collective efforts of all humans.
As the recruiters from the four major Martial Arts Academies left, Principal Cao Fugui trembled with anger, pointing at Wang Zhan, "You... you… do you know what you're doing? Childish! You're not taking your own future seriously. Do you know how many Grandmasters and even Martial Kings the big four produce each year?! What about the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy?"
"Ignorance!" Chen Jun criticized sternly.
They had been so polite when he became the top scholar. Now everything was different. But Wang Zhan was touched inside. They genuinely cared about him. The Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy indeed wasn't as good as the big four. This was a fact. But Wang Zhan couldn't tell them about his situation.
"Principal, Teacher Chen. I want to ask you a question," Wang Zhan said calmly. "Is there a difference in the knowledge one can acquire at different academies?"
"No!" Chen Jun replied solemnly, then added, "But there are differences in resources and the quality of teachers."
"Let it be!" Principal Cao waved his hand slowly. "Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix! Maybe young Wang has his own considerations. Choosing Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy with his status may not be a bad thing. He will definitely receive unique treatment. It's even possible King Xing himself might teach him. That would be impossible at the big four."
"Young Wang, we have arranged for you to deliver two speeches. This is beneficial for our No. 33 Middle School. The school recruitment is about to start. Whether we can recruit good talents or not depends on you." Principal Cao turned the topic to school recruitment, as there was no use dwelling on the matter further. "This is your speech material; take a good look."
It was a thick stack of material. First, it detailed his background: his father went missing on the battlefield; his mother endured hardship to raise him and his sister. Wang Zhan was sensible from an early age, helping with chores, and being exceptionally mature, among other things. After reading through it, Wang Zhan was taken aback. Me? Is this me? Am I so outstanding and excellent?
The good student in the eyes of the teachers, the good classmate in the eyes of his peers—it seemed like a script tailor-made for someone else's child. Even more outrageous, it mentioned him helping an old grandmother cross the road. He didn't remember doing such a thing. He was chased every day. If he wasn't on the road fighting, he was being ambushed. When would he have had time to help an old grandma cross the road?
"Principal, this speech..." Wang Zhan faltered. It wasn't a problem to memorize the script. But to deliver it with a straight face required considerable courage and thick skin.
"No negotiation! Consider this your punishment for recklessly choosing Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy!" Chen Jun said angrily.
「Time flies, seasons pass.」
In the Federation Era, there were no distinct winter or summer breaks. There was a ten-day vacation for the Spring Festival and a fifteen-day summer vacation. Including examinations, recruitment, and other work, it could be said that the Federation's martial arts production line never stopped.
Two speeches! Just two. One was held at Chu State Square and the other at No. 33 Middle School, and they generated a huge sensation. Under the banner of the top scholar, many promising candidates were recruited, leaving Principal Cao Fugui smiling from ear to ear.
No. 33 Middle School had truly risen. With these high-quality students and the resources allocated by the Chu State Council, its future could only get brighter.
At the moment, Wang Zhan was packing his belongings—it was time to report to the academy.
On the table was a bowl of noodles with two premium chicken eggs on top. This meal alone probably cost a pretty penny.
A note was left nearby: "Happy birthday, son!"
A simple backpack with a few changes of clothes and basic essentials constituted all of Wang Zhan's belongings.
The sound of a door opening came from outside. The iron gate swung open, admitting Yang Cui.
Normally at this time, Yang Cui would be running her stall to earn money. Obviously, she hadn't set up her stall today.
"I bought you a new pair of shoes. Try them on," Yang Cui placed the shoes on the table and went to the kitchen.
"Mom, I'm leaving!" Wang Zhan put on his new shoes and shouldered his bag.
"Alright! Be careful!" Yang Cui's voice came from the kitchen. Just as Wang Zhan reached the door, she added, "Son! If you have a chance, look for your father. He graduated from the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy. After graduating, he joined the Military Department. He disappeared in Chu State! His name's Wang Yidao!"
Federal Military Martial Arts Academy! Wang Yidao!
Wang Zhan froze. This was the first time he was hearing about his dad. He had only known before that his father's name was Wang Yu!
"Mom, isn't Dad's name Wang Yu?" Wang Zhan was a little confused.
Yang Cui looked at Wang Zhan and said calmly, "Wang Yu is his real name! His nickname is Wang Yidao. Go now! Don't just blindly rush forward. Remember, preserving your life is the most important thing. If you come back missing any parts, just see how I'll deal with you!"
Wang Zhan understood now why Wang Qi chose Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy. His dad disappeared in Chu State, and given Wang Qi's abilities, she couldn't get into the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy. So, Chu State was the best choice. After all, it was a local overload. If he had known this, he would have chosen the Federal Military Martial Arts Academy.
Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy is located in the T-Zone of Chu State City. The entire Chu State City's residential areas are classified into five zones—A, B, C, D, E—in descending order of rank. Then, there's the Y-Zone, which houses the council, administrative agencies, and the like. Other institutions, such as Military Martial Arts Academies and Martial Arts Academies, are located in the T-Zone.
Though the area itself is not very large, the Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy covered a vast expanse of approximately 1,650 acres. A miniature city wall encircled the campus, making it seem like an independent small city.
The words "Chu State Military Martial Arts Academy" were strikingly eye-catching. Wang Zhan looked upwards, feeling a majestic and heroic aura washing over him.
There were already many people at the school entrance. Wang Zhan then noticed that the entire Military Martial Arts Academy surprisingly had no City Gates, adopting an open layout design.
Camouflaged iron horse barricades were placed at the entrance. Many parents could be seen sending off their children nearby. This scenario would always play out, regardless of the era. A parent's doting love and indulgence toward their children never changes with the passing of time, differing only in degree.
All sorts of tables were set up at the entrance. Students in Federation military uniforms were bustling about. It was like a boisterous marketplace, with signs planted at intervals advertising the Combat Department, Equipment Department, Logistics Department, and so on.
Standing in line and going through the procedures, Wang Zhan received his uniform, supplies, and books. Martial Arts Academies were free; this was the policy of the entire Federation. Martial Artists were held above all, and this was no joke. Charge tuition fees? That bit of money was nothing to a Martial Arts Academy, and even less to the Human Race.
About fifteen minutes later, it was finally Wang Zhan's turn. As soon as he handed over his acceptance letter, a female senior processing the paperwork immediately stood up. A male senior next to her also looked shocked. "You're Wang Zhan? The top scholar in the Chu State Martial Arts Examination and third place in the Federal Martial Arts Examinations?"