Chapter 44: His Name Is Not on the List!
“What’s the story with these two? Three of the top academies are calling them by name, inviting them to join.”
“No idea. I think that guy’s an archer, and the other one’s a binder.”
“No wonder. If you put a combination like that together, it’d be terrifying.”
...
The three great academies had already begun vying for their chosen candidates, instantly driving the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
It was clear to everyone just how valuable this combination was in their eyes.
“Du Li, Zhong Sanqian, you two need to make your decision quickly.”
At that moment, the two were both nervous and excited beyond measure. Though they were among the defeated, being treated in such a way was not something ordinary people could even dream of.
These were olive branches extended from the three great academies—an opportunity most people would give anything to encounter.
Zhong Sanqian spoke up, “I’ll follow whatever Du Li decides.”
She understood perfectly well that her selection was thanks to Du Li’s influence. After all, she was only a binder, while Du Li was the very definition of a mainstay profession—a true archer.
Even without her, Du Li would have had a real shot at the top five academies. As for herself, without Du Li, she might have ended up living out her life in some random college.
So, rather than make the choice herself, it was better to defer to Du Li—perhaps it would also win her some favor.
With the choice in her hands, Du Li understood Zhong Sanqian’s meaning. She turned and said, “Thank you, Senior Yun Si and Senior Wang Lichang, for your offers. I’m sorry, but we choose Shenmeng Academy.”
Li Changge heard this and laughed. “Good choice, young lady. Shenmeng Academy welcomes you. I look forward to seeing you report on time.”
“Yes, teacher.”
The two sat down, and the selection continued. Eventually, only the final eight places remained.
To everyone, these last eight were already the elite eight.
“Wang Qiang, Jiuyun Academy formally invites you to join us.”
“Wang Qiang, Shenmeng Academy formally invites you as well.”
Wang Qiang was so moved he was nearly in tears. How could he ever have imagined being formally invited by two of the five great academies? In the past, this was something he wouldn’t have dared even dream about.
It was nothing short of a miracle, one that would bring honor to his ancestors.
But all of this was thanks to Lin Han. If Lin Han hadn’t taken him to level up and given him equipment like the Silkwood Deck, he could never have reached this position.
Wang Qiang hesitated, but in the end, he chose Jiuyun Academy.
The white-haired elder Sanqian smiled, “Wang Qiang, you have excellent judgment. Our academy has a tutor who is a master of the card profession and will be able to guide you well.”
“Jiuyun Academy welcomes you. We hope you’ll report on time.”
Wang Qiang was overwhelmed with excitement—words could not express his feelings.
He had actually joined one of the five great academies!
...
Now only two places of the elite eight remained.
At this moment, the yellow-haired elder Qu Fengyun spoke up: “Yuan Si, Changqi Academy formally invites you to join us.”
“Yuan Si, Shenmeng Academy formally invites you.”
“Yuan Si, Jiuyun Academy formally invites you.”
“Yuan Si, Liyun Academy formally invites you.”
The entire hall erupted. This was the only candidate so far to receive invitations from four of the great academies.
Yuan Si’s strength certainly warranted it.
In every match, Yuan Si had crushed his opponents with overwhelming power. Even in the finals, where he lost to Lin Han, it was more a matter of bad luck than anything else.
After all, a monster like that defied ordinary evaluation.
With pride, Yuan Si looked over at Lin Han. Only the last spot remained—and everyone knew the final place was as good as Lin Han’s.
He had no desire to spend the next several years in the academy being overshadowed by that monster.
“Lin Han, which academy will you choose?”
Yuan Si finally asked what was on his mind.
His intentions were clear: whatever Lin Han chose, he would choose differently. He had to avoid that monster at all costs.
Otherwise, he knew full well he’d never be able to hold his head up again in the academy.
“What business is it of yours?” Lin Han replied, a little exasperated. Was this guy planning to latch onto him? That would be trouble.
“Just tell me, which one are you picking?!” Yuan Si pressed, barely able to contain himself.
Lin Han rolled his eyes and refused to answer.
Yuan Si grew agitated. He understood now: Lin Han was definitely planning to pick the same academy as him, just to get under his skin!
At that, Yuan Si turned to the examiners. “Seniors, could Lin Han choose first?”
Li Changge was taken aback. “Why?”
“I just want to see which academy Lin Han picks,” Yuan Si answered simply.
Li Changge laughed. “But among the thirty-eight spots, Lin Han is not on the list. Perhaps you should ask him privately.”
The words hung in the air.
The entire hall fell silent.
...
Lin Han wasn’t on the list!
How could this be?!
Lin Han’s performance was clear for all to see—even the outstanding Yuan Si had been forced to flee before him.
How could Lin Han’s name be missing from the thirty-eight spots?
Lin Han himself didn’t know how to respond. Not that he cared which academy he joined.
After all, even if he entered an academy, they might not help him gather the Source of Calamity.
But the contrast still baffled him.
Even Yuan Si was stunned.
No Lin Han?!
He wasn’t even among the chosen!
Yuan Si immediately gloated, “Lin Han, so what if you’re strong? So what if you beat me? The five great academies aren’t interested in recruiting you at all.”
Wang Qiang retorted, “Yuan Si, you’re a defeated nobody—who are you to bark like a dog!”
He turned to the elders. “Seniors, Lin Han is excellent in every respect. He’s dominated the competition all the way, and several of the thirty-eight chosen have already lost to him. How is it that he’s not among the final selections?”
Lin Han hadn’t even reacted before Wang Qiang stood up for his friend.
This was the number one candidate in this year’s entrance exam!
And yet, none of the academies wanted him?
Li Changge stepped forward to explain. “Lin Han’s abilities are evident to all. However, he doesn’t quite meet the requirements for admission to our five great academies.”
Wang Qiang was baffled. “Why? His strength says it all! He’s crushed a dark horse like Yuan Si—surely that’s more than enough?”