Chapter 262

The capital of Great Xia, Qingjing City.

Most of the National University League's events over the years have been held here.

Besides being the capital, Qingjing City is near Magic Cavern No. 5, making it the ideal location for survival competitions.

Magic Cavern numbers are ranked by danger level.

The danger level of Magic Cavern No. 5 is far higher than that of No. 7!

Inside Magic Cavern No. 5, there are no first- or second-tier monsters—only third-tier and above!

Of course,

the more monsters there are, the more adept users are drawn to the area.

Originally, only one supply base existed near Magic Cavern No. 5.

Over time, it gradually developed into a modern metropolis!

That is, the later Qingxu City!

Qingjing Institute of Esoteric Abilities is built just under ten kilometers from Qingxu City.

Qingxu City naturally became Qingjing Institute's home ground.

At this moment,

Qingxu City's dedicated airstrip, as the host, Qingjing Institute of Esoteric Abilities,

had already arranged mentors on-site to welcome the arriving university teams.

Whirr—

With the roar of massive jet engines, a fighter jet appeared in the distant sky.

Citizens of Qingxu City instinctively looked up.

"It's the Mocao Institute team—activate the guidance lights..."

Previously, Mocao's mentors had already coordinated with Jingda.

An unknown incoming fighter would never be allowed to land.

Soon,

bright lights illuminated the entire airstrip, guiding the jet's descent.

Boom—

The high-speed fighter slowed gradually and landed vertically on the airstrip.

The first stage of the National University League had already ended on March 7th.

Aside from the three top-tier universities, the top seven had already been selected—all seven arrived in Qingxu City yesterday.

But lacking the resources of top-tier schools, they had to travel here by high-speed rail.

Now, beyond the isolation zone, members of several top-seven teams watched this scene with envy.

Whoosh—

The aircraft hatch opened, and within seconds, dozens of figures stepped out.

Leading them, Vice Principal Ling Shuang and teachers like Yang Zhentian wore white mentor uniforms of Mocao Institute.

The students behind them all wore black Mocao team uniforms, appearing remarkably subdued.

"Such a cool uniform! Is this really Mocao's team?"

"I saw Iron Bear Kong Shi—he's already mid-fourth tier!"

"Mocao's S-class Lei Di is here too—he's my idol!"

"Blood Hand Shen Dongling, that hot-bodied older sister—I'm totally into her!"

"By the way, don't you think Mocao's team leader is gorgeous? If no one wants her, I'm taking her."

"..."

The official roster of participants for the National University League had been released earlier.

As a top-tier university, Mocao Institute had a massive fanbase nationwide.

These fans had arrived in Qingxu City days ago, just to see Mocao's team members in person.

Now, outside the isolation zone, many such fans were gathered.

Seeing the real people, their faces flushed red.

Excitedly chatting, they longed to rush forward for autographs.

Unfortunately, powerful adept users guarded the isolation zone—they couldn't break through.

Notably,

outside the isolation zone, there weren't just Mocao's fans—fans from every university were present.

Most of them were young people!

This was part of Great Xia's policy to ensure the nation's future generation could participate.

Seventy percent of the National University League tickets were reserved for those under twenty-five.

This is also why Xu Jingming's aunt couldn't get tickets.

"Hello, Principal Ling!"

"Principal Ling, Dean Yang."

"..."

Although Principal Ling had only served at Mocao for less than three years and lacked seniority,

this was her first time leading Mocao in a national competition.

Yet no one dared underestimate this young vice principal.

Especially after she recently killed a mid-eighth-tier Red Cardinal of the Heavenly Fate Cult.

"This way, please. We've prepared a lavish lunch for you."

"Principal Ling, Dean Yang, and all mentors, please go upstairs—our president and mentors are already there."

"Students may dine on the first floor—other universities' participants are there too."

"..."

Under the guidance of Jingda's teachers, the Mocao group entered Qingxu City's urban area.

After walking only a few minutes, they entered a lavish restaurant.

Principal Ling and the mentors went upstairs; Xu Jingming's group dined on the first floor.

The first-floor dining hall operated as a buffet, already filled with students from various universities.

As Xu Jingming's group in black uniforms entered the first-floor lobby, all eyes turned to them.

"Mocao's team has arrived!"

"That leader in front—isn't he Mocao's captain, the S-class adept? He's quite handsome."

"Handsome doesn't mean anything—he's only upper-third tier! Probably just a publicity stunt Mocao put forward."

"..."

After the official rosters were released, every university studied their rivals' lineups in detail.

Especially Mocao Institute, as a top-tier school, was under intense scrutiny!

The strength of veteran students like Kong Shi and Yao Fang was unquestioned.

Only their captain, Xu Jingming, remained uncertain.

If he were strong, no combat videos could be found online; the few available didn't prove his power.

If he were weak, he'd just climbed to number one on Mocao's power ranking.

In short, he was a mysterious, hard-to-read man.

Of course,

many universities suspected Xu Jingming might not be that strong.

After all, the power ranking was created by Mocao itself.

Creating a diversion to shift attention was perfectly reasonable.

Such tactics had been used in past university competitions.

"Jingda's team is here too."

"That red-uniformed group is Chuanda, right? Quite conspicuous."

"Wait, Su University's team is here too? I thought they were only 18th last year—how'd they make top ten this year?"

"..."

While being watched, Mocao's team also carefully observed others in the hall.

Occasionally spotting strong individuals, they whispered among themselves.