Chapter 270: S-Rank? No, it

"Has Bai Shan really lost? Feels too easy..."

"The power gap is too great."

"The entire battle didn't even last half a minute."

Watching as the members of the Bai Shan team were either carried off or supported off the arena.

The spectator seats instantly erupted in waves of incredulous exclamations.

In ordinary team matches, battles usually take at least ten minutes to end.

Even evenly matched teams might fight for half an hour or more.

Yet Xu Jingming's Mo Da team ended the match in less than thirty seconds.

This was an extremely rare sight in the national university league...

"This must be the difference in faculty between top-tier and ordinary universities—Bai Shan couldn't resist Mo Da at all."

"There's certainly a faculty difference, but the key lies in Xu Jingming's S-rank ability—it's just too powerful."

"True. Lei Ting is tyrannical and ferocious, as if it could tear apart all things in the world."

As a top-tier university, Mo Du Energy University's faculty strength goes without saying.

If Bai Shan's captain Ji Hui had come from Mo Da, their team might have resisted longer.

Of course,

many had noticed that Xu Jingming's ability seemed overly formidable.

So much so that some spectators seeing an S-rank ability for the first time uttered reverent exclamations.

"Is this the S-rank ability 'Zixiao Shenlei'? Why doesn't the color match?"

"The power doesn't add up—just the raw burst of the ability injured a third-rank peak energy user? This is insane."

"Is this really just an S-rank ability?"

"......"

In the instructor zone of the spectator seats, instructors from various schools wore expressions of shock and uncertainty.

As energy users at least at the sixth rank, they had already studied the traits of the S-rank ability "Zixiao Shenlei."

The lightning of "Zixiao Shenlei" was deep purple, its aura ancient and vast.

But what had Xu Jingming just revealed?

Its color was brilliant golden yellow, and even its aura faintly radiated divinity and majesty!

Though both were lightning-based abilities, these two were completely different!

"S-rank ability? No! This power absolutely cannot be just an S-rank ability!"

At the very front row, Vice President Xu Ping of Jing University was already pale with shock.

A suspicion rose in his heart—one he dared not even believe himself.

Could it be... SS-rank?

"No, I must wait for the top-tier AI's judgment before confirming."

As an eighth-rank Master Zongshi, Xu Ping had vast experience and could almost instantly judge an energy user's ability rank.

Yet now, he found himself doubting his own judgment.

"Energy element data and energy burst intensity collected. Analyzing ability..."

At the back row of the instructor zone, Jing University's dedicated instructor carried equipment loaded with top-tier AI to analyze Xu Jingming's ability.

In fact,

not only Jing University, but also Jin University, Lei Ting Martial Arts Gym, and Bearstorm Martial Arts Gym, among many other factions, had brought similar analysis devices.

They recorded the ability data of all competitors in the university league, consolidating it into their own databases for future use.

As an S-rank ability appearing once every few years, Xu Jingming's ability was naturally the first priority for recording and analysis.

"Ability analysis complete. Results as follows..."

As a top-tier university, Jing University's equipment was undeniably fast.

Within mere seconds, the results appeared on the screen.

"What is this?!!!"

The Jing University instructor's pupils instantly contracted as he stared at the screen.

He strode forward to Vice President Xu Ping's side, leaned close to his ear, and whispered:

"President Xu, the results are in—Xu Jingming's ability is confirmed as 'Dou Tian Shen Lei,' rated... SS-rank!"

"So it really is... an SS-rank ability?" Xu Ping's expression was one of disbelief.

What did an SS-rank ability mean?

Across the entire Blue Star, with nearly ten billion people, one appeared only once every ten to twenty years!

More critically, Xu Jingming's SS-rank ability was not awakened directly—it evolved from an S-rank ability, which was utterly insane!

"No wonder even the Councilor himself was alarmed. Has an S-rank ability ever evolved into an SS-rank before in human history?"

After a long while, Xu Ping, having accepted this reality, turned to the nearby Mo Da vice president, Hearing Ling Shuang, and smiled bitterly:

"President Ling, your secrecy measures are truly excellent."

At the same time, boundless regret rose in his heart.

Had he known, when recruiting in Jiangcheng, he would have spared no cost to bring Xu Jingming into Jing University...

"It's nothing special—it was merely to ensure Xu Jingming's maximum safety," Ling Shuang said coolly.

Long before Xu Jingming stepped onto the arena, she had foreseen this moment, so she never intended to hide it.

Of course, before so many factions—even those under the command of a ninth-rank Wu Sheng—there was no hiding it anyway.

"True. Now the foreigners will be panicking."

With the formidable external threat of ferocious beasts, the psychics of Blue Star were originally united against them.

But decades ago, after humanity's ninth-rank peak powerhouse signed a truce with the supreme beast emperors of the ferocious beasts.

Although sporadic battles still continued, their scale was never large.

Humanity's pressure dropped sharply, and nations across Blue Star once again turned against each other.

The Great Xia Nation was already one of the strongest on Blue Star; other nations naturally did not wish to see an SS-rank psychic emerge.

Some nations might even deploy psychic manipulation specialists to control such prodigies, or send assassins to eliminate them.

The later one revealed oneself, the safer one would be.

But now Xu Jingming had entered the National University League; there was no way to hide it.

Of course, he didn't need to worry— the ninth-rank councilor had already given prior instructions.

And this vice-president of Magic University, a mid-rank eighth-rank psychic, possessed an S-rank spatial psychic ability.

His combat power was not strong enough to fight a ninth-rank Wu Sheng, but escaping was no problem at all.

The only ones who could restrain Ling Shuang were probably ninth-rank Martial Saints who also possessed spatial psychic abilities.

But such beings were few and far between across all of Blue Star...

"Dean Liu, when does our match start?"

Though saddened that Xu Jingming was not from Jingda, Xu Ping still rejoiced at the emergence of a new SS-rank psychic for the nation.

If Xu Jingming had not perished, within just over a decade, the Great Xia Nation would surely have produced another world-shaking top-tier powerhouse!

But for the current National University League, the Jingda team must adjust its tactics...

"We have no match today; our first match is tomorrow."

Liu Yuanzhang, seated not far away, replied in a low voice.

His name was Liu An, training coach of the Jingda team, and also a seventh-rank peak psychic.

Last year, he led Jingda to crush Magic University and win the championship.

The full schedule for the team matches had already been released just now.

Today, the first day, had no matches for Jingda.

"Good. Go call Wang Qi and the others to the villa—I have something to tell them."

Xu Ping exhaled deeply, stood up, and walked toward the exit tunnel at the back.

"Jingda must be adjusting tactics to target Xu Jingming, but unfortunately—"

"No matter what tactics they change, they cannot defeat him..."

Watching this, Ling Shuang's beautiful eyes flickered with faint brilliance.

Some psychics can indeed be suppressed through tactical arrangements.

But Xu Jingming's strength cannot be suppressed by any tactic or strategy.

That is overwhelming power capable of dominating the entire arena!

Ling Shuang believed that under Xu Jingming's leadership, Magic University would eventually reclaim its lost glory...

"Thank you to Magic City University and Bai Shan University for your thrilling match!

Next is the second round of today's team matches: Li'an University versus Changnan University.

Please welcome both teams onto the field!"

The host continued announcing the start of the next team match.

Xu Jingming and the others, having left the arena, returned to the spectator seats.

"Well done—your first battle was resolved cleanly and decisively."

As head coach, Yang Zhentian gave a thumbs-up in praise.

In fact, this was only Formation No. 2.

Xu Jingming hadn't even used his full strength, yet his performance was still astonishing.

"It was fine, but the opponents were just too weak—it wasn't even interesting," Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

"We barely lifted a finger—our captain handled everything," Kong Shi and the others said helplessly.

Especially Blood Hand Shen Dongling, whose role as an assassin was to cut down the enemy's backline.

But before she could even act, Bai Da's ranged output and support units were all eliminated by Xu Jingming's "Thunder Prison."

"Bai Shan University is indeed slightly weaker, but our second match tomorrow's opponent is no pushover—it's Suzhang University.

After lunch, come to my villa—we need to assess Suzhang University's competitors' strengths."

Last year's National University League saw Suzhang University finish fourth.

That is, outside the three top universities, this one was the strongest.

You could skip scouting schools like Bai Shan University, but not Suzhang University.

"Understood."

Xu Jingming and the others knew well the strength of this university and all nodded seriously.

"By the way, individual match registrations have opened—who among you will enter the individual competition?" Yang Zhentian asked.

The individual competition events will officially begin this afternoon.

All universities must complete individual match registrations before noon.

The schedule for the following days will be team matches in the morning and individual matches in the afternoon.

"I'll enter."

"I'll enter too."

"The individual competition has nothing to do with me as a support—I won't enter."

"..."

Aside from Gu Wan and Su Ruoyun, the two support-type adepts, everyone else chose to participate.

Of course, that's only natural—support-type adepts are far too weak in solo combat and would only be crushed in individual matches.

"Alright, I'll submit the list shortly," Yang Zhentian nodded slightly.

"Xu Jingming, come here."

At that moment, Vice Principal Ling Shuang's voice suddenly rang out, and a pair of beautiful eyes immediately glanced over from the seats behind.

Although this eighth-rank mid-level Master Zongshi had not deliberately released her aura,

Kong Shi and the others still dared not meet her gaze, instinctively stiffening their expressions and lowering their eyes slightly.

"Teacher, I'll go over for a moment."

After speaking to Teacher Yang Zhentian, Xu Jingming stepped over to Vice Principal Ling Shuang's side and smiled faintly:

"Vice Principal Ling, you wanted to see me?"

Like the other instructors, Vice Principal Ling Shuang had also changed into Mo University's instructor uniform.

Mo University's instructor uniform was blue and white, divided into male and female styles.

The male version was slightly looser; the female version was more fitted.

When Vice Principal Ling Shuang usually wore loose classical attire, her figure was not obvious.

But now, dressed in this modern fitted outfit, her slender curves were immediately accentuated.

The fullness of her chest was even comparable to Jiang Chuxuan's.

She also wore a pair of white leather boots.

This made Xu Jingming, who was used to seeing her crystalline bare feet, feel slightly unsettled.

"Jingda has already confirmed your SS-level adept ability. I'm sure other factions will detect it soon."

"When that happens, the entire Great Xia Nation—and even the entire Blue Planet—will know of your existence."

Ling Shuang said softly, "Remember what I told you last time: if you need anything, just ask me directly.

Even if I can't fulfill it, I'll apply to higher authorities on your behalf.

You are Great Xia's SS-level adept—so long as your requests aren't unreasonable, the school and the state will meet them."

Jingda's detection device was linked to its top-tier artificial intelligence and could quickly confirm Xu Jingming's adept type and rank.

This was something other factions couldn't match, though their detection devices were no slouches either.

Within at most half an hour, most factions should be able to analyze Xu Jingming's adept ability.

Even now, she could sense powerful gazes fixed upon Xu Jingming.

"Exposed this quickly?"

Xu Jingming first blinked in surprise, then nodded seriously: "Understood."

"Good that you understand."

A satisfied smile appeared on Ling Shuang's pale, delicate face, marked by a tear-shaped mole.

For ordinary prodigies, one might still worry whether they were arrogant, conceited, or would make unreasonable demands.

This had happened before.

But for Xu Jingming, she was completely at ease.

Because she knew he was calm and steady, wholly devoted to cultivation, never as frivolous as ordinary youths.

In fact, Ling Shuang had always felt Xu Jingming didn't seem like a nineteen-year-old youth—he was far too mature.

"Holy crap! Vice Principal Ling smiled!"

"Is this really the cold, icy Vice Principal?"

"I have to say, she looks beautiful when she smiles."

"I feel like… Vice Principal Ling is especially gentle with the team captain?"

"Obviously—if you were an SS-level adept, she'd be just as gentle with you!"

"......"

Ling Shuang joined Mo University only when Yao Fang and the others were freshmen.

Many students had been curious about this powerful, beautiful new Vice Principal.

But after joining Mo University, she immediately took up residence in the Combat Techniques Library and rarely appeared in public.

Even when she did appear, she always maintained her cold, detached demeanor.

And now, for the first time, they saw a smile on this Vice Principal's face!

It was breathtaking!

Of course, Yao Fang and the others didn't dwell on it—they assumed it was merely the privilege granted to an SS-level adept.

"You really dare say that? At this distance, you really think Vice Principal Ling can't hear you?"

Watching their bold behavior, Kong Shi—the only one who hadn't spoken—couldn't help twitching his lips and offered a helpful warning.

"Holy crap! Right!"

Yao Fang and the others snapped back to reality and immediately clamped their mouths shut.

"These guys… looks like after the competition, I'll have Dean Yang assign them extra training."

Ling Shuang glanced at Yao Fang and the others, making them break into cold sweats—yet she herself felt a flicker of confusion.

Gentle?

Did I just show that kind of emotion? How did I not notice?

"Captain, what did Vice Xu Xiaozhang want with us?"

On the other side,

Wang Qi and the others from Jingda, led by their coach Liu An, walked toward Vice Xu Xiaozhang Ping's villa.

Among them, one team member curiously asked the captain, Wang Qi.

"Unclear, but it's probably important," Wang Qi mused.

For ordinary matters, the coach would just notify them directly—there was no need for the vice principal to speak in person.

Soon,

everyone, including Wang Qi, entered the vice principal's villa.

"Principal, everyone has arrived."

Liu An bowed respectfully to Xu Ping in the villa's living room.

"Mm, sit down."

Xu Ping nodded slightly, and after everyone had taken their seats, he spoke:

"I called you here for no other reason—I simply want to hear your thoughts on Xu Jingming's strength."

"Xu Jingming?"

The eight members of the Jingda team exchanged glances, none having expected the vice principal to summon them for this.

Though puzzled, Captain Wang Qi paused to think, then replied:

"Xu Jingming has excellent cultivation talent and is indeed very strong, but the most crucial factor is his S-Class Ability."

Without his S-Class Ability, he wouldn't have single-handedly broken through the Bai Shan team in the recent team match."

"Correct, Wang Qi—you've hit the point. Rank is secondary; Xu Jingming's true strength lies in his S-Class Ability."

Xu Ping nodded slightly, paused, then announced:

"However, I must tell you some very bad news."

According to our detection equipment, Xu Jingming's Ability is not S-Class—it's the rarer and more powerful SS-Class Ability!"