Chapter 270

"Has Bai Shan Energy University already lost? Feels surprisingly 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 representative team were either carried off or supported off the arena.

The audience erupted in waves of incredulous exclamations.

In ordinary team matches, battles usually last at least ten minutes to conclude.

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

Yet Xu Jingming's Mo Da representative team ended the match in under thirty seconds.

This was an extremely rare sight even at the national university league...

"Perhaps this is the difference in faculty between top-tier and ordinary universities—Bai Shan had no resistance at all against Mo Da."

"Faculty differences certainly exist, but the key lies in Xu Jingming's S-rank ability—it's simply too powerful."

"Indeed, Thunder is ruthless and ferocious, as if capable of tearing 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 held out longer.

Of course,

many had noticed that Xu Jingming's ability seemed excessively potent.

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 Divine Thunder'? 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 absurd."

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

"......"

In the coach zone of the audience seats, coaches from various universities wore expressions of doubt and unease.

As energy users at least at the sixth rank, they had all studied the traits of the S-rank ability 'Zixiao Divine Thunder' beforehand.

The lightning of 'Zixiao Divine Thunder' was supposed to be a deep purple, its aura ancient and primordial.

But what had Xu Jingming just revealed?

Its color was brilliant golden yellow, and even its aura carried a faint sense of divinity and majesty!

Though both were lightning-based abilities, these two were utterly incompatible!

"S-rank ability? No! This power could never 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, we must wait for the top-tier AI's analysis before confirming."

As an eighth-rank Grand Master, Xu Ping had such vast experience he could judge an energy user's rank with just a glance.

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 coach zone, Jing University's dedicated coach carried equipment loaded with top-tier AI to analyze Xu Jingming's ability.

In fact,

not only Jing University, but also Jin University, Lei Thunder Martial Hall, and Bear Fury Martial Hall—all these factions had brought similar analysis devices.

They recorded the energy abilities of all participants in the university league, consolidating the data into their own databases for future use.

As an S-rank ability appearing once in several 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 coach staring at the screen instantly narrowed his pupils.

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 'Dutian Divine Thunder,' rated... SS-rank!"

"So it really is... an SS-rank ability?" Xu Ping's expression was one of utter 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. That was utterly insane!

"No wonder even the Councilor was alarmed. An S-rank ability evolving into SS-rank—this has never happened in human history before, has it?"

After a long while, Xu Ping, having accepted this reality, turned to Mo Da's vice president Ling Shuang with a bitter smile:

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

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

If only he'd known—when recruiting in Jiangcheng—he should have spared no cost to bring Xu Jingming into Jing University...

"It's nothing special. We did it solely to ensure Xu Jingming's maximum safety," Ling Shuang said coolly.

Even 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 ninth-rank Saint commanders—there was no hiding it anyway.

"True. Now the foreign nations will be panicking."

With the monstrous threat looming, energy users across the Blue Star had once united against the outside.

But decades ago, after the human ninth-rank peak masters signed a truce with the monstrous supreme beast emperors,

though sporadic battles still occurred, their scale was no longer massive.

Human pressure dropped sharply, and nations across the Blue Star resumed targeting each other.

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

Some nations might even deploy mental-type energy users to manipulate such prodigies, or send assassins to eliminate them.

The later it was exposed, the safer it was.

But now that Xu Jingming had entered the national university league, hiding it was impossible.

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

And Mo Da's eighth-rank mid-tier vice president possessed an S-rank space ability.

Though her combat power couldn't match a ninth-rank Saint in direct battle, escaping was no problem at all.

The only ones who could restrain Ling Shuang were ninth-rank Saints with space abilities.

But such beings were exceedingly rare across the entire Blue Star...

"President Liu, when does our match start?"

Though pained that Xu Jingming wasn't from Jing University, Xu Ping still rejoiced at the emergence of a new SS-rank energy user for the nation.

If Xu Jingming didn't perish, within just over a decade, Great Xia would surely produce another world-shaking top-tier powerhouse!

But for the current national university league, Jing University's team would need to adjust its tactics...

"We don't have a match today. Our first match is tomorrow," replied President Liu, seated nearby.

His name was Liu An, Jing University's team training coach, also a seventh-rank peak energy user.

Last year, he led Jing University to defeat Mo Da and win the championship.

The entire team match schedule had already been released moments ago.

Today's first day had no matches for Jing University.

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

Xu Ping exhaled deeply and rose, heading toward the exit corridor.

"Jing University will surely adjust tactics to counter Xu Jingming—but unfortunately,

no matter what tactics they change, they can't defeat him..."

Watching this, Ling Shuang's beautiful eyes shimmered faintly with intrigue.

Some energy users could indeed be suppressed by tactical arrangements.

But Xu Jingming's strength was beyond any tactic's ability to contain.

That was overwhelming, all-encompassing power!

Ling Shuang believed that under Xu Jingming's leadership, Mo Da would one day reclaim its lost glory...

"Thank you to Mo Du Energy University and Bai Shan Energy University for an incredible battle!

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

Please welcome both teams onto the arena!"

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

Xu Jingming and his team, having left the arena, returned to the audience seats.

"Well done. First battle concluded cleanly and decisively," praised Yang Zhentian, the head coach, giving a thumbs-up.

In truth, this was only Formation No. 2.

As the chief instructor, Yang Zhentian raised his thumb and praised.

Actually, this is only Formation No. 2.

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

"Good thing the opponents were weak—fighting them was boring," Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

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

Especially Shen Dongling, the Blood Hand—her role as an assassin was to eliminate the enemy's backline.

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

"Baisan Institute of Esoteric Abilities is indeed slightly weaker, but our next match tomorrow won't be easy—it's against Suzhou-Hangzhou Institute of Esoteric Abilities."

"After lunch, come to my villa—we need to assess the strength of Suzhou-Hangzhou's competitors."

Last year's National University League saw Suzhou-Hangzhou Institute of Esoteric Abilities secure fourth place.

In other words, outside the three top-tier universities, this one is the strongest.

You can skip scouting schools like Baisan, but not Suzhou-Hangzhou.

"Understood."

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

"By the way, individual competition registration has opened—who among you will enter?" Yang Zhentian asked.

The individual competition events will officially begin this afternoon.

All universities must complete individual competition registration 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."

"Individual competition has nothing to do with me—I'm a support, so I won't join."

"......"

Except for Gu Wan and Su Ruoyun, the two support-type esoteric users, everyone else chose to enter.

Of course, this was normal—support-type esoteric users were 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; her beautiful eyes glanced over from the back row.

Though this eighth-rank mid-level Grand Master hadn't deliberately released her aura,

Kong Shi and the others still dared not meet her gaze—they instinctively grew solemn, lowering their eyes slightly.

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

After telling Teacher Yang Zhentian, Xu Jingming walked over to Vice Principal Ling Shuang and smiled faintly:

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

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

Mo University's instructor uniform was blue and white, with male and female versions.

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

Ling Shuang usually wore loose classical attire, so her figure wasn't obvious.

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

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

"Jing University has already confirmed your SS-grade esoteric ability. Soon, other factions will detect it too."

"When that happens, the entire Xia Dynasty—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.

You're our Xia Dynasty's SS-grade. As long as your requests aren't unreasonable, the school and the state will grant them."

Jing University's detection device was linked to its top-tier artificial intelligence, capable of quickly identifying Xu Jingming's ability type and rank.

No other faction could match that—but their detection devices were still impressive.

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

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

"Exposed this quickly?"

Xu Jingming paused slightly, then nodded seriously: "Understood."

"Good."

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

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

This had happened before.

But with Xu Jingming, she felt completely at ease.

She knew he was calm, devoted entirely to cultivation, and far from the restlessness of ordinary youths.

In fact, Ling Shuang had always felt Xu Jingming didn't seem like a 19-year-old—he was far too mature.

"Holy shit! 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 unusually gentle with our captain?"

"Obviously—if you were an SS-grade, 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, she immediately took up residence in the Combat Techniques Library and rarely appeared.

Even when she did appear, she always maintained a cold, distant 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-grade.

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

Watching their bold behavior, Kong Shi—who had remained silent—couldn't help twitching his lips and offered a gentle warning.

"Holy shit! Right!"

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

"These guys... I'll have to ask Dean Yang to give them extra training after the competition."

Ling Shuang glanced at Yao Fang and the others, making them break into cold sweat—yet she herself felt puzzled.

Gentle?

Did I just show that emotion? Why didn't I notice?

"Captain, what did Principal Xu want with you?"

On the other side,

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

One of the team members asked curiously, "Captain, what's this about?"

"I'm not sure, but it must be important," Wang Qi mused.

Ordinary matters would've been handled by the coach directly—no need for the vice principal to speak in person.

Soon,

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

"Principal, everyone is here," Liu An said respectfully to Xu Ping in the living room.

"Hmm, sit down."

Xu Ping nodded slightly; once everyone was seated, he spoke:

"I called you here for one thing only: I want to know your thoughts on Xu Jingming's strength."

"I didn't call you here for anything else—mainly wanted to ask what you think of Xu Jingming's strength."

The eight members of Jing University's team exchanged glances—they hadn't expected the vice principal summoned them for this.

Though puzzled, Captain Wang Qi thought for a moment, then replied:

"Xu Jingming has excellent cultivation talent and is indeed strong, but the key is his S-grade esoteric ability.

Without it, he wouldn't have single-handedly crushed the Baisan team in the team match."

"Correct, Wang Qi—you've hit the point. Rank is secondary; Xu Jingming's greatest strength is truly his S-grade esoteric ability."

Xu Ping nodded slightly, paused, then announced:

"But I must tell you some very bad news.

After our detection device analyzed him, Xu Jingming's ability isn't S-grade—it's the rarer, far stronger SS-grade!"

According to our detection device, Xu Jingming's ability is not S-rank, but the rarer and more powerful SS-rank ability!