Chapter 559

Xianyin Zhenjun understood that this design competition was not limited to students from Wanfa University alone; it gathered students from over a hundred institutions, including the Top Ten, Upper Schools, and Lower Schools.

Among these students were Divine Transformation disciples, rising stars heavily cultivated by their respective schools, descendants of corporate giants, and many newly accepted apprentices of Nascent Soul True Lords from the Top Ten—all of them were here to compete for the ten military certificates.

Even the strongest students from Wanfa University's Artifact Refining Department, such as Ye Xingli, Bei Wufeng, and Yan Qianji, had failed to take first place in past competitions.

"No matter how formidable Magnetic Pole is, he can't possibly dominate across so many schools."

"On the contrary, such a heavy-handed approach will likely provoke strong resistance from the judges of other schools."

"Ah, at least pretend to lower the design level a bit; this is way too high-profile."

Xianyin Zhenjun shook his head. As a professor in Wanfa University's Artifact Refining Department, he was certain to give Zhang Yu a top-ten rating.

"But how the other judges vote—that's beyond my control."

After finishing his review of Zhang Yu's design, Xianyin Zhenjun began examining the other students' competition entries.

First came the works of the Divine Transformation disciples. Xianyin Zhenjun nodded repeatedly as he read, thinking that indeed a renowned master produces excellent disciples—each had the potential to be in the top ten.

"Especially this one, Gui Shen Gong from Tianmo University, full of ingenious ideas; he has what it takes to be first."

Next, he looked at the designs from the children of the corporate giants. He sighed, acknowledging their deep family legacies—every design carried the trend of the upper class, offering a refreshing novelty.

"Oh? This Zang Xingye from Youming University has a solid foundation. It seems he has not only completed all of Youming University's artifact refining courses on his own but also studied materials from other schools. His entry this time should make it into the top three."

Then came the newly accepted disciples of several Nascent Soul True Lords from the Top Ten universities.

"The number is a bit smaller than in previous years."

"And the skill level is average; none of them bothered to look for proper references?"

After finishing with that batch, Xianyin Zhenjun turned to the last two designs, both from students of non-Top Ten universities.

"Only two entries from outside the Top Ten are decent this year?"

Xianyin Zhenjun sighed. "The quality of students from these Upper and Lower Schools deteriorates year by year. In another two years, there probably won't be even one worthy entry."

Shortly after reviewing all the design drawings, Xianyin Zhenjun was invited to attend an internal judges' meeting.

The moment Xianyin Zhenjun projected into the meeting room within the Spirit Realm, he heard sighs.

"Have you all seen Zhang Yu's work? Clever ideas, deep substance, a solid foundation, and unrestrained creativity—I think we should just give him first place directly."

"Wanfa University has truly nurtured an extraordinary student."

As he spoke, the speaker projected Zhang Yu's design drawing for everyone present to see.

Xianyin Zhenjun looked over. The speaker's projection was a swirling, flickering blood mist—it was Xuepu Zhenjun from Youming University.

Although the words were praising, Xianyin Zhenjun could detect a sarcastic undertone.

Sure enough, another Nascent Soul True Lord chuckled. "If Magnetic Pole personally stepped in and still couldn't take first, people would think we judges are blind to artifact refining."

Xianyin Zhenjun turned to the speaker, whose projection was a white-bone lotus throne—it was Shisui Zhenjun from Baigu University.

Hearing the two playing off each other, Xianyin Zhenjun said flatly, "It's normal for students to use references when designing. In this competition, which participant hasn't received guidance from someone?"

Xuepu Zhenjun of Youming University gave a light laugh. "Well said. I think we should just pick Magnetic Pole as first. A Nascent Soul True Lord joins the competition—if he doesn't take first, would that make sense?"

Shisui Zhenjun beside him shook his head. "No, no. You see, Lord Magnetic Pole is about to advance to Divine Transformation. This is a quasi-Divine Transformation lord entering a college competition—how could he lose?"

Listening to their sarcastic remarks, Xianyin Zhenjun felt a surge of anger.

He spoke calmly, "You two, don't make baseless accusations. This design drawing is Zhang Yu's hard work. You cannot claim it was ghostwritten just because his skill level is high."

"If that logic holds, then anyone with high skill would be considered a ghostwriter, and we might as well cancel the competition."

At that moment, Tianzhi Zhenjun from Jingang University interjected, "Xianyin Zhenjun is right. Everyone, let's return to the main topic and stop digressing."

Hearing Tianzhi Zhenjun coming to his defense, Xianyin Zhenjun sent him a private message: "Thank you."

It was also Tianzhi Zhenjun who had earlier alerted him to check Zhang Yu's design.

Tianzhi Zhenjun replied, "It's nothing. Against these crooked paths, we righteous universities naturally have to stand together."

Tianzhi Zhenjun: "It's just that Lord Magnetic Pole was a bit impulsive this time. [chuckle]"

True Lord Tianzhi: You don't plan to force Zhang Yu to be first, do you?

At the same time, True Lord Tianzhi thought to himself: "This guy Ciji... hasn't even passed the Nascent Soul review yet? And he already wants to act so blatantly, forcing his disciple into the design competition to get a ranking? People might think you're already at late Nascent Soul."