"The passionate youths seem quite dissatisfied."
Inside a teaching building, Ye Anfu, the dean of the War Academy, was meeting with several other deans.
Outside, the teachers had already reported the freshmen's strong discontent.
"They seem to seriously question the initial ranking list."
"Questioning is fine, of course..."
"But what real difference is there between someone ranked 800th and 900th? The rankings may be somewhat unfair, and their credits don't differ much either."
Hearing this, Teacher Shou Yichun, sitting nearby, chuckled.
"I heard from the student council that these students are particularly unhappy with the person ranked first. Yun Chen has become the target of much criticism."
"Many even say, 'He's just another provincial top scorer — why is Yun Chen ranked first? Why must other provincial top scorers accept lower ranks?'"
"Is this just because he's a local resident that he got an unfair advantage?"
This reasoning made sense.
To some extent, regional bias resonated with many.
But...
"They've underestimated my evaluation of combat power."
Ye Anfu shook his head.
"Besides..."
"The motto of Jiangnan University is 'The coast embraces all rivers, tolerance is greatness.' They really are underestimating our character."
To be honest, compared to being underestimated in combat evaluation, such doubts about character deeply disappointed Ye Anfu.
In fact, most of the teachers in this room — including Ye Anfu himself — were not from Jiangnan Province. Even the current president was an outsider.
'The sea accepts all rivers; tolerance is greatness.'
Jiangnan University had always lived up to that spirit, like a vast ocean capable of embracing countless rivers. Only such brmindedness and vision could explain its outstanding reputation these past few years.
"Well then, let them hit a wall."
"The rankings behind might have errors, but the first rank at the front is absolutely correct."
Shou Yichun had already informed the deans about Yun Chen's awakening talent evolution.
That was why Ye Anfu was so confident.
The provincial top scorers' exams were different for each province, but after watching all their exam recordings, one could roughly grasp their career types, combat skills, and attention to detail.
Yun Chen was the best performer among them all—exceptionally outstanding, even excessively so.
"Also..."
"This year's freshmen cohort is indeed two or three times larger, so the later rankings might be unfair and can't cover every detail..."
"Since that's the case, the freshmen tournament should start immediately."
"Today!"
As the most senior dean, oldest in age, Ye Anfu's words naturally carried absolute authority.
The teachers below began drafting notices and preparing to open the challenge instance.
At this moment, just thinking about the freshmen assembly tonight where every new student would be sorted into their respective academies made the deans restless.
"I think Yun Chen's combat skills are impressive — like me, he's born with battle intuition. There's no way I'll let others have him for guidance."
Dean Xia from the Weapons Academy stood up and said directly.
She was an overly young woman — just twenty-six, the youngest present — wearing white clothes, radiantly beautiful.
Even the somewhat loose academy uniform couldn't hide her exquisitely tall figure; her aura and height reminded people of a Victoria's Secret model.
"That's mistaken..."
"He has a rare talent for rapid casting. His instant-cast magic is fast, and his magical foundation is strong. Even if he can't go the Unclassed Drifter route, he can switch anytime to Mage or Magic Sword Master."
Dean Wu of the Elemental Academy also couldn't sit still.
They were meeting here to compete for students.
Yun Chen, the number one, had already caught the eyes of all the deans.
"No need to rush..."
"After tonight's freshmen tournament ends and the new rankings are finalized, then let them choose!"
Ye Anfu smiled leisurely, unhurried.
The War Academy had been the top among major academies in recent years; naturally, its philosophy attracted many young people eager to fight and storm the front lines.
So he was the least anxious.
...
Meanwhile, at this very moment...
The dissatisfied freshmen who questioned the initial rankings had already set their sights on Yun Chen.
Plus, the Unclassed Drifter career, a complete break from tradition—practically heretical—was inherently controversial.
Combined, it was like pouring fuel on the fire.
"Let's go!"
"Everyone together — let's check out the number one mansion! Let's see just who this so-called Unclassed Drifter is, daring to claim first place!"
Classes hadn't started yet.
With nothing better to do, some had made up their minds to visit the number one mansion at the hilltop.
But after walking a short distance, they found the freshman dormitory area — like a small town — had various security restrictions and access controls.
"Damn it..."
"Ordinary people can't go past halfway up the hill."
Ordinary gates could be easily broken by a finger, but...
Jiangnan University's security often meant dangerous mechanical traps set by Mechanics or prohibition runes laid by Mages.
No one dared to test their luck, and the dozens of people had no choice but to stay put.
"Lucky him!"
At that moment, a sudden buzzing came through the school brast.
Every student's school-bound phone simultaneously received the message:
"Please bring your equipment and weapons at 2:00 PM. Arrive at South Cloud Square in your best physical condition."
Yes!!
At this moment, every freshman's mind stirred with excitement.
Bring equipment!!
Is the freshmen tournament being advanced?!
"Great, fantastic!! The rankings will be reshuffled!"
...
At the same time.
Inside the mansion area inaccessible to the masses, the owners of the top 100 mansions were burning with fighting spirit.
"Good..."
"Now it's time to pull that so-called Unclassed Drifter down from first place."
Among them, the top ten were all provincial exam top scorers or ranked second in their provinces.
Some of these chosen few even planned to challenge the first-place in the arena to prove him unworthy. If he refused, they would let him lose face completely.
Shen Tairan, the top scorer from Dazhou Province, ranked second, just below Yun Chen, above all others.
He said nothing, but his gaze often flicked to the solitary mansion higher up the hill.
He was a man disciplined to the extreme, proud and aloof inside.
After checking that all his weapons were intact, he had a light lunch and immediately rested, preparing to face the freshmen tournament in peak condition.
First place!
He was determined to take it!
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]