The days of cultivating in the inner sect had been fulfilling yet fleeting. In half a year, Fang Yan's strength had undergone a qualitative leap.
His vitality had stabilized at 2.8, leaving him only one step away from the "Martial Master" realm. He had cultivated the Extreme Ice Prison Art to the third stage, and its biting cold far surpassed before. The Ice Soul Spear Technique had also reached the entry level. Combined with his awakened Ink Ice Spear Soul, every thrust was like an ice dragon surging out of the sea, possessing boundless might. He had even cultivated the Great Desolation Prison Heaven Finger to the proficient stage, and the force of a single finger could pierce metal and stone.
That day, Wu Bing called Fang Yan before him and handed him an admissions brochure.
"Fang Yan, admissions for Kyoto University of Science and Technology have begun. This is the most elite martial arts institution in the entire Great Xia Dynasty, gathering geniuses from all over the country. Your strength is sufficient now, and I hope you'll go there to pursue further study."
Fang Yan accepted the brochure, and a storm surged in his heart. Kyoto University of Science and Technology! It was the sacred ground every Martial Artist dreamed of!
"But, Elder Wu, I'm still your Registered Disciple..." Fang Yan hesitated.
Wu Bing smiled faintly. "Silly child, the Mystic Martial Pavilion is your root, but Kyoto University of Science and Technology can offer you a much broader world. Your talent shouldn't be confined here. Go without worry. There, you'll learn more—and stronger—things. I've already prepared a letter of recommendation for you."
He handed Fang Yan a sealed letter. "Take this and go register in Kyoto. Remember, no matter where you go, never forget that you're from the Mystic Martial Pavilion, and never forget your original aspirations."
"I understand, Master! Thank you, Elder Wu!" Fang Yan bowed deeply, his eyes filled with gratitude.
After bidding farewell to Elder Wu Bing and everyone at the Mystic Martial Pavilion, Fang Yan slung the Ink Ice Spear over his back, took the letter of recommendation, and set out for Kyoto.
After traveling through wind and dust, Fang Yan finally arrived in Kyoto half a month later. This ancient and prosperous city was even grander than he had imagined. Martial Artists with abundant vitality could be seen everywhere on the streets, and there was no shortage of experts in the Martial Master Realm.
The registration site for Kyoto University of Science and Technology had been set up in a huge plaza in the city center. The plaza was packed with people, with talented young men and women from all over the country gathered there. Confidence and anticipation shone across every face.
Fang Yan queued up to register. When he produced Elder Wu Bing's letter of recommendation, a flicker of surprise passed through the registering teacher's eyes, and he immediately received Fang Yan with respect.
"So you're the disciple recommended by Elder Wu of the Mystic Martial Pavilion. My apologies for my earlier disrespect." The teacher smiled. "I'll personally handle your registration. You can take the entrance examination tomorrow."
After thanking him, Fang Yan took his completed admission ticket and found an inn to stay at. He knew that tomorrow's entrance examination would be a clash of dragons and tigers. Not a single person who could make it here was weak.
The next day, the entrance examination officially began. It consisted of three parts: the Vitality Test, a combat simulation, and a potential assessment.
During the Vitality Test, Fang Yan's vitality of 2.8 drew a wave of startled cries. Though it wasn't the highest, it was still at the pinnacle among the many examinees.
In the combat simulation, the examinees had to enter a virtual space and fight virtual demon beasts. Fang Yan encountered a "Frost Giant Bear" with vitality of 3.0. Facing such a powerful demon beast, Fang Yan showed not the slightest trace of fear. Holding the Ink Ice Spear, he unleashed the Ice Soul Spear Technique, spear shadows weaving like a net as frigid air assailed the senses.
"Ice Soul Spear Technique: Ice Dragon Roar!"
Fang Yan let out a low shout. The Ink Ice Spear thrust out violently, and a huge phantom ice dragon erupted from its tip, swallowing the Frost Giant Bear in an instant. The virtual space announced: Battle victory!
The final assessment was the potential evaluation, personally overseen by a white-haired old man. The old man merely glanced at Fang Yan, then sensed the internal force within his body and the aura of the Ink Ice Spear before nodding. "Not bad. An extraordinary foundation, pure internal force, and the assistance of a Weapon Soul. Potential Grade A!"
After the three tests ended, Fang Yan passed the entrance examination with excellent results and became a new student at Kyoto University of Science and Technology.
Standing inside the gates of Kyoto University of Science and Technology, gazing at the magnificent teaching buildings before him and the senior students diligently cultivating on the field, Fang Yan's heart brimmed with heroic ambition.
"Kyoto University of Science and Technology, I'm here!"
He knew that this would be the new starting point of his martial path. The road ahead might be strewn with thorns, but he was confident that, relying on his own hard work and the Ink Ice Spear in his hands, he would carve out a world of his own in this academy where geniuses gathered!
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