So-Called Avoiding the Sharp Edge

When he saw the approaching person, Wang Yongfeng was first stunned, then his gaze swept over them, his eyes widening subconsciously.

Wearing the teaching robes of Fengyun University, this meant the elder was a teacher from Fengyun University.

Are they really here to poach students early?

Wang Yongfeng found it hard to believe.

He had heard of Fengyun University recruiting students early before, but he had never seen it with his own eyes.

After all, there were nearly a hundred martial arts high schools of various sizes in the twelve cities of Ying Province.

Tens of thousands of young martial artists were born each year, and only a handful, at most two or three, and sometimes none at all, could be recruited early by Fengyun University.

Early recruitment meant guaranteed admission, and guaranteed admission meant a massive influx of resources...

Even though Fengyun University was the leader among the martial arts universities in Ying Province, they didn't have that many resources to select over a dozen guaranteed admission students each year.

Moreover, in previous years, the guaranteed admission students were mostly selected from the Martial Science Students of Shanzhou City, while other cities usually could only watch from the sidelines.

It had been many years since Fengyun University last selected guaranteed admission students in Linhai City.

Receiving such treatment, they would truly soar to the heavens from now on.

"Ye Li, Fengyun University is the best martial arts university in Ying Province."

Wang Yongfeng cleared his throat and tried to remind him as tactfully as possible, "If you get guaranteed admission early, it will be of great help to your future development!"

"Exactly, exactly."

As he spoke, Yu Weng quickly approached, rubbing his hands as if nervous.

Upon seeing that the flesh beneath Ye Li's tattered ink shirt was completely uninjured, obvious fervor surged in his eyes.

He hadn't misjudged after all. The injuries caused by the sword aura just minutes ago had completely disappeared. This healing speed was simply miraculous... What kind of Martial Arts Talent was this?!

To encounter such a treasure in a place like this, this old man has truly struck it rich!

From his position on the combat stage earlier, Yu Weng, who had the highest cultivation, had seen clearly that Tang Yao's previous attacks were not without effect on Ye Li. In fact, most of her attacks had injured Ye Li.

Especially that move, [Mount Tai Holds Up the Sun]. Even with the mystical white mist protecting him, the fierce Sword Qi had directly pierced Ye Li's lower abdomen.

However, these injuries, which would have severely wounded ordinary martial artists, healed on Ye Li in just a few breaths!

When Yu Weng saw this, his eyeballs almost popped out, and his heart was stirred by a tempestuous wave.

No one understood the value of this more than he did.

If it weren't for the group of teachers surrounding him, he would have rushed down to confirm it.

Fortunately, the opportunity wasn't entirely missed.

"Student Ye Li."

Yu Weng swallowed, looking at the calm young man in the ink shirt, and smiled gently:

"I happen to have a special guaranteed admission spot. As long as you're willing, I'll personally be your mentor. You can come to Fengyun University now and don't even need to take the Martial Arts Exam.

"To be frank, I am a senior teacher at Fengyun University, and my Martial Path cultivation can be considered that of a master. I will absolutely not lead my students astray, you can rest assured!"

Hearing this, even Wang Yongfeng's expression became strange.

Was this really a teacher from Fengyun University, or a salesperson from a martial arts cram school?

Wasn't he a bit too enthusiastic?

While finding it strange, he also felt a pang of envy.

He knew that he had never seen such a scene during his own Martial Arts Exam. The few intermediate teachers from Fengyun University back then had all had cold expressions and exuded an aura of indifference.

Now, for Ye Li, even a senior teacher was acting like a salesperson...

The guaranteed admission spot was understandable, after all, Ye Li, who had defeated Tang Yao, had the potential.

But this attitude, which practically screamed "agree quickly," was something else entirely.

Did this mean that Ye Li's potential was outstanding even among guaranteed admission students?!

Thinking of this, Wang Yongfeng's breathing quickened.

Could it be that Ye Li had some hidden potential that he hadn't seen?

"..."

Ye Li didn't answer directly but instead asked, "What are the benefits of this guaranteed admission spot?"

What he lacked most were opportunities to earn Malice Points and various Martial Skills and techniques.

"Naturally!" Yu Weng smiled confidently and straightened up, saying, "Just within Fengyun University's library, you can use your credentials to go directly to the fourth floor. Forget about second or third-tier Martial Skills; even fourth-tier precious Martial Skills, as long as you want to exchange for them, you'll be qualified to do so.

"Furthermore, there's the level of contact. Many of the teachers at Fengyun University hold high positions in various major powers. To be honest, ordinary Martial Science Students only have the opportunity to meet them while on campus. These are all potential connections."

As he spoke, he deliberately hinted:

"Speaking of which, I am also an honorary elder in many associations, controlling many resources and opportunities for secret realm trials. As long as you wish, they can be allocated to students you favor."

"Also, if you have any questions while practicing your Martial Skills, feel free to ask any teacher. With the title of [Guaranteed Admission Student], they'll be more than happy to explain..."

Yu Weng spoke incessantly, to the point where his throat felt a little dry.

He looked at Ye Li, whose expression remained unchanged, cleared his throat, and then chuckled, "If you're willing to become my student, that would be even better. What I can offer you is definitely more than what the leaders of second-rate factions can provide."

Hearing this, Ye Li nodded slightly.

As expected of the most established Martial Arts University in Ying Province, the benefits are indeed tempting.

Although the actual difficulty is likely much greater than what he's described, the opportunities Fengyun University can provide are genuinely substantial.

He didn't lack teachers to guide his Martial Skills, nor did he want connections that would shatter at the slightest touch. However, he did have a need for this kind of opportunity.

"I see, that's indeed very good."

Finally, under Yu Weng's eager gaze, Ye Li calmly said:

"However, I refuse."

[Verbally toyed with Fengyun University's 106-year-old teacher, Malice Points +500!]

"...?"

Yu Weng, who thought it was a sure thing, was stunned and couldn't help but ask:

"Why? Are the conditions not generous enough?"

"They are generous," Ye Li nodded naturally.

"Then why?"

"I refuse."

[Verbally toyed with Fengyun University's 106-year-old teacher, Malice Points +200]

You know, messing with old men is quite fun.

Ye Li sighed inwardly.

This habit of mine, liking to say NO to those who are overly confident, probably can't be changed.

"So... why refuse?" Yu Weng's face was starting to flush.

Ye Li chuckled softly, "Because I'm going to participate in the Martial Arts Exam."

"You're still going to participate in the Martial Arts Exam?"

Yu Weng was taken aback, then said earnestly, "There's absolutely no need. After this battle, the students from Qingshan First High School probably hate you to the core in their hearts."

"If those hundred-plus people have the free time during the Martial Arts Exam, they might collectively come after you. Then, you'll be outnumbered, and it'll be easy for something to happen!"

"Then... can I have this guaranteed admission spot after participating in the Martial Arts Exam?" Wang Yongfeng tentatively asked.

He felt that Ye Li most likely wanted to temper himself through the Martial Arts Exam, so he planned to help secure it.

"Then there's even less of a point," Yu Weng glanced at him and said helplessly, "Fengyun University only has this one guaranteed admission spot this year, the one in my hand. You all know about Shanzhou First High School, right? It's the most established among the Martial Arts High Schools in Ying Province, and it has produced the most geniuses over the years."

"From what I know, they also have several talented contestants this year, each sharp and arrogant."

"If they hear that you, a guaranteed Martial Science Student, are coming to participate in the Martial Arts Exam, they'll definitely come specifically to meet you." He then looked at Ye Li and earnestly explained, "Simply put, they'll come to cause trouble for you and test your abilities."

"Why?" Ye Li asked.

"They won't be convinced!"

Yu Weng sighed, "Student Ye Li, listen to my advice. The Martial Arts Exam is not a child's play. Aren't you just looking for trouble?"

"There's no need to compete with them like this, right?"

After speaking, Yu Weng suddenly noticed that the dark eyes of the young man in front of him were growing brighter.

"Indeed."

Under Yu Weng's confused gaze, Ye Li said calmly, "How about this, let's meet halfway. I'll take the guaranteed admission spot, and I'll also participate in the Martial Arts Exam."

"...?"

Wait, you want both?

Yu Weng looked at Wang Yongfeng beside him in astonishment, wondering if he had misheard.

PS: This chapter has been slightly revised.