C21 Walking Earth Chicken

Just explain it clearly, and Wang Yan will make his own choice.

His task was simply to secure the best advantages for Wang Yan, but given the current situation, it seemed unnecessary.

"Uncle Luo, which school do you think is better for me?" Wang Yan inquired.

"It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want to enhance your physical strength, Capital University is the place to be. The president is a genuine master of martial arts, and his direct mentorship could save you from many unnecessary detours," Luo Zu explained, pausing briefly before adding, "However, if you're aiming to bolster your Soul Strength, then M Province University is your best bet. The energy replenishment in the Soul Nurturing Ground is quite slow, and for sustained development, they offer only three spots each year. Plus, the Moon Beast is no ordinary spirit beast; it can significantly ensure your safety."

"I see," Wang Yan nodded, his decision already forming in his mind.

He didn't need to exert too much effort in martial arts; Green would assist him in enhancing his three basic attributes. What would be toxic medicinal herbs to others were nourishing supplements to him. If he could stand his ground in battle and remain unbreached in defense, was there really any need to train in martial arts?

Moreover, Wang Yan could utilize Green's abilities, significantly boosting his combat power. In such a scenario, the only thing left to focus on was enhancing his Soul Strength; the rest was trivial.

"I've decided on M Province University!" Wang Yan declared his choice.

Wu Liqiang beamed with joy, while Stephen Hao let out a resigned sigh. With Luo Zu present, no one dared to resort to any underhanded tactics. And truly, for prestigious institutions like Capital University and M Province University, there was no need for such maneuvers.

"Well then, all I can do is wish you, Wang Yan, a flourishing martial arts journey and a swift rise to the Saint Throne!" Stephen Hao offered a respectful bow to Wang Yan before departing.

"I should be going as well. Don't forget to send my regards to your father. Oh, and when you meet the principal, you..." Luo Zu's expression twisted with hesitation. After a ten-second pause, he ultimately left his sentence hanging, waved his hand, and exited.

Wang Yan stood there, puzzled. "???"

What's going on here? Doesn't he realize that walking around at night makes you a prime target for a brick to the head? Or that stepping outside puts you at risk of a dog bite?

Wang Yan couldn't help but worry. The principal of M Province University seemed like a tough person to deal with.

"Prepare yourself. We're setting out in three days."

Wu Liqiang clapped Wang Yan on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.

Before even starting school, Wang Yan had reached Level 3 in his Soul Contract. His spirit beasts were of the dragon and phoenix species, both surpassing the quality of a Lord tier.

He was already outperforming many third-year students.

With proper training, he was bound to reach the Holy Throne.

Moreover, his background would be a significant advantage.

His father was a leading businessman in M Province, and his uncle commanded the military region there.

Money wasn't an issue, nor was there a need for cutthroat tactics. With the principal and teachers' support, all he needed to focus on was enhancing his Soul Strength.

Finding such a student was like searching for a needle in a haystack; no wonder Wu Liqiang was overjoyed.

"Mhm."

Wang Yan acknowledged, picking up his listless gold and departing.

M Province University was situated in Haixian City, nearly two thousand kilometers away.

The land was rife with ferocious beasts and monsters roamed freely. Despite regular military sweeps, many beasts still prowled the roads.

Therefore, each university dispatched recruitment officers and teachers annually to escort admitted students back to campus.

To minimize the waste of resources, only five universities in the Flame Empire were authorized to recruit students across provinces, each assigned to specific regions.

For instance, Capital University could only recruit from the entire northern region.

Three days could feel short or long, depending on the context.

Wang Yan realized something was off. He might have been tricked.

"So, are you just a ground-bound chicken?"

He scrutinized Goldie, who had been hopping about. Initially, he thought it disliked flying or that the indoor space was too cramped for it.

But it wasn't until later that he realized it simply couldn't fly.

"Boss, I actually can fly, just not very far or high," Goldie said, spreading its wings in a feigned display of resignation, while internally feeling a pang of guilt.

As the old adage goes, no gold is without its impurities, and no one is without flaws.

Birds are no exception!

With its formidable defense and attack capabilities, coupled with swift agility and decent speed, it would be outrageously overpowered if it could also fly.

Even though it had undergone bloodline refinement to ascend to the rank of Lord, its true nature remained that of a Vajra Parrot.

Only by consuming the bloodlines of five different phoenix species and ferocious beasts to fully transform into a phoenix would flight become possible.

"You can barely make it fifty meters, less impressive than a rooster. Please, don't go around claiming you're of the phoenix lineage—it's a total embarrassment."

Wang Yan couldn't help but cover his face, finding it difficult to witness such a spectacle.

A bird that couldn't fly was as absurd as a fish that couldn't swim.

But then again, ostriches and penguins also can't fly.

"Let it be, if it's an earthbound chicken, so be it. It's really not the end of the world."

Wang Yan sighed and gently stroked the head of Green, who had peeked out from his clothing.

Neither spirit beast enjoyed being confined within the special space of a Soul Contract. Wang Yan opted to carry a backpack, allowing Green to coil most of its body inside.

Goldie, on the other hand, was easy to deal with, content to run along the ground.

"We're expecting one more person; they should arrive shortly."

Wu Liqiang greeted Wang Yan with a smile.

This year's intake of new students was small, just over two hundred, easily accommodated by a few buses.

Wang Yan was, of course, seated at the forefront, next to the admissions director, Wu Liqiang.

To put it bluntly, Wu Liqiang valued Wang Yan above all others combined.

In the face of danger, Wu Liqiang's priority would be to evacuate Wang Yan first, leaving the rest to their fate.

The Flame Empire was in dire need of such powerhouses!

Every day brings new spatial rifts and a myriad of emerging dangers.

Without a sufficient number of powerful warriors to keep them at bay, the empire would quickly crumble.

"Sorry, sorry, got caught in traffic."

A voice called out from nearby, and Wang Yan looked up to see it was Zhang Wei.

"How did you even end up here with grades that barely qualify for the second-tier university?"

Wang Yan asked, puzzled.

Zhang Wei had only managed a high B on the practical exam, placing him near the bottom even at a second-tier university. Normally, he wouldn't stand a chance at getting into a top university.

"No choice, I just got lucky!" Zhang Wei said with a sly grin. "My spirit beast leveled up to Rank 2 and gained an amazing ability that lets it quickly replenish its energy."

"That's incredible!"

Wang Yan was genuinely impressed. To acquire such a skill at Rank 2 was incredibly fortunate.

"Naturally!" Zhang Wei hummed proudly in response to Wang Yan's reaction and gestured to summon his spirit beast.

A plump, white-feathered hen appeared, round as a ball.

Summoned forth, the hen gazed at Zhang Wei with adoration and proceeded to lay an egg.

"Cluck-cluck!"

Seemingly boasting, the hen gave its wings a proud flutter.

Wang Yan: "..."

Wu Liqiang: "..."

The other students: "..."

Laying an egg was typical for a hen, but somehow, Wang Yan couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.