C138

The fervor of the College Entrance Examination instantly engulfed the entire Terran Federation, with discussions about the exams permeating even the most remote small towns.

Initially, there were concerns that premature publicity might overwhelm the students preparing for the exams, so promotional efforts were deliberately subdued.

But today, with the arrival of the College Entrance Examination, the floodgates of publicity were flung wide open, sparing no effort.

In the past, significant events might have rivaled the buzz surrounding the exams, even diverting attention during the examination period. Today, however, was different.

Today was pivotal in determining whether the Terran Federation would ascend to a Second Level Civilization!

The College Entrance Examination was at the very heart of this critical juncture.

In assessing a civilization's readiness for Second Level status, not only must the general populace meet certain standards of quality and technological development, and not only must there be a sufficient number of top-tier experts, but the civilization's potential is paramount.

Indeed, in some respects, the potential of a civilization is even more crucial than the quantity of its experts.

It's about whether the Terran Federation can sustain its growth after achieving Second Level Civilization status.

And the College Entrance Examination is the grandest platform to showcase the future potential of humanity!

Similar to the College Entrance Examination, almost every civilization has its own mechanism for spotlighting emerging talents.

It serves as a stage for various powers to scout for geniuses and as a means for a civilization to demonstrate its future potential to others.

Thus, this year's College Entrance Examination is of utmost importance.

Everything must yield to the exams; it's a matter of principle, a strategic decision that brooks no alteration.

Overnight, Redmarsh City seemed to undergo a complete transformation.

All those striking billboards and the content of the holographic ads had been completely revamped.

"Dali Premium Medicinal Serum Company wishes all candidates triumphant success!"

"Li's Diapers, giving your child a head start on the college entrance exam!"

"With Flying Heart, go into your exams with confidence — Flying Heart Apparel wishes all students a joyful examination experience..."

"..."

At 7:20 p.m., Chu Yi was ready to step out from his home.

Chu Yi took a deep breath and gazed at the sunrise, unexpectedly feeling a surge of excitement well up within him.

"If I hadn't come to this place, I'd probably be taking the college entrance exams in my previous life right now..."

The college entrance exams of his former life, though not comparable to the grandeur of this world, were still the most significant time of the year.

It might not be a holiday, but for parents, their child's college entrance exam took precedence over everything else.

The government really stepped up its game during this period, granting all sorts of privileges.

Simple rules like no honking near the exam areas were just the tip of the iceberg.

If you were a student taking the college entrance exams and faced an emergency, the police would go out of their way to assist you.

"College entrance exams, oh college entrance exams. Who would've thought that I, Chu Yi, would be facing them again..."

As he looked at the advertisements plastered on the billboards around him, Chu Yi could only marvel at the sudden shift.

In just one night, the cultural atmosphere of the entire Terran Federation had transformed.

Anything remotely related to the college entrance exams became a top priority, and nearly every company released brand-new ads.

Undoubtedly, these were all specially tailored for the college entrance exam season!

Walking through the alley, Chu Yi noticed today's stark contrast to the past.

Previously, regardless of the time of day, there would always be some thugs loitering in these alleys, ready to extort money from anyone who looked like an easy target.

Even during the monthly crackdowns on criminal activity, they would continue their schemes in secret.

So, the presence of these thugs was a constant issue, varying only in number.

But today...

Chu Yi was certain that not a single thug could be found in the entire alley.

"Truly, the day of the college entrance exam is the safest day of the year!"

Chu Yi couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief.

During the college entrance exams, not only did the government take it seriously, but even the most influential forces paid close attention. Often, even the typically detached Buddhist family clans would step in to help maintain social order and offer assistance to the students taking the exams.

Even the cults would lay low during the college entrance exam period.

As the college entrance exams drew to a close, it was time for their wild celebration.

Moreover, Chu Yi was aware of the profound impact this particular exam would have on advancing civilization. It was shaping up to be an unprecedented gala event for the college entrance exams!

As a result, nearly everyone was jumping on the bandwagon of this trending topic.

Chu Yi stood at the mouth of the alley, watching as Lee Zi bounded out energetically.

Previously, Lee Zi had the aura of an unapproachable ice queen, rarely showing any genuine emotion in her smiles.

Most of Lee Zi's smiles were of a courteous nature, often seeming distant and detached.

But now...

Lee Zi's demeanor alone was a clear indicator of her current state of happiness.

Naturally, she couldn't be in a bad mood, especially since both she and Chu Yi had achieved a breakthrough!

"Chu Yi, how are you feeling?" she asked.

With a smile, Chu Yi closed his eyes to tune into his body's sensations, his lips curving into a contented grin.

He had only gotten home at three in the morning.

The patriarch had suggested that Chu Yi rest at the Chu family estate and then be escorted directly to the exam site. However, Chu Yi had declined the offer.

He wanted to experience the exam as a regular student, knowing that such normalcy was becoming increasingly rare in his life.

Chu Yi's objective for this exam was crystal clear: he was aiming for the top spot!

Previously, without revealing his full capabilities, he might have been uncertain, but now...

He had truly transformed.

"So, am I still human?" Chu Yi pondered, questioning his own humanity.

His cellular structure might appear similar to before, but every aspect of his being had undergone a radical transformation.

Each of Chu Yi's cells seemed to be forged from the power of infinite starlight. Isolating and examining them would reveal just how extraordinary he was.

Of course, this was all predicated on his activation of the Stellar Combat Body.

Reflecting on last night's breakthrough, Chu Yi couldn't help but feel sentimental.

Under normal circumstances, he would have certainly missed this exam. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the old man had produced an array of invaluable resources at the eleventh hour.

Hmm, these were special substances capable of instantly providing immense power.

They were intended for life-saving purposes, enabling one to surge with power at critical moments, and could even turn the tables on an adversary.

Yet, for the sake of his grandson, the elder selflessly brought forth his entire reserve without a second thought.

Lee Zi was unaware of Chu Yi's condition, but the elder understood it perfectly.

The reason for Chu Yi's slow transformation was not due to physical limitations but simply a lack of power.

The pills Chu Yi received were quite effective, their contained power likely surpassing that of the elder's emergency reserves.

Regrettably, that power was gentle and couldn't be unleashed instantaneously.

Hence, Chu Yi's sluggish transformation pace was really due to the slow release of power from the pills.

With the power from the elder's reserves now infused, Chu Yi completed a part of his refinement in mere moments.

Shortly thereafter, Chu Yi had fully completed his transformation.

Both his combat body and realm had evolved.

Chu Yi had ascended to the Gold realm, and although it was just Elementary Gold, his adversaries were not on the same level.

Even without his combat body, Chu Yi was arguably the pinnacle of strength among his peers.

Lee Zi was a notch below Chu Yi, but her physical form was even more formidable, possessing the Five Elements Original Combat Body.

Even without manifesting her combat body, in the Immortal Demon World, it stood among the elite, granting Lee Zi extraordinary physical prowess.

Now, with her combat experience, Lee Zi would be stronger than her past self, who was below the Three Elements, even without the aid of her combat body.

After all, possessing a combat body also meant access to genetic power!

Both were fated to forge a legendary tale in this year's high-stakes examination.

*Beep! Beep! Beep!*

A sound broke the silence, interrupting the smiling Lee Zi and Chu Yi.

"Hey, hey, hey, that's enough!"

"This mushy stuff is too much for the daytime. What's left for the evening?"

Chu Yi chuckled as he looked at Dakun, who had leaned out from the flying car.

His memories of Dakun were profound, but certainly not from this world's recollections.

Since arriving in this world, Chu Yi had only met Dakun a few times, so their time together was limited. But in his past life, Dakun was Chu Yi's best buddy, making Chu Yi incredibly familiar with him.

Lee Zi wasn't the least bit embarrassed; she simply gave Dakun a pointed look.

Dakun, for his part, was unfazed.

Others feared Lee Zi, not just because of her strength but also because of their own designs on her. Dakun was the exception. He knew Lee Zi too well and had never entertained any such thoughts about her.

Dakun had long ago picked up on Lee Zi's feelings toward Chu Yi. But sometimes, it's harder to see the truth when you're in the thick of it.

Chu Yi was stubbornly oblivious, and Dakun felt it wasn't his place to say anything, so he let things be.

Dakun had envisioned two outcomes for their relationship. One was that after the college entrance exams, one would confess, and they'd end up together. The other was that Lee Zi would attend Adirang Academy, rise to prominence, while Chu Yi led an ordinary life.

But who could have predicted Chu Yi's sudden awakening? Out of nowhere, he became a force to be reckoned with.

Then, by some twist of fate, he and Lee Zi ended up together. When the rumor started circulating around campus, Dakun was the least surprised.

"Everything is going according to plan," he mused.

Today was the day of the college entrance exams, and Dakun knew Chu Yi and Lee Zi were set to take them. He had left home early to meet them.

But he hadn't expected to be hit with the pungent scent of romance as soon as he arrived.

"Jealous, are you?" he teased.

"Go find someone yourself!" Chu Yi shot back.

"What about Chen Tiantian? She's into you, and graduation is around the corner. Why not give it a thought?"

At the mention of Chen Tiantian, whose presence was as imposing as his, Dakun couldn't help but shudder.

"Yeah, if you're up for it, I can help you make a move," Lee Zi chimed in with a grin.

Lee Zi, Chu Yi, and Dakun had grown up together, which meant there was no sense of distance or awkwardness among them.

"Alright, alright, I get it—you two are quite the pair."

"Come on, let's get moving. We still need to register at the school."

Chu Yi and Lee Zi didn't dawdle any further.

The college entrance exam here was different from the one in his past life, where you simply received your admission ticket and went on your way.

In this world, the exams were centrally organized, with schools collectively escorting their students to participate.

Aboard the flying car, Chu Yi and Lee Zi were surprised to find that today's pilot was none other than Dakun's father.

"Good to see you, Uncle Cai."

"Hello, Uncle Cai."

Chu Yi and Lee Zi promptly greeted him.

Dakun's father responded with a beaming smile, "Yi, Lee Zi, if you two make it big in the future, don't forget to look out for this knucklehead, will you?"