C22 The Bustling New World

The college entrance examination is the grandest event on the planet. Its scale and the level of attention it garners far surpass that of the Olympics. Everyone is aware that the prodigies who excel in this exam are destined to become the pillars of humanity. In this galactic era, the contribution of a powerful individual is immensely significant. Hence, the college entrance examination is arguably the most critical event of the year on Earth.

Naturally, this prompts many concealed geniuses and exceptional talents to reveal their true capabilities in pursuit of a brighter future. In the exam, the geniuses from various provinces and regions are likely all at the Bronze level. Chu Yi is convinced that the elite among them are at least as formidable as Lee Zi, who is a Bronze warrior. Moreover, should a province produce a particularly extraordinary genius, there's a high chance they could ascend to the status of a true Silver Level Great Warrior!

While Silver Level Great Warriors have been a rarity in previous exams, their emergence is not unheard of. If Chu Yi were merely aiming for a high ranking within a single province, he wouldn't be overly concerned. But his ambitions have grown. Having acquired the Exquisite Fruit and spurred on by Zhen Ye's challenge, Chu Yi's aspirations have expanded beyond provincial recognition. His sights are now set on the entire Adirang Region. That is the target he's determined to achieve.

So...

"Strengthening the foundation?"

"There's no need."

"To truly dazzle on the ultimate stage, being a Bronze level warrior simply won't cut it."

Chu Yi is now capable of wielding some basic immortal arts. Though deemed basic, immortal arts are still of a celestial nature, and when driven by Chu Yi's extraordinary primordial spirit, their potency is beyond imagination. Nevertheless, he must be cautious not to expose these abilities prematurely, so the upcoming battle will be one of physical prowess alone.

"Hmm? How did I end up here?"

Lost in thought, Chu Yi finds himself standing before an imposing skyscraper. Towering and grand, it rivals even the three-hundred-story edifice that crumbled during the apocalypse. Chu Yi recalls this spot from his past life as a vibrant hub in the city center, marked by a building that was a landmark in its own right, though it pales in comparison to the one before him now.

"Anyway, I'm already here."

Chu Yi had initially planned to head home and recalibrate, but since he had made the trip, he figured a stroll before leaving wouldn't hurt.

It had been half a month since his arrival in this world, and he hadn't yet taken the opportunity to properly explore his hometown.

He had intended to do so earlier, but those plans were unfortunately cut short by the apocalyptic disaster.

"This time, I'll treat it as a final respite before the exams!"

"When the time comes, I should start getting ready..."

After murmuring to himself, Chu Yi stepped inside.

The differences between this world and his previous life were staggering.

Chu Yi recalled that in his former life, the large malls were predominantly filled with stores selling essentials: clothing, food, shelter, and transportation, which made up more than 90% of the offerings.

However, in this world, what stood out to Chu Yi were the stores specializing in potions and a variety of high-tech gadgets.

And, of course, there were the racing tracks—a true perk of this world!

Back in his previous life, cars in malls were scarce, often just one or two on display as exhibition pieces.

But here...

Surveying the entire floor filled with flying cars, Chu Yi felt as though he had stepped back into a 4S dealership from his past life.

As he ascended through the levels, his horizons expanded with each floor.

Seeing things in person was a whole different experience from viewing them online, and the items Chu Yi encountered here were truly awe-inspiring.

He moved from products native to Redmarsh to those spanning the entire Adirang Region, and eventually, he even spotted items from other areas.

Gazing upon the imposing five-meter-tall behemoths, Chu Yi's lips quirked into a wry smile.

Mecha!

This entire floor was dedicated to showcasing mechas—a hallmark of the Yeidia Region.

Originally, they weren't mechas but fully automated mechanical warriors. However, the Yeidia researchers soon realized that these automatons couldn't perform to their full potential, prompting a shift to human-piloted models.

As human warriors evolved, becoming increasingly powerful, the machines could no longer keep pace. Consequently, these mechanical contraptions were relegated to support roles, racing down a path of obsolescence from which there was no return.

The emergence and evolution of mechas represent a significant development in warfare. Mechas serve as a supplemental force for warriors, providing them with auxiliary support. The more advanced the mecha, the more demanding the requirements for its operator. Naturally, the more powerful the mecha, the greater the enhancement it provides to the warrior.

Rumors from the Yeidia Region suggest that a mecha has been developed capable of empowering a Diamond Level Great General to contend with a War God Level adversary when fully unleashed. These, however, remain unconfirmed tales. Chu Yi surmises that, even if such mechas exist, they are likely exceedingly rare and perhaps not entirely practical. Otherwise, the Yeidia Region would have been in an uproar by now.

Chu Yi's interest in the world's commerce has grown exponentially. Mechas, as true strategic materials, are categorized as weapons—formidable ones at that. In his previous life, such items were subject to strict regulation.

He speculates that even in the so-called 'land of the free,' America, mechas would likely be prohibited, given their power far exceeds that of the missiles from his past life. Yet, astonishingly, Chu Yi finds them openly available in the marketplace of this world! This must be one of the stark contrasts between Earth now and as it was before the advent of global connectivity.

Nowadays, humanity's gaze is fixed upon the stars, with Earth's resources seeming trivial in comparison. The pressure from extraterrestrial civilizations has shifted priorities, and while internal conflicts still arise occasionally, they are nothing like those of Earth's past.

In essence, the world today, under the sway of advanced military might, appears to have embraced a more profound peace.

Approaching a colossal mech, Chu Yi examines it closely. To the truly formidable warriors, mechas are unnecessary; their own bodies are the most potent mechs imaginable. Though mechas are touted as support equipment, for a genuine warrior, they would only serve to hinder their capabilities.

Nevertheless, such warriors are exceedingly rare, and the specialized equipment tailored for them is prohibitively expensive. Consequently, mechas continue to enjoy robust sales throughout the Terran Federation.

The mech before him stands four meters tall, its streamlined form exuding a sense of mechanical beauty. Its exoskeleton, adorned with various alloys, is something Chu Yi has yet to experience firsthand. Yet, his keen senses tell him that these alloys must be incredibly durable.

"Sir, this is the latest Ghostfire III from our DTT Company. It's crafted with the most advanced Mithril Alloy and can reach an instantaneous speed of 2500 kilometers per hour. Its energy reserves can sustain over three hours of combat."

Chu Yi listened to the salesperson's pitch with a smirk of disdain.

"It's ultimately just a thing."

"Mechs would only slow down my punches!"

With those words, Chu Yi confidently ascended the stairs without a backward glance, exuding an effortless cool.

Yet, unseen by others, his eyes brimmed with tears. If only his pockets weren't empty, he wouldn't have to put on such a front...

He had seen the mech's price tag - a staggering seventy million!

The cost was laughable...

Hehe...

Hehehe...

Hehehehe...

...

"Sir, please halt."

As Chu Yi was about to reach the higher levels of the building, a figure suddenly blocked his path.

"What's the issue?"

Looking puzzled, Chu Yi faced the approaching security guard, unsure of what was happening.

"The floors above are reserved for alien high-tech civilizations and materials."

"Ordinary individuals must stop here. If you are a warrior, please present your warrior level certificate."

The guard's demeanor was earnest as he scrutinized Chu Yi.

Chu Yi's lips twitched slightly.

He was indeed a Bronze level warrior, nearly at his peak, but he hadn't yet formalized his status.

The guard's request reminded Chu Yi of something important.

Now that he was a Bronze level warrior, it was time to get certified.

Such credentials were often quite useful.

But at the moment...

"I don't have one, but I truly am a Bronze level warrior."

The guard's gaze remained impassive, his smile polite. "Sir, I apologize."

"Without a warrior certificate, I'm afraid I can't allow you entry..."

The man was simply doing his job, and Chu Yi had no intention of causing trouble for him.

However...

"I am a Bronze warrior. Isn't there any way to make an exception?"

He had come this far, and with the college entrance exams looming, he wouldn't have much free time to explore. Chu Yi was eager not to miss this chance to witness an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.

"I'm sorry, sir, but these are our rules..."

The security guard remained unmoved, showing no sign of stepping aside for Chu Yi.

Faced with the guard's steadfastness, Chu Yi couldn't help but feel a bit of resignation.

He took one last glance at the scene behind the guard, sighed softly, and made up his mind to walk away.