C246 The Real Spots!

At the Royal Holiday Resort Hotel in Fairmoor City, one finds themselves in the presence of one of the most prestigious establishments in the area. If we were to classify it using the standards from my previous life, this hotel would undoubtedly merit an Eight-star or even a Nine-star rating. In those days, the pinnacle of luxury was a Six-star hotel, and the concept of Eight or Nine-star accommodations simply did not exist. However, by those former standards, the Royal Holiday Resort Hotel would certainly qualify for an Eight-star or Nine-star evaluation.

Standing before the expansive air window, Chu Yi appeared to hover in the void. The balcony, constructed entirely of a special air flow, felt as solid as any physical structure, yet it did not obstruct the view in the slightest. To stand upon it was to feel as though one were suspended in mid-air. As Chu Yi gazed down at the twinkling lights of the city below, he lifted his eyes to the horizon—the ocean stretched before him, vast and limitless.

To the people of today, the ocean remains a forbidding realm. The revival of spiritual energy has rejuvenated the entire Earth, not just the land. With numerous top-tier demons and even Demon King Level beings emerging on land, one can only wonder what lies within the ocean's depths. It is well-known that in my previous life, the ocean's ecology and natural resources far surpassed those of the land. It stands to reason that the ocean's depths are teeming with formidable demons and perhaps even Demon King Level entities.

Yet, curiously, I have never heard tales of a Demon King or any significant demons residing in the ocean. In my recent studies of human history, particularly the darker epochs, humanity contended with Demonic Beasts on land and faced the fearsome creatures that dwelled in forbidden zones. The ocean, however, has never been documented as a home to such beasts.

Despite the lack of historical evidence and the common belief that the ocean remains as it was before the resurgence of spiritual energy—devoid of Demonic Beasts—I cannot share in this conviction. I have sensed it myself: within the profound depths of the ocean, there lies an abundance of terrifying spiritual presences.

The concentration of spiritual energy here was just as potent as that found in the wilds on land. Any creature immersed in such energy would inevitably undergo some degree of mutation. Yet, why had the Demonic Beasts of the sea never made an appearance, or if they had, why had they never troubled humans? This was something Chu Yi couldn't figure out.

A noise from outside interrupted his thoughts. Turning, Chu Yi saw Lee Zi approaching his door. The hotel walls boasted a unique construction; at your request, they could become completely transparent. From within your room, you could have a clear view of the outside, while those outside remained oblivious to the goings-on within. This was the pinnacle of human technological advancement, designed to offer occupants unparalleled luxury.

Naturally, such luxury came at a steep price. The 'standard room' Chu Yi occupied demanded a daily fee of no less than 100,000 federation coins. That sum was equivalent to 300,000 or more in his previous life. Yet, considering the level of indulgence provided, 300,000 hardly seemed excessive.

Chu Yi had the door open before Lee Zi could even reach it. "What do you think? Quite lavish, isn't it?"

Neither Lee Zi nor Chu Yi had ever experienced such opulence. However...

With a gentle smile and a nod, Lee Zi admitted, "It's very enjoyable, but honestly, I'm not fond of this place..."

Chu Yi's eyebrows lifted as he grasped her meaning. Despite the undeniable luxury, the environment wasn't favorable for Lee Zi. The issue was simple: the lack of spiritual energy. Lee Zi's cultivation depended on it, and here, it was scarce. Cultivating in this place would likely result in diminished returns.

"Alright, let's go," Chu Yi said, taking Lee Zi by the hand and leading her away.

In the lobby, the candidates from Redmarsh had already assembled. Accustomed though they were to the opulence of wealthy families, they couldn't help but be astounded by the hotel's lavishness. Such architecture, such leisurely accommodations, were unseen in Redmarsh. This marked a significant contrast between Redmarsh and Fairmoor.

Enjoying Fairmoor is not an overstatement.

"Alright, you all will be staying here for the foreseeable future."

The Half Step to War God had clearly noticed the examinees' astonishment but remained unfazed.

Having visited extraterrestrial civilizations numerous times, he found the pleasures there far surpassed anything here.

"Let's get moving..."

He turned and walked away as he spoke.

The security detail for the banquet had been significantly reduced; after all, it was just a banquet, and upon arrival, the Fairmoor government took over all security measures.

While Redmarsh and Fairmoor were competitors, their rivalry was always healthy.

The flying car ignited and soared in a designated direction.

Aboard the flying car, the Half Step to War God leader gazed at the prodigious disciples, his expression turning stern.

"You're all aware of the assessment rules, I presume."

Indeed, anyone with a hint of information knew.

For commoner's children, such knowledge would be out of reach. But here, except for Lee Zi, there were no commoner's children.

They had been privy to the assessment rules for some time.

"Two hundred and fifty-six will engage in the Challenge, consistent with previous rules, unchanged."

"However, there's something you might not be aware of..."

As he spoke, an unusual glint appeared in the leader's eyes.

"You may think that arriving here means you've secured a spot."

"But in reality, this spot isn't what it seems..."

The examinees were taken aback.

The spot wasn't genuine?

Was there an issue?

"Cough, cough..."

"Here's the situation..."

With the leader's clarification, it all became clear.

Aside from Chu Yi and Lee Zi, faces darkened among the group.

Indeed, the final allocation of spots was for two hundred and fifty-six individuals.

Yet, these two hundred and fifty-six were not guaranteed to be the ones remaining after the district assessments.

They had simply earned an opportunity!

An opportunity to vie for a place on the ultimate list of two hundred and fifty-six.

Their adversaries?

The military!

Chu Tianfeng had previously explained to Chu Yi that to ensure absolute certainty and to prevent the government's precious resources from falling into the hands of the Aristocratic Alliance, the Adirang Region's military had also handpicked a host of elite contenders from within.

Certainly, it wasn't just the military involved; the government had also been secretly cultivating its own elites.

Previously, the college entrance exams were designed with students in mind, and government elites wouldn't compete for those spots.

However, this occasion was different. The stakes were well understood by all.

To ensure absolute success, every government department had brought out their full arsenal of resources.

After all, the future division of power was at stake.

The government's selection process was clandestine, and the prodigies chosen would vie for a place against others before the fourth stage of the national exam.

This meant that the 256 individuals who had passed the college entrance exam now had the opportunity to go head-to-head with a top government elite.

In this battle, the loser would forfeit their spot, while the victor would secure their place in the national exam.

"I know you're not content with this, but..."

The team leader surveyed the young heirs and spoke with a calm assurance, "All of this serves the Adirang Region."

"Many of you might not make it to the official assessment."

"Of course, don't lose heart. Even if you don't reach the final stage of the exam, you've still had the chance to enjoy the experience here, right?"

What a joke!

The heirs were seething with frustration. If they thought they could take on the leader, they probably would have by now.

Sure, they were told they could enjoy the experience, but was that really their concern?

These exceptional individuals hailed from powerful families, each backed by formidable support.

For ordinary folks, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor, a memory to cherish forever.

But for these heirs of prestigious houses, such trivialities were inconsequential!

They could come here anytime, even take up permanent residence if they wished; it was all the same to them.

What truly mattered was securing a top rank!

That was the key to their future standing within their families.

Yet now, to hear that they might not even qualify for the real fourth stage of the assessment—how could their tempers not flare?

The team leader, however, was unconcerned with such matters. Being part of the government, he believed it would be preferable if none of the aristocratic family scions participated at all.

"Additionally, the slots for the international war have been set—sixteen in total."

"Right, which means you need to make it into the top sixteen to qualify for the fifth stage of the international war!"

International war, international war!

This marked the inaugural international war and the first time a fifth stage was introduced in the history of the global college entrance examination.

The significance of this event goes without saying.

Moreover, the most substantial rewards were to be earned in the international war!

Another crucial aspect to consider is that representatives from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations will be present at the international war to observe.

Many of these visitors hail from elite institutions within the most prestigious civilizations.

Indeed, the scions of the aristocratic families held little regard for Earth's academies. Even a world-renowned institution like Adirang Academy, ranked in the top three globally, barely registered in their estimation.

The training and resources they received from their families far surpassed what any academy could offer.

Thus, their previous attitude towards attending an academy was one of mere amusement.

But now, the stakes have changed!

Perform well, and you might just secure an invitation to the elite academies of extraterrestrial civilizations!

These academies are in a league of their own, incomparable to the so-called top academies of a First Level civilization.

Securing such an opportunity would make them the pride of their families, ensuring a continuous flow of resources and then some.

It's no exaggeration to say that many of the aristocratic families' most exceptional talents are willing to risk their futures and forcibly enhance their abilities for a shot at this opportunity!

Being noticed by one of the top extraterrestrial academies could mean a transformative leap—a true rise from fish to dragon.

Moreover, any adverse effects from their forced power enhancement could be mitigated by the advanced academies of these higher civilizations.

Of course, that's only if they manage to catch the eye of these institutions!

But now, there's a real possibility they might not even get the chance to be seen.