Chapter 77: The Rift in the Void

When the freshmen were teleported away, the previously quiet stands erupted into a buzz of excitement.

“This year, the school’s really being generous—an epic-grade piece of equipment for the champion?”

“I just got an inside scoop. Apparently, void rifts are appearing more and more frequently. The higher-ups have already issued directives, and all major universities need to accelerate student training.”

“No way! Are you serious?”

“Shh! Keep your voice down. I only heard it from someone else. If it’s true, things will probably get a lot more serious soon.”

“The Dragon Nation’s military is already taking action. Don’t go spreading this around!”

Feng Qingyu’s gaze lingered on the stadium’s big screen, searching intently for a glimpse of Xu Han.

On the main platform, Zhong Zhen had returned to his seat, his eyes fixed on the giant screen.

The Dean of the College of Magic, Shui Tianluo, broke the silence. “Gentlemen, who do you think will take the championship this time?”

Zheng Gang crossed his arms confidently. “It’ll definitely be Qiao Chao. The top scorer of the Southern River Province entrance exam, an A-rank Giant Axe Berserker—the way he swings that axe, it’s just—no one can compare.”

Huang Zhengtian shook his head. “What’s so great about a brawler who only knows how to fight? The champion will be Hua Piaowu, without a doubt. Don’t be fooled because she’s a girl. She’s an A-rank Puppetmaster, controlling over a dozen puppets—her mental power is formidable. If she keeps progressing, she could very well become the next great general.”

Gao Zhenguo, Dean of the College of Technology, adjusted his single-framed glasses with a resigned expression. “You all can compete for first, but those of us with life skills professions don’t stand a chance.”

Zheng Gang shot him a glance. “Your Technology College still wants to compete? You have the largest budget every year.”

Gao Zhenguo glanced furtively at Ye Die. “Isn’t it the Exotic Beast Research Institute that gets the most funding?”

Ye Die didn’t even look up from her phone. “Seventy percent of my budget is for death benefits. Do you want to be like me?”

Gao Zhenguo’s face stiffened, and he quickly shook his head.

Zhong Zhen spoke slowly. “There’s a piece of news you’re all aware of, aren’t you?”

Everyone’s expressions grew serious as they nodded. Even Ye Die, who had been absorbed in her phone, furrowed her brow and looked up at Zhong Zhen.

Zhong Zhen’s voice was grave. “Void rifts... Ten days ago, the Federation sent a massive army to retake Old Copper Mountain. When they reached the depths of the mountain, a third-tier void rift appeared. From it emerged a powerful void demon. With a single strike, it defeated the Federation’s army commander. In the end, it was only when the Federation’s Guardian personally intervened that the void demon was vanquished and the rift resealed.”

Everyone’s faces changed dramatically.

The commander of the Federation’s army was at least a seventh-tier expert! For such a powerhouse to be defeated in one blow—just how strong was that void demon?

“In the past, even second-tier void rifts were rare. And now, a third-tier one has appeared...” Huang Zhengtian murmured, stroking his chin. “If a fourth or fifth-tier rift appears, wouldn’t even the Guardians of various countries be...”

Zhong Zhen nodded slightly. “Exactly. That’s why the authorities have ordered us to spare no expense in cultivating promising students. Otherwise, if the void rifts grow any stronger, it will be too late for all of us.”

Jiang Huixin, Dean of the Assassin Academy, spoke softly: “I wonder how far this year’s students can grow...”

...

Level 15 exotic beast.

It had been a long time since Xu Han had encountered one. He sighed inwardly.

In a flash, he became a blur, dashing straight toward the Mighty Bear!

Noticing the intruder, the Mighty Bear let out a furious growl. Its massive body charged at Xu Han like a runaway train, swiping at him with a giant paw.

“Dragon Claw!”

Xu Han focused his mind. His right hand transformed into a jet-black dragon’s claw that smashed into the Mighty Bear.

A crisp crack rang out. The bear’s arm bent at a bizarre ninety-degree angle—Xu Han had broken it!

The beast let out a howl of pain and fell to its knees. Xu Han’s expression remained cold as he flashed behind it, bringing his palm down hard on its head.

With a sharp crunch, the bear’s skull shattered. Its massive body slumped to the ground, lifeless.

Easily handled.

A level 15 monster posed no threat to him at all.

He glanced at his experience bar. It hadn’t budged. Killing low-level beasts brought him no experience.

On his watch display, the score changed from zero to one.

He opened the leaderboard again. Qiao Chao had already reached ten points, as had the second place contender, a man named Wang Mo.

Xu Han closed the list, rubbing his chin. He needed to find a second-tier beast.

He pressed onward toward the marsh.

...

Water Lingyao walked through the woods, staff in hand, her eyes vigilant for any sudden attack from exotic beasts.

A rustling from the bushes to her left made her heart skip a beat. She turned quickly.

The next moment, a rat the size of a small dog darted out.

Lingyao let out a quiet sigh of relief. Luckily, it was only a burrowing rat—a level 10 beast. It wouldn’t attack unless its life was threatened.

She was about to finish it off with a spell when she realized the rat was racing toward her in a frenzy.

Wait—something wasn’t right. Burrowing rats were timid and always ran away from humans. Why was this one running straight at her? It looked terrified, fleeing in desperation.

Could it be...

Her gaze shifted to the bushes behind.

Every nerve on edge.

Suddenly, the undergrowth burst apart with a crash. A jade-green python, as thick as a water tank, shot out, jaws wide, and swallowed the burrowing rat whole.

Slowly, the giant snake turned its cold gaze to Lingyao, its crimson tongue flickering and spreading a foul stench through the air.

Lingyao’s face went pale.

A Jade Venom Python! Judging by its size, it must be nearing level twenty.

The python opened its mouth, spewing a jet of dark green venom toward her.

She raised her staff. “Aqua Shield!”

A stream of pure water surged forth, forming a circular barrier in front of her.

The venom struck the shield with a harsh hiss, corroding it in the blink of an eye.

As the shield dissolved, several water orbs shot toward the python, exploding into showers of droplets. The giant snake was forced back, thrashing in rage.

But when it looked for its prey, Lingyao had vanished without a trace.