C16 The Top Scholar of the Four Academies Would Bow down to Him.

After the college entrance exam scores were released,

it took only one day for the recruitment officers from the four elite combat academies—Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and White Tiger—to all show up at Bai Li's doorstep.

In addition to these prestigious institutions, numerous other schools' recruiters were also on the scene, but they didn't dare vie with the top academies and opted to wait their turn.

"Old Zhao, you're really on the ball, aren't you? Made the trek from Aquarin City already?"

A verbal sparring match was unfolding at Bai Li's entrance.

A rugged, imposing man took the lead.

He was Zhang Lia, a teacher from Vermilion Bird College and a second-grade martial artist of the Common Rank.

"Heh, Old Zhang, you weren't exactly dragging your feet when you came to Aquarin City last year to poach students, were you?"

Zhao Wenfeng of Azure Dragon College responded with a courteous hand gesture.

He had only just arrived in Aermagh this morning, making him somewhat late.

Technically, he could have left right after Bai Li finished his exams.

But it seemed there was some disagreement about recruiting Bai Li.

So Zhao Wenfeng was delayed by a day.

"Hahaha, Old Zhao, let's face it, you're going to leave empty-handed this time."

"Bai Li has already stated in an interview that his first choice is our Vermilion Bird College!"

Zhang Lia's boisterous laughter echoed, his confidence palpable.

"We'll see about that."

Zhao Wenfeng's smile was sharp, his words loaded.

This time, he came with the dean's blessing and considerable authority.

He was determined to bring Bai Li to the University of Gods.

Whatever Azure Dragon College could offer, Zhao Wenfeng was sure Vermilion Bird College couldn't match!

Aside from the banter between Zhang Lia and Zhao Wenfeng,

the representative from Black Tortoise College appeared utterly serene, while the envoy from White Tiger College looked visibly distressed.

"Okay, Teachers Zhang and Zhao, let's cut the squabbling."

"Shall we stick to tradition and proceed according to last year's national college competition rankings?"

The Black Tortoise College teacher proposed.

The others readily agreed; it was a long-standing custom among them.

"Well then, gentlemen, I'll gladly take my turn."

Zhao Wenfeng said with a smile, bowing slightly.

Azure Dragon College had clinched first place in the previous year's competition!

He tapped lightly on the door.

Inside, Bai Li was doing pull-ups on the horizontal bar.

He had been aware of the commotion and was anticipating their knock.

Wiping off his sweat with a towel, he opened the door.

"Come on in."

Bai Li welcomed Zhao Wenfeng into his home.

"The great roc spreads its wings with the wind, soaring ninety thousand li."

"Heroes emerge from youth, congratulations on your achievements, Student Bai."

Zhao Wenfeng, ever the wordsmith, commented upon seeing the workout equipment strewn about Bai Li's home.

"Thanks, Teacher."

"Please, speak plainly."

Bai Li wasn't fond of beating around the bush.

Directness was preferable.

"Hahaha, certainly."

"Student Bai, I'm Zhao Wenfeng from Azure Dragon College."

"You've probably guessed why I'm here. Just apply to our academy, and a one-million scholarship is yours immediately!"

"And that's just the scholarship. The other perks are beyond your wildest dreams!"

Zhao Wenfeng presented his credentials.

He had thoroughly researched Bai Le's background before his arrival.

Orphaned and alone, with a strong will to rise but no resources to bolster his journey.

For a young man like Bai Le, money was of paramount importance.

"Thank you, Teacher Zhao," Bai Le said, bowing with a fist-in-palm salute.

"However, I've already set my heart on a path, so... I apologize."

Azure Dragon College was nationally renowned for its excellence.

Yet, it fell short of Vermilion Bird College in providing genuine training opportunities.

"No, no, no, Bai, there's no need to rush your refusal," Zhao Wenfeng interjected.

"You may not realize just how highly our academy regards you."

"Let me be clear."

"If you agree to join us, we'll head straight to Aquarin City to meet the master! The dean of Azure Dragon College will take you on as his personal disciple!"

"With your natural talent and strength, plus our dean's mentorship, you'll enter the rudimental realm in no time!"

Zhao Wenfeng dropped the bombshell without mincing words.

The dean of Azure Dragon College wanted Bai Le as his disciple?

A seventh-grade Earth Rank Martial Grandmaster!

One of the nation's elite!

Even Bai Le was momentarily stunned.

This...

Wasn't this offer a bit too extravagant?

Outside, Zhang Lia and the others overheard Zhao Wenfeng's declaration.

They were astounded.

What?

'Armor King' Cao Lingfeng wanted Bai Le as his disciple?

Why?

Was the Armor King's sixth disciple about to be revealed?

Zhang Lia felt a chill in his heart.

Clearly, Bai Le, the record-breaking top scholar, was even more valuable than he'd thought!

To think that Cao Lingfeng, who hadn't accepted a disciple in nine years, was moved to take him under his wing!

A seventh-grade Grandmaster's offer to take a disciple was irresistible!

Who could have predicted that Azure Dragon College would deploy their 'nuclear option' to secure Bai Le first!