The southern region of Long Country.
Xiang Chu Province, Xiang Chu University.
A small aircraft, inscribed with "Qing Jing Yan Yun," slowly descended onto the outer runway and halted at a pre-designated spot.
"It's Qing Jing Yan Yun!"
"The people from Yan Yun University are here!"
"..."
The Xiang Chu delegation, having received the news immediately, rushed over and waited by the aircraft.
As soon as the aircraft door opened, the middle-aged man leading the Xiang Chu delegation stepped forward with a smile:
"Ah! Director Lü, Director Lin, long time no see!"
"We've been waiting here for you."
"This way, please! We have already arranged accommodations and a sumptuous banquet for you all. We hope you won't find it wanting."
Lü Qiufeng returned the greeting and smiled, saying,
"Director Han, you're too kind. Let's talk as we walk."
The man known as Director Han also smiled slightly and led Lü Qiufeng and his entourage forward.
While Lü Qiufeng was chatting with Director Han, Lin Ran began to survey the outer facilities of Xiang Chu University.
One had to admit, Xiang Chu University, as one of Long Country's old top-ten institutions, possessed considerable depth.
Just the magic energy cannons displayed on the periphery – had Lü Qiufeng not applied for landing clearance, their aircraft would have been identified as intruding into airspace and blown to smithereens.
Furthermore, the landscape design of Xiang Chu University was truly exquisite, embodying the unique beauty of southern China with its clear waters and ink-wash pavilions.
The entire university was nestled against mountains and beside water, even featuring countless streams and waterfalls flowing through its grounds. With the mist, the swaying trees, it was simply a natural water town attraction.
"How beautiful!"
"It's rare to come to the south, and to a place like Xiang Chu University..."
"Since we have nothing on tonight and the competition isn't for a few days, shall we go for a stroll after dinner?"
Luo Qingyan's eyes sparkled as she excitedly tugged on Lin Ran's arm.
Lin Ran rolled his eyes but didn't refuse, merely letting out a low hum.
Although they were here for a competition, not a picnic.
However, with his absolute strength and confidence, Lin Ran wasn't worried at all.
Moreover, seeing Luo Qingyan in her competition uniform had made Lin Ran feel restless during the journey, as if some strange desire had been reawakened.
Perhaps... tonight, they could find a scenic spot for some outdoor fun?
Lin Ran stirred up the yellow waste in his mind as he followed the group to a cluster of villas.
"This area will belong entirely to your Yan University during this period."
"I have already transferred administrative control of the buildings to you, Director Lü, via the biochip."
"Access rights for entry and exit, as well as permissions for defense systems and training facilities, are all included. Director Lü, you can simply authorize the students."
"The real-time map of Xiang Chu University has also been sent to you all via email. You can use it after downloading."
"Besides you, there are also participating students from some other universities in the vicinity."
"Feel free to socialize or visit as you please!"
"Tonight's banquet will be a buffet, held in the grand hall at the center of the villa complex. Entry is by student ID."
"All participating contestants from various universities will gather there, making it convenient for you to get acquainted."
"Of course, only universities ranked among the top are housed in these villa complexes..."
"As for the others, they are in a different area."
Director Han gestured towards the villas and explained to the crowd.
Lü Qiufeng nodded with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Director Han."
Director Han laughed heartily.
"We're all familiar with each other, no need for formalities!"
"Alright, Director Lü, more universities might be arriving. I have to go greet them, so I'll take my leave now..."
"Everyone, I'll be going ahead!"
Watching Director Han depart, Lü Qiufeng waved his hand.
"Let's go. I did a rough count, there are at least seventeen or eighteen villas. Pick whatever you like."
"Director Lin and I will take what's left."
"Don't be shy."
"As for the arrangements for these few days, do as you please..."
"As long as you can bring back good results, how you do it doesn't matter."
"Even if you tear down the main hall where we'll be eating right now, I won't object."
Lin Miao gave Lü Qiufeng a sidelong glance.
"Look at you, so arrogant..."
"This is their territory, best not to be too brazen."
"However, if anyone dares to bully or provoke us deliberately, you must absolutely slap them in the face!"
"No matter when, we cannot let ourselves or the school lose face. Do you understand?"
Lin Ran burst into laughter.
"Don't worry, Sister Miao. I can't wait to go and tear down that hall!"
"After I tear it down, I'll write 'Yan Da' on its ruins!"
Lin Miao's lips twitched, and she glared at Lü Qiufeng again.
"You're teaching him well!"
"Little Ran, if you really want to tear it down, that's fine!"
"But when it comes to signing your name, don't put Yan Da. Put Lü Qiufeng."
Lin Ran was very cooperative.
"No problem, Sister Miao... I'll make Brother Feng famous today!"
"Tomorrow's major headlines will definitely lead with the name Lü Qiufeng!"
Seeing the two of them playfully teasing him in unison, it was Lü Qiufeng's turn to have a crooked expression.
...
Around six in the evening, Lin Ran and Luo Qingyan, dressed in casual attire, arrived at the central hall after selecting their villa.
According to the downloaded map, there were approximately a hundred villas surrounding this hall.
This meant that approximately a hundred universities were housed here.
And these hundred universities were all among the top-ranked in Long Country!
Long Country was vast, with numerous provinces, and naturally, a high number of universities.
For this freshman exchange competition alone, there were about five thousand participating universities.
Many schools with slightly inferior overall quality did not even qualify to compete.
Five thousand universities already represented the backbone of Long Country, and the top one hundred were the cream of the crop.
Beyond these hundred universities, even those that could be considered outstanding among the rest did not have the right to reside in villas.
They were accommodated in standard six-person dormitories and ordinary quantified boxed meals...
In this world where strength spoke louder than anything, reality was this stark.
At the same time, this meant that everyone qualified to attend this banquet hailed from all corners of the land, young prodigies envied by their peers.
And among them were the most prestigious universities, the top-ten institutions!
The event was truly packed with value.