Feng Lin released his full life force, forming a tangible pressure that bore down like Mount Tai, suppressing the void and making it hard to breathe. His mental power spread out in vast waves, twisting the air and stirring up winds and clouds. Where he stood became the center of a storm vortex, with endless pressure radiating outward, forcing people to struggle to stand upright.
What kind of immense life force was this? The crowd was stunned, feeling as if disaster was imminent. Croft and Zhao Kai, standing among the onlookers, watched in horror, finally realizing the vast gap between themselves and Feng Lin. Their earlier provocations had been nothing short of suicidal! Thankfully, Feng Lin hadn't bothered with them, or the consequences would have been unthinkable.
As Feng Lin stopped suppressing his life force, even the genius class students, including Duan Yunliu, felt crushed by an invisible mountain, their spines bending and bodies unable to straighten. All hostility in their hearts dissipated, and no one dared harbor any delusions. If a mouse grew strong, it might challenge a wild cat, but who would dare provoke a tiger? The sheer disparity in strength forced them to face reality.
"Are you an interstellar cultivator now? What's your life force value?" the principal asked in shock. Even as an elite cultivator himself, he sensed danger from Feng Lin. This Feng Lin wasn't just an interstellar cultivator—he was among the top tier, only a step away from becoming an elite cultivator, which was why he exerted such pressure! The principal fully grasped Feng Lin's formidable nature.
"92.8!" Feng Lin replied directly. Having advanced this far, far ahead of his peers, there was no need to hide it anymore. Concealing his true strength would only make the principal suspicious. He was determined to secure the Cosmic University admission slot, and nothing would stand in his way. It concerned his future cultivation path and destiny—he wouldn't yield an inch. Anyone who tried to block him would be an enemy on his path, and he wouldn't show any mercy.
Even when his life force was below 2, Feng Lin had dared to defy his family for a chance to cultivate, enduring confinement without wavering. Later, he burned his bridges, left Earth for Mars, weathered bloody storms, and staged a stunning comeback in the family ranking tournament, changing his fate. Every step of the way, he had fought through thorns and brambles, carrying an unyielding, self-assured momentum.
"Principal, what do you think of my strength now? Can I get into Cosmic University?" Feng Lin disdained pretense, showing his determination to claim the slot.
The principal fell silent. Feng Lin had proven he had the strength to apply, but the slot was worth 10 million star coins—hard to part with.
Feng Lin spoke slowly, each word probing the principal's conscience: "Principal, do you want a pile of star coins, or a genius student who can get into Cosmic University? Choose one!"
This statement shook the principal's resolve. He asked gravely, "Are you truly that confident you can get into Cosmic University?"
"If I weren't, why would I apply?" Feng Lin replied with a faint, dismissive smile.
"Principal, to be honest, I'm from the Feng family. In the recent family ranking tournament, I took first place. If I can't get into Cosmic University, who on Earth can?"
When it was time to be bold, he wouldn't hold back! His words might sound arrogant, but they weren't exaggerated. The title of first in the Feng family ranking tournament carried weight. The principal was taken aback. He knew Feng Lin came from the renowned Feng family on Earth but was a low-ranking member—never expecting him to win first place. That was extraordinary! The Feng family was a behemoth on Earth, teeming with geniuses, and being first among them placed Feng Lin among the planet's top talents. How could such a prodigy appear at Earth Middle School? The principal could hardly believe it.
Feng Lin chuckled lightly, delivering the final blow: "I only want the Cosmic University admission slot—I don't need any other cultivation resources!"
"Are you sure you don't want resources?" the principal confirmed, skeptical. Without resources, how could he boost his strength and get into Cosmic University? It made no sense!
Feng Lin nodded. "Correct. To get into Cosmic University, I need to break through to interstellar cultivator soon. The school's resources are useless to me. I'll handle it my own way—rest assured, Principal. Since I've said it, I won't go back on my word."
The principal wouldn't renege either, but he was speechless. Was this for the school's benefit or an insult? Was he doing this on purpose! Becoming an elite cultivator, and the school couldn't support him? The principal felt a twinge of discomfort but had to admit it was true. Earth Middle School had long been in decline; producing one interstellar cultivator per graduating class was rare, let alone an elite cultivator—never seen before. He realized Feng Lin's rise had nothing to do with the school. In fact, the school was getting the better deal, stumbling upon a once-in-a-lifetime genius. If he refused Feng Lin's sole condition now, he'd likely transfer immediately. Such a powerful genius would be welcomed anywhere. To keep him, Earth Middle School had to pay a sufficient price! As a principal, who would be foolish? Feng Lin's unwavering confidence also made the principal more optimistic about him.
"Fine! The slot is yours!" The principal showed decisiveness, making the call.
"Thank you, Principal!" Feng Lin nodded, noticing the principal's pained expression, and tactfully added, "Rest assured, Principal. If I get into Cosmic University, Earth Middle School, as my alma mater, will benefit greatly!"
Hearing this, the principal smiled. Both were shrewd. If Earth Middle School produced a genius who entered Cosmic University, its reputation would soar across Earth, boosting faculty and student quality—endless benefits. With the decision made, the school would support Feng Lin even more.
The principal reminded him, "The school is only giving you an application slot. Cosmic University holds a high status and has the right to independently recruit during the interstellar college entrance exam. Besides the regular exam, there will be additional tests. You'll need to pass a series of trials at the Cultivator Management Association to finally qualify to apply. Today is when all Earth middle schools submit students' volunteer applications. Tomorrow, at the Earth Cultivator Association, the registration exams for Star Nation University and Cosmic University will take place. I'll accompany you then."
"Good!" The fate of the Cosmic University slot was cheerfully settled between the sly old fox of a principal and the cunning young Feng Lin.