Versatile Mage: Lord of Space

Lin Lan's demonstrated absolute strength has secured his victory in the nomination battle.

At the other end of the field, Xu Mingcong's disheveled appearance was a stark contrast to his initial appearance. His signature blue hair was now a tangled mess, and his clothes were ragged enough to make him look like a street beggar. The girls who had once screamed for him stared in disbelief—was this disheveled guy really the same "charming CEO" who always had his hands in his pockets and acted nonchalant? Although the medical staff carrying him away on a stretcher wouldn't affect his subsequent matches, the humiliation he suffered would likely be unforgettable.

The video of Lin Lan defeating Xu Mingcong and others in one move went viral on and off campus, and news of his promotion to a higher rank spread like wildfire. The students discussed it extensively and eventually reached a consensus: this legendary captain of the National Academy was indeed living up to his reputation.

The other contenders for the nomination of Mingzhu Academy are likely to suffer.

"Let's go back to the apartment," Lin Lan said to Mu Nujiao, who was somewhat lost in thought beside her.

"Mm." Mu Nujiao nodded gently, following closely behind him.

"Wait for me, Great Demon King! Don't even think about kidnapping Sister Mu!" Ai Tu looked like a cheerful little deer, hopping and skipping onto the field.

In the audience, Ding Yumin watched Lin Lan's departing figure, a faint smile unconsciously playing on her lips. Just as she was about to stand up, a deep, restrained voice suddenly came from behind her:

"Excuse me, was that Lin Lan who just cast that high-level spell?"

Ding Yumin initially thought it was just another attempt to pick her up—something she was already used to. But as she turned around, she noticed that there was no frivolity in the man's eyes, only a kind of fortitude and loneliness beyond his years. This man's gaze was peculiar, as if he had endured far more hardships than most people could imagine.

"Yes." After receiving confirmation, the man said no more. When he was silent, he was like a dark sculpture, his presence so faint as to be almost imperceptible. Ding Yumin didn't ask any further questions and turned to leave.

On the campus path, Lin Lan suddenly turned around—he sensed a spiritual force probing him. This probing wasn't malicious; it was merely testing the depth of his cultivation. Not far away, a dark-skinned man was staring at him and Ai Tutu.

At a glance, Lin Lan recognized the other party's identity: Ai Jiangtu!

Before Gu Jian could even provoke him, this military genius came knocking. Was it because of the rumors of being the pre-selected captain of the National Guard? Or was it because Lin Lan glanced at the innocent and carefree Ai Tutu beside her? Living under the same roof, this doting older brother would naturally pay extra attention to his sister. Add to that the competition for the National Guard captaincy...
Mu Nujiao and Ai Tutu followed Lin Lan's gaze. Ai Tutu, who had been laughing and playing just moments before, suddenly froze in place, her arrogant demeanor instantly vanishing, becoming as docile as a kitten seeing its strict father.

"Brother," she called out timidly.

Ai Jiangtu nodded slightly and strode over: "My younger sister is unruly, and we are grateful for your care."

"Just looking out for each other." Mu Nujiao recognized the person and a hint of respect flashed in her eyes.

At the dinner table, Ai Jiangtu displayed a completely different side of himself than usual. After a few bowls of strong liquor, the dignified military image gradually faded, replaced by the forthrightness of an ordinary young man.

Perhaps only under the influence of alcohol can he shed his military armor.

"Lin Lan, you are very strong, even much stronger than me," Ai Jiangtu said, looking directly at Lin Lan.

There were only two students in the entire country who were pre-selected for university admission: one was Ai Jiangtu, a graduate of a military academy; the other was Lin Lan. As his sister's roommate, Ai Jiangtu had always been curious about Lin Lan's abilities and character.

His brief time together had already made things clear to him—Lin Lan was not only exceptionally capable, but her behavior at the dinner table also revealed her character. Although she didn't talk much, her words and actions showed consideration and respect for others.

"It's a pleasure to meet you in advance. I was initially a little unconvinced about the other captain candidate, but you are not only exceptionally capable, but more importantly, you have impeccable character and extraordinary charisma," Ai Jiangtu sincerely praised.

"Another captain candidate?" Ding Yumin, who was good at noticing details, keenly sensed the hidden meaning in the words.

Ai Jiangtu was taken aback and quickly waved his hand to cover it up. It seemed that the alcohol had indeed caused him to say something inappropriate.

As a high-level spatial mage and a fourth-realm spiritual power user, Ai Jiangtu's strength was enough to contend with a commander-level demon. But Lin Lan was even stronger—it's just that he couldn't devote all his energy to the National Games.

There are so many totems waiting for him to find. Perhaps he can break through to the Super Rank before the competition.
Back at the apartment, Lin Lan found Mu Nujiao drinking alone again. "Why are you drinking again?" Lin Lan asked, looking at Mu Nujiao, who almost never drinks.

She only took a small sip at the dinner table, presumably because she became anxious again after seeing the two pre-selected contestants.

Mu Nujiao smiled sadly: "What else could it be? I'm afraid I won't even be able to win the nomination. Without this vote, the family won't bother to fight for other opportunities for me."

"Alcohol won't solve the problem," Lin Lan advised.

"At least it can relieve anxiety." Mu Nujiao swirled her wine glass, the amber liquid flowing under the light.

"Do you need some encouragement?" Lin Lan asked with a smile.

Mu Nujiao rarely showed such a girlish side, her rosy lips pouting slightly: "Alright, tell me." She leaned back lazily in her chair, her usual guard down in her slightly tipsy state, exuding an alluring charm. The inadvertently open neckline revealed glimpses of her curves, making Lin Lan's heart race.

“I can give you a vote,” Lin Lan said seriously.

Having spent so much time together, it would be a lie to say he had no feelings for Mu Nujiao. Now that he's nominated, he'll have six votes, so helping her wouldn't be a bad idea.

Mu Nujiao chuckled softly, "That's a rather unique way to encourage you. But you don't understand our family—your strength is known to all the prominent families in Shanghai."

"I'd like to hear the details." Lin Lan sat down opposite her.

"There are two kinds of scions of noble families," Mu Nujiao said, swirling her wine glass. "One kind is the idle, dissolute playboy, who is actually the most despised. When it comes to family interests, they become the sacrifices—the family decides who they marry, where they go, what they do, and they dare not disobey. To put it bluntly, their food, clothing, and daily necessities all depend on the family, so they must completely obey the family."

She tilted her head back and finished her drink, continuing, "The other way is through continuous improvement using family resources. It's like a loan—you get what you pay for with your achievements. Otherwise, the most common punishment is arranged marriage." Mu Nujiao smiled bitterly, "Cooperation between families requires arranged marriages as collateral. That's why there are always plots in novels about wealthy families forcing marriages. So, if you help me, the Mu family will definitely try to bring us together. But I don't have that plan yet."

"Those rich kids who get forced into marriage, they brought it on themselves, right?" Lin Lan said, following Mu Nujiao's line of thinking.
“Most of them are, but of course there are exceptions like Ai Tutu,” Mu Nujiao said, her eyes filled with envy.

There's a reason why a normal woman like Mu Nujiao would get along so well with that lunatic Ai Tutu.

Ai Tutu was always envious of Mu Nujiao's outstanding looks and figure, and her elegant demeanor like a goddess. Every man who saw her was infatuated with her...

“I can still ask my family for more, which would allow me to improve my strength once again, but… I’m a little scared.” Mu Nujiao steered the conversation back on track, revealing her biggest worry.

"Are you afraid that if you make demands this time and fail to meet their expectations, you will lose all your personal freedom?" Lin Lan said.

Mu Nujiao bit her lip and nodded.

"I'll give you a ticket, and then I'll take care of you, okay?" Lin Lan continued.

Mu Nujiao shook her head at Lin Lan's serious expression, then got up and went upstairs.

Although she had some expectations for Lin Lan's words, she still wanted to rely on her own efforts.

Lin Lan's words were already quite domineering, but given Mu Nujiao's personality, she definitely wouldn't admit defeat. Hopefully, she won't be too eager to succeed because of this temporary setback and give everything to the family, otherwise it will be very difficult for her to turn things around in the future.

(End of this chapter)