Replace me as the top scholar? Go talk to my Marshal Grandpa!

The middle-aged man's voice was deep and steady, clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"I am Xia Yulong, the dean of the General Education College."

"The freshman orientation ceremony now officially begins."

The audience was silent.

Everyone watched him silently.

Xia Yulong did not bring a manuscript, nor did he adopt any official posture.

He stood on the high platform and began his speech.

But what he said was completely different from the polite words Wang Xian had imagined.

He didn't say "Welcome to Tsinghua and Peking Universities," he didn't say "I hope you have a wonderful four years here," and he didn't say "You are the future of the motherland and the hope of the nation."

He was saying—

The motto of Tsinghua and Peking Universities consists of only eight characters: Seek truth, be pragmatic, take responsibility, and dedicate oneself.

"Seeking truth means pursuing the truth, without blindly following or being superstitious."

"Being pragmatic means being down-to-earth, avoiding exaggeration and empty talk."

"Taking responsibility means being bold and decisive, without shirking responsibility or escaping it."

"Dedication is selflessness, without calculation or expectation of reward."

His voice echoed across the square.

"The mission of Tsinghua and Peking Universities can be summed up in one sentence: to cultivate the seeds of human civilization."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the audience.

"You might think that this statement is too grand, too abstract, and has nothing to do with you."

"But I want to tell you—"

His voice suddenly became heavy:

"Human civilization is not as safe as you imagine."

A slight commotion arose from the audience.

Xia Yulong continued:

"You live in the capital, in the bustling metropolis of Great Xia, where you see peace and tranquility."

"But in places you can't see, stargates are appearing at an ever-increasing speed."

"Star Gate".

He repeated the word.

"In your course 'Stargate Security and Ethics,' you will learn what a stargate is. It is a passage connecting two worlds, a bridge for us to explore other worlds, and also an entrance for alien creatures to invade."

"Hundreds of years ago, the Star Gate descended for the first time, and that time, human civilization was almost wiped out."

"The frequency of stargate appearances is accelerating year by year. Three years ago, 72 stargates appeared globally in one year, 89 last year, and this year, it is expected to exceed 100."

Behind each stargate lies an unknown world. Some are treasure troves, offering resources and opportunities. Some are death traps, fraught with danger. Some...

He paused, his tone becoming even more somber:

"In some worlds, there are intelligent beings. Some of these beings can communicate, and some can cooperate. But there are also many who see us humans as food, as slaves, or as a threat that must be eliminated."

"Why do you think human civilization has developed so rapidly in the last few hundred years?"

"Because we are fighting."

"Every time a stargate appears, someone has to explore it, guard it, and fight for it."

"In every battle, someone will sacrifice their life."

"How do you think those experts at the Divine Realm, Astrological Realm, and even Calamity Realm came to be?"

"We fought our way out."

Xia Yulong's voice grew heavier and stronger:

"Therefore, the mission of Tsinghua and Peking Universities has never been to cultivate any elites or successful people."

"It's about nurturing the spark."

"It is to cultivate those who, in the wars that may break out in the future, will be able to stand up, take the lead, and fight for the continuation of human civilization."

He looked at the young faces below the stage, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"You are geniuses. The fact that you are standing here is proof of your talent and hard work."

"But genius is not something to be flaunted or enjoyed."

"Genius means greater responsibility."

"Because only geniuses have a chance to survive future wars. Only geniuses have a chance to become the pillars of humanity in the future. Only geniuses have a chance to stand up and shoulder everything in the most critical moment for human civilization."

He took a deep breath and said slowly:

"Therefore, at Tsinghua and Peking Universities, you will learn the most cutting-edge knowledge, receive the most advanced resources, and undergo the most rigorous training."

"Because only in this way can you possibly survive in the future."

"Only in this way can you protect more people in the future."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire room:

"This is the mission of Tsinghua and Peking Universities."

"This is why you've come here."

"I'm not here to gild my resume, not here to get a degree, and not here to enjoy life."

"I'm here to become stronger."

"We have come to become the spark."

"We are here to contribute to human civilization."

The speech has ended.

The square was completely silent.

No one spoke, no one applauded.

But everyone's gaze changed.

It's no longer the novelty and curiosity of a newcomer.

It's no longer the awe and trepidation one feels when seeing a strong person.

It's something else entirely.

Something indescribable and inexplicable, yet weighing heavily on my heart.

Wang Xian stood there, speechless for a long time.

He looked at Xia Yulong on the high platform, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

Stargate!

Another world!

war!

sacrifice!

Spark!

He had heard these words before, but had never really paid them any attention.

But now, he suddenly realized—

This world is far more complex and dangerous than I imagined.

Ye Chuan also fell silent.

He was unusually quiet, not chattering at all, and just stared at the platform.

Xuanyuan Qizheng's gaze became even more profound.

Qin Chong scratched his head and asked in a low voice:

"Little fairy, what did that uncle mean?"

Wang Xian turned her head, looked at him, and remained silent for a few seconds.

Then, he reached out and ruffled Qin Chong's hair, whispering:

"It means...we need to strive to become stronger."

"Only by becoming stronger can you protect yourself."

"Only by becoming stronger can I protect those I want to protect."

Qin Chong nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

But he understood the word "protect".

He nodded vigorously and said earnestly:

"Little fairy, I will work hard to become stronger! I will protect you!"

Wang Xian looked at him and smiled.

……

After the freshman enrollment ceremony ended, the crowd in the square gradually dispersed.

Wang Xian greeted Ye Chuan and Xuan Yuanqi, then left with Qin Chong.

"Little fairy, where are we going?"

Qin Chong followed behind Wang Xian and asked curiously.

"library."

Wang Xian took out her student card and looked at it; it had an electronic map of the university on it.

He located the library and found that it wasn't too far from the Freshman Square, about a 20-minute walk.

The two walked along the campus road.

Along the way, Qin Chong looked around curiously at everything.

The uniquely designed buildings, the senior students rushing by, and the unnamed flowers and plants along the roadside all amazed him.

Wang Xian let him be, only occasionally reminding him not to get lost.

Twenty minutes later, the two arrived at the library entrance.

This is a huge building, constructed entirely of dark stone. Its square and imposing appearance gives it a sense of stability and solemnity.

Above the main entrance are four ancient characters: Gate of Truth!