Chapter 64: I Choose Tianshu and I'll Broaden Its Path While I'm At It

The morning sun filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting warm patches of light onto the living room floor.

On the coffee table, three business cards of varying materials lay in a silent row, representing three vastly different futures awaiting their final judgment.

Celeste, having finished her morning routine, sat at the dining table sipping her porridge.

Her thoughts revolved around the pros and cons of the three top universities, weighing each option with quiet deliberation.

Selene took a bite of a steamed bun, her words slightly muffled.

“Sister, have you decided yet?” “Just about.” Celeste set down her white porcelain bowl, her voice steady and calm.

“Let’s wait for them to arrive and hear the specific terms first.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than the doorbell chimed.

Yan Shuyu got up to open the door, and the sight that greeted her made even this mother, who had seen her fair share of life’s storms, pause in surprise.

The hallway outside was packed so tightly it was impassable.

Director Wang from Jingcheng University stood at the forefront.

Today, he wore a crisp, dark suit, his hair carefully combed.

In his hand, he carried an exquisite gift box embossed with the golden emblem of his university.

The representative from Tianshu University was a middle-aged woman dressed in a black martial arts training uniform.

Her presence was calm yet imposing, like a deep, still pool or a towering mountain.

A dark blue sash was tied around her waist, embroidered with shimmering silver threads that formed the pattern of the Big Dipper.

The recruiter from Yuheng University was a young man with rimless glasses who looked to be under thirty.

He held a tablet, its screen a waterfall of complex data streams scrolling by at a dizzying pace.

Further back, a crowd of admissions officers from other top-tier universities lingered.

Their presence felt weaker, their expressions a mixture of hope and resignation.

They clearly knew their chances were slim, but none were willing to give up completely.

“Please, come in.” Yan Shuyu stepped aside, a gentle and perfectly appropriate smile on her face.

The once-spacious living room instantly felt crowded.

Director Wang spoke first, placing the gift box solemnly on the coffee table.

“Classmate Celeste, this is a small token of our appreciation from Jingcheng University.

It is a custom-fitted priest robe made with the latest nanofiber materials, featuring self-cleaning and constant-temperature functions…” He paused, adding with a knowing look, “I heard you value cleanliness.” A flicker of genuine interest sparked in Celeste’s eyes.

‘Self-cleaning?

Now that’s a practical feature!’ Before she could dwell on it, the woman from Tianshu University spoke.

Her voice was clear and resonant, each word distinct, as if carrying a power that struck straight to the heart.

“I am Chen Jing, Vice Dean of the Ancient Martial Arts Academy at Tianshu University.

Classmate Celeste, let’s dispense with the pleasantries.” Her gaze was sharp and precise, locked directly onto Celeste.

“The spear technique you used with your staff in the Domain, while slightly immature in its application, had a foundation so solid it is the best I have seen among any youth in the last decade.” “And that stunning display of dual swords at the end—’Spirit Possession,’ was it?

While that sword style might seem like a shortcut to power, it was clearly forged through immense effort.” Celeste’s mind sharpened.

This woman’s eye for detail was unnervingly accurate.

“What Tianshu University can offer you is not the most luxurious dormitory, nor the highest subsidy,” Chen Jing continued, her voice filled with absolute confidence.

“We offer a path that is most suitable for you.

The Ancient Martial Arts Academy has seven Grandmasters in residence, all of whom have dedicated their lives to studying the fusion of various martial arts schools with modern extraordinary systems.

If you come, I can mentor you personally.” Her gaze then shifted to Selene, her expression softening slightly.

“As for your sister, there is no shortage of precedents for combining a Paladin’s path with ancient martial arts.

Three years ago, one of our graduates, known as the ‘Iron Wall Holy Fist,’ won the Best Defensive MVP in the National University League.

Her mentor is currently teaching at our academy.” Selene’s eyes lit up, shimmering with unconcealed desire.

The young man from Yuheng University adjusted his glasses and turned his tablet toward the two sisters.

The data streams on the screen instantly solidified into a dynamic 3D model.

“This is the data model for a brand-new class system our team is developing—the ‘Knight-Errant.’ Classmate Celeste, your abilities cannot be defined by any existing class.

Our system is designed specifically for geniuses like you who defy categorization.” He pulled up an animation.

A figure in a sleek, tight-fitting outfit darted through a virtual battlefield, their punches and kicks carrying the force of wind and thunder.

An occasional wave of their hand would trigger an elemental burst, yet it was completely different from a mage’s spellcasting.

“The risk is extremely high, but the potential is also the greatest,” the young man stated frankly.

“You could be the first successful practitioner of this system, or you could be the hundredth failure.

But we at Yuheng are willing to skew all our resources toward you and gamble on that future.” The next hour became a showcase for the various universities.

Jingcheng University promised top-tier academic resources, international exchange programs, and unmatched career prospects upon graduation.

Tianshu University presented a series of shocking research results, demonstrating the powerful cooperation between ancient martial arts, extraordinary class runes, and modern alchemical potions.

Yuheng University even produced a 300-page document, codenamed “Pangu,” titled “A Draft Proposal for the Cultivation of a New Generation of extraordinary Beings.” The other schools also offered generous terms, but compared to the big three, their pitches ultimately lacked that soul-stirring appeal.

When everyone had finished speaking, the living room fell into a brief, tense silence.

All eyes focused on the young priestess who had been calmly sipping her tea the entire time.

Celeste set down her teacup, the porcelain making a crisp, light sound against the tabletop.

“Thank you all, teachers, for your kindness.” Her voice was not loud, but it carried clearly to everyone’s ears.

“Every school is excellent, but I can only choose one.” She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping calmly over the anxious faces in the room.

“I need a little time to organize my thoughts.

By six o’clock this evening, I will provide a clear answer to all of you via message.” The response was reasonable, yet it left those waiting on edge.

Director Wang looked as if he wanted to press his case further, but Chen Jing had already risen to her feet, her movements decisive and efficient.

“Very well.

We will await your news.” She took a long, appraising look at Celeste, a smile of appreciation suddenly tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Celeste, remember this: no matter where you ultimately choose, your talent in the martial way should not be buried.

If you have time in the future, the doors of Tianshu are always open for you to exchange ideas.” The words were spoken with such magnanimity that even Director Wang, standing nearby, couldn’t help but shoot her a complex glance.

After seeing off the recruitment teams, the living room finally returned to its original spaciousness.

Lin Qingtian leaned back on the sofa, looking at his poised and beautiful eldest daughter.

“Have you decided?” “I have.” Celeste nodded without the slightest hesitation.

“I choose Tianshu.” Selene immediately shot her hand up.

“I’m going with my sister!” Yan Shuyu asked softly, “Can you explain why?” “Three reasons.” Celeste held up three fair fingers.

“First, Tianshu is the most suitable for me.

My spear technique is my core combat power in my normal state, and it requires systematic guidance to improve.

The Grandmasters at the Ancient Martial Arts Academy can help me avoid many detours.” “Second,” she turned to her sister, her eyes gentle, “Selene’s Paladin class is defense-oriented.

If she can combine it with ancient martial arts’stance training, force-deflection techniques, and footwork, her defensive capabilities will undergo a qualitative change.

Besides, the’Ancient Martial Arts plus Paladin’ path already has a successful predecessor.

If Selene follows it, her future is bright.” Selene nodded vigorously, her face flushed with excitement.

“I think it’s a great idea!

I just looked up the video of that ‘Iron Wall Holy Fist’ senior Teacher Chen mentioned—she’s so strong and cool!” “Third,” Celeste smiled, and it was as if stars had quietly ignited in the depths of her eyes.

“They say Tianshu’s path is narrow?

Then watch me broaden it.” That calm statement contained a confidence and an edge that was utterly captivating.

“The fusion of ancient martial arts and modern classes requires, above all, unconstrained imagination and grounded practical ability.

And I happen to lack neither.” She looked at her parents, her tone earnest.

“Jingcheng University is too rigid; Yuheng University is too risky.

Tianshu is just right—it has a solid foundation but also a culture of tolerance.

Teacher Chen’s remark about ‘always being open for exchange’ proves they have a grand vision and aren’t closed-minded.” Lin Qingtian and Yan Shuyu exchanged a look, both seeing the relief and immense pride mirrored in the other’s eyes.

Their daughter had truly grown up.

She considered things with a depth and clarity that was beyond her years.

5:50 PM.

Celeste took out her phone and began sending messages to the admissions officers from each school.

To Director Wang of Jingcheng University: “Thank you for your kindness.

Your school’s terms are the most generous, but after much thought, I still hope to walk a path that is more in line with my own characteristics.

I wish you success in recruiting even more excellent students.” To the young teacher from Yuheng University: “Your school’s trailblazing spirit is admirable, but at this stage, I need to solidify my foundation.

If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to cooperate with your school in the field of innovation.” To Chen Jing of Tianshu University, she sent only one sentence: “Teacher Chen, we choose Tianshu.

When do we report for duty?” In less than half a minute, her phone rang.

It was Chen Jing.

“Welcome.” Her voice carried a distinct smile.

“School starts on August 20th; I will send you the registration procedure.

Also, on July 15th, the Ancient Martial Arts Academy is holding a summer special training camp for this year’s most promising new students.

Are you two sisters interested in coming early to experience it?” Celeste’s eyes lit up.

“Yes!” “Good.

I will email you the specific arrangements.” Chen Jing paused, her voice softening a bit.

“Celeste, Tianshu’s path is indeed not as broad as Jingcheng’s, but a narrow path does not mean you cannot go far.

Sometimes, only a narrow path can lead to true depth.” “I understand,” Celeste said earnestly.

“And whether a path is narrow or not depends entirely on who is walking it.” A clear, appreciative chuckle came from the other end of the line.

“Well said.

In that case, I look forward to your performance.” Hanging up the phone, Celeste let out a long sigh of relief.

The decision was made.

The sunset outside the window was a beautiful, fiery spectacle, its golden afterglow spilling into the living room.

Selene leaned in close.

“Sister, is it all settled?” “It’s settled.” Celeste stretched languidly.

“Next, we prepare for the special training camp.

Also, you need to get a handle on your ancient martial arts foundation.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you basic stance training.” “Ah?” Selene’s face fell into a pout.

“That sounds tiring, right?” “If you want to get strong, you can’t be afraid of a little hard work.” Celeste pinched her sister’s cheek.

“Besides, once you learn ancient martial arts, when we team up in the future, I’ll call out, ‘Master, please have some tea,’and you’ll reply,’Junior Sister, you’ve worked hard.’ Think of how perfectly in sync we’ll be.” Selene imagined the scene and couldn’t help but burst into a giggle.

Just then, a stream of light that only Celeste could see suddenly exploded before her eyes!

[Ding!

Host has been detected making a final choice.

Mission “Social Death: Pick One of Three” completed!] [Distributing rewards…] [Skill “Overtones” has completed a deep evolution and has been promoted to “Overtones · Divine Charm”!] [New Effect 1: Trigger probability increased to 10%.

Internal cooldown time has been removed!] [New Effect 2: When transformed into a character, there is a chance to obtain a “Skill Book” related to that character.

After learning, you will permanently master that skill.] A surge of pure joy washed over Celeste.

‘Permanently master?!”Does that mean if I transform into Yun Jin next time, I’ll have a chance to learn the Yun-Han Opera Troupe’s singing and spear techniques for real?

If I transform into Shenhe, I could learn adepti talismans?’ Compared to a benefit like that, the increased trigger probability for Overtones didn’t feel like a penalty at all.

Hell, it was a reward!

More social death meant more chances to get OP skills!

“What’s wrong, sister?” Selene asked, noticing her sister had suddenly frozen, her eyes unfocused.

She waved a hand in front of Celeste’s face curiously.

Celeste snapped back to reality, the corners of her lips curling up in an irrepressible grin.

“It’s nothing.” She smiled and patted her sister’s shoulder, her tone filled with an unmatched certainty and excitement.

“I just suddenly feel that choosing to go to Tianshu was the absolute right decision.” Outside the window, the setting sun sank completely below the horizon, and night fell upon the city.

But for Celeste, it felt as though her path had only just begun to shine.

[Elysian’s Note: Having a good time with the story?

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