The atmosphere around Changjing University had recently become noticeably more vibrant. With June approaching and the summer break near, coupled with various examinations, even the typically lax students were now pouring their energy into last-minute cramming, and those who usually shunned the campus were now dutifully occupying their classroom seats.

Zhang Yang did not drive directly onto the campus grounds, instead parking in a lot near the main entrance. Every time he drove onto school property, he attracted countless stares, which always made Zhang Yang uncomfortable.

He was not one to flaunt his possessions, a trait that held true in both his past and present lives. Perhaps the core personalities of the two Zhang Yangs were so similar that they merged perfectly; previously, he had been rushing for time, but today, with no such urgency, he opted to walk in.

Strolling along the path, observing the students around him, a strange sense of interest suddenly piqued Zhang Yang's attention. He rarely paid such close attention to his peers, but upon truly looking, he realized he was no longer viewing them through the eyes of a student; he felt more like an elder observing these carefree youths immersed in their studies.

In reality, his psychological age was quite advanced—one could almost call him a professor in spirit. Zhang Yang also noticed a considerable increase in the number of students carrying pagers, many displaying them prominently to signal their possession of such a device.

Pagers had become increasingly common in recent years, primarily due to the explosive growth of various private paging companies; increased competition naturally drove down prices, making them affordable even for commoners and students. Having a pager certainly made communication more convenient.

Walking slowly, Zhang Yang soon reached the vicinity of the School of Medicine. Along the way, two students who recognized him greeted him.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yang had only a faint impression of either student. Yet, both students became visibly excited after Zhang Yang responded; Zhang Yang was unaware that he was currently a notable figure on campus, a celebrity.

His fame surpassed even that of the campus beauty who enrolled the previous year, firmly placing him as number one throughout the university. The main reason for this status was Zhang Yang’s inherent mystery and his infrequent public appearances.

The news about Zhang Yang’s involvement with the Student Union had long been leaked—a person capable of overpowering the former Student Union President, yet choosing to retreat from the limelight, naturally bred public curiosity. Furthermore, the current president was someone Zhang Yang had previously mentored, and it was largely due to Zhang Yang’s influence that this person attained the position, adding another layer to his enigmatic persona.

Beyond these factors, what drew the most envy were the luxury cars and beautiful women. Luxury cars and beautiful women were timeless topics of fascination, especially among students.

Zhang Yang’s frequent arrival in high-end vehicles had long caught everyone’s notice. As for the beauty, that naturally referred to Mi Xue; the fact that Zhang Yang had won the affection of this campus belle was no longer a secret.

However, what truly earned the students' respect was the research project Zhang Yang had introduced. Although it was a project specific to the School of Medicine, it carried a profound impact.

The entire university had publicized it; for a student to achieve what even the faculty could not naturally garnered the respect of his peers. In this era, students deeply admired those who possessed genuine scholarly depth.

Of course, Zhang Yang was oblivious to all this. Upon entering the School of Medicine, where he knew more people, Zhang Yang exchanged smiles and greetings before heading directly to the administrative building.

He had been summoned today by Zhu Daoqi; Zhang Yang’s previous involvement had greatly smoothed the progress of their research, leading to several new breakthroughs. Some documents required Zhang Yang’s signature, and moreover, news had arrived from higher authorities: if they produced a few more results, their research project would be officially approved.

The Ministry of Health was responsible for approving this latest phase. Although the project wasn't officially listed under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the university was extremely pleased; these were two international-level projects, and the Ministry was reportedly taking them very seriously, having held several discussion meetings about them.

"Knock, knock!" Standing outside the office door, Zhang Yang gently knocked, sensing someone inside. "Come in!" Zhu Daoqi's voice echoed from within, sounding remarkably cheerful.

The Vice Dean was indeed having a very good run lately; Zhang Yang’s two projects had brought him considerable merit, and even the Dean had benefited from the reflected glory. The Dean had mentally prepared himself to retire in his current position, never expecting such a turning point so close to his retirement.

The university had recommended him for promotion, and the higher-ups were considering elevating him to Vice Chancellor. Becoming Vice Chancellor meant more than just a higher rank; it meant an extension of his service years, allowing him to contribute for a few more years.

The Dean, who had no desire to retire early, was naturally ecstatic and extremely dedicated, having been busy managing this matter recently. He had also made it clear: once he departed, Vice Dean Zhu Daoqi would inevitably take over.

The other Vice Deans harbored no competitive intentions, as Zhu Daoqi's achievements were simply too massive for them to challenge. Those two projects held firmly in Zhu Daoqi's hands were his greatest leverage; they could only blame themselves for not forging a better relationship with Zhang Yang sooner.

Everyone understood precisely who was responsible for this success. "Zhang Yang, you've arrived.

Come, please have a seat!" Zhu Daoqi understood the situation completely. Seeing Zhang Yang enter, he rushed forward to personally guide him to sit on the sofa.

Among the student body, Zhang Yang was the sole recipient of such distinguished treatment. "Dean Zhu is too kind!" Zhang Yang nodded and smiled, though his eyes were fixed on another man standing inside the office—a gentleman in his forties with a distinguished air.

The man wore gold-rimmed glasses, giving an immediate impression of being knowledgeable and capable scholar. But these were not the main points.

Upon entering, Zhang Yang had performed a cursory probe and detected no trace of this man. The fact that Zhang Yang couldn't detect him suggested a specific, unusual reason.

Furthermore, upon seeing him face-to-face, Zhang Yang felt a flicker of familiarity emanating from the man. This sensation was something he had only ever experienced in connection with Zhang Pinglu.

Seeing Zhang Yang continuously staring at the other person, Zhu Daoqi quickly ushered the man over and introduced him softly: "Zhang Yang, come, let me introduce you. This is Professor Hua, newly arrived at the university.

Professor Hua studied abroad at MIT early in his career, obtaining his Doctorate in Medicine there. He has only recently returned to China to teach here.

His scholarship is truly profound, far surpassing my own; many experts in the faculty hold him in high regard!" "Your surname is Hua?" A sharp glint flashed in Zhang Yang's eyes as he spoke softly. This person was clearly not simple; the words Zhu Daoqi spoke were momentarily set aside.

The gentleman’s eyes also registered surprise, but it vanished quickly. He extended his hand with a smile: "Hua Tian.

You must be Zhang Yang, the most outstanding genius at the university. It is just as they say!" "You flatter me!" Zhang Yang also extended his hand.

Their hands met lightly and then separated. In that brief clasp, both men felt a jolt.

Using the handshake as an opportunity, both conducted a swift probe. Fourth Layer late stage, exhibiting characteristics of Great Perfection.

Zhang Yang had already guessed this man’s identity. Before Hu Yanfeng died, he had warned that the Hua family’s Hua Feitian would not easily let him go.

Hua Tian. Hua Feitian.

A single character difference, and his identity was practically revealed. This man’s skill in concealment was even more potent than that of Shi Fang from Shaolin.

Even facing him directly, Zhang Yang could not discern his true strength, only discovering it through the grip of the handshake. As he was internally shocked, Hua Tian on the opposite side was equally astounded.

Zhang Yang was correct; Hua Tian was Hua Feitian, the guardian of the thousand-year-old Hua family, a Great Perfection level expert. Hua Feitian was the youngest guardian among the previous four great families.

He had only become a guardian for less than thirty years, and before that, he was only fifty years old. Most crucially, he achieved the Great Perfection breakthrough by self-comprehending the Dao of Nature.

It was because of him that the Hua family had recently begun to rise, slowly regaining the prestige of a millennial lineage. At this moment, he had also sensed Zhang Yang’s power.

Fourth Layer middle stage, just as the rumors suggested. Despite his youth, he possessed formidable strength, reaching the Fourth Layer middle stage when he was barely twenty—the most brilliant cultivation genius since antiquity.

Zhang Yang’s title of "most outstanding" was arguably unparalleled. "I thought I was overestimating you, but it seems I was still mistaken.

How did you manage this?" Hua Feitian released his grip and studied Zhang Yang closely for a moment before suddenly speaking. Being of the same Great Perfection level granted a certain resonance with another Great Perfection expert.

When facing each other directly, it was impossible to conceal this sense entirely; if Zhang Yang could detect him, he could detect Zhang Yang. Previously, he had heard that Zhang Yang could materialize energy, which prompted him to emerge from seclusion and travel to Changjing.

While in Changjing, he felt the presence of Zhang Pinglu, so he did not reveal himself, instead entering Changjing University under a different identity. He knew Zhang Yang was a student here and would eventually appear.

At that point, he was merely curious about Zhang Yang, wanting to see what this young man, spoken of so highly, was truly like. "Merely luck.

Professor Hua is a Massachusetts doctor; what brings you to our humble institution?" Zhang Yang offered a slight smile, having already regained his composure after the initial shock. Even without the three spirit beasts nearby, and even without Zhang Pinglu, facing a genuine Great Perfection expert, Zhang Yang felt no apprehension.

His own power was already sufficient to contend with a Great Perfection cultivator. "Changjing has always been a place I favor; the locale is rich with talent.

More importantly, there is something here that sparks my curiosity. Looking at you now, this journey was certainly worthwhile!" Hua Feitian displayed a hint of a mysterious smile, but a cold light flickered in his eyes as he spoke.

Initially, he was truly just curious about Zhang Yang, not harboring the intent to eliminate him as Hu Yanfeng had suggested. However, now he was beginning to entertain such thoughts.

He couldn't understand how Zhang Yang had managed to reach the Great Perfection realm while still at the Fourth Layer late stage. He had observed carefully many times and was certain: Zhang Yang had truly attained the Great Perfection realm.

A Great Perfection expert at the Fourth Layer middle stage—if he reached the late stage, wouldn't Zhang Yang advance to the Fifth Layer alarmingly fast? Moreover, he was so young, only in his early twenties.

By age metrics, he had a far greater potential to become a Fifth Layer powerhouse than Hua Feitian himself. Hua Feitian's greatest aspiration was to break through to the Fifth Layer and elevate the Hua family to the premier lineage.

Until this desire was fulfilled, he neither wanted nor welcomed the premature appearance of another Fifth Layer expert, as it would inevitably introduce significant turbulence and obstacles to the Hua family’s ascension to supremacy.