Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

"Do you want to enter the Seven Great of Empire?"

Zhou Jun's question made Wang Chen's heart stir, but he maintained a calm exterior: "What do you mean by that?"

Zhou Jun was quite surprised.

He knew Lu Yuan's origins and background inside out, confident that he had full control over him.

However, faced with the tempting idea of entering the Seven Great of Empire, Wang Chen displayed extraordinary composure, showing no trace of excitement or eagerness.

And it was not even just an act.

This immediately elevated Zhou Jun's opinion of Wang Chen by a whole tier!

The Empire was vast, and geniuses emerged in an endless stream. Zhou Jun had seen countless young prodigies, some no less outstanding than the young man before him.

But a new generation with both talent and temperament like this? Truly a rare find!

Zhou Jun pondered for a moment, then decided to stop beating around the bush: "I have a sponsorship slot for the Imperial First Military Academy. If you are willing to sign a commissioned training contract, I can offer it to you."

The Imperial First Military Academy was one of the Seven Great of Empire, with an illustrious reputation. Over the centuries, it had produced countless great generals and war gods, including dozens of Imperial Marshals.

The admission score for the First Military Academy was naturally extremely high, second only to Imperial College and Shenjing University, and ranked ahead of the Royal Military Academy.

This sponsorship quota Zhou Jun possessed was allocated to the Azure Star Cluster's Garrison Legion by the First Military Academy.

Being able to acquire such a quota was itself quite impressive.

Of course, this quota was not easily obtained, as it came with many restrictive conditions.

First, Wang Chen had to join the Azure Star Cluster's Garrison Legion and become a member of the Azure Garrison Army. Only then would he qualify to study at the First Military Academy, and upon graduating, he would be obligated to return to serve the Garrison Army.

The contract duration was 15 years!

The existence of commissioned trainees like this was because most of the exceptional talents in the Empire's new generation hailed from noble clans and rich families. For them, gaining admission to the Seven Great of Empire wasn't just about personal prospects but also family legacy.

Few were willing to join the Imperial Army and risk their lives on the frontlines.

It was well known that in interstellar warfare, even the mightiest Titan-class Battleships had a long record of being destroyed.

The genius scions of noble clans and rich families would never consider military service unless absolutely necessary or for some unconventional gambit.

As for common-born students who managed to get into the Seven Great of Empire, they were often fought over by corporate powers and mega-conglomerates upon graduation. They never had to worry about their future and, naturally, were also reluctant to enlist in the military.

Faced with such circumstances, the Imperial Royalty and the Imperial Army couldn't directly interfere.

After all, the major conglomerates and noble clans had long become the cornerstone of the Empire. Without their support, the Emperor's throne might as well not exist.

Thus, the Imperial Army had no choice but to take an alternative route, creating the sponsorship system.

For someone like Wang Chen, who performed outstandingly in the Advanced Martial Examination but fell short of the Seven Great due to academic scores and supplementary points, he was undoubtedly the ideal candidate for commissioned training.

But the Imperial Army wouldn't do a losing deal. To earn this precious quota, one had to sign the contract.

The consequences of a breach of contract were extremely severe!

Zhou Jun saw Wang Chen's potential and placed his bet on him. He openly analyzed the pros and cons, neither hiding nor deceiving.

Wang Chen patiently listened to Zhou Jun's explanation, analyzing it swiftly in his mind, then replied, "Yes."

"Actually..."

Zhou Jun hadn't finished his persuasion when, hearing Wang Chen's single word "yes," he almost lost his composure on the spot: "What?"

Wang Chen smiled: "Captain Zhou, I'm willing to sign the commissioned training contract and join the Azure Star Cluster's Garrison Legion."

Wang Chen had thought it through. His purpose in entering the Seven Great was to obtain the best resources.

To accelerate his own growth.

His composite score didn't meet the Seven Great's admission line, so his choices were limited to second-tier academies. Now that such an opportunity presented itself, why would he turn it down?

As for the risk of joining the Imperial Army, facing the frontlines, and potentially sacrificing his life.

Wang Chen had four years ahead to grow stronger. He could use this contract to acquire cultivation resources, continually improving his strength, ensuring that by the time he formally entered the military, he wouldn't end up as cannon fodder.

Unless he were to bow down to noble clans or conglomerates, this was Wang Chen's best route to access top-tier resources in this world.

Zhou Jun had not expected Wang Chen to agree so effortlessly to his offer.

The young major was even slightly unsettled and couldn't help but say, "You don't have to rush into this decision. You can go back and think it over carefully before giving me your answer."

After all, a forcibly plucked fruit is rarely sweet. He didn't want Wang Chen to agree impulsively and regret it later.

"That's fine."

Wang Chen thought for a moment and said, "In two days, I'll turn eighteen. I plan to change my surname and name. Once I get my new identity papers, I'll sign the contract with you."

Zhou Jun was a bit surprised: "You want to change your name?"

Wang Chen smiled lightly: "Consider it a farewell to the past."

In truth, he simply didn't want to continue using his original name. His true name was the best option.

Zhou Jun nodded: "Very well."

There was nothing bizarre about it. Changing one's name was a citizen's right. Since identity IDs were fixed and immutable, there were no legal issues involved.

The young major could see Wang Chen's determination and felt assured the matter was settled.

Feeling quite pleased, he laughed and said, "When the time comes, I'll have a coming-of-age gift for you!"

Wang Chen: "Thank you."

He seized the opportunity to ask about the Imperial First Military Academy.

Due to its specialized nature, very little information was available about the First Military Academy on the Star Sea Network.

Zhou Jun answered every question thoroughly because this young major was himself a graduate of the First Military Academy!

The two chatted in the café for three full hours, their conversation highly enjoyable.

As they parted, Zhou Jun said to Wang Chen, "If you encounter any problems you can't resolve in the future, feel free to come to me. I'll do my best to help you."

In a way, once Wang Chen took the sponsorship slot Zhou Jun offered, he would be akin to a disciple under his umbrella.

This kind of relationship held significant weight in the military.

"Thank you!"

After sending Zhou Jun off, Wang Chen was about to return to his dormitory when his personal terminal received an unfamiliar connection request.

"Is this Student Lu Yuan?"

The caller was a gentle and beautiful woman who introduced herself with a smile: "I'm the Deputy Manager of Human Resources from Tianfang Corporation. Do you have time to meet now?"

Tianfang Corporation!

It was a renowned mega-conglomerate on Azure Star.

Wang Chen instantly understood—this visitor most likely had the same intention as Zhou Jun: to recruit him.

Yet for the mighty Tianfang Corporation to extend an olive branch to an ordinary civilian like him was indeed unexpected.

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First update delivered.