Chapter 158: Signing the S-Rank Contract
Chapter 158: Signing the S-Rank Contract (Monthly Vote Request)
Lin Qi knew he was no longer some unknown rookie.
His innate talent had grown increasingly dangerous to others, making the Defense Vest a necessary precaution.
While the Spiritual Power Elixir was tempting, he could always purchase it later – he didn't think his spiritual power was weak. He could enhance it at university if needed.
By comparison, the Defense Vest was more urgent. He made the decision instantly.
【A-Rank Defense Vest】
【Selection confirmed. Your A-Rank Defense Vest will be delivered within three days. Please provide your shipping address!】
After quickly filling out his address, Lin Qi logged out.
...
In the Virtual Hall, Lin Qi stepped out of the neural interface pod.
"Brother Qi, congratulations on making the Genius Battle Tournament's top 16!" Jiang Tao and Guo Heng, surrounded him with others crowding close.
"Lin Qi's here!" someone shouted.
A small crowd had gathered nearby, all hoping to get noticed. Lin Qi quickly excused himself with his friends.
...
With the tournament concluded, Lin Qi's name now carried weight among both rising talents and high-ranking officials at the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion.
In a luxurious headquarters office, the room's starry galaxy projection flickered as Meng Wu, a broad-shouldered man with steel-straight hair and a chiseled face, watched the combat footage coldly.
"This is unacceptable", he snorted, arms crossed. "I thought Li Zehao's innate talent showed promise. To be defeated so easily? Pathetic."
Suddenly, another hologram appeared – a striking woman in navy-blue combat gear radiating icy authority.
"I've reviewed Lin Qi and Li Zehao's match", she stated. "This breach of the Pavilion's fairness policies cannot be tolerated. You know what will happen if the Pavilion Master finds out."
Meng Wu stiffened, memories of the Pavilion Master's terrifying presence flashing through his mind. Bowing his head, he replied, "Understood. I'll handle it immediately."
Her final words echoed: "The Pavilion Master values absolute fairness above all."
As the transmission cut off, Meng Wu's aura darkened. His eyes narrowed. "Time to clean house."
...
The next day, on the third floor of the Pavilion headquarters.
"Mr. Zhang Tai, you're under investigation for severe dereliction of duty, fraud, and colluding with Huang Wei, Xu Bo, and others to secure your nephew's S-Rank Contract. Please come with us."
The once-calm department head now stared at the two muscular enforcers with terror. Regret consumed him – if only he hadn't helped Li Zehao manipulate the system...
"Justice always catches up", an employee muttered watching the arrest. "Who would've thought Zhang Tai, known for his integrity, would fall so far?"
"This is why we can't pity Li Zehao. He already had every advantage."
"To think he tried stealing Lin Qi's S-Rank Contract..." someone scoffed.
The scandal spread throughout headquarters as more figures were taken away.
...
The next day, a small conference room.
Ten new committee chairs sat around the sleek obsidian table beneath cold white lights. The replacements had arrived quickly.
Dressed in a flowing white dress, the ice-cool presiding officer activated the holographic reports. "Zhang Tai and others have been removed for misconduct. Please review the updated evaluation data."
The projections showed new comparison metrics:
Lin Qi 1042 vs. Li Zehao 700
"And the final Genius Battle Tournament footage", she added.
Even those who'd supported Li Zehao couldn't deny the gap now.
"Ke Lan smirked. "Let's be honest, Lin Qi clearly outclasses him."
"Handing that S-Rank to Li Zehao would've been catastrophic", another member agreed. "Losing Lin Qi would've made us the laughingstock of martial arts."
The presiding officer confirmed, "The Deputy Pavilion Master is furious about this scandal."
Everyone nodded somberly. The headquarters Deputy was no minor branch leader – only top-tier Eight-Domain experts could hold that position.
"Begin voting."
Lin Qi and Li Zehao's faces appeared. The results flashed instantly.
【Lin Qi: 10 votes】
【Li Zehao: 0 votes】
The woman smiled. "The verdict is clear. Lin Qi has officially earned S-Rank Genius status."
A wave of satisfaction swept through the room.
...
That evening at the Tianhai City Pavilion branch.
The office door chimed open as Lin Qi and Sun Manager entered the fragrant room.
Sitting on the sofa were two figures – a man in black suit and a woman in red-and-white uniform with sharp elegance.
"Lin Qi", Sun Manager introduced, "this is Gong Ruo, the S-Rank contract officer from headquarters."
"Glad to meet you. You can call me Sister Ruo", she smiled, extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Sister Ruo", Lin Qi shook her hand warmly.
As Sun Manager served tea, Gong Ruo began, "Your second-round evaluation passed unanimously. Your outstanding performance over Li Zehao earned full approval."
She continued, "Zhang Tai and others have been punished for violating our fair principles."
Lin Qi nodded, impressed by the swift action.
"Actually", Gong Ruo apologized, "we must compensate you for our oversight. We'll add 5 million yuan to your original 10 million."
The S-Rank contract hologram materialized – only 10 such honors existed nationwide this year across all three major martial arts pavilions.
Gong Ruo detailed his benefits:
- 15 million yuan total compensation
- Reduced side effects healing elixirs
- 40% discount on Pavilion resources
- Access to exclusive mystical treasures
Lin Qi's eyes gleamed at the last point. He'd previously been denied the Regeneration Elixir needed to restore his father's missing arm. Now, with S-Rank privileges, it was within reach.
He signed the contract confidently, leaving both palm print and digital signature.
"Sister Ruo smiled, "Congratulations, Lin Qi. You're now our 99th S-Rank Genius."
They shook hands as an Alpha sphere captured their photo. "You have our full support now. Anyone threatening you opposes the Crimson Vault."
Yue Feng added, "Count on my personal help too. Finding talents like you makes my job rewarding."
Lin Qi smiled back. The weight of his new status settled comfortably on his shoulders.
...
(End of Chapter)
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