Chapter 254: Dean and the Welcome Gift
Chapter 254: Dean and the Welcome Gift (Requesting Monthly Vote)
The burly masked man across the call nodded grimly.
“We’re already aware!”
“You will continue monitoring Lin Qi’s movements. Notify us immediately if there’s any significant change—no withholding information.”
“Oh, and one more thing!” Yu Jing suddenly called out.
“Do you still have the Elixirs you gave me earlier? I need another to elevate my Innate Talent further!”
The masked man scoffed coldly. “You’re really greedy. Come back when you’ve earned it with actual contributions.”
With that, he severed the video call. The log vanished instantly.
Yu Jing stared at the empty air, his face darkening.
He muttered, “Still no luck?”
“I feel I’ve hit the limit of A-Rank Genius. To reach S-Rank, I need better Elixirs.”
“But what kind of contribution do they want from me?”
...
Meanwhile, in a sealed chamber, the masked man ended the call. He projected another screen—a shadowy figure cloaked in layers of fabric.
The figure rasped, voice like grating insects: “What’s your take on Lin Qi from Azure Firmament Martial Academy?”
The burly man pondered. “This Lin Qi’s no ordinary talent. First to master a Minor Divine Ability. His Innate Talent’s exceptional.”
“But he hasn’t awakened a Special Ability.”
“The difference matters. Awakening one changes everything.”
The figure nodded. “Mark him for priority surveillance. Eliminate him immediately if he awakens a Special Ability.”
“Understood!”
...
December 1st—new month.
Nightfall. Rooftop of Azure Whale Mansion, Azure Firmament Six Colleges.
“Whoosh~”
The wind howled, biting into single-layer white robes as Dean Liu stood unflinching.
“Rumble!!”
Blinding lights illuminated the rooftop airport as a deep red, saucer-shaped fighter jet descended.
“Hiss!”
The hatch opened. A figure emerged.
The man was middle-aged, clad in a navy-blue, Cangjing-embroidered combat suit. His jet-black hair cascaded down his back. Sharp features, rigid jawline, a faint stubble along his chin. His aura was untamed, yet composed—a presence that radiated authority.
Spotting Dean Liu, he grinned widely, striding forward to embrace him.
“Old Liu, I’ve missed you!”
Dean Liu smiled. “Old Xue, still as wild as ever!”
They exchanged pleasantries, then headed to Dean Liu’s office. As he brewed tea, Dean Liu asked casually,
“You, the Sixth Institute’s Dean—why drop by suddenly?”
Xue Zhou plopped onto the sofa. “Why not? I’m back to handle some business. Lao Mu’s preparing to breakthrough to the 8th Stage.”
Dean Liu nodded. “With Lao Mu’s talent and willpower, he’d have broken through years ago if not for delays. Our Sixth Institute needs more 8th Stage experts.”
He handed Xue Zhou the steaming cup.
“Actually, I’m here to push my own Nine Realms breakthrough,” Xue Zhou sipped.
“Sure, sure,” Dean Liu teased.
Xue Zhou’s expression hardened. “The situation’s worsening. Disaster Beasts in Otherworld are escalating—too many. We suspect the 9th Stage ones are uniting.”
“They’re swarming Blue Planet like a magnet. The frequency’s unprecedented. High-stage Beasts outnumber us.”
“Experts estimate—within a century—this planet will drown in them. Humanity’s doomed.”
Dean Liu’s face paled. He sipped tea, steadying himself.
“We need more geniuses. More resources!”
Xue Zhou nodded. “You nailed it, old Liu. High-stage Martial Artists are the key. Nine Realms experts especially.”
“Breaking through requires both resources and raw talent. Otherworld’s our treasure trove—rich Primordial Energy, endless treasures.”
“Red Emperor and other Title-Bearing experts already flock there for breakthroughs. We’ll mine it relentlessly while Blue Planet pours resources into cultivating geniuses.”
Dean Liu nodded. Their world’s survival hinged on this strategy.
“We’ve uncovered treasures in Otherworld. Soon, many will breakthrough. We’ll protect them from Vermin Race interference.”
Xue Zhou finished his tea.
After small talk, he added, “Tomorrow, I’m meeting your school’s genius. Years waiting—finally found one worth my time.”
“He’ll impress you,” Dean Liu assured.
...
December 2nd. Azure Whale Mansion.
“Academy Head!”
“Brother Qi!”
Lin Qi stepped off the black electric car, classmates greeting him. He nodded, heading to the Dean’s office.
“Beep!” The door slid open.
Inside, on the sofa, sat a blue-robed man—Xue Zhou. Their eyes met.
Xue Zhou’s gaze sharpened instantly. He probed Lin Qi’s aura.
Athletic build, striking features, vitality radiating—utterly captivating.
“Astonishing!” Xue Zhou murmured.
Dean Liu raised a brow. “Astonishing what?”
Xue Zhou stood, patting Lin Qi’s shoulder. “I’ve heard much. I’m Xue Zhou, Dean of Azure Firmament Six Colleges.”
His Martial Aura erupted—a terrifying pressure.
Lin Qi’s mind warped to an endless abyss. A shadow loomed—a 9th Stage Disaster Beast, the Abyssal Leviathan, swallowing the skies.
Back to reality, Xue Zhou’s eyes glowed blue.
Lin Qi shuddered. No resistance—unlike facing Yue Feng or Dean Liu.
“Dean,” Xue Zhou grinned. “You’ll address me as Master Xue.”
He returned to the sofa.
Lin Qi observed the Dean—surprisingly casual, yet terrifyingly strong.
Dean Liu handed tea, shaking his head.
“Lin Qi, besides meeting Master Xue, there’s your reward.”
“Reward?” Lin Qi perked up.
“You surprised us. And proved me wrong,” Dean Liu chuckled. “I doubted you’d win without Han Zhen’s mercy. You proved otherwise.”
“We’d seem stingy giving only the Freshman Championship prize. So—personal gifts.”
He produced a silver Obsidian Steel Case.
“Spiritual Power Elixir. Worth nearly ten million. It’ll boost your Spiritual Power.”
Lin Qi’s eyes lit. He’d used one before, accelerating Atlas of Calamities mastery. Now, another?
“Thank you, Dean Liu!”
“Oh, Master Xue has a gift too.”
Xue Zhou held out a black case. “Martial Artists rely on Vital Energy. This Skin-shedding Elixir skips intermediate steps—directly elevates Skin Tempering Stage. One per person.”
Dean Liu added, “Worth ten million Xia Kingdom Currency.”
Lin Qi accepted, stunned. “Thank you, Master Xue!”
Two Elixirs—twenty million total.
Xue Zhou leaned forward, suddenly grave.
“You’re an anomaly. First to master Minor Divine Ability without a Special Ability. Unheard of.”
Lin Qi frowned. “Do you need a Special Ability to learn it?”
“No. But statistically, awakening one makes it easier.” Xue Zhou’s voice softened. “You’ve defied odds. Be proud.”
...
(End of Chapter)
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