Chapter 367: Upgrading to SS-Rank Genius
Chapter 367: Upgrading to SS-Rank Genius (Requesting Monthly Vote)
Imperial Capital, Blue Planet — Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion Headquarters
Within a large conference room on the upper floors of the Pavilion’s headquarters, where meetings were only held for matters of utmost importance, a circular table made of black specialized alloy stood at the center.
Out of the twenty-odd seats, nineteen were occupied. Four others displayed holographic projections of attendees joining remotely.
Every individual present—middle-aged men and women—exuded an overwhelming aura, their powerful presences thickening the air and pressing down on those with weaker cultivation. These were all high-tier Martial Artists on the cusp of transcending into the Lifeform Tier.
Among them sat Meng Wu, a towering figure with muscles like forged steel. His sharp eyes radiated intensity, his body coiled like a spring ready to unleash explosive power. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Eighth Stage, making him one of the strongest in the Xia Kingdom—second only to the Nine Realms cultivators who stood at the pinnacle of the Blue Planet’s power pyramid.
As the Southern Inspector, Meng Wu wielded authority over the southern provinces, a position of both power and prestige within the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion. Typically seated at the center during these meetings, today he occupied a side seat, his usual air of superiority subdued under an invisible pressure.
Beside him sat a tall, broad-shouldered man with chiseled features and snow-white hair. His aura was as unyielding as a fortress wall, his oppressive presence pinning even Meng Wu—a peak Eighth Stage cultivator—beneath its weight. This was the intimidation of the Lifeform Tier.
Meng Wu forced a smile. “Pavilion Master, it’s getting late. Shall we begin the meeting?”
A holographic projection of the refined yet icy-faced Qin Envoy spoke next. “Deputy Pavilion Master Li, let’s start.”
“Agreed.” Li Qifeng, one of the Deputy Pavilion Masters and current Principal of Azure Firmament Martial Arts University, nodded. A Nine Realms cultivator himself, he surveyed the room. All present were high-ranking officials of the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion, including several branch pavilion masters from major cities—each an Eighth Stage expert.
“I have three matters to discuss,” Li began.
First, the situation on Blue Planet has worsened in recent years, with increasingly severe Disaster Beast invasions. Recently, six Level 9 Disaster Beasts launched a massive Tide in Bei Jiang Province. Fortunately, the Bei Jiang Sword King’s ascension to the Nine Realms prevented greater casualties.
“To counter this crisis,” Li continued, “we must identify more prodigies. Let me stress: the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion upholds fairness and justice. The Zhang Tai incident must not recur. Violate these principles, and we will act decisively.”
As he spoke, a terrifying pressure surged through the room. Meng Wu stiffened, sweat beading on his brow. Is this aimed at me? he wondered.
Second, after consultations with Abyssal Maw and Black Radiance Pavilions, we’ve decided to double recruitment budgets. Effective immediately:
- D-Rank Contracts increase from 500,000 to 1 million Crimson Heaven Points annually.
- C-Rank from 1 million to 2 million.
- B-Rank from 3 million to 5 million.
- A-Rank from 5 million to 10 million.
Projectors displayed detailed updates on contract tiers. The room buzzed with approval. Doubling resources would strengthen cultivation foundations—a boon for talents, albeit a heavier burden on the Pavilion.
After a brief discussion, Li resumed.
Third, the proposal to elevate Azure Firmament Martial Academy freshman Lin Qi to SS-Rank Genius status.
The room fell silent.
“As Principal of Azure Firmament,” Li explained, “many leaders have raised this. An Unawakened talent mastering a Minor Divine Ability is unprecedented. In the Global Freshman Competition, he defeated multiple SS-Rank Geniuses before millions, shattering records as the first Unawakened champion.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
“Today, I ask: should we break tradition and name Lin Qi the first Unawakened SS-Rank Genius? Speak freely.”
“I support it,” a voice chimed in. All eyes turned to Wu Lingyun, the Tianhai Branch’s holographic representative.
“Lin Qi hasn’t Awakened,” Wu stated calmly, “but his victories prove his innate talent surpasses SS-Rank peers. Without their advantages, he still excels. Once he Awakens at the Seventh Realm, his potential will rival theirs.”
The room nodded—logic in his words.
“I disagree,” Meng Wu interjected.
Li Qifeng’s expression remained neutral. “Elaborate.”
Meng Wu leaned forward. “SS-Rank Geniuses are our nation’s jewels—each Awakened, their paths clear. Awakened cultivators grasp Intent and Domain effortlessly. You all know this.”
He paused, scanning the room. “Do we risk gambling on an Unawakened?”
(End of Chapter)
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