C41 The Final Winner

Had it been anyone else approached by Stardragon Academy, they might have been over the moon, hastily packing their bags to follow Yi Yubo. But Lu Lixing was not just anyone. The Lu Lixing of the past might have been thrilled by such an invitation, yet now, he faced the prospect with a serene composure.

For all its prestige, Stardragon Academy simply wasn't what he sought.

Lu Lixing's cool demeanor didn't go unnoticed. Some admired his restraint, while others were perplexed.

Sheng Qing was elated. Wen Shi hadn't misled him—Lu Lixing truly detested schools entangled with aristocratic sects, showing no interest in Stardragon Academy. Consequently, it stood to reason that Lu Lixing would feel the same about any institution backed by such factions. This positioned Cosmic Star Academy to be the ultimate beneficiary.

"So, it seems you're not interested in Stardragon Academy?" Yi Yubo inquired, his gaze tinged with bewilderment. He couldn't quite grasp why Lu Lixing remained so unfazed. Over his years of teaching at Stardragon, he'd extended offers to several students, each of whom had reacted with fervent excitement. Lu Lixing's tranquility was unprecedented in his experience.

Even if Lu Lixing preferred to remain silent, a response was necessary. His talents were undeniable, but he was still in the throes of development. A touch of pride was acceptable, yet overconfidence could invite trouble, potentially hindering his progress.

With that in mind, Lu Lixing softened his expression, meeting Yi Yubo's gaze with a complex look. In a subdued tone, he replied, "I apologize, Senior, but I must decline your invitation."

Yi Yubo took the courteous refusal in stride, not overly concerned. Lu Lixing was talented, yes, but the Stardragon Academy was the crown jewel of the Six Great Academies, teeming with prodigies. They weren't lacking in talent like Lu Lixing's. What truly piqued his curiosity, however, was the reason behind Lu Lixing's refusal. Had he already made a decision elsewhere?

As this thought crossed his mind, Yi Yubo couldn't help but shift his attention to Sheng Qing, who stood by Lu Lixing's side.

As Yi Yubo's gaze landed on Sheng Qing, the representatives from the other academies followed suit, their eyes also drawn to him. Given Sheng Qing's evident rapport with Lu Lixing, it seemed highly probable that Lu Lixing would opt for the Cosmic Star Academy.

The consensus was tinged with a hint of disappointment, considering Lu Lixing's guaranteed potential to become a Runemaster. While many students across the Six Great Academies had the potential, fewer than a hundred had actually achieved the title of Runemaster.

Lu Lixing's talent was undeniably rare and valuable.

Even Yi Yubo, the delegate from Stardragon Academy, couldn't sway Lu Lixing's decision. It seemed likely that any further attempts to intervene would be in vain.

Sheng Qing observed the mix of resignation and regret on everyone's faces, barely suppressing a triumphant chuckle. He patted Lu Lixing on the shoulder with a sense of pride and advised, "For the next six months, you must dedicate yourself to your cultivation. Aim to reach the Qi Refining Stage before starting at the academy. That's the least you can do to honor Wen Shanmei's expectations of you."

While Sheng Qing's advice to Lu Lixing was to reach the Qi Refining Stage before enrollment, he cleverly left out the specific academy. Yet, to all those present, it was clear that his words served not just as encouragement but as a declaration that Lu Lixing was destined for the Cosmic Star Academy.

Sheng Qing was astute, aware that his connection with Lu Lixing was superficial. Thus, he cleverly invoked Wen Shanmei's name to bridge the gap between them.

"You've got great potential. It's essential that you continue to cultivate diligently in the future," Yi Yubo remarked to Lu Lixing, his gaze laden with significance. He had faith in Lu Lixing's current prospects, but that didn't necessarily extend to his future at the Cosmic Star Academy.

When it seemed like the discussion about Lu Lixing's future was drawing to a close, Feng Cuo, who had been quiet throughout, stepped forward. He regarded Lu Lixing with a steady gaze and said, "Before coming here, the old chief instructed me to extend an invitation to you to join the Federal Military University, should you survive the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform. But it appears you're likely to decline this offer."

Upon hearing the words, Lu Lixing cast a somewhat regretful glance at Feng Cuo. Had it not been for a more appealing option, he would have had no qualms about enrolling in the top Military University of the Federation.

"Sir, I have a friend who plans to enlist after finishing high school. If it's alright with you, perhaps you could consider him."

In that moment, Lu Lixing didn't forget Sha Zhenghao. He enthusiastically vouched for Sha Zhenghao to Feng Cuo, hoping his friend would have the opportunity to further his education at the Federal Military University.

"I'll take it under advisement," Feng Cuo responded, not outright dismissing Lu Lixing's suggestion. His gaze shifted to Zhang Yande, who stood in the corner of the room, and he spoke with a detached tone, "Now, let's address a different matter. There are individuals who exploited the sacrifices of the martyrs from the Black Wind Defense for their personal gain, which greatly displeased the senior chief. He instructed me that should you survive the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform, I am to eradicate this family from the face of the earth. Do you have any comments on that?"

The room fell silent as Feng Cuo's words hung in the air, and all eyes involuntarily turned to Zhang Yande, now slumped on the floor. Na Youye, witnessing Zhang Yande's state, simply shook his head. Having known him for years, it was hard to reconcile the image of this broken man with the once formidable and spirited head of the Zhang family.

He had crossed lines he shouldn't have, exploited matters he had no right to, and now he was reaping the consequences.

"Sir, this isn't about the Zhang family's wrongdoings! You can take out Zhang Maozhe and Zhang Tu! I'm even willing to do it myself, but the Zhang family is innocent!"

Tears streamed down Zhang Yande's face as he lay prostrate, pleading with Feng Cuo for mercy. He couldn't bear the thought of the Zhang family's downfall being his doing.