C42 Blackmoon Badge

Lu Lixing was indifferent to the fate of the Zhang family. A perceptive man, he recognized that the old chief's concern wasn't about Lu's stance toward the Zhangs. Feng Cuo's actions were merely a show for onlookers. The Zhang family's downfall had been sealed the moment they disrupted the Black Wind Defense.

Even if they weren't doomed today due to Lu's triumph at the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform, they would meet their end tomorrow due to Zhang Yande's deeds. The military's intent to make an example of them was clear, and no one dared object. The Zhang family's misfortune was their own doing, a result of the reckless fools within their ranks dragging them all down.

This episode had reinforced for Lu the critical importance of strength. Only with formidable power could one earn the respect and attention of others.

Walking alongside Lu, Sheng Qing gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and advised, "Don't dwell on it. The Zhang family brought this upon themselves. I know you're eager to catch up with your friends, so I won't keep you. I'll be in Skyhaven for the next few days; if you have any questions about your training, just come to me."

Sheng Qing didn't linger in conversation, knowing there would be ample opportunity to connect with Lu after he enrolled in the academy in six months. With the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform likely to become the talk of the Federation soon, Sheng Qing had to brace for the school leadership's queries and was determined to astonish the old guard when the time came.

Lu Lixing stood still, his gaze following Sheng Qing's retreating figure, his expression a mix of emotions.

"The Thunder Guiding Rune is the most elementary of the Lightning Dao arrays. Without a lightning attribute Talent Rune, it's nearly impossible to instantly eliminate a hundred foes," a sultry voice interrupted his thoughts.

A provocative figure materialized before him, playfully blocking his view of Sheng Qing. She eyed Lu Lixing with amusement and remarked, "Besides, I suspect the Cosmic Star Academy holds little appeal for you."

Lu Lixing's gaze was serene as he observed Huan Qiwei standing before him. He had first noticed her in the private room, where she sat on the sofa without uttering a word, which is why he was unfamiliar with her.

"The lightning attribute is intensely powerful, well-suited for battle arrays, don't you think?"

Huan Qiwei subtly leaned forward, closing the distance between them. She whispered seductively into Lu Lixing's ear, her red lips grazing his skin, "Blackmoon Academy is where you truly belong."

A wave of her perfumed breath sent a shiver through Lu Lixing, and for a moment, his stoic face betrayed a flicker of emotion.

In a playful tease, Huan Qiwei flicked her tongue across Lu Lixing's earlobe. The gesture made the usually impassive Lu Lixing step back, his brow furrowing in response.

Huan Qiwei's laughter tinkled as she saw his reaction. "I had pegged you for an unmovable iceberg, but it seems even you have a range of expressions," she said, her eyes dancing with mischief.

She was nothing short of a siren!

Lu Lixing gave Huan Qiwei a penetrating look, sensing the peril of her company. It was a tough world for a young man; a moment's inattention could lead to an unexpected flirtation.

As quickly as she had appeared, Huan Qiwei vanished, leaving behind a silver-white badge that dropped into Lu Lixing's hand, bearing a black crescent moon.

"Take good care of this," she had said. "If you reach the Qi Refining Stage within six months, use your spirit energy to activate this badge, and I'll come for you."

Lu Lixing studied the badge, his lips pressed together thoughtfully. Huan Qiwei's implication was clear: fail to progress to the Qi Refining Stage within the allotted time, and the doors of Blackmoon Academy would remain closed to him.

Such a demanding and peculiar institution indeed.

"Brother, you've made a name for yourself!"

Sha Zhenghao embraced Lu Lixing enthusiastically, beaming with pride. "To think, you're a Runemaster!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Seeing the excitement on Sha Zhenghao's face, Lu Lixing couldn't help but flash a grin and said, "Cut the chit-chat. You're buying dinner tonight!"

"You're a Runemaster now, and you still expect me to treat you?" Sha Zhenghao playfully punched Lu Lixing, chuckling as he spoke, "But from now on, you've got to have my back. With you as my friend, I've got nothing to fear!"

"That's a given!"

Lu Lixing wrapped his arm around Sha Zhenghao's neck, his smile radiating sincerity. He had been concerned that Sha Zhenghao might feel distant because of his own over-the-top behavior, but now it was clear that his worries were unfounded.

He truly was his best friend!

"Imagine, once you're a renowned Runemaster and I'm a celebrated general with a string of victories, we'll have people lining up to invite us for meals!"

Lu Lixing was left speechless by Sha Zhenghao's daydream.

"Today, I even ran into a con artist who wanted to 'test' me to see if I was worthy of the Federal Military University. I bet he was just trying to take advantage of my potential!"

Sha Zhenghao was indignant.

Lu Lixing gave him a surprised look and asked, "The scammer you met, he wasn't named Wu, was he?"

"I don't know his last name. The guy was all serious-faced. I got rid of him with just a couple of words—totally unprofessional."

Lu Lixing realized that the man was undoubtedly Feng Cuo. He hadn't expected Feng Cuo to approach Sha Zhenghao so soon, and even less so for Sha Zhenghao to mistake him for a fraudster!

Sha Zhenghao, unfazed by Lu Lixing's bewilderment, nonchalantly waved his hand and said, "Forget about that scammer. Let's go grab some food!"

As Lu Lixing looked at Sha Zhenghao's naive demeanor, he was torn about whether to reveal the truth. If Sha Zhenghao learned he had missed a chance to get into the Federal Military University, would he lose it right there and then?

"Maybe it's best to stay out of it."

Lu Lixing shook his head, deciding to let it be. He had secured the opportunity for Sha Zhenghao; if he didn't value it, there was nothing more he could do. And if he ever ran into Feng Cuo in the military, the look on Sha Zhenghao's face would surely be priceless.

The mere thought of that scene was enough to send Lu Lixing into a fit of laughter.