C21 Mockery

On September 1st at the University of Norbury, the campus was bustling with activity. Students in the prime of their youth mingled with poised and seasoned mentors.

"I wonder how many geniuses we'll see this year," mused one mentor.

"Hopefully, we'll have a few standouts like Bai Tianchou and Hsu Pingsheng," another added.

"That's a tall order," a third chimed in. "Talents like Bai Tianchou and Hsu Pingsheng are considered once-in-a-decade geniuses."

As the mentors engaged in hushed conversations, a disturbance in the distance drew their collective gaze. They turned to see a tall, burly mentor with a scowl of distaste etched on his face.

A striking young man in a silver robe entered the campus, flanked by four or five University of Norbury students. The sight of him prompted many others to eagerly approach, their faces alight with welcoming grins.

"Mr. Gu, what brings you here today?"

"Mr. Gu must be scouting the new talent, perhaps considering them for our Taiyi Society!"

Amidst the distant adulation, the disdain in the tall mentor's eyes deepened. An elder mentor at his side sighed, "Alas, the realm wall is weakening. It hasn't been two years since Apus Calesius fully integrated with the Taiyi world. We live in tumultuous times."

He then addressed the younger mentor, "Zhang, you're still young. Don't let your passions rule you. There are times when patience is necessary."

Zhang Xinping nodded, his face a mask of neutrality. "Rest assured, Elder Ma, I'll keep a cool head."

Instructor Ma Xulun gave a small nod of approval. He was about to speak when his attention shifted, and he frowned. "Is there a disturbance over there?"

Zhang Xinping, catching snippets of the distant dialogue, brightened with a knowing smile and nodded in agreement.

The cause of the stir became clear when, amidst the praises being heaped upon Gu Xing, a voice interjected with a chilling statement:

"Did you hear? Mr. Gu's younger brother, Gu Chen, died during the Gaokao exams in Zeffari."

And with that, the air changed.

The once vibrant atmosphere abruptly ceased. People exchanged glances, their eyes betraying a sense of alarm.

It was as though the matter brought up was a transgression against some unspoken cosmic rule.

A sharp glint flashed in Gu Xing's eyes.

But he quickly composed himself, turning to the speaker with a faint smile. "Mr. Hsu seems to be exceptionally well-informed."

"The death of an Otherworlder's son, especially the brother of Mr. Gu, is hardly trivial. I'm sure we're all aware of that."

The speaker stepped forward, flanked by seven or eight University of Norbury students.

"Mr. Hsu!"

"Mr. Hsu..."

Students nearby murmured their greetings.

They suddenly understood why someone had the audacity to raise the issue—it was Hsu Pingsheng!

Hsu Pingsheng's gaze was fixed on Gu Xing, predatory in its intensity. "Please, no 'Young Master Xu' for me. I can't bear the weight of that title. That's reserved for our esteemed Young Master Gu Xing alone!"

At his words, a wave of discomfort swept through the crowd.

Gu Xing's face remained impassive, his emotions unreadable. "I appreciate your concern for my good-for-nothing brother. Without your reminder, the matter might have completely slipped my mind."

"Oh, is that so?" Hsu Pingsheng replied, his tone neutral. "It appears that Young Master Gu Xing isn't particularly attached to his brother."

Gu Xing's gaze turned icy as he met Hsu Pingsheng's eyes, choosing to remain silent.

Clearly, he had realized that any further argument on this subject would only put him at a disadvantage.

Hsu Pingsheng allowed himself a small smile, deciding not to press the issue further.

He was well aware that his words might sting Gu Xing, but they were unlikely to cause any real damage.

"I've heard about a prodigy named Lin Feng in Zeffari. I'm planning to bring him into my Martial Arts Club for some serious training!"

Hsu Pingsheng glanced sideways at Gu Xing, seemingly gauging his reaction, as he spoke with deliberate calm.

The club.

It was another organization established by students at the university.

In bygone days, there were basketball and calligraphy clubs among others. But in this new era, students at the University of Norbury have established the Martial Arts Club, along with a host of other unique private clubs. Yet, the most formidable ones have always been just a select few.

At Norbury, the three most powerful clubs stand out. The Taiyi Club, led by the progeny of Otherworlders, is one. The Martial Arts Club, founded by Lofreydor students, is another. And the third is the Warrior Club, created by a group of determined women.

Hsu Pingsheng is more than just one of the vice presidents of the Students' Union; he's also a leading figure in the University's Martial Arts Club. With his influence, he's well-positioned to extend an invitation to a newcomer to join their ranks.

"Lin Feng?" The name resonates with the students of Norbury, stirring a collective intrigue.

They're skeptical that Hsu Pingsheng's mention of Lin Feng in Gu Xing's presence is solely because the youth is a prodigy. It seems there's more at play, likely something to do with Gu Xing himself. Recalling Hsu's earlier remarks, a collective shiver runs through the crowd as they begin to piece together the situation.

"I've heard your Martial Arts Club sets the bar high. So, how about this? I'll step in for Hsu and assess this Lin Feng, see what exceptional talents the new student possesses," Gu Xing proposes, his eyes narrowing, his voice cool and measured.

"That won't be necessary," Hsu Pingsheng replies with a bright laugh. "After all, Lin Feng's record of combat speaks for itself, doesn't it?" His question, pointedly directed at Gu Xing, hangs in the air, charged with tension.

Their gazes lock, and the atmosphere crackles with an unspoken challenge. The onlookers, now more convinced of their suspicions, find themselves increasingly curious about Lin Feng.

Yet, amidst the buzz, a few resolve to steer clear of Lin Feng, wary of the consequences of crossing the formidable Gu Xing.

Then, with a sudden smile from Gu Xing, the tension dissipates. He offers no further words, just a serene look towards Hsu Pingsheng before turning on his heel and walking away.

Was this a step back?

A look of surprise emerged in the eyes of the University of Norbury students gathered around.

They had expected a full-blown fight to break out.

Some who were there for the spectacle felt let down, but many more breathed a sigh of relief.

Both Hsu Pingsheng and Gu Xing had reputations that preceded them.

Despite their secret rivalries and the potential for a deadly confrontation, they knew better than to openly break decorum.

"Brother Hsu, is that Lin Feng...?" someone murmured to Hsu Pingsheng.

With Hsu Pingsheng's subtle nod, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.

"This guy's got nerve, taking out the Otherworlder's son in the Warzone!"

"We've got to get him to join our Martial Arts Club once he arrives at Norbury!"

...

Meanwhile, a chill hung in the air around Gu Xing's entourage as they spoke in hushed tones, "Mr. Gu, once Lin Feng sets foot in Norbury, we'll find a way to deal with him."

"We'll address that when the time comes," Gu Xing replied coolly, without looking back.

With so many ears around, he wasn't foolish enough to discuss murder out in the open.

"Understood!"