novelraw Chapter 355: The Five Academies Grand Competition
Chapter 355: The Five Academies Grand Competition
"This is my unremarkable disciple, Chu Zhou."
Zhang Daoxuan walked while gesturing to the young man behind him. "Young people haven't seen much of the world, so I specifically brought him out to experience the world and witness the exceptional talents of Black City's younger generation."
Chu Zhou stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Mo Yuan. "This junior, Chu Zhou, greets City Lord Mo. I have long admired your illustrious reputation, and I am deeply honored to meet you today."
When he straightened up, his gaze once again fell upon Su Zhan.
This time, everyone could sense the scrutiny in that gaze.
It wasn't a provocation, but rather a natural, probing curiosity that surfaced upon encountering an opponent deemed worthy of attention.
"You are too modest. Your disciple's bearing is extraordinary; one glance tells me he is a dragon among men. The three of you have come at the perfect time, the banquet has only just begun."
Mo Yuan guided them towards the main table. "Attendants, arrange seats. You old codger, when did you learn to be so polite? If you wanted to come drink, you could have just said so. Why bother with these excuses?"
Hearing this, Zhang Daoxuan laughed heartily and patted Mo Yuan's shoulder. "You're still the same, haven't changed a bit. Alright, I'll be direct today. I did indeed hear that an extraordinary young man has appeared here, so I specifically brought Chu Zhou to see for himself."
As the two chatted and laughed, they had already reached the main table.Mo Yuan very naturally only arranged seats for Zhang Daoxuan and Chu Zhou, not sparing Qin Bai a single glance the entire time.
Qin Bai stood where he was.
He clearly felt this deliberate neglect, which in such a strictly hierarchical setting could be considered an insult.
He merely pursed his lips, silently walking to an inconspicuous corner to sit down, his gaze never leaving Su Zhan.
Su Zhan took all of this in.
He noticed Mo Yuan's intentional cold shoulder towards Qin Bai; this was undoubtedly using action to demonstrate his protection of him.
Qin Bai has probably already broken through to the Ocean Realm.
Su Zhan thought to himself.
With his talent from an SSS-grade Life Soul, these past two-plus years were more than enough to make that leap.
To seek revenge, he would at least need to reach the Calamity-level.
He wasn't anxious. Instead, he buried this hatred deep in his heart, transforming it into motivation to keep moving forward.
Chu Zhou sat quietly beside Zhang Daoxuan, seemingly listening to his teacher's conversation with Mo Yuan, but in reality, he had been secretly observing Su Zhan the whole time.
After chatting for a bit, Zhang Daoxuan very naturally steered the topic to his own disciple. "Old Mo, this is Chu Zhou, a disciple I took on three years ago. He's 24 this year, at the third stage of the Abyss Realm, and is currently preparing for this year's Five Great Academies Grand Competition."
As soon as these words were spoken, many people in the vicinity who had been listening intently were secretly shocked.
Third stage of the Abyss Realm at 24!
Even within the Five Great Academies, this was a top-tier level.
Everyone knew the Five Great Academies Grand Competition was the highest-level collegiate event in Daxia. Only sixth-year students from the five great academies—Southern Vermilion Bird, Eastern Azure Dragon, Northern Black Tortoise, Western White Tiger, and Central Kirin—and who were under 25 years old could participate.
Those who could stand on that stage were all geniuses among geniuses.
"Those from the Five Great Academies are indeed different. Reaching the Abyss Realm at this age is already remarkable, but Chu Zhou is already at the third stage. His foundation is very solid.
It seems the champion of this year's Grand Competition is undoubtedly yours."
Mo Yuan said to Zhang Daoxuan with a smile, "No wonder you old-timer made an exception to take on a disciple. He truly is promising."
Zhang Daoxuan, however, waved his hand and turned his gaze towards the quietly standing Su Zhan. "Old Mo, don't set him up for a fall with your praise. What does Chu Zhou's little bit of skill amount to in front of your Chen Qing here? They're simply not on the same level."
"City Lord Mo flatters me. My teacher is right, within the Five Great Academies, I'm merely above average. I would never dare claim to be particularly formidable."
Chu Zhou took a half-step forward, addressing Su Zhan. "Seeing Chen Qing today, I finally understand what a true genius is.
Judging by your age, you should be even younger than me, yet you're already at the peak of Special-risk. I've never seen strength like this within the Five Great Academies.
If you could participate in the Grand Competition, the championship would certainly have nothing to do with me."
Su Zhan could sense that Chu Zhou wasn't just being polite; this person genuinely had good breeding.
He responded calmly, "You are too kind. The Five Great Academies are gathering places for geniuses. Someone like me, who has been figuring things out on my own outside, wouldn't dare compare with those formally trained like you."
Mo Yuan said half-jokingly, "You didn't come all this way specifically to poach Chen Qing to participate in your Five Great Academies Grand Competition, did you?"
"You're overthinking it. I simply came to share a few drinks with you. How long has it been since we last had a proper gathering?"
Zhang Daoxuan laughed loudly, patting his old friend's shoulder. "I also wanted to let my disciple see for himself what it means that there's always someone better. This kid has been at the academy too long, always thinking that those from the Five Great Academies are invincible. It's time he broadened his horizons."
Su Zhan stood quietly to the side listening, but inwardly, he was somewhat surprised.
He had originally thought that, as a high-ranking official of the Aberrant Purge Division, Zhang Daoxuan would harbor hostility towards Aberrants.
But judging by his interaction with Mo Yuan and his attitude towards himself, he seemed completely unconcerned that he was an Aberrant.
Mo Yuan seemed to perceive Su Zhan's confusion and explained with a smile, "Chen Qing, are you perhaps wondering why us two old fellows can sit and chat together so peacefully?
At our level, we understood a truth long ago.
Whether one is an Awakened individual or an Aberrant is not important.
What matters is the person's true nature."
"Exactly. City Lord Mo and I have known each other for decades. Although our respective positions differ, when it comes to maintaining Daxia's stability, our goals are aligned."
Zhang Daoxuan took over the conversation. "The existence of Black City, to a certain extent, helps us resolve many... troubles that the official side finds inconvenient to handle.
As for you, Chen Qing.
On the contrary, in the northwest region, you were summoning the Mist in Uninhabited Zones.
Given that, why should we hold hostility towards you?"
"The breadth of vision of you two seniors is admirable. However, I'm afraid not everyone thinks this way."
Su Zhan's gaze inadvertently swept over Qin Bai in the corner. "For example, Specialist Qin Bai likely wouldn't agree with this viewpoint."
Internally, he only half-believed their words.
After all, with people in such high positions, you just listen to what they say. It's hard to tell if it's polite conversation or genuine sentiment.
Qin Bai's body visibly stiffened, and his eyes grew a shade gloomier.
"That child Qin Bai... is indeed too fixated on rules and regulations."
Zhang Daoxuan's smile faded slightly as he let out a soft sigh. "However, over the years, he has accomplished much for the Aberrant Purge Division. His abilities are still worthy of recognition."
Qin Bai had no choice but to stand up and bow from a distance. "You flatter me, Elder Zhang."
Mo Yuan swirled the wine glass in his hand. "Everyone has their own position and cognitive limitations.
Specialist Qin's dedication to his duty is not wrong, but sometimes being too rigid about form can cause one to miss what is truly important."
These words seemed like smoothing things over, but in reality, they were a pointed remark aimed at Qin Bai.
Qin Bai lowered his head, his lips pressed tightly together. He had already understood the implication in the words.
Zhang Daoxuan turned to Su Zhan and said, "But rest assured, Chen Qing. Since you are now under City Lord Mo's protection, you are considered one of our own, recognized by us."
As he spoke, he looked towards Qin Bai again. "Isn't that right, Qin Bai?"
This question directly pushed Qin Bai into the spotlight.
Everyone's eyes focused on him, waiting to see how he would respond.