novelraw Chapter 257 250: The Situation
Chapter 257 250: The Situation
"Yes, times are changing. The thoughts and experiences of our older generation are a product of our time, so we need more young people like you. Your ideas may be ahead of their time and come with many unstable factors, but has there ever been a profound change in history that wasn't like this? From your description, I can at least see a future that gives me reason to be hopeful."
"Since we've decided on change, let's go for a major, comprehensive reform. We will communicate with the higher-ups and, following the direction you've given, put the necessary measures in place as soon as possible."
"I'm now very glad I pushed for the North-South Martial Arts Grand Tournament to be held. Otherwise, I'm afraid someone like you might not have appeared so quickly. To be honest, sometimes I feel you were born into this world for the Martial Dao, just as Buddha came to spread the Buddhist Teachings, and Laozi and Zhuangzi came to propagate the Dao."
The Chief Commissioner remarked with deep feeling. He then turned to Zhou Yuanjue, his voice resonating with his magnetic field as he spoke. "This plan began with you. Although you are still young, the Martial Arts Realm has always prioritized the most capable. Besides, you're far more famous in the Martial Arts Realm now than old timers like us. When this thesis of yours is announced to the world, your reputation will soar to unprecedented heights. I wonder, would you be interested in carrying this banner and becoming the president of this Martial Arts University, the very symbol of a new era for the Martial Dao?"
Hearing the Chief Commissioner's words, the others also turned their gazes to Zhou Yuanjue. They knew exactly what a tremendous honor it was to be the president of the first Martial Arts University.
However, given Zhou Yuanjue's strength, ideas, and sheer breadth of vision, none of them could object if he were to truly accept the position of president.
"I can carry this banner, but I'm afraid I don't have much energy to handle the specific day-to-day affairs. The position of Martial Arts University president involves numerous mundane tasks, and that's something I'm not equipped to handle."
Zhou Yuanjue said, shaking his head.
"Our focus must naturally remain on exploring the path ahead. You will be the president. As for the specific duties, I will arrange for a vice president to manage them. You don't need to worry about mundane matters. All you need to do is become stronger, achieve more breakthroughs, and publish more articles that can advance the Martial Arts Realm."
The Chief Commissioner said to Zhou Yuanjue with a smile.
"It seems you already have someone in mind to run the university. Is it Feng Chuan, the headmaster of Changhe Martial Arts School?"
Zhou Yuanjue glanced at the Chief Commissioner, understanding the implication perfectly.
"That's right. Feng Chuan is one of my people, and I had a hand in the Changhe Martial Arts School's model as well. It was an experiment, and so far, it's been quite successful."
"However, back then I merely provided Feng Chuan with some directional advice. The development of Changhe Martial Arts School to this day—all the detailed planning and trials—was Feng Chuan's work alone. You've met him, so you should know he's exceptionally capable. He runs Changhe Martial Arts School with impeccable order, and I'm confident he can handle the affairs of the Martial Arts University just as well. Unfortunately, his strength and prestige are ultimately a step behind. The founding of the Martial Arts University is a matter of great importance. If he were the president, he would struggle to command respect. So, having him serve as a vice president to handle the practical affairs is a perfect fit."
The Chief Commissioner nodded and said frankly.
"The motive is probably not that simple, is it?"
Zhou Yuanjue said thoughtfully.
"Feng Chuan is a man of exceptional talent, but he unfortunately lacks a bit of destined fortune. His early years were fraught with hardship, which ultimately prevented him from breaking through to Saint Awakening. It's a shame. There are many people like him throughout the Martial Arts Realm, and they shouldn't be bound by fate like this."
"If Feng Chuan can become this vice president, by virtue of the Martial Arts University's founding, he can borrow the 'destined fortune' of the entire Martial Arts Realm. It might help him truly break through his limits. For Martial Artists like all of you, whose will can shatter anything, such unorthodox methods are unnecessary. But many people will need them. If this system can be developed, it will produce many more at the Saint Awakening Level. Although their growth potential will be somewhat lower, they are still a precious combat force for us."
The Chief Commissioner said with a nod.
"Are you talking about… the 'Divine Dao'?"
Daoist Bailong asked.
"Defend our land with the Divine Dao, expand our borders with the Martial Dao."
The Chief Commissioner nodded.
"That is indeed a unique path. With a precedent like you to pave the way for them, this is certainly an opportunity."
Chen Qingmu nodded.
"If that's the case, I can accept the position of president."
Zhou Yuanjue nodded. 'This way, I would essentially be an honorary president in a nominal role. I wouldn't have to manage the practical affairs, so it wouldn't delay my Martial Dao cultivation or tie me down.'
'Come to think of it, the 'Divine Dao' is actually a good path. For top-tier Martial Artists, 'destined fortune' is optional, since their own will can break through anything. But for the Martial Artists who walk the 'Divine Dao,' it's crucial. They would use it to break their limits, and they must also diligently cultivate this fortune by handling mundane affairs. Making the 'destined fortune' of their path stronger and stronger *is* their form of cultivation. It makes them perfectly suited to handle practical matters.'
"That would be best. After this get-together, you can write up a simple plan. I'll have Feng Chuan take the lead on fleshing out the details."
The Chief Commissioner said. Zhou Yuanjue nodded, as that was exactly what he had in mind.
The group then briefly discussed a few more related details, agreeing to reconvene on the specifics once a detailed proposal was drafted.
"You're in quite a hurry to establish the Martial Arts Association, carry out major reforms, and found a Martial Arts University. I suspect the reasons aren't so simple, are they? You can tell just from the news—the changing situation abroad, not to mention many of the domestic reports. Even though they've all been given official cover stories, you can still tell something is amiss."
Zhao Beidou spoke up.
"Correct. Aside from the Martial Arts University, this is the other matter I needed to discuss with all of you: the current situation."
"To put it plainly: the situation is not in our favor. Abroad, ever since the Starry Sky Country's delegation returned in failure, they've known they can't easily suppress the rise of the Donghua Martial Arts Realm. They have since adopted various measures, stirring up conflicts everywhere. The Secret Inspection Bureau's overseas forces have suffered heavy losses in recent months and are constantly being forced into retreat. This is not what we want to see. Once these assets are eliminated, our feel for the international underworld will be completely cut off, and we will lose our ability to perceive and control the situation. But that's not even the most troubling part."
The Chief Commissioner turned to Daoist Bailong and said, "Why don't you cover the domestic situation?"
"You should all be aware of the Songyang University incident. Our preliminary theory is that the mastermind behind the attack on Yuan Jue was a First Generation Level Celestial Demon, and it has likely been lurking within the country for a very long time."
Daoist Bailong said in a grave voice.
"'First Generation' Level?! Lurking for a long time? A being with such a massive magnetic field, and none of the Qiankun Instruments in the various regions reacted? Not to mention the attack took place in Songyang City, the home of the Northern Secret Inspection Bureau!"
Lei Yi said, his brow furrowed.
The Qiankun Instrument, created by the Spirit Guardians, was distributed among the Secret Inspection Bureau branches throughout the country. It was a type of Dharma Artifact with detection capabilities. The moment an overly powerful individual magnetic field appeared within a certain range, the Qiankun Instrument would react. A General level Celestial Demon might be able to hide its magnetic field and infiltrate a city through special means, but a First Generation Level… how could a magnetic field powerful enough to cause a Celestial Phenomenon be concealed so easily?