Chapter 40 - He Was Recruited by All Sides
As representatives from the Six Great Academies marveled at Lu Lixing's remarkable talent from within their private box, the audience was awash with bewilderment.
By now, the lightning on the Hidden Dragon Platform had vanished, and the Crystal Screen had resumed its normal clarity, allowing everyone to see the situation on the stage with stark clarity. Yet, it was this very clarity that deepened their confusion.
On the stage, aside from Lu Lixing who remained unharmed, standing exactly where he had been, the other hundred competitors lay strewn across the ground, charred black as if turned to charcoal.
What had transpired amidst that blinding flash of lightning? And how had Lu Lixing, at the epicenter of the storm, emerged without a scratch?
In the stadium, the silence of a hundred thousand spectators hung heavy, the air charged with an eerie tension. It wasn't just that Lu Lixing had survived the lightning that was astonishing—it was the fact that all his opponents had been vanquished. This surely meant that Lu Lixing had triumphed in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform.
Facing a hundred foes, Lu Lixing had emerged victorious as the challenger!
Once this realization settled in, the venue erupted into a cacophony of noise. The spectators were wildly excited, having witnessed an underdog overcome the odds. This was a tale they would boast about for years to come!
The fervor reached its peak when the referee announced that Lu Lixing had conquered his adversaries using the Thunder Guiding Rune. The crowd's enthusiasm ignited!
The thunderbolt that had streaked down from the ominous clouds was no accident—it was a deliberate act by Lu Lixing!
This young man was a runemaster!
A hundred thousand eyes bore witness to the rise of a runemaster with exceptional talent. Such news, once spread, was bound to send shockwaves throughout the entire Federation.
In the stands, Sha Zhenghao listened to the referee's declaration in stunned silence, struggling to accept that Lu Lixing had won. And Lu Lixing, a runemaster? Could it really be true?
Equally astonished was Sha Xiufen. Amidst the roars of the crowd, Xiufen's gaze lingered on the figure standing on the stage, her emotions a complex tapestry. Softly, she murmured, “Congratulations.”
The Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform concluded with Lu Lixing's resounding victory. At that moment, no one spared a thought for the fallen competitors on the stage. After all, Lu Lixing had warned them to retreat early on. Their refusal to heed his advice left no room for blame to be cast upon him.
Watching Lu Lixing's figure slowly exiting the platform, Wen Shanmei's heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat. Gripping Wen Shi's arm tightly, she exclaimed with excitement, “Lu Lixing is actually a runemaster!”
“He's not quite a runemaster yet; he merely has the potential,” Wen Shi responded, pausing mid-sentence. After all, Lu Lixing had single-handedly set up the Thunder Guiding Rune. That surely qualified him as a runemaster, didn't it?
“It's truly an astonishing surprise!” Wen Shanmei's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Wen Shi. “And you kept it from me! If I had known Lu Lixing could set up the Thunder Guiding Rune, I would've been certain of his victory.”
Firstly, today's thunderstorm was a stroke of luck from the heavens. Secondly, Lu Lixing had arrived at the arena an hour early to get acclimated, aiming for a tactical advantage. And lastly, Lu Lixing possessed formidable strength.
With these factors in play, how could Lu Lixing possibly be defeated?
“I never imagined he'd actually pull it off,” Wen Shi admitted with a sigh. When Lu Lixing had first asked him to purchase a Rune Pen and Thunder Guiding Stone, it had taken him aback. Given that Lu Lixing hadn't yet reached the Qi Refining Stage, Wen Shi had his doubts about Lu Lixing's success. But the reality now stood undeniable—he had underestimated Lu Lixing.
Yet, something piqued his curiosity. Had Lu Lixing not known about the weeklong thunderstorms forecasted for Skyhaven, what would have been his plan? Would he have had another array up his sleeve?
These musings were merely Wen Shi's post-competition reflections. In this world, there are not so many ‘what ifs.' A win is a win.
Guided by Na Youye's secretary, Lu Lixing made his way to the top-tier private box of the stadium. There, he met Na Youye, representatives from the Six Great Academies, and Zhang Yande, who wore a sour expression.
Lu Lixing didn't recognize Zhang Yande, but even if he had, it's doubtful he would have given him a second thought.
Sheng Qing, observing Lu Lixing soaked to the skin, approached with a smile and a towel in hand. “Dry off your hair,” he suggested to Lu Lixing. “Otherwise, if you catch a cold, Wen Shanmei will surely hold me responsible.”
Lu Lixing was initially inclined to decline Sheng Qing's kind offer, but upon hearing Sheng Qing mention Wen Shanmei, he paused briefly before accepting the towel.
Observers initially scoffed at the sight of Sheng Qing extending a towel to Lu Lixing. How could a prodigy bold enough to initiate the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform accept such charity? Yet, as Sheng Qing spoke, the crowd's expressions shifted subtly. No one had anticipated the undisclosed connection between Sheng Qing and Lu Lixing, causing a collective furrowing of brows. They knew that if Cosmic Star Academy succeeded in recruiting Lu Lixing, they would face a stern reprimand upon their return.
“Young man, I'm Yi Yubo.”
“Are you the representative from Stardragon Academy?” Lu Lixing interjected, cutting off Yi Yubo, who, surprisingly, didn't take offense. Yi Yubo was taken aback by Lu Lixing's accurate guess. Could it be that Lu Lixing was already well-informed about Stardragon Academy and his role there?
If Sheng Qing were privy to Yi Yubo's thoughts, he'd likely have a hard time suppressing a chuckle. He was well aware that Lu Lixing's guess stemmed from his knowledge that the Stardragon Academy was established by the four major families, including the Yi family.
Reflecting on Wen Shi's previous revelations, Sheng Qing's confidence in recruiting Lu Lixing soared. Having just faced persecution from the noble families, Lu Lixing's chances of joining Stardragon Academy were slim to none. The Cosmic Star Academy, known for its favorable treatment of civilian talents, was undoubtedly Lu Lixing's best option.
“Indeed, I represent Stardragon Academy,” Yi Yubo said with a smile, stepping forward to address Lu Lixing warmly. “Come with me. I assure you, you'll receive the finest mentorship at Stardragon Academy, and a prominent place awaits you in the future Stardragon Federation!”
Yi Yubo's confidence was not unfounded. With top-tier educational resources and the backing of the most powerful families, Lu Lixing would surely gain the Yi family's unwavering support if he pledged his service to them. Such backing would no doubt catapult Lu Lixing to fame and success.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om