83: Chapter 87

1

? Shen Tianming's voice carried a metallic coldness: "If I recall correctly, Lu Baichuan hails from the Lu family of the Capital.

Since he died in an on-campus competition, the Lu family will certainly not let this matter rest easily."

As if to validate his words, the phone in Wang Changxiao's pocket suddenly vibrated, its buzzing sound particularly piercing in the silence.

Everyone's gaze focused on him.

Wang Changxiao pulled out his phone, and catching a glimpse of the name jumping on the screen, the bitterness at the corners of his mouth deepened. "The Lu family is calling."

He pressed answer, and before he could speak, a voice without a trace of warmth came through the receiver, categorical and brook no argument:

"Principal Wang, take Jiang Haojie into custody.

A member of my Lu family cannot die in vain."

Sun Wanyu leaned in closer, attempting to explain: "Mr. Lu, there truly is a reason for this. Jiang Haojie just had a breakthrough, and his control over his power was not yet refined..."

"I don't need to hear reasons."

The other party interrupted coldly, "We are already on our way and will arrive in Su City tonight."

With those words, the communication abruptly cut off, leaving only a short busy tone.

The secret room fell into a dead silence as the several men looked at each other.

Sun Wanyu cleared his throat, breaking the silence: "This has become tricky.

Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?"

Shen Tianming crossed his arms, his tone blunt: "In my opinion, it's better to just hand Jiang Haojie over to the Lu family to save ourselves endless subsequent trouble."

"Impossible."

Sun Wanyu immediately rejected the idea, "Jiang Haojie is not at fault. Casualties in a competition are within the permitted rules.

How can we hand over our student just because one party is powerful?"

He paused, turning his gaze toward Chen Minan, "Old Chen, what do you think?"

Chen Minan instead looked at Sun Wanyu: "Since you're against it, you must already have a plan in mind.

Why not speak plainly?"

Sun Wanyu didn't answer directly, but instead looked back at Wang Changxiao with a solemn expression: "Old Wang, I want to hear your thoughts first.

After all, Lu Baichuan was a student of your academy."

Wang Changxiao let out a long breath, his face full of exhaustion and helplessness: "How could I not know that Jiang Haojie isn't to blame? But Lu Baichuan is no nobody; the entire Lu family stands behind him.

In the current situation, even if I wanted to settle this peacefully, the Lu family would never agree."

Sun Wanyu had watched Lu Baichuan's defeat and death from start to finish.

To be honest, the young man's performance had made him feel a bit of regret—he could have ended the match cleanly, yet he insisted on humiliating his opponent. In the end, his act failed, and he was finished off by Jiang Haojie instead.

Ultimately, he brought it upon himself, but the Lu family's side would likely be difficult to deal with.

If it were just an ordinary family, it would be fine, but the Lu family is ranked among the ten great families of the Dragon Kingdom and has deep ties with the military.

This layer of connection made things very difficult.

Sun Wanyu nodded slightly: "It's good to have your word on that.

We'll invite Jiang Haojie over in a moment; we need to explain the situation to him."

"Old Sun, you don't still want to recruit him into Beichen Academy, do you?"

Surprise showed in Shen Tianming's eyes, "The current Jiang Haojie is a hot potato."

Sun Wanyu just smiled calmly: "If we don't try, how will we know the outcome?"

As they were speaking, Ma Chenyu and a group of referees entered the room.

Sun Wanyu turned to him and said: "Chenyu, please send someone to invite Jiang Haojie over. We have something to discuss with him."

Ma Chenyu went to carry out the task.

Before long, Jiang Haojie arrived.

"Sit down and let's talk."

Once Jiang Haojie was seated, Sun Wanyu detailed the current situation and explained the background and weight of the Lu family.

"Do you understand the situation now?"

Jiang Haojie nodded: "What the principals mean is..."

He naturally understood the current state of affairs; what he wanted to know now was the attitude of the people before him.

If they decided to hand him over to the Lu family, then with his current strength, there was absolutely no possibility of escape.

Even though he could already contend with a Fifth-Order Awakened, he had no confidence at all when facing several sixth-order or even seventh-order powerhouses present.

***

Dragon City, Bounty Guild Chairman's Office.

Meng Shaojie's voice came over the phone: "Old Liu, you're aware of the situation, right?"

Liu Jinglong held the receiver, his tone heavy: "I was just about to contact you when your call came.

How should this be handled? Nothing must happen to Jiang Haojie."

He had originally felt quite gratified seeing Jiang Haojie turn defeat into victory, but who would have thought Lu Baichuan would die in the match.

At first, he hadn't thought much of it, until he caught sight of the live stream comments mentioning Lu Baichuan's identity, and he suddenly realized the gravity of the situation.

He was just about to dial Meng Shaojie's number when the other party's call rang first.

"Don't worry, I won't let Jiang Haojie come to harm.

I've already reported this to headquarters. The Old Chairman will personally step forward to negotiate with the Lu family."

Liu Jinglong was still somewhat uneasy: "Leader, on the Old Chairman's side... will it really work?"

Although the Bounty Guild had official backing, the Lu family's roots were in the military.

The patriarch of the Lu family commanded a quarter of the Dragon Kingdom's legions and was a regional commander; his prestige was enough to shake the entire nation.

"Whether it works or not is hard to say at the moment."

Meng Shaojie sighed softly, "I'm looking for you to make sure you remember: if things don't work out on the Old Chairman's side, have Jiang Haojie immediately present his invitation letter from the Holy Academy."

The invitation letter from the Holy Academy was no different from a protective talisman. Forget the mere Lu family, even the entire Dragon Kingdom would have to show some respect for it.

Liu Jinglong gave a low chuckle on the other end of the line: "That's right, how could I forget we still have this trump card.

By that logic, Jiang Haojie should be safe for now?"

Meng Shaojie sighed: "Things aren't that simple.

The invitation letter can certainly hold the scene, but can you guarantee the Lu family won't act in the shadows? This is, after all, a chip that can only be revealed as a last resort."

He paused, "Bring the news to Jiang Haojie first. I still have to wait for word back from the Old Chairman."

With those words, the communication was cut.

...

"Just focus on the competition; we won't let anyone take you away."

Sun Wanyu had a gentle smile on his face.

Everyone present was startled for a moment, then it dawned on them, and they couldn't help but secretly curse this old fox for his shrewd calculations.

"Thank you, Principals."

Jiang Haojie immediately grasped the other party's intention—this principal simply wanted to do him a favor, with the goal of recruiting him into Beichen Academy.

He naturally wouldn't agree, and he had never had such an intention.

But at this moment, he indeed needed to borrow this influence.

The trouble with the Lu family could be set aside for now; the most important thing was to finish the competition successfully.

Only then would the mission be considered complete and his cultivation be preserved.

Sun Wanyu waved his hand: "Go and prepare first. Handle the upcoming matches well."

Jiang Haojie nodded slightly, turned, and left the room.

Shen Tianming spoke up coldly from the side: "Old Sun, it seems your favor wasn't quite accepted."

The others also nodded one after another; they had all clearly seen the flash of aloofness in Jiang Haojie's eyes just now.

"No rush, everything must be done step by step."

Sun Wanyu's expression remained unchanged, still smiling composedly.

Chen Minan looked at him: "Can you tell us your method now?"

Everyone's eyes gathered on him, all curious about what trump card he held to be so certain he could quell the Lu family's anger.

"Heaven's secrets must not be revealed."

Sun Wanyu smiled leisurely and pushed the door open to leave on his own.

Shen Tianming spat at his back: "Always playing the mystic."

...

Jiang Haojie walked out of the stadium and headed toward Su Qingxue's location.

After a few steps, the communicator in his pocket vibrated.

"President Liu."

He pressed answer.

Liu Jinglong's voice sounded unusually serious: "Jiang Haojie, I'll keep it short.

The background of Lu Baichuan, whom you killed, is not simple.

But you don't need to panic; those above are already mediating for you, though the specific situation isn't clear yet, and the leadership is also waiting for news."

He paused, his tone becoming heavier: "If things truly reach an irredeemable state, show the Holy Academy invitation letter you have.

That thing is no less than a decree of pardon. Forget the Lu family, even the Dragon Kingdom would have to weigh the consequences."

Jiang Haojie hadn't expected this matter to disturb Meng Shaojie, nor did he expect Liu Jinglong to call specifically to remind him.

A wave of warmth quietly washed over his heart.

"President Liu, thank you."

"There's no need for thanks between us."

Liu Jinglong's tone relaxed slightly, "I'll hang up now. I'll notify you as soon as there's news."

After the call ended, Jiang Haojie turned and walked toward the cafeteria.

He was originally going to eat with Su Qingxue and Qin Qinglan, but had been interrupted by a call and had to let the two girls wait for him at the cafeteria first.

Stepping into the cafeteria doors, Jiang Haojie saw a dense crowd gathered around the dining area, with arguments mixed into the clamor.

Amidst the chaotic noise, he clearly identified Su Qingxue and Qin Qinglan's voices.

His brow furrowed slightly, and before he could hear the reason, he heard someone in the crowd shout:

"Jiang Haojie is here!"

The originally airtight wall of people split open to reveal a gap.

Jiang Haojie walked expressionlessly through the narrow path that had been cleared and into the circle.

He saw Xu Qing leading a group of people, overbearingly surrounding Su Qingxue and Qin Qinglan.

The gazes coming from all around carried distinct hostility.

"What happened?"

Jiang Haojie's tone was calm.

Before Su Qingxue could speak, a youth with a face full of acne scars and protruding buckteeth stepped forward first: "Jiang Haojie, you've come at the right time! You killed Senior Lu Baichuan; you owe us an explanation!"

"Did I ask you?"

Jiang Haojie's gaze swept over, sharp as a blade.

The youth's Adam's apple bobbed as he subconsciously retreated two steps.

Qin Qinglan crossed her arms and tilted her chin toward Xu Qing: "We just arrived, and this woman brought people from Zhanwu Academy to block us, saying they want to seek justice for Lu Baichuan."

"Xu Qing,"

Jiang Haojie turned toward her, a cold light suddenly appearing in his eyes, "Do you really think I don't dare to touch you?"

Xu Qing's heart trembled under that gaze, but she still forced herself to hold her head high: "Who are you trying to scare? Jiang Haojie, you killed Lu Baichuan; this matter can't just be forgotten! You must give Zhanwu Academy an explanation!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding students from Zhanwu Academy chimed in:

"That's right! You must give an account!"

"Give us an explanation!"

Jiang Haojie only calmly countered: "Which school rule explicitly forbids casualties in a duel? Why would I need to give an explanation?"

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd, "Moreover, even the principal of Zhanwu Academy hasn't made a statement. What right do you have to demand an explanation?"

With those two sentences, the entire place instantly fell silent.

---

"Director Ma, something's happened! Our school's students have blocked Jiang Haojie and the others in the cafeteria!"

Ma Chenyu had just come out of that hidden side room in the stadium when a student rushed over to report.

"What?"

Ma Chenyu's brow furrowed tightly as he immediately hurried toward the cafeteria.

Nonsense, this is absolute nonsense! If these reckless students truly provoked Jiang Haojie, with their meager skills, how many of them could handle him? Ma Chenyu's face darkened—one wave had barely settled before another rose; they were nothing but trouble.

...

Inside the cafeteria, Jiang Haojie's gaze fell back onto Xu Qing's face.

"And you, Xu Qing.

As someone from Beihua University, who gave you the right to meddle in this?"

Xu Qing opened her mouth, but before she could speak, she was cut off by Jiang Haojie.

"You want an explanation?"

Jiang Haojie's gaze swept over the group of Zhanwu Academy students, his voice calm but carrying a bone-chilling coldness, "Fine.

Whoever has a question, come up to the arena with me and sign a life-and-death waiver—I will personally give him an explanation."

The crowd instantly went silent.

The students all lowered their gazes; no one dared to meet his eyes.

Lu Baichuan—that Fifth-Order Awakened—had died at this man's hands. If they truly stepped onto the arena, it would be no different from seeking death.

"What are you all gathered here for?"

A stern shout came from the entrance.

Ma Chenyu strode in, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone.

The students felt as if they had been granted a great amnesty and quickly dispersed.

Seeing that the situation hadn't spiraled out of control, Ma Chenyu's expression softened slightly as he nodded toward Jiang Haojie.

Xu Qing bit her lip and turned to leave.

"Xu Qing."

Jiang Haojie's voice rang out just as she was about to step out of the cafeteria.

Her footsteps halted, but she didn't turn around. "This is the second and final warning.

Don't provoke me again."

His tone had no ups or downs, yet every word was clear, "Otherwise, you will bear all the consequences yourself."

Xu Qing's shoulders trembled slightly, and her face was unsightly to the extreme as she finally hurried away without a word.

But a flame was burning in her heart: Jiang Haojie, just you wait.

One day, I will make you kneel at my feet.

In the afternoon, the stadium was once again filled with a sea of people.