Qian Jinyi couldn't possibly say that. He had only just claimed he wouldn't skip updates yesterday. Today, he nearly collapsed after rushing hundreds of kilometers back home, finally managing to upload the novel before collapsing into rest. Headache. A severe headache. Invitations and assessments yield vastly different treatment at any academy. Students who accept invitations receive the best provisions, use the finest equipment, and are prioritized for resources. They are even assigned the best tutors—sometimes as few as one tutor for several students. In contrast, students undergoing assessment, barring a select few with top performance records, receive only the academy’s standard provisions, perhaps sharing one tutor among dozens. One-on-one guidance versus guidance for dozens. The difference in outcome is absolute.

“You turned them down? And you’re still going on Yongliu’s conquest?” Qian Jinyi circled Biluo, scrutinizing her. “If the Royal War Academy invited you, their terms must have been quite good.” Biluo gently rubbed the hem of her magic robe, betraying her inner anxiety. “I… I truly don’t know how I became that strong. I keep feeling like it wasn't me. If I go to the Royal War Academy looking like I am now, Qian Jinyi slapped his forehead—he had been careless. Biluo had no knowledge of Huang Quan, and at the Royal War Academy, Huang Quan would also refrain from taking full control of the body for his sister's sake, only appearing when Biluo was unconscious or asleep. In that scenario, Biluo arriving at the Royal War Academy with her current strength would genuinely lead to nothing but ridicule.

“Then, how did Yongliu’s conquest react to your decision?” “The terms they offered me were that they would satisfy any request I had.” Biluo meekly lowered her head even further, feeling her current strength utterly inadequate for the conditions the Conquest Academy had extended. “That’s quite something.” Qian Jinyi extended his open palm. “In that case, it seems we will be classmates.” Biluo reached out, her touch light as a cat’s step, lightly resting it on Qian Jinyi’s palm before quickly retracting it into the voluminous sleeves of her magic robe, her head bowed so low it nearly touched her chest. “Aren’t you going to see the teacher?” “Now that you mention it, I suppose I should pay a visit.” Qian Jinyi sighed. “The teacher had high hopes for me…” Alas, for now, I need Er'er and the others to look after things here; I’ll be right back.”

Leaving the Luo family residence, Qian Jinyi mounted his horse, reflecting on everything since arriving in Oakland. He felt he owed the most to Teacher Rodriguez. During the first academic year, Rodriguez had cared for him immensely, repeatedly quarreling with the department head to secure his entry into the Spirit Cultivation Array and finally fighting for him to have a second trial opportunity. Yet, due to the assassination mission against the Demon Race, he missed the final assessment, failing to fulfill Teacher Rodriguez’s greatest wish.

Passing through the academy gates, he walked straight to the Principal's office. He pushed open the slightly ajar wooden door and saw Teacher Rodriguez hunched over, filling out paperwork. Though they had been apart for only a short time, fatigue and even aging were visible on his face. While other teachers merely coasted by, his persistent effort to see the academy rise to glory weighed heavily upon him.

“Teacher—” Qian Jinyi slipped quietly into the room. Rodriguez looked up, vigorously rubbing his eyes, and then suddenly his expression turned ecstatic. He stood up, vaulted over his desk, grabbed Qian Jinyi by the shoulders, “Kid, you aren’t dead?” “Yes, I was fortunate enough to survive.” Qian Jinyi spoke quietly, “Teacher, I’m sorry. I missed the assessment and couldn’t help you.” Rodriguez froze, his eyes, usually smiling, now filled with tears. “It’s alright, it’s alright. Just having you back is enough; nothing else matters, nothing else.” Qian Jinyi helped Rodriguez sit down, overwhelmed with emotion. This was Rodriguez! A teacher truly supported by every student in the school, his primary concern always being the safety of his students—a teacher who genuinely cared for them.

“Teacher, I am truly sorry,” Qian Jinyi sighed. “If I had been there, I should have secured a good ranking for the academy.” “It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter; some things are fate! Fortunately, Biluo suddenly became so powerful for some reason; the academy still received a good amount of financial backing.” Rodriguez patted Qian Jinyi’s hand. “It’s you I worry about now. Without the assessment, how will you enter the War Academy? Your talent is excellent; you should become a great warrior in the future. You absolutely cannot ruin your prospects because you missed the assessment. Let me think… let me think.” Rodriguez gently tapped his temples, his face deep in thought, repeatedly muttering, “Let me think, let me think if I can pull strings to get to the Torrent Fortress and secure an introduction letter for you, even as a transfer student. Your future must not be stalled! If we truly cannot get one, you can stay at the academy for another year; I’ll waive all your tuition fees!” “Teacher, you really don’t need to go to such trouble,” Qian Jinyi patted Rodriguez’s hand back. “I can get the introduction letter for the Torrent Fortress.” “Really?” Rodriguez smiled. “That’s right. You know Lord Fabredis. He can help! You need to speak to him properly! If that fails, I’ll go with you to plead for a letter.” “I truly don’t need to,” Qian Jinyi looked at the few streaks of white hair on Rodriguez’s forehead—a man in his early thirties already sporting gray hair, which hadn't been there before his last trip to the Earth Fortress. “Teacher, I am truly sorry I missed the assessment, but I promise you, wherever I go in the future, I will tell everyone that I am a student of Oakland Academy.” “Mm-hmm,” Rodriguez nodded repeatedly. “That’s not urgent. You can get help from Lord Fabredis, right? Lu—” “Yes, definitely.” Qian Jinyi looked at Rodriguez’s concerned expression, and for a moment, his vision blurred; his father’s face seemed to overlap with this mentor’s. Though their appearances were different, the concern in their eyes was unmistakable. “Teacher, I failed to fulfill your wish last time. Here, I want to ask you: do you have any other wishes? I will certainly fulfill them.” “Wishes?” He chuckled. Fabredis looked up at the ceiling. “My wish hasn’t changed; I hope the Oakland Academy can become even more renowned. If a student from Oakland Academy could participate in the True Policy Dynasty’s Newcomer King Tournament and secure a good ranking, then tell everyone: I! Am a student of Oakland Academy. How wonderful would that be?”

The True Policy Newcomer King Tournament? The competition open to any student from a higher academy, or even non-academy warriors, provided they hadn't competed before? The Newcomer King Tournament, hailed as the stage for Bloodline Warriors? “Teacher, I will participate in that tournament,” Qian Jinyi nodded slightly. “At that time, I will invite you to attend and cheer for me. I will seize the title of Newcomer King. Through that competition, I will tell every warrior in the True Policy Dynasty that I, Qian Jinyi, am a student of Oakland Academy, a student of Teacher Rodriguez!” “Good, good,” Rodriguez nodded repeatedly. “Although the treatment for transfer students isn't ideal, and although you missed two years of coursework, if you work hard, with your talent, you should have a chance to qualify for registration.” Qian Jinyi slowly stood up and stepped back two paces. The aura from his one hundred and eight Spirit Apertures suddenly erupted, unleashing the fighting spirit of the Demon Subduing Battle Stance, causing the floorboards of the room to tremble slightly.

“Demon Subduing Battle Stance!” Qian Jinyi bent over and bowed. “Teacher, I recently broke through the Demon Subduing Nine Battles realm of a Demon Subduing Warrior; I am now at Demon Subduing Battle Stance One. I will certainly not just gain the eligibility to register; I will ensure you sit in the final arena of the Newcomer King Tournament, watching your student win you the Newcomer King title.” Demon Subduing Battle Stance One? Rodriguez stared blankly at Qian Jinyi. A warrior stronger than a Demon Subduing Warrior? Had this student of his become this powerful? Perhaps even the City Lord wasn't his match! If he was this strong— “Good,” Rodriguez kept nodding. “Qian Jinyi, I will definitely come to watch your performance at the Newcomer King Tournament. I am waiting for you to shout that line, ‘I am Qian Jinyi of Oakland Academy!’ Win against those Bloodline Warriors and fight for some honor for us ordinary warriors! Tell the citizens of the True Policy Dynasty that those guarding the dynasty are not only the high and mighty Bloodline Warriors; there are countless ordinary warriors on the Human-Demon Battlefield who make silent sacrifices with their blood and lives for the stability of the True Policy Dynasty.” “Teacher, you seem to dislike Bloodline Warriors very much.” “Of course, I dislike them.” Rodriguez’s expression held a trace of indignation. “When you go to the higher War Academies, you will see firsthand the attitude Bloodline Warriors have toward ordinary warriors, and then you’ll understand why I dislike them!” Rodriguez sighed. “Since you are also going to the Torrent Fortress for an introduction letter, you must be heading to the Conquest Academy. Dak entered the Conquest Academy barely scraping by; take care of him if you see him there.” “I will.”

“Principal, the warrior tools you ordered have arrived,” a middle-aged warrior rushed in, speaking anxiously. “But the Merchants Guild says due to transportation, they require an additional ten percent fee. You know our budget constraints.” “Ten percent more? Are they insane?” Rodriguez shot up, then quickly turned back to Qian Jinyi. “Qian Jinyi, you should go back first. I have some matters to sort out.” “Going to the Merchants Guild?” Qian Jinyi pushed himself up, hands gripping the chair arms. “What a coincidence. I also have business at the Merchants Guild. Teacher, let’s meet at the Guild.” Rodriguez looked at Qian Jinyi’s retreating back in confusion. He was going to the Merchants Guild too? What for? Never mind! He needed to solve the current problem first—ten percent was too much! It would delay the construction of many other facilities.

The two luxuriously decorated carriages at the Luo residence gate had already vanished, leaving only Fabredis’s personal carriage. Two sturdy steeds lowered their heads, feeding on the fodder prepared for them in the vehicle. “So fast?” Qian Jinyi was curious. How had the City Guardian managed the body disposal? Judging by his confidence earlier, he shouldn't have worried about any issues; how did he resolve it so quickly? “Fast? I am surprised too,” Fabredis sat in the main seat of the hall, sipping tea. “After watching me handle a corpse once, that kid learned immediately, like a seasoned veteran who’s done it a thousand times. I even asked him if it was his first time, and he said yes. Some people truly have a knack for corpse disposal.” Cheek Fleetwood rarely smiled, but the triumphant expression on his handsome face—a face so fair it would shame women—combined with the triumph of disposing of a body, added a layer of delicate beauty. Qian Jinyi felt a slight tremor; this was too unnervingly perfect. If he pretended to be a woman, he could probably enchant legions of men! What woman would have the courage to marry a man who was more beautiful than she was? “This kid really has the talent of an assassin,” Fabredis took a sip of tea. “When leaving the city gates, he even invited Zhang Mu into the carriage to kill and eliminate everyone involved in the ancient inscription incident.” “You killed Zhang Mu?” Qian Jinyi glared at Cheek Fleetwood; that was far too bold! Taking away a City Guard General in front of so many guards. “It’s nothing,” Fabredis waved his hand. “He is related by marriage to Li Juntu; it’s likely he was involved anyway. This way is safer. As for when the City Guard comes looking for us, we just say the General felt like taking a walk outside the city walls and left on his own. Who would dare come looking for me then?” Qian Jinyi conceded the point. The City Lord was the only person in Oakland whose status was slightly higher than Fabredis’, but if they truly provoked this near-Saint expert, the City Lord probably wouldn’t see tomorrow’s sunrise. Everyone knew clearly what had happened regarding Li Juntu’s excessive behavior; no one would genuinely pursue the matter, and even if they did, there would be no witnesses or evidence. Fabredis set down his teacup. “Shall we go to my place now?” “Not yet.” Qian Jinyi walked straight up to Luo Qingqing. “Take Li Juntu’s documents, and let’s go take over the Merchants Guild first.” “The Merchants Guild?” Luo Qingqing shrank back, looking up at Qian Jinyi, her small hands tightly clutching the corners of her clothes as she stood up. “They… they never listen to me.” “Is that so?” Qian Jinyi smiled wryly. Having such a beautiful, young, and lovely girl as Vice President held little deterrent power over merchants who had been navigating the commercial world for years. But that was fine. Qian Jinyi smiled; since he was back today, he needed to set everything straight, lest Luo Qingqing’s absence while traveling to Yongliu meant the Luo family’s immovable assets here were slowly eroded by those people’s schemes. The two walked side-by-side out of the courtyard. Qian Jinyi helped Luo Qingqing into Fabredis’s carriage, taking the reins himself. He snapped the whip, and the wooden wheels hit the ground with crisp deng deng deng sounds.

The clubhouses of the Merchants Guild varied in every city. However, the distinctive marker—carved stone covered in glittering gold paint, forming a massive golden brick symbol—was common to every city’s Guild. Legend held that the main Guildhall in the Sacred City of the Divine Capital displayed an actual, massive gold brick at its entrance! In any city, seeing the giant golden brick symbol meant you had arrived at the local Merchants Guildhall. The carriage slowly stopped before the Guild entrance. Even from outside the open doorway, the furious roar of Principal Rodriguez could be heard: “This is extortion! I will write a letter to the Merchants Guild headquarters to report you!” “Principal Rodriguez, this is the agreement you signed with our former President Li. See this clause: if the goods suffer any accidental loss in transit, the difference in price shall be borne by the school.” “What former President Li? From this moment forward, the President of the Oakland Merchants Guild answers to the name Luo!”

The commanding, dominant, and resonant voice echoed in every corner of the hall. Both arguing parties looked up curiously towards the entrance, wondering who dared to cause such a disturbance. The hall, slightly dim, created a sharp contrast with the light at the entrance, making it impossible to clearly make out the figures entering—only two dark silhouettes, one male and one female, standing in the light. Clack… Clack… The quiet hall was punctuated by the crisp sound of their shoes striking the stone floor, echoing in everyone’s hearts. Qian Jinyi! It was Qian Jinyi! The one who had caused President Li Juntu to lose face at Luo Lin’s funeral! Rumor had it that he had personally slain several powerful warriors during his duel with the Kai family. Instantly, the atmosphere in the hall, which had been lively and heated, dropped several degrees. All the Guild members stared at Qian Jinyi in confusion, trying to decipher the meaning of his statement.

“Your President Li visited my home today,” Qian Jinyi spoke slowly, sweeping his gaze over every Guild member present. Every person he met their eyes with instinctively looked away. Li Juntu’s recent activities were known to almost everyone present, but since Li Juntu had promised to share all of the Luo family's commercial channels, no one had bothered to intervene. “I am truly surprised he came to find me,” Qian Jinyi reached out, took the documents from Luo Qingqing, and slapped them onto the thick wooden table with a thwack, causing the entire table to jump high into the air and jarring everyone’s hearts. A Demon Subduing Warrior! In Oakland, only the City Guardian and the City Lord could possibly deal with him, but the City Lord seemed unwilling to intervene… As for the City Guardian? The merchants held no hope. When they glanced toward the doorway, they finally discerned the arrivals, and they also saw the carriage parked outside—it was the City Guardian’s carriage. Anyone who could borrow the City Guardian’s carriage—hoping Fabredis would intervene—was simply foolish.

“I truly didn’t expect that Li Juntu was already weary of continuing in commerce and no longer wished to be the President of the Merchants Guild,” Qian Jinyi tapped his finger lightly on the documents lying on the table. “Gentlemen, this is a document personally written by Li Juntu. I believe you can all recognize his handwriting. He is resigning the position of Guild President to Vice President Miss Luo Qingqing.” “How is that possible?” Several merchants rushed to the table, scrutinizing the words on the document closely. “If President Li resigns, then where is President Li now?”