Divine Talisman Grandmaster

C32 – I Have Made up My Mind!

Mi Hongbo’s words were tantamount to offering Lu Lixing a second chance to alter his destiny. Those who had failed the test gazed at Lu Lixing with eyes filled with envy, wishing for another shot themselves. Sadly, they lacked the necessary courage to go all in.

For them, life held more weight than the promise of a different future.

Zhang Tu’s brow creased in a mix of confusion and annoyance as he regarded Mi Hongbo. He couldn’t fathom why Mi Hongbo would concede to Lu Lixing, a mere pauper. The Zhang family could easily eliminate Lu Lixing; Mi Hongbo’s actions were only inflating Lu Lixing’s defiance.

“Calm down,” Zhang Maozhe counseled. “There’s a reason behind Mi Hongbo’s decision. Besides, even if Lu Lixing manages to pass this second test, what of it?” Zhang Maozhe wasn’t troubled by Mi Hongbo’s choice. He sensed that Zhang Tu’s mindset was being swayed by Lu Lixing, which could complicate Zhang Tu’s personal development. He intended to use Lu Lixing as a whetstone to sharpen Zhang Tu’s resolve.

Moreover, Zhang Maozhe didn’t believe that Lu Lixing was courting death. He suspected someone was mentoring Lu Lixing; otherwise, it was unlikely that Lu Lixing could have devised such a clever strategy on his own.

As everyone anticipated Lu Lixing to make the prudent decision, Wen Shi let out a soft sigh. He knew Lu Lixing better than most; Lu Lixing’s stubborn nature wouldn’t allow him to accept handouts.

If Lu Lixing had truly accepted the offer, he would cease to be the Lu Lixing they knew.

And indeed, as expectant eyes watched, Lu Lixing scoffed and declared with cool resolve, “My mind is set. I will ascend the Hidden Dragon Platform!” He sought to claim his desires through his own merit, not through the charity of others.

“I knew it would come to this,” Wen Shi murmured, his gaze heavy with complexity. In his forty-six years, he had encountered all manner of individuals, but Lu Lixing was an enigma like no other.

With Lu Lixing’s declaration, a hush fell over the field. Once again, Lu Lixing had defied expectations, choosing to forgo an incredible opportunity that had seemed within easy reach.

He’s set his sights on the Hidden Dragon Platform!

Amidst the crowd, Sha Zhenghao watched Lu Lixing’s slender figure with tears streaming down his face. That was his brother, standing tall and resolute!

On the stage, Mi Hongbo’s gaze was fixed intently on Lu Lixing. Confronted with Lu Lixing’s icy demeanor, he felt like a complete fool, utterly manipulated by him. Lu Lixing was the type who would rather die than retreat!

“Very well, I accept your challenge!”

With the situation as it was, Mi Hongbo had little else to say. If Lu Lixing was determined to take on the Hidden Dragon Platform, then he would facilitate it.

“I’ll report to the Six Great Academies by tomorrow and await their response. The timing for the challenge will be set once the Academies’ representatives have arrived. Until then, by the rules, Lu Lixing, you are not permitted to leave the school grounds. You must reside within the school.”

To ensure the smooth conduct of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform, the challenger was required to remain on school premises until the battle’s conclusion. This was to prevent any possibility of backing out or escaping, and it wasn’t a stipulation specifically targeting Lu Lixing.

During this time, Mi Hongbo wouldn’t just refrain from antagonizing Lu Lixing; he would actively ensure his safety. After all, if Lu Lixing were to die before the battle even began, Mi Hongbo would be at a loss for words.

“Agreed.”

Lu Lixing’s compliance indicated his familiarity with the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform’s regulations. Knowing that remaining on campus was part of the protocol, Mi Hongbo understood that Lu Lixing would have no objections.

Hearing Lu Lixing’s consent, Mi Hongbo inhaled deeply, quelling the rage within. He turned to Wen Shi, who stood nearby, and instructed, “As the senior year’s head teacher, you’ll oversee Lu Lixing. I’m at a loss as to how you manage your students on a regular basis.”

Mi Hongbo had no choice but to entrust Lu Lixing to Wen Shi’s supervision. Should anything befall Lu Lixing, the responsibility would fall on Wen Shi.

What Mi Hongbo failed to realize was that this was precisely the outcome Wen Shi had hoped for. Even if it hadn’t been suggested, Wen Shi would have found a pretext to volunteer himself for the task.

“I get it. I’ll keep a close watch on him during this time,” Wen Shi promised, his expression grave. His demeanor was perfectly normal, not raising any suspicions among the others.

Today’s grand assembly should have been Zhang Tu’s moment to shine, yet all eyes were on Lu Lixing. Despite Zhang Tu’s strength, he paled in comparison to Lu Lixing, who had the courage to ascend the Hidden Dragon Platform. To everyone, Lu Lixing seemed fearless.

Following the incident with Lu Lixing, the assembly couldn’t go on. Students scattered from the field, buzzing with talk about Lu Lixing and the Hidden Dragon Platform. Within a day, the news would blanket Skyhaven and ripple through the entire Federation. By then, Lu Lixing would be a bona fide celebrity.

Sadly, Lu Lixing’s days were numbered, as no one believed he would make it out of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform alive.

While most students left, Sha Xiufen and Sha Zhenghao lingered, each with much to say to Lu Lixing. However, it was clear that Lu Lixing was more preoccupied with Sha Zhenghao. Approaching him, Lu Lixing clapped Sha Zhenghao on the shoulder, smiling at the tear streaks on his friend’s face. “No tears now, I’m not gone yet. Just you wait—I’m about to hit the big time.”

Sha Zhenghao looked up, his expression tinged with sadness. “If you make it out alive, I swear, I’ll treat you to barbecue for life.”

“Deal,” Lu Lixing replied with a grin. “It’s a promise.”

After offering some words of comfort to Sha Zhenghao, Lu Lixing sent him on his way and turned to Sha Xiufen, who stood nearby. He arched an eyebrow and inquired, “Something on your mind?”

Sha Xiufen felt a pang in her heart at Lu Lixing’s aloofness. She bit her lip, gazing at him with a mix of concern and bewilderment. “Why are you so set on this path? You could have a much brighter future.”

“The school even agreed to give you a second shot at the qualification test. Why turn down that chance?”

Lu Lixing met Sha Xiufen’s gaze with a cool detachment and replied simply, “I have my reasons.”

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