Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 90: Epilogue

Xie Xilai smiled and said, "Us having a martial artist that has manifested Force before turning eighteen will be a testament to our university's prestige. With your careful guidance, she is bound to achieve remarkable things. We look forward to her representing Jiang Province University in competitions and bringing honor to our school."

University competitions included a wide range of events, with martial arts competitions being particularly significant. If Li Yunyao could become a level-two martial artist during her time here, it would significantly enhance Jiang Province University's reputation.

Li Pin nodded. "I will try my best. My only concern is that she might struggle with the academic subjects."

"That's not a major issue." Xie Xilai smiled. "Given her focus on martial arts practice, it's understandable if her academic performance suffers a bit."

"Thank you."

"Haha, I should be the one thanking you," Xie Xilai continued. "Master Li, you might not realize it, but you've gained considerable popularity on campus. Despite being the same age as our students, your performance in the Jiang Province Martial Competition has been exceptional.

"If this trend continues, not only will breaking into the top ten be achievable, but winning the championship might also be within reach. The students admire you greatly."

Li Pin believed what he said.

"Master Li, I have a request.... Would you consider taking on the role of Director of our Jiang Province University Martial Arts Academy?"

After a moment, Xie Xilai quickly added, "Of course, I understand that you may not have the time for the administrative tasks of the academy. so I can offer you the honorary title. You would be free to manage your schedule as you see fit and visit the academy to teach the students whenever you are available."

Upon hearing this, Li Pin immediately understood why Xie Xilai had agreed so readily. This was what he had been waiting for.

Xie Xilai looked at Li Pin with anticipation.

Compared to Hanyang University, Jiang Province University naturally held a higher status.

The previous academy director was an Aura Cultivation Grandmaster, but his role was largely ceremonial, and he rarely appeared even once a year. Moreover, he was advanced in age and lacked any real authority. The true backbone of the academy were the several Vice Directors at the Core Formation and Core Force realm.

Li Pin had not yet reached the Aura Cultivation realm, but he had defeated an Aura Cultivation Grandmaster before, so appointing him as the honorary director would surely gain unanimous approval.

Moreover, considering his impressive achievements at such a young age, there was a strong possibility that he could advance further and become a Martial Saint in the future. With a Martial Saint at its helm, the Martial Arts Academy could rival even the most prestigious institutions.

However, even after a long time of silence, Xie Xilai's invitation went unanswered, turning his initial hope into disappointment.

Fearing that his proposal to appoint Li Pin as Honorary Director might be seen as coercive, he quickly clarified, "Master Li, we have no intention of pressuring you in any way. If the situation is difficult for you, then—"

"I'll accept it."

"You'll accept it?" repeated Xie Xilai, taken aback.

He had almost lost hope just now.

"Master Li, you...."

"Yes, I accept your offer," Li Pin replied with a smile.

"Excellent! That's wonderful!" Xie Xilai exclaimed. "Please rest assured, Master Li. Jiang Province University will ensure you are not burdened with unnecessary troubles. You will receive all the necessary accommodations and assistance."

Thinking further, Xie Xilai's smile widened. "Of course, these arrangements might not fully meet your expectations."

"I find them quite satisfactory," Li Pin responded.

He planned to let Li Yunyao and Lin Xiaolu use the accommodation Jiang Province University provided.

With this arrangement settled, their interactions became much closer. Xie Xilai invited a few university leaders to join them and gave Li Pin a tour of Jiang Province University, displaying a leadership inspection style.

After all, anyone familiar with the martial arts community knew that Li Pin's future was bound to be extraordinarily bright.

***

While Li Pin was touring Jiang Province University, Lin Yuzhi was engaged in a video call from his office. On the other end of the line was none other than Gu Shaofeng from the Gu Family.

Gu Shaofeng wasn't the patriarch of the Gu Family, but he was responsible for the family's martial arts affairs. He was a grandmaster at the Internal Aura and Blood Renewal realm.

Though he had not been titled a Martial Saint, Lin Yuzhi dared not show any arrogance in his presence. Instead, he maintained a polite smile. "This is my mistake. I never expected such a dark horse to appear out of nowhere."

—Refining qi into Aura at twenty-two makes him exceptional even in the capital city. His appearance in Jiang Province is not your fault.

Gu Shaofeng paused briefly before continuing.

—But if Gu Haoran fails to secure first place in Jiang Province, our deal regarding Dragon Gate Hall will be null and void.

"This....

Lin Yuzhi considered suggesting an alternative solution. However, he recalled Li Pin's formidable performance as he killed Zhou Chaoguang and realized that eliminating Li Pin might require inviting experts in the Internal Aura and Blood Renewal realm. Figures like that were well-known and prominent in Jiang Province, and their involvement would easily attract attention and scrutiny.

Even Organs-Tempering Grandmasters might hesitate to confront Li Pin, risking exposure.

In the end, Lin Yuzhi reluctantly said, “I will think of another way.”

—We'll leave it at that for now.

After that, Gu Shaofeng ended the call.

As the screen went dark, Lin Yuzhi's expression grew increasingly grim

"Li Pin!"

It was important to note that Lin Yuzhi had personally arranged for Gu Haoran to come to Jiang Province. While the Gu family was not particularly influential in the martial arts world, their political connections were significant.

In particular, Gu Haoran's grandfather, the former patriarch of the Gu family, had personal ties with the current prince. These connections were far-reaching.

Lin Yuzhi had initially made a deal with the Gu Family. The deal between them was that he'd ensure that Gu Haoran would take first place in Jiang Province, securing him a spot in the national tournament. In return, the Gu Family would grant Lin Yuzhi entry into Dragon Gate Hall.

This would help Lin Yuzhi build a closer relationship with the Gu Family.

However, everything had unraveled because of Li Pin.

Li Pin's rising popularity after defeating Grandmaster Zhou Chaoguang meant that any attempt to target him now would likely provoke public outrage. With a natural rebel like Lian Hongchen secretly working against him, even Lin Yuzhi risked significant downfall.

"If Li Pin hadn't killed Grandmaster Zhou Chaoguang, I could have found a way to deal with him despite his growing fame. But now...."

The more Lin Yuzhi thought about it, the angrier he got. He immediately made a call to the Solar Vermillion Sect Sect Master.

When the call connected, he launched into a sharp rebuke, "Qiu Chufeng, what on earth are you doing? How could you, the Sect Master of the Solar Vermillion Sect, fail to deal with a mere Core Formation brat? And to make matters worse, you tipped him off and drew the attention of those hostile to us!"

It was very noisy on Qiu Chufeng's end, but he didn't dare to argue with Lin Yuzhi's accusations. He could only respond.

—Chairman Lin, this was a mistake on our part. We never anticipated that Li Pin would have already mastered Aura Force at such a young age. This is why Zhou Chaoguang was caught off guard and killed....

"And then? What are you planning to do about Li Pin?" Lin Yuzhi demanded coldly.

It was clear Lin Yuzhi was pushing the Solar Vermillion Sect to take drastic measures.

Qiu Chufeng understood the heavy price the Solar Vermillion Sect would have to pay if they took drastic measures. He hesitated and replied.

—We are still thinking of a solution....

"When will you come up with one?"

—Rest assured, Chairman Lin. Li Pin will certainly pay for what he's done.

Although Qiu Chufeng said this confidently, he avoided making any specific promises.

Lin Yuzhi knew Qiu Chufeng wasn't moved by his threats. He snorted and said, "It seems the Solar Vermillion Sect has faced too many setbacks in the capital city and lost its edge."

—Perhaps we could have Jiang Zhenhai, Gu Haoran, Zhou Yuanfei, and the others target him in the round-robin matches?

"Target him? How? What if some competitors decide to wait for both sides to weaken each other and then swoop in to take advantage? That would only make others benefit at our expense. And if things went south and none of them made it into the top three, we won't even qualify for the national competition!"

Growing impatient, Lin Yuzhi added, "We'll leave it at that."