Compensation

Compensation

"Excuse me, is the examination in Test Room Four really over?"

"It's over," the security guard at the entrance said.

Zhang Xinglie was puzzled. He took out his phone and called Zhou Leng.

The call wouldn't go through, which meant Zhou Leng was still inside the examination room. Phones weren't allowed in there, and the signal was blocked.

Zhang Xinglie remained where he was and continued waiting.

"Senior Disciple, waiting for someone?"

"Mm."

"Then I'll be off. See you at the Commendation Conference."

After waiting for a while, Zhang Xinglie took out his phone and began playing with it.

"Zhang Xinglie."

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhang Xinglie looked up and said with a smile, "Principal Lu, what brings you here?"

Principal Lu and Sun Xiong walked over.

Principal Lu glanced around and said, "Zhou Leng may have scored too well and been detained for a retest. I came to see what's going on. No one from Eighth Middle School can let outsiders bully them."

Zhang Xinglie's expression turned cold. "I'm waiting for Zhou Leng anyway. Wherever you go, I'll go too."

Principal Lu said, "We can't barge in either. We only know Zhou Leng is in Test Room Four, so all we can do is wait here. Let's wait until he comes out."

"All right." Zhang Xinglie nodded and frowned as he looked toward the passage leading to Test Room Four.

"How did you do?"

"About as expected. My Bubble Basketball score was a little poor, though..."

"Hey, no one can be perfect at everything. You're already more than good enough..."

The three of them chatted for a while before suddenly stopping in unison and looking toward the passage.

A group of people approached. There were examiners wearing suits and Martial Guards in camouflage uniforms.

Zhou Leng, wearing the uniform of Eighth Middle School, stood out sharply.

"Zhou Leng!" Zhang Xinglie shouted.

Seeing Zhang Xinglie outside, Zhou Leng nodded.

"Oh, you're very familiar with Zhang Xinglie?" Lu Qiming looked ahead.

Zhang Xinglie was somewhat famous in the Education Bureau. After all, there were only a handful of people in the entire city who excelled in both literary and martial studies, and he was being fought over by Cloud Splendor and Golden Capital's two Martial Arts Universities.

"We grew up together," Zhou Leng said.

Lu Qiming smiled. "No wonder you achieved such good results. Looks like you brought out the best in each other. Student Zhou Leng, I'm truly sorry for holding you up so long."

"You were only carrying out official business. It's nothing," Zhou Leng said.

Lu Qiming glanced at Principal Lu in the distance. The old principal had a blunt temper and had taught many excellent students. His connections reached all the way to Capital Xiongcheng, and his influence was far beyond that of an ordinary principal.

Zhou Leng walked out of the passage, and Principal Lu glanced around once more before walking up to Lu Qiming.

Principal Lu wore a smile, his eyes fixed straight on Lu Qiming.

"Director Lu, why did you order a reexamination of our student Zhou Leng from Eighth Middle School?"

Lu Qiming's face was wreathed in smiles. "Principal Lu, let me congratulate you. Eighth Middle School has not only produced the great genius Zhang Xinglie, but we've also discovered the little genius Zhou Leng. Although his final ranking isn't certain yet, he can definitely break into the top twenty thousand and shatter Ru City's historical record."

"What?" Principal Lu slowly turned his head toward Zhou Leng.

Sun Xiong, the internal energy teacher, was stunned as well. He knew Zhou Leng's Martial Arts Examination results would certainly be good, but he had never imagined Zhou Leng could break into the top twenty thousand.

That meant Zhou Leng's pure martial examination score could rank among the top thousand in the entire city, or even higher.

"Well done, Zhou Leng!" Zhang Xinglie laughed heartily.

Principal Lu coughed lightly, quickly reined in his smile, and looked straight at Lu Qiming.

"In other words, the reexamination proved that Student Zhou Leng has no problems whatsoever?"

Lu Qiming smiled. "Of course. His result was fully deserved."

Principal Lu's expression darkened. "Zhou Leng was originally a top student we deliberately hid, our trump card for securing a spot at a Martial Arts University. Yet you conducted a reexamination on a whim without any conclusive evidence. As the principal of Eighth Middle School, I hereby lodge a serious protest! I'm taking this matter to the Ministry of Education."

The examiners froze. Then some of the older examiners began to look thoughtful.

Lu Qiming remained unhurried. He looked seriously at Principal Lu, then stepped forward with a genial smile and bent slightly at the waist.

"Principal Lu, Teacher Lu, I sincerely admit my mistake. I truly misjudged this matter. You may hit me or scold me—I won't utter a word of protest."

Principal Lu gave a cold snort and slowly raised his right hand, spreading his fingers.

"Let's speak plainly. You owe Zhou Leng compensation for his emotional distress—fifty Qi Nourishing Pills."

Everyone froze. Lu Qiming was both amused and exasperated. "Principal Lu, you can't make such a ridiculous demand. My entire annual salary wouldn't cover that. How about taking a little less—two pills?"

"Trying to fob me off like a beggar? Twenty pills."

The examiners smiled, now fully understanding Principal Lu's intentions.

Zhang Xinglie immediately put on a solemn expression. "I also think the Ru City Education Bureau has gone too far. Once I reach Capital Xiongcheng and meet Uncle Chen from the Yunhua Admissions Office, I'll tell him all about this."

Lu Qiming felt as though he had two heads and four arms. Principal Lu knew where to draw the line, but a hotheaded kid like Zhang Xinglie might not.

A genius like Zhang Xinglie had already been contacted in advance by Cloud Splendor or Golden Capital. They had made prior arrangements and had even offered a Large Amount Of scholarships and promises.

If Zhang Xinglie really spread those words to Yunhua Martial University and they eventually made their way back to Ru City, the Education Bureau would be far too passive.

Lu Qiming said helplessly, "Five pills. I only have five Pill Vouchers left for Qi Nourishing Pills."

Principal Lu said, "Eight pills. No bargaining."

"Seven pills. I'll pay right now."

"Deal."

Lu Qiming reached into his briefcase, took out seven Pill Vouchers for Qi Nourishing Pills, stuffed them into Zhou Leng's hands, and turned to leave.

The examiners followed him away.

Wang Boxiong glanced at Zhou Leng, then led his people into the distance.

Zhou Leng looked at Principal Lu. "Thank you, Principal Lu."

"What are you thanking me for? You're Very Likely to be the champion in terms of improvement, sharing the honor of being Eighth Middle School's pride with Zhang Xinglie! Don't be late for the Commendation Conference on the day school begins."

Happiness had arrived too suddenly, and Zhou Leng didn't know what to say for a moment.

Principal Lu pondered. "You need pills to cultivate right now. Hmm... don't wait for the Commendation Conference. Once the results are released, go straight to the principal's office to collect your pills when you submit your preferences."

"The ink isn't even dry yet," Zhou Leng said, keeping a clear head.

Principal Lu gave him a few more instructions, then left with Sun Xiong.

Zhou Leng glanced at the car in the distance. "Do we still need to go to the Martial Arts Mall?"

"Food comes first." Zhang Xinglie rubbed his stomach and set off at a brisk pace.

After getting into the car, the four of them found a restaurant, and the driver left.

After eating, the four of them chatted as they walked home.

The two adults walked in front, while the two youths followed behind.

Zhou Leng and Zhang Xinglie exchanged insights into the Martial Path all the way, occasionally extending their hands to make a few simple motions.

After entering the residential compound, the four of them stopped at the entrance to Zhou Leng's building.

Zhang Meiqin sighed softly. "Xiaolie is going to Xiong City in a few days to participate in Yunhua's genius Training Camp, then enroll directly afterward. He may not be able to return until the New Year."

Zhou Leng looked at Zhang Xinglie. "The next time I see you, you'll probably have entered the Innate Realm."

"Not necessarily. It'll still be a little difficult within half a year." Zhang Xinglie said it half-jokingly.

Zhou Leng shook his head. That fellow was always so confident.

Li Linhan said, "Xiong City is a deep pool, nothing like Ru City. At Yunhua University, you must keep yourself safe and never offend anyone."

"Don't worry, Uncle Li. We won't cause trouble, but we're not afraid of it either."

"In the capital, you have to learn to be afraid. Dragons and crouching tigers are hidden everywhere there. You've Heard Of Li Shenkong, right?"

Zhang Xinglie reined in his smile. "Uncle Chen from the Yunhua Admissions Office mentioned him. He's in the same cohort as me and also applied to Yunhua. He's said to possess the greatest talent since the birth of the Martial Path Civilization, and is hailed as a Martial Myth."

"Good that you know," Li Linhan said.

Zhang Xinglie looked at Zhou Leng. "Don't always cultivate alone. If you encounter any problems in the Martial Path, ask Uncle Li if they're nearby, and ask me if they're far away. The educational resources at Yunhua University are far beyond what you can imagine. Discussing things with you won't count as breaking any rules."

"Thank you," Zhou Leng said.

"Which university are you planning to apply to? Judging by what that deputy director said, your results should qualify you for West Sea Martial University's supplementary admission. West Sea Martial University ranks first in Ru City and tenth among the nation's Martial Arts Universities—a genuine member of the Top Ten Martial Arts Universities. If you give it a shot, you have no problem at all." Zhang Xinglie said.

Zhou Leng frowned. "West Sea Martial University is a prestigious school. If I participate in supplementary admission, I'll be competing with examinees from all over the country, so my odds are very low. Ru City Martial University is different. It isn't famous nationwide, so supplementary admission would be easier. Besides, I've liked Ru City Martial University since I was little."

Zhou Leng did not mention the other reason: Ru City Martial University was close to Xiaoru Village.

Supplementary admission was a measure the country had implemented to avoid overlooking special martial talents. A portion of places was reserved to allow such talents to take a second examination.

The scope of recommended and specially recruited students was very broad, while supplementary admission students were targeted specifically at martial talents.

Zhang Meiqin said, "Xiaoleng, you're still young. One is among the nation's top ten, and the other is among the top hundred. Even an old aunt like me knows that a single word can mean a world of difference. For the sake of your future, you should still give it a shot. You're only one step away. It would be too regrettable to Retreat."

The three of them looked at Zhou Leng.

Zhou Leng remained silent for a long time.

Zhang Xinglie smiled. "You always seem not to compete or fight for anything, but you're exceptionally stubborn at heart. This kind of thing can't be forced. If you want to fight your way upward, West Sea Martial University is the best choice. If you want to choose what you like, I think Ru City Martial University is pretty good too."

"Don't be too optimistic. Maybe my results won't be enough for supplementary admission. When that happens, I'll go straight to the Ru Da Affiliated Martial Arts Hall. Actually, I'd rather go to a martial arts hall."

The three of them looked at one another, not knowing what to say for a moment.

After all, in everyone's view, a Martial Arts University was the best choice, followed by a Military Academy, with an affiliated martial arts hall coming last.

Li Linhan said, "Actually, an affiliated martial arts hall is quite good too. It specializes in the Martial Path and is now under the Martial Guard Department's jurisdiction, making it a smaller version of a Military Academy. Over the past two years, the Martial Guard Department has been recruiting people directly from affiliated martial arts halls. The work is stable, the income is above average, and it isn't as dangerous as being stationed in Demon City."

"You can become a Martial Guard directly? That's not bad." Zhang Meiqin agreed.

The four of them chatted for a while before Zhou Leng and Li Linhan went upstairs.

When they reached the seventh floor, Li Linhan said, "Come inside for a while. Let's discuss your direction from here on."

"Mm. I also wanted to ask you to be my Staff Officer."

After entering Li Linhan's home, Zhou Leng brewed some tea and sat on the sofa.

"You were still young before, so we only had a simple discussion. Now that the college entrance examination is over, you need to make a careful choice about your life. This Matter is extremely important."

"I understand."

"Tell me your thoughts."

Zhou Leng was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Becoming a marquis is Non-Self; I only wish for the sea's waves to be calm."

"Are you certain you'll only pursue the Martial Path?"

"Only the Martial Path."

"Good. In that case, there isn't much difference between a Martial Arts University and an affiliated martial arts hall."

"I Heard Of affiliated martial arts halls use day attendance, and only have classes for half a day?" Zhou Leng asked.

"Yes. Unless there are special circumstances, they generally only hold classes in the morning, and they only teach the Martial Path. But don't forget, martial artists can't just study the Martial Path. They also need to learn other languages. They have to study relevant knowledge as well, or if they go to Demon City or another world, they won't be able to accomplish anything."

"I'm doing all right in languages. I can barely communicate in Demon Spirit Language, Dwarf Language, and Treant Language, and I understand a little Demon Language too. In the future, I'll earn money to buy a high-level Demonic Computer. They all come with translation functions."

"You've heard of Martial Arts Research, right?"