Compensation

"Excuse me, has Exam Room Four really finished?"

"It has indeed finished." The security guard at the entrance replied.

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

The call would not go through, which meant Zhou Leng was still inside the exam room. Phones were prohibited inside, and the signal was blocked.

Zhang Xinglie remained where he was and continued waiting.

"Senior Brother, waiting for someone?"

"Yeah."

"Then I'll get going first. See you at the commendation ceremony."

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

"Zhang Xinglie."

Hearing a familiar voice, Zhang Xinglie looked up and smiled. "Principal Lu, why are you here?"

Principal Lu and Sun Xiong walked over.

Principal Lu looked around and said, "Zhou Leng's results may have been too good, so they kept him back for a retest. I came to see what's going on. We can't let outsiders bully people from No. 8 High School."

Zhang Xinglie's expression turned cold. "I'm waiting for Zhou Leng right here. Wherever you're going, I'm going too."

Principal Lu said, "We can't barge in recklessly either. We only know Zhou Leng is in Exam Room Four, so all we can do is wait here. Let's wait for him to come out first."

"Alright." Zhang Xinglie nodded and frowned toward Corridor Four.

"How did you do?"

"I performed normally. It's just that my Bubble Basketball score was a little poor..."

"Hey, how can anyone be perfect at everything? You're already outstanding enough..."

As the three chatted, they suddenly fell silent in unison and looked toward the corridor.

A group of people approached. Some were Examiners in suits, while others were Martial Guards in camouflage uniforms.

Zhou Leng, dressed in the No. 8 High School uniform, stood out especially sharply.

"Zhou Leng!" Zhang Xinglie shouted.

Seeing Zhang Xinglie outside, Zhou Leng nodded.

"Oh, you and Zhang Xinglie are close?" Lu Qiming looked ahead.

Zhang Xinglie was already somewhat famous within the Education Bureau. After all, there were only a handful of people in the city accomplished in both academics and martial arts, and he was being fought over by both Yunhua Martial University and Jinjing Martial University.

"We grew up together," Zhou Leng said.

Lu Qiming smiled. "No wonder you achieved such excellent results. It seems you pushed each other forward. Student Zhou Leng, I'm truly sorry for keeping you so long."

"You were simply handling official business according to procedure. It's nothing," Zhou Leng said.

Lu Qiming glanced at Principal Lu in the distance. This old principal had a straightforward temper, had taught many excellent students, and possessed connections reaching directly into the capital, Xiong City. His influence was far beyond that of an ordinary principal.

Zhou Leng walked out of the corridor. Principal Lu looked around once more, then walked up to Lu Qiming.

Principal Lu wore a smile, but his eyes stared straight at Lu Qiming.

"Director Lu, why did you reexamine our No. 8 High School student, Zhou Leng?"

Lu Qiming's face was piled high with smiles. "Principal Lu, I must congratulate you. Not only has No. 8 High School produced a great genius like Zhang Xinglie, we also discovered a little genius in Zhou Leng. Although his final ranking has yet to be determined, he will definitely charge into the top twenty thousand and break Ru City's historical record."

"Huh?" Principal Lu slowly turned to look at Zhou Leng.

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

That meant Zhou Leng's pure Martial Examination results could rank within the top thousand in the city, perhaps even higher.

"You've got it in you, Zhou Leng!" Zhang Xinglie laughed loudly.

Principal Lu gave a light cough, swiftly restrained his smile, and looked directly at Lu Qiming.

"So, the reexamination proved that Student Zhou Leng has no problems whatsoever?"

Lu Qiming smiled. "Of course. He deserves the honor."

Principal Lu's expression sank. "Zhou Leng was originally an outstanding student No. 8 High School deliberately kept hidden, our trump card for securing Martial University placements. Yet you casually reexamined him without conclusive evidence. As the principal of No. 8 High School, I lodge a solemn protest! I will file a complaint with the Ministry of Education over this matter."

The Examiners froze. Then several older Examiners seemed to understand.

Lu Qiming remained unhurried. He gave Principal Lu a serious look, then stepped forward with a genial smile and bowed slightly.

"Principal Lu, Teacher Lu, I sincerely admit my mistake to you. I truly misjudged this matter. You may hit or scold me as you please; I will not utter a single word of objection."

Principal Lu snorted coldly and slowly raised his right hand, spreading his fingers apart.

"A wise man does not speak in riddles. You must compensate Zhou Leng for his emotional distress—fifty Qi-Nourishing Pills."

Everyone froze. Lu Qiming did not know whether to laugh or cry. "Principal Lu, you can't open your mouth like a lion. Even my annual salary wouldn't cover that. How about you take less? Two pills?"

"Are you dismissing a beggar? Twenty pills."

The Examiners smiled, completely understanding Principal Lu's intention.

Zhang Xinglie immediately said sternly, "I also think the Ru City Education Bureau went too far. Once I get to the capital, Xiong City, I'll tell Uncle Chen from Yunhua's admissions office all about this."

Lu Qiming felt like one head had turned into two. Principal Lu knew where to draw the line, but a hotheaded youngster like Zhang Xinglie might not.

For a genius like Zhang Xinglie, Yunhua or Jinjing had already sent people to contact him in advance, reached preliminary agreements with him, and even offered substantial scholarships and promises.

If Zhang Xinglie really carried such words to Yunhua Martial University, and they then spread back to Ru City, Lu Qiming would be in an extremely passive position.

Lu Qiming said helplessly, "Five, then. I only have five Qi-Nourishing Pill vouchers left on me."

"Eight. No bargaining."

"Seven. I'll pay right now."

"Deal."

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

The Examiners followed him away.

Wang Boxiong glanced at Zhou Leng and led his people off into the distance.

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

"What are you thanking me for? You may very well be the improvement champion, standing alongside Zhang Xinglie as No. 8 High School's pride! Don't be late for the opening commendation ceremony."

Happiness had come too suddenly, and Zhou Leng did not know what to say for a moment.

Principal Lu pondered for a moment. "You need medicinal pills for cultivation right now. Hmm... there's no need to wait for the commendation ceremony. Once the results are released, when you fill out your applications, come directly to the principal's office to collect the pills."

"The eight-character phrase hasn't even got its first stroke yet." Zhou Leng kept a clear head.

After giving a few more instructions, Principal Lu left with Sun Xiong.

Zhou Leng looked at the car in the distance. "Are we still going to the Martial Dao Mall?"

"Eating comes first." Zhang Xinglie rubbed his stomach and strode off.

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

After eating, the four chatted as they walked home.

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

Zhou Leng and Zhang Xinglie discussed their insights into Martial Dao all the way, occasionally reaching out to make a few simple gestures.

After entering the residential complex, the four stopped at the entrance to Zhou Leng's apartment building.

Zhang Meiqin sighed softly. "Xinglie will be going to Xiong City in a few days to attend Yunhua's Genius Training Camp, then enroll directly. He may not return until the New Year."

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

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

Zhou Leng shook his head. This guy was always so confident.

Li Linhan said, "The waters of Xiong City run deep. It is nothing like Ru City. At Yunhua University, you must be wise enough to preserve yourself. Never offend anyone."

"Don't worry, Uncle Li. We won't provoke trouble, but we aren't afraid of it either."

"In the capital, you must learn to be afraid. Hidden dragons and crouching tigers are everywhere there. Have you heard of Li Shenkong?"

Zhang Xinglie's smile faded. "Uncle Chen from Yunhua's admissions office mentioned him. He's in the same cohort as me and has also applied to Yunhua. They say that since the dawn of Martial Civilization, his talent is number one. He can be called a Martial Dao myth."

"It's good that you know," Li Linhan said.

Zhang Xinglie looked at Zhou Leng. "Don't always cultivate alone. If you encounter difficulties in Martial Dao, turn to Uncle Li when he's near, and turn to me when he's far away. Yunhua University's educational resources exceed imagination. Exchanging pointers with you won't count as breaking the rules."

"Thank you," Zhou Leng said.

"Which university are you planning to apply for? From what that deputy director said, your results should qualify you for West Sea University's supplementary admissions. West Sea University ranks first in Ru City and tenth among Martial Universities nationwide. It is a genuine member of the Martial Arts Ten. If you give it a try, there's absolutely no problem," Zhang Xinglie said.

Zhou Leng frowned. "West Sea Martial University is a prestigious school. If I enter supplementary admissions, I'll be competing against college entrance examinees from all over the country, so my chances are slim. But Ru City Martial University is different. It isn't famous nationwide, and supplementary admission would be easier to secure. Besides, I've liked Ru City Martial University since I was young."

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

So-called supplementary admissions were a portion of slots reserved by the nation to avoid overlooking exceptional Martial Dao talent, allowing certain special Martial Dao talents to take a second examination.

The scope of recommended students and specially recruited students was broad, while supplementary admissions targeted only Martial Dao talent.

Zhang Meiqin said, "Xiaoleng, you're still young. One is among the national top ten, the other is among the top hundred. Even an old auntie like me knows that though they differ by one word, they are worlds apart. For the sake of your future prospects, you should still give it a try. You're only one step away; retreating now would be such a pity."

The three looked at Zhou Leng.

Zhou Leng remained silent for a long time.

Zhang Xinglie smiled. "You seem like someone who neither fights nor grabs on the surface, but you're especially stubborn to the bone. This kind of thing can't be forced. If you want to sharpen your head and squeeze your way upward, West Sea Martial University is the best choice. But if you choose what you like, I think Ru City Martial University is pretty good too."

Zhou Leng said, "Don't be too optimistic. Maybe my results won't be enough for supplementary admissions. When that happens, I'll go directly to Ru University Affiliated Martial Arts Academy. Actually, I'd rather go to a martial academy."

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

After all, in everyone's eyes, Martial University was the best choice, military academies came next, and Affiliated Martial Academies came last.

Li Linhan said, "Actually, Affiliated Martial Academies are quite good too. They specialize in Martial Dao and are now under the jurisdiction of the Martial Guard Department, making them like a smaller military academy. Over the past two years, the Martial Guard Department has recruited people directly from Affiliated Martial Academies. 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 does sound pretty good," Zhang Meiqin agreed.

The four chatted for a while, then Zhou Leng and Li Linhan went upstairs.

When they reached the seventh floor, Li Linhan said, "Come sit at my place. Let's talk about your direction from here on out."

"Alright. I also wanted to ask for your advice."

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

"You were still young before, so we only talked about it simply. Now that the college entrance examination is over, you need to make a proper choice for your life. This is extremely important."

"I understand."

"Tell me what you're thinking."

Zhou Leng fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "To be granted a marquisate is not my wish; I only hope the waves upon the sea are calm."

"Are you certain you'll only walk the path of Martial Dao?"

"Only Martial Dao."

"Good. In that case, there isn't much difference between a Martial University and an Affiliated Martial Academy."

"I heard Affiliated Martial Academies are all day schools, and classes only run for half the day?" Zhou Leng asked.

"Yes. Unless there are special circumstances, classes generally only take place in the mornings, and they only teach Martial Dao. But don't forget that martial artists cannot study Martial Dao alone; they must also learn other languages. They must learn relevant knowledge as well. Otherwise, if they go to Demon City or another world, they won't be able to accomplish anything."

"I'm doing alright in languages. I can barely communicate in Demon Spirit Language, Dwarven Language, and Treant Language, and I also know a little Demonic Language. Later, once I earn money to buy a high-grade demonic computer, it'll come with translation functions anyway."

"You've heard of Martial Arts Field Study, right?"