Forgotten

Ru University Affiliated Martial Arts Academy.

Director's office.

A clear large-screen projection formed in front of the desk.

Wang Boxiong lightly moved his fingers, and the projected screen shifted accordingly, displaying the information of all the academy's instructors and key personnel.

After reading through it, Wang Boxiong selected the new students' files and quickly flipped through them.

Only when he came across students with outstanding Martial Dao results did he pause to read closely.

Suddenly, Wang Boxiong stopped and stared at the screen before him.

Zhou Leng.

Wang Boxiong pondered for a moment. A curtain of light extended from his temples, suspended into two lenses before his eyes.

Information on Zhou Leng and No. 8 High School appeared on the floating lenses.

According to Martial Guard Department intelligence, Principal Lu of No. 8 High School was making grand preparations for a commendation ceremony, widely inviting every No. 8 High School alumnus.

Related information indicated that Principal Lu seemed to value Zhou Leng greatly. Since Zhou Leng had not been admitted to West Sea Martial University, Principal Lu had spent the past few days taking veiled jabs at West Sea Martial University on every occasion.

"Principal Lu should have been Ma Xingkong's teacher back then."

The image of an old classmate with an impeccably clean smile surfaced in Wang Boxiong's mind.

After thinking for a while, Wang Boxiong carefully examined Zhou Leng's file, finally settling his gaze on his battle merits.

Before enrollment, the average battle merits Martial University students earned through Martial Arts Field Study did not exceed 10.

Zhou Leng, however, had 5 battle merits. Not only did that far exceed the Martial University average, it also surpassed his teammates.

Fewer than two hundred new students in all of Ru City had more battle merits than Zhou Leng.

Wang Boxiong continued searching for information related to Demon City, and soon a look of puzzlement appeared on his face.

It had actually been sealed away by the Demon City Army.

Wang Boxiong investigated more carefully, then made a call.

"Uncle Chen, it's me."

"Boxiong, how have things been going at the academy lately? Busy?"

"It's all sorts of trivial matters. I can handle them."

"Don't let it delay your cultivation. Martial Dao is your foundation."

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"Chen Fenghu inexplicably sealed the Demon City files of one of our academy's students, saying it was related to the Demon-Worshiping Cult. That student is named Zhou Leng and is a key training target of our academy. I'd like to access his files. Could you help send the documents over?"

"Alright. I'll have someone photograph them right away and send them to you afterward."

"Thank you, Uncle Chen."

Wang Boxiong ended the call.

Grandmaster Chen Changyi was a major general and division commander of the 7th Division, as well as Chen Shouhu's direct superior.

Before long, Wang Boxiong received photographs of the documents and carefully read every relevant detail.

"Possibly an Extraordinary Body or treasure resistant to cold... bravely saved companions... rescued by Tong Tianxia... body glowing with bronze light..."

Wang Boxiong let out a long sigh, and the horizontal scar across his forehead twitched faintly.

"A body like diamond, a heart like crystal glass..."

"Tong Tianxia, once Blue Star's number one, had ultimately surpassed all of us and advanced to Grandmaster."

"Could he be the one who was right..."

After reviewing all the new students' files, Wang Boxiong printed a list and called in an instructor.

"Greetings, Director!" Instructor Deng Zhijue wore a dark green Martial Guard uniform. Tall and straight-backed, he held his cap in his left hand and saluted after approaching.

"Make preparations to teach this year's Class 01. Here is the roster of Class 01 students."

"Yes."

"They are all good seedlings. You must carry out your duties wholeheartedly."

"Yes."

"You may go."

"Goodbye, Director!" Deng Zhijue saluted and turned around.

"Wait." Wang Boxiong suddenly said.

Deng Zhijue turned back to face Wang Boxiong, his body ramrod straight as if he were still in the Martial Guard Bureau.

"Did you receive the invitation to the No. 8 High School Commendation Ceremony?"

"I did."

"Go take a look. I met Principal Lu not long ago. He is a very good man."

"Yes."

Deng Zhijue walked out of the director's office, thoroughly puzzled.

What did this new director mean?

Had it been the previous director, Deng Zhijue would not have bothered thinking much about it. But Wang Boxiong's status was simply too illustrious.

A graduate of Yunhua Martial University, second on the Ru City Innate Ranking, among the top ten on the National Innate Ranking, a disciple of a Martial Saint, and even a leading candidate for the future director of the Ru City Martial Guard Bureau.

Knowing he was not skilled in such maneuvering, Deng Zhijue thought it over and contacted the No. 8 High School homeroom teacher who had sent him the invitation, asking about the relationship between Principal Lu and Wang Boxiong.

That homeroom teacher replied that Principal Lu and Wang Boxiong had met at the college entrance Martial Examination venue, but they were not close.

Deng Zhijue became even more confused. After some thought, he carefully examined the Class 01 roster but could not make head nor tail of it.

"Forget it. Once I attend the commendation ceremony on the 8th, I'll probably understand."

Using the school administration system, Deng Zhijue sent messages to every Class 01 student, had them add his Wuxin, and created a group for announcements.

The next day, Deng Zhijue received a call from a friend in the Martial Guard Bureau. The friend said that a friend's child had happened to been admitted to the Ru University Affiliated Martial Arts Academy and was also in Class 01, and wanted to share a meal.

Deng Zhijue declined repeatedly, but when he truly could not refuse any longer, he could only agree.

That evening, Deng Zhijue arrived at Old Rongji Hotel and met his old friend, along with Chang Luan and his father.

Chang Luan and his father understood propriety well. They first tested the waters, saying that Chang Luan very much hoped to become the senior brother of this academy cohort.

Deng Zhijue remained courteous from beginning to end, maintaining an appropriate distance from Chang Luan and his father.

Chang Luan and his father did not press the matter. They merely chatted and ate, keeping everything amicable.

After Deng Zhijue left, Chang Yuanzhong lowered his eyes in thought.

Chang Luan sat beside him without saying a word, occasionally picking up some food and chewing silently.

"What do you think?" Chang Yuanzhong looked at his son.

"This instructor probably understood our intentions, but he kept refusing. Either someone has already gotten there first, or he doesn't want to wade into these muddy waters."

"You still can't hear the meaning beyond the strings. Instructor Deng mentioned Director Wang Boxiong exactly three times, and each time he said something different. The first time, he said the man was new here and wanted to accomplish great things. The second time, he said the man was steady and reserved, sophisticated in his dealings. The third time, he said he was a Martial Saint's disciple and second on the Ru City Innate Ranking. His intentions could not have been clearer."

"Now that you've pointed it out, I understand. He meant that unless we settle things with Wang Boxiong, it would be difficult for him to show us favor at a time like this?"

"That's exactly it. If I could settle things with Wang Boxiong, why would I seek out a mere instructor like him? I couldn't even invite that chief instructor at the early Innate Realm."

Chang Luan immediately furrowed his brow. "Then what do we do?"

Chang Yuanzhong sighed. "You little brat. If he truly had no intention of loosening his stance, he would never have mentioned Wang Boxiong. Since he brought him up, that means there is still a chance. It is merely a matter of the bargaining chips."

"Got it, got it. He's actually hesitating as well. And with four classes this year, he can't decide everything on his own."

"I reckon he wants to wait and see. Military training hasn't even begun, yet we came knocking directly on his door. There's no way he could agree outright."

Chang Luan said, "This Opening-Semester Martial Test has two parts. The first is a basic assessment. Each class selects its top four, and the top four from all four classes make up the final sixteen. The second part will be held in the second week after school begins, with the final showdown among the sixteen to determine the ultimate rankings."

"If I want to become senior brother, it would be best to take first place, but that will be difficult. I took a Perfection Pill and my true qi is at Perfection. Tomorrow, I can begin Blood-Circulating. Getting into the top four won't be hard. Once I make the top four, with a little maneuvering, I'll have a strong chance of receiving the title of senior brother."

Chang Yuanzhong said, "First, get in touch with the few people strongest in Martial Dao. Then cater to their preferences according to their needs. This time, it doesn't matter if we spend a large sum."

"Dad, there's really no need to spend that much money." Chang Luan said cautiously.

Chang Yuanzhong sighed. "Everything I'm doing is for you, so your future will be easier and you won't end up struggling miserably like I am now. I don't have the ability to send you into the Martial Guard Department in Xiong City, but sending you into the Ru City Martial Guard Bureau isn't difficult. What's difficult is how you'll climb higher afterward. If you don't prepare step by step now, do you think you can compete with others based on that brain and strength of yours?"

Chang Luan chuckled. "Of course I can't compare to you."

"Tomorrow, I'll have a senior at the Innate Realm guard you while you circulate your blood, then personally train you. When the time comes, if you fail to become senior brother, I'll take back your bank card, cut your allowance in half, double your cultivation time, and forbid you from going out at night! If those fair-weather friends dare come looking for you again, I'll crush their legs one by one."

"Dad..." Chang Luan was dumbfounded.

Chang Yuanzhong got up and left.

Watching his father's retreating figure, Chang Luan felt a chill run down his back, because his father always did what he said.

Imagining the miserable state he would be in after failing, Chang Luan took a deep breath.

"Then I'll go all out!"

Chang Luan used his Demonic Wristwatch and began adding the classmates in the class group.

Early morning.

Zhou Leng wore camouflage trousers and a camouflage short-sleeved shirt, carried an old backpack, and ran along the blue jogging track toward Ru City Martial University.

He had completed enrollment yesterday. Today was the opening ceremony.

As he ran, Zhou Leng thought about the future.

Zhou Leng looked at Ruge Mountain ahead. He had looked at it for more than a decade, but today, it seemed a little different.

Life at the future academy made his heart race, yet it also brought a faint thread of confusion.

The unknown always left people conflicted.

Sensing the fluctuations in his emotions, Zhou Leng took a deep breath.

"Today, I'll step onto a new level. From here on, I'll cultivate diligently and strive to advance to the Innate Realm!"

Ahead, a familiar figure in white emerged from a street corner.

The girl wore a white dress and carried a pale white backpack. She turned to look over, her eyes and brows curving as her smile brimmed.

Xu Qingjin raised her fair right arm and gave a gentle wave.

"Zhou Leng!"

Her sweet, crisp voice was like a song of youth.

The corner of Zhou Leng's mouth lifted slightly. He nodded. "Xu Qingjin."

"What a coincidence," Xu Qingjin said. "Running to school?"

"Yes."

Xu Qingjin lifted her little white sneakers onto the jogging track and began jogging beside him.

Zhou Leng slowed down.

"We really reunited at Ru University." Xu Qingjin glanced at Zhou Leng's profile, then turned her head back.

"Yeah. I remember when we were in elementary school, we pointed at Ru University and said we'd get in here together."

"You still remember?" Xu Qingjin's smile blossomed.

"I always remembered."

Xu Qingjin's steps became lighter still.

Zhou Leng asked, "What about those other top students?"

"They all got into other Martial Universities."

Zhou Leng glanced at Xu Qingjin's backpack. "You didn't bring any luggage. Don't tell me you're commuting too?"

"I went to the dorm yesterday and added my roommates to a group. They're all especially nice. Are you planning to commute?" Xu Qingjin asked.

"The academy only normally has classes for half a day anyway, and it's close to home. Besides, I like cultivating in Xiaoru Village, so commuting is better."

After speaking, Zhou Leng looked at Xu Qingjin's white dress and asked in confusion, "Didn't they require us to wear the camouflage uniforms we received yesterday for today's opening ceremony?"

Xu Qingjin's gaze flickered, a faint blush sweeping across her face. She patted her shoulder. "It's in my backpack. I'll change when we get to school."

"Mm." Zhou Leng nodded.

"Didn't you notice that you forgot something?"

"What?"

Xu Qingjin let out a helpless little sigh. "You promised to come eat at my house, but I couldn't reach you at all for the past few days. Then today, you only replied with one message, saying you were cultivating."

"I forgot." Zhou Leng looked awkward. He had truly forgotten.

Xu Qingjin said, "Anyway, the next time I invite you, you're not allowed to refuse."

"Alright. As long as I'm not busy, I'll definitely go."