Unflinching Duty
"Do you know why I moved everyone away so they wouldn't be able to witness the outcome of our Spell Duel?"
Zuoqiu Shi asked a very strange question, Chen Mobai naturally did not know.
"The Student Union President of the Four Great Dao Academies are the face of their respective schools, and are compared by all the college students in the Immortal Sect. I consider myself to be qualified and have not disgraced the Wuqi Dao Academy. The successor should naturally not be weak either."
At this point, Zuoqiu Shi pointed to Chen Mobai, indicating that he was a good fit.
"Zhongli Tianyu is good, he is my first choice after him, but he is only at the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer now, and he needs to hone his skills for another two years before he can take on this position."
"You're not bad. Although your Cultivation Realm is low, your talent for Spell Duel is exceptionally strong. I checked your information, and the reason you were able to enter our Dao Academy is because you were invincible among your peers in Vermilion Cloud City."
"My original plan was to beat you and then announce to the outside world that you and I fought to a draw, which would be a way to boost your reputation. After all, you have mastered the Sword Rainbow Light Splitting, and if I helped you promote this achievement, it wouldn't be easily exposed."
Unfortunately, Zuoqiu Shi lost.
However, precisely because of this, what was originally just a thought in his mind became a decision he made instantly after witnessing Chen Mobai's terrifying Spell Duel talent.
You're the one.
Chen Mobai was somewhat tempted, but the thought that he might disappear frequently made him wonder if having the position of Student Union President would affect his exploration of the Sky River Realm.
"Don't worry about that. As the Student Union President, I'll be a hands-off manager and leave everything to Hua Zijing and the others. After I graduate, you'll become the president, and it might be better if you don't want to get involved."
After hearing Zuoqiu Shi's words, Chen Mobai nodded and then asked the most important question.
What are the benefits of being the Student Union President?
"This... what aspect are you referring to?"
Zuoqiu Shi was a little unsure what Chen Mobai meant by "benefits." He was about to embark on his official career and had a deep understanding of the word. He instantly thought of several layers of meaning, so to avoid any misunderstanding, he simply asked directly.
"Substantive benefits, such as Magic Artifact, magical artifacts, academic credits, and Vermilion Fruit. As the Student Union President, do I receive any of these perks?"
Chen Mobai was quite naive, and the things he mentioned relieved Zuoqiu Shi.
"Because the Student Union helps the Dao Academy connect with a wide range of students and maintains some Order, the Dao Academy awards 5 credits to its members every year."
"As for Magic Artifact artifacts, since the guild leader is the face of the Dao Academy, you will be given a set of Second Grade Dance Weapon Red Black Robe."
"Also, you can use the Myriad Treasures Map at will. The Dao Academy takes half of the credits earned from the Myriad Treasures Map, and the other half is also considered a benefit."
These are the general benefits of the Student Union; the rest are various responsibilities and obligations, as well as some accompanying rights.
After hearing this, Chen Mobai felt it was a bit too low.
"Only 5 credits a year?"
"That's quite a lot. Only ten people in the entire Student Union can get these five credits, and they're all my trusted confidants. Our main source of credit income comes from the Myriad Treasures Map. Although the Dao Academy takes half of it, if we're lucky, we can accumulate enough in a year or two to exchange for a Artifact Piece. If the Magic Artifact you get is good, you, as the president, have the right to choose it first."
Seeing Chen Mobai's slight disdain, Zuoqiu Shi had no choice but to reveal some of the Student Union's hidden interests.
Sure enough, Chen Mobai's eyes lit up when he heard this.
It's much faster to collect rent than to painstakingly accumulate credits all by yourself.
Every year at the end of the year, someone from the Dao Academy opens the Artifact Nurturing Sphere. Since each person who opens the Sphere has already spent 100 credits to exchange for the Artifact Piece, they naturally wouldn't skimp on the mere 2 points for searching information on the Myriad Treasures Map.
Moreover, by leveraging the Student Union's influence, he could certainly be more efficient at gathering Artifact Nurturing Sphere that might contain Third Tier Magic Tool.
"If you put it that way, I feel like there's potential."
Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, Zuoqiu Shi patted his chest and declared that he would immediately abdicate and hand over the position to him.
"Is it really necessary to be so fast?"
"I've already graduated this year. I'm just waiting to finish the handover of the Student Union before I start my duties at the Law Enforcement Bureau. If it weren't for you, I would have given up my position to Zijing for a couple of years before handing it over to Zhongli Tianyu or someone else who is more talented."
Zuoqiu Shi did not hide anything and directly told Chen Mobai why he was in a hurry to abdicate.
Indeed, compared to the promising career path in the Immortal Sect and the potential to obtain the "Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill Rejuvenation Pill," the Student Union President at the Wuqi Dao Academy, while also a great opportunity to accumulate credits to exchange for the "Fire Element Golden Core Forming Pill," naturally leads one to strive for the best option given the better choice available.
I suppose Lan Haitan of the Kunpeng Daoist Academy is the same.
"You trust me that much?"
Chen Mobai still felt like he was dreaming. How could he have won over the entire Student Union after defeating Zuoqiu Shi? "I've personally tested your Spell Duel talent; it's the strongest I've ever seen in my life. The Chief leaders of the Four Great Dao Academies need to be powerful, and aren't you the most suitable candidate?"
Zuoqiu Shi asked a question in return, Chen Mobai felt that the reason was still far-fetched.
"Besides, you are Director Che's Indoor Disciple. Even if you can't manage the Student Union well, he will clean up your mess. Anyway, after handing this position over to you, I can consider it as giving the Dao Academy an explanation."
Only after hearing this last sentence did Chen Mobai finally understand.
It turns out that Che Yucheng's influence was also involved.
Having said this, Zuoqiu Shi had finally revealed half of his true feelings, and Chen Mobai had no more doubts.
Influenced by his maternal grandfather, he had a passion for becoming an official since childhood.
Although it's just a minor official position in the school, it's still an official position!
Soon after, members of various departments of the Student Union arrived.
"After I graduate, he will be the next president."
Zuoqiu Shi was decisive and efficient. After identifying Chen Mobai as his successor in front of the person in charge, he submitted the application for the handover of the position in the Dao Academy's system.
"Wait, why is this happening..."
"We need a reason."
"President, could you please explain the reason?"
Yuan Jinjun waiting for Zuoqiu Shi to step in and teach Chen Mobai a lesson, couldn't understand and stared wide-eyed at the two of them.
The others naturally disagreed in their hearts as well, but Zuoqiu Shi held great prestige in their hearts and dared not openly oppose him. They could only express their small protests in a roundabout way.
"I lost. He is the student with the strongest Spell Duel talent in the Dao Academy in the last hundred years, and he is a strongman who can serve as the face of the Dao Academy. Is this reason enough?"
Zuoqiu Shi pointed to the traces of the Spell Duel in the cave, his face showing complete admiration.
"I don't believe you'll lose."
The one who said this was Hua Zijing, who believed in Zuoqiu Shi as if he were a god.
Since she joined the Student Union, she has attended several events with Zuoqiu Shi and other representatives from the Daoist Academy, and she has never seen him lose.
"I don't believe I'll lose either, but a loss is a loss. It's not something to be proud of. Am I the kind of person who would tarnish my own reputation for the sake of others?"
Zuoqiu Shi asked a question in return, and Hua Zijing and the others were instantly speechless.
Indeed, Zuoqiu Shi was powerful, but not great.
"Starting tomorrow, Junior Chen will be the president of the Student Union council. I have already submitted my application, and you all need to assist him in the future."
"The application has only just been submitted. How can the Dao Academy 'Academic Affairs Office approve it so quickly? And what if the Dao Academy doesn't agree?"
Hua Zijing and the others were still somewhat unwilling, after all, Zuoqiu Shi should have been the one to inherit the position after graduation.
Although she wasn't ambitious for the position, she still found it hard to accept that a junior who had just embarrassed her yesterday had been parachuted in.
"It's alright. The director of the Academic Affairs Office is Chen's teacher. If he's still handling academic affairs, he'll probably approve it tonight after seeing this application."
Zuoqiu Shi said something that made Hua Zijing and the others widen their eyes.
There's this other connection too!
Just then, a new email arrived on the computer where the Student Union handled matters. It was the reply from Zuoqiu Shi, who had resigned as Student Union President, and recommended Chen Mobai to succeed him.
Only two words: [Agreed!]
Beep beep beep! At the same time, a mass notification was sent to everyone's mobile phone on the entire Campus Network of the Wuqi Dao Academy.
[After a period of internal selection, the Academic Affairs Office of our school has approved Chen Mobai, a student from the Class 5012, to succeed as the new president of the Dao Academy Student Union. It is hoped that under his leadership, the Student Union will continue to play its role as a bridge and hub connecting the students, always keeping in mind its mission of serving the students, assisting teachers, and working together to create a better campus.]
Once this notice was issued, it meant that the situation was already settled, and even if Zuoqiu Shi wanted to return as president, it was probably too late to reverse the outcome.
Chen Mobai felt like he was dreaming.
Is that all?
"Zijing, Ming Yu, Renyou, please stay behind. I have a few last words to say to you."
At this moment, Zuoqiu Shi breathed a sigh of relief. He invited the three Vice President of the Student Union to Chen Mobai, while the rest of the people from various departments could only leave helplessly.
Zuoqiu Shi, as expected of the most prestigious Student Union President in the Dao Academy over the years, shared his heartfelt thoughts. Hua Zijing and the other two expressed that they would not let down the Student Union they had worked so hard for over the years, and would do their best to assist their junior, Chen Mobai, and continue to play the role that the Student Union should play in the Dao Academy.
Among them, Chen Mobai felt that Ming Yu, whom he had beaten up, was the most enthusiastic, seemingly convinced of his defeat.
Hua Zijing was initially somewhat unwilling, but as a staunch supporter of Zuoqiu Shi, she had no choice but to nod helplessly when the latter asked her for help.
The last one, Shen Renyou, was rather unremarkable. He had small eyes, a big mouth, and an upturned nose, which made his appearance a bit strange. However, his cultivation level was at the Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer, second only to Zuoqiu Shi.
He had never been beaten by Chen Mobai, and he still had some doubts about the latter's ability to succeed him, his eyes filled with caution and hesitation.
However, he only joined the Student Union for academic credits and the benefits of the Myriad Treasures Map. With the overall situation already settled, he went with the flow and expressed his acknowledgment of Chen Mobai's rise to power.
"You will soon see how right my choice was."
Seeing that the three Vice President had agreed not to cause trouble after his persuasion, Zuoqiu Shi smiled and said this, then got up and walked towards the door.
His era has finally come to an end.
It's really not easy to have made it this far.
Finally, I don't have to face those three monsters anymore.
Thinking of this, Zuoqiu Shi quickened his pace and disappeared through the door in the blink of an eye.
"Let's leave it at that for now. Although I like being an official, I don't like meddling in things. Student Union continue to operate according to his previous rules."
Chen Mobai spoke very frankly, and Hua Zijing and the other two nodded in agreement. This was also what Zuoqiu Shi had agreed to before he left.
"By the way, President, this is the list of participants and the schedule for this Exchange Meeting. Please take a look."
Hua Zijing handed over a document, which was originally waiting for Zuoqiu Shi to stamp it, but the latter ran away, so Chen Mobai had to make the decision.
He glanced at it and noticed that some names were highlighted in red.
"These are the people chosen by the Dao Academy, and they must be brought along."
Hua Zijing's words were very tactful, Chen Mobai saw his own and Meng Huang'er's names in them.
In other words, these are all people with connections, and the Student Union can't touch them.
Chen Mobai, who was not particularly interested at first, perked up instantly when he saw the page of the program schedule.
"Is this the program list for the Millennium Celebration? How did you get it?"
"The show's director is Teacher Bian, the leader of our Dao Academy. He asked us to help maintain Order during the performance, and most of our Student Union members will have to go out."
That's not what Chen Mobai cares about; he didn't object to the entire Student Union being mobilized.
The main reason was that he saw the opening of the Millennium Celebration program, which was Meng Huang'er's solo performance of "Like a Dream".
"Do you rehearse every day?"
He asked a question.
"Recently, it's been every day, but as the Millennium Celebration of Chicheng Cave Heaven approaches, the frequency may be gradually reduced to avoid any accidents."
"As the newly appointed Student Union President, this is the first thing I need to do. The Millennium Celebration program will also be attended by senior figures from the Immortal Sect and student groups from the other Three Great Dao Academies. It concerns the overall image of the Dao Academy, so I feel it is necessary to do this as well as possible."
After reading it, Chen Mobai closed the document in his hand and said something earnestly.
"This... should we consult the president's opinion?"
Hua Zijing was a little unsure and asked with a frown.
"During the program rehearsals, I personally led the team to maintain Order."
Chen Mobai revealed his plan: he should be able to master "Melding Spirit Returning to One" after listening to Meng Huang'er sing a few more times.
Hua Zijing and the other two didn't think much of it, assuming that the new leader wanted to set an example by demonstrating himself in the most difficult and tiring position to win their favor.
"This matter was originally my responsibility, but since the president is willing, I can take a break."
Shen Renyou nodded and immediately gave up his seat.
When Chen Mobai returned to his wooden house, it was still bathed in dazzling rainbow light.
At this point Meng Huang'er had completely abandoned any pretense of composure and immediately sent a message.
[Didn't you say you were going to challenge Zuoqiu Shi to a magical Spell Duel? How did you become the Student Union President?]
He lost a move in our Spell Duel, but was impressed by my demeanor and believed that among the students of the Dao Academy, only I was qualified to succeed him. I initially didn't intend to accept, but he earnestly persuaded me, saying that if I didn't step down from the mountain, no one in the Dao Academy could rival the Chief of the other Daoist Academy. Alas, the reputation of the Dao Academy rests on my shoulders; if I didn't shoulder such a heavy responsibility, wouldn't I be failing the earnest teachings of my teachers? I had no choice but to accept it.
Based on facts, Chen Mobai made a small, but not excessive, boast about himself.
However, Meng Huang'er's next sentence made him feel greatly deceived, realizing that he had been tricked by Zuoqiu Shi.
Indeed, in the past two years, Zuoqiu Shi, relying on his higher cultivation level, barely managed to suppress the Sect Son of the Goumang Dao Academy, Ling Dao Shi of the Sky Mending Dao Academy, and Taishi Shu of the Kunpeng Daoist Academy. This year, it's said that all three of them have broken through to the Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer, and since he himself hasn't improved, he definitely can't defeat them. Seeing you, a Spell Duel genius, he used a tactic of retreating to advance, thus extricating himself from the fray.