Transcendent

Zhao Yuan wasn't exaggerating; he was stating the facts about what happened at Hanyang University.

Regarding Li Pin's molestation of An Wanyi, he even found a video as evidence showing the two interacting for less than three minutes.

The video was taken from a distance and had no sound, but based on the visuals, it was clear that An Wanyi had initiated contact with Li Pin. Li Pin then waved his hand, they exchanged a few words, and Li Pin quickly turned and left.

After that, the two had no further contact.

The next day, the rumors started spreading.

Zhao Yuan also completed the evidence collection for the origin of the rumors, along with the testimonies of Jing Yunshan's two subordinates.

As for how the testimonies were obtained...

It might not have been entirely above board, but no one would care about those details at this point.

The matter was clear.

Even Li Pin himself was a bit surprised when he heard it.

So he was expelled from Hanyang University?

But it wasn't unexpected.

Last month, Jing Yunshan had called him, wanting to bury the hatchet, but he had hung up without saying a word.

And now, just a month later, he was expelled from Hanyang University?

Fang Yubai hadn't mentioned it to him because he already knew that Li Pin, who had thirty million yuan and had achieved Dan Jin, didn't care about a mere university diploma?

Actually, he did care quite a bit.

After all, he hadn't been able to attend university in his previous life.

"I can't believe there are such black sheep in our Canglong City's education sector. Are they treating education, a grand plan for the nation and its people, as a power they can squander at will?"

At this moment, Tian Feiyu's expression grew uglier as he finished listening to Zhao Yuan's description of the events. "If Hanyang University doesn't want to operate in Canglong City anymore, we'll oblige them."

After all, Hanyang University wasn't exactly a prestigious institution.

It wasn't even ranked in the top hundred in the country.

Moreover, Zhao Yuan's reasoning wasn't without merit.

If Li Pin had remained ordinary for the rest of his life, it would have been one thing.

But now, he had achieved Embrace Qi into Dan and might even stand out in the Jiangzhou martial arts competition.

Once he achieved results in the Jiangzhou competition, given his age of twenty-two, it would undoubtedly generate immense public interest.

If, at this time, someone leaked the matter of Hanyang University, he, as the supervisor, couldn't escape responsibility.

And if his rivals took the opportunity to attack him...

His position as mayor, transitioning from deputy to full, would be jeopardized.

Furthermore...

Considering Li Pin's connection with the Five Elements Sect and his potential to achieve Gang Refining, it was a worthwhile deal to build goodwill with a mere school director of Hanyang University.

With this thought, he turned to Li Pin and solemnly promised, "Martial Master Li, please rest assured. We will not tolerate those who abuse their power. I will definitely bring you justice in this matter."

Li Pin withdrew his gaze from Zhao Yuan and Cao Tianyou, and replied, "Then thank you, Mayor Tian."

"This is my duty. Martial Master Li, despite achieving Embrace Qi into Dan, has always abided by the law and did not seek revenge against Hanyang University through violent coercion. This is a trust placed in our region, and I should be the one thanking you."

Tian Feiyu also responded.

The atmosphere in the room immediately became warm.

After a brief period of casual conversation, a middle-aged man whispered something in Cao Tianyou's ear. Cao Tianyou then stood up, somewhat agitated, "The Shangfeng Garrison Commander and Baron Judy have arrived. I'll go out to greet them."

"The two councilors are here?"

Tian Feiyu also stood up with a smile. "Let's go together."

Cao Tianyou nodded and turned to Li Pin, "You come along too. I'll introduce you."

"Star Refiners."

Li Pin had long been curious about these "extraordinary" beings.

Although he had inherited the original body's memories, he had never seen a real Star Refiner outside of television and the internet.

On one hand, Star Refiners were rare, one in ten thousand.

On the other hand, Star Refiners had their own circles and duties, often stationed in major cities, on the borders, or even seconded by the Tianyuan Federation to garrison fortresses in dangerous areas.

The total number of Star Refiners in Canglong City was estimated to be only a few dozen.

Under such circumstances, it was naturally very difficult for ordinary people to meet them.

At this, the group majestically headed towards the banquet hall entrance.

Upon reaching the entrance, they saw two individuals, surrounded by over a dozen people, walking in, laughing and talking.

Among the two, Baron Judy was one thing, but the Shangfeng Garrison Commander...

He was like a living, breathing ferocious beast.

Although he possessed the aura of Embrace Qi into Dan, the feeling of wholeness and unity couldn't conceal the terrifying aura, like a suppression of life-rank, emanating from him.

Standing before him, Li Pin felt like an ordinary person facing a fierce tiger...

No!

Not a tiger!

A Tyrannosaurus Rex!

A Tyrannosaurus Rex whose size and strength far surpassed that of a human!

One could imagine the impact a Tyrannosaurus Rex would have if it suddenly arrived at such a lively banquet!

Silence!

The banquet hall, which had been bustling with people chatting in small groups, fell silent at a speed visible to the naked eye.

No one needed to say a word.

Merely his arrival caused everyone to fall silent as if they had encountered their natural predator or the deterrence of a higher-level life form, as if they were afraid that any sound they made would disturb this terrifying beast, causing it to tear them all to shreds with the slightest movement.

"This is..."

Li Pin clearly felt his heart rate quicken and his blood circulation accelerate.

A fine sweat broke out on his palms.

It was beyond his control, his body acting on its own.

This was the most instinctive, most primal reaction of his body.

Even he, a master of Embrace Dan, was reacting like this. What about others...

"Don't try to harbor any thoughts of resistance or competition against a Star Refiner! To resist a Star Refiner is to resist your own will, or rather... to resist the will of the atoms that construct your body."

Zhao Yuan seemed to notice Li Pin's abnormality and reminded him softly.

Li Pin glanced at Zhao Yuan and found that his reaction was much better than his own.

This was because he had no thoughts of competing or resisting this Star Refiner at all.

"Although humans can suppress the will of atoms with their own will, preventing them from acting like machines or inanimate objects that malfunction when attacking a Star Refiner, the instinctive resistance of atoms will still affect human instincts. Unless one refines their spirit to become a Martial Saint, even a powerful Grandmaster facing a Star Refiner will not be able to unleash more than thirty to forty percent of their strength."

Zhao Yuan said.

"The will of atoms..."

Li Pin muttered to himself.

He had heard the theory that atoms developed will after bathing in the radiance of Star Gods.

He had also heard more than once of people attempting to hunt down Star Refiners with technological weapons.

Now, standing before this Star Refiner, merely harboring thoughts of competition and comparison, without any trace of hostility, his body had already involuntarily reacted with awe. If he had truly intended to attack...

The consequences were unimaginable.

"This... is a Star Refiner!?"