Bringing It Upon Yourself / No One to Blame but Yourself

The former had a strong military vibe, similar to Nan Jue —resolute, masculine, and decisive. The latter was dressed lightly, in a tank top and shorts that barely covered his hips, revealing large expanses of smooth, milky skin.

Lu Jun didn't need Feng Li's introduction; he could automatically match the two people's appearances with his memories just by looking at them.

Ai Jiangtu and Jiang Shaoxu both came from the Northern Theater Command and the Central Theater Command, respectively, and both had families with high-ranking military connections.

At that moment, Ai Jiangtu smiled kindly at him and said gently, "I've heard about you from my sister; I've long admired your name."

"Hello." Lu Jun nodded. His sister was Ai Tutu, the girl with the youthful face, who had been sharing an apartment with them at Jinyuan Apartment.

Ai Jiangtu's cultivation level was also the strongest among them. He served as the deputy captain of the National Team and took over the relevant duties before Lu Jun returned to the team.

Currently, he possesses high-level skills in both Curse Element and Space Element, peak Fourth Realm Mental Power, and mastery of High-level Magic. He can single-handedly restrain a Commander-level, making him comparable to Mo Fan in his current state.

On the other side, the charming Jiang Shaoxu had no military bearing whatsoever. She was like a friendly older sister next door, occasionally revealing a stunning charm, like a mature woman. She combined the quirky and mischievous nature of a young girl with the open and seductive allure of a woman very well.

Yes, she's known as Jiang Shaofu.

Of course, Lu Jun had eaten meat, all kinds of the finest, and was completely devoid of worldly desires.

She swayed as she approached, her tone suggestive. "Oh, our National Mansion Captain? He's really handsome."

After saying that, Lu Jun curled his lips, not taking Jiang Shaoxu's flirting seriously. This kind of woman is the same type as Asha Ruiya, open and unpredictable, and you could easily be taken advantage of if you're not careful.

Anyway, she's not as good as my older sister Lu Mei, Tang Yue, Ding Yumian.

The three exchanged a few words and got to know each other superficially. Including the previous eight people, there were now ten of them.

Finally, there was the eleventh member of the National Government, a silver-haired man with a cold expression, standing at the edge of the group, seemingly insignificant, surrounded by a chilling aura.

It was none other than Mu Ningxue. With her strength and aristocratic background, she should have been a full member of the National Service Team, but now she was a substitute. It was no surprise that the matter had been exposed.

The Ancient Capital is releasing more and more information about the disaster, including information about Mu He, the Tiger Jin Grand Deacon.

The investigation of Mu Ningxue's family severely damaged their reputation, causing it to plummet and almost forcing them into an arranged marriage.

She remained independent and strong-willed, stubbornly returning to prove her worth to her mentors.

"Brother, I knew you'd come."

At this moment, Mo Fan and Zhao Manting hugged each other, and the two chatted about the girls they were going to meet abroad, and also noticed that Zhao Manting was not popular in the group.

Zhao Manting shrugged and said, "They're just resentful about the spots I paid for. It's not like they don't have any connections. Believe me, if these people removed their identities and became commoners, with the same cultivation level, they wouldn't even be able to get the position of the guard at the National Academy."

Who is superior to whom?

"That's fucking right."

Mo Fan recalled the hardship he had endured to collect three tickets and gave a thumbs-up.

As he spoke, he stepped aside and saw the seemingly invisible Mu Ningxue. He was utterly astonished, then overjoyed, and stepped forward, exclaiming, "Xuexue! You're here too!"

Just as everyone was getting to know each other and sizing each other up, Feng Li arrived late.

He observed for a while and then laughed, "Looks like you all know each other. That's good, saves us the trouble of getting to know each other."

Lu Jun nodded. Including himself and Mo Fan, there were a total of thirteen people, the same number as in the original story. Zu Jiming was dead, and now he had taken his place.

Ten official players and three substitutes, but they're all just there for show. The only ones who can really play are Ai Jiangtu, Mo Fan, and him.

Mu Ningxue needed to complete the Ice-Breaking Bow before she could rise to power, and Zhao Manting also needed to undergo trials before he could fully transform his wealth and resources into strength.

"Overall, this year's National Team champions are promising, with three SSRs, two of which are late-game SSRs, a five-star China Team? The ultimate champion version?"

Lu Jun secretly scoffed, but in reality, with his broadened horizons, winning a championship was no longer a big deal for him; it was as easy as taking candy from a baby.

He values more the relationships with the direct descendants of various factions, the opportunities and adventures along the way, and the rewards and fame after winning the championship.

Especially Jiang Shaoxu, putting aside the woman herself, she has an older brother named Jiang Shaojun, who is very knowledgeable about totems and even disappeared in a mysterious forbidden zone, suspected to be dead.

That's right. Apart from his memories of the original work, Lu Jun knows nothing about the Black Tortoise and Black Tortoise totems. It's inevitable that the Metal Element will need to break through to Super Rank by chance in the future, so he must make plans in advance.

Jiang Shaojun definitely has relevant information.

Feng Li said from the other end, "You all rest for the night. The training will begin early tomorrow morning."

Upon hearing this, the instructor announced the disbandment of the team.

With nothing to do, Ai Jiangtu suggested that everyone get together for a meal so they could get to know each other better.

Everyone thought about it and agreed.

As evening fell, a group of young people ventured into the most bustling area of the capital and sat down to chat in a shop with a relaxed atmosphere.

Lu Jun took a seat, ready to relax and enjoy himself, when an uninvited guest disturbed him.

Beside him, a middle-aged man named Lu Dong approached hesitantly, but before he could get close, Lu Jun was moved and spotted him at first glance.

"Come here!"

Lu Jun frowned, stood up, and snapped, "What is it? I think I said that if you show your face in front of me again, I'll kill you."

Immediately, other members of the Nationalist government looked over curiously, watching with great interest to see what was going on.

The sound terrified Lu Dong, who dared not delay. He immediately knelt down, crawled a few steps to the speaker, and said in a panic, "I didn't! I didn't! He forced me to do it!"

"Um?!"

Lu Jun sensed something was wrong upon hearing this, and his eyes sharpened.

Chapter 268 He reaps what he sows

Seeing his uncle's demeanor, Lu Jun immediately sensed trouble and asked expressionlessly, "Speak, who is this person, and what do they want with you?"

Just as Lu Dong was trembling and about to present everything,

Suddenly, an arrogant voice rang out from afar. "I gave the order, do you have a problem with that?"

An old man and a young man approached. The old man was handsome with a harsh face and dressed in expensive clothes, like an arrogant young nobleman. Behind him was a middle-aged or elderly man.

The young man walked up to Lu Dong, who was kneeling and trembling, kicked him away, and said with disgust, "Useless old dog, you've only disgraced me as a lobbyist. Go back home."

Lu Dong, in pain, dared not argue, and, with urine spilling from his buttocks, quickly crawled away.

And who are you?

Seeing this, Lu Jun said indifferently, but he was puzzled. He had no recollection of it at all. All the enemies he had offended should have been reduced to ashes by now.

No way, no way, someone actually dares to come knocking on our door.

"Lu Yilin." The man gave his name with a forced smile, and said in a commanding tone, "As for what it is, come with me, we'll talk somewhere."

Upon hearing the name, Lu Jun's memory returned, and he recognized the name. His brow furrowed slightly. A direct descendant of the Lu Family?

In the Original Timeline, Lu Yilin made a huge mistake by offending Mo Fan.

This person joined the National Team and, during his first collaboration with Mo Fan to explore the Peru Gobi Desert, acted as a rearguard member, destroying crucial magical equipment and causing Mo Fan to become trapped in the Demon Beast forbidden zone, nearly dying.

Similar to workers working at heights, someone deliberately cut off the safety rope and then pushed the worker by opening a window.

Anyone would have their blood pressure spike from this, and would want to kill Lu Yilin. Mo Fan did the same, decisively killing him in front of everyone.

But the matter didn't end there. Lu Zhantian, the eldest brother of the family, harbored resentment and, as the head of the Beiyu Adjudication Court, abused his power for personal gain by kidnapping Mo Fan's father.

The two men's father, Councilor Lu Xin, tacitly approved of the move. Had it not been for concerns about Mo Fan's reputation after winning the championship, he probably would have taken action himself.

In Lu Jun's memory, the whole family was no good, so killing them all wouldn't be unjust.

Sensing that the visitor meant him trouble, he said without hesitation, "Get lost!"

"You!" The other party's dismissive attitude angered Lu Yilin. He then calmed down and sneered, "If you don't want to talk privately, then I'll be blunt. Name your price for a spot in the National Government."

"If you voluntarily step down, the family will compensate you with two Star River Vein. You'll definitely make a profit."

Lu Yilin was confident that the spot in the National Academy could not be transferred privately, but as the candidate closest to the National Academy's selection process, he would definitely be the first to fill the vacancy if someone stepped down.

Upon hearing this, the National Service Team looked at Lu Jun thoughtfully, their expressions varying.

Lu Jun found it amusing. Was playing the Delia for just 200 million? Although with the huge pool of rewards from the National Government, only a small number of official members were guaranteed to receive 200 million, the potential significance of participating in the Venice Competition went far beyond that.

It determines the division of major domestic and international interests and has a profound impact on the development of various countries and major powers. (Original text)

Take the Lu Family for example. Upon learning of Lu Yilin's plan, they thought it was good and decided to give it their full support, hoping that he would enter the National Government as soon as possible and help the family develop.

Lu Jun was seething with anger inside, but outwardly remained calm as he said, "What if I say no?"

Seeing this, Lu Yilin's smile faded instantly, and he said coldly, "As a member of the family, you have an obligation to obey the family's arrangements."

"Heh." Lu Jun laughed angrily, "I don't think I've ever had any contact with the Lu Family or received any financial assistance from them, so what reason do I have to listen to so-called family arrangements?"

Lu Yilin suddenly relaxed his attitude and coaxed, "I know that the family may have neglected you in the past and failed to take care of you, but it doesn't matter. From now on, we will try our best to make up for it."

He argued vehemently, "A family is a large group, and an individual's strength is insignificant. Only by joining can one be competitive. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"To get something for nothing."

Lu Jun, too lazy to listen any longer, said, word by word, "I've never had the slightest connection with the Lu Family from the beginning. I haven't taken anything from you before, and you can't expect to get anything from me just by saying a few words today."

"You really are as stubborn as the rumors say."

After listening, Lu Yilin chuckled and shook his head, then completely abandoned all pretense, revealing a ferocious expression as he said, "You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences. Do you think we're negotiating with you? The family has already passed this decision, and it represents the will of the entire family."

"The power of aristocratic families is beyond your imagination; you are trying to break a rock with a soft one!"

He said slowly and deliberately, "I remember you seem to have an older sister, and a girlfriend at the Pearl Academy named Ding Yumian?"

"My father is Super Rank councilor, and my elder brother is Super Rank Chief Judge. Do you think I can detain them under the pretext of investigating the Black Vatican?"

After saying this, Lu Jun's expression remained calm, but he looked somewhat frightening and sent chills down one's spine. He concluded by saying, "Didn't you check my background before making this decision?"

"Hahaha, want to compare power and background?" Lu Yilin laughed loudly, then lowered his voice and sneered, "Of course we do. We've thoroughly investigated the sources of your three votes from the National Government."

"Two votes belonged to Councilor Zhu Meng, who has now fallen from power. One vote came from the Pearl Academy. Hmm, Dean Xiao was your teacher, but Dean Xiao had taken on many students throughout his life. How much influence do you have? And how can he interfere in the internal struggles of the Lu Family?"

"Even if they value you highly and are willing to stand up for you against the Lu Family, they are only two Super Rank mages. Our Lu Family has more than ten, holding a pivotal position in all realms."

Lu Yilin's eyes gleamed with wisdom, as if victory was assured and he had it all figured out.

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun was speechless, finding it utterly ridiculous that the investigation had yielded only superficial results.

Indeed, Dean Xiao and Old Man Bao have both kept their identities extremely well hidden and have maintained a very low profile. The matter of the honorary councilor from the Ancient Capital has not been made public, not to mention the trump card of the Ancient King Armor Robe.

Furthermore, the Lu Family's abduction was not a recent development; in the original story, Mo Fan's father was also extradited to the Beiyu Adjudication Court for imprisonment under the pretext of uncovering clues.

Mo Fan compromised, but he only crippled Lu Zhantian; he didn't intend to let it go so easily.

Lu Jun always harbored a deep-seated fear of his closest confidants; to harm them was tantamount to defying the King of King of Hell, a path to certain death.

Well, he was originally considering whether to break Lu Yilin's limbs and throw him at the entrance of the Lu Family, or to secretly set a curse to deal with Lu Yilin.

The latter was a bit too much; a verbal confrontation wasn't necessary, but he included it as a backup option because he considered the other party's narrow-minded nature.

After all, the reason for Mo Fan and Lu Yilin's argument was actually jealousy. Mo Fan hugged Jiang Shaoxu and then tried to murder her.

Relying on the power of the Lu Family, Lu Yilin completely disregarded the overall situation of the national government and did something that even Mo Fan did not expect. It can only be said that some people in reality have such limited brain capacity.

Now Lu Jun is no longer conflicted. Everything has changed. Since the other party has resorted to underhanded tactics against his family, he might as well have the whole family united.

Right now, Lu Jun felt there were still some things he needed to confirm, and said casually, "Don't you know that the Hangzhou Black Serpent has a close relationship with me?"

"So what?" Lu Yilin said disdainfully, "A Demon Beast dares to interfere in the affairs of the Nine Provinces. Do you believe that it will be blasted into dust the moment it sets off? There are plenty of people above who don't trust Demon Beast."

Well, no wonder the Lu Family dared to take action against Mo Fan, who had a powerful backer in the original story, the Xuan Snake.

Chapter 269 Unable to Live

In the hotel, Lu Yilin said impatiently, "What, haven't you made up your mind yet?"

Just then, Lu Jun's phone rang. He glanced at the other end, and when he answered, Ding Yumian's pleasant but worried voice came through.

"Lu Jun, have you gotten into trouble? The judges from North Rain Mountain Adjudication Court coming to the Pearl Academy to take me away."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Jun's mind went blank, and he could no longer contain his anger. He stared coldly at Lu Yilin opposite him.

"Oh? Looks like they've taken action."

Seeing this, Lu Yilin understood and grinned maliciously, "Hahaha, no one my Lu Family wants to control will dare to defy us."

The North Rain Mountain Adjudication Court a very high level of authority in the Southeast region. If they were to arrest someone from the university, Mingzhu would likely find it difficult to stop them.

Lu Jun took a deep breath and said to Ding Yumian on the phone, "Are you alright now? Don't go with them."