Chapter 24: The Collapse of Gao Xing

"What do you mean, 'a bit of a problem'?" Chen Xueshan's eyes were filled with confusion. He then shouted at the technician operating the screen, "Show me the status of the power-testing unit."

The technician at the console looked grim and cast a pleading glance at Gong Ran.

Gong Ran hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

As the screen flickered, an image appeared before everyone's eyes.

On the chaotic testing platform, staff in protective gear were busy removing fragments of the power-testing unit, while yellow caution tape cordoned off the entire area. Outside the tape, other Awakened were gathered, whispering and pointing at the shattered remnants of the device.

The representatives from the various academies in the viewing hall fell silent. Was this what they called "accidentally broken"?

"What happened? Did the unit malfunction and self-destruct?"

"Is there even a precedent for a power-testing unit self-destructing?"

"Director Gong..." Chen Xueshan swallowed hard, his voice filled with disbelief. "Are you certain this wasn't hit by a bomb, but just accidentally damaged?"

Gong Ran looked uneasy. "It was indeed accidentally damaged."

Suppressing his shock, Chen Xueshan shouted at the technician again, "Show me who broke it. It’s bizarre—a First-Rank power test causing a program failure and subsequent explosion?"

"Play it!" Gong Ran nodded. He had done all he could to keep it hidden until now.

The screen flickered again, showing the footage of Li Chenqiu’s test. In the video, Li Chenqiu was currently asking Ma Qian if he would have to pay for the broken unit.

"Wait, why is it this kid?"

"He's the one who broke the unit?"

Chen Xueshan looked at Li Chenqiu's profile in his file. "Divine Strength? This ability shouldn't be able to cause a program failure and explosion in the testing unit. Director Gong, did he use some kind of prohibited 'Mystic Artifact'?"

Since the appearance of the Resurrected, some mundane objects had undergone mutations, gaining unfathomable powers. These items were collectively known as "Mystic Artifacts," implying their mysterious nature. Anyone living in human society knew something about them, and Gong Ran, as a Director, was no exception.

Gong Ran lowered his head to recall the scene, his tone wavering, "I think it should be..."

"The kid is about to strike," Ma Tianjiu said, arms crossed, watching the screen with interest.

With that, everyone's attention shifted to the screen, and no one paid any more heed to Gong Ran.

"Using his knee? While knee strikes are powerful, they lack the flexibility and speed of a fist. The testing unit is rated based on cumulative damage—is this kid not even aware of that?" Gao Xing of the Changwu Academy shook his head in disappointment.

"With such a mediocre ability, even technique won't change the outcome."

"True, but what is this kid using..."

*BOOM!*

Before the man could finish his sentence, a massive explosion erupted from the speakers. The power-testing unit on the screen shattered instantly, as if it were made of tofu.

Everyone was stunned. The faces of the academy recruiters stiffened, their pupils dilating visibly. Even the members of the Special Ability Bureau who had already seen this were filled with shock.

Gao Xing stood up shakily, his eyes burning with excitement. "Di... Director Gong, is this person... really a First-Rank?"

Among the four major academies, only Changwu Academy championed the "Extreme Body" path, focusing on physical combat. But the Extreme Body path was not like others; its ceiling was so low that powerful Awakened of this type were exceedingly rare. In previous years, B-grade Extreme Body abilities were nearly extinct, let alone one like Li Chenqiu's, which was highly likely to be A-grade!

At that moment, Gao Xing felt that Li Chenqiu was his beacon of hope, lighting up his future. He had to have this kid, no matter what!

Hearing Gao Xing's question, Gong Ran hesitated. "He should be, at least that’s what the restriction-testing device said."

"Hahaha!" Gao Xing laughed aloud. "This guy is destined for our Changwu Academy! Give me a break, everyone!"

The others snapped out of their stupor and stood up excitedly. Compared to the uncertain A-grade ability of Qi Mingyue, this kid's ability was definitely a solid A!

"What is your face worth? Such talent is clearly better suited for our War Academy!"

"You already recruited Qi Mingyue, can you have some shame!"

"I..."

"Enough, stop arguing!" Xu Yi interrupted the bickering and turned to Gong Ran. "Where is that child now?"

At this question, intense, hungry gazes fell upon Gong Ran, like those of starving wolves.

Gong Ran felt a chill, but braced himself. "He left."

"Left?" Xu Yi frowned.

"Yes, he was taken away by representatives from other academies," Gong Ran said timidly.

*BANG!*

Gao Xing slammed his fist onto his seat, his expression filled with rage. "Those shameless bastards! Director Gong, where did they go?"

"I don't know, but they should be within a hundred-mile radius," Gong Ran’s voice grew softer.

Gao Xing’s chest heaved, his face turning from pale to bright red. "Damn it, those dogs!"

With that, Gao Xing strode toward the main entrance, followed by the others.

...

Hexi Hotel, Top Floor, Presidential Suite.

Li Chenqiu sat on the soft leather sofa, his entire body feeling as if it were sinking into it. Within a meter of him, the room was packed with people, some sitting and some standing. But they all shared one thing: a radiant, beaming smile.

"I don't quite understand. We were just discussing things, so why drive from the city to the suburbs? Is this really not kidnapping?" Li Chenqiu asked tentatively.

"How could this be kidnapping? Have you ever seen a kidnapping where the victim is brought to a presidential suite and served fine food and drink?" someone immediately retorted.

"It doesn't exactly look like a kidnapping," Li Chenqiu mused. "It's more like hide-and-seek. Are you afraid I'd be recruited by other academies, so you brought me here?"

The smiles on everyone's faces grew slightly strained.

"Is the representative from Changwu Academy here?" Li Chenqiu asked, eyes downcast.

No one replied.

"Is the representative from Long Night Academy here?"

No one replied.

"Is there even a single representative from the top ten academies here?"

Still, no one replied.

Li Chenqiu's face darkened. He stood up to leave, but a man grabbed his arm.

"Child, small academies have their own advantages. It won't hurt to listen to what we have to say. If you're satisfied, that would be wonderful; if not, we'll send you back. There's no harm in getting to know us."