17: Chapter 17 Glory Abounds, Undercurrents Surge, and Storms Rise

Inside the grand auditorium of Jiangcheng Martial Arts University, there wasn't a single empty seat, and the air was filled with a cacophony of voices.

Today was the day of the Secret Realm Trial Summary and Commendation Meeting. All students and faculty had gathered, their eyes fixed intently on the podium on the main stage. A bright red carpet stretched from the auditorium entrance all the way to the stage, flanked by massive banners reading "Hone Your Martial Will, Bravely Climb to the Peak of the Strong." The air was thick with the scent of excitement and anticipation.

The five members of Lin Zhou's squad were seated in the VIP section in the first row.

Qin Yue wore a moon-white martial arts uniform, her posture erect and her cool, elegant features drawing countless gazes. Su Ye wore a brand-new combat suit, an irrepressible smile on his face as he occasionally waved to nearby classmates. Liu Yiyi's small face bore a shy blush, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes, looking somewhat nervous. Ye Ying was still dressed in black, hidden in a corner, his eyes alertly scanning the surroundings as if on constant guard. As for Lin Zhou, he wore a simple black robe, standing tall like a pine tree with a faint look of composure, as if the surrounding clamor had nothing to do with him.

Since returning from the Secret Realm, the deeds of Lin Zhou's squad had spread throughout the entire campus.

Killing the Peak King-rank exotic beast Nine-Life Demon Cat, slaying a Pseudo-King-rank Demonic Path Cultivator, and wiping out an ambush by three Grandmaster-level instructors... piece after piece of explosive news had taken wing, flying to every corner of the campus.

Everyone knew that Jiangcheng Martial Arts University had produced a freshman named Lin Zhou—a peerless Genius who had burst onto the scene!

"Look! It's them! Lin Zhou's squad!"

"My god, Lin Zhou looks so young, yet he can actually slay a King-rank exotic beast. That's just Heaven-Defying!"

"Senior Sister Qin Yue is indeed amazing. Being able to fight alongside Lin Zhou is truly a union of the strong!"

Discussions rose and fell, and one gaze after another landed on the five members of Lin Zhou's squad—some filled with admiration, some with envy, and some with veiled jealousy.

Just then, the lights in the auditorium suddenly dimmed, and a spotlight hit the main stage.

Principal Li Xuanfeng stepped slowly onto the stage. He wore a deep blue Zhongshan suit, his hair was graying, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and his entire body radiated the pressure of a Peak Grandmaster.

The entire venue fell silent instantly.

Principal Li Xuanfeng cleared his throat, and his voice rang out loudly: "Teachers, students, today we are solemnly holding the summary and commendation meeting for this Secret Realm trial! In this trial, a large number of outstanding students have emerged. They were unafraid of hardships and dangers, bravely venturing into the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts, showcasing the spirit of our Jiangcheng Martial Arts University students!"

Thunderous applause rang out from below the stage.

Principal Li Xuanfeng raised his hand to signal for silence and continued: "And in this trial, the most outstanding performance belongs to Lin Zhou's squad! They ventured deep into the core area of the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts, slew the Peak King-rank exotic beast Nine-Life Demon Cat, and harvested a large amount of Heaven And Earth Treasures, bringing glory to the school! After deliberation, the school has decided to grant Lin Zhou's squad the title of 'Martial Pioneers' and reward them with..."

Before Principal Li Xuanfeng could finish speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, lasting for a long time.

The five members of Lin Zhou's squad stood up and, under everyone's gaze, walked slowly onto the podium.

Principal Li Xuanfeng personally presented them with medals and rewards—ten thousand contribution points each, a Grandmaster-level Martial Skill Jade Slip, and a bottle of mind-concentrating pills that could enhance spiritual energy.

"Student Lin Zhou," Principal Li Xuanfeng said, looking at Lin Zhou with a hint of approval in his eyes, "to have such achievements at such a young age, your future is limitless. I hope you will continue your efforts and make even greater contributions to the school and to Jiangcheng's martial arts world."

"Thank you for your kindness, Principal." Lin Zhou bowed slightly, his voice calm.

The applause from the audience grew even more enthusiastic.

Just then, a discordant voice suddenly rang out: "Principal! I object!"

Everyone followed the sound and saw a middle-aged man in a gray robe walking quickly onto the stage. He was the school's Dean of Students and also a relative of Instructor Luo Sha—Zhao Kun.

Zhao Kun's face was grim, his eyes fixed deathly on Lin Zhou, and his voice was shrill as he said: "Principal! In the Secret Realm, Lin Zhou's squad slaughtered their fellow disciples and even killed Instructor Luo Sha and two other instructors! How can such people be worthy of the title 'Martial Pioneers'? They are simply a disgrace to the school!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience went into an uproar.

Everyone was stunned, their faces written with disbelief.

Killing instructors? That was a massive crime!

Qin Yue's expression instantly turned cold, and she shouted sternly: "Dean Zhao Kun! You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want! Luo Sha and the others led a crowd to ambush us and steal our spoils of war. We were merely acting in self-defense!"

"Self-defense?" Zhao Kun sneered and took out a Jade Slip. "This is a communication Jade Slip left behind by Instructor Luo Sha. It clearly records the process of you slaughtering your fellow disciples! Do you still dare to make excuses?"

He handed the Jade Slip to Principal Li Xuanfeng, a hint of smugness on his face.

Principal Li Xuanfeng took the Jade Slip and injected spiritual energy to check it, his brow gradually furrowing.

The content on the Jade Slip was indeed Luo Sha's voice, recording Lin Zhou's squad "slaughtering fellow disciples," but it didn't mention a single word about their ambush and robbery.

Clearly, this was a tampered communication Jade Slip!

Lin Zhou's eyes were cold as he looked at Zhao Kun and said calmly: "Dean Zhao, I have already cleaned up the bodies of Luo Sha and the others. This Jade Slip of yours is nothing more than forged evidence."

"Forged?" Zhao Kun roared, "Lin Zhou! Don't you go slandering people! Instructor Luo Sha is my younger brother; he would never lie! You are a cold-blooded and ruthless brat, and you must give an explanation to all the teachers and students!"

The discussions below the stage rose again, and the gazes directed at Lin Zhou became complicated.

"So Lin Zhou is that kind of person? He actually killed instructors?"

"It's hard to say. Maybe Dean Zhao Kun is intentionally framing him?"

"Instructor Luo Sha's reputation wasn't good to begin with. Maybe he really was the one who made the first move!"

Just as the scene was falling into chaos, Principal Li Xuanfeng suddenly spoke: "Enough!"

His voice carried an air of authority, instantly suppressing all the discussions.

Principal Li Xuanfeng looked at Zhao Kun and said deeply: "Dean Zhao, matters within the Secret Realm are complex. A single communication Jade Slip is not enough to settle the case. Furthermore, as far as I know, incidents of Luo Sha and his group plundering student resources in the Secret Realm have occurred repeatedly in recent years. The school will establish a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate this matter!"

Zhao Kun's expression changed, and he wanted to say more, but he was coldly interrupted by Principal Li Xuanfeng: "Today is a commendation meeting, not a trial! If you dare to disturb the order again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Zhao Kun gritted his teeth. Seeing the chill in Principal Li Xuanfeng's eyes, he ultimately didn't dare to say anything more. He could only glare fiercely at Lin Zhou and walk off the stage dejectedly.

Principal Li Xuanfeng looked at the crowd below and said loudly: "The performance of Lin Zhou's squad in the Secret Realm is obvious to all! Their courage and strength are worthy of study by everyone! The commendation meeting shall continue!"

Thunderous applause rang out again, and this time, it was even louder than before.

Lin Zhou watched Zhao Kun's departing back, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

He knew that Zhao Kun would not let things go so easily. This storm had only just begun.

After the commendation meeting ended, as soon as the five members of Lin Zhou's squad stepped out of the grand auditorium, they were surrounded by a swarm of reporters.

"Student Lin Zhou, how did it feel when you killed the Nine-Life Demon Cat?"

"Senior Sister Qin Yue, what dangers did your squad encounter in the Secret Realm?"

"Student Liu Yiyi, as the only Mage in the squad, you..."

The reporters' questions surged like a tide, and camera flashes flickered incessantly.

The five members of Lin Zhou's squad smiled at each other. Qin Yue stepped forward, her cool voice ringing out: "Dear reporters, thank you for your attention. Regarding the matters in the Secret Realm, it is currently inconvenient for us to reveal too much. If you would like to know more, please follow the school's official announcements."

After speaking, the five of them squeezed through the crowd under the escort of school security.

Just as they reached the school gate, a black luxury car stopped in front of them.

The car window slowly rolled down, revealing the face of a middle-aged man. He wore an expensive suit and possessed an extraordinary aura. Looking at Lin Zhou, a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Hello, Student Lin Zhou. I am the President of the Jiangcheng Martial Arts Association, Chu Kuang."

Lin Zhou's pupils constricted slightly.

President Chu Kuang! The President of the Jiangcheng Martial Arts Association, a titan-level figure in the martial arts world, and a legendary Half-step King!

President Chu Kuang looked at Lin Zhou, his smile becoming even gentler: "Student Lin Zhou, I have heard of your deeds. I greatly admire your talent and courage. I wonder if you are interested in joining the Jiangcheng Martial Arts Association?"

Lin Zhou's heart stirred.

The Jiangcheng Martial Arts Association was the highest organization in Jiangcheng's martial arts world, filled with experts and countless resources. Joining the association would be of immense benefit to his Cultivation.

But Lin Zhou also knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch. President Chu Kuang personally coming to him was definitely not as simple as just admiring his talent.

Qin Yue and the others also stopped and looked at President Chu Kuang, their eyes filled with surprise.

Seeing Lin Zhou's hesitant expression, President Chu Kuang continued: "As long as you join the association, we can provide you with the best cultivation resources, the best instructors, and even help you resolve your troubles at the school."

These words struck Lin Zhou's weak point directly.

The troubles at school referred to the harassment from Zhao Kun and the others.

Lin Zhou looked at President Chu Kuang and spoke slowly: "I appreciate President Chu's kindness. However, I currently only want to Cultivate in peace and have no plans to join any organization for the time being."

A flash of surprise crossed President Chu Kuang's face; he clearly hadn't expected Lin Zhou to refuse.

But he quickly regained his smile and nodded: "That's fine, I respect your decision. This is my business card. If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

He handed Lin Zhou a gold-embossed business card and then instructed the driver to drive away.

Lin Zhou looked at the business card in his hand, lost in thought.

Qin Yue walked to his side and said softly: "President Chu Kuang is a very ambitious man. You were right to refuse him."

Lin Zhou nodded and put the business card into his storage space.

He knew that President Chu Kuang's appearance meant that Jiangcheng's martial arts world had already begun to take notice of him.

And this also signaled that the days ahead would be even more magnificent and turbulent.

The setting sun stretched the shadows of the five of them very, very long.

Lin Zhou looked up at the sky, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

No matter how much wind and rain or how many undercurrents lay ahead, he was fearless.

Because behind him, he had reliable teammates and a Heaven-Defying System.

More importantly, he had a heart that would never admit defeat!

The path of the Dao belonging to him had only just begun.

And the storm of Jiangcheng had also only just begun to rise!