204: Chapter 24 Zhang Bei!

He hadn't even fully erupted his blood qi, achieving this step relying solely on his foundational blood qi!

This is absolutely a top-tier genius with a terrifyingly solid foundation!

He quickly pulled up Qin Yan's associated information. When he saw 'Modu University of Martial Arts, Freshman', Wang Meng slammed the table and abruptly stood up!

'Good! Good! Good!'

He uttered three consecutive 'goods', his face brimming with pleasant surprise and pride.

'Who would have thought! Our shallow pond of Linhai City has truly produced a real dragon capable of leaping over the Dragon Gate!

Modu University of Martial Arts! Hahaha! Good lad! You've brought great honor to our Linhai City!'

The joy in his heart was beyond words.

Linhai City has limited martial arts resources, and for many years, it hasn't produced a single decent genius.

'Everyone, follow me!'

Wang Meng waved his hand grandly, addressing several middle-level cadres and trusted aides who had entered upon hearing the commotion.

With that, he strode out of the office with vigorous, powerful steps, taking the lead.

Followed by a group of similarly curious and astonished association members, the entourage marched directly towards the lobby on the first floor.

Their unusual commotion immediately caught the attention of other martial artists within the association and even some family members of martial artists who had come to conduct business.

'Huh? What's going on with Vice President Wang? He seems in a great hurry and brought so many people?'

'Look at Vice President Wang's expression. He doesn't seem angry, but rather... quite happy?'

'Could it be that the fugitive 'Zhang Bei' has been captured?'

'Doesn't look like it. Capturing a fugitive wouldn't require such a big show of force, would it?'

Everyone buzzed with discussion, their curious gazes following Wang Meng's group.

Soon, they witnessed a scene that left them utterly dumbfounded.

They saw Vice President Wang Meng, who was always known for his heavy authority and unsmiling demeanor, now with his face brimming with warmth.

He quickly walked up to a young-looking youth holding a long spear.

He first examined the youth carefully, his eyes filled with unconcealed admiration.

Then, he actually extended his large hand, firmly grasping the youth's hand and shaking it vigorously.

He seemed to be saying something, his attitude unbelievably cordial.

The youth, receiving such grand treatment from Vice President Wang, though slightly surprised, remained calm and composed, responding neither subserviently nor arrogantly.

After a brief exchange, Wang Meng even let out a hearty laugh and directly wrapped his arm around the youth's shoulders.

Half pulling, half inviting, he led the youth and the group of association cadres behind him, turning away from the noisy first-floor lobby.

They headed towards the fourth-floor area, leaving behind a trail of dropped jaws and countless speculative gazes.

Who on earth is that youth...?

How could he make the second-in-command of the Linhai Martial Arts Association personally come downstairs to welcome him and treat him with such affection?

This question, like a stone thrown into a lake, quickly sent ripples through the small martial arts circle of Linhai City.

Fourth-floor conference room.

Sitting in the main seat, Wang Meng, his face glowing with delight, looked at Qin Yan seated in the first position to his right, his eyes full of undisguised appreciation and pride.

'Brother Qin Yan, truly worthy of being last year's top scorer in the College Entrance Examination from our Linhai City!

A golden carp is no ordinary creature of the pond; encountering wind and clouds, it transforms into a dragon!

Even after being admitted to a top institution like Modu University of Martial Arts, you still shine brilliantly, bringing great honor to our Linhai City!'

Just moments ago, when he went down to receive Qin Yan, a senior association member told him that he had the fortune this year to visit Modu University of Martial Arts.

He had watched a global Exchange Competition.

Then, he told Wang Meng a piece of news: the Qin Yan before him was not only a student of Modu University of Martial Arts but also the most dazzling star among freshmen in the recently concluded National Martial Arts University Exchange Competition!

Privately hailed by countless spectators as the 'Uncrowned King' of this session!

His battle record was illustrious, defeating the Twin Stars of Jingdu University of Martial Arts. His fighting style was fierce, decisive, and his potential unfathomable!

This news made Wang Meng's heart skip a beat!

Uncrowned King! The top contender among the nation's elite freshmen!

This weight is ten, a hundred times heavier than being merely a student of Modu University of Martial Arts!

This meant that Qin Yan's future, barring any premature downfall, would likely reach at least the level of a Middle-grade martial artist, with even hope of becoming a Grandmaster!

For a small Linhai like Linhai City, this was a once-in-a-century glory!

Now, the look in his eyes when he regarded Qin Yan was no longer that of viewing an outstanding junior, but more like admiring a peerless, unpolished jade that already radiated inner brilliance.

'President Wang, you flatter me too much.'

Qin Yan's tone was modest, not showing the slightest hint of arrogance despite the other's lavish praise.

This steadiness made Wang Meng and the other senior association members present nod inwardly in approval.

After some initial pleasantries between both sides, Qin Yan's gaze was quickly drawn to a projection image being looped on a large screen at the front of the conference room.

It was a half-body image of a man.

Most striking was his completely bald head, which even reflected the light somewhat.

However, in stark contrast to this fierce appearance was his face—it appeared quite gentle, with the corners of his mouth seemingly naturally upturned in a slight curve, giving him a somewhat simple and honest look.

But if you shifted your gaze to his eyes, you would feel a chill.

The gentle face and the cold eyes created an extremely bizarre, deeply unsettling contrast.

'Who is this?'

Qin Yan's gaze settled on this projection, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly as he asked.

As soon as Qin Yan spoke, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly became heavy and oppressive.

The smile vanished from Wang Meng's face, his expression visibly darkening.

The other senior members also looked solemn, their eyes revealing a mix of anger and worry.

'His name is Zhang Bei,' Wang Meng said, his voice laced with suppressed fury.

'Originally, he was a registered third grade late stage martial artist in neighboring Qingshui City.

But this man... is a complete and utter wolf in sheep's clothing!

Outwardly honest, but in secret, he harbors extremely twisted and perverse obsessions—his favorite thing is to torture and murder young girls!'

'About half a year ago, he committed a horrifying series of torture-murder cases in Qingshui City. The methods were unspeakably cruel.

The Qingshui City Martial Arts Association pursued him with full force, but he managed to escape by sheer luck and has since vanished without a trace.

We thought he had fled to somewhere farther away, but who would have thought...'

He pointed at the projection, his tone grave, 'In the past month, his figure has appeared in our Linhai!

And he has started committing crimes again!'

'In this past month, four consecutive missing persons cases involving young girls have occurred in our Linhai!

At first, we thought they were ordinary disappearances. It wasn't until last week, when we found the... body of one of the missing girls in an abandoned warehouse on the Linhai outskirts.'

'That child... was only fifteen years old!

Her entire body... was almost devoid of intact skin, covered in various marks from vines, leather whips, and even burns!

She was tortured to death!

The medical examiner said she endured hours of extreme pain and terror before dying...

When we found her, her eyes... were still wide open in terror, filled with unimaginable despair and agony...'