61: Chapter 61 The Battle Between the Two Schools: I Benefit
The appearance of Huo Shan caused the atmosphere in the dormitory to instantly drop to freezing point.
"Director Huo Shan, according to the regulations of the Xuan Yuan Galaxy System Education Association, the recruitment time for all universities is unified. Your behavior constitutes malicious poaching of students and is against the rules."
"Furthermore, Student Wang Pingan is in our Xuanyuan Martial Arts University selection training camp."
The smile on Teacher Liu Qing's face finally disappeared, replaced by a cold expression.
"Against the rules?"
Huo Shan scoffed, as if he had heard some huge joke.
"Teacher Liu Qing, rules are made for the weak. Our Xuanhe Martial Arts University only believes in strength. Instead of lecturing me on rules here, you should think about how to keep your genius."
He no longer paid attention to the unsightly expression on Teacher Liu Qing's face and, right in front of her, took out an electronic contract from his briefcase and slammed it onto the table.
"Kid, look clearly."
Huo Shan gestured with his chin toward the contract.
"S+ grade contract! All resource allocations are a full 30% higher than Xuanyuan University! Upon enrollment, you are rewarded with 2000 Low-Grade Spirit Crystals! Furthermore, the Combat Department of our Xuanhe Martial Arts University is recognized as the best in the entire galaxy! We cultivate lions that can conquer the star sea, not sheep like those from Xuanyuan University that only know how to talk on paper!"
This speech was arrogant and wild, mercilessly disparaging Xuanyuan University.
Teacher Liu Qing's assistant wanted to lash out on the spot but was stopped by a look from Teacher Liu Qing.
The talented youth brought by Huo Shan took a step forward, and a powerful aura pressed directly onto Wang Pingan.
"I heard you can fight well? Do you dare to exchange a few moves with me? I am also a high school senior this year; let me show you what a true genius is!"
A naked provocation!
This is an open scheme.
Huo Shan wanted to use the most direct and brutal way to snatch this super genius, Wang Pingan, right in front of Teacher Liu Qing!
For a moment, everyone's gaze was focused on Wang Pingan.
He became the lamb being fought over by two tigers.
Whomever he chose would completely offend the other side.
Teacher Liu Qing took a deep breath, forced a smile again, and softened her tone.
"Student Wang Pingan, don't be influenced by him. Although Xuanhe Martial Arts University has strong momentum, their style of conduct is too overbearing and not suitable for all geniuses. Our Xuanyuan University has a long history and deep foundation, possessing the most perfect cultivation system, which is more suitable for a genius like you who needs to solidify your foundation and steady your progress."
Her words were pointed.
Wang Pingan was overjoyed inside, but his face revealed the complex expression of a naive youth facing a huge temptation—excited yet panicked, eager yet conflicted.
He did not make a choice immediately.
Instead, he turned his head and glanced at Teacher Liu Qing with an expression full of gratitude and apology.
"Teacher, Mentor Thunderstorm has always told me that Xuanyuan University is the best school, and I have always regarded Xuanyuan University as my first goal..."
Upon hearing this, Teacher Liu Qing's expression improved significantly.
This kid still remembers old feelings.
There's a chance!
Immediately after, Wang Pingan turned his head again, his gaze "inadvertently" falling on Huo Shan's S+ contract, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down, revealing a hint of unhideable desire.
He scratched his head and said in an almost honest tone, quietly yet ensuring everyone could hear.
"But... this teacher, the conditions you offered... are really too good."
"I... my family background is very ordinary, my parents are both soldiers on the front line, and my cultivation... really needs a lot, a lot of resources..."
"I don't want them to worry about my cultivation expenses anymore..."
He portrayed the image of a "simple, filial, yet slightly money-minded" youth to the fullest.
His eyes were clear, carrying a hint of desire for money and a hint of helplessness regarding reality.
This "genuine" performance had an immediate miraculous effect.
Huo Shan laughed out loud, his gaze at Wang Pingan becoming increasingly appreciative.
"Good kid! Honest enough! I like it! Cultivation is inherently going against the heavens; what we fight for is resources! Those hypocrites who pretend to be noble can't accomplish big things!"
On the other side, Teacher Liu Qing's heart sank suddenly.
She miscalculated.
She thought she could move Wang Pingan with long-term benefits like "solidifying the foundation," but she ignored the most realistic problem—money!
For a genius from an ordinary background who urgently needs resources to become stronger, what do foundations or history matter compared to tangible Spirit Crystals!
Seeing that the balance was tilting heavily toward Xuanhe Martial Arts University, Teacher Liu Qing gritted her teeth and made a major decision.
"Huo Shan! Don't get cocky too soon!"
She looked up suddenly and stared straight at Huo Shan.
"It's just an S+ contract; we at Xuanyuan University can afford it too!"
She immediately opened her personal terminal, seemingly making an emergency application to the school headquarters.
A few seconds later, a look of heartache appeared on her face, but it was mostly replaced by a determination to win.
"Student Wang Pingan! I just applied to the Board of Directors, and they unanimously agreed! We are making an exception to provide you with an—SS grade contract!"
SS grade!
As soon as these three words were spoken, even the usually arrogant Huo Shan's expression changed.
An SS grade contract was already the second-highest tier of treatment at Xuanyuan University, usually only given to those monstrous geniuses of the Fourth Rank!
"Besides that!" Teacher Liu Qing pressed her advantage and threw out a bombshell.
"The school will add an extra 'Genius Incentive Bonus'! A one-time payment of... 3,000 Low-Grade Spirit Crystals!"
3,000!
Wang Pingan's heart skipped a beat.
He hit the jackpot! This time he really hit the jackpot!
He forcibly suppressed the wild joy in his heart, his face revealing an expression of disbelief, of being struck by a huge surprise and stunned.
Huo Shan's face turned completely black.
The figure of 3,000 Spirit Crystals had already exceeded the authority he could decide on the spot.
He knew the situation was lost.
Xuanyuan University had spent a fortune this time and was determined to keep Wang Pingan.
"Hmph!"
Huo Shan scoffed, put away his contract, and looked deeply at Wang Pingan. His eyes were extremely complex—full of appreciation, unwillingness, and a hint of... meaningful implication.
"Kid, interesting. Consider yourself lucky."
He didn't say another word of nonsense, turned around directly, and walked out of the dormitory with the arrogant youth who hadn't had a chance to make a move from start to finish.
The dormitory finally returned to calm.
Teacher Liu Qing let out a long sigh of relief, wiped the non-existent sweat from her forehead, and solemnly handed the brand-new contract, with the two gold-stamped characters "SS" printed on the cover, to Wang Pingan.
Wang Pingan "flattered and honored" accepted it and finally "naturally" signed his name.
A thrilling battle to poach a talent ended with him, the "fisherman," gaining a complete victory.