Chapter 323 - Competition
The police arrived at the academy on the second day. With the roads cordoned off and the surveillance system disabled, their only leads came from the Luo family’s drivers, who revealed that the two cousins had planned to target a certain student. Unfortunately, none could identify who that student was.
After some investigation, the police learned of the dispute between Han Wu and Luo Ke from one of Luo Ke’s subordinates. Thus, they summoned Han Wu for questioning.
Han Wu remained composed throughout, insisting that he had gone straight home after classes and never encountered Luo Ke. The officers observed his calm demeanor and noted his lack of nervousness, quickly categorizing him as innocent. According to their records, Han Wu had long been bullied by Luo Ke. Even if he had motive, he lacked the power to carry out such a crime.
Ultimately, the authorities concluded that the murders were the work of one of the Luo family’s enemies. The family’s arrogance had earned them plenty of adversaries, so it was plausible that an enemy had killed their heirs.
The case went cold, and Han Wu returned to his classes as usual. With the police keeping him under temporary surveillance, he couldn’t visit the underground fighting ring, and his strength advanced at a frustratingly slow pace.
A week passed, and the news of Luo Ke and Luo Jie’s murder faded, replaced by a fresh topic that gripped the academy: an upcoming competition to select elite students to represent the academy in the inter-academy contest. Those chosen would unquestionably rank among the academy’s finest.
This competition promised grandeur, with tens of thousands of spectators watching. Any student who displayed even a hint of brilliance would instantly earn thousands of Assists.
The entire academy buzzed with anticipation. No one wanted to remain ordinary; everyone hoped to shine like the brightest star in the sky.
Han Wu, who had been avoiding the underground ring, was already contemplating ways to boost his strength when the news reached him. The opportunity was too good to ignore, and he immediately signed up.
Unfortunately, the rules required the participants to register in teams of three. Han Wu was stumped. Since transmigrating to this world, he had focused entirely on increasing his power and had neglected building any social connections. He didn’t have a single classmate he could call a friend.
While Han Wu hesitated, unsure whether to give up on the competition, someone came forward to register. It was Meng Qi. Unlike Han Wu, Meng Qi had arrived with two teammates. Both were seniors, a year older, and showed exceptional potential.
“Han Wu? Are you here to register for the competition? Where are your teammates?” Meng Qi looked around curiously but found no one else.
Han Wu smiled bitterly. “I’m afraid I’m here alone.”
Meng Qi was stunned. “You have a Defense potential of 24, and you don’t have any teammates? Why don’t you join mine?”
Han Wu was confused and didn’t answer him. How could he join when Meng Qi already had two people?
The two seniors quickly tried to intervene.
“Young Master Meng, what are you saying? The academy requires that each team have three people. Are you trying to replace one of us? How could you even consider that?”
“Besides, we are Superior Disciples with three Skills each. Do you really think we would lose to an Inferior Disciple?”
Meng Qi rolled his eyes. “I will pay your money as agreed even if you leave me.”
At the mention of guaranteed payment, the seniors’ tone shifted immediately, turning from confrontation to eager persuasion.
“I think that junior is quite powerful. Young Master Meng, it would benefit your team greatly if he joined.”
“I agree. Young Master Meng, you must have your reasons for choosing him. I am willing to step aside so he can join.”
“Jiang, your Power potential is impressive, making you a better fit for Young Master Meng, who has high Defense potential. I should be the one to step down.”
“No, Old Zhang, that won’t do. Your Water potential is strong as well. You should join Young Master Meng and support him.”
Meng Qi’s patience snapped. “Enough! Neither of you is qualified to be in my team. Leave!”
The two seniors clenched their jaws but held back their frustration long enough to ask, “Then what about our money?”
Meng Qi scoffed. “I’ll transfer it to your accounts.”
Satisfied with that answer, the seniors left. Both were Superior Disciples; it was more advantageous for them to work with someone of equal rank. They had joined Meng Qi only for the money. Now they got the payment and avoided fighting alongside the weaker Meng Qi.
With the two gone, Meng Qi turned back to Han Wu. “Now, can I officially invite you to join my team?”
Han Wu frowned. “Why did you abandon the two Superior Disciples and come looking for me instead?”
Meng Qi didn’t hide his reasoning. “Instinct. I sense you are concealing your true strength. I refuse to believe someone with a Defense potential of 24 could be weak. On top of that, I’ve heard about you defeating both Luo Ke and Luo Jie. Anyone who could take down a Superior Disciple like Luo Jie is definitely no pushover. I trust my judgment.”
Han Wu had no comeback; he had to admit that Meng Qi had judged correctly on both instinct and reasoning. Still, one small issue remained. “But there are only two of us right now. We can’t register for the competition yet.”
Meng Qi pulled out his phone. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”
Soon, a girl in a long ice-blue skirt appeared. Her striking face and tall, elegant frame easily placed her among the academy’s most beautiful students. Yet her presence carried a cold, unapproachable aura that kept anyone from getting too close.
“Let me introduce her. This is my childhood friend, Leng Ning. She’s a genius with 42 points in her Water potential,” Meng Qi said.
“Oooh.” Han Wu nodded with a knowing smile that conveyed he understood Meng Qi perfectly without further explanation.
Leng Ning huffed and shot Han Wu a scornful glare. “I will freeze you into an ice sculpture if you make a sound like that again. And don’t think I’m Meng Qi’s girlfriend. Spread that rumor, and I’ll freeze you too.”
Han Wu learned firsthand that Leng Ning had a short fuse. He didn’t mind. Finally, with their trio complete, they registered as a team.
The competition would be held in three days, giving them just enough time to familiarize themselves with their Skills.