Chapter 236: Announcement of Contestants! Xu Jingming Is Captain?

Just as Xu Jingming completed his winter break training and returned to Devil University under Ling Shuang's guidance.

At the headquarters of the Fate Cult, they finally began discussing the matter of Xue Sha's death.

"Lord, Xue Sha has been killed by Devil University's vice-principal, Ling Shuang."

However, according to the information we received, Ling Shuang was also severely injured and can no longer use her spatial ability.

Should we take further action against Xu Jingming?"

A high priest clad in Blood Moon robes stood at the bottom of the long staircase, reporting with respectful demeanor.

On either side of him, the eight red-robed high priests had now been reduced to five.

That means, besides Xue Sha, two other red-robed high priests have perished during this period...

At the very top of the staircase, on the throne, the Supreme Cult Leader's body was hidden within gray mist, revealing only a pair of crimson eyes.

After a silence lasting a full quarter-hour, he finally spoke slowly:

"Since the Great Xia issued the execution order, the development of our Fate Cult has suffered severe setbacks.

Our high-end combat strength has already suffered heavy losses; Xu Jingming is no longer a suitable target.

Moreover, starting today, the Fate Cult will halt all public activities and fully enter hibernation.

Great Xia is currently not suitable for our continued expansion."

The Supreme Cult Leader's crimson eyes held an inexplicable meaning.

The Fate Cult exists not only in Great Xia—other nations have it too, but resistance here is the strongest.

Even in hibernation, it will not affect the overall plan of the Fate Cult.

"Temporary hibernation is to prepare for the final climax; the Energetic Tide will reach its peak in the coming years.

The Supreme Heavenly God, the Sovereign, will descend at the very peak of Energetic power.

At that time, humanity will face its final destruction, and the Fate Cult shall attain eternity.

Hibernate! Accumulate strength! Prepare for the final descent of the Supreme Heavenly God, the Sovereign!"

The Supreme Cult Leader's hoarse voice echoed through the cathedral; the many beast sculptures embedded in the walls emitted eerie, menacing glows.

Below, the high priests and red-robed high priests gradually grew fervent:

"Blessed by Fate! The Heavenly God endures! The Supreme Heavenly God, the Sovereign, is eternal and indestructible!"

Devil University, Combat Techniques Library, Vice-Principal's Office.

A spatial gate opened spontaneously; Xu Jingming and Ling Shuang stepped out side by side.

"Vice-Principal, I'll head back to the dorm first."

Having experienced several spatial transmissions, Xu Jingming had gradually grown accustomed to the brief mental fuzziness and showed no discomfort.

"Don't rush. Sit down first—I need to discuss something with you."

Ling Shuang sat behind the desk, casually crossing her long legs, showcasing their elegant length.

Seeing this, Xu Jingming could only sit down on the nearby sofa.

"The National University League will begin on February 25th. Devil University will be led by me—you know that, right?"

Ling Shuang's beautiful eyes turned toward him.

"I know." Xu Jingming nodded slightly.

Devil University follows a rotation system; each academic year, one vice-principal oversees major affairs.

This year, Ling Shuang was responsible for the freshman competition and study trips.

So, naturally, the National University League is no exception.

"Last year's university league, we lost to Jing University and took second place.

This year, we must avenge that defeat.

Therefore, I wish to appoint you as captain of our Devil University representative team. Are you willing?"

Ling Shuang's clear voice echoed in the office, melodious and pleasant.

There are performance evaluations among vice-principals; since she's overseeing Devil University's affairs this year, she naturally wants to do her best.

"Me as captain?"

Xu Jingming paused slightly, hesitating:

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate for a first-year student like me to be captain?"

Aside from Xu Jingming, all other members of this league team should be fourth-year seniors.

Being led by a first-year would inevitably cause resentment.

"At Devil University, we only value strength, not seniority.

The league captain is always the strongest person at Devil University—who else here do you think is stronger than you?"

Ling Shuang raised a delicate eyebrow. "Or are you afraid you can't control them?"

"Not at all—I'm just worried I might injure them during fights and disrupt the competition," Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

"Relax—as long as you don't kill them, do whatever you want," Ling Shuang waved dismissively.

The dean of the Support College possesses powerful healing abilities; even severe injuries can be healed.

"With your word, I'm reassured—I'll take the captain role."

Only now did Xu Jingming feel certain.

If anyone resents me as captain later, no need for words—just hit them first!

Keep hitting until they submit!

With his current power nearing fifth tier, no one at Devil University can match him.

Only by breaking the stubborn ones will team coordination training proceed smoothly.

"Good."

Ling Shuang nodded in satisfaction. "I'll draft the team roster tonight and submit it to the other two vice-principals for review.

If they have no objections, I'll post it on the school website tomorrow, then submit it to the league officials the day after."

Unlike ordinary announcements, this website posting is merely a notification.

Even if someone has complaints about the roster, sorry—we won't accept them.

In other words, as long as the other two vice-principals confirm the roster is fine tonight,

the participants are officially confirmed—no changes will be made unless someone on the list is incapacitated.

"So soon?" Xu Jingming was surprised.

The second stage of Devil University's university league competition begins on March 10th—still twenty days away.

"Not soon enough. All schools participating in either the first or second stage must submit their rosters before February 25th.

To prevent last-minute roster changes during the league."

Ling Shuang shook her head lightly.

Today is February 20th—only five days remain until roster submission closes...

The pressure of an eighth-tier mid-grade Grand Master is not something a third-tier adept can easily withstand.

Although Xu Jingming had grown accustomed to Ling Shuang's oppressive aura, that didn't mean he enjoyed enduring it constantly.

Xu Jingming had grown accustomed to Vice Principal Ling Shuang's oppressive aura, but that didn't mean he enjoyed enduring such pressure constantly.

So, after confirming his captaincy, Xu Jingming bid farewell to Vice-Principal Ling Shuang and left the Combat Techniques Library.

Thus, after finalizing the matter of who would serve as team leader, Xu Jingming took his leave from Vice Principal Ling Shuang and departed from the Combat Techniques Library.

Outside the Combat Techniques Library, the azure sky floated with fluffy white clouds.

This cheered Xu Jingming, who was used to the Thunder Secret Realm's perpetually stormy, blue-and-white lightning skies.

"Come to think of it, the constant lightning above the Thunder Secret Realm must conceal some secret.

Too bad my level is still too low to explore it."

He shook his head and didn't dwell on it—he had permanent access to the Thunder Secret Realm anyway.

Once he reached sixth tier, he could explore the core zone again.

He put away his thoughts, pulled out his phone, checked the time, and headed toward the student dormitory.

Before the break, his roommate Liu Wentao said he'd join the school's winter training.

It was just past one in the afternoon—he should still be in the dorm.

As Xu Jingming had expected.

Upon returning to the villa, he saw Liu Wentao sitting on the first-floor sofa, eyes half-closed, seemingly practicing his energy cultivation method.

"Brother Ming, you're back."

Liu Wentao sensed Xu Jingming's presence, opened his eyes, and grinned.

"Yeah, just got back."

Xu Jingming sat on the sofa and noticed Liu Wentao's aura had subtly changed:

"Reached second tier? Good job—winter training paid off."

"Of course. Even though I'm still far behind you, Brother Ming, I've got to try my best, right?"

Liu Wentao chuckled, leaning in with a mischievous grin:

"The school's already designing our team uniforms and battle gear for this National University League.

Supposedly, they're using black and gold—looks awesome.

Also, I heard a rumor you're already the official pick for the team—is that true?"

"You'll know tomorrow when you check the official website," Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

"You'll know tomorrow when you check the official website announcement," Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

Vice Principal Ling Shuang had already decided to let Xu Jingming participate in the league and appointed him captain.

But this still required approval from the other two vice principals; until the official list was released, he dared not guarantee it.

Magic Capital University had three vice principals.

Besides Ling Shuang, the other two vice principals were both men: Kong Shuai and Chen Can.

At nine p. ., in the Teaching Building of Magic Capital University, Vice Principal's Office.

Chen Can, seated behind his desk, possessed an A-rank Enhancement-type ability and a burly frame that radiated authority without even raising his voice.

He scanned the newly submitted list of Magic Capital University's participants for the National University League.

"Oh? Xu Jingming as captain?"

Chen Can was surprised.

As a vice principal, he had heard rumors about Xu Jingming's recent combat performance.

Allowing Xu Jingming to compete in the National University League was no issue.

But appointing him directly as captain was something he hadn't anticipated.

"Ding-ding-ding~~~"

At that moment, a call request came through; Chen Can accepted it immediately.

Hum—

A holographic projection of a middle-aged man appeared before him—the other vice principal of Magic Capital University.

Kong Shuai, Rank 8 Lower Tier, possessing an A-rank Elemental Wind-type ability.

"Old Chen, you've seen the participant list, right? What do you think?" Kong Shuai asked in a low tone.

"The participants on the list are fine, but I didn't expect Xu Jingming to be named captain.

Still, among the three of us vice principals, only Principal Ling Shuang has interacted most with Xu Jingming.

She must have her reasons—no objections from me."

Chen Can mused.

Since the incident during the last study trip, when the Celestial Mandate Cultists disrupted things,

Xu Jingming—the rare SS-rank ability awakener—had been under Ling Shuang's personal protection, and neither of them had interfered.

After all, one was Enhancement-type, the other Elemental-type.

Both were far less secure and less capable of protection than Ling Shuang's Space-type ability.

"I think the same," Kong Shuai nodded slightly.

In fact,

Vice principals held considerable autonomy, and this academic year, Ling Shuang had primarily handled Magic Capital University's affairs.

As long as no major mistakes occurred, they wouldn't intervene.

Especially not over something as minor as appointing Xu Jingming as captain.

Since both vice principals had no objections to the participant list,

the next morning at eight a. ., a large, eye-catching announcement appeared on Magic Capital University's official website and student forum:

"The National University League is about to begin; Magic Capital University has formed its representative team. The official roster is as follows:

Captain: Xu Jingming (School of Weapons, Year 1, Class 2)

Vice Captain: Kong Shi (School of Weapons, Year 4, Class 3)

Team Member: Yao Fang (School of Elements, Year 4, Class 1)

......"

The entire Magic Capital University paid close attention to the National University League participants.

But when the roster was published, many students were stunned:

"Huh? Xu Jingming is captain?"