Chapter 604: Gathering Notice! The Top 32 Who Tower Above the Rest!

By the time they left Master Kevin, it was nearly five-thirty.

As soon as Xu Jingming returned to the villa, he saw Ling Shuang and Xia Lan waiting for him in the first-floor living room.

"We've been waiting for you—let's go, I'll treat you to a victory banquet."

Ling Shuang's face wore a smile, clearly in high spirits.

She didn't use her spatial ability; instead, she strode ahead with her long legs, leading the way.

Xu Jingming and Xia Lan followed beside her.

At the restaurant, Ling Shuang let Xu Jingming, the hero of the hour, order.

Xu Jingming didn't hesitate—he ordered whatever looked interesting, regardless of whether he knew it or not.

He ordered every dish that seemed novel.

Unlike restaurants in Da Xia, this Mocheng eatery leaned more toward Western cuisine.

The main hall had small tables seating only two or three people, each set with knives and forks.

But the private rooms featured much larger tables, similar in size to Da Xia's round tables.

Even so, when all the dishes arrived, the entire round table was completely filled.

"Come on, congratulations, Jingming—you've successfully become the head coach of the Elite Training Camp."

Ling Shuang led, and the three raised their glasses and clinked them together.

Though this was spirit-fruit wine, for people all at least fifth-rank, it was no different from a soft drink.

"This time, I owe it all to you—if not for you, breaking the deadlock would've taken me a great deal of effort."

Setting down her glass, Ling Shuang turned her beautiful, large eyes toward Xu Jingming:

"After you got the head coach position at noon, those few hours in the afternoon—"

"Several management staff from martial arts academies have already contacted me privately, trying to curry favor."

Wherever there are people, there are interests; where there are interests, factions form.

The Lei Tang Martial Arts Branch here in Mocheng was practically monopolized by Liu Shan.

Anyone not in his faction couldn't get a foothold.

But where there are beneficiaries, there are losers.

Many here in the branch resented Liu Shan.

But since Ling Shuang was new, they didn't know her capabilities, so they dared not approach her.

But when Xu Jingming immediately secured the head coach position, it caught them off guard.

So they've shown a bit of goodwill.

Of course,

it's still unlikely they'll fully help you take on Liu Shan right now.

"As long as I can help Teacher Ling, that's enough," Xu Jingming smiled. "The Genius Competition officials have already sent me a notice."

"I'll probably leave in a couple of days to confirm my trip to Qingfeng Secret Realm."

"Go ahead—Qingfeng Secret Realm is indeed a good place."

Ling Shuang nodded. "If you're lucky, you might even secure another SS+ level cultivation resource."

"Oh?" Xu Jingming's eyes lit up.

The SS+ level cultivation resource from the Genius Competition had already given him a significant boost.

He certainly didn't mind getting another one.

After dinner, it was around seven-thirty.

Xu Jingming returned to the villa, put on his neural helmet, and entered the virtual world.

He invited Song Qiuyun and Jiang Chu to his room to chat and catch up.

At eight o'clock, a teleport invitation appeared—he clicked to teleport away.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!...

In the virtual world, on an endless silver plain, figures were teleported in one after another.

These were the top 100 competitors of this year's Global Genius Exchange Competition's finals.

"Haha, Lei Di!"

"Hey, Ming Ge!"

"Good to see you again."

"..."

The top 100 of the Global Genius Exchange Competition, if they don't perish, will inevitably become eighth- or even ninth-rank adepts!

Who knows when they might fight side by side—no one is foolish enough to offend another.

Especially Xu Jingming, Catherine, Su Yu, and Andre—they were the ones everyone sought to befriend.

So as soon as Xu Jingming teleported in, many greeted him warmly.

Some were opponents he'd faced on the arena; others he'd never met before.

But all wore friendly expressions.

Of course,

except for Sakura Nation's Sakuragi Rin.

She merely glanced at Xu Jingming from afar, then quickly retreated to Catherine's side, who had just teleported in.

Sakura Nation's current status is nearly that of a vassal state to the U. S. —this reaction was perfectly normal.

But Catherine seemed utterly unaware of the beautiful girl with her princess-cut hairstyle.

As soon as she teleported in, she walked straight toward Xu Jingming.

This left Sakuragi Rin confused—she didn't know whether to follow or stay back.

After glancing at the group of American prodigies surrounding her, she finally gritted her teeth and followed.

"May the Holy Light forever protect you."

Catherine stepped before Xu Jingming and began with a religious blessing.

Paired with her saintly features and the golden holy light subtly swirling around her—

honestly, she did look like a goddess.

Most people in the U. S. were followers of the Holy Church.

The prodigies gathered around Catherine were no exception.

They gazed at the saintly Catherine, their eyes nearly sparkling with adoration.

But Xu Jingming wasn't impressed. He raised an eyebrow slightly and said coolly: "What do you want?"

Catherine hadn't expected such coldness—her expression froze.

But she quickly recovered, her face serene:

"Xu Jingming, I believe you have a misunderstanding about our Holy Church.

How about this—you come with me to the U. S. next time.

When you witness the Lord's miracles firsthand, I'm sure you'll change your mind."

Seriously!

Are you stalking me now?

Who has time to go to the U. S. with you?

Xu Jingming shook his head directly: "Sorry, not interested."

Shuowan ， Zhuanshenjiuzou ， Zhiliuxiakaiselinyirenzaiyuandilingluan 。

This man is that decisive?

"She's the Holy Angel that over a billion believers worldwide want to approach.

Others would kill to get near her—how could you refuse, Brother Xu?"

Su Yu had just teleported in and had watched the entire scene—he chuckled teasingly.

"This girl's been brainwashed by religion—I don't want her clinging to me."

Xu Jingming shook his head.

One has to admire the U. S.'s propaganda capabilities.

They'd turned an SS-level adept into a fanatical theist, drawing legions of followers.

Then again,

SS-level adept "Holy Angel" does carry heavy religious overtones.

"Everyone!"

Just then, a grand voice rang out.

A middle-aged white man in battle armor appeared before them, his eyes filled with oppressive authority:

"All of you must arrive in Maden, EU, by 9:00 a. m. international time on December 13th.

Qingfeng Secret Realm will open there.

The exact address will be sent to each of your emails.

Those who fail to arrive on time forfeit their Qingfeng Secret Realm rewards.

As for the top 32 finalists of the finals, private jets will transport you—just provide your address."

The top 32 would receive private jet transport; everyone else had to arrange their own travel.

The disparity in treatment was unmistakable.

Yet everyone present felt this was not unfair.

In their eyes, the top 32 contenders before the finals were truly superior.