Chapter 704

"Tsk tsk, never thought Lei Di had already become this strong."

Among the elite training camp students, former Princess Ailena of Xilan had her face flushed bright red.

She, who had always regarded Xu Jingming as her idol, gazed at him with pure admiration.

She still seemed unable to tear herself away from his astonishing display moments ago.

"Yes, even stronger now..." Xia Lan's delicate face bore a faint hint of bitterness.

The more Xu Jingming grew stronger, the wider the gap between them became.

"By the way, Xiao Lan, where are we going next?" Ailena asked Xia Lan.

After spending this time together, with Xu Jingming as their shared topic, their bond had grown nearly as close as best friends.

"Let's head back to the martial arts academy building."

Xia Lan pursed her red lips and replied with a touch of helplessness.

In the battle just now, over a dozen nearby villas had been destroyed—she couldn't even return to rest if she wanted to...

"What? The final destination of that mission led you into a trap set by the Sect of Heavenly Fate?"

In the top-floor conference hall of the martial arts academy building.

When Liu Shan heard this news from Ling Shuang, he shot to his feet in an instant.

His expression shifted constantly; after a long while, he replied with a grim face:

"Ling supervisor, that mission was drafted by Feng Kuan—I only glanced at it briefly."

"I found no issues and issued it to you; I had no idea it was actually a trap set by the Sect of Heavenly Fate."

"I swear, I have absolutely no connection to the Sect of Heavenly Fate!"

In truth, when Feng Kuan originally drafted this mission, he noticed its location was far from Mocheng.

He thought it would be a perfect chance to send Ling Shuang away for a while, so he ultimately agreed.

Had he known it would turn out like this, he'd never have approved this mission in a million years.

It wasn't that he was reluctant to let Ling Shuang face danger—he simply didn't want to be tied to the Sect of Heavenly Fate.

After all, the Sect of Heavenly Fate is a cult universally reviled; any association with it would severely impact his future prospects.

"Don't worry—we never suspected you, Director Liu."

"After all, you're an elder who oversees the Mocheng branch of Thunder Martial Arts Academy; you wouldn't possibly be involved."

Ling Shuang smiled sweetly.

Xu Jingming, watching from the side, couldn't help blinking.

He thought his own acting was pretty good, but Ling Shuang's was even better.

She lied without even blinking.

"Good, good."

Liu Shan's face lit up with relief, then hesitated slightly as he asked:

"Could this matter be kept from headquarters?"

Deputy Director Feng Kuan was a mole for the Sect of Heavenly Fate—and nearly killed Chief Supervisor Ling Shuang.

Though he was unaware of it, as director, he bore undeniable responsibility.

"This matter is too significant—I must report it to Director Su."

Ling Shuang feigned hesitation, thinking for a long moment before speaking:

"But after spending this time together, I truly believe you're a decent person, Director Liu."

"Even if I report it, I can minimize the impact on you."

"Haha, Chief Supervisor Ling, you're truly straightforward!"

Liu Shan's face lit up with surprise—he never expected Ling Shuang, his sworn rival, would spare him!

"But... I do have a small favor to ask of you, Director Liu," Ling Shuang added immediately.

I knew it wouldn't be that simple!

Liu Shan's smile froze; inwardly he cursed, yet outwardly he forced a sincere grin:

"Chief Supervisor, whatever you need, just say it—I'll help if I can."

"With Feng Kuan dead, the deputy director position at our Mocheng branch is now vacant."

"I assume, besides me, no one else is qualified to fill it?"

Ling Shuang spoke slowly.

The implication was clear: I want the deputy director position.

"This..."

Liu Shan hesitated, then clenched his teeth and nodded:

"Fine, no problem!"

According to Thunder Martial Arts Academy regulations, overseas branches must have one director and two deputy directors.

All three must possess eighth-rank Grand Master combat strength.

Besides Ling Shuang, the academy had two other eighth-rank Grand Masters—he'd planned to promote one of them.

But now that Ling Shuang had made her demand—and held leverage over him—

He had no choice but to agree.

"Also, once I'm promoted to deputy director, the chief supervisor position will be vacant."

"You've seen Xu Jingming's strength—let him take over as chief supervisor. No problem, right?"

Ling Shuang pressed forward.

"Chief supervisor?"

Liu Shan fell into deep hesitation.

Xu Jingming's former role as head trainer of the elite camp was important, but only affected the camp itself.

The chief supervisor position was entirely different.

In the entire Thunder Martial Arts Academy, there were only four core positions: one director, two deputy directors, and one chief supervisor.

Ling Shuang had already taken the higher-ranking deputy director role—if she now took the chief supervisor position too,

She would control half the core management of the branch.

That would be extremely dangerous for him.

"If Director Liu has any reservations, then forget it."

"But I won't be able to speak on your behalf to Director Su."

"After all, if you won't help me, why should I help you?"

Ling Shuang's previously gentle voice turned sharp and forceful.

Liu Shan's face changed instantly; he quickly straightened and said firmly:

"Trainee Xu is powerful and meticulous—he's unquestionably the best candidate for chief supervisor."

Liu Shan's rapid shift in demeanor made Xu Jingming silently marvel.

To not let him inherit the Sichuan tradition of face-changing would be a tragedy.

"That's more like it."

Ling Shuang smiled brightly, dazzling as a bloom of flowers, "Then, Director Liu, shall we consider this a deal?"

"Deal," Liu Shan exhaled softly.

Though the cost was high, the matter had finally been resolved satisfactorily.

"The director's meeting is only a few days away—I'll propose your promotion to deputy director then."

As he spoke, Liu Shan looked at Xu Jingming with a sigh: "I must say, Chief Supervisor Ling truly cares for you."

"Otherwise, even with your strength, you wouldn't have gotten the chief supervisor position so easily."

"Of course—I was at Mo University when Teacher Ling already showed me special attention."

Xu Jingming replied with a smile.

He deliberately emphasized the word "teacher."

This caused Ling Shuang, who had just moments ago been a stern, powerful woman, to blush faintly as she recalled something.

"Haha, then you'd better repay your teacher Ling well," Liu Shan chuckled, then added, "You've both been through quite a shock. Go rest now—I've got paperwork to handle."

With that, Liu Shan left the conference room first.

"Phew, finally over."

Xu Jingming finally relaxed completely, slumping back against the sofa.

For the past few days, he'd been searching the wilderness for divine blood, barely resting at all.

Then came several brutal battles with the Sect of Heavenly Fate—he was already exhausted.

"Rest for a bit first—I'll treat you to a big dinner tonight."

Ling Shuang looked at him with a smile, then paused, her voice slightly awkward as she asked:

"Also, if you're willing, after dinner, could you accompany me shopping?"

PS: Third update done. Six chapters still owed. Readers who enjoy this, feel free to send a free gift~~

"Also, if possible, could you accompany me for a stroll after dinner?"

PS: Three updates done, six chapters still owed. Readers who enjoy this, feel free to send a free little gift~~