Chapter 854: One Move Is Enough to Handle You!

In the square before the headquarters building of Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy, Liu Shan's voice exploded like spring thunder, spreading far and wide.

His aura, that of a Peak Eighth-Stage Grand Master, had already erupted, his eyes locked tightly on Xu Jingming.

"It's Director Liu Shan! He's here?"

"He's been at headquarters lately—probably came over after seeing the appointment, dissatisfied."

"If it were me, I'd be dissatisfied too. Even if Ling Shuang was made Magistrate of Metropolis, Xu Jingming still lacks the rank."

"......"

There were quite a few people in the square; those who had been walking stopped dead in their tracks.

They whispered among themselves, eager to see how things would unfold.

Xu Jingming represented Su Qingli; Liu Shan represented Hu Jinyu.

This clash between them would likely draw out both of those senior figures.

"Liu Shan?"

Xu Jingming narrowed his eyes, about to speak.

Suddenly, thunder roared—a slender figure flew in from afar, wreathed in emerald lightning.

It was Director Su Qingli, radiating an extremely formidable aura.

Behind her, Deputy Director Hu Jinyu also flew in.

"Liu Shan, what are you doing? Publicly provoking the hero who secured first place for Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy in the exchange competition?"

Su Qingli's eyebrows arched sharply.

Her rebuke was icy and biting—clearly furious at Liu Shan's actions.

Xu Jingming had expected Hu Jinyu to defend Liu Shan, make excuses for him.

But to his surprise, Hu Jinyu's face was equally grim as he hissed:

"Liu Shan! You've acted impulsively! Come back with me now and face the Director's punishment!"

"It's not impulsive! I simply can't accept it!"

Liu Shan's eyes had turned blood-red.

His voice, sharpened by rage, pointed his right finger at Xu Jingming:

"Why? Why should Xu Jingming be appointed Magistrate of Metropolis? That position should rightfully be mine!"

He had been stuck at Peak Eighth-Stage for seven or eight years.

At this stage, still unable to break into Ninth-Stage, it meant his potential was exhausted.

He had no chance of breaking through on his own—his only hope lay in external resources.

Back when he was at the Mocheng Branch in Dayangzhou, he held considerable power and might have secured such a top-tier resource.

But since being reassigned as Deputy Director of the Nixi Branch, his status had plummeted—he could never obtain the top-tier resources needed to break into Ninth-Stage.

This Magistrate of Metropolis position, however, had reignited his hope.

So for this period, he had constantly rushed to headquarters, trying to get Hu Jinyu to secure the position for him.

But he never expected the final announcement to name Xu Jingming!

Without the position, he had no authority—how many years would it take him, on his own, to afford resources to break into Ninth-Stage?

To seize this final chance, he had no choice but to act this way.

"This guy Liu Shan has completely lost control."

Hu Jinyu's face darkened.

He had already informed Liu Shan about what Cao Jun revealed in the National Council regarding Xu Jingming's true strength.

But he had still underestimated Liu Shan's hunger for Ninth-Stage—he insisted on confronting Xu Jingming anyway.

"Liu Shan, are you questioning my decision?" Su Qingli's beautiful eyes held a faint glimmer of anger.

"I wouldn't dare. For the Director to appoint him Magistrate means Xu Jingming must have exceptional qualities."

Liu Shan shook his head, then turned again to Xu Jingming:

"But I'm a fighter by nature—I'd like to spar with this newly appointed Magistrate."

"If I lose, I'll leave Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy immediately. But if I win, the Magistrate position must be returned to me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, gasps erupted all around.

"Holy shit? Director Liu is going all the way!"

"The Magistrate of Metropolis position—fighting for it is understandable. So much is at stake; it's basically our fourth-highest rank."

"True, but Xu Jingming probably won't agree."

"......"

The closure of the Yer Secret Realm and Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy's victory in the global exchange competition had indeed been a major recent event.

But the reports hadn't described Xu Jingming's strength at all.

Aside from Xu Jingming's fans, nearly everyone in the square assumed Liu Shan was stronger and that Xu Jingming would avoid the fight.

Just as they thought this, Xu Jingming's calm voice suddenly rang out:

"I'll accept your challenge—but the Magistrate of Metropolis position was arranged by Teacher Su. She must agree."

Xu Jingming had originally intended to avoid any entanglement with Liu Shan.

But Liu Shan had declared he'd leave Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy if he lost.

Such a demand had to be fully met!

After all, he'd long disliked Hu Jinyu—and Peak Eighth-Stage Liu Shan was essentially Hu Jinyu's right-hand man.

Removing him from Lei Ting Martial Arts Academy would severely weaken Hu Jinyu's faction.

At the same time, Xu Jingming sent a mental message to Su Qingli: "Teacher, agree to him."

Su Qingli, who already knew Xu Jingming's true strength, didn't hesitate—she nodded directly: "Liu Shan, I agree to your terms."

At that moment, the anger on her fair face had vanished, replaced by a faint, mocking smile.

"Damn it!"

But beside her, Hu Jinyu was nearly driven mad with rage.

He never imagined Liu Shan would be this reckless!

Worse, he had repeatedly sent mental messages to Liu Shan—yet received no response whatsoever.

This meant Liu Shan was utterly determined—he wouldn't back down.

"Uh..."

"What's going on? The Director actually agreed?"

As soon as Su Qingli spoke, the onlookers froze in shock—even Liu Shan himself was taken aback.

He vaguely realized the information Hu Jinyu had given him about the National Council might not have been exaggerated.

But now that he'd come this far, he had no choice but to press on.

"I don't believe it—Xu Jingming is really that strong!"

"I've been at Peak Eighth-Stage for nine years, while he's only just Upper Seventh-Stage!"

Liu Shan's gaze hardened again, even tinged with anticipation.

If he won, he'd become Magistrate of Metropolis!

That position was even more important than Director of the Mocheng Branch.

Then, he might finally obtain the resources needed to break into Ninth-Stage!

"Since even the Director agrees, let's go to the arena."

Liu Shan said.

But Xu Jingming shook his head: "To deal with you, one move is enough—I don't need the arena."