Chapter 57

"But graduation is certainly not the end of youth; it's a new chapter of life. No matter what your talent is, whether you continue on the Martial Artist path or go into business or politics, I hope your future will be bright and smooth sailing!"

After finishing the platitude, Li Jiacheng got to the point.

"Today we gathered everyone mainly because of a military recruitment drive; the front lines are strained and the military lacks manpower, so they made an exception to select some young blood from high schools."

"This is a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity; previously the minimum requirement for enlistment was a certified Martial Artist, but now as long as your combat ability is strong enough, even if your Blood Qi fails, you still have a chance to enlist!"

"Everyone should know how generous the benefits are after enlisting; besides a secure job, you also get privileges ordinary people don't have. If your talent is good enough, or you work hard enough, you will definitely be valued in the army and later return home in glory!"

"Of course, I'm not suggesting every student apply for enlistment; those with higher Blood Qi can still continue to apply to Martial University, after all its resources are better."

Li Jiacheng was grandstanding, and most of the students below were persuaded, eager to sign up.

Of course there are exceptions.

At the podium, a chubby kid wearing glasses poked the boy next to him.

"Zhang Hao, go online later, I have a promotion match!"

Zhang Hao turned his head, shook it, "I'm not going. I want to try this military event, what if I get in?"

"What, you really want to sign up?"

The chubby kid looked puzzled, "Why do you seem like a different person lately? In Martial Way class you're the most enthusiastic, and you don't go online with us anymore, yet now you want to join the army; do you know how dangerous military service is?"

"I know," Zhang Hao nodded, "that's why I train so hard, because I don't want to graduate and end up moving bricks at a construction site, living a mediocre life."

"Your family's situation isn't such that you'd have to move bricks…"

The chubby kid got excited, raised his voice a bit, catching Li Jiacheng's attention.

"Zhang Hao, Wang Siming, stand up! What are you two whispering about? Why not speak on the podium, I'll give you the spot?"

The two were startled by Li Jiacheng's shout, their faces turning ashen, bodies stiff as they stood up.

Just as they thought they were about to be harshly scolded, Li Jiacheng's phone suddenly rang.

Li Jiacheng glanced at the phone and walked out of the classroom.

"Truly, heaven is helping me; this call comes at the right time."

The chubby kid Wang Siming smiled and sat down.

Zhang Hao gave him a look and said irritably, "Isn't it because you came to talk to me?"

"Ah, this is the last class; if we don't speak now there'll be no chance later."

Wang Siming's words instantly drew agreement from the classmates nearby.

"Yeah, this is our last class; after this we'll all go our separate ways."

"I really can't bear to leave you guys. By the way, anyone want to sign up for the army with me?"

"I!"

"And me! I can't get into Martial University, so I have to try this chance!"

In no time the whole classroom erupted in excitement.

Suddenly the lively atmosphere fell silent, and the instructor Li Jiacheng walked in.

The students who had been speaking loudly hurriedly sat down, fearing being called out.

Wang Siming also sprang up, bowing his head as if he wanted to hide his face inside the desk.

Yet unexpectedly, Li Jiacheng showed no sign of anger.

On the contrary he wore a smile, as if something good had happened.

"You two, sit down."

Li Jiacheng waved his hand, indicating that Wang Siming and Zhang Hao should sit.

"What's up with our instructor…"

Wang Siming sat down cautiously, muttering, "Could it be that the principal called him for a promotion and raise?"

"Classmates, breaking news!"

Li Jiacheng said with a smile, "Our class… Lu Jing, he's back!"

After saying that, he ran out of the classroom.

Immediately the class burst into an even hotter discussion.

"Whoa, Lu Jing actually came!"

"Is that for real? Does his talent still need enlistment?"

"Man, didn't expect to see Lu Jing again; I have to get a photo with him."

"I want a photo too; I'll tell everyone Lu Jing is my classmate, they won't believe me!"

"......"

In an instant the classroom was buzzing; many pulled out their phones, ready to record the moment.

"Lu Jing… he's really here?"

Zhang Hao sat dumbfounded; he was the only one who hadn't joined the chatter.

After regaining his composure, he became excited, took out his phone and prepared to take a picture.

But he suddenly remembered that his photo album already contained many pictures with Lu Jing…

"Yeah, we're good brothers…"

As soon as Lu Jing entered the teaching building, he saw Li Jiacheng sprinting down.

After the brief courtesy, Li Jiacheng clasped his shoulder and they walked together toward the classroom.

On the way, instructors and the teaching director from other classes kept joining the group.

Even the vice‑principal eventually arrived.

If the military personnel hadn't needed a companion, the principal might also have come.

After all, Lu Jing is a genius who even courts the city's Martial Association president, let alone these ordinary teachers.

He wished he could show off more in front of him to gain a bit of connection.

They're here—Lu Jing and the others are walking over!

A student from Class 2 who had come out to gather information shouted loudly: "Besides those who came with us, there are also many teachers and the vice principal!"

Upon hearing that the vice principal had also arrived, the entire Class 2 fell silent instantly, each sitting up straight.

Zhang Hao also straightened his back, feeling both eager and afraid.

He was eager to see Lu Jing, yet afraid that their relationship would grow distant.

Soon, through a window in the side wall, they saw the boy surrounded by a crowd.

These people were all teachers and leaders from the school; nearly everyone who could come had come.

Their faces were full of smiles, and they occasionally said flattering things to the boy.

The boy was tall and slender, about 1.8 meters, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, his skin extremely fair, and his every gesture exuded an extraordinary aura.

Although dressed simply, he gave the impression of an idol star, as if the crowd surrounding him were not school leaders but fervent fans.

The boy's expression was calm, neither humble nor arrogant, like the sun facing the sunflowers—so dazzling and scorching.

The students of Class 2 couldn't help but stare, especially some of the girls, whose eyes were fixed on the boy, drool of infatuation dripping from the corners of their mouths.

Zhang Hao looked at that face, both familiar and strange, and felt a sudden daze.

The radiant boy before him bore no trace of his former self.