Chapter 147: It is an ending, and also a beginning

Paro Wizard stepped sideways.

He blocked the strong killing intent that Peter Leonnel and Soren Lucia suddenly erupted.

Selin Wizard also pulled Lin Ke behind her, directly shielding him.

Kodi Wizard also stepped forward, standing side by side with Paro Wizard.

No matter what the three wizards thought, they must protect Lin Ke now.

The person was brought by them, also spoken for by Paro Wizard, and spoke out provocatively from their standpoint.

If they don't protect him, or can't protect him, then the face they've earned over decades, and their status of equal interaction with pure-blood and half-blood families, would become a complete joke.

No matter what, Linke Grand must not come to harm here.

Lin Ke seized this psychology, thus he acted fearlessly and arrogantly.

"Paro, your people are over the top!"

Peter Leonnel collected his grim expression, his demeanor calm, his tone without much fluctuation.

But the more so, everyone present could feel his raging anger.

Soren Lucia underwent the same change.

Except his gaze was not on Paro Wizard, but on Lin Ke.

This audacious brat dared, to his face, insult the Lucia family and clansmen—the Storm Sea Newblood!

"Over the top? I don't think so; I think it's not enough!"

Paro Wizard gave a cold smile, adopting a posture of not minding making a big scene: "Want to vent? Come vent on me, I'm waiting here—come! Taking it out on a little brat, what skill is that?"

"Hmph."

Peter Leonnel let out a sound from his nostrils, furious yet helpless, and sat down sullenly.

What the other side said is true.

As a third-rank wizard about to be promoted to sage, one can send others to deal with it but cannot personally engage a mere first-year apprentice.

If it got out, it would cause a huge joke.

"You're Linke Grand, right?"

Soren Lucia wouldn't let it go so easily.

He curled the corner of his mouth with a sinister smile and said coldly:

"Little brat, you're indeed excellent in all aspects, but you have a mouth that can't speak properly, prone to saying the wrong thing and offending people. I advise you, little brat, to speak less in the future, lest you offend someone you shouldn't and not even know how you died."

Is this advice?

This is a naked threat.

Lin Ke heard it and felt no fear at all.

"You damn well want to kill me and be done with it, even have arranged actual action, and I'm still afraid to offend you?"

Or are you saying that if you want to kill me, I can't even fire off a verbal shot?

Must I only kneel?

Sorry, my legs are inconvenient, I can't kneel!

In the blink of an thought, Lin Ke retreated not even half a step, gave no face, and said lightly:

"No need for you to worry. You should instead pay more attention to the quality of your own clan members—either they're prone to plagiarism, or they can't take a beating; watch out, your family may have no successors."

"Hmph."

Soren Lucia snorted, "Bombastic, you'd better preserve your own life before talking about anything else."

As he spoke, he sneered: "Be very careful, don't let someone kill you for no apparent reason."

If Paro, Selin, and Kodi weren't protecting him, would Soren choose to fight with words?

He would have crushed this annoying brat with a single finger long ago.

Lin Ke pursed his lips, no longer continuing to provoke verbally.

His purpose had been achieved; there was no need to overdo it.

Selin Wizard glanced at Lin Ke and thought, "This little brat is playing that little trick again."

Obviously something happened, and it's not convenient to directly ask Paro for protection, so he took this roundabout approach.

She decided to help out, after all it's rare to encounter a little brat who catches the eye.

Her lips slightly parted, Selin Wizard said, "Paro, enough, let's go; staying longer would be pointless."

"Hmm."

Paro Wizard did not object to Selin Wizard's suggestion, nodding in agreement.

He came here today for only two things.

One, to get Percy Sage's Diamond in hand; two, to vent the ill will he'd been holding for over two months.

Now both goals are achieved, there's nothing left to stay for.

"Let's go."

Paro Wizard gave the instruction, letting Selin Wizard and Kodi Wizard take Lin Ke ahead, while he brought up the rear.

"Um……"

This is blatantly a lack of trust in Peter Leonnel and Soren Lucia's conduct.

Peter and Soren did nothing extra, merely staring sternly at the four's departure.

The moment the bet was made, many things were already decided.

Regardless of who wins the bet,

even if not now, even if it will be in the more distant future,

Peter Leonnel and Paro Wizard, between them only one can survive.

Paro Wizard not only took the Pearl West Sage's Diamond, but also repeatedly mocked them, only deepening the conflict

Perhaps it even hastened the day when the rankings would be settled and life and death decided.

As for Suo Lun Lucia, he actually didn't place special importance on Linke Grand.

If one truly wanted to kill him, a little thought and a little price would make it not difficult to do.

But he actually took to heart a sentence from Lin Ke.

He couldn't help but fall into thought.

The younger generation of the Lucia family, including Huo Ke Lucia, indeed had no astonishingly talented genius.

Could it really be that there is no successor?

The four people smoothly left the private room, exited the villa, and boarded the hovercar.

"Tell me, what happened during the Two Districts Grand Comparison that made you not hesitate to utterly offend the Lucia family and tear faces with that Suo Lun Lucia guy?"

As the vehicle just started moving, Paro Wizard stared intently at Lin Ke and posed a question.

Not only did Sorin Wizard understand some of Lin Ke's habits, but Paro Wizard and Cody Wizard did as well.

They naturally realized that Lin Ke had something to report, so he deliberately took a roundabout way, finding a pretext.

"Sorry, Paro Wizard, I didn't report this in advance."

Lin Ke first adjusted his attitude, apologized, then explained: "Not long after the Two Districts Grand Comparison began, a three‑man team from the Pureblood Will came to kill me. At that time I had already met a first‑year from the Northern District, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke, and teamed up with her."

"Wait."

"Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke? You teamed up with Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke?"

"Yes."

Lin Ke nodded, confirming Sorin Wizard's question, and explained: "She said her sister is your close friend, she heard some things about me from you, became curious, and wanted to team up with me for some fun."

"I see."

Upon hearing that, Sorin Wizard immediately inferred the general course of events.

Nine times out of ten, it was Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's reckless vigor acting without thinking, just for fun, that made her actively seek out Lin Ke.

Moreover, he was surely using her as a pretext.

Otherwise, given Lin Ke's personality, how would he team up with a stranger, let alone a stranger from the Northern District?

One must say, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's crazy‑girl image has already taken root in people's minds.

Seeing that Sorin Wizard had no intention of further questioning, Lin Ke picked up the thread and said: "I teamed up with Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke and eliminated that three‑man team. After distributing the spoils, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke suddenly recognized something like a key‑chain, saying its function is to delay the connection between soul and body, allowing one to use the academy's emergency protection mechanism to truly kill a reference apprentice."

"Then what?"

Paro Wizard, lost in thought, understood why Lin Ke would so disparage the Pureblood Will.

"Then it was Cui Xi Lucia leading six Pureblood Will members who tracked me all the way, and I killed them by exploiting a chance occurrence I happened upon."

Lin Ke didn't reveal everything, only mentioning a few key points.

"Hmm."

Paro Wizard nodded and said, "No wonder you went all out, daring to insult the Lucia family right in front of Suo Lun Lucia."

After a pause, Paro Wizard tapped Lin Ke with his forefinger and said, "Otherwise, you little slip‑wouldn't really find a good opportunity to bring this up to me."

"Hehe..."

Lin Ke scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile, saying, "I didn't intend to hide this from you with this little thought of mine. I really did want to seek your protection, but I didn't know how to bring it up, so I resorted to this."

"Hmph, playing slippery again."

Paro Wizard feigned anger and said, "You helped me win the bet and rendered great service; would I still not protect you?"

"That's what I ought to do; I wouldn't dare rely on such minor merit to demand more and more."

Lin Ke hastily expressed his stance.

Everyone knows Lin Ke is spouting flattery that goes on and on like a creaking axle.

Yet strangely, no one dislikes this kind of flattery, even Sorin Wizard, who dislikes this manner of speaking.

"What plans do you have? Speak them out together."

Paro Wizard knew Lin Ke was not a reckless person.

Since you dared to openly insult the Lucia family just to vent a bit,

besides seeking his protection,

you surely have other plans afterward to avoid the Lucia family, especially Suo Lun Lucia's retaliation.

"Not hiding anything from the three wizards, I plan to return to the academy, first collect all the rewards from the Two Districts Grand Comparison, and then immediately enter the cultivation secret realm."

Lin Ke also didn't hide it, directly stating his idea.

"Have you advanced to third‑tier wizard apprentice?"

At this moment, Sorin Wizard sized up Lin Ke from head to toe, noticed some subtle changes, and asked in surprise, "How long has it been?"

Before the Two Districts Grand Comparison, the three of them had still met Lin Ke once.

Back then, in their eyes, Lin Ke was still a second‑tier wizard apprentice.

Now looking again, the minor transformation in his sea of consciousness has been completed; he has indeed advanced.

Moreover, after a few days, once Lin Ke can fully control the change, it will be hard to judge his realm by outward appearance alone.

One must use mental power to scan.

"Mm..."

Paro Wizard pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your idea of reaching the peak of third‑tier wizard apprentice early and imprinting your innate wizardry is feasible."

"However, advancing to a full wizard is not that simple."

"The cultivation secret realm can at most let you stay for a month; after coming out, you're still a wizard apprentice."

"You still need to think of other methods, something more reliable."

The protection I can give you is limited; it cannot be flawless.

If Suo Lun is determined to kill you, you must stay hidden in the academy and not leave even a single step before you become an official wizard.

Ke Di Wizard added: "The academy isn't absolutely safe, but Suo Lun can at most use apprentice-level power; he dares not violate the academy's rules or breach its bottom line. I can guarantee this."

As the genuine bigwig who heads the academy's law enforcement department and also handles internal disputes, accident investigations, and the mediation office, Ke Di Wizard's guarantee is very strong.

Because he is one of the few wizards in the junior academy who possess the authorization to mobilize intelligent law enforcement puppets.

As long as the justification is sufficient, he can at any time mobilize a large force of intelligent law enforcement puppets to slay any 'foreign enemy' who breaks into the academy.

Even if the Luqi Ya Family later pushes for an investigation into Ke Di Wizard, he fears nothing.

Se Lin Wizard laughed: "I'll go mention this to Renee Clark, so she can cause some trouble for the Luqi Ya Family, especially Suo Lun."

The best way to stop someone from doing something is to give them something else to do.

This idea is excellent.

Lin Ke liked it very much.

The three wizards deliberately avoided a certain topic.

That is Lin Ke's 'mere' fourth-tier aptitude—how did he advance to third-tier wizard apprentice in less than a year?

There must be a secret here, or Lin Ke has some other opportunity.

The three wizards obviously had no intention of prying into Lin Ke's secret or opportunity.

This approach is excellent.

Lin Ke liked it even more.

The hover car was extremely fast, and they soon returned to the academy.

Lin Ke voluntarily asked to get off.

Just before Lin Ke was about to get off, Pa Luo Wizard comforted him with: "There's no need to worry too much; this matter isn't that serious."

Lin Ke repeatedly agreed.

He indeed wasn't overly worried.

There was also nothing to worry about.

If the Luqi Ya Family were to unleash power akin to a dimensional strike, Lin Ke's worrying would be useless.

Observing the academy's rules, matching soldier to soldier and general to general, sending only apprentice-level personnel—then it's a case of meeting force with force, water with earth.

Even a peak third-tier wizard apprentice who has imprinted his natal wizardry, Lin Ke is not inferior now.

At the foot of the dormitory building.

Mo Li squatted on the lawn, quietly waiting for Lin Ke.

The Benevolent Brother Group also intended to wait there, but Mo Li drove them back.

"You're back. Nothing happened, right?"

Upon seeing Lin Ke, Mo Li immediately stood up, went to meet him, and asked concernedly.

?? ￠o

"Nothing."

Lin Ke shook his head in reply.

"Mm, that's good."

Mo Li let out a breath of relief, then excitedly reported the good news: "I got third place, the reward is……"

Lin Ke raised his right hand, stopping Mo Li's words.

Some things are best not said in public.

Having experienced the Two Districts Grand Comparison, he witnessed so many endlessly emerging scouting wizard devices.

Lin Ke dared not be careless.

Being secretly photographed is no big deal as long as one behaves properly.

Being secretly recorded would be troublesome, because you always mention some privacy when chatting.

"We don't need to talk about these today; we can discuss them tomorrow in the lab."

Lin Ke made a gesture, signaling Mo Li to guard against eavesdropping.

"Mm, I understand."

Mo Li understood and suppressed her urge to share the joy.

"I'll send you back."

Lin Ke took the initiative to propose it, and Mo Li had no objection.

The two walked slowly around the campus.

The road wasn't long, and the heart was very calm.

Soon, the road came to an end; Mo Li waved her hand, without reluctance, and went straight upstairs.

The road is still long.

There's no need to dwell on the moment.

Back in the dormitory.

Lin Ke first went to the bathroom to wash himself clean, then comfortably soaked in a hot bath to relieve fatigue.

Mainly, having experienced too much in a short time, he felt some mental fatigue.

"Brain Seal Technique" also has times when it's not effective.

After the bath, wrapped in a towel, he walked into the study.

Lin Ke lit the lixuan grass aromatherapy essential oil, and in the fragrant, tranquil atmosphere, he performed a deep meditation.

He awoke from the meditation.

By this time it was already night, the bright moon hung high, and all was silent and deserted.

Lin Ke activated the study's defensive mode, summoned the 'seed' from his sea of consciousness, and focused his gaze on the core of the seed.

The little girl had already awakened, sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees, her body curled up, perched on the spirit coffin.

The place where she sat was exactly where the God Slayers had stayed for one thousand six hundred twenty-seven years.

It seemed that by sitting here she could sense her father's presence and enjoy his companionship.

Lin Ke let out a long sigh, deciding to find another time to communicate with the little girl.

As the spirit of the 'seed', the little girl innately knows how to nurture the 'seed' to promote faster growth.

As the master of it, Lin Ke, however, is less proficient in this than the little girl.

After storing the 'seed' in his sea of consciousness, Lin Ke's consciousness also sank into his memory palace, sorting through the experiences of this period.

He reflected and summed up the lessons learned.

One scene after another flashed before his eyes, vivid and lively.

According to the wizard world's time, the Two Districts Grand Comparison had only begun this morning and ended at noon—how could it have faded already?

Lin Ke, however, felt as if a long time had passed.

It felt like an eternity had passed.

The plot of the Two Districts Grand Comparison officially ended.

Let's make a brief summary.

Scheduled for release on August 1st, in the second volume, the chapters from 81 to 110 outside the Ivory Tower are all manuscripts.

Starting from chapter one, 'A New Beginning,' of the third volume's Majestic Pass Vast Road, everything is same-day release.

In this volume, I have adjusted my writing style slightly differently from the first two volumes.

The result of the adjustment,

In terms of writing technique, it is far from ideal, with many problems.

Looking at the subscription numbers, it is also far from ideal, with performance falling short of expectations.

Looking back, the Two Districts Grand Comparison plot is somewhat overly long.

The main reason is that I failed to make good selections, wanting to write too much, too cluttered.

It should have been trimmed.

The pacing of the plot was also not well managed.

Although overall, I managed to write out everything I wanted to.

For example, clearly only thirty Newblood from the South District participated, so why is it called the Two Districts Grand Comparison?

This brought out the opposition between 'pureblood' and 'halfblood'.

The conflict in this area will continue to deepen later.

For example, the Interworld Transmission Gate revealed a little of the grand background of the wizard world's conquest of the myriad heavens.

For example, the wizard's cold-bloodedness, absolute rationality, and self-interest; further changes in the protagonist's character, some decisions.

For example, from some details it is shown that Mo Li has been desperately chasing after Lin Ke, but the gap keeps widening, laying groundwork for later.

For example, giving some supporting characters their appearances.

Um… the positioning of the Two Districts Grand Comparison is actually an ensemble cast, plus partial changes in important characters.

What a pity—I overestimated myself and didn't write it well.

Keep striving.

Finally, thank you to all the readers who have accompanied me along the way, thank you!

(End of chapter)