TRWSB – Chapter 53 A Guaranteed Spot

“Have the participants for the academy competition been decided yet?” Zhuang Ling asked Sun Lin.

“Not yet. It’s still too early for that! Over the years, the Sacred Emperor Academy has produced several prodigies. It’s truly enviable. Although our academy has a few decent ones, they can’t quite compare to the likes of the Seven Elegants of the Capital,” Sun Lin replied.

“The Seven Elegants of the Capital are indeed remarkable,” Zhuang Ling said.

“Speaking of which, people are speculating. What are the chances your cousin, Zhuang Hao, will win the solo championship this time? The headmaster has been eager to recruit him, but Zhuang Hao is as unyielding as iron—he won’t budge.”

Zhuang Ling chuckled, shaking his head. “Claiming the championship? It’s a bit premature to say that.”

Sun Lin looked at Zhuang Ling and asked, “Instructor Zhuang Ling, do you lack confidence in Zhuang Hao?”

“Did I say that?” Zhuang Ling countered, fixing his gaze on Sun Lin.

“…”

“Thank you for your help with Furong,” Sun Lin said gratefully.

“If the Evil Healer was willing to help, you should thank them instead,” Zhuang Ling replied.

Sun Lin shook her head and said, “Regardless, I must thank you, Instructor Zhuang Ling. Without your influence, the Evil Healer wouldn’t have noticed Furong.”

Zhuang Ling merely smiled without replying.

“Young master, you’re back. What are your thoughts about the Hundred Schools Tournament?” Qi Heng inquired.

“No thoughts. I’m not interested in things that don’t offer any benefits,” Qi Shaorong replied indifferently.

“It’s not entirely without benefits. If handled properly, young master, you could use this as an opportunity to make a significant profit,” Qi Heng said with a sly smile.

Qi Shaorong raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?”

“The Hundred Schools Tournament attracts betting pools from all major gambling houses. In recent years, the Sacred Emperor Academy has been producing an impressive number of outstanding students. With all seven members of the Seven Elegants of the Capital enrolled there, most people think the academy has a 90% chance of winning. Conservatively, the odds for their victory would be 10 to 1. Furthermore, there will be ten top-ranked students selected this time. If Zhuang Hao fails, the odds for that will also be quite high. If the Sacred Emperor Academy loses, it’ll be quite the spectacle.”

Qi Shaorong rubbed his fingers thoughtfully. “It does sound like a lucrative opportunity.”

Qi Heng added, “Young master, your reputation has taken quite a hit recently. It might be time to showcase your strength. Those Seven Elegants sound impressive, but have you considered knocking Shen Yuan off his pedestal and claiming his spot instead?”

Qi Shaorong scoffed. “What’s the point of taking a bottom-tier position? The real fun lies in knocking the top player off.”

Qi Heng gave him a teasing look. “Young master, do you dislike Zhuang Hao that much? He’s a handsome guy and seems quite fond of the Evil Healer—a pure-hearted youth.”

Qi Shaorong turned to Qi Heng, his expression serious. “My issue with Zhuang Hao has nothing to do with liking or disliking him. It’s just that he’s the favorite to win. Beating him means I can rake in a fortune.”

“…So, you’re planning to participate?” Qi Heng asked.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Might as well. Sitting idle is boring. Time to shake things up a bit.”

Qi Shaorong strode into the headmaster’s office. Hu Feng was pacing back and forth. Upon seeing Qi Shaorong, he quickly masked his irritation with a façade of calm authority.

“Qi Shaorong, is there something you need?” Hu Feng asked.

“You seem troubled, Headmaster,” Qi Shaorong noted.

Hu Feng grumbled, “That scoundrel Lu Ming from the Sacred Emperor Academy is such a pest.”

Qi Shaorong narrowed his eyes. Before he arrived, it was rumored that Lu Ming had visited Hu Feng for a “friendly discussion.” Clearly, it wasn’t pleasant.

“What can I do for you, Qi Shaorong?” Hu Feng asked.

Qi Shaorong pulled out a gold card and placed it before Hu Feng. “Here’s 100,000 gold coins. I’d like to secure a guaranteed spot in the Hundred Schools Tournament.”

Hu Feng looked at Qi Shaorong in confusion. “Who is this spot for?”

Qi Shaorong pointed to himself. “Me.”

“Qi Shaorong, the Hundred Schools Tournament isn’t child’s play. The competition often results in numerous casualties,” Hu Feng said earnestly.

“I understand,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Hu Feng pushed the card back toward him. “Qi Shaorong, stop fooling around.”

“Is it not enough? I can add 20,000 more,” Qi Shaorong offered calmly.

“It’s not about the money,” Hu Feng said, looking conflicted.

“I’ll make it 150,000,” Qi Shaorong said firmly.

Hu Feng stared at him, bewildered. “Qi Shaorong, spending money like this… you’re courting death.”

Qi Shaorong leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. Dark magic swirled in his palms, reducing the table to ashes in an instant. “Headmaster, 150,000 gold coins is no small amount. My money doesn’t grow on trees.”

Hu Feng stared at the pile of ash that had been his desk, then broke into a wide grin. “You’re right, Qi Shaorong. Absolutely right. 150,000 gold coins is a substantial sum.”

Taking the gold card, Hu Feng coughed lightly and said, “Rest assured, Qi Shaorong. One of the academy’s ten spots will definitely go to you. And that Zhuang Hao—if you encounter him in the secret realm, make sure to teach him a lesson. Show him what you’re capable of.”

“Of course,” Qi Shaorong replied with a smirk.