A World Worth Protecting

As the two words rang out, they were like the passing of a law, dictating heaven and earth with its utterance!

It was as if all strength fled the Pavilion Head. His face was pale and drained of blood, and he lowered his head hurriedly with due respect. The other Deputy Pavilion Heads followed suit.

Even though the entire affair had nothing to do with them, the crowd had witnessed with their own eyes the entire proceedings of how Wang Baole, as an insignificant character, had fought back and reversed his fortunes. Every single one of them was inspired and even felt as if they were sharing his glory. They bowed to the heavens again.

Lin Tianhao, on the other hand, felt as if all life had been sucked from his body. The bitterness in his heart was vast like the ocean. The surrounding cacophony of noises grew distant. Dazed, he turned towards Wang Baole, and a deep sense of helplessness surfaced within him.

Countless scenes flashed across his eyes. From his first meeting with Wang Baole, his repeated clashes with Wang Baole ended with his failure, time after time. Gradually, a strange thought surfaced in his mind.

I’ve always felt as if I’ve had cheats turned on in my life… but even so, I still can’t compete with this Wang Baole. This guy… must have done the same! He can’t be offended—can’t be offended… Amidst the bitter grief, Lin Tianhao felt overwhelming despair.

Wang Baole, on the other hand, was besieged by a slew of emotions. He hastily cupped his fists towards the sky and bowed. He said loudly, “Thank you, Grand Supreme Elder! The Grand Supreme Elder is just and fair. He is true to his word, know what’s truth, and is beyond reproach!”

As Wang Baole bowed, the face in the sky seemed to glance at Wang Baole. There seemed to be a faint, indiscernible smile on his face. The face grew blurry and gradually morphed back into clouds, which then dispersed.

The imposing aura in the sky also gradually vanished, and the entire Upper Academy Island returned to normal. Wang Baole, brimming with energy, looked towards the Pavilion Head.

“Pavilion Head, let’s quickly announce the new ranking!”

Since they had already gone past the point of civility, Wang Baole couldn’t be bothered to mend the relations or put on an appearance of being respectful. When the words rang out, the Pavilion Head’s face darkened horribly. After a moment’s silence, he inhaled deeply, then spoke.

“For this round of the Armament Soldier Assessment, Wang Baole… is placed first!” Done speaking, he turned away with a dark face and left immediately. The Deputy Pavilion Heads looked at one another, then at Wang Baole. They shook their heads, sighed, then nodded their heads. It felt akin to an apology and a display of goodwill. Then, they left.

Upon seeing the Pavilion Head and Deputy Pavilion Heads depart, Chen Yutong marched forward, bringing joyful and congratulatory words. Wang Baole laughed out loud and greeted the people around him, giving his thanks amidst much laughter and talk. He was good with people and soon were laughing and joking with everyone. After a round of polite conversation, he left the square and returned to his cave abode.

He didn’t spare even a glance at Lin Tianhao the entire time. It was clear that Lin Tianhao had gotten the message as well. He had left quietly, seemingly resigned to his fate.

Time sped by and days passed. Wang Baole’s entitlement to a priority office placement had been recorded in his file. The transfer and placement of the Deputy Pavilion Head of the Dharmic Armament Pavilion was then announced.

Out of the four Deputy Pavilion Heads, one was transferred out of the college and would be placed in the Federation. Concurrently, Chen Yutong was promoted and would become a Deputy Pavilion Head!

As for the consequent vacant role of the College Administrative Department Head, many experienced and long-serving soldiers had originally been vying for the spot. There should have been a fierce battle over it. In fact, the position might even have been left vacant for a long period as the competition dragged out. However, because of Wang Baole’s exemplary performance and his entitlement to a top priority in office placement, Chen Yutong’s master and grandmaster were able to suppress all competition easily. Wang Baole was promoted to the top position in the College Administrative Department with few obstacles!

It was the arrival of twin fortunes for their lineage. Even though the fight for the position of Grand Elder in the Dharmic Armament Pavilion was still ongoing—with the candidates narrowed down to three people—few had the privilege to be privy to such politics in the upper echelons of the college or go about understanding it. Even if Wang Baole had the will, he didn’t have the way.

After a round of celebrations with Chen Yutong, Wang Baole was officially initiated into the College Administrative Department.

On the first day of office, Wang Baole tidied up his cave abode. He looked at the mirror and the reflection of himself in a soldier’s robes from multiple angles. Finally, he sighed a sigh of regret.

I’m too perfect…

Wang Baole continued to immerse himself in a cloud of regret. He left his cave abode and headed for the College Administrative Department, his spirits high. As he neared the department, he saw a dozen pretty female disciples standing in front of the gates of the College Administrative Department. They came with congratulatory messages and a banner printed with congratulatory words for Wang Baole.

The four main team leaders of the College Administrative Department had arrived early to wait at the games. As they saw him appear, Zhou Penghai was the first to approach. The rest followed after, extending their greetings respectfully.

“Greetings, Armament Soldier!”

The four main team leaders were no strangers to Wang Baole. He smiled and nodded, swept his gaze across the group of female disciples and looked up at the banner. He was inwardly pleased, but outwardly, his face straightened into a stern look.

“You guys… no such stunts in the future,” Wang Baole scolded.

Zhou Penghai immediately concurred, and the remaining three main team leaders hastily reflected on their conduct. They gathered around Wang Baole, conversing the entire way to the main hall. Along the way, every disciple of the College Administrative Department who saw Wang Baole greeted him with awe.

Wang Baole arrived at the main hall amidst the respectful welcomes. As soon as he sat down, Zhou Penghai started preparing tea for Wang Baole and brought it before the latter. He stood next to Wang Baole as he reported, in a low voice, what the entire College Administrative Department had been doing.

Wang Baole nodded at times as he listened to Zhou Penghai’s report. At the end of the report, he raised his teacup. Zhou Penghai hurriedly lowered his head and left. Wang Baole placed his teacup down immediately and stood with his eyes shining. He inspected the main hall—a touch here, a feel there—and felt extremely pleased.

Even though my status has changed, I still have to work harder at cultivation and the refinement of Numinous Treasures. Satisfied, Wang Baole returned to the comfortable seat, pulled out a bag of snacks, and started munching. While snacking, he mused about his path henceforth.

I’m at the fourth level of the True Breath realm now. From now on, I have to work even harder and strive to reach the peak of True Breath realm… after that, I’ll be able to prepare for the Foundation Establishment realm. Upon recalling the prowess the Foundation Establishment cultivators displayed during the battle at the stronghold, desire filled Wang Baole’s heart.

I shouldn’t neglect the area of refining Numinous Treasures either… I’ll have to read up on fourth-grade Numinous Treasures.

And that Dragon’s Tooth of mine, I should have accumulated sufficient materials. If it turns out as a fourth-grade treasure after crafting, its power should be considerable… not to mention the Core Formation realm monster’s tooth that General Zhou promised me. It hasn’t reached me yet… could he have forgotten?Wang Baole was reminded of the matter and straightened his back immediately. He felt torn and couldn’t decide if he should send a friendly reminder.

Forget it. It doesn’t look good to rush such matters. Let’s wait a bit longer. If nothing reaches me, then, I’ll just have to find some excuse to pay a personal visit to the stronghold.

Upon deciding the things that were to be done, Wang Baole called for the four main team leaders to gather again. He passed down some simple instructions and left the College Administrative Department. When he returned to the cave abode, he began his cultivation.

Time passed steadily, and things ran smoothly. Wang Baole managed to craft the Dragon’s Tooth two weeks later.

He studied the mace-like Numinous Treasure before him. Wang Baole left the college and tested the Numinous Treasure in the wilderness. He examined the Numinous Treasure; paying attention to the spirit force it exuded and the destructive force it displayed when wielded. It was regrettable that he couldn’t get his hands on a Beast King’s tooth, but Wang Baole was still extremely pleased.

When the Beast King’s tooth arrives, I’ll just recraft it slightly. Its power should increase considerably.

He kept the Dragon’s Tooth, happily stepped onto his droplet-shaped cruiser, and made his way back to the Upper Academy Island.

After entering the Upper Academy Island, as he neared the Dharmic Armament Pavilion, nearly everyone who saw Wang Baole paid great attention to his approaching; many even extended their greetings. Wang Baole smiled and nodded, returning their greetings while inwardly moved.

After he had become the Armament Soldier under the College Administrative Department, the change in his status and people’s attitudes towards him had him in a constant good mood. Especially the female disciples—he could feel the flirtatious baiting in the eyes of many of them.

I’ve regained the feeling that I had on the Lower Academy Island, of constantly being the center of attention. As for those girls… I can understand how they feel. After all, it must be rare to find someone like me, who’s so young, and so rich, and so good looking, and who wields such great power in his hands.

If it had been anyone else, he’d be strutting around like a flashy peacock by now. He wouldn’t be so diligent and modest, and keep his head down like me, Wang Baole lamented. He felt as if he’d just discovered another one of his merits—modesty.

As he lost himself in his humble thoughts and was about to speed up his journey back to the cave abode, he suddenly heard a familiar thundering roar from the distant sky. It made the look on his face change, and he caught sight of a familiar figure charging towards him from afar.

It was the Diamond Ape.

It seemed that it had been secretly spying on Wang Baole for quite some time. As a result, despite having switched his cruiser, the Diamond Ape was able to recognize Wang Baole immediately. It sent its palm flying towards the cruiser without hesitation.

Another ambush! Wang Baole was frightened and at the same time, furious. Fortunately, he had survived a few ambushes by the Diamond Ape and had cultivated an excellent habit of keeping an eye out on his surroundings at all times. With his cultivation reaching the fourth level of the True Breath realm, his reaction had become quicker. Even though the Diamond Ape’s outstretched palm managed to brush the side of the cruiser, under Wang Baole’s steering, he managed to escape from the fate of being knocked around multiple times. After landing the cruiser with great difficulty, Wang Baole rushed out, looking vexed, and glared furiously at the sky.

In the sky, the Diamond Ape, having witnessed Wang Baole’s quick reaction, was extremely dissatisfied. It bared its teeth at Wang Baole, and turned around and jiggled his butt at him. Then, with an air of disdain, it flew towards the Beast Taming Pavilion.

Many Dharmic Armament disciples witnessed what happened. The odd faces they made had a tinge of playful mischief. Nobody went around discussing it openly, but the history between Wang Baole and the Diamond Ape had made a deep impression on many people.

Wang Baole glared at the nasty looks the Diamond Ape gave him, then realized that his embarrassing state had been seen by everyone around him. He felt as if he had received a blow to his reputation. The present humiliation and the past wrongs surfaced in his mind, and his eyes narrowed into a glare.

That shameless monkey, it’s time you have a taste of what I’m truly capable of!