Chapter 44: Not Only Did He Break Through, He Also Dropped Out?

The post did not mention names directly, but it posed profound questions to the Martial Arts Research Institute. For example: how did a university student who had been expelled manage to become a mentor at the Institute? Another question: shouldn’t the recruitment of such talent involve a thorough background check on candidates? The most audacious accusation was: is it too reckless to entrust external recruits with critical responsibilities, such as overseeing martial arts admissions? Of course, the point that attracted tens of thousands of comments was the last: is the Institute’s process for bringing in non-staff talent transparent and compliant with regulations? Why was someone recruited before the final round of selection had even taken place?

“The writing is brilliant, razor-sharp—a post that resonates loudly!” Most striking of all was the crowd of replies beneath, all fiercely supporting the original poster.

Reading through the ten listed offenses in the post, Zhang Chu realized, not too many nor too few, that every accusation matched him perfectly. The only discrepancy was the martial artist grade.

Within just a few minutes of Zhang Chu’s reading, the post had already been shared over two hundred thousand times, and some were even tagging the official account of “Binzhou Martial Arts Research Institute Admissions Office.”

“Does Su Mingyue really have such literary talent?” Even Huang Lili, who’d only met her a few times, could tell that the post, though ostensibly targeting the Institute, was actually aimed at Zhang Chu.

“You figured it out?” If someone as observant as Huang Lili could deduce the author was Su Mingyue, then surely the students at Binzhou University could as well.

Zhang Chu continued scrolling and soon spotted several familiar avatars—Liu Daming among them. These few were fiercely arguing with other users, all staunchly defending Zhang Chu.

After reading the post, Zhang Chu felt a darkness encroaching upon his vision. Intelligence is a precious thing, but evidently, these people lacked it. This round of online fighting had exposed his name; inevitably, the next step would be doxxing and perhaps even harassing phone calls.

Just then, Zhang Chu’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Huang Wenzhan: “Xiao Chu, I assume you’ve seen the post. We at Binzhou University promise to stand by you and clarify certain issues, but there are matters beyond our reach that require the Martial Arts Research Institute to respond.”

“So, Grandfather has made his choice.” Huang Lili glanced at the message, then solemnly patted Zhang Chu’s shoulder. “Zhang Chu, no matter what happens, I’m on your side.”

Was that a declaration of allegiance? Zhang Chu was taken aback. Huang Lili might be wordy, but her sense of right and wrong was clear. Aside from being slightly less endowed than Su Mingyue, she was admirable in every other respect. Then again, breasts—especially those that could be artificially enhanced—were hardly the most important aspect. If a heart turned dark, all would be lost.

“Teacher Zhang, your Qi and Blood Pills are ready.”

The manager of the Pill Center approached, carrying a box of Qi and Blood Pills, and placed it on the table.

“Here, take one.” Zhang Chu handed a top-grade Level 1 Qi and Blood Pill to Huang Lili and strode away.

Top-grade Level 1! Huang Lili’s eyes gleamed as she examined the pill. “Zhang Chu is really generous—breaking through to Level 2 is just around the corner!”

She couldn’t accept the pill without reciprocating. On her way home, pill in hand, Huang Lili registered a new account and began fiercely defending Zhang Chu online. Whenever she encountered someone supporting Su Mingyue, she’d copy and paste “green tea” a hundred times.

Over the next two days, Zhang Chu lounged at home, binge-watching dramas. To avoid harassing calls, he simply switched off his phone. Only after finishing an idol romance fantasy series did he turn his phone back on.

As soon as he unlocked it, he received a call from Zhang Xueying: “Teacher Zhang Chu, if you have time, please come to the Admissions Office—there are some matters we need to discuss.”

As expected! The influence of the post’s public opinion was enormous. Zhang Chu glanced at the forum; the post had already been shared a million times. A doxxing thread targeting him had appeared, filled with vicious insults.

After a quick shower, Zhang Chu drove to the Academy. At the entrance, he handed over his mentor badge. The security guard gave him a peculiar look. Everyone at the Academy now knew that Zhang Chu, an external recruit, had landed his position thanks to Zhang Xueying.

He parked, entered the administration building, and found that teachers and students alike avoided him, their eyes full of disdain.

“Director Zhang.” Zhang Chu knocked and entered the Admissions Office, finding Zhang Xueying alone. As she looked up, Zhang Chu felt breathless. Though she was a woman just like any other, how could Zhang Xueying exude such regal allure? White blouse, gray pencil skirt, glossy white stockings, a cascade of dark wavy hair. What truly floored Zhang Chu was her gold-rimmed glasses—a blend of innocence and sophistication.

“Teacher Zhang Chu, the Academy is under intense public pressure. The preliminary results of the non-staff tournament have been invalidated, and we may have to start over.” Zhang Xueying spoke seriously.

Start over? Zhang Chu was shocked.

A single post from Su Mingyue had wielded such influence.

“Originally, Su Mingyue’s post could have been suppressed, but it seems someone is manipulating events behind the scenes, buying hot searches on the forum.” Zhang Xueying, as if reading Zhang Chu’s thoughts, continued, “For the sake of the Academy’s reputation, I had no choice but to compromise. I hope you understand. Still, I fought to keep your spot in the preliminary round. But if you wish to retain your mentor position, you must win the finals.”

Very well. Zhang Chu did not hesitate and agreed to Zhang Xueying’s terms. Using his status as Academy counselor to strike back at Su Mingyue—this was a move that wouldn’t fail him. He couldn’t let Zhang Xueying suffer on his behalf.

After completing the handover procedures and temporarily surrendering his mentor badge, Zhang Chu left.

Just as he reached the Academy gate, Zhang Xueying forwarded two official statements to him:

First: “Our Academy’s recruit, Counselor Zhang Chu, has voluntarily resigned and will re-enter the non-staff martial artists tournament.”

Second: “In light of Counselor Zhang Chu’s resignation, a new chief examiner will be dispatched to Binzhou University to re-interview Su Mingyue.”

Zhang Chu paid it little mind, stepping on the accelerator and heading home. Now that Academy restrictions were lifted, he could leave Binzhou City, venture into the Beast Forest, hunt monsters, and absorb their cores. Breaking through to Level 6 was the top priority.

Before long, Zhang Chu arrived at the Warrior’s Residence. He parked, locked his car, and looked up to find Huang Wenzhan standing at the villa entrance, his expression complex.

“President Huang, what brings you here?” Zhang Chu greeted him warmly, invited him inside, and poured tea.

“I’ve read the Martial Arts Research Institute’s statement. It’s truly unfair to you—Su Mingyue’s action was far too aggressive,” Huang Wenzhan said straightforwardly, representing the school in offering an apology.

Zhang Chu assured him it was of no consequence.

Yet Huang Wenzhan’s next words stunned Zhang Chu: “President Huang, what did you say? Su Mingyue’s martial artist grade has reached Level 3, and she’s processed her withdrawal from school?”

Ding-dong!

Just then, Zhang Chu’s phone rang—it was a message from Zhang Xueying: “Zhang Chu, I just saw Su Mingyue’s name on the list of participants for the non-staff martial artist tournament!”