Chapter 130: The Dean's Concession

“Although the Azure Dragon Academy may not be as prestigious as the other three, its foundation is the strongest. Once you enter the Azure Dragon Academy, you will never be overlooked. It will greatly nurture your talent and enhance your cultivation. Isn’t that exactly what you desire?” Lu Jiannan urged from the side.

“You’re not wrong,” Li Jiansan replied, shifting his tone abruptly. “But I’ve noticed that the elders of the Azure Dragon Academy don’t seem very impressive.”

His casual remark caused the crowd’s attention to sharpen, especially the elders who had been watching earlier. One by one, their faces darkened. It was clear that Li Jiansan was referring to them, essentially questioning their worthiness to hold their positions.

Elder Yu’s expression changed sharply, a cold light flashing in his eyes. “I hope you think carefully about what you say.”

At that moment, an elderly voice echoed through the crowd. Turning their heads, they saw a figure stride forward swiftly, arriving in an instant. Though well past fifty, this man’s eyes shone brightly; he wore an elegant black robe, exuding calmness and warmth, giving off an aura of kindness.

This was Hua Zheng, the headmaster of the Azure Dragon Academy. Yet, unlike the imposing figure one might expect, he carried no intimidating presence. Upon seeing him, the onlookers were even more astonished, their gazes filled with envy and admiration. Their headmaster had personally come—such an occurrence was truly shocking.

“Could it be that Li Jiansan’s talent has grown so formidable that even the academy’s highest authorities are stirred?” Hua Zheng shot a cold glance at Elder Yu. “You’re right; that elder isn’t worth much. How about you apologize to this young man?”

His words stunned everyone present. For Li Jiansan, the headmaster was demanding an apology from an elder? Though Li Jiansan’s talent was indeed impressive, the Azure Dragon Academy had many geniuses. Even so, a genius who hadn’t yet matured held little value. Why, then, was the headmaster so concerned for Li Jiansan as to force an elder’s apology? What secret did Li Jiansan possess?

Elder Yu’s face turned grim. He found it hard to believe the headmaster’s demand. Was this a joke? Even if Li Jiansan had talent, it didn’t warrant his submission or apology. After all, he was an elder of the academy. What was this mere youth to him?

Hua Zheng repeated firmly, “Apologize!”

“Headmaster…” Elder Yu’s expression stiffened, his gaze complicated. Yet, he noticed the slight furrow in Hua Zheng’s brows, causing a flicker of unease within him.

“Apologies. Previously, I acted improperly. I offer you my sincerest apologies,” Elder Yu finally yielded after meeting Hua Zheng’s icy stare.

Still, Li Jiansan remained unmoved, making Elder Yu’s apology all the more humiliating.

“If you’re still unsatisfied, I can revoke his elder status, or even expel him from the academy!” Hua Zheng declared, turning to face Li Jiansan.

Elder Yu was dumbfounded. For Li Jiansan, the headmaster not only forced him to apologize but now threatened to strip his title. The headmaster was looking directly at Li Jiansan—if he remained displeased, would Hua Zheng truly cast Elder Yu out of the Azure Dragon Academy? Who was Li Jiansan to command such attention?

“Why?” Elder Yu’s face was rigid, regret gnawing at his heart. He should never have provoked this prodigy.

Hua Zheng’s expression changed as he looked at Li Jiansan, as if revealing another facet of himself. It seemed he perceived something in Li Jiansan, though the young man’s eyes remained calm and unreadable.

“Certainly a man who keeps his talents concealed. No wonder those others supported him so fervently,” Hua Zheng murmured.

After a moment, Li Jiansan looked at Hua Zheng and asked lightly, “If I become a disciple of the Azure Dragon Academy, will I be free to come and go as I please?”

The crowd gasped. Even with the headmaster’s leniency, this youth dared to make demands? The Azure Dragon Academy was legendary—a sacred ground for countless young talents from various powers.

“Any martial artist who joins the Azure Dragon Academy enjoys its resources but naturally must abide by its rules…” Hua Zheng began.

Before he finished, Li Jiansan interrupted, “If that’s the case… then I’ll pass.”

“What!”
“This guy’s lost his mind!”
“How dare he reject the headmaster’s invitation!”

“Honestly, I don’t understand him. If it were me, I’d jump at the chance,” someone murmured. “Even if I had to stay confined within the academy for three to five years, I’d be willing.”

The crowd erupted in uproar. The Azure Dragon Academy was among the kingdom’s top martial sanctuaries, a coveted institution many fought tooth and nail to enter. And now, Li Jiansan was turning it down?

Li Jiansan was backed by a system and possessed the Wutai County cultivation techniques; he lacked nothing. He was here under the guidance of Master Mo and his associates, but whether to join was never his priority. As a destined great villain, he was meant to walk the path of the antagonist ever further. If joining the academy hindered his villainous journey, it would be a loss beyond measure.

His words fell into a stunned silence. All eyes turned to the unruffled youth. Though the headmaster had made concessions, Li Jiansan seemed ungrateful. Did he not fear the headmaster’s wrath? Many began to sweat anxiously on his behalf.

Their headmaster appeared kind and approachable but concealed the fierce heart of a sleeping lion.

Then, an astonishing proposal came: “If you have concerns, I can grant you a special privilege—you may enjoy the academy’s resources like other disciples but remain free from all academy rules.”

“How does that sound?”

The crowd’s hearts twitched violently. To receive benefits without obligations—such fortune seemed impossible outside aristocracy.

“What is his true identity? Could he be royalty?”
“Or does he possess some other extraordinary background?”
“His status must be exceptional…”

Whispers filled the air. Yet no one, not even Li Jiansan himself, understood Hua Zheng’s true intentions.

“With my current strength, even a genius doesn’t merit such concessions,” Li Jiansan said calmly. “I want to know—what is your purpose in doing this?”