Chapter 164: Principal Fang Hai
In the mysterious "Observation Space" of the Starry Sky Combat Network, two observers from China were shocked as they looked at the data in their hands, exchanging glances filled with disbelief.
"18 years old? Li Yuan? Isn't this the one we observed last time?" The black-robed observer couldn't help but speak.
"Yes." The white-robed observer shrugged. "In the entire China, the only other 18-year-old at the Eclipse Rank is Tantai Feng, but he uses a different weapon. We've observed him multiple times before... Breakthroughs in strength always have traces. It must be Li Yuan; it's impossible for another such genius to suddenly appear."
The white-robed observer had already started referring to Li Yuan as an "exceptional genius."
"18 years old, Unity of Heaven and Man?" The black-robed observer's voice was filled with amazement. "How did he do it?"
"Damn, why didn't we notice his battle video earlier?" the black-robed observer muttered.
"He's not currently in a ranked match, so we can't see his personal space." The white-robed observer said, "Let's check the battle replay."
He reached out and clicked on the screen.
"Bang~" A notification sounded in the observation space.
"Respected observers, this user has been classified as an 'SSS-level user'. You do not have observation privileges," the system's voice announced. "To observe, please submit a permission request."
"What?"
"SSS-level user?" Both observers were stunned. As special observers stationed in the Starry Sky Combat Network for China, their permissions were extremely high.
Normally, they could observe even Transcendent-level matches.
"When did he become an SSS-level user?" The white-robed observer couldn't help but ask. "We could still watch his replays not long ago."
"18 seconds ago, by direct order of a Star Lord from the Seven Star Alliance," the system voice responded.
The two observers were shocked to the core.
A Star Lord?
To bear such a title in the alliance, one must be at the pinnacle of flying martial artists, or even higher—a top-tier figure in human civilization.
Suddenly.
"Beep~" A sound abruptly rang in the observation space. A large screen appeared before them, showing a black-robed elder.
"Director." The two observers stood respectfully and slightly bowed.
"There's no need for additional observation on Li Yuan," the black-robed elder said gently. "All data you've gathered on him is to be sealed and must not be leaked."
"Yes," the two observers replied respectfully.
...
Simultaneously.
At the headquarters of the Starry Sky Martial Hall on the Blue Planet, within the colossal floating city resembling a spaceship.
The morning light remained unchanged.
In an ultra-large office.
"Yao Man," a middle-aged man in a black robe said indifferently through a holographic screen. "All information on Li Yuan is to be sealed. Cease any further investigation."
"What? Stop investigating?" Yao Man, a beautiful woman in traditional Tang attire, was taken aback.
Yao Man held a high position within the Starry Sky Martial Hall. Although not a flying martial artist, her authority was comparable to many who were. She managed numerous affairs for the Starry Sky Martial Hall in China.
"This is a directive from China," the middle-aged man on the hologram said calmly. "Li Yuan is contracted with the Starlight Martial Hall. If it's confirmed that he has reached the Unity of Heaven and Man at the age of 18, he will be another exceptional genius under 19 since Yu Jinghe in China. Their emphasis on him is understandable."
"You have to understand, compared to us, China has more trust in the Starlight Martial Hall."
"But can his strength really be hidden? Once the Global Martial Arts Tournament happens, it'll be exposed," Yao Man said, her voice carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. "We're just collecting data; we won't harm him."
"There's already an order from a Star Lord. This isn't a discussion but a command," the holographic middle-aged man stated directly.
Yao Man fell silent immediately.
A Star Lord?
China only had a few Star Lords in the Seven Star Alliance.
"Yes, I will comply immediately," Yao Man replied seriously, no longer arguing.
"Alright, no matter how the Starlight Martial Hall and China nurture him, he is still a genius of human civilization. We will just observe," the middle-aged man said.
Yao Man nodded.
The Starry Sky Martial Hall, Starlight Martial Hall, and the Blackstone Martial Hall, the three major halls, subtly led the Seven Star Alliance, holding positions above the seven countries. There was competition among them, but always within limits.
Although some individuals might have personal vendettas, direct conflicts between the three halls were never allowed.
...
At Kunlun Martial University, deep within the villa area of the Six Institutes.
By a quiet lake.
The exotically handsome Dean Hai was practicing his martial arts in training attire, silently punching in the morning light.
In early winter, the wind was cold, but it didn't affect Dean Hai in the slightest.
Each move and stance.
Gradually, wisps of blue light gathered around him, flowing like water, containing a touch of mysterious Dao rhythm.
If Li Yuan were here, he would be deeply shocked, for he could only achieve initial spiritual integration with the heavens and earth.
But Dean Hai's whole being seemed to merge with the universe, not just spiritually but also physically.
As he moved through his martial arts forms, his entire presence became a beautiful painting, continuously drawing upon the mysterious powers of nature—forces born of the universe.
This level of mastery had truly entered the realm of the Dao, glimpsing the profound truths of nature.
After a long while!
Whoosh!
As Dean Hai completed his movements, water flowed naturally, turning into countless raindrops scattering around, moistening the surrounding grass.
"Old Hai, your martial arts have improved again," a sudden warm voice broke the tranquility.
"Hm?" Dean Hai, who had been relaxed, quickly turned around, staring in shock at the figure at the end of the lake.
A black-robed figure stood on the lake, hovering in the air.
Yet, despite Dean Hai's spiritual senses being fully extended, covering several kilometers, this figure had managed to avoid his detection—until they spoke.
Whoosh!
The black-robed figure stepped forward, seemingly teleporting, instantly crossing hundreds of meters to stand before Dean Hai, smiling at him.
The figure appeared to be in their thirties, with a chiseled, handsome face, eyes deep and unfathomable like a vast ocean, revealing no thoughts.
Most importantly, just by standing there, the figure seamlessly merged with the surroundings, far surpassing Dean Hai.
"Old Fang." Dean Hai smiled. "Why didn't you let me know you were coming?"
"Kunlun Martial University is my home. Do I need to inform you when I visit my home?" the black-robed youth said calmly.
The identity of the black-robed youth was obvious.
"A higher rank means greater authority. You win," Dean Hai spread his hands in defeat.
Whoosh!
With a wave of Dean Hai's hand, two chairs from the distant villa courtyard flew over to the grass. "Old Fang, have a seat."
A fruit plate also landed.
The black-robed youth smiled faintly and sat down without further words.
Once both were seated.
"Tell me, what's the matter?" Dean Hai asked, grabbing an apple.
He and the black-robed youth were very familiar with each other, even having a life-and-death friendship, and did not care for formalities.
The stronger one is, the more they act as they please.
"It's about Li Yuan," the black-robed youth said calmly.
"Li Yuan?" Dean Hai frowned. "Didn't we discuss this before? As long as he scores over 80 in the practical assessment, you'd help secure a Flying Star quota for him?"
"Why, are you backing out now?" Dean Hai was a bit dissatisfied. "He's my student, but also your student."
"Can you let me finish?" The black-robed youth glanced at him.
"Go on," Dean Hai shrugged, taking a big bite of the apple.
"I just received news that he has seemingly achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man," the black-robed youth said calmly.
"What?" Dean Hai was stunned.
He wondered if he had heard wrong.
"Do you need me to repeat it?" The black-robed youth glanced at him.
"No, I need a moment." Dean Hai shook his head, the shock in his heart indescribable.
Li Yuan, at the fifth stage of Unity of Heaven and Man?
"You're talking about my student, Li Yuan, right? He only reached deep mental profundity in early October, right?" Dean Hai asked suddenly.
"Yes, him," the black-robed youth remained calm.
"And now, at the end of December, you're telling me he has achieved Unity of Heaven and Man?" Dean Hai looked at the black-robed youth.
"It's not fully confirmed yet," the black-robed youth said. "I came to ask you to send someone to Jiangcheng to verify it personally."
"If confirmed, he will directly receive the Flying Star quota," the black-robed youth said softly. "If not, we proceed as planned."
"Okay." Dean Hai calmed down.
Although he was initially shocked, he knew that there were historical precedents of 18-year-olds reaching the fifth stage of Unity of Heaven and Man.
"If confirmed, will he still be sent to the Astral Realm for survival training?" Dean Hai asked. "The mortality rate there is very high."
"Yes."
The black-robed youth glanced at Dean Hai. "Didn't you always tell the younger generation like Li Yang that I was overprotected and lacked tempering, hence never breaking through?"
"Damn it," Dean Hai glared. "Were you eavesdropping? Have some decency!"
The black-robed youth smiled faintly, as if saying, "Yes, I was eavesdropping. What can you do about it?"
Whoosh!
The black-robed youth stood up.
"Not staying a while longer? Have an apple; it's washed," Dean Hai offered.
"I don't like apples." The black-robed youth stepped out and disappeared at the end of the lake.
In the air, his final words lingered, "If I hear you slandering me again, I'll sit on you and let out a stinky fart."
Dean Hai watched him leave.
For a long time.
Until the black-robed figure completely vanished.
"Damn Fang Hai, threatening me. Does being a principal make you great?" Dean Hai muttered softly.
"Yes, being a principal makes me great." The familiar voice suddenly reappeared.
"Get lost!"
Dean Hai glared. "Even my muttering is eavesdropped on? What kind of fetish is this!!"
Boom!
Dean Hai flashed into the villa, the door slamming shut.
...
An hour later, a large aircraft took off from Kunlun Martial University, heading straight for Jiangcheng.