Chapter 501: I Truly Am A Genius

The Dragon Group utilized their power to assist Lin Weiran while Li Xiaofei returned to continue playing duo matches with Ren Dong. The rare leisurely moments of university life finally allowed him to experience the joys shared by his peers.

Gong Qian had not appeared again until the end of the afternoon classes. In Ren Dong's view, he must have been scared out of his wits. Li Xiaofei, however, did not care.

After school, Ren Dong carried her small medicine chest, and together, they headed to the slum. This was the true essence of university life.

***

"What? Father, you must be joking, right?" Gong Qian’s face was filled with shock.

As soon as he got home, he told his father about the tragic incident that had occurred at the Bayview No. 7 Motel. He had initially planned to leverage his father's influence to pressure Ren Dong and make that girl truly feel his power.

After all, he had already coordinated with the young master of the Qiao Hong Police Bureau's director on a plan to deal with Li Xiaofei. Unexpectedly, after his father, Gong Yunzhen, made a call to the school’s security office, he was instructed to drop the matter entirely.

When he saw his son's stunned expression, Gong Yunzhen said, "This matter has someone higher up involved. It has already been suppressed."

"But Father, the dead include Little Liang and Liu Yun! They weren’t just common lowlifes. How could such a major incident be simply swept under the rug?" Gong Qian asked in disbelief.

His seven cronies all came from powerful, aristocratic families. They were treated like treasures in their households. But now that they were dead, not only had there been no uproar, but the matter had been buried. It struck him as absurd. In the past, they had always been the ones oppressing others.

"Feng Xingyun, the head of the security office, personally intervened in the situation. Someone above wants this matter downplayed. It’s normal for you to be concerned about your friends, but this is where it ends. Don’t ask any further, or you’ll land yourself in trouble," Gong Yunzhen warned.

He cared deeply for his son and continued to advise him, "Your Uncle Liang and Uncle Liu have already backed off and dare not stir up trouble anymore. You should do the same. Remember, there’s always someone stronger and more powerful in this world. I might have some influence at the school, but there are many more formidable than me. If we ever offend the wrong person, our family could be destroyed overnight."

Gong Qian muttered an acknowledgment but still felt unconvinced. He asked, "Father, can you at least find out why someone higher up is protecting a nobody from the slum?"

He then recounted the events at the motel in detail. Even Gong Yunzhen found it puzzling. After some thought, he made another call. This time, he called Feng Xingyun, the head of the security office, directly. The two weren’t particularly close, but making a call was still within his reach.

After hanging up the phone, Gong Yunzhen spoke thoughtfully, "Director Feng said that the school doesn’t want this incident to spread and tarnish Zhendan’s reputation. That’s why it’s being handled quietly. It seems the other party doesn’t have any significant background, and the person who made the call was Vice Principal Guo Yi."

Gong Qian let out a sigh of relief.

"Father, haven’t you always wanted the vice principal position?" He suddenly had an idea and said, "Guo Yi is the least experienced among the vice principals and lacks a strong foundation. If he steps down, wouldn’t that give you a chance?"

Gong Yunzhen’s heart stirred. His son’s words had hit the mark. Indeed. If he could use this opportunity to expose Guo Yi for covering up for a murderer, leak the news to the light-network media, and manipulate the narrative, it might truly be possible to bring Guo Yi down.

Gong Qian added, "Father, this is a great opportunity. I know Zhang Fan, the son of the Qiao Hong Police Bureau's director. I’ve arranged to attend a banquet at his house today. Why don’t you come with me? If you build a connection with Director Zhang, wouldn’t it be easy to get rid of Guo Yi with the support of the police department?"

A spark lit in Gong Yunzhen’s mind. That could indeed work. Involving the police department would mean escalating the matter to the highest levels. Once the media amplified the situation, the school would have no choice but to cut ties with Guo Yi to protect itself.

He glanced at his son and couldn’t help but reveal a trace of satisfaction on his face.

The boy is finally growing up. He is starting to use his brain.

"How close are you with this Zhang Fan?" Gong Yunzhen asked to confirm.

Gong Qian grinned. "Don’t worry, Father. Zhang Fan and I are like brothers. We’re very close. I’ve even met his father, Director Zhang, a few times. He knows you’re a professor at Zhendan and has always mentioned wanting to meet you."

"Alright," Gong Yunzhen finally felt completely at ease. "We’ll do it your way."

Gong Qian broke into a delighted smile. If his father were to be promoted to vice principal, his influence at Zhendan University would grow exponentially. He would have free rein on campus.

At that point, dealing with Ren Dong would be even easier.

I truly am a genius.

To come up with a solution so quickly—brilliant.

He chuckled to himself.

That little slum brat is as good as dead. A master at the Five Spirits Realm? In the face of true aristocratic power, they are no more than an insect that can be crushed at will.

Gong Qian felt like an unparalleled genius. Not only could he take revenge and pursue women, but he also managed to pave the way for his father’s career advancement. A triple win!

***

The Principal’s Office.

“Master, everything has been arranged,” Vice Principal Guo Yi reported respectfully. “I contacted Feng Xingyun directly and didn’t mention that it was on your behalf.”

Lu Xufeng, the principal of Zhendan University, was sitting behind the desk. No one at Zhendan University had any idea that Guo Yi, ranked the lowest among the vice principals, was actually a disciple of the Martial Saint, Lu Xufeng.

Guo Yi was also the candidate that Lu Xufeng had painstakingly groomed to succeed him in the future.

“I trust you to handle matters well,” Lu Xufeng nodded. “How did the likes of those scoundrels even become students of Zhendan University? Who admitted them? It’s outright negligence.”

Guo Yi replied, “In recent years, Haijing City has been far from peaceful, and some within the school have harbored ill intentions.”

Lu Xufeng frowned slightly. “Starting tomorrow, launch a rectification campaign across the entire university. Conduct a thorough investigation into the admissions of the last three years. Expel any students who lack moral character or have corrupted values. Zhendan University will not cultivate trash. This task is yours; show no leniency no matter who is implicated.”

“Yes, Master. Rest assured,” Guo Yi replied firmly. However, curiosity flickered across his face as he asked, “Master, who was the one who acted at the school today? Why does it seem that you hold them in such regard?”

“You, oh you,” Lu Xufeng said with a shake of his head and a smile.

This was precisely the person he had chosen. Straightforward and direct, Guo Yi always spoke his mind without unnecessary pretense or finesse. It was this very trait that made him unpopular within the school.

When everyone else played the political game, Guo Yi stood apart. How could he fit in with the rest? Like today. Anyone else in his position likely wouldn’t have dared to voice the question Guo Yi had just asked. But it was precisely Guo Yi’s honest and meticulous approach that Lu Xufeng admired. That was why he had chosen to mentor him and groom him as his successor.

Only under the leadership of someone like Guo Yi could Zhendan University shed its superficiality, embrace pragmatism, and truly cultivate talent for Great Xia.

“I’ll introduce him to you,” Lu Xufeng said with a smile. “If you can earn his recognition, your position as university president will be solidified.”

Guo Yi frowned slightly and replied, “I have no interest in the power of the presidency, nor in networking with the influential. All I want is to do something meaningful for the children of Haijing City.”

Lu Xufeng’s expression softened, and he said, “What if that individual is the hero you admire most?”

Guo Yi’s eyes lit up instantly. His entire demeanor changed.

In an almost trembling voice, he asked, “It’s him? Truly? That’s... that’s incredible! Master, when can I meet him?”

“Very soon,” Lu Xufeng replied.

He stood, gently patting Guo Yi’s shoulder. “Guo Yi, remember this, to accomplish great things for the country, you must hold a high position. Your dreams can only be realized if you firmly secure your place as the university president.”

***

"Oh? That Director Zhang Yunchang really said that?" Li Xiaofei sat in the office of the Jingwu Sect headquarters, a faint smile playing on his lips.

It seems there are indeed people in this world who aren’t afraid of death.

Across from him, Nan Hua replied, "Yes, he made a public statement, saying that you should come find him if you’re not afraid to die. He said his head is ready for your blade. Moreover, tonight, he’s hosting a banquet at his home and has invited prominent figures from all sectors. His goal is to form an alliance to collectively oppose City Leader Xue’s new policies."

After Li Xiaofei had issued his warning, he had been occupied by organizing the cultivation manuals and guidelines for the Jingwu Sect. He hadn’t yet gotten around to visiting the Director of the Qiao Hong Police Department.

Unexpectedly, a few days had passed, and the initially terrified Zhang Yunchang had grown increasingly arrogant. Not only did he refuse to support Xue Xuanqi’s new policies, but he actively obstructed them.

Behind the scenes, he aided those sabotaging the reforms and arrested numerous officials under the new policies on fabricated charges.

"Tonight, is it?" Li Xiaofei chuckled.

A banquet. It‘s been a while since I attended one. I wonder what kind of delicacies and fine drinks will be served at a social gathering of Haijing City’s elite. It wouldn’t hurt to drop by and have a taste. And while I’m there, I can teach these impolite individuals a lesson. If they refuse to listen, they can die.

After all, I had already killed Saints from Jiepeng. What is the harm in killing a few corrupt officials? As long as no blood is spilled, the elites of Haijing City will never learn fear. They need to be taught to respect the city leader.

"Prepare yourself. Tonight, you’ll accompany me to the banquet," Li Xiaofei said, lightly tapping his fingers on the desk.

"Yes," Nan Hua responded immediately and went off to make arrangements.

As a seasoned socialite, she was well-versed in all the necessary protocols. It didn’t take long for her to secure two invitations to the evening’s banquet at the Zhang Estate.

When night fell, a beautifully dressed Nan Hua, holding Li Xiaofei’s arm, entered the estate grounds. As the director of the Police Department for District One, Zhang Yunchang wielded immense power.

His family owned a sprawling estate of over 500 acres that had a luxurious mansion beyond the wildest dreams of ordinary people.

The estate was already abuzz with activity. Crystal glasses clinked amidst the chatter of elegantly dressed men and women, their faces adorned with polite smiles as they mingled in small groups. The lively scene was one of opulence and grandeur.