*Ding!*
[Skill 'Fireball Javelin' proficiency increased by 0.000003%]
[Skill 'Fireball Javelin' has achieved more than 0.01% proficiency!]
The Skill wasn't even at the 1% mark, and yet it was already capable of such massive destruction…
"You looked like you'd die if it hit you, so I changed the trajectory of the attack at the last second," said Xue Ren as he waved off the fire covering his right arm. "If you want me to throw another one, I can hit you straight on this time—"
"N-No!" The Vice Enforcement Head freaked out, rushing up to the stone-faced young man in a subservient manner. "You've mo-more than proven yourself, young Lord…! I'll be reporting this to my boss now—"
"No need."
BOOM!
A man shrouded in lightning thundered to the base floor from above.
"I'm already here," the heroic-looking Enforcement Head announced, acquiring the awe of those who were still stunned by Xue Ren's show of power. "Furthermore, he already knew I was here."
"H-He what??" The Vice Head whipped his head around to the vacant-faced Xue Ren. "You were actually aware of the Boss's presence!?"
Xue Ren thought about it.
He nodded.
'Wh-What a monster!' The Vice Head took a few steps back, the shock from it all overwhelming him. 'Is this young Lord actually an old monster in disguise!?'
His cultivation base was definitely disguised, so why not his age and true appearance as well?
Yes, that must be it!
In the Vice Head's mind, Xue Ren's identity as an Ancient Old Monster was all but a fact.
The Enforcement Head could pretty much guess what was going through his subordinate's mind, but didn't bother addressing it.
"Young friend," he said to Xue Ren, his voice carrying a tone of respect, "I hope you can forgive us for treating you as we have. But I promise that we really are just trying to help you. However, before we continue this conversation, we should go somewhere more private."
Xue Ren didn't refuse, and with quick steps, he and the Enforcement Head left the Training Center through the flaming hole still burning on the western wall. On his way out, the Enforcement Head glared at all the Officers, clearly telling them that they were screwed later.
"I-I suddenly remembered that I have to walk my pet fish!"
"M-Me too! I should go and help him walk his fish!"
"Oh no!! It's coming out my butt!!! There's not much time left! See you all in the afterlife!!"
One by one, and even in groups, the gathered Officers skedaddled. In their hearts, they just hoped the Enforcement Head wouldn't recall any of their faces when this matter got brought up later.
Meanwhile, in the Private Office of the one the whole Department feared:
"I'm gonna get straight to the point, young friend." The Enforcement Head spoke up right after they sat down. "The Vice Leader and Leader of the Bloodring Assassins Guild are currently on their way back from a neighboring Province as we speak. Now, I admit you're powerful, but you're not strong enough. Thus, I'll present you with the only real option you have."
Xue Ren was listening.
Sticking up a finger, the Enforcement Head said, "Starling Academy. You have to join."
"Why?" asked Xue Ren, letting the heroic old man hear his voice for the first time.
"From circulated rumors, the Vice Leader and Leader of the Bloodring Assassins Guild obtained the favor of a very powerful foreign expert," the Enforcement Head started to explain. "With that favor, they somehow managed to break through their bottlenecks. Zhao Yun, the Vice Leader, advanced to the Peak Golden Core Realm. Lie Wei, on the other hand, has achieved the Half-step… Nascent Soul Realm."
Half-step Nascent Soul Realm!?
Just half a step away from the Realm where one can begin leveling small cities by themselves!?
Xue Ren frowned.
This certainly placed a cork in his ultimate goal of revenge.
"But this is where Starling Academy comes in," the Enforcement Head continued. "That Academy's Headmaster, Jiang Hao, is also of the Half-step Nascent Soul Realm. Moreover, he's been in the stage a lot longer than Lie Wei. However, that is beside the point."
"You see," he added, "Jiang Hao has connections in high places. Places like the illustrious Goldencrown Academy, where only top geniuses like you are nurtured."
'The Academy where my sister and Mei Mei are enrolled in.'
"With the support of Headmaster Jiang Hao, you won't have to worry about the Leader and Vice Leader of the Bloodring Assassins Guild taking action against you," said the Enforcement Head. "This is to say that you'll have all the opportunity necessary to further improve your strength and conclude your obvious feud with the Bloodring Assassins. You might even obtain a one-way ticket to the legendary Goldencrown Academy!"
Xue Ren pondered.
Turning his head up, he asked, "And what's in this for you? Why help me?"
The Enforcement Head heartily chuckled. "I've been wanting to clean out the trash of the Bloodring Assassins Guild for ages now, but couldn't due to insufficient evidence and lack of manpower. You've already helped the City considerably by doing what you did; if you can take things a step further and cut even the roots off, then all the more power to ya!"
Xue Ren found this reason acceptable.
"Fine then," he said, extending a hand. "I'll take you up on your offer."
The Enforcement Head smiled from ear to ear, reciprocating the handshake in full.