[Restart Volume] Chapter 234: What Is the Meeting About?

"The focus of today's meeting is the incident involving restricted substances during the freshman assessment. Please proceed with your statements in an orderly fashion," Grant continued.

"I will begin. The student who used the prohibited substance received timely emergency treatment and has now made a full recovery. The Dean's Office has declared his academic results void and has expelled him from the academy," announced Dean Xue Dinghai. He held several reports in his hands and distributed them among the attendees.

All the instructors instinctively began leafing through the intricate reports.

"Following our investigation, a total of thirteen students were found to be involved in either the research or use of prohibited substances, utilizing the abandoned Divine Armament Tower for illicit experiments. The primary culprit is a third-year A-grade student, Li Qingchi, who has been confirmed as a member of the Calendis Sect and is currently detained in the Crystal Prison. Another individual, a second-year student named Chen Anye, is quite cunning; he has managed to slip away, and his whereabouts are currently unknown." Xue Dinghai rubbed his neck, turned his gaze toward Tianqi, and continued:

"Both of these individuals were your students. Yang Tianqi, do you have anything to say regarding this?"

Yang Tianqi slowly stood up. As all eyes turned to him, he offered a deep bow.

"I am very sorry. It is a failure of my duty."

"Oh, how pitiful..." Chen Musi whispered, her voice so soft that only Zhang Zhihao, sitting beside her, could hear.

"According to Chapter 3, Article 28 of the school regulations, if a student under one's tutelage violates laws or regulations and causes serious consequences, their practical training instructor shall be disqualified from this year's awards and end-of-year benefits," Xue Dinghai added.

"Yes, I am aware," Yang Tianqi replied.

"Xue Dinghai, is this really the time to be discussing that?" Long Lian interjected suddenly.

Tensions existed among the instructors at the academy. It was unclear why Xue Dinghai always seemed to target the more popular teachers, such as Tianqi. Perhaps it was his own rigid and conservative nature; he often kept the school regulations on the tip of his tongue, creating the impression of an old-guard figure suppressing the new generation.

"I am simply emphasizing the rules," Xue Dinghai said, closing the file. "Of course, the greatest contributor to this mission utilized his own outstanding performance to defuse this crisis. He is none other than the current Student Council President—Zhang Zhihao!"

With that, everyone followed his gesture to look at Zhang Zhihao, who was seated next to Instructor Chen Musi, and a thunderous round of applause erupted. "In all these years, no student has ever been invited to attend the Instructor's Council. You are the first," Grant Charles nodded, his deep eyes revealing a look of approval.

"As expected of my student, to be so exceptional," Instructor Chen Musi chuckled softly. As Zhang Zhihao's practical training teacher, she naturally felt honored by her student's development and his significant contributions.

The curriculum at the Saint Sky Royal Academy was primarily divided into theoretical courses, practical training courses, and other electives. Theoretical courses were conducted in large classes, while practical training was held in small groups. Each student's honor or disgrace was tied to their instructors, especially those in practical training. Thus, Instructor Tianqi would be penalized for the two students who violated regulations, while Instructor Chen Musi would receive praise from other teachers for her student's achievements.

Zhang Zhihao smiled calmly, placed his right hand over the school emblem on his chest, and bowed deeply:

"I am grateful for the Principal's address, the recognition from all the instructors, and the cultivation provided by Instructor Chen Musi. I will continue to work hard, do everything within my power, and contribute to both the school and Aslant."

"Very good." Instructor Long Lian applauded vigorously. As Zhang Zhihao's theoretical instructor, he inevitably shared in the glory. Though not a particularly utilitarian person, he was, at the very least, proud of his student.

"The reason I invited you to the instructor's meeting today, besides commending your achievements in this operation, is for another matter," Principal Grant Charles paused. "It concerns Hanchuan Academy."

"I see," Zhang Zhihao replied simply.

"Wait, Principal Grant," Instructor Chen Musi raised her hand to speak. "My student has only just returned from his exchange program at the Xianling Academy. Are you planning to send him north to Hanchuan now?"

"Yes, this mission is quite tricky," Grant Charles turned his head and continued. "Yunzhou, please distribute the materials and provide a brief explanation."

"Certainly." Su Yunzhou, sitting nearby, passed the documents down the line.

The other instructors flipped through the materials, their expressions shifting instantly.

"Dragon Tooth Island, my homeland. Ten years ago, the Alien Race launched a massive war of extermination against the Fengtian Clan to seize the territory of Twin Moon Cliff. It was only when the Saint Sky Guardian Group intervened and a peace treaty was signed by all three parties that the war finally subsided," Su Yunzhou said.

"In this war, over half a million of the Fengtian Clan were killed or wounded, with the death toll exceeding three hundred thousand. Aside from a few children and young people who were away, the entire race was brought to the brink of extinction. I was one of the survivors; I was working as an instructor at the academy at the time, which is how I escaped that catastrophe."

"I see," Instructor Tianqi nodded slightly. He and Su Yunzhou had joined the academy as instructors in the same year, and they had a close relationship, frequently exchanging visits.

In Tianqi's memory, Su Yunzhou had originally been a cheerful person who often told interesting stories about his hometown, frequently drawing laughter from his colleagues. After the incident, he had returned home for a period of time. When he returned to the academy, although he would still smile, he never laughed as heartily as before. There was a sense of detachment about him, as if he had seen through the vanity of the world—the incident had clearly left a deep mark on him.

"Recently, the Alien Race has initiated a new plan to purge all remaining members of the Fengtian Clan. They have even threatened the Fengtian students and faculty at Hanchuan Academy, severely disrupting the school's educational order. Therefore, Hanchuan Academy has decided to unite with the other four major academies—" Su Yunzhou paused.

Zhang Zhihao noticed Instructor Su Yunzhou’s hand trembling. He watched as his teacher took a slight breath and continued:

"To launch a comprehensive, merciless—"

"Extermination!"

"This doesn't seem right. Should students really be participating in such a war?" Instructor Chen Musi suddenly interjected.

"Instructor Musi, I understand your concern for your student," Xue Dinghai spoke up again. "In this operation, Hanchuan Academy hopes that everyone will send their elites. If our academy fails to do so, we will face condemnation."

"So, are you implying that our other students are not elites?" Chen Musi sneered.

"You! Do not overinterpret my words!" Xue Dinghai said angrily.

"How is that an overinterpretation? Which school regulation did I violate? Why don't you tell me?" Chen Musi smiled. Unlike her beautiful exterior, Chen Musi harbored the heart of a lion; her sarcasm could cut like a gale.

"Enough, stop arguing," Grant Charles interrupted them. "For this operation, our academy will naturally send a significant number of student elites, but we lack a leader with enough charisma and influence."

"I am convinced that Zhang Zhihao is capable of taking on this role!"

"I am grateful for the Principal's trust. I will do my utmost to complete this mission," Zhang Zhihao nodded in acknowledgement.

"Zhang Zhihao..." Chen Musi paused; she did not personally approve of this operation.

"It is alright, Teacher. Please trust me," Zhang Zhihao smiled. "May I ask, Principal, how will our academy's personnel be arranged for this operation?"

"I intend to send over fifty elite students of the Honglan rank, including several A-grade students. They will be divided into ten groups, each led by an A-grade student, and you will serve as the overall commander. Instructor Su Yunzhou will also assist you, as he is quite familiar with the terrain there," Grant Charles stated.

"Understood." Zhang Zhihao nodded. "However, I would like to add one more person. I believe that with his participation, this mission will proceed much more smoothly. I hope the Principal will approve."

"Oh?" This statement piqued Grant Charles's curiosity.

"Who is this person?"

"Actually, everyone here knows him," Zhang Zhihao paused.

"Student, don't keep us in suspense," Chen Musi whispered.

"He is a first-year freshman—"

"Mo Xing."

Once these words were spoken, the instructors began to murmur among themselves.

"Mo Xing? Is that the freshman who appears to be Level 0, but is actually a Level 60 Qingmu rank?"

"Yes, that's the one. I heard the crystal ball didn't shatter during the ability test that day!"

"That's impossible. The crystal ball is always very accurate, unless he is capable of concealing his aura."

"And the freshman assessment, that two-against-five comeback—I still remember it vividly."

"The young man has great potential. Letting him join this operation is certainly viable."

Suddenly, someone knocked heavily on the table. Everyone looked over; it was Xue Dinghai. He moved his lips slightly:

"Although that boy has potential, his experience is completely lacking. I do not think it is appropriate for him to participate in this mission."

Unlike the other instructors, Xue Dinghai cast a dissenting vote. He was that kind of person—he disliked following the mainstream and always held his own unique views.

"Newcomers always need to gain experience. I believe Mo Xing is worth including in this operation," Instructor Tianqi suddenly said.

"Oh?" Xue Dinghai smiled. He truly had not expected Tianqi to speak up at this moment.

"I agree. Mo Xing should participate in this operation," Instructor Long Lian raised his hand. "Where there is a deficiency, it should be filled."

"I agree as well," another instructor raised a hand.

"I agree," yet another followed suit.

"I agree," more and more instructors raised their hands.

"Who is Mo Xing?" Instructor Chen Musi asked in a low voice. She had been leading a group on an exchange study at the neighboring Xianling Academy and had only just returned today; she had no idea what had happened on campus to produce such a remarkable figure.

"A freshman with great potential," Zhang Zhihao replied quietly. "He is also my roommate."

"Oh? What a coincidence," Chen Musi was stunned.

"So, all of you are trying to go against me, are you?" Xue Dinghai was furious, like a volcano about to erupt.

"I also agree."

A refined voice rang out. Everyone turned their gaze to see that the speaker was Su Yunzhou. Even this "neutral" party, who had rarely participated in previous votes, had cast an affirmative vote.

"Yunzhou, why do you agree as well?"

Seeing Su Yunzhou raise his hand in agreement, Xue Dinghai was so shocked he couldn't close his mouth.

"Dragon Tooth Island is a place he needs to visit," Su Yunzhou said calmly, a flicker of violet light flashing in his eyes.

Eagle Eye!

"Fine, vote however you like! All of you, just vote!" Xue Dinghai was incensed, much like Gargamel being bullied by a group of Smurfs. "Regardless, the Principal has veto power. Principal, what is your take on this?"

Everyone turned their eyes toward Principal Grant Charles in the center. His face remained calm, like a chief justice facing the heated arguments and debates between a plaintiff and a defendant, his sense of just judgment remaining entirely unshaken.

"I would like to hear Zhang Zhihao's take on this," Grant Charles said.

"The reason is actually quite simple," Zhang Zhihao smiled. "Since the Principal and the instructors have chosen me to be the team leader for this operation, it implies that you trust my judgment."

"Choosing to have Mo Xing participate in this operation is my judgment," Zhang Zhihao added, his bright, piercing gaze revealing his certainty.

All the instructors were silent for a moment before bursting into thunderous applause.

"You trust your own judgment that much?" Xue Dinghai frowned.