The result plunged the quiet room into a brief silence.
Although they had been mentally prepared, the stark contrast still weighed heavily on their hearts.
This wasn’t just about the outcome of a single simulated battle. It faintly reflected the gap between the Federation’s Martial Arts and the core inheritances of certain advanced Star Realms.
"So, the higher-ups have decided to change their approach?" Qiao Tongyu asked.
"Yes," Wu Dingbo nodded. "Since the path of using Grandmasters of the same level is temporarily blocked, we’ll try to win through unconventional means."
"We’re no longer limiting the selection to Grandmasters. Instead, we’re screening for genius Martial Artists below that realm, ones with outstanding practical combat skills and a unique Martial Arts path, to make the attempt."
No matter who fought it, the Illusion’s Realm and Life Energy Level would always match the challenger’s, so their actual Realm wasn’t important.
Of course, the enemy was a figure like Ye Yixin from the True Dragon Star Realm’s Sword Sect. Even an Illusion of her from before her Sword Dao reached Great Success possessed strength far beyond that of an ordinary Martial Artist.
Qiao Tongyu fell into thought, his fingertips gently caressing the warm side of his cup.
A moment later, he looked up, the usual calm and sharpness returning to his eyes. "If that’s the case... I recommend someone."
"Who?"
"Xu Wuyi."
Wu Dingbo was slightly taken aback. The name was clearly one he had expected, yet the specific recommendation was still somewhat surprising.
"Xu Wuyi... I know him. A very outstanding young man. I’ve also read the briefing on his achievements in the N-33 Star Domain; they were nothing short of stunning. However, my impression is that he’s more adept at handling complex battlefield environments, dealing with unexpected situations, and group combat?"
Qiao Tongyu set down his teacup and leaned forward slightly, his tone firm. "General Wu, your understanding of him is likely based more on reports and rumors. That boy, Xu Wuyi, is someone I’ve watched grow up every step of the way. His strength is by no means limited to his so-called ’group combat ability’."
He paused, as if organizing his thoughts to describe him more accurately to a fellow Grandmaster of equally discerning judgment.
"His combat intelligence is extremely high, and his ability to learn and adapt is exceptional. From the Rift incident in Red River City years ago, to the Black Stone lode in the West Seventh District, and then to facing the Feathered People Second King in the N-33 Star Domain, he has always been able to find a solution, even achieving breakthroughs in desperate situations."
"The sharpness, decisiveness, and resilience he has forged in one-on-one life-or-death battles are in no way inferior to any Martial Artist who focuses solely on solo combat."
Wu Dingbo listened quietly without interrupting.
As a high-ranking military official, he naturally had access to more detailed channels of information on Xu Wuyi. What Qiao Tongyu said was consistent with some of the in-depth analyses he possessed.
It was just that Xu Wuyi’s brilliant achievements in recent years were mostly related to large-scale conflicts or special missions.
His edge as a top-tier individual combatant had, to a certain extent, been overshadowed by the more conspicuous and promotion-friendly label of "group combat genius."
"Moreover," Qiao Tongyu added with a slight smile, "he’s in Linjiang right now."
"He was invited by Linjiang Martial Arts University to be a guest professor for four weeks. The timing is perfect, and it won’t take up too much of his official business."
Wu Dingbo contemplated for a full half-minute, his knuckles tapping lightly on the coffee table.
Finally, he nodded slowly. "Grandmaster Qiao has a point. Xu Wuyi’s track record and potential are beyond doubt, and the nature of his Heart Image does indeed present the possibility of countering an extremely pure form of attack."
"However, this matter is of great importance. It not only involves an internal military evaluation but also concerns the access rights to information related to the True Dragon Star Realm. At the same time, we’ll also need his personal consent."
"That’s a given." Qiao Tongyu breathed a sigh of relief. "I understand the evaluation process. As for the boy... I can give him a heads-up, feel him out. Knowing him, he’s not one to refuse a challenge like this."
"Alright." Wu Dingbo stood up. "Then we’ll proceed on two fronts. I will immediately arrange for the retrieval of the materials needed for the final evaluation and prepare the relevant explanations and conditions. On your end, Grandmaster Qiao, you can have an informal conversation with Xu Wuyi. Once the evaluation is passed, I will speak with him in person."
"No problem."
With the two Grandmasters having reached a consensus, the heavy atmosphere in the quiet room eased slightly.
Outside the window, the Linjiang night was deep, and a challenge with potentially far-reaching consequences was already brewing quietly in the undercurrents.
...
At this time, inside the central gymnasium of Linjiang Martial Arts University, Xu Wuyi’s first class was just coming to an end.
He stood on the stage, looking at the more than two thousand pairs of focused eyes below, completely unaware that the edge of a sword from a distant Star Realm was already faintly pointed at him.
The applause in the central gymnasium finally subsided at a gesture from Xu Wuyi.
He stood on the stage, looking at the young faces below who were still lost in thought. He knew in his heart that the purpose of the first class had been achieved—it wasn’t about cramming knowledge, but about sparking a deep self-examination of their own Martial Arts.
"That’s all for today’s class."
Xu Wuyi’s voice, steady and clear, spread throughout the entire venue via the sound system.
"Class dismissed."
He turned off the microphone, put away his personal terminal, and walked down from the side of the stage.
The moment he stepped away from the stage area, Teacher Li Wenjuan, who was waiting by the aisle, came up to him, her face filled with clear admiration:
"Professor Xu, that was an amazing lecture! I was listening backstage, and many of my colleagues said they benefited greatly. Even some of the senior professors were nodding in approval."
"You’re too kind," Xu Wuyi said calmly. "Just some personal insights."
"You’re too modest," Li Wenjuan said, guiding him toward the lounge.
"Many students and teachers want to speak with you now. What do you think... should we arrange a brief meet-and-greet? It doesn’t have to be long, about half an hour."
Xu Wuyi thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
"I’ll go arrange it now, then. You can rest in the lounge for a bit. I’ll bring them over in ten minutes."
"Thank you for the trouble."
Back in the lounge, Xu Wuyi poured himself a glass of water and sat down on the sofa.
The effect of the first class was better than he had expected.
The students’ focus and feedback were genuine. Their desire for and contemplation of Martial Arts showed him the potential of the Federation’s younger generation.
This made him even more certain that accepting this teaching position was the right choice.
Outside the window, the rain had stopped at some point.
The campus of Linjiang Martial Arts University looked especially fresh after the rain. From the distant training halls, faint shouts could be heard—students still putting in extra practice.
Xu Wuyi took a sip of water and opened his personal terminal.
The backend data of the course system showed that the online attendance rate of enrolled students was nearly one hundred percent. Many students had also left him messages through the system’s built-in messaging function.
Xu Wuyi was looking through them for a moment when a knock came at the lounge door.
"Professor Xu, everyone is here," Li Wenjuan’s voice came from outside.
Xu Wuyi put away his terminal and got up to open the door.
Over twenty people stood outside—some were young students, others were middle-aged teachers. Every one of them had a look of anticipation and respect in their eyes.
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