Star-Sky Seed

September 20th, 3:00 PM. Inside the largest private estate on the grounds of Huguang Martial University. Within the estate lay a small lake, rockeries, a fish pond, landscaped gardens, and a dedicated open-air Chinese-style martial arts arena—understated yet luxurious. As one of only two martial universities in Huguang Province, Huguang Martial University possessed considerable heritage and spanned a massive area. Its full-time lecturers were at least Level 39 martial artists, while associate professors and professors were all Earth Martial Artists... In addition, many Earth Martial Artists across the province served as visiting professors. Every professor was granted the right to reside in a private estate on campus. This was something money could not buy. In the Blue Moon Alliance, the wealth of Earth Martial Artists did not necessarily match that of top tycoons. After all, venturing out onto the Primordial Star was fraught with danger, and many Earth Martial Artists were unwilling to take such life-and-death risks... But once they reached the rank of Tier-4 Civilization Warrior, they enjoyed all manner of intangible privileges that made many wealthy magnates green with envy. And inside this largest estate. Beside the lake, a gentle breeze stirred. "How many have you caught?" An elegant woman, dressed in simple traditional attire and appearing to be in her forties, smiled as she stood nearby, pouring tea. "When it comes to fishing, what matters is the mood," chuckled a middle-aged man in a Tang suit. "Honey, don't you think the weather is wonderful today? The breeze feels quite pleasant." "Empty-handed again, I see," the elegant woman remarked with a chuckle, handing him the teacup. "You don't have to call me out so bluntly," the man replied helplessly. The elegant woman smiled. "You, the grand president, managing such a massive university, yet here you are taking it so easy while your faculty members are working themselves to death." "As president, am I supposed to micromanage individual students? Or meddle in mundane university affairs?" The middle-aged man shook his head. "My duty is to secure our annual budget approvals and ensure all faculty benefits are fully delivered. In short, my job is to bring in the funds." "How to spend it? And the results of that spending? That depends on the capability of our professors," the middle-aged man said with a smile, taking a sip of his tea. He was none other than Baili Jing, a top Earth Martial Artist renowned throughout Huguang Province and the current president of Huguang Martial University. Suddenly— *Whoosh!* A phantom silhouette flashed across the far side of the lake. In just a few fleeting strides, it traversed the tens-of-meters-wide lake and arrived along the corridor beside the middle-aged man and the elegant woman. It was a young man appearing to be in his thirties. "Professor Xu." The elegant woman nodded slightly before turning to leave. Her footsteps were light, yet in utter silence she was already tens of meters away—she, too, was clearly an elite martial artist. "President," the young man known as Professor Xu bowed slightly. "What is it?" Baili Jing asked. "We just received a notice. According to tests conducted by the space base, one of our fourth-year students has met the standard of a Star-Sky Seed," Professor Xu stated directly. "A Star-Sky Seed?" Baili Jing, who had been reclining in his chair, sat bolt upright. A glint of surprise flashed across his eyes. "What tier?" "Tier 3," Professor Xu answered. "Tier 3?" An imperceptible flicker of disappointment crossed Baili Jing's eyes. Soon after, he shook his head with a touch of self-mockery. "True enough. We're only an ordinary undergraduate institution. Producing Yan Tianheng as a Tier-2 Star-Sky Seed was already a miracle; did I really expect lightning to strike twice?" "Still, a Tier-3 Star-Sky Seed is exceptionally outstanding. There's a slight chance of becoming a Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist, and the probability of reaching Earth Martial Artist is very high." Regaining his calm, Baili Jing smiled. "Proceed according to protocol. Give him key cultivation." Star-Sky Seeds, as the name implied, were young martial prodigies who possessed the potential to become Star-Sky Martial Artists... But in truth, everyone held boundless future possibilities, so across the entire Blue Moon Alliance, quite a few martial geniuses received Star-Sky Seed certification each year. Yet those who could truly grow from seeds into Star-Sky Martial Artists were a minuscule minority. Even so, even the lowest rank—a Tier-3 Star-Sky Seed—represented tremendous potential. Most such talents were concentrated on New Moon; not many remained on Blue Star. At an institution like Huguang Martial University, even the lowest Tier-3 Seeds were exceedingly rare; having two or three in a single graduating class was considered a windfall. Naturally, such a student deserved priority nurturing. "President, this student's situation is a bit unique. He is currently an elite student," Professor Xu cleared his throat. "He was implicated in a case and ruled guilty of 'excessive defense.' According to the verdict from the Iron Wall Base Adjudication Department, he is barred from signing any higher-tier dedicated contracts." "Excessive defense?" Baili Jing frowned slightly. Then something clicked, and he asked instinctively, "Is it the case involving Xia Kaishan's nephew?" "Yes," Professor Xu said. "Did you bring the detailed files? Do you have the case dossier and preliminary reports?" Baili Jing inquired. "Yes, all of them." Professor Xu promptly handed over a tablet. Displayed on the screen was the entire sequence of events regarding Fang Yu and Xia Tao's case, along with Fang Yu's full background profile. "A junior college student?" Baili Jing was slightly surprised. "A new fourth-year student this year?" "Yes." "He only recently awakened his phase, and his phase potential is exceptional," Professor Xu hurriedly explained. "His technical talent is also remarkable, and he is progressing at a rapid pace." "I see." Baili Jing continued reading. The more he read, the deeper his brows furrowed. Xia Kaishan's maneuvering might have seemed drastic, but in reality, only a handful of high-ranking martial artists involved in the case knew about it. The sentencing itself had been conducted in strict secrecy and kept confidential, completely hidden from the public... Similar cases occurred in large numbers every year. If not for Xia Kaishan's involvement, no one would have reported it to Baili Jing in the first place. Even so, Baili Jing had only skimmed through Fang Yu and Xia Tao's case at the time, paying no heed to the eventual outcome... An event that dictated the future and destiny of Fang Yu and Bai Chen was wholly trivial to an expert of Baili Jing's caliber. Today was the first time Baili Jing had thoroughly examined the case dossier. When he finished reading it all: "This should have been ruled legitimate defense," Baili Jing said, frowning slightly. "Who did Xia Kaishan pull strings with?" "Vice Minister He," Professor Xu answered directly. "Vice Minister He signed off on it." "He Chang? That old bastard." Baili Jing scoffed with a furrowed brow. "Quite clever of him, though. He only guided it toward excessive defense, which falls within discretionary authority. Even if the case is overturned in the future, it will be hard to implicate him." The He Chang he referred to was likewise an Earth Martial Artist who served as Vice Minister of the Huguang Provincial Martial Arts Inspection Department. "Still, would Xia Kaishan really agree to settle for merely excessive defense?" Baili Jing asked. "Xia Tao was supposed to be the junior relative he valued most, wasn't he?" Baili Jing and Xia Kaishan were acquainted; though not close, he was well aware of Xia Kaishan's temperament—vindictive and ruthless in his methods. "Naturally, he didn't agree." "It is said that at first, they intended to charge him with 'intentional homicide.' However, a certain amount of public backlash erupted; although it didn't spread widely, it still had an impact," Professor Xu explained. "Aside from that, Associate Professor Tang Jianxin fought hard to protect Fang Yu and enlisted one of her senior martial brothers—Vice Minister Mo of the Provincial Adjudication Department. Both sides engaged in a tug-of-war." "In the end, both sides took a step back," Professor Xu said. "I see," Baili Jing said thoughtfully. "Associate Professor Tang is indeed a person of strong conviction, willing to offend Xia Kaishan for the sake of a student." "Xia Kaishan really was going too far," Professor Xu could not help remarking. "It seems you support Associate Professor Tang as well," Baili Jing said with a chuckle. "I am merely judging the matter on its merits," Professor Xu replied with a smile. Baili Jing smiled and pressed no further... Although the professors and associate professors of Huguang Martial University were far below him in strength and status, they were Earth Martial Artists after all, and most possessed significant backgrounds, factions, or lineage heritages. As long as they performed their duties properly, Baili Jing would not pry too deeply into their personal affairs. "President, what should we do now?" Professor Xu asked in a low voice. "With the Adjudication Department's ruling hanging over him, Fang Yu's restrictions cannot be lifted, and he cannot apply for many special resources." "You want to petition for a case review?" Baili Jing asked with a faint smile. "It all depends on your intention, President," Professor Xu said, lowering his head. "Xia Kaishan is certainly in the wrong... But as things stand, whoever requests a review of this case makes an archenemy out of him. The man is a rabid dog," Baili Jing remarked with a slight sigh. "And a rabid dog at Level 49 at that. Who would want to provoke him?" Professor Xu fell silent. He could tell the president seemed unwilling to stick his neck out. "Therefore!" "When facing a mad dog, you don't take him on yourself," Baili Jing pivoted with a grin. "You find a fierce tiger to cow him. No matter how rabid a dog is, would it dare bare its fangs at a tiger?" "A tiger?" Professor Xu was taken aback. Across the entire Huguang Province, which Earth Martial Artist could possibly be called a "fierce tiger" by the president? "Just listen from the side. Remember, not a sound," Baili Jing said as he stood up, his expression turning solemn. "I'm making a call." Professor Xu nodded hurriedly. "Call Sky-Patroller Ye," Baili Jing instructed, raising his wrist, where a Universal Auxiliary Device was affixed. *Beep... Beep...* After a full ten-odd seconds, the call connected! "Baili Jing?" A mild voice sounded. "Sky-Patroller Ye," Baili Jing replied, bowing slightly. Even over a call, he maintained utmost deference. Beside him, Professor Xu held his breath entirely. A Sky-Patrolling Envoy? The words "Sky-Patrolling" said it all. Only a Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist could be addressed as a Sky-Patrolling Envoy... These were truly paramount figures capable of reaching the highest echelons. Earth Martial Artists were essentially the highest-tier martial experts ordinary people could ever encounter through conventional means, and most held vital posts across various regions. Yet Sky-Patrolling Martial Artists? They possessed the inherent power to fly through the heavens and tunnel through the earth. Across the entire Huguang Province, they were exceedingly few. They had begun to truly transcend the mortal realm, and an ordinary person might not encounter one in a lifetime. Someone of Professor Xu's standing did not even possess a Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist's private contact number. Only top Earth Martial Artists like Baili Jing could directly contact a Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist. "What is the matter? Speak," Sky-Patroller Ye said placidly. "It's Xia Kaishan. He has truly crossed the line," Baili Jing said, a hint of indignation creeping into his voice. "Relying on his strength, he indulged his nephew and threw Huguang Martial University into chaos. This time, he even attempted to ruin a Star-Sky Seed student. I intended to intervene, but he meddled through the Martial Arts Inspection Department... I hope Sky-Patroller Ye can uphold justice." "Oh? Xia Kaishan? A Star-Sky Seed?" Sky-Patroller Ye's tone remained unchanged. "Do you have the files? Send them to me." "Right away!" Baili Jing replied hastily, signaling Professor Xu with a glance. Professor Xu hurriedly transmitted the files to Baili Jing, who forwarded them at once. Time ticked by. The call remained active, but Sky-Patroller Ye said nothing. Nor did Baili Jing dare press further; only the breeze rustled past them. After a long silence. "This little fellow named Fang Yu," Sky-Patroller Ye's voice rang out once more. Baili Jing and Professor Xu listened intently, especially Professor Xu, who knew full well that this would decide Fang Yu's fate. "In my view, he is innocent!" "I have already conveyed my opinion via formal document to the Provincial Martial Arts Inspection Department and the Provincial Adjudication Department, advising them to conduct a review," Sky-Patroller Ye said. "Coming up from a junior college, it hasn't been easy for this Fang Yu." "You at Huguang Martial University should nurture him well!" "Understood," Baili Jing said respectfully. The call disconnected. Only then did Baili Jing and Professor Xu let out a sigh of relief. The leap from Earth Martial Artist to Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist appeared to be a single realm—and in Baili Jing's case, a mere difference of one level. Yet that single level was an impassable chasm. The terrifying might of a Sky-Patrolling Martial Artist was something conventional forces could hardly constrain... While they could not directly steer the course of all human civilization like Star-Sky Martial Artists, their status was beyond question! "President, Sky-Patroller Ye asked the Martial Arts Inspection Department to review the case—won't there be any further complications?" Professor Xu could not help asking. "Couldn't he issue a direct order?" Baili Jing chuckled. "Do you truly believe a Sky-Patrolling Envoy's 'opinion' is merely an opinion?" "His opinion is an order." "Rest assured." "Since Sky-Patroller Ye declared him innocent, the review process will conclude today," Baili Jing said. "Furthermore, notify the relevant liaisons of the Eight Great Martial Groups." "Tell them Huguang Martial University has produced a Star-Sky Seed. If any of them wish to sign him, they had better show genuine sincerity," Baili Jing added. "However, there's no need to reveal that it's Fang Yu just yet." "Understood," Professor Xu smiled. Whenever martial prodigies emerged within the school, the administration encouraged them to sign contracts with martial groups for joint cultivation... The students would develop faster, and the university's performance metrics would be fulfilled more quickly. "Oh, right. How has Yan Tianheng been doing lately?" Baili Jing suddenly asked. "Still in secluded cultivation. His technical realm could reach Perfection of Inner Vista at any time," Professor Xu replied. "Once he succeeds, he will be another Earth Martial Artist among our enrolled students." Becoming an Earth Martial Artist after graduation versus doing so while still enrolled were two entirely different concepts. "Mm." Baili Jing nodded. "Keep close tabs on him. The moment he breaks through, inform me immediately, and we'll issue a press release across the entire province." "Understood," Professor Xu acknowledged. *** Iron Wall Base, Auxiliary Base No. 12. At 6:00 PM, Fang Yu packed his belongings into a large travel bag. *Time to leave,* Fang Yu thought, his gaze sweeping over the room. *The next time I come, it won't necessarily be to Auxiliary Base No. 12.* Today was September 20th—the end of the practical combat period and the day to assemble and return to university. "Fang Yu, assembly is in a moment!" Bai Chen's voice called out. "Coming, coming!" Fang Yu answered, slung his bag over his shoulder, and headed downstairs alongside Bai Chen, Qin Yang, and the others waiting outside his room, moving swiftly toward the fourth-year students' assembly point of Huguang Martial University.