Chapter 357: Transfer Application

"Nine Heavens Dominion ()"

The station was bustling with activity, a scene of fervent work. This was a military transport train, transporting military supplies along its route—who in their right mind would be here for them? Ah Xi was mortified: "Shit, I totally thought this was for us..."

"What were you thinking?" Winnie was chewing bubblegum, blowing a sharp *pop* before rolling her eyes at him. "Put your hand down already, so embarrassing!"

Ah Xi pouted and quickly lowered his hand, while Andy quietly patted his chest in relief—thank goodness he hadn’t gotten carried away...

The salty sea breeze, the familiar city.

When they had left, they were still fresh-faced, bright-eyed youngsters. But now, they returned as true Warriors of the Holy Sanctuary.

Though no one greeted them at the station, the atmosphere was far livelier upon their return to Rose Holy Sanctuary. As soon as they reached the campus gates, they saw a crowd gathered there.

After ten long days on the cargo train, news of Wang Feng's team’s return had long since spread. While the military rune-powered rail station wasn’t the place for a welcome, a ceremonial reception at the school gates was only fitting.

Hawkland, dressed in a pristine white uniform with the Rose headmaster’s badge pinned to his chest, sported a faint smirk as he conversed with several deans.

After Karida was officially declared under arrest, the conservative faction had tried to install their own candidate as headmaster. But under fierce opposition from the reformists and the Thunder family, the attempt fell through. However, Rose couldn’t remain leaderless. With Thunder Dragon uninterested in administrative duties, Hawkland naturally stepped up. As the former dean of Rose’s Rune Academy and a legendary figure in the League of Blades’ rune scene, having followed Thunder Dragon for over forty years, his qualifications and loyalty to Rose were beyond question—irreplaceable, in fact.

Truth be told, Hawkland’s passion for runes was matched only by his love for fame and prestige. Take, for instance, his somewhat inflated reputation as the foremost rune master of his time. Back when he dominated the rune world, publishing countless papers and achievements, much of it had been thanks to Thunder Dragon’s behind-the-scenes support.

He had once competed with Karida for the position of Rose’s headmaster. Ultimately, out of deference to his old friend’s pride, he had conceded—though never truly accepted the outcome. That was why he had handed full control of the Rune Academy to Li Sitan while putting on a disgruntled front, neglecting the academy entirely—all to spite his old friend and Karida.

Now, with Karida under house arrest, he had finally become Rose’s headmaster. Though it felt a bit like taking advantage of his friend’s misfortune, he had at last achieved his lifelong wish.

Being headmaster was great! The Rune Academy’s budget was now limitless—no more haggling over every penny with his stingy god-granddaughter. And as for that old coot Fantes from the Foundry Academy, who used to make him beg for collaborations between their departments, the tables had turned. Now it was Fantes coming to him for funding, not daring to contradict him. Damn it... Hawkland’s goatee practically bristled with pride. It felt like he was finally living his best life, reaching the pinnacle of his career.

And all of this was thanks to Wang Feng! If not for him, Karida wouldn’t have been dismissed, and he wouldn’t have... *Ahem*, no, no—such thoughts were wrong, unbecoming. He ought to focus on rescuing his god-granddaughter, bringing her back to Rose soon. He was old now; messing with old man Fantes for a bit of fun was enough... (Note: Rose Holy Sanctuary is a prestigious institution where students train to become elite warriors and scholars.)

Hawkland glanced at the banner held by the students nearby, which read "Welcome Home, Old Wang's Team," and the excited Temple Disciples eagerly waiting. His face beamed like a blossoming flower.

Though the Holy Sanctuary is going through turbulent times, the children here are truly good at heart!

"They're here! Minister Wang Feng and the others are back!"

Just as Hawkland was lost in his pleasant thoughts, sharp-eyed Temple Disciples had already spotted several swiftly approaching beast-pulled carriages. Sitting at the front was none other than Minister Wang Feng himself!

Excitement rippled through the crowd, and Hawkland paused his conversation with the nearby deans, turning with a smile to watch the approaching group.

There were only four carriages—Andy and Mapeier had already returned to Judgment. Old Wang and the others hadn’t expected such a massive, enthusiastic welcome at the school gates. As soon as they drew near, the crowd, as if premeditated and pumped with adrenaline, erupted in a synchronized chant:

"Old Wang, Old Wang, the strongest in the Holy Sanctuary! Vanquishing foes, soaring high! HOHOHO!"

Wow, that slogan was impressively coordinated!

"Old Wang's team is amazing! I heard our President Old Wang was one of the last standing in the Soul Illusion Realm—stronger than anyone from the War Academy!"

"Minister Winnie really brought honor to our Wizards' division! I heard she took down plenty of enemies!"

"Minister Kela was incredible too—she defeated several disciples of the War Academy. The stats are already out in Holy Sanctuary's Light!"

"Ah Xi wasn’t bad either! Unlike those cowards from other Holy Sanctuaries who bailed in the first layer, he made it to the second. Gotta respect that—I totally underestimated him before."

"Haha, strength and courage combined with wisdom and achievements!" Now who dares say our Holy Sanctuary is at the bottom?"

Cheers exploded, turning the streets into a sea of noise and energy, the excitement infectious even to Old Wang's team.

Winnie lifted her chin with an air of haughty indifference, though inwardly she was bursting with pride. So her exploits had already reached the Holy Sanctuary, huh? Hmph! If she hadn't needed to protect Ah Xi in the first layer, she could’ve taken down even more! Kela’s heart swelled with emotion. When she first came to the Holy Sanctuary, she was the despised "filthy beast-girl." But now, she was a hero welcomed by all. She spotted Wu Di in the crowd, his voice hoarse from shouting, his face alight with excitement and vigor. Clearly, even in the team’s absence, Wu Di hadn’t been bullied—the Holy Sanctuary had truly become another home for the beastfolk. Kela's eyes brimmed with tears. Sometimes the deepest gratitude comes in just a moment.

Fan Xixi, who had been feeling gloomy when getting off at the station earlier, now had all his frustrations swept away. Holy crap... even his brave entry into the second layer had spread back here. He reckoned his old man at home must have already prepared a hundred tables for a celebratory feast. Now he could finally wave to the welcoming crowd with a justified swagger, but then...

Suddenly, he thought of something. His eyes widened as he nervously scanned the crowd. Sure enough, he soon spotted Famir standing right at the front and center of the group.

Famir, who usually wore glasses and carried herself with quiet grace, had completely abandoned her usual demeanor. She was cheering fervently alongside the other Temple disciples, waving a shiny little object in her hand—what was that?

Fan Xixi's heart suddenly raced, his mouth stretching into the widest grin. He recognized what Famir was holding—it was the heart-shaped crystal he had given her before leaving. Back then, afraid she might reject it, he had left it in its box, not daring to present it openly. But now, there it was, clutched in Famir's hand as she waved it at him. Did this mean...?

"Whoo-hoo!" Fan Xixi was so excited he leaped up instantly, tossing all pretense of composure aside. He threw his bag to the ground, dashed forward, completely ignoring and even stepping over Dean Hawkland, who had extended a welcoming hand toward Team Old Wang. He jumped right in front of Famir and lifted her into the air, shouting ecstatically, "You said yes? You said yes?"

Famir hadn't expected him to act like such an impatient monkey. Normally a reserved girl, she felt a bit flustered under the sudden attention of the entire crowd. Still, she nodded shyly, her face flushed.

Held aloft, Famir shone like the sun in the sky, and Fan Xixi was utterly mesmerized. At this moment, she looked like a perfect goddess—compared to her, Rachel from his past seemed as filthy as dirt!

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" The surrounding Temple disciples immediately caught on and began chanting.

Fan Xixi snapped out of his daze and, without hesitation, pressed his lips to Famir's. Her face burned red, but she closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss despite her embarrassment. The crowd erupted into cheers.

"Tut-tut, these youngsters!" Old Fan from the Forge Division shook his head repeatedly. Though he understood, he couldn't help but marvel at how bold today's youth were, flaunting their affection in broad daylight for all to see.

Dean Hawkland, meanwhile, was torn between laughter and exasperation. He had held out his hand when he saw Fan Xixi rushing over excitedly, only to be completely ignored. The radiance of a dean truly paled in comparison to the fiery passion of young love—like a firefly trying to outshine the sun.

Thankfully, Old Wang stepped forward and shook Dean Hawkland's still-outstretched hand, saving him from further awkwardness.

Back on the train, Old Wang had already learned about Dean Hawkland succeeding Karida as dean of Rose Academy. Honestly, he felt this might be the best thing to happen to Rose Academy in recent times.

Collecting himself, Dean Hawkland smiled at Wang Feng and said, "You all performed admirably on this trip to Dragon City. You are heroes of Rose Academy. On behalf of the school and its many teachers and students, I welcome you home! And I thank you for your outstanding contributions to Rose Academy. You’ve done us proud!"

"Dean Hawkland, you flatter us. This was simply our duty—"

"Junior Wang Feng, well done!" Li Sitan spread his arms wide with a smile. "Welcome back!"

"Wang Feng, before you left for Dragon City, you spent days in our Potion Workshop brewing excellent potions. They must have been a great help this time, right?" This came from Dean Famir, her gaze burning with enthusiasm—far more intense than when she looked at her old flame. "See? Nothing gets done without potions! Our Potion Division has been waiting for you. Now that you're back, why not transfer over officially?"

"Hey! Hey hey hey!" Luo Yan glared. "Junior Famir, Wang Feng just got back, and you're already poaching him? Is that any way to behave? Let the kids catch their breath first! Oh, so only your potions are useful? Before leaving, Wang Feng also crafted plenty of items in our Forge Division—like that mask, which definitely came in handy!"

"Enough, enough," Dean Hawkland interjected with the authority of a dean. "The kids just returned—they haven’t even sat down yet, and you’re already bickering. No more of this today!"

"Fine, we’ll listen to the dean. We’ll talk later!" Dean Famir huffed, clearly not giving up.

Everyone laughed. Truth be told, the fact that the dean, all the deans, and even someone like Fan Xixi—who rarely showed his face in the Forge Division—had come to welcome them was the highest honor a hero could receive.

Seizing the moment, Old Wang casually brought up Mapeier’s request to transfer.

"Mapeier from Judgment Temple—one of only three disciples to reach the third layer. I’ve heard of her. She was instrumental against the Naga-Rakshasa, wasn’t she? To intervene in a battle against the Naga-Rakshasa—truly extraordinary talent."

"About the transfer..."

"Wang Feng, I personally have no objections. Rose Academy has never turned away talented individuals, especially when recommended by a hero like you. But honestly, now isn’t the right time."

Old Wang was taken aback. He had expected Dean Hawkland to agree without hesitation.

"Only two people from Judgment Temple returned alive, and Mapeier shone brilliantly in the Dragon City Mirage. She’s practically their pride and joy now. If we swoop in to poach her right after her return, while the excitement is still fresh, what would that make us?"

Old Wang, sharp as ever, understood immediately.

"Compared to other Temples, Rose and Judgment are like siblings. Though we’ve competed fiercely in Aurora City for years, even brothers fight sometimes, and teeth bite tongues. At their core, Rose and Judgment are one—when one thrives, so does the other; when one suffers, the other does too. Besides, we’re so close physically—we’d see each other all the time. Becoming sworn enemies would be disastrous." Dean Hawkland smiled. "If Mapeier truly wishes to join Rose Academy, we should wait. Let Judgment revel in the glory they’ve rightfully earned. Once the Dragon City hype dies down and people stop paying attention, have Mapeier submit a transfer application. I’ll speak to Elder Ji from Judgment then—appeal to reason and sentiment. We’ll arrange a discreet transfer, and Rose Academy will gladly welcome her."

Old Wang slapped his forehead. He really hadn’t considered this properly. You had to admit—this wily old man Hawkland, who had succeeded Karida as dean, had both vision and tact. With Elder Sister Da no longer at Rose Academy, Dean Hawkland’s leadership would ensure stability and peace for the school.

After explaining the matter, Hawkland waved his hand grandly, signaling for silence around him: "Everybody quiet!"

His booming voice, infused with soul power, instantly echoed across the entire venue. When he was still dean of the Rune Institute, Hawkland had already been an authoritative and respected elder in the eyes of all Temple disciples. Now, as headmaster, his pull was just as strong.

The surroundings quickly fell silent. Even Fantsey, who had been too busy making out, had his head forcibly turned back by the blushing Famier. Everyone turned their attention to Headmaster Hawkland.

"A damn good day—our heroes are back! To celebrate, I hereby declare a day off for all disciples!"

The crowd erupted in excitement, with many cheering: "Hell yeah! This rules!"

"Hawkland for the win!"

Just as the cheers began to rise, Hawkland raised his hand to quiet them and continued, "Moreover, to celebrate the triumphant return of our Rose heroes, I’ve booked out the whole Eight Sages Bar for tonight! Every Rose disciple gets in free—drinks, food, fun, all on me!"

The Eight Sages Bar, located on Eight Sages Avenue in the city center, was one of Aurora City's finest entertainment bars—absolutely reputable, though undeniably expensive. Covering the costs for over a thousand students was no small sum. But this was Hawkland, after all—the former top runemaster of the alliance. He wasn’t rolling in empire money like Anbolin, but the wealth accumulated from his numerous inventions and creations was certainly no exaggeration.

The crowd fell silent for a brief second before erupting into deafening cheers the next moment. Every Holy Sanctuary disciple leaped to their feet.

Screw whoever called Hawkland boring! Who said old folks didn’t understand the younger generation? This was a thousand times more awesome than anything Famier could’ve done!

"Long live Dean Hawkland!"

"Dean Hawkland, we love you!"

"Ahhh! Old Hawk! I’m your fan now—you’re my idol! Holy Sanctuary forever!"