Chapter 5 Beard 1 Blowing Gold 2

At this moment, on the top floor of the towering and magnificent Prophet Tower, situated at the heart of the Rose Holy Sanctuary, was undoubtedly the best vantage point in the entire academy. From here, one could overlook the entirety of the Rose Holy Sanctuary, giving anyone a sense of having everything under control.

The high-level meeting had just concluded, and Dean Hawkland of the Rune Academy stayed behind to have a serious conversation with the headmaster.

"Headmaster, I absolutely disagree. Why should he be transferred to the Rune Academy? Absolutely not! Runes are the foundation of our Rose Holy Sanctuary. I don't care about other branches, but we won't accept trash!"

Dean Hawkland spoke firmly, his beard bristling with indignation. In front of him sat an elegant woman with a cold demeanor, in her thirties, with short purple hair. Her determined expression revealed her unwavering will, and her beautiful face gradually softened into a smile, melting the tense atmosphere.

Beautiful women always made it easier for people to talk.

This was Karida, currently the most controversial headmaster in the history of the Holy Sanctuary, and her controversies began when she was only five years old.

It's worth noting that nominally, the Holy Sanctuary itself is private property and part of Karida's family estate.

The cold Karida from the dungeon had vanished, replaced by a smiling woman patiently listening to Dean Hawkland's complaints. Once he finished, she placed a cup of tea before him.

"What headmaster or not, Grandpa Hawkland, please calm down. This is some stolen Purple Cloud Tea from my grandfather. Try it and see if it tastes right," Karida said.

Hawkland's attention was momentarily diverted by the Purple Cloud Tea. He took a deep whiff and couldn't help but nod, "It's truly good stuff."

Suddenly, his eyes cleared, and he quickly put the tea down. "Ahem, Headmaster Karida, we're discussing official business here. Let's get straight to the point. I support your reforms, but runes are the pride of the Rose Holy Sanctuary. The opposing Judgment Council is waiting to mock us. Wang Feng is absolutely unacceptable. How can someone who can't even brew potions learn runes? It's an insult to the art of runes!"

Karida remained patient and smiled. "Grandpa Hawkland, you've watched me grow up. I understand your concerns, but think about it. If we expel him immediately after expanding, it would make us look even more foolish. Our revitalization plan would stumble at the first step. And as you said, a bug like him learning runes is impossible. Just leave him there."

In truth, when Wang Feng pointed out the key issue, Karida already understood. Catching a spy was minor; both sides had been at it constantly. But in this sensitive situation, while other sanctuaries faced no issues, her Rose Holy Sanctuary did. She could imagine what awaited them.

Hawkland paused, then laughed. "You've always been clever, girl. I understand."

"I have no choice. The increase in personnel brings funding and quality issues. There might be a few bad apples, but I'm certain the old selection system overlooks some talents. Didn't the late master say everyone has a reason to exist? My approach aligns with the spirit of the Holy Sanctuary," Karida said with a smile.

Hawkland relaxed, savoring the exquisite Purple Cloud Tea offered by his rival's granddaughter. It tasted wonderful.

"It's not that I'm being old-fashioned, but why expand and recruit beastmen? They're barbarians, lowering the standards of our Rose Holy Sanctuary," Hawkland said.

Beastmen were nothing but brute force, suitable only as cannon fodder. Their minds couldn't accommodate refined civilization. Lowering the entry barrier had already degraded the Rose Holy Sanctuary. Introducing beastmen... Hawkland really didn't understand.

"Grandpa Hawkland, the beastmen aren't as stupid as you think. During my travels through the Nine Gods Empire, I saw their poor conditions. I want to change things through this method," Karida said, smiling gently. Some things only become clear when seen firsthand.

"That's too far-fetched. Beastmen are inherently slaves or masters, and their strict hierarchy is ingrained. You can't change that," Hawkland chuckled.

"A small flame can ignite a prairie," Karida said calmly. Some things only make sense when experienced personally.

"Haha, you're the headmaster, so you decide. But the addition of the Eight Legions has certainly boosted our morale. The other day, I ran into an old guy from Judgment and gave him a good ribbing!" Hawkland said proudly. The Eight Legions were usually closed off and had every reason to be proud. This was the first time their young elites entered the Holy Sanctuary, likely due to Karida's influence. Rumor had it that the current ruler of the Datura Empire had a special interest in Karida...

Karida smiled slightly. "I hope they won't disappoint me."

Only Karida could be so bold, but she had the credentials.

"Niece, the research on universal runes is at a critical stage. We need another thirty percent increase in funding this year!" Hawkland said, holding up three fingers while sipping his tea.

Runes were divided into universal and combat runes. While combat runes were well-preserved, most universal rune technologies were monopolized by the Nine Gods Empire. For example, Zeppelin ships required huge investments from the League of Blades, and they still had to deal with Sea Clan merchants. What a world.

Karida shook her head. "At most, ten percent. You know that after expansion, all the academies are facing budget shortages."

"Ten percent it is. Niece, you're truly talented. With your bold and innovative leadership, I believe the Rose Academy will stand tall among the world's best. ... Can I take some of this Purple Cloud Tea with me?"