Chapter 29 Mighty and Unyielding

"The two orcs who joined the academy this year as part of the expansion were an important component of my plan. Although they faced some isolation and discrimination after arriving, it was still within manageable limits," Karida said coldly. "But now, because of your policies, their presence has been highlighted. I've had several mentors emphasize their importance, yet no one in the academy is willing to team up with the orcs. Everyone is just watching me fail. Tell me, how should I reward you!"

Wang Feng was stunned. He had truly forgotten about this. Orcs were not well-received anywhere, much worse than the historical discrimination against Black people by White people. Even in Datura Empire, orcs were not considered human; they were not allowed to enter the empire. In Blade Edge, orcs were relegated to heavy labor and were not permitted in public restaurants. They could only move within designated areas, and if they appeared elsewhere, they would face severe consequences, even death.

No human would get close to an orc; doing so would make them an outcast.

It was clear how shocking Karida's actions were, and she had been criticized nonstop. If it weren't for Lucky Heaven's arrival, her position as headmaster might have been in jeopardy.

Even though the Holy Sanctuary was private, opposing the entire social system would lead to dire consequences.

"How about you dismiss them?" Wang Feng suggested helplessly. There was really no other way.

"When they leave, it will be your head on the chopping block," Karida said calmly.

Wang Feng's face darkened. What did this have to do with him? He was a loyalist of the Nine Gods, not an orc.

"Actually, there's a simple solution. You form a team and recruit them," Karida proposed, admitting that she was truly at a loss. People's prejudices were beyond imagination, but she had no choice now; otherwise, all her previous efforts would be in vain.

Wang Feng stared dumbfounded, pointing at himself. "Me? No way, Headmaster, I'm just a weakling with a combat rating of 5. I'm good with potions and runes, but fighting isn't my forte. Please spare me."

He had to deal with Karida and the Nine Gods' agents lurking in the shadows. At any moment, they might decide to kill him. He needed to stay low-profile, not high-profile, especially when teaming up with orcs meant isolating himself from humanity.

"Oh, so you're saying no?"

Swish, a wooden sword pressed down on Wang Feng's shoulder, making him feel like his shoulder was about to fall off.

"Lady, I'm not refusing. My life belongs to you, but I'm just too weak. Even if I join their team, it will only highlight our failure. Besides, adding me won't make the numbers sufficient..." Wang Feng quickly explained, trying to reframe the issue.

"As a loyalist, you're quite embarrassing," Karida sneered. She knew this was part of the Nine Gods' strategy—loyalists like Wang Feng, who lacked combat skills, were easier to overlook. But she didn't believe he had no fighting ability at all.

Wang Feng rolled his eyes inwardly. This woman, teaching her how to be a loyalist? If he had thousands of lives, he could teach her how to be a woman in an instant.

"Lady, you understand the difficulty better than I do. Sometimes, it's better to remain still."

Karida looked at Wang Feng, finding no flaw in his reasoning. His demeanor and logic were sound. However, she noticed something odd—this guy was too calm. For certain types of people, a little pressure was necessary.

"Let's solve this using your favorite method—the Nine Snakes' way. We'll have a match. If you can last one minute against me, we'll forget this. Otherwise, you'll do as I say," Karida declared.

Wang Feng shrugged helplessly. "Lady, I'm now a member of the Holy Sanctuary, and even in death, I'll belong to it. With your strength, I wouldn't last a second."

"I won't use soul power. You can use it. Just one minute. Show some courage as a warrior... or shall I make you my ghost right now?" Karida mocked, doubting whether he was truly from the Nine Snakes. He seemed slick and lacked backbone.

Wang Feng looked around, swallowing nervously. "You can't use weapons; it must be hand-to-hand. And if I win, you have to fulfill one reasonable condition."

Fortune favors the bold. Since he had to fight, he might as well try to gain some benefit.

"Come, let's begin!"

In the next second, Wang Feng unleashed his soul power and ran!

Resistance?

No, even without soul power, someone at Karida's level had physical strength far surpassing his. Winning would be worse, angering Karida would bring no good end.

Run!

Bang...

Just as Wang Feng took a step, he felt a kick in his rear, causing him to stumble forward almost face-first into the ground.

Ignoring the pain, he used the momentum from the kick to steady himself and tried to dash forward, but the next moment, his collar was grabbed and yanked backward.

This time, he landed hard on his buttocks, dazed and disoriented. How could a woman have such strength? It was like having a gorilla arm!

Wang Feng gritted his teeth and rolled on the ground, dodging another powerful kick. He scrambled back up, but Karida didn't give him another chance.

Bang!

A punch came out of nowhere, hitting his chin and sending him flying.

Before he could regain his balance, another jab followed.

Wang Feng stumbled backward, barely managing to defend himself. His mind reacted, but his body was slower, leaving him helpless.

Karida was slightly surprised. Though she hadn't used soul power, her strength was considerable. He managed to defend, but even non-combat loyalists received basic training, making them resilient.

Wang Feng cursed inwardly. This was the second time, and it was nothing like the training in the Nine Heavens. His head spun, ears ringing, heart pounding as if it wanted to separate from him.

Such forceful blows, this woman wasn't playing games; she was trying to eliminate him!

The thought filled him with fear and determination. A surge of survival instinct welled up, and he turned to throw a punch.

Wang Feng had trained, entering the Nine Heavens intending to become a warrior. But to achieve his SSS-level goal, relying solely on himself was impossible, so he sought out five soul seeds to assist him. Yet, this didn't mean he lacked fighting skills; those five were trained by him.

Wang Feng's aura flared... Ow!