Chapter 72 A blind cat dies a mouse

"No, no, Senior Brother, I was just following your lead. This is all your idea!" Yin Fu quickly waved her hands. She had only added a few details; the main concept was all Wang Feng's. And even those additions were inspired by Wang Feng.

"Together, you're my junior sister. We're a team. If you keep saying this, I'll get upset!" Wang Feng waved his hand generously. It was crucial to bring Yin Fu into the project. On one hand, it would strengthen their relationship with the Eight Devas, and on the other, it would prevent him from being too conspicuous.

Yin Fu's face turned slightly red, and her big, watery eyes looked at Wang Feng with admiration. She never imagined there could be such a kind and capable senior brother in the world. Despite others always misunderstanding him, he could still repay their grievances with kindness.

"Alright, alright. This rune seems to be effective, but I need to verify its full potential. Today, we'll switch to self-study!"

Li Sitan hurriedly left, realizing that discovering a new rune, even a First Order one, was a significant achievement. The effects were absolutely groundbreaking!

Of course, before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Mo Tong to learn well from his senior brother!

Mo Tong stood there, dumbfounded. Damn, how could this be possible? He wasn't a novice; since entering the Rune Academy, he had put in a lot of effort and studied extensively. Bloody hell, discovering a new rune, almost reaching Second Order effects, and causing a revolution—was it really this guy?

"Cough, cough, Yin Fu, it's just luck, and it might not even work. These runes often turn out unstable..." Seeing Yin Fu's admiring gaze, Mo Tong felt a pang of jealousy.

"Senior Brother, ignore him. Come, tell me more." Yin Fu pulled Wang Feng closer, eager to relive the creative process.

Old Wang couldn't help turning back, flashing a grin at Mo Tong, who clenched his fists, his body trembling...

This guy was definitely doing it on purpose!

The reforms in the Holy Sanctuary inevitably threatened many people's interests. Karida's strong stance might suppress dissent initially, but suppression was not a long-term solution. Such forceful measures would only lead to greater backlash.

Recently, rumors spread throughout Aurora City about a young rune-casting prodigy emerging from the Tribunal, whose talent rivaled Karida's.

Although these claims were unverified and lacked official confirmation from the Tribunal, many were already using this to their advantage.

Look, a few years ago, despite their decline, the Rose Holy Sanctuary still dominated rune studies. But now, even that advantage was slipping away!

All these setbacks were attributed to Karida's stubborn reforms. It was all her fault.

The expansion policy did not strengthen the Rose; instead, lowering admission standards drew high-caliber talents to the Tribunal. At this rate, revitalizing the Rose Holy Sanctuary seemed impossible, and its rune department might soon be surpassed or even absorbed.

These voices grew louder under intentional encouragement. Opponents seized on these unverified rumors, causing chaos in the board meetings, infuriating Karida, who was helpless against them.

After all, within the Holy Sanctuary system, even the most domineering must adhere to reason. Without tangible results—whether breakthroughs in auxiliary professions or victories in hero tournaments—how could she justify her actions?

Karida was exhausted, barely sleeping for two to three hours a night for the past week, constantly pondering solutions and reflecting on her methods.

After all, the situations of the League of Blades, Nine Gods, and the Eight Devas were different. Her experiences and insights gained during her travels might not apply here.

But one thing remained certain: Karida's resolve was unwavering. Her reflections were driven by a deep faith in revitalizing the Rose.

"Madam, Dean Hawkland requests an audience," Blue Sky appeared like a ghost in Karida's office.

"Please let Dean Hawkland in. Wait..." Karida rubbed her aching temples, adding, "Bring me that half-box of Purple Cloud."

Now, the only ones supporting her in the Rose Holy Sanctuary were these old men. They did so partly due to her grandfather's influence and partly because they recognized her lack of ulterior motives.

As for common ground, there was little. Even though these old men publicly supported her reforms, they privately questioned and opposed her multiple times, as they represented traditional values.

Yet, Hawkland's unexpected visit was unusual. Could it be related to the rumored prodigy at the Tribunal, prompting him to seek her help?

Karida frowned, having done plenty of compromising, but begging the Tribunal was out of the question. This was beyond compromise.

"Headmistress!"

Hawkland entered with a peculiar expression, a mix of joy and confusion.

"Grandpa Hawkland, what brings you here? Let me guess," Karida set aside her worries, smiling warmly. "You must have finished the Purple Cloud! Don't worry, I have half a box left for you!"

"What Purple Cloud? I'm here for serious business." Hawkland ignored the tea box on Karida's desk, his usual favorite. His face was serious as he sat down, looking oddly pleased. "Yesterday, the Rune Academy discovered a new rune."

"A new rune? You made a breakthrough?" Karida exclaimed, thrilled. This was a morale booster.

Hawkland shook his head. "Not us, it's a freshman."

Disappointment flashed across Karida's face. She knew runes well and understood the futility of such claims. But then she noticed Hawkland's strange demeanor.

Something was off. Hawkland wouldn't come to her about this. Wait, there were only two freshmen, no, three.

"Troll's Wing variant rune, tested overnight. It has an 8% to 10% speed boost effect."

Karida was genuinely shocked, almost disbelieving. "That's Second Order level. It's impossible, violating basic rune principles."

Hawkland smiled, appreciating talking to someone knowledgeable. This was why he supported Karida, who valued runes.

"It's a First Order rune, immune to enemy soul force interference, meaning it works outside combat. And... it can be used by beasts. It's the second universal basic rune!" Hawkland looked proud. Achieving this was a great honor for the Rune Academy.

Karida controlled her excitement. "Confirmed?"

Hawkland raised an eyebrow, and Karida quickly apologized. "Grandpa Hawkland, I'm just concerned. Is it Senior Brother Li Sitan?"

While not revolutionary, the effect was impressive and highly practical.

"That's the issue." Hawkland's face turned odd. "The inventor isn't Li Sitan, but... Wang Feng!"

Karida was stunned.

Wang Feng?

"More accurately, Wang Feng and Yin Fu, the one from the Eight Devas." Hawkland was clearly puzzled. He had a clear judgment of Wang Feng.

Once an outcast from the Institute of Potions, forced upon him by Karida, Wang Feng was considered a nuisance. How could he create a new rune after just two months? Was learning runes like scribbling for toddlers?

Karida was initially surprised but then shared Hawkland's doubts. She knew Wang Feng well, a slippery character.

She frowned, recalling her recent order for Wang Feng to produce rune results. That was meant to torment him. And it had been only a few days. If this were coincidence, it was too convenient.

"Li Sitan reported it this way in the documents. I've also reviewed the runes; they represent a bold innovation, and their effects are sound. However..." Hawkland's eyes were fixed on Karida. If Li Sitan was telling the truth, then it must be that Karida had deceived him. This Wang Feng was not just a discarded disciple of the Institute of Potions as Karida had claimed when she pushed him onto him: "Headmaster, I'll ask only one question—just who is this Wang Feng?"

Karida instantly understood where Hawkland's doubts lay.

"Grandpa Hawkland, there seems to be an issue here. We need to proceed with caution," Karida said firmly. "When I sent him to you, it was indeed based on the consideration that the expansion policy could not afford any mistakes. He couldn't have discovered the new rune; it must have been Yin Fu's discovery, and he just jumped at the opportunity."

Karida knew something about Yin Fu's character, and she was even more aware of Wang Feng's shamelessness. It was clear that Wang Feng saw Yin Fu's discovery and thought of her requirements, so he took credit for it.

Hawkland nodded; he had thought the same thing. "However, attributing it entirely to the Eight Families wouldn't be ideal. Let Yin Fu be the primary discoverer, and Wang Feng the secondary. After all, people already know him. This way, we achieve two goals. Besides, given how highly Li Sitan speaks of him, he must have played some role."

Karida smiled slightly. Truly cunning, none of them were easy to deal with. This was the best outcome. Now things would be easier, as Rose Academy desperately needed some achievements to boost morale.

A new rune, delightful!