Chapter 73 It’s really a ghost

Karida paused for a moment, "After all, it's an achievement. We should announce it, not only announce it but also make it grand. The Rune Academy should hold a commendation ceremony to honor this accomplishment. I'll notify the Holy Light to conduct a special feature on the ceremony, and we'll stir up some publicity."

For Karida, there was nothing more important than this. The Rune Department had produced a true genius, one who already had tangible results. This was a much-needed boost for her current situation in the Board of Directors, almost like a shot of adrenaline.

Frankly, this was the best news she had heard in a long time. As for Wang Feng... she couldn't afford to worry about him anymore. She would deal with him later, but if there were any other options, she wouldn't have chosen him.

The next day, when Mo Tong came to the Rune Department for class, he was in a decent mood. After all, Li Sitan had taken that broken rune for experimentation yesterday, and there had been no further news since then. Clearly, the experiment had failed. Otherwise, given Li Sitan's 'crazy indulgence' of Wang Feng, he would have immediately reported any successful outcome.

It was just a stroke of luck finding a rune, something very common in their line of work. Even Mo Tong, who was somewhat inexperienced, knew that a successful rune required a series of tests for its effects, compatibility, and adjustments. If it were that easy, humans would have ascended long ago.

Hmph, human bias, they simply couldn't tolerate his excellence.

Seeing Yin Fu and Wang Feng enthusiastically discussing again, Mo Tong suddenly felt less isolated. Instead, he experienced a subtle sense of intellectual superiority.

...This thought might be a bit unfair to Yin Fu, dragging down the intelligence of the Eight Greats.

Well, there was no helping it. As the saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together." Yin Fu's innate intelligence was fine; it was just being dragged down by Wang Feng. He needed to be cautious and maintain his composure and wisdom!

Mo Tong sat calmly nearby, reading a book, when he saw Li Sitan rush in hurriedly.

It wasn't even eight o'clock yet. Even the walking clock could make mistakes? Mo Tong steadied himself and then heard an unbelievable conversation.

"Wang Feng, Yin Fu, get ready quickly," Li Sitan said with a smile, "the academy will hold a commendation ceremony for you in the Rune Hall shortly. Members of the Board of Directors and department elders will attend. Don't be disrespectful."

A commendation ceremony?

Mo Tong was stunned. What were they being commended for? For Wang Feng's unparalleled cheekiness?

Yin Fu was also taken aback, still trying to process the situation. Only Old Wang seemed unsurprised, though he still feigned modesty, asking innocently, "Brother, what are we being commended for?"

"Of course, for the rune you invented yesterday," Li Sitan chuckled, rubbing his forehead. He hadn't slept since yesterday, having been busy all night. He hadn't even told them what had happened: "The experiment was a complete success. It's confirmed as a stable rune with remarkable effects, enhancing non-combat movement speed by 7-10%. Precious is that it's a universal rune, usable by both orcs and sea folk. Tonight, the principal decided to hold a commendation ceremony for you."

Wang Feng slightly curled his lips. Karida was in a hurry. It seemed she was having a tough time lately.

Mo Tong gaped, pinching his face. What?!

A 10% enhancement? And a universal rune? What sorcery was this?

Was this a nightmare?

"And, I'm going to the Professional Center to apply for exclusive recognition of the rune under your names. Special circumstances warrant special measures; it should take only an hour or two," Li Sitan smiled, "but the name hasn't been set yet. According to the Professional Center's rules, since you created it, you can name it yourselves. Any ideas?"

Name it?!

What name? 'YinFu's Creation'? Or maybe 'FengFu's Crystallization'?

Unbelievable! How did this involve naming? Was heaven blind? That Wang Feng creating a new rune? Mo Tong felt miserable. How wonderful it would be if it were named after him.

Wait, his mind was a mess. He needed to calm down!

Yin Fu, already excited with a flushed face, waved his hands, "I don't deserve it. This new rune was all Brother Wang Feng's idea. He should name it!"

"Wang Feng," Li Sitan smiled, knowing well the levels of Yin Fu and Wang Feng. This rune was a lucky break for Yin Fu, and letting Wang Feng name it was only fair: "you should think of a name."

Looking at the expectant faces of Yin Fu and Li Sitan, Old Wang licked his lips. As a mature man, he needed foresight.

Naming a new rune was a supreme honor for any life on the Nine Heavens Continent, ensuring one's name in history. Even someone as seasoned as Li Sitan envied it.

Such an excellent basic rune hadn't appeared in at least fifty years.

Wang Feng smiled, glancing at Yin Fu, "Brother, this isn't my doing. Without your guidance, we wouldn't have had the inspiration or environment to create a new rune. Besides, Yin Fu and I are just beginners. We need to stay humble and work harder. An occasional success doesn't mean much. Brother, please name it for us."

Li Sitan smiled, shaking his head, "I knew you'd say that. Since this rune is derived from 'Thor's Wings,' let's call it 'Thor's Messenger.' It represents its effect in non-combat situations. What do you think?"

Yin Fu was still pondering, but Old Wang gave a thumbs-up right away.

No wonder Li Sitan was called Brother. His insight and level were truly high, matching the name in the Nine Heavens. He would make a great NPC, one revered by all.

"Let's call it Thor's Messenger!"

Mo Tong was itching with envy. Was Old Wang crazy? Such a golden opportunity for fame, and he just let it slip away. Was his brain shot? But seeing Yin Fu's admiring gaze, he felt a twinge of discomfort.

That evening, Wang Feng wore his school uniform, a formal suit?

Formal suits aren't free!

The so-called award ceremony was simple yet solemn. The Rune Department's Dean Hawkland, Vice Dean Bai Linfeng, and over a dozen honorary professors, including Li Sitan; deans from various departments such as the Casting Department, Martial Dao Courtyard, Institute of Potions, and Wizard Academy;

Additionally, there were the Deputy Dean of the Rune Department from the Judgment Holy Sanctuary, several investors from the Board of Directors, Aurora City's Mayor Ms. Mei, and Elder Dongfeng from the Aurora City Holy Sanctuary Professional Center... quite a few people, all prominent figures in Aurora City.

The impromptu invitation clearly showed respect for Karida. Overall, achievements from the Rose Holy Sanctuary benefited the entire city.

Old Wang was delighted.

These... were all powerful connections.

All handsome and eloquent, Old Wang had no other hobbies except making friends, especially influential ones!

Without further ado, he mingled with Li Sitan.

"Elder Dongfeng, you flatter me. I just got lucky. As an elder of the Professional Center, you've contributed so much to Aurora City and our League of Blades' rune endeavors. Compared to that, my little achievement means nothing. By the way, do you like mahjong?"

"Sister Mei, you're too kind. I'm unworthy! Oh, you're the mayor? My apologies, you look like my senior!"

...

With Li Sitan accompanying him, Old Wang was like a fish in water. After all, Li Sitan was honest, and being around honest people naturally made one seem decent. Add to that his tendency to speak the truth, and how could he not be liked?

It was making Karida grind her teeth as she watched from the side.

When did it become this guy's time to shine? Does he know his own limits? Does he really think this commendation meeting is for him?

But these thoughts were only fleeting.

Karida personally presented Wang Feng and Yin Fu with the Golden Rose Medals, symbols of outstanding contributions to the Holy Sanctuary of Roses.

As they shook hands, Old Wang had his first intimate contact with Sister Da. It was soft and delicate, with a faint fragrance...

Under Sister Da's murderous gaze, Old Wang reluctantly let go of her hand, vowing not to wash it for the next two days.

Holding the heavy medal in his hand, Old Wang resisted the urge to bite it to see if it was real gold.

Today had been fruitful. Not only had he completed Karida's task, but he also added a long list of names to his influential backers' roster. He would have to find ways to build relationships with them if he hadn't returned to Earth yet.

In Karida's office...

The commendation meeting today was undoubtedly successful, as everything had been meticulously planned in advance. Even most of the questions raised by the witnesses were designed to praise the innovative policies of the Holy Sanctuary of Roses.

Karida achieved the desired effect, and she could imagine the sustained attention the event would receive once it hit the papers. She could look forward to some peaceful days ahead.

The teacup in her hand steamed, but Karida didn't drink from it. Instead, she stared at Wang Feng in front of her for over ten seconds. It was ironic that the person who could truly help her was a Nine Snakes' death knight.

And he was quite something.

Previously, both she and Hawkland believed that the new rune was created by Yin Fu, with Wang Feng merely assisting. However, after questioning Li Sitan, they learned that it was indeed a collaborative effort between Wang Feng and Yin Fu.

This was confirmed by Yin Fu herself, and her tone was even more certain than Li Sitan's. If not for the agreement to change the relationship on the announcement from master-subordinate to cooperation, Yin Fu wouldn't have come to accept the award... As a guest from Gandhara, her identity was sensitive, and if she had refused, Karida would have been in a difficult position.

Yin Fu and Li Sitan's attitudes made Karida reassess the situation. Even if Wang Feng had convinced the little girl, it proved that he was quite knowledgeable about runes and had definitely contributed to the new rune.

This was truly bizarre.

A person proficient in both potions and runes, with such talent, how could he end up as a death knight? If this were true, then the Nine Gods must have an abundance of talent, so much so that it would be beyond measure. There would be no need for any further conflict.