Chapter 271: Flirting with Girls Before Dying

Hawkland was left speechless, his mouth agape for a long moment before he could gather his wits.

"Cough... In fact, we also opposed it..." He cleared his throat and finally regained his composure, speaking seriously: "Not only Karida, but Old Lei and I, we all don't want you to go. With your talent in runes, if given more time, we have every reason to believe that you might lead the Blade Runes into a new era of glory, which is far more important than the opportunity in Dragon City. However, this is an order from the Council..."

Old Wang's eyes widened, and he slammed his hand on the table: "The Council orders me to be a burden and die? They don’t send their experts but choose someone like me who can barely fight! Who issued this order? This person clearly has issues; I bet they’re a high-level spy for the Nine Gods! Investigate! Dig up everything about them, they’re bound to be dirty!"

Hawkland couldn’t argue with him. Initially, he had wanted to discuss things calmly with Wang Feng, but now it seemed better not to waste words. He said helplessly: "It’s not as simple as you think..."

"Then how is it? Sending a hero to certain death makes sense? Dean Hawkland, you’re being completely misled!"

Hawkland couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. He felt that if they continued this way, even ten of him wouldn’t match Wang Feng. He said directly: "This is an exchange. The Nine Gods specifically requested ten Holy Sanctuary disciples to participate. In return, the Blade Council can also designate ten War Academy students to join. Among them are geniuses like you who lack significant combat power. This is the most crucial part of the agreement; without this clause, the deal wouldn’t have been made..." Hawkland shook his head: "The order came down two days ago. The principal opposed it, but the decision stood. We have no choice. Of course, they promised to send experts to protect you."

To be honest, the Blade wasn’t unaware of the other side’s intentions. This was a test, a mutual probing of the levels and foundations each side had developed over the years. The future belongs to the young, and their standards can reflect the potential national strength of both sides. If the Blade backed down or showed fear this time, giving up Dragon City would be a minor issue. More importantly, it would show the Nine Gods the ‘cowardice and weakness’ of the Blade, leading them to underestimate the Blade and embolden the aggressive factions within the Nine Gods Empire to accelerate their plans to destroy the Blade, possibly even triggering an early war.

Wang Feng was indeed a highly valued talent for the Blade, but he was already part of this agreement, specifically pointed out by the other side. There was no avoiding it. Honestly, compared to the peace the Blade needed, even if a significant council member were named, as long as the conditions offered by the Nine Gods were equal, they would still be pushed forward.

Moreover, the young people were going to compete, not to be sent to their deaths. The gap was in basic national strength; the top experts and the two academies were roughly on par. It wasn’t a death sentence to go. The outcome was uncertain, and if the Blade won, it would not only boost morale but also provide an opportunity to narrow the gap with the Nine Gods. If the Blade’s young elite inflicted heavy losses on the Nine Gods, it would be a significant morale boost and a chance to close the power gap.

Therefore, for the Blade Council, this battle must be fought, and it must be won. As part of the agreement, Wang Feng had to participate.

Understanding the reasoning, Old Wang rolled his eyes. Protection? More like being sacrificed.

The Nine Gods truly hadn’t given up on destroying us. Assassinations, rumors, and now direct naming...

Even if all that were ignored, the key issue was the Blade Council.

Damn, crossing the river and then dismantling the bridge. I just helped you invent fusion runes, and now that you have them, you’re sending me to my death?

He knew politics were ruthless, but when it hit home, it didn’t feel so good.

The Soul Gem may have solved the soul fusion problem, but even ignoring the 'Black Hole Syndrome,' the insect embryo has just begun to grow. I’m at most at a Tiger-level soul power level now. Sneaking around and taking potshots is fine, but going head-to-head on the battlefield would be suicide. Don’t expect me to survive by hiding; the Nine Gods specifically named me, clearly targeting me. If I go, it’s likely I’ll be the focus of their attacks. That’s a group of five hundred, all at least at the peak of the Tiger level, each with their own special skills. Am I supposed to go there for a laugh?

"I think there’s definitely a conspiracy here!" Old Wang said firmly, "The council members should investigate thoroughly. Someone must be taking bribes from the Nine Gods!"

Three pairs of eyes exchanged glances; this kid was getting more and more off the mark. Investigate the council members? Who gave you that authority?

"Can’t do it, right?" Old Wang asked, not giving up: "Then can I drop out?"

Hawkland shook his head helplessly. This was a direct order from the council, and even the old principal couldn’t do anything about it.

Karida sighed softly, "Grandpa Hawkland, Blue Sky, you two go out first. Let me talk to Wang Feng."

Hawkland nodded. While it was inevitable that Wang Feng would go to Dragon City, making him go willingly versus forcing him were two entirely different outcomes. If he were forced, whether he returned alive or not, he might never swear allegiance to the Blade again.

To be honest, as the dean of Rose Rune Academy and a towering figure in the Blade Rune World, he understood better than anyone the weight of a genius like Wang Feng. If it were just for the Dragon City Soul Illusion, he and Leilong believed it wouldn’t be worth the trade.

But the issue involved the peace between the Blade and the Nine Gods... The council wasn’t overthinking it. The peace between the Nine Gods and the Blade over the years was based on mutual deterrence. Both sides had peace advocates and war hawks. If one side showed too much weakness, it could indeed encourage the other to attack, which the League of Blades absolutely did not want to see. Moreover, the League had already mastered Wang Feng’s fusion rune technique. In the eyes of some shortsighted or conservative high-ranking officials, this person’s greatest value had already been extracted, and his life or death no longer seemed so important... Disunity was the Blade’s tragedy, but he was powerless to change it.

Blue Sky vanished automatically, and Hawkland nodded, standing up and walking out without saying another word.

Only Karida and Old Wang were left in the room.

Without Hawkland, Old Wang’s demeanor changed instantly. His earlier righteous words were clearly aimed at the upright man. He and Brother Da were already well-acquainted, so talking about serving the country and the people wouldn’t be appropriate anymore.

"Brother Da, you won’t just stand by and watch me go to my death, will you?" Old Wang looked pitifully at her: "After all, I’ve shed blood for our Holy Sanctuary and tears for you..."

"I’m not dead yet, what are you crying for?" Karida rolled her eyes.

Old Wang, however, was delighted, "Last time you were injured, you don’t know how much it hurt me to see it. I cried in my bed hundreds of times..."

"Wang Feng." Karida didn't give Old Wang the chance to continue his nonsense, cutting him off directly. She said calmly, "Die."

Old Wang immediately shut up, what?? His mind was filled with curses, women are indeed heartless...

But unexpectedly, Karida looked at him and continued, "The only way not to go to Dragon City is to die."

"I can arrange an explosion accident at Rose to make it look like you died, allowing you to escape," Karida said indifferently. "You should leave immediately and never come back!"

Old Wang was stunned.

"You can find Sessy. Don't act with me; I know he didn't let you go for money. The safest place for you now is the sea," Karida smiled. "Being a pirate might suit your personality."

"......" Old Wang took a deep breath. He hadn't expected Karida to actually want him to leave. Putting aside his usual playful demeanor, he looked at her intensely. "What about you?"

"As long as it's handled well, there won't be any problems," Karida said calmly.

"If the Nine Gods are after me, you won't get away that easily."

"At worst, I'll step down from my position as principal." Karida smiled slightly. "They can't take my life, but remember, you mustn't show yourself to the Blade people again. If the news leaks, more than just you will be in trouble."

Old Wang felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

They say that beating and scolding are signs of affection. His wife may act aloof normally, but she truly cares for him in critical moments. Reliable!

"Sis Da..." Old Wang relaxed, smiling. "Actually, I'm not against going to Dragon City..."

"Hmm, go to the sea..." Karida suddenly paused, doubting her ears. Go to Dragon City? Is this still the same Wang Feng who is afraid of death and timid as a mouse: "...Go to Dragon City, and you will die."

Old Wang shrugged, chuckling. "Whether I die or not, it's all the same. Everyone dies eventually. Since you care for me, how can I be indifferent? For you, I am willing to face death!"

Karida was taken aback by his words. At a time like this, the guy still dares to flirt with her.

She turned cold. "Don't talk nonsense. What you said before was right. With your strength, going there is suicide. Don't assume that the Holy Sanctuary disciples of the Alliance will protect you. Facing the elite of the War Academy, they can barely protect themselves!"