Ch. 10 - Stick with Me, and You'll Have a Future

On the school bus, Yusheng was the only one present. Even the driver had gone out for lunch. But Yusheng didn't move. After spending years in Sin City, he developed the habit of not eating lunch, as it was considered a luxury in that environment.After about half an hour, three boys and one girl slowly walked out from the school gate, chatting and laughing among themselves. However, their positions revealed that the handsome boy among them, Zhao Zicheng, was the leader while the other two naturally took a step back.

When they boarded the bus, the handsome boy, Zhao Zicheng, immediately noticed Yusheng and greeted him with a friendly smile. "Hello, I'm Zhao Zicheng from Grade 9, Class 3."

"These two are Li Kai and Yang Ruoxin."

"We're classmates."

"I don't know how to address you."

Zhao Zicheng seemed to exude a gentle temperament and appeared very courteous, indicating that he came from a decent family.

The other two seemed disinterested, especially after glancing at Yusheng's frail figure, they lost even more interest and just simply nodded casually and sat far away.

"Yusheng."

After nodding to Zhao Zicheng, Yusheng fell silent again.

Zhao Zicheng didn't mind and took the opportunity to sit beside Yusheng.

"I have some inside information."

"This assessment is actually being led by the Mo Pavilion in secret."

"Our city is too remote with a small population, so the Mo Pavilion doesn't allocate too many resources here." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NƟvelFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"But considering the recent tragedy in Xin Hai City, Sun Elder's intention is to select some outstanding local talents and establish a Mo Pavilion branch here. Initially, it will be supervised by high-level experts who will provide resources. Once the new talents are cultivated, the high-level experts will withdraw."

"Moreover, in the future, we, the selected few, will train the next generation of guardians."

"Si it's also like joining the Mo Pavilion."

"It's a high-status position."

"So, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your chance to stand out depends on this assessment."

"I know about the other two schools' top talents and I have an idea of who will be selected."

"If everyone wants to stand out, it's impossible."

"What I mean is..."

Zhao Zicheng paused for a moment and finally revealed his true purpose, gazing sincerely into Yusheng's eyes. "It's unrealistic for everyone to stand out."

"So, my suggestion is to select one person and assist the other three."

"This way, the chances of being selected are higher."

"If I succeed in securing a spot and join the Mo Pavilion, I will say a word to get you three in as well."

"After all, the future of Desert North City will be in the hands of our young generation."

"Furthermore, my father is the Chief of Desert North City's Security Department."

Zhao Zicheng dropped another bombshell.

His background in the Security Department and his previous arguments made his words convincing.

Indeed, as Zhao Zicheng had mentioned, if the intelligence was accurate, this plan would most likely be a win-win situation.

Seeing Yusheng still remaining silent, Zhao Zicheng couldn't help but ask, "Yusheng, what are you hesitating about?"

"We, the young people, should move forward bravely!"

"The path of cultivation requires us to strive for excellence. If we're cowardly, we might as well give up on awakening and live as ordinary people!"

"In the future, we might not be limited to Desert North City and could even join the Mo Pavilion headquarters."

"For the sake of humanity!"

Zhao Zicheng's passionate words were enough to stir emotions. Even the two others sitting beside him seemed to be moved, picturing the scenes he described in their minds.

"Follow my lead, and you'll have a future!"

As Zhao Zicheng finished his speech, he fixedly looked at Yusheng.

Yusheng suddenly looked up and gazed calmly at him. "I suppose you already have a blueprint in mind."

In an instant, the passionate atmosphere froze.

The scene became somewhat awkward.

Having used all those inspiring phrases, Zhao Zicheng suddenly didn't know what to say next.

But Yusheng recalled something. "Your father is the Chief of the Security Department?"

Zhao Zicheng's eyes brightened. "That's right, absolutely!"

Yusheng nodded. "Currently, my father is still in prison."

Zhao Zicheng seemed to understand something, a glimmer of light flashed through his mind. "I get it, if he didn’t commit any major crime, I'll talk to my father tonight to see if he can be released early."

But Yusheng shook his head and said, "What I meant was... Can you keep him there for a few more days?"

"What?"

Zhao Zicheng froze in place, then reluctantly put on a not-so-ugly smile.

Feeling disappointed, Zhao Zicheng returned to his seat, somewhat crestfallen.

Something was off.

He usually watched his father deliver speeches with similar rhetoric, full of passion and fervor, then the guards under his father would get excited and applaud continuously.

For a moment, he felt a bit gloomy.

As for hating Yusheng and wanting him dead, that wasn't going to happen.

They were all students, still in the same school. If they were to become mortal enemies over such a trivial matter, the human race would have been wiped out for decades by now.

Li Kai nudged Zhao Zicheng's arm with his elbow and made a face in Yusheng's direction.

Zhao Zicheng, however, remained sitting there, feeling dejected.

Perhaps, at his age, he genuinely wanted to achieve what he had promised, with no hidden motives. He might be too naive, imagining things to be too ideal.

Yang Ruoxin curiously glanced at Yusheng but quickly retracted her gaze. It wasn't because of any affection, she was merely wondering when such a person appeared at school.

...

The driver finally finished his lunch and returned to the bus. He started the engine and Zhao Zicheng quickly adjusted his mindset. The three of them were anxious, excited and nervous, whispering to each other in low voices.

Yusheng leaned against the window, closing his eyes and resting.

It's worth mentioning...

Zhao Zicheng didn't emit that gray energy earlier.

Soon, Zhao Zicheng looked puzzled as he stood up on the bus, walked to the window and looked around with a slight frown.

"Are we leaving the city?"

"Isn't the assessment located within the city?"

"But considering the recent incident in Xin Hai City, it should be unsafe outside the city at this time."

He murmured to himself.

The driver chuckled and said, "It's just outside the city,it’s not that far. There's an old factory with a large space which is more convenient than inside the city."

"Rest assured, there are people from the Mo Pavilion present, so it's safe."