Chapter 728 - 721: Calm
"The Holy Mark Steward sent word to the Gena Continent, telling us to nominate a different candidate."
"The Holy Descendant Civilization sent a message immediately. They proposed we use the runner-up, Anke, to fill the position and have already promised us certain benefits. They also said that if we don’t agree, holding another competition is also an option."
"The thing we feared most has happened after all."
Si Enli said, her expression grave.
"No reason given, just telling us to replace our chosen candidate? That’s just like him."
Modin shook his head helplessly.
"This has become really troublesome. Have you heard back from the Black Lotus Steward? He is, after all, someone who came from our Bernard City. He’s also one of the rare powerhouses from a Low-level Civilization who became an Elemental Star Steward step by step. If he intervenes, there might still be some room to maneuver."
Si Enli said.
"The message has been sent, but we haven’t received a reply yet. Honestly, I don’t think our chances are very high. After all, he isn’t directly in charge of our Black Sea Star Zone, so it would be difficult for him to interfere rashly. We can only say there’s a sliver of hope."
Modin said with a sigh.
"So, what should we do now? News of this will probably spread quickly."
Si Enli said with a frown.
"There’s no way we can keep this under wraps. Let’s talk to Zhou Yuanjue first. His attitude is the most important thing. If the situation doesn’t turn around, I’m afraid he won’t be able to go to the Primordial Star Organization. However, he can take his pick of the next-tier organizations. And based on the Holy Descendant Civilization’s attitude, he can also be given a hefty compensation. For him, it’s actually not too bad of an outcome."
Modin said.
"You should know this is no longer just a matter of a good or bad choice."
Si Enli said, shaking her head.
"There’s nothing to be done then."
Modin said, then sent a message to Zhou Yuanjue requesting a meeting.
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「One hour later, in Modin’s office.」
Modin and Si Enli sat on one side, with Zhou Yuanjue sitting opposite them.
Just a moment ago, Modin had relayed the relevant news to Zhou Yuanjue.
"So, you’re saying the Primordial Star Organization has refused to accept me?"
Hearing this, Zhou Yuanjue’s expression was perfectly calm, with no ripple of emotion in his eyes.
"That’s how it looks right now. Although we’re exploring other avenues that might lead to a turnaround, to be honest with you, the chances are quite low."
Seeing Zhou Yuanjue’s calm demeanor, Modin decided to be frank and didn’t hide much.
"Zhou Yuanjue, we know this is very unfair to you, but there’s nothing that can be done. It was beyond all our expectations. We both want to apologize to you for this. After all, we were the ones who told you that winning the championship would get you into the Primordial Star Organization, and we failed to deliver on that promise."
"However, even though you’ve lost the spot in the Primordial Star Organization, we will fight for more resources for you. You can have your pick of the spots in the next-tier organizations allocated to the Gena Continent. Furthermore, the Holy Descendant Civilization has also promised that if you issue a statement voluntarily giving up your spot, they are willing to negotiate giving you certain resources. This will serve as a foundation for you after you enter a new organization. We can guarantee it will be a considerable fortune, which will be very helpful for your future Cultivation and progress."
Si Enli said to Zhou Yuanjue.
"I’d like to ask, what was the reason for the rejection?"
Zhou Yuanjue nodded upon hearing this and asked.
"Racial potential."
Modin and Si Enli exchanged a glance, then answered Zhou Yuanjue truthfully.
"But you shouldn’t be discouraged. You’re already very strong, and you’ve broken through your limits. This time, it was just bad luck."
Si Enli said comfortingly.
"Is that so? I understand."
"In that case, could I trouble you to compile a list of the other organizations’ terms, as well as the corresponding conditions offered by the Holy Descendant Civilization? I hope to have the right to choose for myself."
Zhou Yuanjue said in a level tone.
"Of course. We will do everything in our power to secure these for you."
Modin nodded.
"Thank you very much. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuanjue nodded, then stood up and prepared to leave the room.
When he reached the room’s Light Sect, he turned and asked Modin and Si Enli, "Can I retain my access privileges to the structure database?"
"Of course. As compensation, I will arrange for you to have permanent access."
Modin said with a smile.
"Thank you."
Zhou Yuanjue nodded, stepped through the Light Sect, and vanished.
Watching Zhou Yuanjue’s retreating back as he vanished, Modin and Si Enli exchanged a slightly surprised glance. They hadn’t expected him to be so calm. They had originally thought the process of persuading and explaining would be extremely difficult.
’Racial potential?’
Walking down a corridor in the Jiaoxing Institute, Zhou Yuanjue muttered to himself. He felt no strong emotions in his heart.
Resentment, anger, bitterness...
He felt none of it.
For him, this was not the first time he had experienced such a thing.
In the early days of his martial arts training, he had gone through similar things countless times.
Even among human Martial Artists, his Physical Talent had never been considered outstanding. From the very beginning of his training, he had always been assessed as having "subpar aptitude."
In the very beginning, his grandfather, Zhou Guotao, had taken him to visit one famous master after another, only to be rejected countless times because of his aptitude. In the end, only Fan Xinghai—a master of the Second-class Fist Technique, Red Falcon Fist—was old and frail, in urgent need of a disciple to inherit his Fist Technique. Zhou Yuanjue happened to have a resolute character and was chosen, finally receiving the true teachings.
These numerous experiences had long ago conditioned him not to feel anger or agitation over such matters. Instead, he could calmly accept anything, choose a better path, and press forward unswervingly, never letting such obstacles halt his steps.
He knew full well that true fairness never existed in this world. Everything had to be proven with strength.
Especially in this starry sky, among countless races and innumerable powerhouses, he was currently just a speck of dust. Even though he had shone brightly among the candidates on the Gena Continent, he had never forgotten who he was.
Even without this particular person in charge, there would be all sorts of similar prejudice and discrimination in the future.
But he didn’t care. He had always believed that no matter how many thorns and hardships lay ahead, no matter how much disdain and ridicule, no matter how much prejudice and arrogance, he would rely on this body and these two fists to shatter every obstacle and transcend every barrier.
His heart could calmly bear success and attention, just as it could calmly accept prejudice and injustice.
Because all of these things were destined to be broken by him.
There was only one thing he ever had to do.
Constantly surpass himself and become stronger.