Translator: CinderTL
As Feng Qi watched Lin Ran confidently and eloquently lecture at the podium, he felt as if he were witnessing the rise of a new star.
He now understood why the Tiger Soul Research Institute had offered Lin Ran early admission.
Throughout human history, Lin Ran's talent ranked among the most exceptional.
He had forged his own path, creating the Handseal Flow, one of the pinnacle schools of art magic, which would profoundly influence future generations.
Tragically, he chose the wrong path and ultimately died in remorse and despair.
Had Feng Qi not seen Lin Ran's future through the future database, he would have believed, based solely on this lecture, that Lin Ran's potential was limitless and that he was destined to become a legendary figure etched in history.
Just as Feng Qi was lost in thought, the classroom door swung open, revealing Bai Fusheng.
Bai Fusheng's expression was grave as he stared at Lin Ran, his eyes betraying undisguised shock.
He had read Lin Ran's published research papers on art magic. While impressed by the young man's solid foundation in the field, he hadn't been truly astonished.
But the content of Lin Ran's lecture had completely won him over, compelling him to interrupt the class.
Lin Ran, who was lecturing, immediately stopped when he saw Bai Fusheng enter the room. He turned to Bai Fusheng and said respectfully, "Elder Bai."
"Carry on," Bai Fusheng replied with a nod. "I'll just listen in." He then walked toward the students, looking for a seat.
As his gaze swept across the room, Bai Fusheng suddenly noticed Feng Qi sitting in a corner.
Surprised, he immediately headed toward Feng Qi and sat down beside him.
At that moment, Lin Ran resumed his lecture.
Feng Qi glanced at Bai Fusheng sitting beside him, his mind filled with questions.
Judging by his appearance, the old man clearly wasn't a student; he was likely a teacher at the academy.
As soon as Bai Fusheng sat down, Feng Qi greeted him, "Hello, Teacher."
"You're not a student from Combat Class One, are you?" Bai Fusheng asked with a smile.
"No, I'm not!"
"Then which class are you in? What's your name? I don't think I've ever seen you before."
"My name is Feng Qi. I'm a visiting student from Star City No. 1 High School, here to observe and learn. I'm not a student at Star City Academy," Feng Qi replied humbly.
Upon hearing this, Bai Fusheng visibly froze in surprise.
Now he understood why he had never heard of such an outstanding student before.
'We can't let such a promising talent slip through our fingers.'
Realizing Feng Qi hadn't graduated yet, Bai Fusheng's heart burned with eagerness. He began to consider recruiting Feng Qi to Star City Academy.
With this thought, a benevolent smile spread across Bai Fusheng's face.
"Have you considered applying to Star City Academy after graduation?"
Feng Qi felt awkward at the question.
His dream was to attend Galaxy Academy, and he hadn't given Star City Academy any thought. But he couldn't bring himself to say so directly, especially since Bai Fusheng was a teacher at Star City Academy.
Seeing the shift in Feng Qi's expression, Bai Fusheng immediately understood his meaning. He couldn't help but ask, "During your visit, did you find any shortcomings at Star City Academy?"
"No, everything was excellent, especially the food in the cafeteria."
"Just the food?" Bai Fusheng's eyes widened in mock indignation.
"Everything was good," Feng Qi replied, still slightly embarrassed.
Faced with Feng Qi's perfunctory answer, Bai Fusheng's mind began to churn.
Feng Qi's demeanor made it clear he had no interest in Star City Academy. But since fate had led him to discover this hidden gem, there was no way he would let it slip through his grasp.
Bai Fusheng's expression softened again, and he asked casually, "You're from Star City No. 1 High School, right? I have a student who teaches there—Wang Jinsheng. Do you know him?"
"Old Wang is your student?" Feng Qi's heart jolted at the mention.
"Old Wang? Oh, Wang Jinsheng, right. Yes, do you know him?"
"He's my homeroom teacher and history teacher."
Bai Fusheng paused, surprised.
"So you're Jinsheng's student? No wonder you have such unique insights into cultivation arts at such a young age. In that case, I suppose I'm your Grandmaster."
Realizing Feng Qi was Wang Jinsheng's student, Bai Fusheng beamed, feeling the matter was now as good as settled.
But the mention of Wang Jinsheng brought back many memories, and he couldn't help but sigh.
"I had such high hopes for Jinsheng. I witnessed his growth firsthand. Before graduation, I recommended him to the Tiger Soul Research Institute, and he didn't disappoint me. He was accepted early. I thought he would soar to great heights, but... ah, what a pity."
"Grandmaster, could you tell me about Teacher Wang's past?"
Because Wang Jinsheng's information in the future database was classified, Feng Qi could only access a brief summary, not the full details. He was intensely curious about Wang Jinsheng's formative years.
Bai Fusheng nodded, pondered for a moment, and then began:
"When Jinsheng first entered Star City Academy, he was unremarkable, even mocked by his classmates for a year."
"Why did they mock Old Wang?" Feng Qi asked urgently.
"Because during the entrance ceremony, he couldn't help but cry as the national flag was raised. That's when he first made an impression on me. It's hard to describe the look on Jinsheng's face at that moment. His gaze was filled with unwavering resolve, yet tears streamed down his cheeks. Many of his classmates noticed his unusual reaction, pointing and whispering, some even laughing behind his back, calling him a fool."
"For the next year, his classmates would mock him whenever the incident came up, calling him a freak, saying they'd never seen anyone so emotional."
Hearing this, Feng Qi felt a pang of discomfort. Bai Fusheng continued:
"Jinsheng was an extraordinary student, his integrity bordering on the extreme. He couldn't tolerate any form of favoritism or corruption, no matter how trivial!"
"This often made him a target for certain classmates, but he never compromised his principles. He refused to bow down or compromise. If he believed something was right, he would stand firm to the end."
"That's the Wang Jinsheng I know," Feng Qi said, a smile spreading across his face.
Wang Jinsheng had been his mentor throughout his life. Over six years of middle school, Feng Qi's values and worldview had been shaped under Wang Jinsheng's guidance.
Feng Qi knew exactly what kind of person Old Wang was, but he hadn't realized he had been so uncompromising even in his youth.
"To be honest, I sometimes couldn't understand how integrity could become a laughingstock. It wasn't until many years later that I learned Jinsheng's father had been a soldier in the military's combat corps. He sacrificed himself during a Domain Field dispersal operation when Jinsheng was just seven years old. The only memories Jinsheng had of his father were of his military uniform and cap. Suddenly, I understood the emotions behind his unwavering gaze at the national flag."
"Jinsheng also taught me that one person's efforts can inspire those around them."
"From initial mockery to respect, and finally to admiration, Jinsheng steadily rose to become the brightest star of his graduating class. He was even offered early admission to the Tiger Soul Research Institute... Ah, it's such a pity that his talent was buried there."
Bai Fusheng sighed again as he finished speaking.
"He's just found a different way to keep striving," Feng Qi said, looking at Bai Fusheng's melancholy expression.
You won't have to wait long, Feng Qi added silently to himself. He'll return to shine again.
(End of the Chapter)
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