Chapter 116: I Choose Lu Bu, He's the People's Choice!
In the new students' dormitory area, as Lu Bu had predicted, Xiao Yan, Hu Jia, Wu Hao, and the others were discussing forming a faction.
The earlier trouble caused by Bai Shan and his White Gang had left them thoroughly disgusted. None of them wanted to deal with such incidents again.
The inner courtyard of the Jia Nan Academy did not forbid students from forming factions or societies; in fact, it actively encouraged them.
The reasoning was simple. As the highest combat force among the academy's students, the inner courtyard students often participated in tasks to purge the forces in the Black Corner Region.
This wasn't mentioned in the original novel, but during Lu Bu's earlier conversation with Han Yue, she had revealed this piece of information.
At the Dou Ling level, one could already be considered a mid to high tier expert in the Black Corner Region. In groups like the Blood Sect or the Eight Gates, such an individual could even serve as an elder.
For example, Fu Ao, a three star Dou Ling, ranked only in the 70s in the inner courtyard. Meanwhile, the inner courtyard had about a hundred students at the Dou Ling level.
A hundred elders of the Blood Sect or Eight Gates what kind of concept is that?
It was a formidable combat force, one that could easily establish itself in the Black Corner Region. It would be a waste not to utilize it.
The Jia Nan Academy, with its goal of purging the Black Corner Region, often mobilized these students for such tasks. It served a dual purpose: training the students and earning spoils of war.
The spoils of war, in turn, became a significant source of revenue for the academy.
As for finding an excuse to target Black Corner Region forces there was no need. The region was filled with scum and criminals. Killing them all wouldn't draw any condemnation; it was simply a matter of strength. If you were strong enough, no one would object.
In this context, the student factions played a crucial role. Relationships among students varied, but within the same faction, coordination and teamwork naturally improved.
Over time, the academy shifted from summoning individual students for missions to directly contacting the leaders of these factions, simplifying matters considerably.
Thus, in the eyes of the inner courtyard's elders and instructors, it didn't matter what factions the students formed. As long as they could stand firm and hold their ground, it was all fair game.
With this in mind, Wu Hao, Hu Jia, and Xiao Yan agreed: whether to prevent future bullying or for long term benefits, the faction needed to be formed.
Once the decision was made, the new students erupted in cheers.
They had suffered enough humiliation over the past few days. Even before the White Gang, several other factions had come demanding members and Fire Energy from them.
These students, who were originally prideful geniuses, had been subjected to such treatment it was unbearable!
But now, things were different. They had their own faction.
However, a new problem arose: who would lead it?
Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran stood firmly behind Xiao Yan. To them, who else could be more suited to lead a faction than Xiao Yan?
No one!
But Hu Jia and Wu Hao hesitated. They had someone else in mind a strong contender.
That person was Lu Bu.
In terms of strength, Lu Bu was undoubtedly the strongest. The five of them combined wouldn't be able to defeat him a fact they had learned during both the inner courtyard selection tournament and the Fire Energy Hunt.
In terms of prestige, Lu Bu's unparalleled performance in the selection tournament had left a lasting impression. Both Bai Shan and Xiao Yan had used everything they had but couldn't even scratch him. The choice seemed obvious.
And just that morning, Lu Bu had publicly refined pills, enlisted Han Yue's help, and effortlessly dealt with the White Gang, intimidating other factions. To the new students, Lu Bu had become a symbol of protection.
In comparison, Xiao Yan... didn't seem quite as suitable.
When Hu Jia and Wu Hao's hesitation became apparent, Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran were visibly displeased.
"What's wrong with Xiao Yan? What does Lu Bu have that he doesn't?"
Lu Bu could refine pills, sure, but couldn't Xiao Yan do that too?
Lu Bu had driven off the White Gang, but wouldn't Xiao Yan have been able to do the same?
If not for Lu Bu's interference, Fu Ao would have already been defeated by Xiao Yan!
"Cough..." Xiao Yan cleared his throat, a hint of interest sparking in his eyes. Originally, he wasn't very invested in leading the faction. But if it meant competing with Lu Bu... he was suddenly quite interested.
"Hu Jia, Wu Hao, since Lu Bu isn't here, there's no need to wait for him…" Xiao Yan began, carefully choosing his words.
But just as he spoke, a voice rang out from the crowd.
"I think we should choose someone more capable of holding the fort as our leader!"
"I agree!"
"I choose Lu Bu! He's the people's choice!"
Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran's expressions darkened. That voice wasn't it Lu Bu's?
Scanning the crowd, they spotted him. He had lowered his head and was weaving through the group, shouting from different spots to make it seem like several people were chiming in.
"Right! With Lu Bu, who needs Xiao Yan?"
"Exactly, Lu Bu's the best choice!"
Xiao Yan's face darkened. This bastard wasn't he supposed to be with the senior sister? How had he come back so quickly?
"Lu Bu! Lu Bu…" Lu Bu's voice echoed rhythmically through the crowd.
"Lu Bu! Lu Bu! Lu Bu!"
"Lu Bu! Lu Bu! Lu Bu!"
More and more students joined in, their chanting growing louder. None of them realized it was Lu Bu himself stirring up the commotion.
Why didn't they notice? It was simple. Lu Bu had wrapped himself in his soul power, concealing his presence. These students, most of whom were merely at the Dou Shi level, with a few just entering the Da Dou Shi stage, were completely outmatched.
Even Wu Hao and Hu Jia were unaware of what was happening. All they noticed was that after the chanting began, Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, and Nalan Yanran's faces turned increasingly sour. They thought the trio was upset with them.
Before anyone could speak further, a shadow streaked across the sky, and a figure with wings descended.
"Uh... is that an instructor? Or an elder?"
"No, instructors and elders usually don't actively seek out students."
"The figure looks familiar... Have we seen him before?"
"Ah! It's Senior Lu Bu!"
"Whoa! It really is Senior Lu Bu!"
"Is he a Dou Wang now? How does he have Dou Qi Wings?"
"Could he really be a Dou Wang? No wonder Xiao Yan's secret technique couldn't even scratch him!"
"No way! Senior Lu Bu isn't even 20 yet. Could he already be a Dou Wang? That's terrifying!"
Xiao Yan and his two companions glared. This guy again with the fake Dou Qi Wings from a flying Dou Technique!
With a loud BOOM, Lu Bu landed in a dramatic three point superhero pose. The ground shook, and all the students fell silent.
"Everyone," Lu Bu began, his deep and magnetic voice carrying over the crowd, "thank you for your overwhelming support. Your cheers reached the heavens I heard them from above!"
His tone was rich and commanding, exuding charm. If he added "I'm Batman," it would've been perfect.
"Since you've all chosen me, I humbly accept. From now on, I'll bear the responsibility of leading this faction. If I falter, please guide me!"
Thunderous applause erupted, accompanied by cheers of excitement. With a "fourth tier" alchemist like Lu Bu leading them, their time in the inner courtyard suddenly seemed much less daunting.
Behind him, however, Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran were livid.
Xiao Yan squeezed their hands, signaling for them to calm down. "We're here to train, not to lead factions. Let's just focus on cultivation."
"Cough, alright, everyone." Lu Bu turned back to the crowd, his tone steady. "Since the faction is newly established, it needs a proper name to represent it."
"Cough, Lu Bu, we already have a name," Xiao Xun'er gently reminded him.
Nalan Yanran smiled faintly and added, "Yes, Xiao Yan came up with it. It's called Pan Gate, symbolizing strength and steadfastness. It's a great name!"
"Change it!" Lu Bu snorted. "What's this Pan Gate nonsense? It sounds terrible!"
Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran's faces darkened. If not for Xiao Yan and Hu Jia holding them back, they might have started throwing punches.
"From now on, our faction will be called... hmm…" Lu Bu pondered for a moment before declaring, "Saint Gate!"
"We are members of the Saint Gate, all destined to become Dou Saints!"
"That's the name!"
Applause thundered once more. Saint Gate sounded far better than Pan Gate. Whether or not they could live up to the name didn't matter what mattered was the ambition it represented.
"Alright, you five, come with me. Let's discuss our next steps," Lu Bu said, gesturing to Xiao Yan, Wu Hao, and the others with a smile.
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