"Your performance was acceptable, nothing went wrong," Feng Li said, his forehead furrowed. His words indicated he wasn't particularly satisfied with the National Government Team's performance, just that it was passable.
"Actually, it was quite good, especially after experiencing a major tide in East Coast City! According to Captain Ai Jiangtu's report, Mu Ningxue's performance in this training was exceptionally outstanding!" Song He said with a smile.
Song He was the principal of Imperial Capital Academy. He actually felt quite sorry for Mu Ningxue. He had investigated the Ancient Capital incident and found that Mu Ningxue's family was completely implicated by Mu He.
What he didn't expect was that Mu Ningxue had hidden her strength so deeply; at such a young age, she was already a Super Mage.
Therefore, for both emotional and logical reasons, and both publicly and privately, he would help Mu Ningxue secure her rightful entitlements!
Feng Li's gaze swept over everyone, and he said in a calm tone, "Hmm, not bad. It seems everyone has broken through to Advanced-Tier. Very good!"
"Since the instructors are satisfied, then shouldn't our team members be given the most basic respect? Mu Ningxue, with her strength as a Super Mage, joined this National Government Team but has not received the treatment and respect she deserves. Isn't the substitute player status annoying?!!!!" Lin Chen said with a smile, though his tone was somewhat sarcastic despite the smile on his face!
Song He nodded lightly. It was no wonder Lin Chen was sarcastic; who doesn't have a temper? Anyone else would probably be annoyed; Lin Chen was already restraining himself!
"This…" Feng Li frowned slightly upon hearing this, looking as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.
Before he could open his mouth, Lin Chen said with a grin, "Instructor, is it very difficult?"
Feng Li said, "According to the rules previously set by the National Government Team, Mu Ningxue does not enjoy the resources of a formal member! However, Mu Ningxue has the right to challenge a formal member. The winner stays, the loser leaves!"
Lin Chen narrowed his eyes, clearly annoyed by this pedantic old man. Didn't this old fellow know how to be flexible?
Lin Chen's expression was noticed by Ai Jiangtu. He knew Lin Chen was about to explode and immediately said to Feng Li, "Instructor, the National Government Team's rules are made by people. With Mu Ningxue's contributions, she has more right than any formal member to enjoy formal member resources. If it's just because of the rules you mentioned, then I am willing to give my resources to Mu Ningxue, but please, instructors, give Mu Ningxue the respect she deserves. With her strength, she doesn't need to challenge anyone, because most of the people present are simply not Mu Ningxue's opponents!"
As he spoke, Ai Jiangtu swept his gaze over the other National Government Team members. Seeing their eyes darting away, he looked back at Feng Li!
Upon hearing Ai Jiangtu's words, Feng Li's eyes narrowed, and he realized the seriousness of the matter. It wasn't because Captain Ai Jiangtu spoke out of turn, but because he realized the importance of Mu Ningxue and Lin Chen. Two Super Mages were extremely important to the National Government Team. With Lin Chen and Mu Ningxue as their foundation, winning first place in this competition was already a sure thing.
To offend two Super Mages for the sake of so-called rules and a tiny bit of resources was clearly an unwise move.
Feng Li secretly regretted his earlier presumption. The strong must not be insulted. Whether it was Lin Chen or Mu Ningxue, becoming Super Mages at such a young age meant they were bound to achieve great things in the future.
Feng Li calmly glanced at the other teachers. Although he was no longer so calm inside, he absolutely could not show it. Seeing that the other teachers had no objections, he announced, "Mu Ningxue's situation is special. Resources will be distributed according to formal members. As for the challenge…"
"Instructor, I am willing to accept the challenge rule!" Just then, Mu Ningxue spoke first.
Feng Li scrutinized Mu Ningxue and asked, "Are you sure?"
As he spoke, he looked at Lin Chen!
"I am sure!" Mu Ningxue said without hesitation.
Feng Li's heart filled with joy upon hearing this, and seeing no reaction from Lin Chen, he immediately said, "Good, it will be as you said. Who do you want to challenge?"
For Feng Li, the resources for formal members were one thing, but the spots for formal members were a headache. No formal member wanted to be relegated to a substitute.
Mu Ningxue also understood the key point and simply took the initiative to propose a challenge, which could be considered doing the instructors a favor!
"I want to challenge Mu Tingying!" Mu Ningxue said calmly, looking at Mu Tingying. Mu Tingying had always harbored great hatred for her, and Mu Ningxue naturally knew the reason: it was nothing more than envy, jealousy, and hatred. Previously, Mu Ningxue had focused solely on cultivation and had never responded directly, but this did not mean Mu Ningxue had a good temper or didn't hold grudges!
Now that she had a legitimate opportunity for revenge, how could Mu Ningxue miss it?
"I agree to your request. Mu Tingying, step forward!!!" Feng Li said indifferently. He didn't care who Mu Ningxue challenged. He already felt that this National Government Team was difficult to manage. Mu Ningxue being willing to compete fairly was already a sign of respect!
Mu Tingying slowly walked out, gritting her teeth, her face full of unwillingness, and said, "Instructor, I concede!!!"
Although Mu Tingying was envious, she wasn't foolish. An Advanced-Tier Mage versus a Super Mage had no chance of winning, especially since she was a newly breakthrough Advanced-Tier Mage who couldn't even cast Advanced-Tier magic!
Of course, she could fight stubbornly, but who knew if Mu Ningxue would use this opportunity to seriously injure her?
Rather than that, it was better to concede proactively. Her dignity was already lost anyway, so why force it?
Seeing Mu Tingying concede, everyone was not surprised. Mu Ningxue's strength was evident to all. If it were them, they would also concede proactively. Why invite trouble?
"Mu Tingying is defeated and becomes a substitute. Mu Ningxue wins and is promoted to a formal member!" Feng Li said, looking at everyone.
Mu Tingying retreated, without the arrogance she had shown at the gathering, nor any grand boasts.
Lin Chen saw all of this. Those who could join the National Government Team were not fools. Although they had different backgrounds, they all understood the principle that the strong reign supreme.
Just then, Zhao Manyan stepped forward and said, "Instructor, I also want to challenge a formal member!"
"Who do you want to challenge?"
...
After the challenges, Zhao Manyan defeated Gong Yu, and then Mo Fan also challenged Zu Jimin. Without surprise, Mo Fan achieved the final victory.
At this point, Mu Ningxue, Zhao Manyan, and Mo Fan all became formal members of the National Government Team.
The original formal members, Mu Tingying, Zu Jimin, and Gong Yu, became substitute members.
"For now, all of your performances have been good. Although today is elimination day, it doesn't mean anyone will necessarily leave. So, the personnel remain unchanged. Prepare yourselves, and let's head to the next stop!" The instructors said with satisfaction, looking at everyone.
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