Chapter 273: When One Should Not Yield

"Do you know why I had everyone leave and not watch the outcome of our duel?" Zuoqiu Shi asked a strange question that Chen Mobai naturally couldn't answer.

"The student union presidents of the Four Great Daoist Academies represent their respective institutions and are compared by all university students in the Immortal Sect. I believe I was competent and didn't disgrace the Academy of Dancing Weapons. Therefore, my successor certainly cannot be a weakling." At this point, Zuoqiu Shi pointed at Chen Mobai, indicating his suitability.

"Zhongli Tianyu is good; he was my first choice after me. However, he's only at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and needs another two years of training to be ready for this position."

"You are excellent. Although your cultivation level is lower, your combat talent is exceptionally strong. I checked your records; the reason you were able to enter our academy was by defeating all your peers in Danxia City."

"My original plan was that after defeating you, I would publicly announce that you fought me to a draw. This would create momentum for you, especially since you've mastered the Sword Rainbow Division Light technique, so I could exaggerate this achievement without it being easily exposed."

Unfortunately, Zuoqiu Shi lost.

However, it was precisely because of this that an idea which had only been a thought in his mind solidified instantly into a firm decision after he witnessed Chen Mobai's terrifying combat talent.

"You are the one."

Chen Mobai was tempted, but he worried that if he frequently disappeared, holding the position of student union president might interfere with his exploration of the Heavenly River Realm.

"Don't worry about that. Even as student union president, I was a hands-off manager, leaving most of the work to Hua Zijing and others. After I graduate, if you become president, it might even be better if you prefer not to micromanage."

After hearing Zuoqiu Shi's words, Chen Mobai nodded and then asked the most important question.

"What are the benefits of being student union president?"

"Well... what kind of benefits are you referring to?" Zuoqiu Shi was unsure what Chen Mobai meant by "benefits." As someone about to embark on an official career, his understanding of the word was quite deep, and he immediately thought of several interpretations. To avoid misunderstanding, he simply asked directly.

"Tangible benefits, like elixirs, magical artifacts, academic credits, or vermilion fruits. Does the student union president get any of those perks?"

Chen Mobai was still quite naive, and his simple requests made Zuoqiu Shi relieved.

"Because the student union helps the academy connect with students and maintain some order, the academy awards 5 academic credits to our members each year."

"As for magical artifacts, since the president serves as the academy's public face, you'll receive a set of second-tier Dancing Weapon Red-Black Robes."

"Additionally, you'll have free use of the Myriad Treasures Map. The academy takes half of the academic credits gained from the map, and the remaining half is considered a benefit."

Overall, these were the student union's benefits. The rest involved various responsibilities, obligations, and some associated powers.

After hearing this, Chen Mobai felt it was a bit meager.

"Only 5 academic credits a year?"

"That's quite a lot. Only ten people in the entire student union receive those 5 credits, and they are all my trusted confidantes. Our main academic credit income comes from the Myriad Treasures Map. Although the academy takes half, if you're lucky, you can accumulate enough in one or two years to exchange for a tool shard. If the magical artifact produced from it is good, as president, you have priority in selecting it."

Seeing Chen Mobai's slight disdain, Zuoqiu Shi had to reveal some of the student union's hidden benefits.

As expected, Chen Mobai's eyes lit up when he heard this.

Why labor to earn academic credits when you can collect them like rent? It's much faster.

Every year-end, people in the academy open contained artifact spheres. Since each person has already spent 100 academic credits to exchange for a tool shard, they naturally wouldn't skimp on the mere 2 credits for Myriad Treasures Map information queries.

Furthermore, by leveraging the student union's influence, his efficiency in searching for contained artifact spheres that might hold third-tier magical artifacts would certainly be higher.

"If that's the case, I think there's potential."

Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Zuoqiu Shi patted his chest and declared that he would abdicate immediately and hand over the position.

"So soon?"

"I've already graduated this year. I'm just waiting to finalize the student union handover before taking up my post at the Enforcement Bureau. Originally, if it weren't for you, I would have yielded the position to Zijing to manage for two transitional years, and then handed it over to Zhongli Tianyu or another more talented candidate."

Zuoqiu Shi didn't hide anything and directly told Chen Mobai why he was eager to step down.

Indeed, compared to a promising official career in the Immortal Sect and the possibility of obtaining a "Golden Liquid Jade Reversion Elixir," while the position of student union president at the Academy of Dancing Weapons was also excellent for accumulating academic credits to exchange for a "Fire Essence Golden Core Elixir," if there was a better option, one would naturally strive to obtain the best.

Presumably, it was the same for Lan Haitain of the Kunpeng Daoist Academy.

"You trust me that much?"

Chen Mobai still felt like he was dreaming. How had he not only defeated Zuoqiu Shi but also won over the entire student union?

"I've personally tested your combat talent; it's the strongest I've ever witnessed in my life. The chief representative of the Four Great Daoist Academies needs to be powerful, and aren't you the most suitable?"

Zuoqiu Shi retorted, but Chen Mobai still felt the reason was far-fetched.

"Besides, you're Director Che's indoor disciple. Even if you don't manage the student union well, he'll cover for you. In any case, by handing this position over to you, I've fulfilled my duty to the academy."

Only with that last sentence did Chen Mobai finally understand.

So, Che Yucheng's influence was also a factor.

At this point, Zuoqiu Shi finally revealed a half-truth of his thoughts, and Chen Mobai no longer had any doubts.

Influenced by his maternal grandfather, he had liked being an official since childhood.

Even if it was just a minor official position within the school, it was still an official position!

Before long, members from various departments of the student union, having received the news, rushed over.

"After I graduate, he will be the next president."

Zuoqiu Shi was a man of swift action. After publicly designating Chen Mobai as his successor in front of the assembled members, he immediately submitted the position transfer application through the academy's system.

"Wait, why is this happening...?"

"We need a reason."

"President, could you please tell us why?"

Yuan Jinjun, who had been expecting Zuoqiu Shi to step in and teach Chen Mobai a lesson, couldn't understand, and stared wide-eyed at the two.

The others were naturally strongly against it inwardly, but Zuoqiu Shi commanded immense respect among them, so they dared not openly object, only expressing a small, subtle protest.

"I lost. He is the student with the strongest combat talent in the academy in the past century, and a powerful individual fully capable of representing the academy. Is that reason sufficient?"

Zuoqiu Shi pointed to the traces of their duel in the cave, his face showing complete conviction.

"I don't believe you would lose."

It was Hua Zijing who spoke; her faith in Zuoqiu Shi was akin to divine reverence.

Since she joined the student union and attended several events with Zuoqiu Shi alongside representatives from other Daoist academies, she had never seen him defeated.

"I didn't believe I would lose either, but a loss is a loss. This isn't something glorious; am I the kind of person who would damage my own reputation to benefit others?"

Zuoqiu Shi countered, and Hua Zijing and the others were instantly speechless.

Indeed, Zuoqiu Shi was powerful, but not necessarily great.

"Starting tomorrow, Junior Brother Chen will be the student union president. My application has already been submitted. From now on, you must assist him well."

"The application was just submitted; how could the academy's Academic Affairs Office approve it so quickly? What if the academy doesn't agree?"

Hua Zijing and the others were still a bit unwilling, as she was originally supposed to inherit the position after Zuoqiu Shi graduated.

Although she wasn't ambitious for the position, she found it somewhat unacceptable for a junior brother who had only just embarrassed her yesterday to be parachuted into the role.

"It's fine. The Director of Academic Affairs is Junior Brother Chen's teacher. If he's still handling academic matters, he'll likely approve this application tonight after seeing it."

Zuoqiu Shi's words made Hua Zijing and the others' eyes widen.

There was that connection too!

Just then, a new email arrived on the student union's computer, which was the reply to Zuoqiu Shi's resignation as student union president and his recommendation for Chen Mobai's succession.

It contained only two words: "Approved!"

Beep, beep, beep!

Simultaneously, a mass notification was sent to every student's phone via the Academy of Dancing Weapons' campus network.

"After a period of internal selection, our academy's Academic Affairs Office has approved Chen Mobai, a student from the 5012th cohort, to succeed as the new president of the Daoist Academy Student Union. We hope that under his leadership, the student union will continue to serve as a bridge and hub connecting all students, always upholding the principle of serving students, assisting teachers, and working together to create a wonderful campus."

The release of this announcement signaled that the situation was set. Even if Zuoqiu Shi wanted to return as president, it would likely be irreversible.

Chen Mobai felt like he was dreaming.

"It's done just like that?"

"Zijing, Mingyu, Renyou, stay for a moment. I have a few final words for you."

At this moment, Zuoqiu Shi, on the contrary, breathed a sigh of relief. He motioned for the three vice presidents of the student union to introduce themselves to Chen Mobai, while the rest of the department heads had no choice but to reluctantly leave for now.

Zuoqiu Shi truly lived up to his reputation as the most prestigious student union president in the academy in recent years. After he spoke earnestly about his journey, Hua Zijing and the other two all expressed that they would not let down the student union they had strived for together over the years. They would assist Junior Brother Chen Mobai well and ensure the student union continued to fulfill its proper role within the academy.

Among them, Chen Mobai felt that Mingyu, whom he had previously beaten, was surprisingly the most enthusiastic, seemingly convinced.

Hua Zijing was still somewhat unwilling, but she was loyal to Zuoqiu Shi. When he told her to help, she could only reluctantly nod.

The last person, Shen Renyou, was rather inconspicuous: small eyes, a large mouth, and an upturned nose, forming a somewhat strange combination of features. However, his cultivation was at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, second only to Zuoqiu Shi.

He hadn't been beaten by Chen Mobai and still harbored some doubt about the latter's ability to succeed, his eyes showing caution and hesitation.

But he had only joined the student union for the academic credits and the benefits from the Myriad Treasures Map. With the situation already decided, he simply went with the flow and acknowledged Chen Mobai's ascendancy.

"Soon, you will all realize how correct my choice was."

Seeing that all three vice presidents had, under his persuasion, nodded in agreement not to cause trouble, Zuoqiu Shi smiled as he spoke these words, then stood up and walked towards the door.

His era had finally ended.

It truly wasn't easy to hold on until now.

Finally, he wouldn't have to face those three monsters.

At the thought of this, Zuoqiu Shi's steps quickened, and he vanished through the doorway in an instant.

"For now, let's leave it at that. Although I like being an official, I don't enjoy managing affairs. Let the student union operate according to his previous rules."

Chen Mobai's words were very direct, and Hua Zijing and the other two nodded in agreement, as this was also what Zuoqiu Shi had arranged before leaving.

"Oh, President, this is the main list and schedule for the upcoming exchange conference. Please review it."

Hua Zijing handed over a document that was originally awaiting Zuoqiu Shi's seal, but since he had left abruptly, only Chen Mobai could make the decision.

He glanced at it and noticed some names were highlighted in red.

"These are the candidates decided by the academy; they must be included."

Hua Zijing's words were very subtle. Chen Mobai saw his and Meng Huang'er's names on the list.

In other words, these were all individuals with connections, beyond the student union's influence.

Chen Mobai, who had initially shown little interest, became instantly energized when he saw the program schedule page.

"Is this the program list for the Millennium Celebration? How do you have it?"

"The head director of the program is Teacher Bian, our academy's team leader. He just asked us to help maintain order during the performance. Most of our student union members will be mobilized then."

Chen Mobai wasn't concerned about that; he wouldn't object even if the entire student union were mobilized.

His main interest was that he saw the opening act of the Millennium Celebration program: Meng Huang'er's solo performance of "Like a Dream."

"Are they rehearsing every day?" he asked.

"It's been daily recently, but as the Millennium Celebration of Chicheng Grotto-Heaven approaches, the frequency might gradually decrease to prevent any accidents."

"As the new student union president, this is also my first task in office. The Millennium Celebration program will be attended by high-ranking individuals from the Immortal Sect and student groups from the other three great Daoist academies. It concerns the academy's overall image, so I believe it's necessary to do this perfectly."

After reading it, Chen Mobai closed the document in his hand and said with emphasis.

"This... President, could you elaborate on your intentions?" Hua Zijing was a bit uncertain and asked with a frown.

"During program rehearsals, I will personally lead the team to maintain order."

Chen Mobai stated his plan. His "Fusion of Spirit and Unity" technique should be perfected after listening to Meng Huang'er sing a few more times.

Hua Zijing and the other two didn't think much of it, assuming their new leader wanted to set an example by starting with the most challenging and arduous task to gain their favor.

"This matter was originally my responsibility. Since the president is interested, I can take a break."

Shen Renyou nodded and immediately yielded his position.

When Chen Mobai returned to his wooden house, it was still radiating dazzling rainbow light.

Meng Huang'er, by this point, had completely abandoned her reserve and immediately sent a message: "Didn't you say you were going to duel with Zuoqiu Shi? How did you become student union president?"

He replied: "He lost a move against me in the duel and was then so impressed by my demeanor that he believed I was the only student in the academy qualified to take over his position. I originally didn't intend to accept, but I couldn't resist his earnest pleas, as he said that if I didn't step forward, no one in the academy could contend with the chief disciples of the other Daoist academies. Alas, the academy's reputation rests solely upon me. If I don't shoulder such a heavy burden, wouldn't I fail to live up to the earnest teachings of all the teachers? I could only accept the responsibility."

Chen Mobai, based on the facts, exaggerated his accomplishments just a little, but not excessively.

However, Meng Huang'er's next reply made him feel greatly deceived and tricked by Zuoqiu Shi.

Her message read: "Indeed, in the past two years, Zuoqiu Shi relied on his higher cultivation level to barely suppress the Sect Master of Jumang Daoist Academy, Daoist Master Ling of Butian Daoist Academy, and Taishi Shu of Kunpeng Daoist Academy. This year, it's rumored that all three of them have broken through to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, and since he hasn't made any progress himself, he certainly wouldn't be able to defeat them. Seeing you, a combat genius, he used a strategy of 'retreat to advance,' effectively extricating himself from the situation."