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墨書 Inktalez
Since arriving at the Fran Continent, Bu has experienced treachery and deceit, facing several assassination attempts that have made his journey fraught with danger. A moment's carelessness could lead to his demise without a trace.
Consider the assassination attempt by Benson; had Bu not fortuitously triggered his Racial Gift, he might have become a wandering soul. Then there were the schemes from the Thunderous Merchant Guild, Elder San, and Dickra. With Dickra's Intermediate Level 4 strength, Bu was merely a low-level individual at the time, unable to contend with such power.
If it weren't for Amy's early warning, which allowed Bu to prepare and inform Warren Earl to use Dickra's own tactics against him, he might have already fallen victim to Dickra's machinations.
These experiences were all life-threatening situations that would have spelled doom for anyone else. Yet Bu persevered and made it this far, not to mention the ever-watchful eyes of Warren Earl.
In such an environment, Bu has grown accustomed to not trusting anyone easily, always remaining vigilant and burying his concerns deep within. Even when seeking help from Sean Sterling, he did not hold out much hope; he merely intended to do what he could and follow orders to secure some protection for himself.
However, the recent events completely overturned Bu's expectations and melted the ice in his heart.
Sean Sterling spared no effort in assisting him, even breaking rules by killing eight people and enduring pressure from many Judges' dissatisfaction, all for a simple promise made long ago: "I admire your willingness to fight."
A plain statement and a straightforward promise may seem trivial to Sean Sterling, but for Bu, it is something he will remember for a lifetime.
Bu moved swiftly, drawing everyone's attention upon his arrival. Some looked on indifferently, others with jealousy or disdain; various expressions filled the crowd. Yet due to Sean Sterling's overwhelming presence, even those who felt contempt dared not voice their thoughts.
At this moment, many competitors viewed Bu as weak. Despite his considerable strength ranking among the top contestants, they perceived him as overly timid and lacking in resolve.
Indeed, while Sean Sterling's intervention resolved Bu's troubles and deterred some ill-intentioned individuals, Sean Sterling remained Sean Sterling—a Judge of Holy Light Academy—whose status was distinct and could not represent Bu.
To most competitors, Bu seeking Sean Sterling's help indicated that he was aware of his own lack of powerful backing and feared assassination from other factions. This act of seeking protection was seen as pitiful.
Throughout every Qualification Challenge, competitors have engaged in schemes and intrigues, with many falling victim to ambushes. Yet no one has ever sought refuge from a Judge.
Perhaps this was something no one had thought of, or maybe someone had tried it before but received no response. In any case, Bu had set a precedent this time by enlisting Sean Sterling's help, effectively securing a powerful ally.
As a result, Bu became an exceptionally unique presence among the Thirty-Six Contestants, both feared and looked down upon.
The fear stemmed from Sean Sterling; with his protection, Bu became an untouchable figure. The only way to confront him was openly in the Peak Showdown; otherwise, any underhanded attempts, such as sending assassins, would undoubtedly provoke Sean Sterling's wrath, bringing trouble to their respective families.
On the other hand, the disdain was also due to Sean Sterling. Bu Xun seeking Sean Sterling's protection was seen as a loss of dignity, akin to a child who lost a fight running home to cry for comfort from their parents.
Most people viewed this action as an extreme display of weakness. Gaia, who had previous grievances with Bu, sneered at him now, arms crossed and casting a scornful glance at the rapidly approaching figure of Bu. Though silent, her contempt was evident in her eyes.
Among the contestants, only Silver-Haired Youth Arno, Cold Woman Mu Yan, and those familiar with Bu—Kalandor and Reynold—remained calm and did not express disdain for his actions.
Navigating through the various expressions directed at him, Bu moved like a fleeting shadow.
He cared little about how others perceived him; he was someone who could wipe his behind with face. As long as it didn't concern principles or touch his dignity, he remained indifferent. He was as carefree as one could be.
Compared to life itself, what did a little face matter? What did it mean to seek help? Moreover, Sean Sterling had not made things difficult for him; instead, he offered substantial assistance.
Given this situation, what more could Bu possibly want? Others' opinions and scorn could go to hell; he believed that strength and power were what truly mattered. As Sean Sterling said, strength is the rule.
"Senior's great kindness will be remembered by me for life," Bu said sincerely as he stopped in front of Sean Sterling, bowing deeply with respect in his tone.
Sean Sterling nodded slightly, extending his left hand to help Bu up. His tone was calm as he said, "You need not be overly polite. I chose to help you on a whim, yet it led me to break through into Quasi-Advanced. This is not merely fate; you have also contributed to my success."
Bu stood up accordingly, repeatedly shaking his head and expressing that he did not dare to take credit.
Sean Sterling's strength breakthrough was his own ability, and Bu did not dare to take credit for it, nor did he have the audacity to attribute such matters to himself.
"I, Sean Sterling, owe no one anything. I have helped and protected you, and in the end, I gained a breakthrough because of you. Thus, we are even. However, a breakthrough to Quasi-Advanced is not an ordinary matter; since I have benefited, I should offer you some compensation to balance this favor," Sean Sterling said while stroking his chin, pondering slightly.
Bu found this reasoning somewhat amusing and bewildering. Was there really someone so honest in the world?
It was like a passerby A asking passerby B for help, and passerby B unconditionally agreeing. In the end, during the process of helping, passerby B unexpectedly came into a fortune and felt that it was passerby A's merit, thus wanting to compensate passerby A; otherwise, they would feel uneasy.
"Senior, this matter... this matter is..." Bu's tone was hesitant as he opened his mouth, but before he could finish, he was interrupted by Sean Sterling waving his hand.
"This is settled. After the Peak Showdown, regardless of whether you enter the top ten or gain admission to my Holy Light Academy, I will provide you with some compensation. During the time of the Peak Showdown, with me looking after you, no one will dare to scheme against you."
His domineering words spread out, and Bu's expression froze. Nearby contestants displayed a complex mix of envy, jealousy, disdain, and resentment.
"Xiao Xiao... today you've made a scene, killed someone, and even reached the Quasi-Advanced level. You should be satisfied now. It's getting late; we should return to the castle first. We can deal with other matters tomorrow."
Elena stepped lightly like a wisp of smoke drifting over, her graceful figure resembling flowers swaying in the wind—beautiful beyond compare—radiating deadly allure in the deep night.
Looking at the charmingly smiling Elena approaching, Sean Sterling smiled and nodded before turning his gaze back to Bu and saying, "Let's go. Today's events are over; I believe no one will dare to scheme against you again in the future. You can participate in the Peak Showdown with peace of mind."
Bu nodded without saying much. At that moment, Elena was looking at him with a peculiar gaze for some reason, causing Bu An to feel puzzled and not daring to look up any longer.
Ever since he first fell under the enchantment of the dreamlike aura, Bu had been wary of Elena. He had too many secrets; if he were to fall under that dreamlike aura again and lose awareness of himself, he couldn't be sure whether others would uncover the secrets hidden within him.
The peculiar gaze from Elena did not last long due to Sean Sterling being nearby. She gently brushed her long hair aside and turned her gaze elsewhere, exhaling softly as she said: "Brent, given Sean Sterling's character, he treats you this way because he recognizes your exceptional qualities. Although I have yet to see what those exceptional qualities are."
However, since Sean Sterling has chosen this path, I will respect his opinion. However, if you are unable to achieve first place in the Peak Showdown, it would mean failing to live up to Sean Sterling's expectations and proving that your potential is limited, making you unworthy of his support...
“Elena... you don’t need to concern yourself with my matters.” Sean Sterling interrupted with an unhappy expression and a harsh tone.
Elena paused, her gaze fixed on Sean Sterling as she frowned and said softly, “Is it worth it for you to act this way? While protecting this person may not violate the explicit rules of the Qualification Challenge, we all know how things really are.
There has never been a precedent for this in all previous sessions, yet you have taken the lead. Even if everyone is currently refraining from criticizing you due to your newfound strength, what will happen when we return to the academy? Will Beck just swallow his anger and not report you to the Council of Elders?”
Elena's words grew more urgent, her dissatisfaction evident on her face. She found it hard to understand why Sean Sterling was so protective of Bu, even losing any goodwill she had towards him.
Bu stood silently to the side, pondering, “Why is Elena so concerned about Senior Sean? And every time she addresses him, she calls him Xiao Xiao... Could it be that there’s something between them?” At this thought, Bu Xin's heart raced, and his expression turned strange as he slightly raised his head to glance at Elena and Sean Sterling.
“What I do is my business. Today I refrained from acting out of consideration for you. But Brent, I have made my decision; even if those old guys in the Elders' Council find out about this, what can they do?
I have broken through to Quasi-Advanced today and have become one of the Venus Candidates. I believe even those old bones won’t make things too difficult for me. You don’t need to worry about this anymore.” Sean Sterling said with a low tone, one hand resting behind his back.
“You...” Elena was furious. She shot a glare at Bu and turned to leave, clearly upset enough to walk away in anger.
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