"Do you know why I sent everyone away and didn't let them watch the outcome of our duel?"
Zuo Qiushi asked a strange question, and naturally, Chen Mobai had no idea.
"As the presidents of the Student Councils of the four major Refining Departments, we are compared by all the students of the Immortal Gate. I consider myself adequate, not having shamed the Refining Department. The successor must not be weak either."
Zuo Qiushi said this and pointed at Chen Mobai, indicating he was a suitable candidate.
"Zhong Li Tianyu is good, my first choice as a successor, but he's only at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and needs another two years of training to be ready for this position.
You're not bad, although your cultivation level is low, your talent in dueling is incomparably strong. I've checked your records; you managed to become unbeatable in your cohort in Danxia City.
I intended to claim a draw against you after defeating you, to build momentum for you, especially since you've mastered the Sword Rainbow Splitting Light technique. I could boast about this feat without being easily refuted."
Unfortunately, Zuo Qiushi lost.
But it was precisely because of this loss that the idea he had in his mind became a firm decision after witnessing Chen Mobai's terrifying talent in dueling.
It's going to be you.
Chen Mobai was tempted, but he worried that frequently disappearing might affect his exploration of the Tianhe Realm if he took on the role of Student Council president.
"Don't worry about that. When I was president, I was hands-off. I left everything to Hua Zijing and the others. After I graduate, if you become president and don't want to manage affairs, that might be even better."
After hearing Zuo Qiushi's words, Chen Mobai nodded and then asked the most important question.
"What are the benefits of being the Student Council president?"
"What do you mean by 'benefits'?"
Zuo Qiushi was a bit unsure what Chen Mobai meant by "benefits," as he was about to embark on his career and had a deeper understanding of the term. To avoid misunderstandings, he simply asked directly.
"Tangible ones, like elixirs, magical instruments, academic credits, Zhu fruits, and so on. Does the Student Council president have these perks?"
Chen Mobai was quite straightforward, and his questions relieved Zuo Qiushi.
"The Student Council helps the Refining Department connect with a large number of students and maintain some order, so every year the department awards us 5 academic credits."
"As for magical instruments, since the president is the face of the department, you will receive a set of second-tier Red and Black Robes."
"Also, you can use the Wanbao Cave at will. The department takes half of the academic credits earned from it, and the other half is considered a benefit."
These were the overall benefits of the Student Council, along with various responsibilities, obligations, and some attached powers.
Chen Mobai felt it was a bit low.
"Only 5 academic credits a year?"
"That's not a small amount. Only ten people in the entire Student Council can get these, all my confidants. Our main income of credits comes from the Wanbao Cave. Although the department takes half, with good luck, you can accumulate enough in one or two years to exchange for a Qi-Containing Orb. If the magical instrument that comes out is good, you, as the president, have the right to choose first."
Seeing Chen Mobai's disdain, Zuo Qiushi had to reveal some of the Student Council's hidden benefits.
Sure enough, Chen Mobai's eyes lit up at this.
Earning credits on his own was nowhere near as fast as collecting rent.
At the end of each year, people open Qi-Containing Orbs, and since they've spent 100 credits to exchange for the orb, they certainly won't skimp on the 2-point Wanbao Cave information fee.
Moreover, with the power of the Student Council, he could gather orbs that might contain third-tier magical instruments more efficiently.
"If that's the case, it sounds promising."
Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Zuo Qiushi patted his chest, indicating he would step down immediately and give the position to him.
"Does it have to be so soon?"
"I'm graduating this year, just waiting to handle the Student Council handover before taking up my post at the Enforcement Bureau. If it weren't for you, I would have handed over to Zijing to transition for two years, then to Zhong Li Tianyu or another more talented candidate."
Zuo Qiushi didn't hide anything, directly telling Chen Mobai why he was in such a hurry to step down.
Indeed, compared to the promising career at the Immortal Gate and the potential to obtain the Golden Liquid Jade Return Elixir, the position of president of the Refining Department's Student Council, although a great job to accumulate credits for the Fire Essence Golden Elixir, pales in comparison to better options.
"One Sword Supreme"
Perhaps Lan Haitian of the Kunpeng Refining Department thought the same.
"Do you trust me that much?"
Chen Mobai still felt like he was dreaming. How did he win over the entire Student Council after defeating Zuo Qiushi?
"I've personally tested your dueling talent, the strongest I've ever seen in my life. The chief representative of the four major Refining Departments needs to be powerful, and aren't you the most suitable?"
Zuo Qiushi countered, and Chen Mobai felt the reasoning was still a bit far-fetched.
"Besides, you're the direct disciple of Director Che, even if you can't manage the Student Council well, he will cover for you. Once I hand over this position to you, I would have fulfilled my duty to the department."
With this last statement, Chen Mobai finally understood.
So, it was also about Che Yucheng's face.
At this point, Zuo Qiushi finally revealed half of his thoughts, and Chen Mobai no longer had any doubts.
Influenced by his grandfather, he had always liked the idea of being an official.
Although it was just a minor position within the school, it was still an official role!
***
Soon, the members of the various departments of the Student Council rushed over after receiving the news.
"After I graduate, he will be the next president."
Zuo Qiushi acted decisively, recognizing Chen Mobai as his successor in front of the staff, and then submitted the position handover application to the department's system.
"Wait, why is this happening…"
"We need a reason."
"President, could you please tell us why?"
Yuan Jinjun, who had been waiting for Zuo Qiushi to teach Chen Mobai a lesson, couldn't understand and stared at the two of them.
The others naturally disagreed internally, but Zuo Qiushi was so imposing in their hearts that they dared not openly oppose him, only expressing a little protest in a roundabout way.
"I lost. He's the student with the strongest dueling talent the department has seen in a century, and he's strong enough to represent the department. Is that reason enough?" Zuo Qiushi pointed to the traces of the duel in the cave, looking utterly convinced.
"I don't believe you would lose." The one who spoke was Hua Zijing, who revered Zuo Qiushi like a deity.
Since she joined the Student Council, she had followed Zuo Qiushi to several events attended by representatives from other Refining Departments and had never seen him lose.
"I didn't believe I would lose either, but a loss is a loss. It's not something to be proud of. Am I the kind of person who would tarnish my own reputation to make someone else look good?" Zuo Qiushi retorted, and Hua Zijing and the others were left speechless.
Indeed, although Zuo Qiushi was strong, he was not magnanimous.
"Starting tomorrow, Chen Mobai is the president of the Student Council. I've already submitted the application, and you all should assist him well."
"The application has just been submitted. How could the department's academic office approve it so quickly? And what if they don't agree?" Hua Zijing and the others were still somewhat unwilling, as it was supposed to be her who would inherit the position after Zuo Qiushi's graduation.
Although she didn't have ambitions for the position, she found it hard to accept that a junior who had just slapped her face yesterday was parachuted in.
"No worries, the head of the academic office is Chen Mobai's teacher. If he's still handling academic affairs, he'll probably approve it tonight." Zuo Qiushi said something that made Hua Zijing and the others widen their eyes.
There was this connection too!
Just then, a new email arrived on the Student Council's computer, a reply to Zuo Qiushi's resignation as president and recommendation of Chen Mobai as his successor.
Just two words:
【Agreed!】
Beep beep beep!
At the same time, a mass notification was sent to everyone's phones across the Refining Department's campus network.
【After a period of internal selection, our school's academic office agrees to appoint Chen Mobai, student of the 5012 cohort, as the new president of the Refining Department's Student Council. We hope that under his leadership, the Student Council will continue to serve as a bridge and hub connecting all students, always remember to serve students as its purpose, assist teachers, and jointly create a beautiful campus.】
This notification signified that the matter was settled, even if Zuo Qiushi wanted to come back as president, it was probably too late.
Chen Mobai felt like he was dreaming.
Just like that?
"Zijing, Ming-Yu, Ren You, stay for a moment. I have a few last words to say to you." At this time, Zuo Qiushi was relieved. He called over the three vice presidents of the Student Council to introduce them to Chen Mobai, and the heads of the various departments had no choice but to leave reluctantly at this time.
Zuo Qiushi, the most prestigious Student Council president in the department's history, spoke earnestly about his thoughts, and Hua Zijing and the others promised they would not let down the Student Council they had fought for over the years. They would assist the junior Chen Mobai well and continue to play the Student Council's role in the department.
Among them, Chen Mobai felt that Ming-Yu, whom he had beaten up, was the most enthusiastic, seemingly convinced.
Hua Zijing was initially somewhat unwilling, but she was a loyal follower of Zuo Qiushi. Since he asked her to help, she could only nod helplessly.
The last one, Ren You, was a bit inconspicuous, with small eyes, a big mouth, and a nose pointing to the sky, which made his face look a bit odd. However, his cultivation was at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, second only to Zuo Qiushi.
He hadn't been beaten by Chen Mobai and still had some doubts about the latter's ability to take over, his eyes filled with caution and hesitation.
But he joined the Student Council mainly for the credits and benefits of the Wanbao Cave. With the situation already decided, he went with the flow and acknowledged Chen Mobai's ascension.
"Soon, you will know how correct my choice was."
Seeing that the three vice presidents had agreed not to cause trouble after his persuasion, Zuo Qiushi smiled and said this before standing up and heading towards the door.
His era had finally ended.
It wasn't easy to hold on until now.
Finally, he didn't have to face those three monsters anymore.
Thinking of this, Zuo Qiushi's steps quickened, and he disappeared from the doorway in a blink.
"Let's leave it at this for now. Although I like being an official, I don't like to manage affairs. Let the Student Council operate according to his previous rules."
Chen Mobai spoke frankly, and Hua Zijing and the others nodded, which was what Zuo Qiushi had agreed upon before leaving.
"By the way, president, here is the list of participants and the schedule for the exchange meeting. Please review it."
Hua Zijing handed over a document, which was supposed to be stamped by Zuo Qiushi, but since he had run off, Chen Mobai had to make the decision.
He glanced at it and noticed some names were highlighted in red.
"These are the candidates decided by the department, and they must be brought along." Hua Zijing's words were very tactful, and Chen Mobai saw his and Meng Huang'er's names on the list.
In other words, these were the related parties, untouchable by the Student Council.
Chen Mobai, who was initially uninterested, perked up when he saw the page with the program schedule.
"Is this the program list for the millennium celebration? How do you have it?"
"The overall director of the program is our department's Coach Bian, who asked us to help maintain order during the performance. Most of the Student Council will be involved at that time."
Chen Mobai was not concerned about that; he wouldn't object to the entire Student Council's involvement.
What he cared about was the opening act of the millennium celebration program, which was Meng Huang'er's solo "Like a Dream."
"Is she practicing every day?" He asked.
"Recently, yes. But as the millennium celebration of Red City Cave Heaven approaches, the frequency may gradually decrease to avoid accidents."
"As the new president of the Student Council, this is also my first task. The millennium celebration program will involve upper echelons of the Immortal Gate and student groups from the other three major Refining Departments, affecting the overall image of our department. I think it's necessary to do this as best as possible." After finishing reading, Chen Mobai closed the document and said earnestly.
"What exactly do you mean, president?" Hua Zijing was a bit puzzled and asked with a frown.
"I'll personally lead the team to maintain order during the program rehearsals."
Chen Mobai revealed his plan; he should be able to master the "Integration of Spirit and Body" after listening to Meng Huang'er sing a few more times.
Hua Zijing and the others didn't think much of it, assuming the new leader wanted to lead by example and show his dedication in the most challenging and tiring position to win their favor.
"This was my responsibility. Since the president is willing, I can take a break." Ren You nodded and immediately gave up his position.
***
When Chen Mobai returned to his wooden hut, it was still bathed in rainbow light.
Meng Huang'er, who was no longer reserved, immediately sent a message.
【Weren't you going to duel with Zuo Qiushi? How did you become the Student Council president?】
【He lost to me in a duel and was so impressed by my demeanor that he believed that among all the students of the department, only I was qualified to take over his duties. I initially didn't want to, but he pleaded so earnestly, saying that if I didn't step up, no one could stand against the chiefs of the other Refining Departments. Alas, with the reputation of the department resting on me, if I shirked this heavy responsibility, wouldn't I fail the earnest teachings of our teachers? I had no choice but to accept.】
Chen Mobai boasted a little, based on facts.
However, Meng Huang'er's next message made him feel tricked, realizing he had been schemed by Zuo Qiushi.
【Indeed, in the past two years, Zuo Qiushi has barely managed to suppress the chief of the Sentence Mang Refining Department and Ling Daoshi of the Mending the Sky Refining Department, as well as Taishi Shu of the Kunpeng Refining Department, relying on his higher realm. This year, it's said that all three of them have broken through to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, and he hasn't progressed, so he definitely can't beat them. Seeing you, a dueling genius, he took a step back to advance, removing himself from the equation.】
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