Chapter 93: Personal Disciple

The abbot’s name was Fang Wen, an instructor at the Academy of War. It was simply because the words "abbot" and "Wen" sounded so similar that, after Zhong Zhen mispronounced it once by accident, the nickname "Abbot" began to spread.

Fang Wen’s face darkened. He absolutely detested being called "Abbot."

“Dean Huang said it himself—he’ll take responsibility for any consequences,” he declared. “Besides, in cultivating talent, we should pull out all the stops. Even if Dean Zhong, or the principal himself, were here, they’d agree.”

The students nearby exchanged helpless glances. So only Xu Han was considered a genius? Did that mean none of them were? The double standard was all too obvious.

Zhang Ling gritted her teeth, as if making a firm decision. “If you join the College of Magic, we’ll give you not only a thousand credits, but also a piece of gold-grade equipment.” She glanced challengingly at Fang Wen after she spoke.

Fang Wen frowned. The highest offer Dean Huang had authorized him to make was just that. If they wanted to go any higher, he’d have to consult with Dean Huang first.

“Your College of Magic really is generous,” a hearty laugh rang out.

Everyone turned to look. When they saw who had arrived, they were stunned.

It was Zheng Gang, the Dean of the Warrior Academy!

Fang Wen asked in puzzlement, “Dean Zheng, what brings you here?”

Zheng Gang smiled broadly. “Naturally, I’m here to recruit.” He looked at Xu Han. “Kid, you’re skilled in close combat—the College of Magic isn’t right for you. Come to the Warrior Academy instead. I promise you the best instructors. In addition, I’ll personally give you an hour’s lesson every week. How about it?”

The students stared at Zheng Gang, dumbfounded.

The dean himself would teach for an hour every week? That was practically a thousand credits for free each week! With the dean’s personal guidance, their combat skills would soar. No ordinary instructor could compare.

Xu Han was tempted.

Just as he was about to make his choice, a voice called out.

“Old Zheng, it’s not exactly ethical for you to poach students in person.”

A man in military uniform strode over. It was Huang Zhentian!

Huang Zhentian smiled at Xu Han. “I’ll match his offer. And, I guarantee that upon graduation, you’ll receive a second lieutenant’s commission from the Dragon Nation’s military. Join the military, and with steady progress, you’ll make major within five years.”

A collective gasp swept through the crowd.

That was an extraordinary offer—a commission as a second lieutenant, just like that! Normally, it took at least ten years in the military to reach that rank. To make colonel? Not possible in less than twenty years. The conditions were simply too generous.

Everyone present wished they could accept on Xu Han’s behalf.

Huang Zhentian cast a smug glance at Zheng Gang, who gritted his teeth in frustration and fell silent. Huang Zhentian was not only a dean, but also a general in the military. Assigning a second lieutenant’s commission was nothing for him. Zheng Gang had no such power.

Xu Han frowned. He had already made up his mind, but now found himself torn. He wasn’t particularly interested in joining the army, but a commission as a second lieutenant, with the prospect of reaching major in five years—his status would skyrocket.

At that moment, a little girl strolled over at a leisurely pace.

“You’re all quick, already fighting over the student.”

Zheng Gang and Huang Zhentian turned, their expressions instantly respectful. “Senior Night Butterfly.”

The students stepped aside, gazing curiously at the young girl before them. They could hardly believe it—a girl so young was actually a dean?

Night Butterfly walked toward Xu Han with her hands clasped behind her back, like a miniature adult. Staring at him, she spoke slowly, “I’m interested in you. If you join the Institute of Exotic Beasts, I’ll accept you as my personal disciple. What do you say?”

The entire crowd was stunned.

The students exchanged incredulous glances.

“What the heck?! Isn’t this wild? The dean wants to take on a disciple?”

“Xu Han’s luck is off the charts! Even the dean has noticed him.”

“How on earth did Xu Han pull this off?”

Feng Qingyu opened her mouth, but couldn’t utter a word. If her teacher made Xu Han a personal disciple, wouldn’t that make him her junior? But wasn’t the dean forbidden from taking on students? She herself had only become the dean’s student before her teacher took the position.

Zheng Gang frowned. “Senior Night Butterfly, this isn’t appropriate, is it?”

“The school rules state only instructors may accept students. Deans can only instruct students during special classes.”

Night Butterfly rested her chin in her hand. “Is that so?”

Huang Zhentian nodded vigorously. “That’s right, Senior Night Butterfly. It’s the rule. You can’t break it, or Dean Zhong will have a word with you.”

But Night Butterfly waved her hand dismissively. “Let him come find me, then.”

Zheng Gang and Huang Zhentian’s faces darkened. This senior didn’t take Zhong Zhen seriously at all. Then again, rumor had it she was of an even higher seniority than him. Perhaps only the principal could rein her in.

Night Butterfly looked at Xu Han. “Well? Do you accept?”

Xu Han hesitated. “May I ask—what are the benefits of being your personal disciple?”

Everyone gazed at Xu Han in admiration.

Impressive! Even with the dean herself recruiting him, he remained so calm—and even dared to ask about the benefits. Wasn’t he afraid of offending her?

But Night Butterfly wasn’t angry. Instead, a rare smile of satisfaction lit her face. “Not bad.”

Everyone was taken aback.

What? She commended him for that?

Night Butterfly continued, “You’re the first to remain so composed in front of me. Let me explain. As my personal disciple, you’ll have access to all the Institute of Exotic Beasts’ resources—including classified information. You’ll be allowed to use research materials, such as beast specimens. Not only that, you’ll receive two hours of one-on-one instruction each week. There are numerous other privileges: an eighty percent discount when exchanging for items, and if you wish to take courses from other colleges, I can arrange it for you—even classes taught by the deans. And, you won’t need credits.”

She glanced at Zheng Gang and Huang Zhentian. The two of them exchanged uneasy looks, suddenly apprehensive.

Xu Han’s eyes lit up. To be a dean’s personal disciple came with so many privileges! No wonder everyone coveted such an opportunity. And access to research materials—if high-grade beast meat was available, there’d be no need to hunt for it himself.

He nodded. “I’m willing to join the Institute of Exotic Beasts!”