Everyone could hear the anger in Song Jie's tone, but none of them took it seriously.
After all, they all believed that defeating a hundred students was simply impossible.
Old Deng chuckled, looked at Song Jie, and asked, "Oh? Then what do you suggest?"
"If I defeat one hundred students, all of your department's resources belong to me," Song Jie said, meeting his gaze head-on.
Old Deng and the others exchanged glances, clearly amused by Song Jie's audacity.
"I recall there being a rule in the beast-fighting competition," one of the older deans said with a half-smile.
"If someone defeats two hundred people, they're entitled to claim all freshman resources."
Jiang Yunming froze. He hadn't expected Song Jie to demand so much—he was bold, perhaps too bold.
But since Song Jie had chosen this path himself, he couldn't interfere.
"Dean Xiao," Jiang Yunming quickly interjected, "our summoning department only has one person. Defeating a hundred people is already too difficult. Two hundred is simply unreasonable."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Dean Xiao.
"What do the other deans think?" he asked evenly.
Old Deng shrugged and said, "Since there's only one person in the Summoning Department, then fine—let's set the goal at a hundred."
The others smirked quietly, clearly enjoying the show.
But Song Jie wasn't finished. "And what if I beat two hundred people?"
Old Deng almost burst out laughing, though he restrained himself. "Song Jie, do you even understand what two hundred people means?"
Before anyone else could speak, Old Deng leaned forward, smiling. "Go on—what do you propose?"
"If I win against two hundred people," Song Jie said calmly, "I'll take the old students' resources too."
The room instantly went still.
Old Deng couldn't help but laugh this time. "Song Jie, I'm not trying to crush your confidence, but do you really think that's possible?"
He added with mock sincerity, "Young people should stay grounded. Not everyone can reach the top overnight."
Song Jie smiled faintly. "You're right, Dean Deng. But I just want to have something to aim for."
Old Deng shook his head, smirking. "Very well. I agree."
Song Jie raised an eyebrow. "It doesn't count if only you agree. The other deans haven't spoken yet."
Old Deng glanced around. "Well? What do you all say?"
"Sure, I agree."
"I'd like to see how he plans to beat two hundred people."
"Count me in."
One by one, they nodded in amusement.
Song Jie turned to Dean Xiao and smiled. "Dean, you heard them—they agreed themselves."
Dean Xiao looked at him deeply, unsure what the boy was plotting.
Was Song Jie truly capable of such a feat?
Finally, Dean Xiao nodded.
At that moment, Song Jie smiled and added, "Dean Deng, I think there's still something missing. How about a little wager?"
Old Deng sneered. "A wager? Fine. Let's hear it. What do you want to bet?"
"If I defeat two hundred and fifty people," Song Jie said, "Dean Deng will give me a spiritual-grade magic tool."
"Deal!" Old Deng said at once, waving dismissively.
But several of the other deans exchanged wary looks.
There was something about Song Jie's calm confidence that made them uneasy.
Still, what had been said could not be taken back.
Inside, Song Jie was grinning. This beast-fighting competition is going to make me rich.
He turned to Jiang Yunming and said solemnly, "Director Jiang, I'll give it my all in this welcome program. I won't let the Summoning Department lose face."
Jiang Yunming smiled bitterly.
The matter had already gone too far for him to intervene. All he could do was nod.
Dean Xiao finally said, "Alright, that's enough. You two may leave. Song Jie, you still have time before the competition—use it well."
Outside the office, Jiang Yunming sighed deeply.
"Song Jie, why did you…" He trailed off, shaking his head helplessly.
"Don't worry, Director," Song Jie said confidently.
"I'm sure I can raise my summoned beast to the advanced stage before the welcome event."
Jiang Yunming's eyes lit up instantly. "Really?" He gripped Song Jie's shoulder, almost trembling.
"Of course," Song Jie smiled. "Otherwise, why would I dare bet with those old guys?"
Jiang Yunming clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with new hope.
If Song Jie's summoned beast reaches the advanced stage… he might really be able to do it!
After completing his registration, Song Jie was assigned a dormitory.
Mingzhu Academy didn't allow first-semester students to live off campus, so he had no choice but to stay in the dorms.
Since he was the only summoner, his living arrangement was unique—a mixed dormitory.
He walked up to the third floor and stopped before Room 317.
Just as he was about to open the door, he spotted a familiar face.
"Mu Lei?"
"You're finally here!" Mu Lei grinned.
Song Jie blinked. "Why are you in the same dorm as me?"
"Special privileges. You're the only one in the Summoning Department—easy for me to arrange." Mu Lei smirked.
"It's good to have money," Song Jie sighed, setting his luggage down.
A few moments later, the other two roommates arrived.
After a brief round of introductions, everyone went about their own business.
When Mu Lei saw Song Jie pause, he casually slung an arm around his shoulder.
"So… how are things with Jiaojiao?"
"It's fine," Song Jie said evenly.
Mu Lei's expression said otherwise.
He still remembered Mu Nujiao returning that night with a balloon and a shy smile. "Fine," my foot.
He lowered his voice. "Song Jie, Jiaojiao's still underage. Don't get too—enthusiastic."
Song Jie shot him a glare. "Do I look like that kind of person?"
"Of course not!" Mu Lei said quickly, raising his hands.
"I just mean she's too pretty—hard for anyone to resist. But I'm sure you're totally in control."
"That's more like it."
When the mood settled, Mu Lei leaned in again. "So… what's your plan for the summoning battle?"
Song Jie looked out the window, his tone firm.
"Just do it."