When Wang Qing and the others saw Zhao Mu looking at them, they quickly averted their gazes and headed toward the registration desk.
Sun Wei lowered his voice: "That guy's here too! Today the three of us have to join forces—no matter what, we make sure he gets eliminated!"
Chen Mingming hesitated. "Even if the three of us team up, we might still not be his match."
During that day's fight, the three of them had been utterly crushed by Zhao Mu—total instant-kill!
Wang Qing's face darkened. "Shao Han specially hired a Spirit Doctor to heal our injuries, all so we can take revenge. Don't rush—Shao Han definitely has more plans lined up."
"Besides, if we can't beat him fair and square, we can always go for the underhanded approach!"
He clenched his fists; recalling the humiliation three days ago, his eyes almost spewed fire.
"We'll keep our eyes on him alone—even a tiger dozes off sometime. I refuse to believe he has no weak spot."
The group nodded, a plan forming in their minds.
Just as Zhao Mu was about to enter the school, a long luxury sedan pulled up beside him, stopping with a crisp "click" right next to him.
Several burly Bodyguards exuding a murderous aura stepped out and opened the rear door.
The first to emerge was a spirited youth carrying a Weapon Case on his back.
The boy's eyes sparkled, full of confidence and brightness.
He quickly moved aside after getting out—there were still others inside.
Everyone's attention was drawn over. In the Xuanfeng Empire, every citizen was a soldier; ordinary people had to devote most of their income to military expenses to fight the Dark Race.
Thus, anyone who could afford a private car had to be at least minor-rich; average middle-class families simply couldn't manage it.
A lavish ride like this was only within reach of Tycoons or High Officials.
Naturally, such a figure attracted notice.
Under Zhao Mu's gaze, a round object literally bounced out of the car.
Yes, bounced—Zhao Mu almost thought it was a ball at first glance.
It was a chubby kid under 1.6 m tall, wearing a premium training suit and military-grade combat boots, his hair slicked with pomade so shiny it looked licked by a dog and gleamed blindingly in the sun.
Zhao Mu had been poor for eighteen years and couldn't gauge the price of the outfit, but one look at the exquisite craftsmanship told him nothing on the kid was cheap.
Once out, the Little Fatty's eyes darted around and happened to meet Zhao Mu's.
His face bloomed like a flower into a polite, respectful smile. He walked over, pulled a business card from his pocket, and courteously handed it to Zhao Mu.
"Hello, hello! Your Excellency must be here for the Entrance Trial, right? My name is Meng Qiuer; you can call me Meng Qiuqiu. I'm in the same cohort—please look after me!"
Zhao Mu blinked. Was this rich Young Master really so polite?
It completely shattered his stereotype of arrogant rich kids.
Shouldn't the guy stride up and order him to scram out of the way?
Zhao Mu took the card. "Hi, I'm Zhao Mu."
His reply was brief; the other's overwhelming enthusiasm left him unsure what else to say.
When the Little Fatty heard the name, his eyes lit up.
"Zhao Mu? Are you that Zhao Mu from Yuwu No. 2 Middle School in Changxing District?"
Zhao Mu smiled faintly. "You know me?"
The Little Fatty excitedly grabbed Zhao Mu's hands. "Of course! I've researched every participant in this year's Qingfeng Camp Entrance Trial!"
"You're super famous—you topped every joint exam in Lujiang City. I've long admired you; please support my business in the future!"
"Support… your business…?"
Zhao Mu was baffled. What was all this about?
"Anyway, let's leave it there—see you later!"
The Little Fatty waved, took back his card, and went off to greet others.
He politely said hello to almost every Trial Participant he spotted and handed out his business card.
"So that's how it is—the Jiangnan Meng Family."
Bu Yanhuan's voice came from behind. Watching the friendly Little Fatty, she spoke coolly.
Zhao Mu asked curiously, "You know him?"
Bu Yanhuan replied, "They're Imperial Merchants, though their business is confined to Jiangnan Province. The Meng Group is Jiangnan's richest, dealing in military supplies and working closely with the government."
"Don't underestimate the Little Fatty. Judging by this display, even if he's only a branch Young Master, his wealth and Family connections are staggering."
In the Xuanfeng Empire, every businessman has official backing; the state only lets those who've rendered great service profit.
These Imperial Merchants either had powerful Spirit Energy User ancestors who performed meritorious deeds, or supplied immense value during wartime through commerce.
Thus, every Tycoon or conglomerate Sect Leader in the empire is far from an ordinary merchant.
Zhao Mu blinked. "Someone of that status seems pretty unpretentious."
Bu Yanhuan said coolly, "The Meng Family motto is 'Harmony breeds wealth.' They're in business—not just trading goods but also human relations."
"For their children entering the Military Martial Specialization School, boosting strength isn't the main goal; the key is expanding networks and befriending all kinds of Geniuses."
"After all, cultivating relationships from the New Recruit stage costs the least."
She pointed at the card in Zhao Mu's hand. "Take a closer look—see what it's made of."
Zhao Mu turned it over and realized the card was solid gold!
Though paper-thin, one card had to cost at least ten thousand xuanfeng coins!
Even Zhao Mu sighed. "Truly a Tycoon—filthy rich!"
Bu Yanhuan nudged his arm with a sly grin. "Can't say that. Merchants chase profit; being rich is their skill. We're both broke. To grow stronger you'll need resources, so you'd better befriend this sort. Squeeze some profit out of him and you can subsidize your frail, helpless auntie, heh-heh!"
Her last sentence revealed her motive; Zhao Mu rolled his eyes.
"A Muscle Barbie like you—stop pretending to be delicate."
Bu Yanhuan's willowy brows shot up; she trapped his head under her arm. "Brat, I'm obviously gentle, cute, and stunning. Don't you know what healthy beauty means?"
Zhao Mu had only been joking; Bu Yanhuan's muscles were firm yet not exaggerated.
Her lines were forged on battlefields, not the stiff gym-muscle kind.
Feeling the softness of her embrace, Zhao Mu experienced pain and pleasure at once.
"A-hem, Auntie, I need to go register."
Reluctant though he was, Zhao Mu hadn't forgotten his business.
Hearing that, Bu Yanhuan finally released him.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)