Translator: CinderTL
As he spoke,
Whoosh!
Director Deng flicked his finger, and the shoulder badge landed on Jiang Ye's shoulder, adhering to it as if magnetically attracted, securing itself firmly.
Clearly, the badge was crafted from special materials and possessed some mystical properties.
"Thank you, Director Deng," Jiang Ye said solemnly.
He could feel it.
Though small, the shoulder badge was remarkably heavy.
It was not merely a symbol of status, but a weighty responsibility.
"This badge," Director Deng added, "contains the sealed cosmic energy of a ninth breakthrough expert. It will protect you from attacks below the ninth breakthrough level."
Jiang Ye's heart stirred.
Protection from attacks below the ninth breakthrough level?
This was truly a valuable asset.
"Understood."
"Do you have any further questions about star practitioners? Now is the time to ask," Director Deng said with a smile.
Soon after, Jiang Ye bid farewell to Director Deng and left the office with Tang Huochang.
"Congratulations on becoming a third-tier star professional," Tang Huochang said with a smile.
"I should thank you, Sister Tang," Jiang Ye replied with a grin. "I owe you another favor."
"Not me," Tang Huochang said, shaking her head with a laugh. "I only applied for you to become a second-tier star practitioner. I never expected Director Deng to have such high regard for you."
"Ultimately, it's your own exceptional talent that earned this," Tang Huochang said, her beautiful eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye didn't deny it.
Indeed!
Looking at the entirety of Blue Star Civilization, Jiang Ye's current performance was enough to place him at the very top of the genius pyramid.
"Your personal Starship will be delivered to White Dragon University in a few days," Tang Huochang said. "Remember to sign for it promptly."
"A personal Starship?" Jiang Ye's eyes lit up.
The value of such a vessel was self-evident, undoubtedly worth billions, even tens of billions. This was merely one of the benefits afforded to third-tier star professionals.
Of course, the federation had equipped him with a Starship to facilitate his missions into the cosmos, where he would collect cosmic energy from within the solar system. Jiang Ye had now officially entered the federation's inner circle.
"This is amazing," Jiang Ye thought, feeling a surge of contentment. Choosing to become a reserve star professional cadre had been an exceptionally wise decision.
Speaking of which, Jiang Ye suddenly remembered an elder figure.
"Sister Tang," he said, "I have something urgent to attend to. I'll be leaving now. You don't need to see me off."
"Alright," Tang Huochang replied. "If you need anything, you can reach me on V-Chat. I'm always available."
"No problem."
In an instant, Jiang Ye's figure flickered and vanished from the spot.
"So fast," Tang Huochang murmured, watching his receding figure. She shook her head in admiration. "It might not be long before he surpasses me."
Outside the Star Practitioner Building, high in the sky, Jiang Ye hovered in mid-air and dialed Zhang Jianwu's number.
Beep The call connected.
Ding! Light coalesced into a phantom shadow of a middle-aged man, who looked somewhat weary.
It was Zhang Jianwu, the grade director of Ancheng Third High School.
Jiang Ye had embarked on the path of a star practitioner precisely because of this man.
"Director," Jiang Ye said. "Are you doing well? This is Jiang Ye."
"Jiang Ye?" Zhang Jianwu paused, then chuckled. "What brings you to call?"
"Just checking in on you," Jiang Ye replied. "And I wanted to ask about the situation in Ancheng."
"I'm fine," Zhang Jianwu assured him. "Ancheng recently experienced another Shadow Calamity."
"Fortunately, after the last Shadow Calamity, our defenses have been significantly strengthened," Zhang Jianwu added with a smile. "This time, casualties were minimal."
"That's good to hear," Jiang Ye said, relieved.
To Jiang Ye, Zhang Jianwu held a place in his heart second only to his parents and close relatives, ranking just below his teachers like Chen Zilu and Zhu Honglie.
Zhang Jianwu had provided considerable support during Jiang Ye's early days in the martial dao.
"Director," Jiang Ye said gravely, "Ancheng remains too dangerous. After all, there are no high-realm experts stationed there."
"Would you consider moving to Donghai Province?" Jiang Ye asked.
"I can arrange accommodation for you," Jiang Ye added.
Ancheng was home to a permanent cosmic void passage, a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
"Move to Donghai Province?"
"No need," Zhang Jianwu replied, shaking his head. "I must stay here."
"Ancheng could face another Shadow Calamity at any time," Zhang Jianwu said gravely. "As a pillar of Ancheng's defense, I cannot abandon my post."
"Director," Jiang Ye couldn't help but protest, "Ancheng wouldn't collapse without you alone."
"You're mistaken, Jiang Ye," Zhang Jianwu said sternly. "If every strong fighter in Ancheng thought that way, who would defend the city?"
"I've already achieved the fourth breakthrough."
"While I can't stop high-level Shadow Calamities, I can save many lives during second and third-tier outbreaks."
"I was born and raised in Ancheng," Zhang Jianwu said solemnly. "Now that the city is in danger, I must stay and protect it."
Jiang Ye fell silent.
He suddenly understood why his parents had always refused to move away.
Hometown ties were a difficult thing to explain.
"Jiang Ye, don't worry about me," Zhang Jianwu said with a smile. "What you need to do is grow stronger as quickly as possible. Your potential far surpasses mine."
"As for everything else, you don't need to concern yourself with it."
"We'll protect Ancheng for you."
After a long silence, Jiang Ye hung up the phone and sighed.
Zhang Jianwu's resolve was unwavering; he couldn't change it.
All I can do is improve myself as much as possible, Jiang Ye thought.
Get stronger!
Until he could sweep through all the cosmic void passages and completely eliminate the Shadow Calamity crisis.
Jiang Ye believed that day would come.
I'll visit my parents first, then start cultivating, Jiang Ye planned.
The Great Stellar War was only half a year away.
He needed to maximize his progress in the coming months.
Boom!
Jiang Ye moved, his body enveloped in jet-black battle armor, transforming into a Flowing Light as he shot toward Penglai University.
(End of the Chapter)
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