Starry Sky Professional

‘I deliberately made an appearance here... and then vanished for a while; those who were supposed to come must have arrived by now, right?’

Beep beep!

Sure enough, in the next instant, his text messages and inbox displayed a stream of notifications.

Among these were greetings from classmates and some meaningless advertisements, as well as highly important emails.

For instance... offers from major factions and some contact requests from university professors.

“For now, I’m only considering special recruitment from top-tier universities. There’s no need to look at the others.”

“As for contracts, I need to compare the benefits of each.”

Fang Xing found a nice restaurant, where he dined while admiring the colorful aurora over the canyon, simultaneously checking and replying to emails.

“In terms of schools, a few top-tier universities are willing to give me a chance. Meetings will be arranged after the semester starts.”

“This ‘Gem Academy’ is quite earnest; they've already sent a teacher all the way to Devil’s Great Canyon after me.”

Fang Xing checked and found that Gem Academy was a second-tier institution, but it was quite good among its peers. It’s currently in the process of applying to become a top-tier institution, which is why it’s very keen on nurturing various talents and obtaining numerous awards and honors.

“Unfortunately, it's not suitable for me... If it were a super top-tier university’s special recruitment, I’d strongly consider it.”

He sighed and continued eating slowly.

“As for those corporations and other factions... so far, Green God Group, Shadow Dragon Group, and Blue Star Mercenary Alliance have sent representatives; their sincerity seems genuine.”

“Apart from that, many have sent contract templates; if I wish to sign, I can get in touch...”

Fang Xing reviewed them one by one.

These factions intended to sponsor him, which had little to do with which university he would attend.

However, some might have additional conditions.

Thus, university special recruitment and these factions' contracts were two separate matters.

Fang Xing first confirmed that he wasn’t interested in university special recruitment, most he would look into some top-tier universities' intentions and conditions once school started.

What needed more attention now was the recruitment by these corporations and factions.

“Contracts... they all seem quite similar, basically offering millions of star credits in funding annually, then expecting some form of return in a certain number of years after graduation, like joining a certain faction...”

“Hmm, there are some unique resources, like ‘Roc Blood', but they come with conditions, either requiring admission to a particular university or reaching a specific goal... Otherwise, penalties will apply for breaching the contract...”

Frankly, Fang Xing wasn’t interested in any of them. After all, he wasn’t truly a poor student; he had the resources of an entire world behind him.

Not to mention, the spiritual rice and mythical beast meat he’d consumed recently were far superior to any high-grade nutrient solutions.

‘These conditions... they’re all traps.’

‘How should I find a reason to reject them? Hmm... should I just act selfish or arrogant?

Fang Xing rubbed his chin.

"What's the saying? Investing is all about investing in people!"

"The starfields of these major powers certainly weren't blown here by a gust of wind. Investments definitely require returns."

"But what major power would invest in a selfish person? Isn't that like bringing a ticking time bomb into your home?"

"It's undeniable; even bad people like to be friends with good people and wish for a world full of good people with themselves as the only bad ones!"

After finishing his meal, Fang Xing ordered a drink and slowly savored it.

Just then, a young man carrying a glass of red wine approached: "Are you Fang Xing? I'm Liang Yucheng from the Green God Group!"

"Hello. Please, have a seat…"

Fang Xing courteously responded. The man had clearly waited until Fang Xing finished eating before approaching to discuss matters, displaying considerable politeness.

As the saying goes, you don't hit a smiling face with your fist, so Fang Xing naturally showed courteousness in return.

"Thank you!"

Liang Yucheng sat down and smiled wryly, "I've been waiting for you, Fang. Have you had a chance to look at the contract offered by Green God Group? I'm here to negotiate. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, just let me know. I'll make the changes if it's within my power. Otherwise, I'll report it immediately."

"The reputation of Green God Group is renowned…"

Fang Xing exchanged a few polite words.

"Six million starfields a year is rather low…" another voice suddenly interjected.

A waiter led a Caucasian man in a black suit to the table.

"Sir, your bill has been settled by this gentleman," the waiter indicated that Wright had paid for Fang Xing's meal."

"You're treating me to a meal? That's too kind of you…"

Fang Xing stood up courteously, "Please, join us."

"Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Wright from the Dragon Shadow Group. Our group is a military-industrial enterprise with extensive political influence in the Federation…"

Wright adjusted his bow tie, casting a glance at Liang Yucheng, "Green God Group values you at only six million starfields per year, which undervalues your worth, Fang. Our Dragon Shadow Group is willing to offer an A-class contract with an annual ten million starfields worth of resources. You possess extraordinary talent, reaching this stage with limited resources. With ample resources, you could surely aim for even the first-rate academies."

Liang Yucheng frowned, sensing an insider leak about his company's terms, but still replied, "Starfields are just the basic terms… Green God Group is a pharmaceutical giant, boasting superior quality high-grade, even top-tier, nutritional liquids that outclass similar market products. If you join us, Fang, I could provide some truly cutting-edge offerings…"

"Oh? Besides nutritional liquids, do you have any unique cultivation resources?"

Fang Xing sucked on his straw, finishing his drink, "For instance, I've already reached the Guts and Pores level… It's only a matter of time before I comprehend a domain. Does Green God Group possess any resources for breaking through to the Exterior scene, or even Golden Core elixirs?"

"Well…"

Liang Yucheng was at a loss for words.

Ordinary martial arts nourishing products were fine, but special resources for breaking through major realms were incredibly rare.

Especially those assisting in transcending the Guts and Pores stage to the Exterior realm, even he found it hard to obtain them.

As for Golden Core resources?

Fang Xing could only shake his head at their assumptions.

"Looks like this genius is still from a humble background, with limited vision... and greedy to boot. Perhaps a bottomless pit," mused Liang Yucheng, beginning to have second thoughts.

His past dealings with geniuses had always been respectful; few dared to demand such valuable resources as soon as they opened their mouths.

Wright, standing nearby, had his eyes flashing with unknown thoughts but also quietly lowered his assessment of Fang Xing.

"To ask for such top-tier resources, one should at least join a major power and prove themselves first. To ask outright—one doesn’t know their own limits," he thought.

"This Fang Xing... he will never know what he missed out on..."

"Without resources, even the most talented warrior is doomed to fail," thought Liang Yucheng, exchanging a glance with Wright. Just as they were about to rise, they suddenly looked outside with stunned expressions.

"Hmm?"

Fang Xing's gaze followed theirs, and he saw a flying craft piercing through the clouds in the sky of multicolored lights.

"Isn't this supposed to be a magnetic disturbance zone?"

"No, we're not that deep into the canyon; the effects aren't severe yet... But flying is still dangerous unless it's one of those most advanced models or military grade with interference resistance," mused Fang Xing, realizing the arrival of a significant figure.

"It seems to be a private aircraft," noted Liang Yucheng, his expression turning solemn as he observed the craft.

The figure that emerged wore a sleek suit, her open collar revealing a smooth expanse of skin, with curves that were hard to miss.

More crucially, Fang Xing was very familiar with her.

"Fang Xing, at last, we meet in person," she announced as she walked into the restaurant and approached Fang Xing, extending a hand with a smile.

"Are you really... Teacher Lan Fei?"

Fang Xing felt the warm reality of Lan Fei's hand, confirming she wasn’t just a projection but very much flesh and blood.

"If the old Liu Wei knew I’d held Lan Fei’s real hand, he’d probably be envious enough to hit the wall with his head..." Fang Xing’s thoughts spun as a smile spread on his face. "Teacher Lan Fei, what brings you here?"

"Well, I've just been employed by the 'Titan' Corporation to handle relations with you," Lan Fei stated, her smile widening. "Master Yin of the corporation is already waiting for you aboard the craft..."

"So it's the Titan Corporation?"

Liang Yucheng and Wright exchanged a glance, both visibly astonished.

Although their companies were considered Federal giants, they were still dwarfed by the Titan Corporation.

"Oh? Then I'll trouble you to lead the way, teacher."

Fang Xing picked up a napkin, leisurely standing up as he wiped his mouth. Inwardly, however, he was somewhat surprised:

"The real Lan Fei should be an educator, capable of multitasking and instructing numerous classes... perhaps a warrior of the Fourth Realm."

"Being hired by Yucai High School alone could earn her royalties to no end... and yet she's been recruited here as a mediator?"

"From what she said, she wasn't originally part of the Titan Corporation, but was temporarily recruited..."

"From getting to know me, to recruiting talent, it's exceedingly decisive... along with demonstrating terrifying energy and a vast network!"

Fang Xing marveled inwardly. This Yin Huzhen was evidently on a much higher level than Liang Yucheng's team.

"A simple honey trap is merely a seduction by beauty... a true honey trap is when your unattainable 'white moonlight' is directly placed before you... Today's lessons were indeed insightful, a true top-tier lesson from Federal elites."

He mused to himself, following Lan Fei beneath a blue aircraft.

A beam enveloped them, bringing a sensation of levitation.

Fang Xing blinked, and the next moment, he found himself in an office. A silver-haired, youthful-looking boy was absorbed in playing a game.

"Hold on a moment..."

The boy said without looking up, engrossed in his game. A flustering sound emanated from his phone.

"Huh? An 18+ mini-game?"

Fang Xing's eyes lit up, feeling a kinship. He even recognized the voice actress from the sound and pinned down the game's title.

Minutes later, the boy finally finished his game, raising his head. His features were delicate, his skin a somewhat unnatural pallor, and his eyes carried a touch of world-weariness.

"Fang Xing, Hawkeye Star bio-human, ID number..."

Yin Huzhen recited Fang Xing's basic information: "Notable achievements since the first year, top of the end-term exam... third in the second year's federal joint examination... impressive talent. Our company has prepared an S-Class contract for you. Would you like to know more?"

"Please, go ahead..."

Fang Xing gestured politely.

Yin Huzhen nodded, and Lan Fei elaborated: "The S-Class contract, tailored for top-tier geniuses by Titan Corporation, includes a two-million Star Yuan allowance annually, along with various rare resources such as the 'Essence Fruit Liquid' beneficial for surpassing external realms..."

“External challenges have never been my weakness...”

Fang Xing stood confidently, his eyes full of absolute self-assurance. "And what about golden core resources? Are there any?"

"Haha... quite bold, I like it!"

Yin Huzhen looked at Fang Xing with some surprise, then smiled slightly. "Mastering the martial paths up to a golden core means you're already quite a figure anywhere. However, if you can get into a top-tier university, I believe the Titan Corporation would be willing to provide you with such resources."

"Great, so what's the price?"

Fang Xing took a deep breath, aware that such generous terms would certainly come with significant costs.

"This contract is actually a wager. If you don't get into a top-tier university, the contract will be void, and you'll have to repay me double what I've invested in you so far..."

Yin Huzhen's face bore a hint of playful mockery. "How does that sound? Feel the pressure yet?"

"And then?"

Fang Xing's expression remained unchanged, never considering failure a possibility for himself.

"I forgot to mention, you're only allowed to apply to Azure Star University because I'm aiming to get in as well."

Yin Huzhen's smile widened further. "Once at university, you'll have obligations to assist me with tasks... but don't worry, it won't violate any school rules."

"I'll need to think about this carefully..."

Fang Xing's eyes deepened, sensing the arrangement felt somewhat like becoming an ancient scholar's apprentice or... perhaps, even a loyal assassin?

"Of course, but I trust no one will offer you better terms."

Yin Huzhen clapped his hands. "Within the Federation, for warriors striving to advance, to surpass the level of Vajra, even to become a Martial Saint... top-tier special resources are indispensable. During the time you're considering, Lanfei will be your liaison, and also act as your secretary and housekeeper..."

He waved his hand dismissively, evidently ready to resume his gaming session.

After Fang Xing left, Yin Huzhen immediately started another round, maneuvering his vehicle away from Devil's Canyon. About half an hour later, a communication line opened, revealing a middle-aged man with snow-white temples.

"Yin, how's it going?"

He looked at Yin Huzhen, his face full of concern.

"I’ve scouted across eighty-seven planets, evaluating some geniuses..."

Yin Huzhen stayed immersed in his game but continued speaking with dual concentration. "I've signed three S-Class seeds, hoping they all get into Azure Star University."

"That quickly? You have to understand, these are your future team members... potentially heading to the frontlines with you. You must be cautious."

The middle-aged man advised.

"Relax, I know what I'm doing. Let me play in peace..."

Yin Huzhen waved irritably, the sound of his mature-rated game suddenly surging loudly. The middle-aged man's mouth twitched slightly at the scene...

(This chapter is complete)

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(End of Chapter)