Chapter 448: "Escorting Protection"

Chapter 448: "Escorting Protection"

Challenging level 70 outdoor map resources at just level 58!

And it's the infamous "Poison Mist Mountains" and "Thunder Pool Ruins"!?

These two outdoor resources are extremely well-known!

In fact, every college student in the Dragon Nation knows them!

Of course...

Mainly because these two maps are notoriously difficult to challenge.

Previously, a team of prodigies with an average level of around 68 perished there.

Even successful challengers were formidable third-tier teams.

Furthermore...

The five of them had once teamed up to challenge the Poison Mist Mountains when they were level 72.

And now, this non-specialist dared to challenge it at only level 58?

And he even applied for permission to enter two equally difficult outdoor maps in one go!

"Is he too ignorant, unaware of the difficulty of these two maps..."

"Or is he deliberately seeking attention, knowing Dean Zhou won't approve him, as a way to showcase his fearlessness?"

"After all, if word got out that the double champion was challenging a level 70 map, it would certainly boost his reputation."

This was the inner monologue of the five special-grade legion members.

However, while they were pondering...

Dean Zhou Hongfu, with a resigned expression, picked up his dean's seal.

Snap!!

The crisp sound of the stamp echoed.

It instantly interrupted the five's train of thought.

Huh!?

What the hell?

He actually approved it!?

The five of them raised their eyebrows, disbelief evident in their eyes.

This...

Even more surprising, the teacher beside them showed no surprise at all when the dean approved the level 58 non-specialist's application.

Instead, it was as if it was the most natural thing in the world!

It's important to know that the conditions for applying for outdoor map resources are extremely stringent!

"What are you all standing there for? Waiting for me to treat you to a late-night snack?"

Zhou Hongfu joked as he looked at the dazed students.

"No, but..."

"Dean Zhou, are you sure he'll come back alive?"

The young man in the middle spoke up.

"Yeah..."

"Dean, if he dies on the map, we won't be able to answer for it."

One of the girls added tactfully.

Even for them, soloing on these maps was a bit of a challenge.

The primary issue was the various environmental debuffs that made the difficulty skyrocket without a healer in the team.

"I'm curious, didn't you guys watch the live broadcast of the Global Beast War Tournament?"

Zhou Hongfu asked, puzzled.

"Uh..."

"We haven't, actually."

They replied sheepishly.

It wasn't that they didn't have the time.

They just didn't think it was worth watching.

They didn't have the slightest interest.

After experiencing such brutal battles, comparing it to the events they had previously watched on TV...

It just didn't measure up.

Like asking a top-tier player to watch a low-ranked gameplay stream.

It had no appeal whatsoever.

"Oh, if you haven't, then that's fine."

Zhou Hongfu didn't press them to watch, just waved them off.

"Alright, you can all go now. Don't worry, since I dared to let him in, I naturally have ways to protect him."

So that's how it is...

The five special-grade legion members suddenly understood.

No wonder Dean Zhou approved the double champion's application—it turns out he has special means of protection!

"We never got such privileges..."

They couldn't help but feel a bit sour inside.

Nonetheless, they obediently took their leave.

Watching the five figures depart, Zhou Hongfu frowned deeply.

The teacher beside him also noticed the issue, speaking in a serious tone: "Although it's good that these students survived the brutal honing of blood and fire and have undergone transformation, why do I feel they've lost their humility?"

This teacher was level 85.

The young man who spoke with Dean Zhou, named Chen Wei, was a former student she had taught.

However, when she walked in, she noticed Chen Wei merely glanced at her, gave a slight nod, and considered that a greeting.

This attitude was a clear indicator.

"It's normal."

"This year's fourth-year reserve forces likely have this problem in general!"

"As their power skyrockets, their mindset also changes."

"But it doesn't matter; as they age, they'll come to realize. Even if you try to enlighten them now, it won't have any effect!"

"So everything should be left to time."

Zhou Hongfu said calmly.

"I just fear that this mindset may one day put them in danger."

The teacher said softly.

"Even so, that is their fate, and everything depends on destiny."

Zhou Hongfu chuckled.

Then he changed the subject.

"Speaking of mindsets, Ling Zhan is the most composed prodigy I've ever seen."

"All thanks to the heart demon trial arranged by Wang Shi after he enrolled!"

After Ling Zhan was admitted, Dean Wang Shi...

Took the then low-level young man into a secluded battlefield within the Ten Thousand Demons Abyss.

Zhou Hongfu had, of course, heard of this.

From that moment on, the faint arrogance Ling Zhan had was completely cut off, and his mindset underwent a complete transformation.

Reflecting on this...

Suddenly...

Zhou Hongfu slapped his forehead and asked, "Is Wang Shi still in Fusang Nation?"

"Yes, Dean Zhou."

"Dean Wang was reportedly entangled with the eldest daughter of a conglomerate in Fusang Nation, who also happens to be a level-100, fourth-tier Onmyoji."

"So his work has been delayed."

Zhou Hongfu: "..."

Hmm...

If Ling Zhan were indeed assigned to Fusang Nation, it seems he and his mentor would cross paths again—a good thing.

......

......

Ling Zhan naturally had no idea that five special-grade legion members were already on campus.

He was currently at the entrance of the Poison Mist Mountains.

As he looked up.

The entire mountain range was shrouded in dense, dark purple mist, making it impossible to see what lay within.

"Be careful once you're inside."

"The environmental debuffs here are especially troublesome."

"Even level 75 third-tier powerhouses find soloing it quite challenging."

The staff member responsible for guarding the area checked Ling Zhan's entry permit and gave him a gentle reminder.

This staff member was well aware of the double champion, having watched the tournament's live broadcast.

Of course...

In his opinion, even the double champion wouldn't likely reach the depths to slay the level 70 Two-Winged Poison Dragon King.

But the champion was here to level up, so killing a few smaller creatures would suffice for gaining experience.

"If you encounter danger, just crush the scroll. It will teleport you back to the entrance—the coordinates are already set up."

"Remember, don't go too deep. Even for you, it's unmanageable."

The staff member reminded him once more.

Ling Zhan nodded, then touched the spatial teleportation gate.

Buzz!!

His figure vanished entirely from the spot.

After Ling Zhan's disappearance, it wasn't long before...

Five figures suddenly appeared before the staff member.

"Whoa!!"

The level 72 staff member jumped in surprise.

"You guys..."

"Are fourth-year students?"

The staff member widened his eyes, recognizing their unique uniforms.

These five were none other than the members of the special-grade legion.

The boys were named Chen Wei, Liu Dongsheng, and Li Lei.

The girls were Zhao Ling and Ding Xuejia.

The five wasted no time, immediately presenting their entry permits.

After a discussion, they unanimously decided to follow Ling Zhan into the Poison Mist Mountains to "escort and protect" the prodigy highly regarded by all legion commanders.

At worst, they'd do some grunt work, helping this non-specialist by killing monsters, letting him finish them off to gain experience and loot.

Mainly, they didn't want to face the wrath of the five legion commanders.

Their task order was clear: bring Ling Zhan back to the frontline camp in one piece.

If this guy were to lose an arm or leg in the Poison Mist Mountains, or worse, die...

That would be a major issue.

So they came up with this idea.

To escort and protect the prodigy!

Though they looked down on these tournament prodigies, orders were orders, and they were bound to complete their mission.

They initially thought Dean Zhou would reject their application.

Unexpectedly, he approved it with a smile.

"Hurry up and confirm our entry; what if that double champion dies in there?"

Ding Xuejia, who was impatient, urged the staff member.

She was a warrior class.

Sporting short hair, she looked valiant, her whole body radiating potent martial intent.

"It's not that easy for him to die..."

"Even if he does, I can resurrect him."

Zhao Ling, a third-tier priest, smiled calmly, unfazed.

"Alright, you may enter."

The staff member completed the permit check and nodded at them.

The five, without hesitation, skillfully reached out to touch the spatial teleportation gate.

Buzz!!

Spatial ripples emerged.

The five figures vanished from the spot.

Leaving the staff member scratching his head.

Huh...

To be honest.

He didn't think Ling Zhan needed escorting.

Anyone who had watched Ling Zhan's match videos wouldn't think he'd die easily.

Even if facing a level 70 boss.

And...

There's a good chance this double champion will find an unbelievable way to turn the tables and kill the opponent.

He had gotten used to such twists watching the Global Beast War Tournament.

In fact, the most shocking moment was still Ling Zhan's rapid run through the 1-100 floors of the Secret Realm.

Escorting and protecting?

He felt that once inside, these five might not even catch a glimpse of Ling Zhan's shadow...