Brother Peng suddenly remembered the rules of the Secret Castle, "Haha, almost forgot, enough talk. Welcome Brother Li to our Mysterious Black Rose. Once you’re here, you can’t leave."

The others exchanged glances, not knowing what had happened, but they understood that Li Xin had quite a background.

Jiang Yan silently recalled the technique of that sword strike just now. Brother Peng got it wrong; it wasn’t two sword strikes—rather, it was one strike split into two parts, splitting the sword aura, revealing a glimpse of his skill. With this ability, he might be able to compete with Nalan and Yan Tianguang. How could someone like this appear in the Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School?

For a moment, the poor performances of others didn’t matter as much. When a tiger appears among a flock of sheep, even the sheep can share its prestige. Who knows what cost the Mysterious Black Rose paid to recruit someone of this caliber, and whether they can keep him.

Training continued, but the atmosphere completely shifted. Instructor Jiang, who usually looked at everyone as if they were beneath him, relaxed like a retired man, while everyone curiously glanced at Li Xin surrounded by Brother Peng and the others, asking him how he executed that sword strike. Li Xin patiently explained, though whether anyone understood remained uncertain.

The training session ended under a strange ambiance, and as soon as it was over, Jiang Yan left.

Inside the director’s office, Chen Rutang paced back and forth, well-aware of the martial arts situation, which had always been the weakness of the Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have tried to carve up the Divine Revelation. Jiang Yan posed a challenge, and he wondered if Brother Peng would hold up.

Recruitment at the Canon Law School is essentially a spectrum; the better ones attract more, while the worse ones are seldom drawn in. Brother Peng was recruited after much effort and many promises, while typically, someone of his caliber would opt for Divine Revelation. Lu Shuai was exceptional, his abilities quite good, but a far cry from the days of Governor Luthor. Even a hollow reputation is still a reputation, but ultimately, it lacks substance.

Upon hearing footsteps, Chen Rutang quickly sat down, and a knock followed.

"Please come in," Chen Rutang said as Jiang Yan entered, setting his paperwork aside.

"Old Jiang, you completed the assessment. Well done, take a seat, have some water," Chen Rutang said with a smile, "How’s the situation?"

Jiang Yan didn’t sit down; although not on the same level, Director Chen held a higher position, and respect must be given. He performed the Knight salute, "Director Chen, it’s qualified."

Chen Rutang’s worried heart finally relaxed. Although a poor evaluation wouldn’t ruin Mysterious Black Rose, it would certainly make the following days difficult. The performances in other subjects would have to be elevated, the pressure would be immense. This qualification rating was like a lifeline, steadying them for the year.

"Thank you immensely. We at Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School will remember this kindness. I owe you a personal favor!" Chen Rutang said with a smile.

Jiang Yan remained expressionless and shook his head, "Director Chen, you got it wrong. I wasn’t letting anything slide. The overall level of Mysterious Black Rose is worrying, even precarious, yet there are individuals with potential, a bright future awaits. This assessment is complete, and I’m returning to report."

Chen Rutang paused slightly, his smile unwavering, "No matter the case, we’re very grateful."

Jiang Yan paid respects and left. At the doorway, he suddenly turned back, "Director Chen, perhaps it’s inappropriate to ask, but where did you recruit Li Xin from? Does he... have any interest in joining our Flying Wing Knight Order in the future?"

Li Xin? Which Li Xin? Oh~~~

"What’s Instructor Jiang suggesting?" Chen Rutang asked.

"If he’s interested in the Knight Order, he can name his conditions," Jiang Yan said. "I can’t decide, but I can apply to the captain."

Though perplexed, Chen Rutang maintained his composure, "I’ll think about your offer. He just arrived; we have plenty of time ahead."

Jiang Yan thanked him with clasped fists and left.

Once the door was closed, Chen Rutang resumed pacing, sighing at Jiang Yan’s stubbornness, like a stone in a latrine. For him to show such loss of self-control, what had Li Xin done? It couldn’t be that extreme—Jiang Yan wasn’t inexperienced. Moreover, wasn’t Li Xin a Night Patrol? Night Patrols specialize in handling covert matters; no one claims they have exceptional combat strength. Knight Order members and Night Patrols hardly get along.

But it didn’t matter; passing was enough. Chen Rutang hummed a little tune while stroking his beard, taking out his finest tea from the drawer to brew a pot of "Spring Falling Snow" to relax...

***

Afternoon classes ended, and Brother Peng hosted a dinner party that night, inviting Li Xin, Zhuo Yan, Suerte, Lu Shuai, Huerta, and others to welcome Li Xin to the Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School.

Brother Peng, despite appearing big and strong, had calmed down throughout the afternoon. He finally processed Li Xin’s arrival at the Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School. Given Li Xin’s strength and mysterious background, he didn’t seem to be aiming for a mere sub-leader position. Even if Li Xin settled for deputy leadership, as long as he’s here, Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School would no longer be looked down upon. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Brother Li, I offer you a toast in gratitude for choosing Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School. It’s an honor for our school. Lead us to glory!" Brother Peng said enthusiastically, his eyes brimming with warmth.

Suerte and Zhuo Yan raised their glasses, wondering if the leader hadn’t even started, yet it’s already a big deal.

"Li Xin, our Brother Peng is warm-hearted and carefree. He definitely sees you in a special light," Suerte chimed in, his mixed-race appearance, curly brown hair, and eye-catching brown eyes making an impression. He mainly handles the Black Rose affairs and serves as the first vice-leader.

"I’ve already felt it deeply. Here’s to our leader, under whose guidance Mysterious Black Rose will surely prosper," Li Xin raised his glass. He wondered where Brother Peng’s confidence came from, as he certainly didn’t share it.

Brother Peng grinned broadly, not expecting such treatment himself. Seeing Li Xin wanted to sidestep past matters, Brother Peng chose not to dwell. The meal was harmonious, thanks to Brother Peng driving the atmosphere, an uncommon sight.

Suerte and Zhuo Yan were the two vice-leaders of Mysterious Black Rose. Brother Peng preferred not to manage details, leaving them in charge. The three grew up together, childhood friends who came to the Mysterious Black Rose Canon Law School following Brother Peng. They were puzzled why Brother Peng treated Li Xin this way.

Li Xin undoubtedly possessed talent, but Brother Peng’s identity didn’t necessitate such fervor. His enthusiasm seemed excessive; even if they sought to win hearts, this forcefulness was surprisingly intense, contradicting the Brother Peng they knew. As one of the nine Black Rose directors, he was no novice—his candid and sociable nature gained him numerous friends, and among Dragon Capital’s youth, none hesitated to call him Brother Peng.

Normally cautious about drinking, Brother Peng was filled with joy today, self-indulgently boozing and chuckling sporadically. In such a mood, Li Xin, Lu Shuai, and Huerta couldn’t help but drink a few more with him. As grown men, none wanted to shy away from revelry, and the atmosphere warmed, drawing them closer.

"Brother Li, we’ve struggled at Mysterious Black Rose. Back then... sigh, most went to Divine Revelation. There, we couldn’t even raise our heads in meetings, but you’re here now," Brother Peng lamented, leaving Zhuo Yan and Suerte stunned—was this still the Brother Peng they knew?

Faced with such remarks, Li Xin couldn’t ignore them, "Who’s leading now?"