High-Martial World: System Arrives 30 Years Late-Chapter 43: Struggle for Vice City Lord, One Overcomes Another

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Struggle for Vice City Lord, One Overcomes Another
"First Form of Surging Waves - Riding the Wind!"
"Second Form of Surging Waves - Breaking Waves!"
"Third Form of Surging Waves: Overturning River!"
In the underground cultivation chamber, Su Mu sweated profusely, training, building bridges, and practicing sword techniques. Two days passed by in the blink of an eye.
On the third day, at Fulin Restaurant, Su Mu attended a local gathering for Linjiang Base.
"Teacher Su, over here."
Director Li enthusiastically waved, "This is Su Mu, Teacher Su, as I’ve mentioned to you all. He’s also someone who came from Linjiang Base and is now an advanced lecturer at the Forging Academy, a person valued by Elder Wang."
Currently, not many people know that Su Mu is already a disciple of Wang Shuheng. Hearing that he’s recognized by Elder Wang, many people immediately came forward with their glasses raised for a chat.
"Teacher Su, you are truly accomplished at such a young age, being an advanced lecturer already. The future holds limitless possibilities for you, ..."
"Indeed, I’ve heard that Teacher Su is also one of the three survivors from this recent battlefield!"
"Teacher Su, pardon my boldness, but are you married..."
After politely exchanging a few words, Su Mu took a plate, picked some dishes, and found a corner table to sit down. Soon, Director Li, with a rosy face from drinking, approached mysteriously and said something.
"Teacher Su, later, a very important person will make an appearance!"
An important person?
After three rounds of drinks, an elderly man, tall and thin, arrived amidst enthusiastic applause. Su Mu found him somewhat familiar.
"Hello everyone, I’m Lu Lin, the current City Lord of Linjiang Base..."
So it was the City Lord of Linjiang Base!
Generally, a base would have two City Lords, a Chief City Lord and a Vice City Lord, and the person in front of them was the Chief City Lord of Linjiang Base.
Lu Lin spoke eloquently on stage, finally delivering a significant message.
"Alas, one cannot deny aging. I, Lu Mou, will step down by the end of the year and then retire to the Governor of South China."
"Congratulations to City Lord Lu on your promotion!"
"Congratulations to Elder Lu on your promotion!"
The audience was filled with flattery and congratulations, and Lu Lin on the stage glowed with vigor. Many people were tempted in their hearts, as quite a few were privy to this insider information. Once Lu Lin vacated the City Lord position, it would become a coveted opportunity.
Managing a base, even if in a remote area, is a lucrative post, not to mention that seclusion can also be a benefit.
Linjiang Town, distanced from the Alien Race Battlefield, has only a few Low Tier Fierce Beast Mountain Ranges nearby, and no prominent figures have come from there. As long as one doesn’t seek development, maintaining the status quo during their tenure can ensure a peaceful retirement, and with some connections, one can even be promoted like Lu Lin.
So Lu Lin has done just that, and most of the past City Lords of Linjiang Base have done the same.
"Teacher Su, this time along with Elder Lu, a Vice City Lord and a group of cadres will also retire. Teacher Su, since you recently received a triple commendation from the city, why don’t you consider striving for the Vice City Lord position?"
Director Li approached Su Mu and lowered his voice to speak.
If it was two days ago, Su Mu would have been tempted. If he could secure the position of Vice City Lord, it wouldn’t just be returning home in glory; it would also allow his family to reunite.
But now it’s different. Su Mu had just learned from Wang Heng about the Blue Star Alliance’s genius competition. His ambition was reignited, and he wanted to go out and see the world.
Thus, the Vice City Lord position, even the City Lord role, seemed more like a cage. How can one become stronger if they remain confined?
"Director Li, thank you for your kind offer, but I don’t think it fits me."
Director Li stood in disbelief. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; once missed, it’s gone forever. Does this Su Mu think he’s someone special?
Not seizing such a good opportunity?
Does he really think he’s that remarkable and that everyone truly respects him as a person? Isn’t it only because Elder Wang stands behind him?
Thinking this in his heart, Director Li showed a hint of anxiety on his face and wanted to offer more advice, but Su Mu just smiled and shook his head.
Agitated, Director Li was silent for a long moment before speaking.
"No rush... Teacher Su, you can still think it over once you return."
Director Li almost spat out the latter half of his sentence word for word.
...
During these days, Little One did not give up, trying to contact the authorities at South China Martial Arts University and exploring other methods. But the martial arts examination is not a joking matter. Once missed, it’s missed.
"Little Sister Xiaoxiao, let’s go out. We’re going grocery shopping."
Little One felt a bit helpless, knowing that one thing can overcome another.
"Alright, coming."
To be honest, from the first time she met Zhao Meng, she felt hostile, but as she got to know her, she found Zhao Meng straightforward and pure-hearted, seemingly only considering Uncle Wolf as a brother.
In any case, this person is a year older than her but has no malicious intentions at all, just like a child, and she’s not good at dealing with such innocent people.
That day, when Little One came to the dormitory at night, Zhao Meng even made a special trip to buy a small cake to hold a welcome party for her and insisted she make a wish.
The other roommates in the dorm were also very warm-hearted, constantly calling her Little Sister Xiaoxiao.
Especially that person named Xiao Yan, who always loved to pinch her cheeks and then show an aunt-like smile.
Before this, Little One was actually somewhat resistant and even scared of moving into the dormitory. She had heard stories about a women’s dormitory having five people with six groups.
This kind of scheming makes Little One feel apprehensive.
But upon arriving, she found that Zhao Meng’s dorm was completely different. Everyone treated Zhao Meng very well, pampering her like a treasure, calling her Mengmeng, our Mengmeng.
And now there was also Little Sister Xiaoxiao, being called our good Xiaoxiao, making Little One quite unaccustomed. She had never before experienced being treated like a treasure.
At night when sleeping, everyone liked to hug her while sleeping. Little One always felt like Zhao Meng was using her as a body pillow.
"Hurry up, Little Sister Xiaoxiao, do you want me to carry you on my back?"
"No, put me down!"
Little One was very exasperated. These guys all treated her like a child. She wasn’t a child, just a little bit short.
Thinking of this, Little One secretly glanced at Zhao Meng’s proud chest, then stretched her hand over her own flat area, muttering to herself how unfair the heavens were.
Before long, everyone gradually gathered at Su Mu’s dorm. Last night Zhou Yuan had said he planned to treat everyone to a meal today. Su Mu thought that since the summer vacation was approaching, he might as well gather everyone together and cook a meal in the dorm.
The doorbell rang.
"Captain Su, your culinary skills are truly exceptional!" Zhou Lei couldn’t help but exclaim, "I’ll get the door."
"Uncle Wolf... huh, who are you?"
"Come, let me introduce you. This is my good brother Zhou Lei, this is my junior sister Zhao Meng, and this is my comrade Little One."
"Hi, Teacher Su, Teacher Zhou, hello, we three are Zhao Meng’s roommates. I’m Xiao Yan."
"They are a bit shy, so let me introduce them. This is Ye Yu and Yang Xiaoyue."
"..."
After the introductions, Little One watched Su Mu with an apron on cooking, and she smiled as she approached, "Uncle Wolf, let me help you."
"Do you know how?"
"Uncle Wolf, don’t forget I’m a gourmet Up master!"
Over there, Xiao Yan and several young girls occasionally glanced at Su Mu, chattering on the sofa, while the somewhat socially awkward Zhou Lei and Zhou Yuan chatted on and off.
"Looking at him this way, Teacher Su really is handsome."
"Yes, a focused man is indeed very handsome. Look at that expression, it’s just fantastic!"
"I’ll go help too." Zhao Meng walked towards the kitchen only to find she couldn’t help at all, while Little One picked up a cucumber to taste, and Zhao Meng took it and started munching.
"Mm, this cucumber is so crunchy, so tasty."
Soon after, Elder Wang, Old Zhao from the Logistics Department, and Teacher Lin from the Forging Academy arrived quickly. Seeing Elder Wang, Teacher Lin was fine, but Old Zhao, Zhou Yuan, Zhou Lei, and the others were all extremely nervous upon seeing Elder Wang.
Zhao Meng’s roommates, however, unaware of Elder Wang’s status, chatted happily.
The flames danced high, the ingredients flipped around, and soon the room was filled with a fragrant aroma.
"Dishes are ready, beer duck is here!" Little One fully demonstrated her role of lively Up master to set the mood.
The others sniffed the air, discreetly swallowing their saliva and quickly helped to serve the dishes, with Elder Wang being the only one still seated, secretly swallowing his saliva too.
He hadn’t expected this kid Su Mu to have such good culinary skills.
"Come, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Elder Wang seemed to be in a good mood today. Xiao Yan and the other two had shared some interesting stories about Mengmeng with him. With his toast, everyone suddenly loosened up.
"Teacher, I toast you a drink."
"What a nice aroma, this beer duck is so soft and flavorful, it melts right off the bone, really delicious."
"And this too, Mengmeng I’ll serve you a piece, this braised fish is good, Little Sister Xiaoxiao I’ll serve you a big piece too."
"I-I can do it myself."
"It’s fine."
As the aroma of the dishes spread, the dorm was filled with laughter and chatter.
After the meal, Elder Wang called Su Mu aside, "Su Mu, the Governor of South China is taking this battlefield mutation involving the Demon God Pillar very seriously. Since you’re one of the three survivors, you might have to stay at school a bit longer to assist with the investigation. I reckon people from the school will officially notify you about it tomorrow."
"Alright, I understand, Teacher."
"Also, your cooking is indeed impressive, so I’ll forgive you for letting Mengmeng take care of kids."
After the teacher left, Su Mu’s face turned quirky, realizing how the teacher seemed like a child. But as the saying goes, an old child at heart...
At night, Su Mu and Miaomiao chatted on video about staying a few more days at school.
"Mm, it’s okay, I understand..."
"And, hubby, thank you for your hard work~~"
Suddenly hearing such an intimate sweet talk, Su Mu was instantly filled with strength.
Time flew by and half a month passed. At midnight, right on time, Su Mu opened his eyes from cultivation, full of anticipation.
It was time for the monthly superpower extraction.
This time Su Mu was prepared to go all out, planning to invest ten thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones to try.
"Let’s begin!"