Chapter 256: Council of Astral Academy (1/2)
Lu Yin was sitting atop the heavenly drum when he saw Starsibyl slowly walking towards him. His gaze remained calm. “I was wondering who would be the first to show up. Never thought that it would be you.”
“You guessed that someone would appear?” Starsibyl smiled at Lu Yin and casually sat down beside him, not showing any trace of aloofness despite the difference in their statuses.
Astonishment flashed through Lu Yin’s eyes. “Everyone in the universe knows that the Nightking clan places great importance upon its reputation. It was basically guaranteed that someone would speak up for Nightqueen Yanqing since I took the heavenly drum from her. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I have no intentions of returning it.”
“I know. I’m only here to ask you one question. Do you really think that your identity as a Lockbreaker can completely protect you?”
Lu Yin fell silent. It seemed that his identity as a Lockbreaker could not be hidden from people after all, as those who wanted to investigate him would be able to easily find this information. The Lockbreaker Society did not value the secrecy of their members’ identities very highly, as to them, a Lockbreaker was a treasure amongst humans, so there was no need to conceal it. This was the society’s reasoning, and at this point, Lu Yin had no reason to continue concealing his status.
His identity as a Lockbreaker could help Lu Yin differentiate between two types of people. Wendy Yushan had not been able to discover his identity, which signified that her authority was either not very great or at least unable to contact the Lockbreaker research association. Starsibyl and the alluring Madam Nalan had easily discovered his identity, which just went to show the difference between these two groups of people.
“A two-star Discerning Elementary Lockbreaker is indeed enough for Nightqueen Yanqing to restrain herself openly, but she can still easily take action in secret. Even though the Lockbreaker Society will defend their members even when they are in the wrong, they aren’t so foolish as to become enemies with the Nightking clan over a dead person. Even if there’s any evidence, nothing will happen to Nightqueen Yanqing, and the matter will be resolved with some compensation and an apology at most. The Nightking clan can also easily come up with a justification for the Lockbreaker Society. As for Astral-10’s protection, you cannot expect to never leave Astral-10.”
Lu Yin looked at her straight in the face. “I understand what you’re saying, but sometimes, I can’t control my temper. Also, since you’re here, it means that you must’ve made a deal with that insane woman Yanqing.”
“You really don’t show mercy with your hands or your words. After all, she’s still a girl.”
“The people behind you, your friends and relatives, will not be able to withstand the pressure of the Nightking clan. You must spare a thought for them.”
Lu Yin leisurely stretched as he said, “Cut to the chase.”
“Don’t pit yourself against the Daynight clan.”
Lu Yin was astonished. “Just that?”
Starsibyl nodded. “Yes.”
Lu Yin stared at her curiously. “Although I haven’t known that insane woman, Yanqing, for very long, I understand her well enough. She will not end a battle without exacting some sort of price.”
“I have already paid the price for you.”
“You did? Why?”
Starsibyl sighed before replying, “You must know that there’s a president of the Council of Astral Academy. I am the current president. The stability of the general student body within the Astral Combat Academy is my responsibility, and it is one that was placed upon me by the Ten Arbiters Council. As such, I must pay some price to assure its stability.”
Lu Yin was not naive, so why would he believe such words? However, if Starsibyl had really paid the price for them, then there was another problem looming on the horizon: there was no such thing as a free lunch in this universe. What did this woman want from him?
Starsibyl stood up, and a gentle fragrance wafted over to Lu Yin. She smiled at him and said, “Don’t overthink things. I’m not plotting against you.”
Lu Yin got up as well. “It’s alright. I’m not getting the short end of the stick anyways.”
She smiled, “You’re very amusing.”
“Is that so? I’ve always believed that I’m emotionally insensitive and slow-witted.”
Starsibyl turned around and slowly started walking away. “You’re already a member of the Council of Astral Academy, so find some time to meet everyone and formally establish your new position.” She then directly exited the Undying Realm.
Lu Yin watched her vanish as he pondered the situation. Although the Astral Combat Academy was a single institution, the politics brewing beneath its surface were not simple. Starsibyl was immeasurably mysterious while Nightqueen Yanqing was tyrannical, and there was also that deceptively simple Han Chong hiding in a corner. With all the various powers vying for dominance, it was less of an institution and more of a microscopic reflection of the struggle between the various powers of the universe. Hence, him joining the Council of Astral Academy was akin to skewering himself to be roasted over the fire. Perhaps someone would contact him soon.
“That’s Starsibyl? It can’t be, she looks like a student. Isn’t Starsibyl a powerhouse? Someone who can rival the Ten Arbiters?” The Ghost Monkey had his misgivings.
“Starsibyl is not just a single person. Multiple candidates compete for the title.”
“Competition for the job, huh? Interesting... you should stay careful of that woman. Even our star domain has heard a great deal about Starsibyl, and none of it is very pleasant. She has her own plots and schemes, so don’t end up working for her or else you’ll just end up being used and betrayed by her,” the Ghost Monkey cautioned Lu Yin.
Lu Yin was also thinking of this possibility. He really was not confident in facing against her schemes. This was mainly because of Lu Yin’s limited understanding of the universe’s power structure, which allowed others to easily plot against him. The only method that he had to resist her schemes was to simply limit his contact with her.
“Speaking of which, bro, you’re really ruthless. You even destroyed the Daynight clan’s reputation!” the Ghost Monkey marvelled, but Lu Yin remained silent.
“Still, the outcomes should be sometimes considered as well. What if the Daynight clan deploys some experts to assassinate you? I’m also afraid, as that’s a strong clan that even dared to directly invade the Astral Beast Domain! You’re just a Limiteer and will be easily crushed in the face of their might. I’ll be so unlucky if that happens. I…”
Lu Yin lost his temper at its incessant rambling. “Shut up! Answer my question if you don’t want to die.”
“What question?”