Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 983: Chapter 981: Tenure Chapter 983: Chapter 981: Tenure It’s true, as a demi-god of the grand Academy and a head of an institute, such somewhat whimsical acts hardly count for anything.

Fu Qian quickly accepted Cass’s explanation.

“So, is this why after I returned, I only saw people from the Divine Ashes Institute visiting?”

Alongside his exclamation, Fu Qian made fun of his previous encounters.

“Only that way the effect could be the best!”

Cass didn’t deny it and hee-hee cackled strangely.

“After learning about your actions, I became fully confident in you, and with the later speculation of your demi-god status… as soon as news of your appearance came, I immediately ordered them to stay put and not to cause any trouble.”

“Today, you also saw it, we have created a stark contrast with the Divine Ashes Institute.”

“Believe me, this won’t just be some hollow verbal recognition. Once everything is completely settled, the rewards will absolutely be worth it.”

“And as the main contributor, you definitely won’t have toiled in vain!”

That’s more like it!

Seeing Cass being so particular, Fu Qian quickly decided not to pursue the matter any further.

Of course, at the same time, he still let out a regretful sigh.

“What a pity, I thought there might be support from the Dragon Girl Group.”

Ah?

Cass was somewhat baffled for a moment but then furrowed his brow in thought.

“No dragon girls, but how about a giant serpent?”

There really is one?

Now it was Fu Qian’s turn to be surprised, gaining a deeper understanding of Heaven’s Commencement Institute’s bizarre reputation.

“Does it have a tail?”

He thought for a moment.

“If they’re girls, where would they have tails?”

Cass frowned.

“How would I know what kind of snake it is without a tail?”

…

Jokes aside, it was clear that as a recent disruptor of Yin’s party from the Punishment Department elite, he couldn’t possibly participate in such activities.

Otherwise, the positive image that Cass and he had tacitly collaborated to create for Heaven’s Commencement might collapse in an instant.

“Who would have thought that even though the Divine Ashes Institute and the Swordsmanship Department were constantly competing in secret, it was Heaven’s Commencement that first presented a new demi-god.”

However insincere Cass might normally appear, this expression of sentiment still seemed quite genuine.

“From today, you’re a lifetime professor at Heaven’s Commencement, with top-tier salary benefits provided, and open to request any research resources and funds… Attendance and output aren’t required, your actions are free from any constraints.”

It seemed he truly knew the importance of talent, offering such generous conditions as if they cost nothing.

“I’ll also arrange for someone to take you to choose a residence tomorrow.”

“Isn’t it the Academy’s policy to give priority to married staff?”

Fu Qian nodded again and again, but still brought up the content he had discussed with Professor Viron.

“Married?”

Cass realized what was being implied and pondered.

“Do you want me to arrange a spouse for you too?”

Now that’s some comprehensive benefits!

The leader’s concern for work and life truly made Fu Qian feel the warmth from the Academy.

How important is a stable salary nowadays, not to mention the chance to allocate funds.

“Speaking of demi-gods, there’s something I’m actually more curious about.”

After turning down Cass’s suggestion about a spouse, Fu Qian finally moved on to the previous doubt.

“For the Academy today, isn’t the team present a bit too thin?”

“You really haven’t been paying attention to personnel matters, have you!”

Cass’s surprise this time was genuine.

“Indeed, there aren’t many, and the reason is actually quite straightforward. Within the Academy, the only demi-gods who are willing to take action are the four of us.”

There is something unexpectedly tragic about the phrase ‘existing demi-gods’!

Looking at Cass’s slightly somber expression, Fu Qian thought to himself.

Logically, obtaining Divinity should not lead to immortality, but it generally extends one’s lifespan significantly. It’s unlikely that they died of old age.

“The primary cause was a special accident.”

Cass seemed to have guessed what Fu Qian was thinking and nodded in agreement.

“The specifics are still top-secret for now, but if the opportunity arises, I’ll try to let you gain access to them.”

“Since then, the upper echelons of the Academy have died or dispersed, leading to the current state of decline.”

“Now out of the four departments, two are missing a department head, which is probably one of the reasons why Ian is so anxious.”

“I understand. The two elderly demi-gods of Divine Ashes Institute have clearly retired, and once he takes that step, the position of department head will naturally fall to him.”

Fu Qian nodded in agreement.

“What about the Chancellor of the Academy?”

Fu Qian had done some research in this area due to his encounter with the old Mr. Feng Yunhong.

And from what he could tell from the publicly available information, the position seemed to have been vacant since Li Weixuan’s grandfather, Li He, stepped down.

Of course, given the current independence of the four departments, the impact wasn’t too significant.

“Ian can forget about that role; everyone has their limits. Even if he became the youngest demi-god in history, he still doesn’t have the capability to take on that responsibility.”

That made sense. Compared to him, Li Weixuan certainly seemed to have a much broader perspective.

But whether one is suited for a role is one thing; an important factor to consider is the relationship between the two institutes. Heaven’s Commencement Institute is unlikely to support someone from Divine Ashes.

By contrast, Li Weixuan clearly has the popular support and, what’s more, he’s already the vice-chancellor.

All he lacks now is a bit of strength. Once he ascends to demi-god status, everything will fall into place.

“I understand. But are you so certain it was Ian who was behind it? Both Professor Veron and Ni Huayuan are confident in their own stories.”

Ha!

Cass let out a derisive laugh.

“Ni Huayuan’s typically paranoid style is evident; it seems plausible at a glance, but a closer inspection reveals a multitude of flaws. We’re not just sitting around here for nothing. As for Veron…”

He glanced at Fu Qian.

“That’s your doing, isn’t it?”

“Is it that obvious?”

Fu Qian didn’t feign excessive humility.

“Nonsense, not only did he take direct action and even use his Mythical Form, but despite his age, he’s still a demi-god. Veron hasn’t become foolish to that extent.”

“Li Weixuan obviously thinks the same way; he simply didn’t mention it since he started the whole thing first.”

“But judging by Veron’s condition, his spirit has taken quite a beating. I’m afraid it’ll take some time for him to recover. What exactly did you do to a demi-god who specializes in the study of the mind and reduced him to that state?”

“Not at all.”

Chancellor’s praise is unfounded, Fu Qian said with a modest face.

“It was just a bout of mutual inspiration during our exchange. The details of the case were the results of Professor Viron’s own careful deliberation.”

“It seems so; it’s hard to imagine a way to brainwash him forcefully into that state.”

And Cass didn’t seem to doubt it; he didn’t inquire any further.

The next moment he suddenly came to a stop, gazing at something not far off, contemplatively.

“Where is this?”

Following his gaze, Fu Qian looked at the towering building shimmering with faint lights in the night and asked casually.

“The laboratory.”

Cass didn’t mind that a tenured faculty member didn’t even know where the laboratory was, and after briefly explaining, he took the lead.

“It’s still early, let me show you around.”

Early? The night has completely fallen!

Without asking more, Fu Qian followed.