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Ultimately, the demands boiled down to just a few key items.
The highest-tier training program and the best possible treatment.
Li Xiang had initially considered starting with an extreme opening offer, but looking at Mo Ye, he didn't seem like the type to engage in heavy bargaining.
If Mo Ye agreed, but Mist City University couldn't afford it or found the demands excessive and refused, both sides would be placed in an awkward position.
To avoid such a situation, Li Xiang organized his thoughts and spoke, "I hope that in my first semester, the university can provide me with treatment equivalent to that of the official university team members."
At higher education institutes, the dormitories for students on the school team were different from those for regular students.
It could be said that official team members lived in luxurious villas—large apartments with private gardens and battle courts.
Regular students, on the other hand, stayed in double rooms similar to those in the training camp.
Other aspects, such as food, teaching conditions, and Pokémon support, were also completely different.
"Agreed."
As expected, Mo Ye agreed without hesitation.
'Aren't you going to discuss this with your sister? Really?'
Li Xiang inwardly complained. A freshman receiving the same treatment as team members would undoubtedly spark protests, but since it was already agreed upon, there was nothing more to say.
"I hope to become a reserve or probationary member of the school team in my first year and an official member in my second year."
Li Xiang didn't expect to become an official member in his first year; he would give himself a year to adjust. During that year, he would prove to others that he deserved the official spot.
Until then, he didn't mind sitting on the bench.
"Agreed."
Mo Ye continued to nod.
With these two conditions agreed upon, a knot in Li Xiang's heart loosened. These were non-negotiable for him.
Otherwise, climbing up slowly like a regular student would waste who knew how much time. Or, like his senior sister, who was incredibly strong but still wasted three or four years.
"I hope to have the right to make my own choices and the freedom to move on and off campus," Li Xiang said slowly, "The latter mainly means free access to leave campus, not wandering around randomly inside."
For students under eighteen, the university had a custodial responsibility and the right to discipline minors. This rule specifically targeted teenage trainers, whose aggressive tendencies could easily lead to trouble without guidance.
However, once the university took on this role, it often led to them making decisions on behalf of students.
Li Xiang disliked being forced into choices. Additionally, higher education institutes also had curfews, particularly for lower-year students.
"Agreed."
Mo Ye seemed to have no other words. It made Li Xiang wonder if he was even listening.
Still, three conditions were enough. Just these three already required significant concessions from the university.
Li Xiang didn't want to haggle with Mist City University over these matters. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "For the above three conditions, I hope Song Jie can enjoy them as well."
"Song Jie?"
"The white-haired, good looking guy. He ranked sixth nationally."
Li Xiang gestured to describe Song Jie's appearance.
Mo Ye nodded in recognition.
The room then fell silent for a full five or six seconds. Mo Ye finally asked, "Is that all?"
"That's all. Thank you," Li Xiang replied, nodding.
"Very well."
Mo Ye took out his phone, made a call, and repeated Li Xiang's conditions word for word. Then, he put it on speakerphone.
"Hello, Li Xiang. I'm Bai Wanhua, the principal of Mist City University."
A gentle woman's voice came from the speaker. "I apologize for not being able to speak with you in person, but once you arrive in Mist City, we can arrange a meeting and have a meal together."
Li Xiang glanced at Mo Ye in surprise. The latter was staring at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought.
"Uh... Hello, Principal Bai."
He responded softly.
"Hello," Bai Wanhua greeted again. "Regarding your requests, I've submitted them to the university board, and they have all been approved."
'Approved? So efficient?'
Li Xiang blinked. "Principal Bai, including the last condition?"
"Of course," Bai Wanhua's tone remained calm, exuding a relaxing aura even through the phone. "To be honest, as a student on the key training list, you are entitled to these rights anyway."
Hearing a familiar term, Li Xiang fell silent for a moment. "Then..."
'Did I just waste my breath earlier?'
"Rest assured, Mist City University will never shortchange you. Whatever we have, the best treatment, will always include you."
Bai Wanhua continued, "Including but not limited to what you mentioned earlier... Li Xiang, may I call you directly by your name?"
"Of course."
"Li Xiang, what the Big Six universities of Zhu Xia possess isn't something the media can fully grasp. Many things can't be discussed in detail over the phone." Bai Wanhua paused before adding,
"But you just need to know that whatever Mist City University has, you will have. Whatever Mist City University doesn't have, if you want it and it can be obtained, Mist City University will strive to get it for you. Do you understand?"
Well… This was essentially an open-ended promise. It wasn't just a pleasant surprise—it was downright shocking.
Bai Wanhua's words meant that during Li Xiang's six years at the university, the school would spare no effort in nurturing him, providing him with the very best.
It sounded like corporate empty promises, completely intangible.
If it weren't for the well-established credibility of the Big Six and Mo Ye's presence, he would never believe such grandiose claims. But given the circumstances, it was clear Bai Wanhua was entirely serious.
And in return...
Li Xiang asked softly, "Principal Bai, if I may be so bold, what do you want in return?"
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Such generous treatment couldn't be given for nothing.
"Nothing else. Just maintain your current state," Bai Wanhua chuckled.
Maintain his current state—being first.
Li Xiang looked up, understanding her meaning.
At the training camp, he was ranked first nationally. So, at Mist City University, he needed to be Mist City's best.
In the Junior World Tournament, he needed to lead the school team to become the best globally.
In short, he needed to be first in everything.
This was the unspoken condition in Bai Wanhua's words. With millions of trainers worldwide, being the best in everything was no easy feat.
However, without such determination, what was the point of Li Xiang entering higher education?
He hadn't forgotten why he was pushing himself so hard.
At this stage, the world might seem stable, but beneath the calm surface, a storm was brewing. The people who had caused so much trouble in Zhu Xia were merely employees.
The real enemies hadn't fully emerged yet.
Those with advanced technology wouldn't easily let this world be.
If Li Xiang didn't have sufficient strength, he wouldn't be able to protect those he cherished. And now, Mist City University was willing to invest in him, giving him everything he wanted to do what needed to be done.
What reason did Li Xiang have to refuse?
"I understand. I will do it," he said slowly, his tone resolute.
Later, they discussed Song Jie.
Bai Wanhua said that as long as Song Jie maintained his strength, his treatment would also be excellent.
With that confirmed, they exchanged some polite small talk, and the major matters were settled.
Mo Ye stood up. "The next steps aren't under my purview. You can find the tanned guy named Chao. Ask him whatever you need."
"Alright, I understand."
Li Xiang nodded. "Take care."
Mo Ye nodded in response and left with his sword.
He had come to the venue solely to meet Li Xiang and persuade him to choose Mist City.
...…..
Outside.
After Mo Ye left, Li Xiang slowly emerged.
The moment he appeared, he was surrounded by several students from the outpost.
"Hello, junior! I'm ×××, a third-year."
"I'm ×××..."
They rushed to introduce themselves.
Since they were all seniors and it's impolite to reject friendly gestures, Li Xiang responded without being too distant.
Mid-conversation, Chao, the senior from earlier, arrived, followed by Song Jie and Wu Ruoxue.
"Make way."
Those surrounding Li Xiang quickly stepped aside.
"Hello, junior. Just call me Chao. Teacher Mo asked me to help you with registration. Perfect timing—you can do it with your classmates."
Chao said with a smile.
Li Xiang nodded. "Thank you, Senior Chao."
"Just doing my job."
Chao waved it off casually.
He led them to a small room with printers and a few teachers. They held paper contracts and asked for Li Xiang and the others' identification and Association IDs.
These were all prepared in advance.
Another student was ahead, filling out some paperwork. The thick stack of papers suggested it would take a while.
Li Xiang and Song Jie chatted while waiting.
"What did you ask for?"
The white-haired boy asked.
"I asked for a lot, but they said they'd give me whatever I wanted. It felt like I didn't need to ask at all."
Li Xiang shrugged. If it weren't for Bai Wanhua's credibility and Mo Ye's presence, he would have thought he was being scammed.
Song Jie also frowned. From Li Xiang's casual tone, he could sense Mist City University's high expectations.
Honestly, if Li Xiang failed to meet those expectations in the future, his life would be very difficult.
"Enough about me. What did you ask for?"
Li Xiang asked Song Jie.
Song Jie softly mentioned demands similar to Li Xiang's initial ones—mainly autonomy and a spot on the school team.
He didn't lack resources nor cared much about the university's offerings.
Mist City, being a major city next to Jizhou, had extensive networks for his family beyond ordinary imagination.
It was said that the largest subsidiary of Jinnan Group was in Mist City.
—Jinnan Group.
The parent company where Song Jie's family held the dominant stake in Jinnan Mining, the foundation of their wealth.
In recent years, they had expanded into various industries, primarily infrastructure.