Chapter 137: Chapter 137: My Name is Lu Luo (Three updates, 14,000 for full subscription)
Seeing that Lu Luo had gotten the money, Qi Xinzhu was also very happy. 100,000! She should be able to get a share, right?
"Shall we continue to wait here?"
"Wait a bit longer. At least until Fang Gan comes out, then we can ask about Qiao Xing’s situation."
Lu Luo leaned against a stone pillar, and he and Qi Xinzhu quietly waited for Fang Gan to come out.
Their wait wasn’t too long; after about 20 minutes, Fang Gan hurriedly walked out.
"Director Fang, what’s the situation with Lord Qiao Xing now?"
"Lord Qiao Xing and his team encountered a new calamity on the Wall of Explorers—an Eighth Order Exotic Species with unknown abilities, suspected to be an animal type. Lord Qiao Xing was injured just from making eye contact with the creature for a short while, but he said it wasn’t a big problem and that the lecture could still go on."
"I see. Thank you, Director Fang."
Qiao Xing encountered a new calamity? Lu Luo immediately thought of what Wu En had told him before.
A new calamity had appeared, an Eighth Order Nightmare Demon, and those three Lord-level Exotic Species were driven by it.
So he really was injured! Just making eye contact was enough to injure Qiao Xing? Can an Eighth Order Exotic Species really be that powerful?
Lu Luo didn’t rush in to tell Qiao Xing about the Nightmare Demon. They all knew each other so well; it wouldn’t make much difference whether he told him earlier or later.
[Observer’s little tip: Eighth Order Exotic Species are called calamities because, in the early stages of the Alliance, they all possessed the power to destroy humanity. However, with the development and strengthening of the Alliance, Eighth Order Exotic Species can now be dealt with. Nevertheless, they still pose a significant threat.]
Lu Luo nodded slightly. Eighth Order Exotic Species were too far out of his league; he only knew that even a Fifth Tier Exotic Species could easily overpower and pummel him right now.
"Lu Luo, Lord Qiao Xing is coming out."
Lu Luo looked towards the direction guarded by the Four Knights Corps. Qiao Xing’s face was somewhat pale, and his overall condition did not seem good.
This was definitely no minor injury.
"Hey, what are you two looking at?"
Lu Luo had originally thought Qiao Xing would pretend not to recognize them and just walk past, then go to the venue with a solemn face to give the lecture. Unexpectedly, he was still his usual unconventional self and walked straight up to them.
"Aren’t you going to give a lecture? What do you want with us?" Lu Luo asked, somewhat surprised.
"Aren’t you students of East Ring University? How could you not attend my lecture?"
Qiao Xing looked even more surprised, not just surprised, but with an expression that seemed to say, ’If you don’t go, you’re done for.’
Looking into Qiao Xing’s deep eyes, Lu Luo had an ominous premonition, but he still braced himself and said, "You do have a point. We are students of East Ring University, so attending the lecture is indeed no problem. Shall we go then?"
"Yes, let’s."
...
The East Ring University administration had arranged for Qiao Xing’s lecture to be held on the university sports field, which was now packed with people.
Because of the incident with the Lord-level Exotic Species outside the wall, the lecture had been delayed for two hours, but everyone was still willingly waiting.
After all, he was the Archbishop of East Ring and a renowned super powerhouse. Added to this was Qiao Xing’s morning feat: slaying a Lord-level Exotic Species with a single sword stroke and his awe-inspiring standoff with the calamity. East Ring University also vigorously promoted him. All these factors made Qiao Xing’s reputation in the entire East Ring unparalleled at that time.
The directors of the Security Bureau and the Administrative Bureau count for nothing; Qiao Xing is the real big shot, was the prevailing sentiment.
And today, besides the students of East Ring University, there were also business people, political figures from other areas of the Fourth Ring, and outstanding students from other universities in the Fourth Ring.
The topic of Qiao Xing’s speech today was "The Youth of the Wasteland."
So when Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu followed Qiao Xing to the center of the sports field, they were greeted by a tsunami of cheers. That was Qiao Xing: a low-key yet proud figure, whose reputation among the common people of East Ring was nearly unmatched.
Since time was pressing, there wasn’t much of a preamble. After Qiao Xing swiftly walked up to the podium, he started with a brief self-introduction.
"Hello everyone. My name is Qiao Xing, and I am the Archbishop of the Wasteland Alliance in the East Ring of the Fourth Ring."
Qiao Xing’s voice, amplified by the loudspeakers, carried well. Amidst rounds of enthusiastic applause, he began his speech.
"Most of the people sitting here today are young, and the content of my speech today is about the youth of the Wasteland.
"What should young people do? What kind of goals should they have? How exactly should young people work hard? Should young people pursue love?
"To be honest, I don’t know these things any better than you do. I’m 35 years old, so I don’t quite understand the thoughts of you young people anymore.
"But I too was young once, so while I may not know what you are thinking, I can share what I was thinking back in my youth."
At this point, a wave of laughter spread through the crowd below.
"Young people should have their own goals, and those goals can be anything. You might want to achieve a certain score, find a job, or pursue a girl—these can all be goals..."
Qiao Xing spoke eloquently on the stage, his words at times humorous and entertaining, at others impassioned and stirring, deeply moving the audience.
If Lu Luo hadn’t seen his usual reclusive demeanor, it would be hard for him to imagine Qiao Xing being so articulate and inspiring.
However, even so, Lu Luo still felt that this wasn’t the most genuine side of Qiao Xing. The real Qiao Xing is the one who squats at home, carving a wooden teacup with his sword—one that might even grow moldy. He’s the Qiao Xing who hogs a dish during meals and pokes anyone with his chopsticks if they try to take it. And the one who speaks with that peculiar, sarcastic edge, unmatched in his pride. Yes, being reclusive is his true nature.
Nevertheless, the speech Qiao Xing was giving at that moment was indeed moving. Qi Xinzhu, standing next to Lu Luo, had already been deeply touched.
She glanced at Lu Luo beside her, her eyes ablaze, determined and forceful.
"Archbishop Qiao Xing speaks so well! I, too, have a goal that I’m willing to strive for my whole life! Lu Luo, why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t you think Archbishop Qiao Xing is speaking well?"
Lu Luo narrowed his eyes. A goal to strive for one’s entire life? Hmm, that’s rather nice. Like Wu En, fighting for the Alliance his whole life, only to end up with not even ashes to scatter. Truly admirable indeed.
He also still felt Qiao Xing’s expression seemed a bit fake. This was a deep-seated thought, one he wouldn’t tell anyone.
Qiao Xing’s speech lasted for just over an hour.
At this moment, Qiao Xing’s presentation on the podium was reaching its conclusion. His presence was so overwhelming that the host, originally arranged by the university, stood trembling before him, not daring to make a sound. So, Qiao Xing himself was effectively managing the entire event.
"Alright, I’ve spoken quite a bit about young people. I think what comes next should be left to the young people themselves.
"This time, I brought along many excellent young individuals. They may not be adept at expressing themselves, but they all have their own thoughts.
"For instance, Lu Shan from the Life Knights Group reserve, Lu Yang from the Courage Knights Group reserve, and our Believer of Light, Yu Luo—they all have their own ideas.
"They are representatives of outstanding talent from the Inner Ring. I’d like for everyone to listen to their thoughts, and then share your own. Lu Yang, Lu Shan, Yu Luo, why don’t you say a few words? Just speak extemporaneously; there are no special requirements."
Clearly, this part was an impromptu arrangement by Qiao Xing, as the three he called upon looked quite surprised.
"Hello everyone, I’m Lu Shan."
Lu Shan was the short girl from the Life Knights Group. Her speech was very simple: cultivation, focus, and fighting for the Church.
From her words, Lu Luo could roughly determine that she was a very pure warrior.
After her speech, there was only sparse applause. It seemed the Fourth Ring wasn’t very interested in this kind of martial girl.
After Lu Shan, it was Big Brother Lu Yang’s turn.
When Lu Yang stepped onto the stage, Lu Luo watched him attentively. Lu Yang seemed to sense Lu Luo’s gaze and smiled at him.
In an inconspicuous spot among the East Ring University crowd, Lu Yu also watched Lu Yang with steady, admiring eyes.
Big Brother is so amazing, favored by Lord Qiao Xing! It’s a pity Second Brother isn’t as remarkable, but he’s still pretty good.
Compared to Lu Shan, Lu Yang was less sharp but more composed.
"I am an orphan who grew up in an East Ring welfare institution, and I never expected to stand here and give a speech to everyone. I’m not well-prepared, so please bear with me."
Lu Yang also spoke about his ideals and goals: protecting the Alliance and fighting for humanity, much like Lu Shan. Such ideals among Transcendents had already become the prevailing sentiment of this era and society.
Besides these, Lu Yang also talked about his family and the things he wanted to protect, mentioning both Lu Luo and Lu Yu.
He didn’t mind revealing his shortcomings and had the courage to face these issues. From an observer’s perspective, Lu Yang was indeed exceptionally outstanding.
[Your big brother seems nice. Next week, during the practical combat class sparring, you can go easy on him. After all, he’s one of us.]
"I am also a young person; this is probably what I think about young people. Haha, it’s pretty superficial, please forgive me."
After he finished speaking, the students from East Ring University gave him a round of enthusiastic applause, showing that although Lu Yang’s words were not flamboyant, they deeply touched the hearts of the East Ring people.
After Lu Yang finished, it was the turn of Yu Luo, who, like Qi Xinzhu, was a Believer of Light.
She was a sultry woman. Even though she wore the standard white robe of a Believer of Light, Lu Luo still thought of her as sultry. Because that robe on her, compared to on Qi Xinzhu, gave off a completely different aura.
"Check if this woman’s skirt is shorter than Qi Xinzhu’s for me."
[Her hemline is 6 centimeters shorter than Qi Xinzhu’s, yet the patterns are identical. It is a modified robe. Your observational skills are so strong that even a Grade S Observer Sequence would be startled. How did you notice such an inconspicuous detail? The intuition of an old lecher?]
I knew it! Qi Xinzhu has such long legs, and I can’t even see her thighs. On what grounds does this woman get to show hers off? Lu Luo fumed internally.
"Lu Luo, what are you saying? What about thighs?"
Qi Xinzhu saw Lu Luo staring at Yu Luo and felt a bit unhappy. I should divert his attention, she thought.
"Are you looking at her thighs? What’s so interesting about that?"
Lu Luo thought, She just doesn’t get it. He wanted to discuss it with Qi Xinzhu, but then decided against it. Arguing with someone like her is just too tiring.
"Mm, you’re right, Xinzhu. It’s important to be polite. Let’s not talk anymore and listen to her speech."
Now, Qi Xinzhu was even more displeased, but she couldn’t really argue against being polite.
"I believe that the students of the Alliance should work even harder. Our predecessors created excellent conditions for us, and we should not be content with this environment.
"The Fourth Ring is humanity’s first barrier, and those born in the Fourth Ring should strive even harder.
"I think the young people of the Fourth Ring should continue to explore the world beyond the wall, continue to conquer, just as our predecessors did for us, and continue to struggle for the future generations of humanity."
Yu Luo was a somewhat forceful woman; when she spoke, she always liked to include the phrase "I believe."
Lu Luo thought, The greatest malice a person can have is to impose their own understanding on others, to explain all outcomes with their own conjectures as if they’re a given. And she always believes she’s right. Struggling for future generations isn’t wrong, but why does she think it should only be the people of the Fourth Ring who strive? What about the noble people of the Inner Ring? Are they just sitting at home enjoying their fortunes? Lu Luo could only scoff.
Yu Luo’s speech silenced the crowd for a moment. Many people whispered among themselves; they felt that perhaps there was some truth in what Yu Luo had said, but it still made them uncomfortable.
It wasn’t until Yu Luo stepped down from the podium, swept a challenging gaze towards Qi Xinzhu, and cast a seductive look at Lu Luo, that the crowd gradually calmed down.
Qi Xinzhu glared back without hesitation, not bothering to hide her disdain for Yu Luo.
Compared to Qi Xinzhu, Lu Luo’s expression was much more complex.
Is this woman hitting on me? Is she trying to compete with Qi Xinzhu? Yoho! Even though many girls at school are eager to get with me, someone like her is still somewhat interesting. But her legs are a bit short! Her chest is just so-so, and while she can certainly sway her hips, her waist isn’t slender enough. In terms of figure, she’s pretty much outclassed by Qi Xinzhu and utterly crushed by Han Shiyu. As for looks... Qi Xinzhu is a 10, Han Shiyu a 9. This woman? Barely a 6. I’ll give her a passing grade just because she’s being forward. To be honest, I have high standards. Your quality, frankly, just doesn’t cut it.
As Lu Luo internally critiqued Yu Luo’s flaws, Yu Luo, noticing his intent stare, thought he had been enchanted by her charms.
She pushed her chest out again.
Heh, men. All the same. Animals who think with their lower halves, she thought.
Both parties were on completely different wavelengths, but they continued to exchange glances until Qiao Xing spoke up.
"Excellent. You are all outstanding talents of the Inner Ring. What you’ve said is great, and your actions are commendable. The future of the Wasteland Alliance is yours.
"Now that the young people of the Inner Ring have expressed their thoughts, the youth of the Fourth Ring can’t fall behind! Heh heh, with so many of you here, isn’t there anyone who wants to come up and share their thoughts? Feel free to speak up; it’s fine."
Qiao Xing’s invitation excited many young people from the Fourth Ring; they raised their hands and shouted, "Me, me!"
The moment Qiao Xing took the stage, Lu Luo had a bad feeling. Is this guy Qiao Xing planning to screw me over? He even had a hunch that Qiao Xing was so invested in this speech just to set him up at this very moment.
Indeed, Qiao Xing deliberately ignored the students with raised hands, his gaze casually drifting towards him.
"This student—hey, yes, you. Don’t hide."
"Lu Luo, Lord Qiao Xing is calling for you," Qi Xinzhu said, helpfully giving Lu Luo a push.
Others saw Qiao Xing as kindly and benevolent, but Lu Luo knew. Qiao Xing’s eyes were saying: If you try to hide again, you’re dead meat tonight.
"Ah, yes, yes, this student. What’s your name?"
If I weren’t sure I couldn’t beat him, I’d punch him right now.
Looking at Qiao Xing’s serene face as he patiently asked for his name, Lu Luo truly felt like punching him.
"I... my name is Lu Luo."
Below the stage, Lu Yu watched Lu Luo, unsure whether to be terrified or thrilled.
Second Brother is actually on stage? Giving a speech? He’s going to make a fool of himself, isn’t he?